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
60,400	US	Simple and jammy, although tasty enough, with lip-smacking, candied flavors of cherries, raspberries and spicy mocha. Feels light and silky in the mouth, with gentle acids and tannins.	86	38	California	Pinot Noir
21,850	Argentina	Clean, citric and precise on the nose, then exceedingly lean and pointy in the mouth, where uncompromised flavors of mineral, lime and orange peel set up a chalky, crisp finish. Mouthwatering and cleansing.	86	13	Mendoza Province	Sauvignon Blanc
93,036	US	Rich and sweet in pineapples, limes, kiwi fruit, honey and caramelized oak, but bracing acidity and a firm minerality prevent it from being a mere fruit bomb. Drink now.	87	21	California	Chardonnay
104,875	Italy	Blackberry, ripe plum, kitchen spice and moist earth aromas lead the nose. The straightforward, easy-drinking, palate offers black cherry, white pepper and a hint of anise alongside lively acidity.	87	35	Piedmont	Barbera
122,868	US	This 11-vineyard blend of 51% Syrah, 31% Grenache, 14% Mourvèdre and 4% Counoise represents an excellent value in the realm of expertly balanced but boisterously flavored wines. The fruity nose shows smashed raspberry, boysenberry, violet and potpourri, leading into a lively palate full of rose petals, exotic red cherries and turned earth. It's easy to drink yet intellectual as well.	91	25	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
91,728	France	Bonheur—happiness—is an appropriate name for this fresh and crisp wine that comes in a flute à corset bottle. It is fruity, lively with orange and apricot over raspberries. Bright acidity finishes it all in good humor.	86	18	Provence	Rosé
91,742	US	Pleasant but then rather persistent oak aromas occupy the nose on this wine, with lemon rinds and lime juice hiding beneath. The palate is also quite reliant on the oak, offering smoked vanilla beans, pear juice and a touch of citrus peel bitterness, but it's really a very plush white wine.	86	30	California	Bordeaux-style White Blend
11,578	France	From one of the highest of the Mercurey premier crus, this wine has a crisp edge to its otherwise ripe red fruits. It has a fine line of wood as well as the juicy fruitiness and acidity. The wine is already balanced, likely to develop easily and quickly. Drink this from 2019.	91	45	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
80,043	Italy	Earthy aromas of truffle, leather, dried herb and dark berry slowly take shape in this full-bodied red. Smooth and concentrated, the palate doles out fleshy wild cherry, raspberry compote, and savory orange zest and star anise notes, framed by fine-grained tannins. Drink 2019–2025.	92	80	Tuscany	Sangiovese
128,714	US	This is one of the first wines to bear this new appellation in Sonoma County. More importantly, it's one of the best California Malbecs out there. It's rich and juicy with ripe cherries and mocha, along with a sweet coating of toasty oak. It's soft enough to drink now, especially with a great grilled steak.	90	39	California	Malbec
15,390	US	There's a peppy ease to the aromas of this bottling, with light raspberry and rhubarb lifted by cola and sarsaparilla notes. The palate is a tad fruit-punchy, with red cherry and some thyme to give depth.	85	25	California	Pinot Noir
87,663	US	Smoky, meaty aromas and lush berry flavors combine for a showy, full-bodied wine. It smells like charred oak, minerals and blackberry, then tastes like chocolate and dark cherry, with soft tannins for texture and a lingering, almost sweet finish.	88	16	California	Zinfandel
114,180	France	This is an attractive, soft and fruity wine. With gentle tannins and a touch of spice to balance the red fruits, it is developing into a juicy wine. Lightly smoky at the end, it will be ready to drink from 2017.	87	12	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
60,388	US	This fruitywine has crisp acids and a pretty overlay of toasty oak. Drinks rich in apple, citrus and pear flavors, with a creamy texture, and is dry.	86	15	California	Chardonnay
117,490	France	Rich and complex, this is a densely flavored rosé. It has spice and tangerine orange zest as well as a more complex red pepper and red currant character. It is a wine for fish or ratatouille.	90	20	Provence	Rosé
104,649	US	This is the inaugural release of this wine. It shows aromas of dried herbs, plums and currants that lead to a full-bodied and full-flavored palate. It's a mouthful of juicy fruit flavors that delights the senses, with the feel simply dazzling.	91	20	Washington	Barbera
