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
47,280	Italy	This Pinot Grigio Reserve boasts a creamy and attractive mouthfeel that is accented by fresh aromas of peach, citrus, grapefruit, yellow flower and toasted almond. It is an immensely food-friendly wine that would pair well with creamy pasta or baked fish.	87	20	Veneto	Pinot Grigio
88,674	US	Powerful, natural, uncomplicated grape aromas and flavors fuel this light-bodied but memorable wine. With each sip its depth, complexity and appeal improve. The density and intensity of the fruit flavors combine with very firm tannins and lively acidity to make it nervy and delicious. Best now through 2019.	91	44	California	Pinot Noir
81,912	US	Made from 100% Cabernet grown in a hilly part of the valley, this wine is tight and dry in tannins. It's so astringent, it's nearly impossible to enjoy now. Yet it's extraordinarily rich and explosive in blackberry tart, black cherry pie and cassis flavors, and feels dramatic in the mouth. Should easily improve over the next decade. Hold until 2013.	94	75	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
127,450	US	This is marked by intense flavors of blackberry, cherry and currant, with sweet smoky oak, firm, furry tannins and brisk acidity. All of these elements jostle for position, making the wine currently aggressive and unresolved. However, the suggestion of ageability is warranted. Put it to sleep in your cellar for six years and see how it's doing. It could be fine in 2020.	93	95	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
90,703	US	This blend showcases the many varieties that shine at Stagecoach, from Tempranillo, which makes up 44% of the whole, to Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Floral and marked by a rocky, gravelly minerality, it tastes of cherry compote, pencil lead and black pepper, showing juicy acidity throughout. Drink now through 2023.	92	100	California	Red Blend
76,449	US	Fine balance is a hallmark for all Adelsheim wines. This shows a mix of citrus and apple fruit, with the tartness of gooseberries as a nod to the cooler vintage. There is some pleasing complexity, with an emphasis on herbs and high-acid fruits.	89	22	Oregon	Chardonnay
112,577	US	The vineyard is in the cool Edna Valley, and in this cool vintage, this wine has lots of bright, crunchy acidity. It's also bone dry. The flavors, of lemon, lime and tangerine zest, are accented with vanilla, toasted coconut and pepper-cinnamon. Clean and vibrant, this is ideal as a cocktail wine, or try with butternut squash soup with cilantro and crème frâiche.	88	17	California	Pinot Gris
71,255	France	This soft wine has ripe melon and pear flavors only lightly cut with citrus acidity. It is easy to drink and ready now.	84	25	Burgundy	Chardonnay
22,630	US	The 2011 Estate Selection brings flavors of rhubarb, citrus and tart raspberry, along with suggestions of pine needles and chocolate. It's well structured and proportionate—a good reflection of the vintage and Willamette Valley-style Pinot Noir.	89	34	Oregon	Pinot Noir
43,544	France	This is a stalky, tight and dry wine. Maybe that's because it's young, but the fruit is way behind the dry, tannic and tough exterior. It's hard to see this softening enough.	84	15	Provence	Red Blend
33,033	Italy	Here's a strongly mineral-driven expression of Chardonnay with a polished, linear appeal in its clean aromas and crisp mouthfeel. The wine is luminous and light and would pair with seafood or a fresh Caesar salad.	87	12	Tuscany	Chardonnay
45,066	US	Big and quite tannic, this is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot. The combination of Red Mountain fruit and the naturally tannic Petit Verdot is balanced against by the tart, juicy berry flavors and the influence from having aged in 100% new French oak. Nothing shy here, but the floral and citrusy aromatics add a welcome layer of complexity.	91	45	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
110,948	US	This wine in a box is simple and direct, with pineapple, lime and peach flavors that are sugary sweet. But it's crisp and clean in acidity, and the box is the equivalent of four regular bottles.	83	20	California	White Blend
127,006	US	The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.	93	45	California	Pinot Noir
80,480	Italy	A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc, this vibrant wine delivers aromas and flavors of tilled soil, underbrush, juicy red berry, leather, mint and mocha. It's elegant and balanced with fine-grained tannins.	90	42	Sicily & Sardinia	Red Blend
122,649	US	After initial scents of smoke and dark toast subside, the Ben's Blend reveals a prettier, daintier profile with vibrant red-cherry and plum notes laced with hints of cedar and purple flower. The palate is dense with flavors of blackberry and bramble, balanced by brisk acidity and ripe, mouth-coating tannins. Decant to drink now or save for another five years.	89	48	New York	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
31,013	US	Fragrant on the nose, with hints of black cherry and graham cracker, this is a ripe, rich, velvety Cabernet Franc with cassis flavor marked with just a hint of green stem. Velvety tannins and bright, brisk acidity extend long on the finish.	87	40	New York	Cabernet Franc
99,972	US	Acidity marks this wine, giving it a cut that streaks right down the middle of the blackberry, black cherry and cedar flavors. It's very dry, with rich, refined tannins, and that acidity will come in handy paired against a steak.	88	65	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
33,957	France	A foursquare, solid wine that shows its structure right up front. It is backed by red fruits and acids that lend a warm feeling. Full and dense, this needs to age.	88	68	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
103,822	US	In a kitchen sink blend that is just over half Merlot, it's the Syrah that pops with its notes of black and green olive accented by orange peel. With 20g/L residual sugar, it coats the palate end to end with overtly sweet fruit flavors.	83	10	Washington	Red Blend
76,632	US	This bottling from a region known for savory, earthy wines fits the bill, with strong gravel, black pepper, elderberry and wet pine aromas. It's dry and dense on the palate, with forest spice, menthol and black fruit touches. Characteristic of the region and still very firm and tight in structure.	90	29	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
46,377	US	Powerful oaky elements meet very ripe and concentrated fruit flavors in this deeply colored, bold and full-bodied wine. Charcoal, wood smoke and clove aromas are followed by blackberry jam and black-cherry flavors, while light, smoky and peppery nuances weave through them. While the first whiff is oaky, everything comes together well on the palate and finish.	91	16	California	Red Blend
39,314	US	In a blind tasting, it's hard to imagine many people would identify this wine as from Washington, due to the coolness of the vintage and the style. It's almost impenetrable when first opened, with brooding notes of graphite, exotic spice, herbs, toast and dark fruit. The acids are mouthwatering, the tannins firm and tightly wound, and they need significant time to uncoil. But when they do, the wine glorious. Give it at least until 2019 in the cellar or a 24+ hour decant. One of the highlights of the vintage.	94	70	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
88,598	Spain	Berry and cherry aromas are fruity and clean. This blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah is big on the palate but also tannic, acidic and fierce. Black plum, blackberry and tomato flavors finish crisp and firm.	87	28	Catalonia	Red Blend
72,069	Spain	Cidery apple and stone-fruit aromas are fresh and basic. This blend includes Chardonnay, Macabeo and Parellada, and it's a lively number with spritz and citric acidity. Orange and tangerine flavors remain zesty and snappy on the finish.	87	16	Catalonia	White Blend
90,851	US	A lovely young Cab, rich and balanced, and with the elegance you expect from this producer. Made from all 5 Bordeaux varieties, with a drop of Syrah, the wine is potent in red and black currant, blackberry and new oak flavors, with sweetly ripe tannins. Delicious now, it should develop through 2015.	91	28	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
41,764	US	This block selection is supple, almost silky, and coats the palate with lip-licking cherry-fruit goodness. Streaks of hazelnut and nougat extend the finish. This delicious wine spent 15 months in 50% new French oak.	91	55	Oregon	Pinot Noir
70,423	France	A finely textured wine, with its acidity and apple fruits laced with wood and spice. It is rich, full in the mouth, a wine that has great pure flavors, very clear right to the end. Screwcap.	90	40	Burgundy	Chardonnay
28,768	US	A small project by Carr Winery cellarmaster Chris Wright, this 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah is vivacious on the nose with bright pomegranate, nearly effervescent black cherry, iced coffee and inviting fruit punch aromas. There's a sliver of tar to the sip, but mostly suave black and red plum fruit, exotic bergamot tang and Chinese five spice complexity.	91	30	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
112,204	France	Hints of passion fruit rest among the ripe peach notes. The palate is zippy with ripe orange and zesty tangerine. Full of juicy freshness, this wine would be an exuberant apéritif when well chilled. Drink soon for maximum fruit.	88	21	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
116,014	US	A routine, although entirely drinkable, Merlot. It's very dry and tart in acidity, with pleasant tobacco and sour cherry candy flavors.	85	15	California	Merlot
106,661	US	Aged in stainless steel, this faint SB is herb-y and slightly grassy. Sweetness on the midpalate sticks around before the quick finish.	83	19	California	Sauvignon Blanc
114,748	US	This is an earthy herbal wine that's also soft and supple on the palate. Dill, cedar and sage play against a tart core of cranberry and cassis, finding their way to a lingering layer of spicy clove. The power and weight of the fruit wears well against the ultimate grace of the wine.	93	125	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
6,655	US	Very dry, crisp and minerally, a subtle wine with some bottle age that shows real complexity and finesse. Not for fruit-forward fans, its pineapple, pear and herb flavors are drying out, leading to interesting, old-wine, honey-and-cashew nuances. Drink right away, before it dies.	90	35	California	Chardonnay
51,066	US	Named for a type of surfboard, depicted on the label, this dark, inky and leathery red wine is blended with 6% Malbec and 2% Merlot. Rustic and full of earthy minerality, it shares a juicy underbelly that provides welcome succulence on the palate.	91	42	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
57,676	US	This bottling from neutral barrels is reserved on the nose, showing dust, light red fruit and earth aromas. The flavors are equally light, evoking red mulberry fruit and turned earth. Clean and quaffable, but not very exciting.	87	55	California	Pinot Noir
79,459	US	Sweet oak and lightly tropical fruit flavors characterize this young, tight, full-bodied Chardonnay. With another year or two in bottle, the fruit should emerge from behind the new oak flavors and enhance the overall balance. In the meanwhile, decanting is a good idea.	88	18	Washington	Chardonnay
121,540	Spain	Earthy, herbal aromas are heavy and consistent with the winery's other 2011s. A choppy, raw, tannic palate and herbal, saucy berry flavors finish with notes of green herbs, tomato and bell pepper. This has a fine texture, yet the flavors are not ripe or appealing.	85	47	Northern Spain	Red Blend
48,122	France	The floral perfume of this wine is subdued, while the palate has the grip of fir honey and citrus pith along with softer notes of blossom and gentle yellow plum. These are balanced so well by bitter elements that this medium-dry wine almost finishes dry. Matched with ripe, washed-rind cheeses it will be a triumph.	89	33	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
54,773	France	The massive 2009 vintage has produced a rich, full-bodied wine. Wood aging shows in the smoothing of the tannins, which are joined by concentrated blackberry fruits, a smoky, just burnt wood character and a dark character that will need several years to open up.	92	49	Loire Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon
35,650	Argentina	This bigraisiny-smelling Malbec opens with overt oak aromas and related hints of char and lemon peel. An expansive palate is high in acidity and drying. Raw oak flavors rest atop baked plum, blackberry and prune notes, while this tastes toasty and charred on a powerful finish that's driven by tartaric acidity.	88	32	Mendoza Province	Malbec
88,088	US	A widely available offering from Concannon, this Cab is rich in jammy cherry and vanilla, with a backbone of oak, a nice choice for midweek dinners of rib roast and steak.	84	10	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
110,988	France	A pure citrus-flavored wine, this is refreshing and light. Its crispness will soften over the next few months, but drink now for the forward fruitiness.	84	21	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
78,561	Argentina	Smoky, spicy aromas are highly wood-driven, which creates hickory and campfire scents rather than discernible fruit. This feels a touch sticky and soupy, while baked, woody berry, black plum and cassis flavors are charred prior to a spicy, chunky finish.	87	20	Mendoza Province	Malbec
108,786	US	Blended with 15% Petit Verdot, this wine is big and brooding in tannin and charred oak, with a sizable presence on the palate. It dabbles in ripe, full-bodied black cherry, plum and tar.	85	24	California	Merlot
102,219	Italy	This offers subdued whiffs of blue flower, red berry and a hint of moist soil. On the rustic, rather diluted palate, bracing acidity and raspy, fleeting tannins accompany suggestions of tart sour cherry and orange peel. It finishes on an astringent note.	85	18	Tuscany	Sangiovese
75,113	US	Smoked raspberry, mulberry, rust, slate and a bright hibiscus touch show on the nose of this appellation blend, which tends to be more widely available than the winery's single-vineyard expressions. Cranberry fruit meets with rocky minerality on the palate, as wild herbs add to the complexity.	89	48	California	Pinot Noir
71,143	US	There's a core of preserved black fruit in this Merlot-dominant Bordeaux-style blend, but also notes of leafy dill and stem that add a vegetal quality. Elegant and a bit lean on the palate, it finishes with persistent, yet finely textured tannins.	85	40	New York	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
62,343	US	Round and fruity, this mixes sweet berry with red plum and Bing cherry. Orange-peel highlights lift the midpalate. The wine shows excellent balance and a detailed, lingering finish.	90	28	Oregon	Pinot Noir
44,832	US	Here's a solid value that shows true Napa style. Dry and balanced, it offers up rich flavors of cherries, blackberries and spice, wrapped into smooth tannins.	86	12	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