8,975	US	Gravel, asphalt and iron drive the minerally nose of this bottling, which also shows cigar box, cherry leather, stewed strawberry and chocolate-caramel aromatics. There is plenty of both tannic grip and vibrant acidity once sipped, with cherries, cranberries and oregano elements making for a saucy palate. Drink 2017–2025.	93	70	California	Nebbiolo
38,414	Italy	From the celebrated Montefico vineyard site, this opens with a floral fragrance of rose petal, blue flower and perfumed red berry. The delicious palate delivers layers of ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and white pepper alongside firm tannins. Drink after 2017.	94	65	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
129,256	US	From an organically farmed estate vineyard in Chiles Valley operated by the same family for more than 40 years, this 87% Cabernet Sauvignon-13% Merlot has soul and structure, as well a stony minerality that compels. Menthol and tobacco weave between thick layers of dark cherry and plum, complemented on the palate by exotic cardamom and clove. This is one worth cellaring through 2022 or giving an hour or two to open.	93	50	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
19,024	France	This is a ripe generous wine with soft tannins and already delicious red fruits. It lives up to the ideal of Volnay, rich and sumptuous, although with an attractive cut of acidity to balance. Drink this wine from 2022.	93	84	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
31,163	US	This Pinot is so fabulous, it's easy to fall in love with. It comes as no surprise that this wine hails from the wonderful Talley-Rincon Vineyard. Light and silky, it's bright in citrusy acids. Dry on the palate, but with juicy raspberry and cherry flavors, and hints of mineral, spice and smoky oak for complexity. What a nice wine for drinking now.	92	40	California	Pinot Noir
19,803	Argentina	This is pricey for what you get. It's a blend of 50% Riesling with 40% Albariño and 10% Sauvignon, and frankly it smells a bit oily and stalky, while the palate is soft and the flavors suggest underripe green melon and apple. On the finish, it's a bit green.	83	30	Mendoza Province	White Blend
73,128	US	Fermented entirely in concrete egg, this is a light, clear red exuberant in earthy cherry and cassis. Ethereal, it offers spice and plenty of length around a shy body, a bite of fruit on the finish. Made in small quantities at a fair price, it's one to try for its sheer rarity alone, a good example of another light-bodied red that can do well in the appellation.	90	20	California	Grenache
39,521	Spain	Simple lime and salinic aromas are clean and fresh. The palate is juicy and tight, with lime, apple and dry spice flavors. Finishes balanced and citrusy, with proper length and mouthfeel. A good but regular Cava that's done right for the price.	87	10	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
91,638	US	Candied red cherry, mulberry, lilac, kola nut and dark sandalwood show on the lush nose of this bottling. The palate is wound tightly around a tense structure and bright but not overpowering acidity, revealing flavors of allspice, dark red fruit and hints of juniper.	92	34	California	Grenache
124,929	US	Restrained aromas of waxy apple skins and lemon accumulate in ripeness on the palate of this off-dry Riesling, boasting juicy pink grapefruit and caramelized sugar tones. It's zesty and spry but rounded and juicy in mouthfeel.	89	13	New York	Riesling
64,682	Italy	A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot (with small percentages of other varieties mixed in), this extracted wine delivers mature fruit, dried rose petal and dark chocolate. The wine is fresh but gritty and thickly textured as well.	88	30	Tuscany	Red Blend
14,543	US	The grapes for this old-vine wine come from various appellations within Sonoma, including Dry Creek and Sonoma Valley. The Zin is blended with mixed blacks and Mourvèdre, which combine for a sweet, thick and jammy experience of cherry-raspberry molasses. A spicy hit of pepper peaks on the finish.	84	23	California	Zinfandel
84,819	France	Powerful and rich, this has a great spice component that shoots through the pure fruit flavors. It is already a delicious wine with its juicy acidity and fresh, zesty, mineral character. But at the same time, it has a great structure, beautifully ripe fruitiness and excellent potential. It will drink at its best from 2022.	95	333	Burgundy	Chardonnay