109,137	US	This straightforward wine isn't particularly Cabernet-like, but it is good and sound. With furry tannins, it has a distinct sweetness of raisins and blackberry jam, as well as lots of brambly Zinny spices. Drink up.	86	29	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
127,221	US	The aromas start out reticent, with notes of black licorice, kirsch, black olive and earth along with some barrel notes. The flavors are bold, full and palate coating, and are capped off by a lengthy finish.	94	70	Washington	Syrah
26,893	Italy	Earthy aromas of tilled soil, underbrush, leather, purple flower, cedar and ripe black-skinned berry lead the way on this delicious blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot. The smooth full-bodied palate doles out juicy blackberry, red currant, licorice, exotic spice, mocha and a hint of game while tightly knit but velvety tannins lend both structure and finesse. It's already compelling but give it time to fully develop. Drink 2018–2027.	95	242	Tuscany	Red Blend
111,561	US	Dry, spicy and elegantly structured, this is a little rugged around the edges in texture, but the black raspberry and cola flavors are savory.	86	28	California	Pinot Noir
44,226	US	This vineyard has been source to some of Fogarty's greatest Chardonnays, and this 2009 bottling continues the tradition of excellence. It's bone dry and tart in acidity, with smoky oak and lees influences. But the real star of the wine is the fruit; the flavors of lemon and lime custard, papaya, guava and nectarine are delicious.	93	50	California	Chardonnay
22,998	US	Charred oak characterizes the nose of this wine from an estate just 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean, but chopped dill takes the place of overpowering butter aromas. The herbs show up on the palate, hovering on pine needles, sandalwood and oak toothpicks, with lime pith keeping it fresh.	91	39	California	Chardonnay
103,986	Spain	This wine's heavy oak aromas are toasty but not overdone, while bacon and tobacco notes lurk in the background. Its raw, supremely tannic palate delivers woody, spicy berry flavors.	87	15	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
71,648	Argentina	While Argentine Malbecs aren't textbook cellaring wines, this one has enough spirit, tannin and structure to benefit from a few years on its side. Now, it's lush on the nose, with ripe berry, pencil eraser, vanilla and marzipan aromas. The palate is chewy but well built, with dense blackberry, cassis, coconut and chocolate flavors. On the finish, things only intensify. Will be at its best around 2015–2016.	93	32	Mendoza Province	Malbec
100,931	Italy	Aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, ground pepper and a whiff of toast lead the nose. The straightforward palate offers dried cherry, pomegranate and roasted coffee bean alongside fine-grained but fleeting tannins that leave a mouth-puckering finish.	86	18	Tuscany	Red Blend
77,083	Italy	Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, this stylish wine opens with aromas of red berry, Mediterranean herb and cedar. The juicy, elegantly structured palate doles out red currant, black raspberry, licorice and white pepper alongside silky tannins. Drink now–2024.	93	50	Tuscany	Cabernet Sauvignon
4,417	US	This Cabernet Sauvignon's char, vanilla, caramel, toast, herb and dark fruit scents are followed by equal parts fruit and barrel flavors. It delivers enjoyment notwithstanding the heavy oak influence, which may yet integrate in the bottle.	89	49	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
129,101	US	There's grip around this wine's core of clove, plum and smoke but the lushness is muted, perhaps an indication of the tough growing year, while structure remains. Small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are blended in, the whole aged in 51% new French oak.	87	95	California	Merlot
31,056	France	This is a steely wine, crisp and very textured. Lemon zest and acidity are given structure by the mineral character and by the touches of wood. It's a wine with a future, so drink from 2016.	90	47	Burgundy	Chardonnay
91,605	France	This is a wine with harshness, sharp walnut and bitter orange flavors. It gives off a hard feeling that probably won't soften much.	83	18	Burgundy	Chardonnay
92,849	Germany	Whiffs of spice accent aromas of orange blossom and fresh pears on this dry, richly textured wine. Ripe pineapple and tangerine flavors are unabashedly mouthwatering, but elevated by a piercing mineral focus that drives the finish. Effortless yet elegant in style.	90	15	Mosel	Riesling
121,307	US	An interesting Grenache, soft and complex. There's a red cherry candy and brown sugar flavor, spiced with cinnamon, vanilla and toast. The tannin-acid balance is just fine.	87	38	California	Grenache
122,194	US	There's a good streak of acidity behind this dry wine, which is fortunate because the tannins are very soft. It has just enough crispness to balance the ripe cherry and sweet green herb flavors. Similar to Sangiovese, this is a pleasant sipper now.	86	24	California	Tempranillo
88,614	Italy	Pretty aromas of violet, rose and wild berry lead the nose. The bright but rather lean palate offers raw red berry, peppercorn and saline together with notes of dried sage. Astringent tannins create an abrupt finish.	87	87	Tuscany	Sangiovese
27,435	France	Dry and serious, this firm wine is classic Bordeaux. It has weight, a core of tannins and black currant fruitiness that needs time to fully integrate with the dense structure. Give this exemplary wine another five years.	91	25	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
108,782	France	The wine has red fruits and tannins along with acidity. The 25-year old vines have produced a rich wine that is all about fruit and acidity. Drink from 2018.	85	12	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
29,391	US	Farmhouse just-churned butter is most prominent on the nose, opening up a world that then flowers into layers of ripe, rich apple and pear. Balanced and textured, the wine reflects its near-ideal vintage, marked by a pronouncement of structure and power. Finishing with a zing, it will stand up to time in the cellar, through 2020.	93	70	California	Chardonnay
15,291	US	Searing acidity supports apple blossom and quince in this complex, light-bodied and entirely delightful wine. As it opens in the glass, it gets more velvety and tense, finishing on a refreshing bite of anise.	90	18	California	Chardonnay
53,182	France	This is top Champagne from Piper-Heidsieck, offering the delicious airy quality that's the hallmark of this house, with crisp apple flavor, tangy acidity and the first signs of yeasty, toasty bottle age. Its fruit intensity has transformed into a splendid selection. It's worth aging for a few more years, though also delicious now.	94	175	Champagne	Champagne Blend
42,538	Italy	A successful expression of Sauvignon Blanc, this has good structure, density and staying power. It delivers stone fruit, citrus, pear, exotic fruit flavors, with touches of spice and green herb on the crisp close.	90	28	Northeastern Italy	Sauvignon Blanc
98,448	US	This is marked by hard tannins and acidity, bearing blackberry, dark chocolate and mineral flavors, with a smoky oak note that is unintegrated with the other components. Will it age? There's a purity to the core that strongly suggests it will. Hold it until 2017, and it could develop bottle nuance well beyond that.	94	145	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
8,133	France	This wine, blending one-third each of the three main Champagne grapes, is crisp, although with a dosage that gives it a soft edge. Full of ripe apple and warm melon fruit, it has acidity as well as a gentle texture. The wine is balanced and ready to drink.	87	40	Champagne	Champagne Blend
84,652	Italy	Here's a textbook Barbera that boasts well-integrated mineral notes with plusher aromas of chocolate and ripe fruit. The wine is clean and compact but there's enough body and heft here to pair with braised pork or grilled lamb shanks.	88	18	Piedmont	Barbera
35,709	US	Somewhat lean in texture but very tasty and classic in terms of aroma and flavor, this wine has a unique presence. Aromas suggest rhubarb, raspberry and black tea, and the flavors reflect that complexity, too. At less than half the price of Hirsch's higher-priced wines, it has almost as much charm.	90	38	California	Pinot Noir
11,308	France	Closed and firm at this early stage, the wine from Jean-Michel Bergeron has good potential. It is rich with plenty of black-currant fruit as well as dry tannins. Give this wine its time and wait until 2019.	87	13	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
10,087	France	Tight grapefruit flavors, very perfumed and totally dry and crisp, this is a pure-fruited wine, packed with acidity, flavors of white currants and a final zesty minerality. Screwcap.	88	14	Alsace	Riesling
112,806	US	Has this vineyard ever produced anything less than a spectacular Pinot Noir? Hitching Post's '06 showcases its exotic spiciness and the way its power is modulated with an elegant structure. Cloves, nutmeg, allspice and white pepper are just a few of the spices that tantalize the cherry, orange and cola flavors. The wine feels wonderful in the mouth, rich and long-lasting. Ageable, too, with a window extending beyond 2012.	94	42	California	Pinot Noir
51,894	France	Wood-aged wine, showing both spice and ripe tropical fruits. Mango and pineapple combine with vanilla and coconut milk to give a full, rich wine, though with Sauvignon Blanc's fresh acidity. Age for 2–3 years.	93	45	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
121,893	US	An awesome wine—this is so massively intense in blackberry, blueberry and cassis flavors, it's hard to believe. From the first sip though the middle palate, it's seemingly sweet with a fruity essence, but the finish is dry and firm. Drink now and for 8–10 years, at the very least.	96	80	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
57,452	France	Heavily dominated by Merlot, this is a generous and full-bodied wine. Wood aging has left its mark in the burnt, toasty character. The fruit, though, is generous, bringing out the richness of the limestone soil. This wine will be ripe and full-bodied. Drink from 2017.	90	24	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
53,141	US	This drinks like a Port, with extremely ripe and definitely sweet flavors of raisins, dried plums and blackberry jam. It's not so much a dinner wine as something to sip around the campfire or with a dark chocolate dessert.	89	25	California	Zinfandel
107,702	US	Hearty rhubarb, cranberry and cherry notes meet with copious spices, from allspice to cinnamon to vanilla, on the nose of this bottling that also shows dust and cigar box. It's boisterous with fresh flavors on the palate, where black raspberry and juicy strawberry flavors are cut by sharp spice and a pine-needle finish.	91	45	California	Pinot Noir
62,085	US	Waterstone's non-reserve Cabernet is often quite good and the '05 is just about their best ever. It's a fine wine, dry and full-bodied and rich in black currants, smoky oak and spices. Drink now and for the next several years.	87	26	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
2,938	US	Despite some black cherry richness, there's a green, minty, stalky note of unripeness in this blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre that limits its appeal. Decanting doesn't help and neither will aging.	84	18	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
85,339	US	Huge aromas on this Syrah, refined, very potent, offering waves of cassis, blackberries, roasted coffee, grilled meat, black pepper, cedar and spices. Tastes as dense and lush as it smells, a full-bodied, rich wine, tannic and with good acidity. Finishes bone dry, yet sweet in cherries. A dazzling crowd-pleaser of a wine that should hold for five years or so.	94	40	California	Syrah
82,535	US	Not entirely together flavors of sour cherry, cracker and seed mark this as a wine that may require some further bottle age. The components are here, but they do not come together.	83	16	Oregon	Pinot Noir
60,948	US	A very beautiful Syrah, long and deep in flavor. It's a big, mouth filling wine whose tannins are considerable, and it will probably benefit from a year or two in the cellar. But it's so rich in blackberries, black currants and smoked meat that it's hard not to open it now. As sweet as the fruit is, the finish is thoroughly dry.	93	40	California	Syrah
56,821	Spain	Ripe berry aromas combined with oak, vanilla and coconut scents make for a full friendly nose. This feels choppy and abrasive. Woody flavors of coconut and black fruits finish full and tannic, which creates a raw blocky feel that time may tame. Drink through 2023.	91	125	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
34,529	US	Over the top in oak, a clumsy attempt to lure in consumers with vanilla and caramel flavors that have little to do with Chardonnay. It's already turning old and tired.	83	22	California	Chardonnay
14,665	US	The best wine to date from Ashley Trout, this single-vineyard Malbec seduces with its thick, dense, decadently lush flavors of black cherry and cassis. Licorice, tar, coffee and cacao notes come into play on the deep and lingering finish. If anything, the wine is even better on the second day, as the fruit flavors mature into a plummy Christmas-cake delight.	92	37	Washington	Malbec
77,583	US	Smooth and already a seamless, complex and compelling whole, this estate-grown reserve overdelivers for the price. Roughly one-fifth new oak balances the modest alcohol, and the just-ripe berry and pomegranate fruit. Light hints of earth, coffee grounds and sassafras add further detail through a lingering finish.	91	36	Oregon	Pinot Noir
67,232	France	Bringing together in its name two important aspects of Provence, flower (lavender is a major local crop) and the sea, this wine is soft and fruity, with just the right balance of acidity and ripe fruit flavors. It is refreshing, open and ready to drink.	87	18	Provence	Rosé
82,275	US	This full-bodied wine packs a lot of punch in terms of mouthfeel and flavor. The color is extremely dark, and the flavors resemble dark chocolate, black cherries and baking spices. It is dry in style, with lip-smacking, nicely astringent tannins that counterbalance all that richness.	92	24	California	Red Blend
72,279	Spain	Dusty lime aromas carry a modest nose toward a clean palate with moderate fruity weight. Flavors of white grapefruit and lime finish with additional citrus notes and stone-fruit accents. It's a nice, forward-leaning Cava.	88	14	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
75,603	US	You'll find strong flavors of grilled blackberries and black cherries, tobacco, unsweetened baker's chocolate and black pepper in this dry, tannic wine. Made from Syrah, Mourvèdre and Counoise, it's rustic and high in alcohol. Makes you think of beef tacos.	85	24	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
42,620	US	Grass, gooseberry and grapefruit wind their way around a light-bodied, crisp and ephemeral wine, aged mostly in stainless steel, with a small percentage in neutral French oak. Tiny bits of Sémillon and Sauvignon Musque make their way into the mix, for a wine that's textured and refreshing.	89	21	California	Sauvignon Blanc