103,497	US	This is a glamorous, fashionable wine that gives the pleasure you want in a bubbly. It's dryish and crisp, with doughy yeast, raspberry and lime flavors. A good price for a California sparkling wine of this quality.	90	26	California	Sparkling Blend
11,322	US	This wine, made by a relative of the Jocko's Steak House family, is vibrant. Bright and racy, the welcoming nose offers light cinnamon notes, plump raspberries, dried rose petals and a touch of slate. The palate winds tight cranberry-raspberry fruit through layers of bay leaf and dark clay, finishing with a menthol character that lingers into the finish.	93	32	California	Pinot Noir
53,647	US	This is an excellent Cabernet that's dry, firmly tannic, and has fine acidity. It's a bit less flashy than the '09 and '10, but has better structure, and may well gain traction with six years or longer in the cellar. It's 100% Cabernet blended from three Coombsville vineyards.	92	64	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
83,679	Argentina	Good for Argentine Chard but not worth the price. It starts with mellow peach and apricot aromas, which are followed by melon, papaya and banana flavors. Easygoing in terms of feel, with a creamy, sweet finish. A typical South American tropical Chardonnay.	85	20	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
83,416	Italy	100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of cassis, cedar, tobacco and dried Mediterranean herbs. The concentrated palate delivers licorice, black currants, dried plum, coffee, clove and chocolate alongside bracing but fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2016–2022.	91	40	Tuscany	Cabernet Sauvignon
35,024	France	Balancing sweet wood and mineral-driven citrus character, this is elegant and stylish, showing peach and grapefruit flavors. The wood, so fine, acts as balance and support. Age for 5–6 years.	92	260	Burgundy	Chardonnay
85,499	US	This is a ripe, vigorous young Petite Sirah. It's strong in tannins, with just enough acidity to make the black currant, roasted meat, plum and cedar flavors bright. This needs time; give it 5–6 years, and it should glide through 2020.	90	39	California	Petite Sirah
114,374	Italy	Aromas of French oak, coconut, blue flower and spiced plum emerge in the glass. The firm palate offers black currant, espresso, tobacco and vanilla while fine-grained tannins provide support.	90	65	Veneto	Red Blend
122,349	France	This is a ripe, rounded and aromatic wine, with just the right stretch of minerality and juicy citrus flavor. Crisp, tangy and refreshing in its fruitiness, the wine is rich and full, finishing with a final burst acidity.	91	34	Burgundy	Chardonnay
75,395	US	Using grapes sourced from an older vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, this pure Cabernet mixes blackberry and black cherry fruit with a lightly smoky core. It thins out quickly, and shows a hint of green in its tannins.	87	28	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
47,605	US	Green bell pepper and gooseberry notes dominate this Sauvignon Blanc, although it does have notes of honey and Meyer lemons. It's bright in acidity, and the finish is spicy and clean. For the price, it's a good value.	85	11	California	Sauvignon Blanc
90,107	US	The most accessible of Testarossa's 2008 Pinot Noirs, this blend is dry and silky and fruity. Rewards for its plethora of cherry, raspberry, cola, cinnamon, white pepper and sandalwood flavors. Drink now–2011.	88	37	California	Pinot Noir
116,708	US	Feels harsh and tart in the mouth, with sharp acidity that gives the oaky-cherry flavors the taste of Chinese sweet-and-sour sauce.	82	40	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
89,874	US	Meaty, slightly earthy aromas are tempting, and the flavors expand with gobs of rich black plum and blackcurrant. This wine from a rising star in the Sierra Foothills has serious structure and full body, blanketed in fine tannins and encouraging the flavors to linger on the finish. Drink after 2018.	93	48	California	Tempranillo
83,174	US	This distinctive wine shows aromas of rain-soaked herbs, mineral, cocoa and red fruit. It's filled with luscious, jammy raspberry flavors that combine with an alluring, silky feel. With time, the aromas and flavors might unite to kick it up a notch.	89	45	Washington	Syrah
39,716	US	The Holstein designate offers pretty flavors of cherry and brambly berry, along with the Dr. Pepper character often found in Oregon. It's drinking well, though lacking the concentration that you would anticipate from the vintage and AVA.	87	35	Oregon	Pinot Noir