47,280

Italy

This Pinot Grigio Reserve boasts a creamy and attractive mouthfeel that is accented by fresh aromas of peach, citrus, grapefruit, yellow flower and toasted almond. It is an immensely food-friendly wine that would pair well with creamy pasta or baked fish.

87

20

Veneto

Pinot Grigio

88,674

US

Powerful, natural, uncomplicated grape aromas and flavors fuel this light-bodied but memorable wine. With each sip its depth, complexity and appeal improve. The density and intensity of the fruit flavors combine with very firm tannins and lively acidity to make it nervy and delicious. Best now through 2019.

91

44

California

Pinot Noir

81,912

US

Made from 100% Cabernet grown in a hilly part of the valley, this wine is tight and dry in tannins. It's so astringent, it's nearly impossible to enjoy now. Yet it's extraordinarily rich and explosive in blackberry tart, black cherry pie and cassis flavors, and feels dramatic in the mouth. Should easily improve over the next decade. Hold until 2013.

94

75

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

127,450

US

This is marked by intense flavors of blackberry, cherry and currant, with sweet smoky oak, firm, furry tannins and brisk acidity. All of these elements jostle for position, making the wine currently aggressive and unresolved. However, the suggestion of ageability is warranted. Put it to sleep in your cellar for six years and see how it's doing. It could be fine in 2020.

93

95

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

90,703

US

This blend showcases the many varieties that shine at Stagecoach, from Tempranillo, which makes up 44% of the whole, to Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Floral and marked by a rocky, gravelly minerality, it tastes of cherry compote, pencil lead and black pepper, showing juicy acidity throughout. Drink now through 2023.

92

100

California

Red Blend

76,449

US

Fine balance is a hallmark for all Adelsheim wines. This shows a mix of citrus and apple fruit, with the tartness of gooseberries as a nod to the cooler vintage. There is some pleasing complexity, with an emphasis on herbs and high-acid fruits.

89

22

Oregon

Chardonnay

112,577

US

The vineyard is in the cool Edna Valley, and in this cool vintage, this wine has lots of bright, crunchy acidity. It's also bone dry. The flavors, of lemon, lime and tangerine zest, are accented with vanilla, toasted coconut and pepper-cinnamon. Clean and vibrant, this is ideal as a cocktail wine, or try with butternut squash soup with cilantro and crème frâiche.

88

17

California

Pinot Gris

71,255

France

This soft wine has ripe melon and pear flavors only lightly cut with citrus acidity. It is easy to drink and ready now.

84

25

Burgundy

Chardonnay

22,630

US

The 2011 Estate Selection brings flavors of rhubarb, citrus and tart raspberry, along with suggestions of pine needles and chocolate. It's well structured and proportionate—a good reflection of the vintage and Willamette Valley-style Pinot Noir.

89

34

Oregon

Pinot Noir

43,544

France

This is a stalky, tight and dry wine. Maybe that's because it's young, but the fruit is way behind the dry, tannic and tough exterior. It's hard to see this softening enough.

84

15

Provence

Red Blend

33,033

Italy

Here's a strongly mineral-driven expression of Chardonnay with a polished, linear appeal in its clean aromas and crisp mouthfeel. The wine is luminous and light and would pair with seafood or a fresh Caesar salad.

87

12

Tuscany

Chardonnay

45,066

US

Big and quite tannic, this is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot. The combination of Red Mountain fruit and the naturally tannic Petit Verdot is balanced against by the tart, juicy berry flavors and the influence from having aged in 100% new French oak. Nothing shy here, but the floral and citrusy aromatics add a welcome layer of complexity.

91

45

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

110,948

US

This wine in a box is simple and direct, with pineapple, lime and peach flavors that are sugary sweet. But it's crisp and clean in acidity, and the box is the equivalent of four regular bottles.

83

20

California

White Blend

127,006

US

The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.

93

45

California

Pinot Noir

80,480

Italy

A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc, this vibrant wine delivers aromas and flavors of tilled soil, underbrush, juicy red berry, leather, mint and mocha. It's elegant and balanced with fine-grained tannins.

90

42

Sicily & Sardinia

Red Blend

122,649

US

After initial scents of smoke and dark toast subside, the Ben's Blend reveals a prettier, daintier profile with vibrant red-cherry and plum notes laced with hints of cedar and purple flower. The palate is dense with flavors of blackberry and bramble, balanced by brisk acidity and ripe, mouth-coating tannins. Decant to drink now or save for another five years.

89

48

New York

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

31,013

US

Fragrant on the nose, with hints of black cherry and graham cracker, this is a ripe, rich, velvety Cabernet Franc with cassis flavor marked with just a hint of green stem. Velvety tannins and bright, brisk acidity extend long on the finish.

87

40

New York

Cabernet Franc

99,972

US

Acidity marks this wine, giving it a cut that streaks right down the middle of the blackberry, black cherry and cedar flavors. It's very dry, with rich, refined tannins, and that acidity will come in handy paired against a steak.

88

65

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

33,957

France

A foursquare, solid wine that shows its structure right up front. It is backed by red fruits and acids that lend a warm feeling. Full and dense, this needs to age.

88

68

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

103,822

US

In a kitchen sink blend that is just over half Merlot, it's the Syrah that pops with its notes of black and green olive accented by orange peel. With 20g/L residual sugar, it coats the palate end to end with overtly sweet fruit flavors.

83

10

Washington

Red Blend

76,632

US

This bottling from a region known for savory, earthy wines fits the bill, with strong gravel, black pepper, elderberry and wet pine aromas. It's dry and dense on the palate, with forest spice, menthol and black fruit touches. Characteristic of the region and still very firm and tight in structure.

90

29

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

46,377

US

Powerful oaky elements meet very ripe and concentrated fruit flavors in this deeply colored, bold and full-bodied wine. Charcoal, wood smoke and clove aromas are followed by blackberry jam and black-cherry flavors, while light, smoky and peppery nuances weave through them. While the first whiff is oaky, everything comes together well on the palate and finish.

91

16

California

Red Blend

39,314

US

In a blind tasting, it's hard to imagine many people would identify this wine as from Washington, due to the coolness of the vintage and the style. It's almost impenetrable when first opened, with brooding notes of graphite, exotic spice, herbs, toast and dark fruit. The acids are mouthwatering, the tannins firm and tightly wound, and they need significant time to uncoil. But when they do, the wine glorious. Give it at least until 2019 in the cellar or a 24+ hour decant. One of the highlights of the vintage.

94

70

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

88,598

Spain

Berry and cherry aromas are fruity and clean. This blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah is big on the palate but also tannic, acidic and fierce. Black plum, blackberry and tomato flavors finish crisp and firm.

87

28

Catalonia

Red Blend

72,069

Spain

Cidery apple and stone-fruit aromas are fresh and basic. This blend includes Chardonnay, Macabeo and Parellada, and it's a lively number with spritz and citric acidity. Orange and tangerine flavors remain zesty and snappy on the finish.

87

16

Catalonia

White Blend

90,851

US

A lovely young Cab, rich and balanced, and with the elegance you expect from this producer. Made from all 5 Bordeaux varieties, with a drop of Syrah, the wine is potent in red and black currant, blackberry and new oak flavors, with sweetly ripe tannins. Delicious now, it should develop through 2015.

91

28

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

41,764

US

This block selection is supple, almost silky, and coats the palate with lip-licking cherry-fruit goodness. Streaks of hazelnut and nougat extend the finish. This delicious wine spent 15 months in 50% new French oak.

91

55

Oregon

Pinot Noir

70,423

France

A finely textured wine, with its acidity and apple fruits laced with wood and spice. It is rich, full in the mouth, a wine that has great pure flavors, very clear right to the end. Screwcap.

90

40

Burgundy

Chardonnay

28,768

US

A small project by Carr Winery cellarmaster Chris Wright, this 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah is vivacious on the nose with bright pomegranate, nearly effervescent black cherry, iced coffee and inviting fruit punch aromas. There's a sliver of tar to the sip, but mostly suave black and red plum fruit, exotic bergamot tang and Chinese five spice complexity.

91

30

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

112,204

France

Hints of passion fruit rest among the ripe peach notes. The palate is zippy with ripe orange and zesty tangerine. Full of juicy freshness, this wine would be an exuberant apéritif when well chilled. Drink soon for maximum fruit.

88

21

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

116,014

US

A routine, although entirely drinkable, Merlot. It's very dry and tart in acidity, with pleasant tobacco and sour cherry candy flavors.

85

15

California

Merlot

106,661

US

Aged in stainless steel, this faint SB is herb-y and slightly grassy. Sweetness on the midpalate sticks around before the quick finish.

83

19

California

Sauvignon Blanc

114,748

US

This is an earthy herbal wine that's also soft and supple on the palate. Dill, cedar and sage play against a tart core of cranberry and cassis, finding their way to a lingering layer of spicy clove. The power and weight of the fruit wears well against the ultimate grace of the wine.

93

125

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

6,655

US

Very dry, crisp and minerally, a subtle wine with some bottle age that shows real complexity and finesse. Not for fruit-forward fans, its pineapple, pear and herb flavors are drying out, leading to interesting, old-wine, honey-and-cashew nuances. Drink right away, before it dies.

90

35

California

Chardonnay

51,066

US

Named for a type of surfboard, depicted on the label, this dark, inky and leathery red wine is blended with 6% Malbec and 2% Merlot. Rustic and full of earthy minerality, it shares a juicy underbelly that provides welcome succulence on the palate.

91

42

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

57,676

US

This bottling from neutral barrels is reserved on the nose, showing dust, light red fruit and earth aromas. The flavors are equally light, evoking red mulberry fruit and turned earth. Clean and quaffable, but not very exciting.

87

55

California

Pinot Noir

79,459

US

Sweet oak and lightly tropical fruit flavors characterize this young, tight, full-bodied Chardonnay. With another year or two in bottle, the fruit should emerge from behind the new oak flavors and enhance the overall balance. In the meanwhile, decanting is a good idea.

88

18

Washington

Chardonnay

121,540

Spain

Earthy, herbal aromas are heavy and consistent with the winery's other 2011s. A choppy, raw, tannic palate and herbal, saucy berry flavors finish with notes of green herbs, tomato and bell pepper. This has a fine texture, yet the flavors are not ripe or appealing.

85

47

Northern Spain

Red Blend

48,122

France

The floral perfume of this wine is subdued, while the palate has the grip of fir honey and citrus pith along with softer notes of blossom and gentle yellow plum. These are balanced so well by bitter elements that this medium-dry wine almost finishes dry. Matched with ripe, washed-rind cheeses it will be a triumph.

89

33

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

54,773

France

The massive 2009 vintage has produced a rich, full-bodied wine. Wood aging shows in the smoothing of the tannins, which are joined by concentrated blackberry fruits, a smoky, just burnt wood character and a dark character that will need several years to open up.

92

49

Loire Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

35,650

Argentina

This bigraisiny-smelling Malbec opens with overt oak aromas and related hints of char and lemon peel. An expansive palate is high in acidity and drying. Raw oak flavors rest atop baked plum, blackberry and prune notes, while this tastes toasty and charred on a powerful finish that's driven by tartaric acidity.

88

32

Mendoza Province

Malbec

88,088

US

A widely available offering from Concannon, this Cab is rich in jammy cherry and vanilla, with a backbone of oak, a nice choice for midweek dinners of rib roast and steak.

84

10

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

110,988

France

A pure citrus-flavored wine, this is refreshing and light. Its crispness will soften over the next few months, but drink now for the forward fruitiness.

84

21

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

78,561

Argentina

Smoky, spicy aromas are highly wood-driven, which creates hickory and campfire scents rather than discernible fruit. This feels a touch sticky and soupy, while baked, woody berry, black plum and cassis flavors are charred prior to a spicy, chunky finish.

87

20

Mendoza Province

Malbec

108,786

US

Blended with 15% Petit Verdot, this wine is big and brooding in tannin and charred oak, with a sizable presence on the palate. It dabbles in ripe, full-bodied black cherry, plum and tar.

85

24

California

Merlot

102,219

Italy

This offers subdued whiffs of blue flower, red berry and a hint of moist soil. On the rustic, rather diluted palate, bracing acidity and raspy, fleeting tannins accompany suggestions of tart sour cherry and orange peel. It finishes on an astringent note.

85

18

Tuscany

Sangiovese

75,113

US

Smoked raspberry, mulberry, rust, slate and a bright hibiscus touch show on the nose of this appellation blend, which tends to be more widely available than the winery's single-vineyard expressions. Cranberry fruit meets with rocky minerality on the palate, as wild herbs add to the complexity.

89

48

California

Pinot Noir

71,143

US

There's a core of preserved black fruit in this Merlot-dominant Bordeaux-style blend, but also notes of leafy dill and stem that add a vegetal quality. Elegant and a bit lean on the palate, it finishes with persistent, yet finely textured tannins.

85

40

New York

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

62,343

US

Round and fruity, this mixes sweet berry with red plum and Bing cherry. Orange-peel highlights lift the midpalate. The wine shows excellent balance and a detailed, lingering finish.

90

28

Oregon

Pinot Noir

44,832

US

Here's a solid value that shows true Napa style. Dry and balanced, it offers up rich flavors of cherries, blackberries and spice, wrapped into smooth tannins.

86

12

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

109,137

US

This straightforward wine isn't particularly Cabernet-like, but it is good and sound. With furry tannins, it has a distinct sweetness of raisins and blackberry jam, as well as lots of brambly Zinny spices. Drink up.

86

29

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

127,221

US

The aromas start out reticent, with notes of black licorice, kirsch, black olive and earth along with some barrel notes. The flavors are bold, full and palate coating, and are capped off by a lengthy finish.

94

70

Washington

Syrah

26,893

Italy

Earthy aromas of tilled soil, underbrush, leather, purple flower, cedar and ripe black-skinned berry lead the way on this delicious blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot. The smooth full-bodied palate doles out juicy blackberry, red currant, licorice, exotic spice, mocha and a hint of game while tightly knit but velvety tannins lend both structure and finesse. It's already compelling but give it time to fully develop. Drink 2018–2027.

95

242

Tuscany

Red Blend

111,561

US

Dry, spicy and elegantly structured, this is a little rugged around the edges in texture, but the black raspberry and cola flavors are savory.

86

28

California

Pinot Noir

44,226

US

This vineyard has been source to some of Fogarty's greatest Chardonnays, and this 2009 bottling continues the tradition of excellence. It's bone dry and tart in acidity, with smoky oak and lees influences. But the real star of the wine is the fruit; the flavors of lemon and lime custard, papaya, guava and nectarine are delicious.

93

50

California

Chardonnay

22,998

US

Charred oak characterizes the nose of this wine from an estate just 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean, but chopped dill takes the place of overpowering butter aromas. The herbs show up on the palate, hovering on pine needles, sandalwood and oak toothpicks, with lime pith keeping it fresh.

91

39

California

Chardonnay

103,986

Spain

This wine's heavy oak aromas are toasty but not overdone, while bacon and tobacco notes lurk in the background. Its raw, supremely tannic palate delivers woody, spicy berry flavors.

87

15

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

71,648

Argentina

While Argentine Malbecs aren't textbook cellaring wines, this one has enough spirit, tannin and structure to benefit from a few years on its side. Now, it's lush on the nose, with ripe berry, pencil eraser, vanilla and marzipan aromas. The palate is chewy but well built, with dense blackberry, cassis, coconut and chocolate flavors. On the finish, things only intensify. Will be at its best around 2015–2016.

93

32

Mendoza Province

Malbec

100,931

Italy

Aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, ground pepper and a whiff of toast lead the nose. The straightforward palate offers dried cherry, pomegranate and roasted coffee bean alongside fine-grained but fleeting tannins that leave a mouth-puckering finish.

86

18

Tuscany

Red Blend

77,083

Italy

Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, this stylish wine opens with aromas of red berry, Mediterranean herb and cedar. The juicy, elegantly structured palate doles out red currant, black raspberry, licorice and white pepper alongside silky tannins. Drink now–2024.

93

50

Tuscany

Cabernet Sauvignon

4,417

US

This Cabernet Sauvignon's char, vanilla, caramel, toast, herb and dark fruit scents are followed by equal parts fruit and barrel flavors. It delivers enjoyment notwithstanding the heavy oak influence, which may yet integrate in the bottle.

89

49

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

129,101

US

There's grip around this wine's core of clove, plum and smoke but the lushness is muted, perhaps an indication of the tough growing year, while structure remains. Small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are blended in, the whole aged in 51% new French oak.

87

95

California

Merlot

31,056

France

This is a steely wine, crisp and very textured. Lemon zest and acidity are given structure by the mineral character and by the touches of wood. It's a wine with a future, so drink from 2016.

90

47

Burgundy

Chardonnay

91,605

France

This is a wine with harshness, sharp walnut and bitter orange flavors. It gives off a hard feeling that probably won't soften much.

83

18

Burgundy

Chardonnay

92,849

Germany

Whiffs of spice accent aromas of orange blossom and fresh pears on this dry, richly textured wine. Ripe pineapple and tangerine flavors are unabashedly mouthwatering, but elevated by a piercing mineral focus that drives the finish. Effortless yet elegant in style.

90

15

Mosel

Riesling

121,307

US

An interesting Grenache, soft and complex. There's a red cherry candy and brown sugar flavor, spiced with cinnamon, vanilla and toast. The tannin-acid balance is just fine.

87

38

California

Grenache

122,194

US

There's a good streak of acidity behind this dry wine, which is fortunate because the tannins are very soft. It has just enough crispness to balance the ripe cherry and sweet green herb flavors. Similar to Sangiovese, this is a pleasant sipper now.

86

24

California

Tempranillo

88,614

Italy

Pretty aromas of violet, rose and wild berry lead the nose. The bright but rather lean palate offers raw red berry, peppercorn and saline together with notes of dried sage. Astringent tannins create an abrupt finish.

87

Tuscany

Sangiovese

27,435

France

Dry and serious, this firm wine is classic Bordeaux. It has weight, a core of tannins and black currant fruitiness that needs time to fully integrate with the dense structure. Give this exemplary wine another five years.

91

25

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

108,782

France

The wine has red fruits and tannins along with acidity. The 25-year old vines have produced a rich wine that is all about fruit and acidity. Drink from 2018.

85

12

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

29,391

US

Farmhouse just-churned butter is most prominent on the nose, opening up a world that then flowers into layers of ripe, rich apple and pear. Balanced and textured, the wine reflects its near-ideal vintage, marked by a pronouncement of structure and power. Finishing with a zing, it will stand up to time in the cellar, through 2020.

93

70

California

Chardonnay

15,291

US

Searing acidity supports apple blossom and quince in this complex, light-bodied and entirely delightful wine. As it opens in the glass, it gets more velvety and tense, finishing on a refreshing bite of anise.

90

18

California

Chardonnay

53,182

France

This is top Champagne from Piper-Heidsieck, offering the delicious airy quality that's the hallmark of this house, with crisp apple flavor, tangy acidity and the first signs of yeasty, toasty bottle age. Its fruit intensity has transformed into a splendid selection. It's worth aging for a few more years, though also delicious now.

94

175

Champagne

Champagne Blend

42,538

Italy

A successful expression of Sauvignon Blanc, this has good structure, density and staying power. It delivers stone fruit, citrus, pear, exotic fruit flavors, with touches of spice and green herb on the crisp close.

90

28

Northeastern Italy

Sauvignon Blanc

98,448

US

This is marked by hard tannins and acidity, bearing blackberry, dark chocolate and mineral flavors, with a smoky oak note that is unintegrated with the other components. Will it age? There's a purity to the core that strongly suggests it will. Hold it until 2017, and it could develop bottle nuance well beyond that.

94

145

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

8,133

France

This wine, blending one-third each of the three main Champagne grapes, is crisp, although with a dosage that gives it a soft edge. Full of ripe apple and warm melon fruit, it has acidity as well as a gentle texture. The wine is balanced and ready to drink.

87

40

Champagne

Champagne Blend

84,652

Italy

Here's a textbook Barbera that boasts well-integrated mineral notes with plusher aromas of chocolate and ripe fruit. The wine is clean and compact but there's enough body and heft here to pair with braised pork or grilled lamb shanks.

88

18

Piedmont

Barbera

35,709

US

Somewhat lean in texture but very tasty and classic in terms of aroma and flavor, this wine has a unique presence. Aromas suggest rhubarb, raspberry and black tea, and the flavors reflect that complexity, too. At less than half the price of Hirsch's higher-priced wines, it has almost as much charm.

90

38

California

Pinot Noir

11,308

France

Closed and firm at this early stage, the wine from Jean-Michel Bergeron has good potential. It is rich with plenty of black-currant fruit as well as dry tannins. Give this wine its time and wait until 2019.

87

13

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

10,087

France

Tight grapefruit flavors, very perfumed and totally dry and crisp, this is a pure-fruited wine, packed with acidity, flavors of white currants and a final zesty minerality. Screwcap.

88

14

Alsace

Riesling

112,806

US

Has this vineyard ever produced anything less than a spectacular Pinot Noir? Hitching Post's '06 showcases its exotic spiciness and the way its power is modulated with an elegant structure. Cloves, nutmeg, allspice and white pepper are just a few of the spices that tantalize the cherry, orange and cola flavors. The wine feels wonderful in the mouth, rich and long-lasting. Ageable, too, with a window extending beyond 2012.

94

42

California

Pinot Noir

51,894

France

Wood-aged wine, showing both spice and ripe tropical fruits. Mango and pineapple combine with vanilla and coconut milk to give a full, rich wine, though with Sauvignon Blanc's fresh acidity. Age for 2–3 years.

93

45

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

121,893

US

An awesome wine—this is so massively intense in blackberry, blueberry and cassis flavors, it's hard to believe. From the first sip though the middle palate, it's seemingly sweet with a fruity essence, but the finish is dry and firm. Drink now and for 8–10 years, at the very least.

96

80

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

57,452

France

Heavily dominated by Merlot, this is a generous and full-bodied wine. Wood aging has left its mark in the burnt, toasty character. The fruit, though, is generous, bringing out the richness of the limestone soil. This wine will be ripe and full-bodied. Drink from 2017.

90

24

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

53,141

US

This drinks like a Port, with extremely ripe and definitely sweet flavors of raisins, dried plums and blackberry jam. It's not so much a dinner wine as something to sip around the campfire or with a dark chocolate dessert.

89

25

California

Zinfandel

107,702

US

Hearty rhubarb, cranberry and cherry notes meet with copious spices, from allspice to cinnamon to vanilla, on the nose of this bottling that also shows dust and cigar box. It's boisterous with fresh flavors on the palate, where black raspberry and juicy strawberry flavors are cut by sharp spice and a pine-needle finish.

91

45

California

Pinot Noir

62,085

US

Waterstone's non-reserve Cabernet is often quite good and the '05 is just about their best ever. It's a fine wine, dry and full-bodied and rich in black currants, smoky oak and spices. Drink now and for the next several years.

87

26

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

2,938

US

Despite some black cherry richness, there's a green, minty, stalky note of unripeness in this blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre that limits its appeal. Decanting doesn't help and neither will aging.

84

18

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

85,339

US

Huge aromas on this Syrah, refined, very potent, offering waves of cassis, blackberries, roasted coffee, grilled meat, black pepper, cedar and spices. Tastes as dense and lush as it smells, a full-bodied, rich wine, tannic and with good acidity. Finishes bone dry, yet sweet in cherries. A dazzling crowd-pleaser of a wine that should hold for five years or so.

94

40

California

Syrah

82,535

US

Not entirely together flavors of sour cherry, cracker and seed mark this as a wine that may require some further bottle age. The components are here, but they do not come together.

83

16

Oregon

Pinot Noir

60,948

US

A very beautiful Syrah, long and deep in flavor. It's a big, mouth filling wine whose tannins are considerable, and it will probably benefit from a year or two in the cellar. But it's so rich in blackberries, black currants and smoked meat that it's hard not to open it now. As sweet as the fruit is, the finish is thoroughly dry.

93

40

California

Syrah

56,821

Spain

Ripe berry aromas combined with oak, vanilla and coconut scents make for a full friendly nose. This feels choppy and abrasive. Woody flavors of coconut and black fruits finish full and tannic, which creates a raw blocky feel that time may tame. Drink through 2023.

91

125

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

34,529

US

Over the top in oak, a clumsy attempt to lure in consumers with vanilla and caramel flavors that have little to do with Chardonnay. It's already turning old and tired.

83

22

California

Chardonnay

14,665

US

The best wine to date from Ashley Trout, this single-vineyard Malbec seduces with its thick, dense, decadently lush flavors of black cherry and cassis. Licorice, tar, coffee and cacao notes come into play on the deep and lingering finish. If anything, the wine is even better on the second day, as the fruit flavors mature into a plummy Christmas-cake delight.

92

37

Washington

Malbec

77,583

US

Smooth and already a seamless, complex and compelling whole, this estate-grown reserve overdelivers for the price. Roughly one-fifth new oak balances the modest alcohol, and the just-ripe berry and pomegranate fruit. Light hints of earth, coffee grounds and sassafras add further detail through a lingering finish.

91

36

Oregon

Pinot Noir

67,232

France

Bringing together in its name two important aspects of Provence, flower (lavender is a major local crop) and the sea, this wine is soft and fruity, with just the right balance of acidity and ripe fruit flavors. It is refreshing, open and ready to drink.

87

18

Provence

Rosé

82,275

US

This full-bodied wine packs a lot of punch in terms of mouthfeel and flavor. The color is extremely dark, and the flavors resemble dark chocolate, black cherries and baking spices. It is dry in style, with lip-smacking, nicely astringent tannins that counterbalance all that richness.

92

24

California

Red Blend

72,279

Spain

Dusty lime aromas carry a modest nose toward a clean palate with moderate fruity weight. Flavors of white grapefruit and lime finish with additional citrus notes and stone-fruit accents. It's a nice, forward-leaning Cava.

88

14

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

75,603

US

You'll find strong flavors of grilled blackberries and black cherries, tobacco, unsweetened baker's chocolate and black pepper in this dry, tannic wine. Made from Syrah, Mourvèdre and Counoise, it's rustic and high in alcohol. Makes you think of beef tacos.

85

24

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

42,620

US

Grass, gooseberry and grapefruit wind their way around a light-bodied, crisp and ephemeral wine, aged mostly in stainless steel, with a small percentage in neutral French oak. Tiny bits of Sémillon and Sauvignon Musque make their way into the mix, for a wine that's textured and refreshing.

89

21

California

Sauvignon Blanc