97,702	US	Racy and bright, with high acidity framing dry flavors of lemons, limes and grapefruits. There's a green streak of gooseberry that signals some unripeness.	85	17	California	Sauvignon Blanc
109,099	US	Light and lively, this is a bright, tangy, fruit-driven effort, with little or no evident barrel flavor. Apples and white peaches hold down the center, with a crisp, fresh finish.	88	22	Oregon	Chardonnay
128,831	US	A blend of fruit from Loess, Mill Creek Upland and Leonetti Old Block, this standout wine opens with alluring aromas of dark chocolate, raspberries, blueberries, sandalwood and assorted spices. The palate is plush and fruit-filled but with well-balanced acidity and impressive length.	92	75	Washington	Merlot
24,680	US	A good everyday Zinfandel whose full-bodied, spicy fruitiness will satisfy with barbecue. It's a rugged, somewhat rustic wine with briary flavors of wild blackberries, leather, cola and pepper. Drink now.	85	18	California	Zinfandel
42,976	US	Ripe and luscious, this coats the mouth with a mélange of juicy apples and peaches. That initial hit is followed up with a wash of buttery, toasted nuts, and finally kissed away with a lick of wet stone. It's creamy and rich without ever being tiring.	93	29	Oregon	Chardonnay
65,462	US	Production volume is up, but the concentration does not match the excellent 2014 edition of this reserve-level wine. There are modestly ripe melon and green apple flavors, along with a touch of buttered toast.	88	55	Oregon	Chardonnay
35,490	US	Aromas of pear and yellow apple are at the fore. It drinks off dry with full feel. There's enjoyment to be had but the varietal is hard to discern.	83	25	Washington	Chardonnay
33,194	US	Abundant flavors and fresh-tasting acidity come together in this full-bodied wine to form a complete, complex package. Yes, there is a vivid streak of vanilla and nutmeg from aging in all American oak barrels but the ripe apple flavors and underlying crispness keep those from overwhelming.	90	18	California	Chardonnay
126,927	US	Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Malbec grapes, aged six months sur lie in barrel, this dry wine has a pleasing ruby color and tannic, woodsy waves of waxy strawberry. It finishes clean and fresh.	87	38	California	Rosé
107,037	US	From an estate-grown, valley-floor vineyard on the southern edges of the winery property, this wine is complex and nuanced in berry pie and a satchel of dried herb. Sizable tannins—which show promise to be tamed with time—form the integrated structure, supporting a lengthy, mocha-chocolate finish. Cellar through 2020.	92	136	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
106,619	US	Soft and earthy, with dried herb and blackberry flavors tinged with smoky oak, this is a gentle Cabernet for drinking now. It has enough fanciness to partner with a nice steak or an upscale beef taco.	87	40	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
53,468	US	A simple Merlot, but likeable enough, with ripe, jammy raspberry, prune and cherry flavors.	87	36	California	Merlot
95,909	US	A bit over the top in fruity extraction, a bomb blast of sweet raspberry, cherry and blackberry jam. It's almost like a dessert wine. Yet there's a lot of tannins and acidity, and who knows? It could do interesting things. At this price, buy a bottle and stick it in the cellar for six years.	87	22	California	Syrah
55,268	US	Sometimes in a challenging vintage such as 2009, it is the least expensive, blended wines that benefit most, perhaps because grapes normally destined for the single-vineyard wines are redirected. Here, rich fruit flavors highlighted with streaks of caramel and toffee get things rolling quickly. Berries and cherries, firm acids, pretty spice and a lingering butterscotch finish.	91	45	Oregon	Pinot Noir
31,439	US	A crisp light yellow in the glass, this is a well-priced wine for warmer days. Light grassy tones mix with faint peach on the nose, while the palate is dissected by strong acidity, offering rounded peach, a touch of green pepper and a cement-like minerality.	88	15	California	Sauvignon Blanc
71,160	US	This is 90% Cabernet Franc from the Chelle den Pleasant Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Strong scents and flavors of barnyard, bacon fat and tanned leather. The fruit is muted, and finishes with tarry tannins. Drink up.	85	30	Washington	Cabernet Franc
2,851	US	Slightly muted tones of black cherry and plum preserves are accented by wet soil, mushroom and coconut in this rustic yet elegant Cabernet Franc. Ripe fruit is contrasted by vibrant acidity, rigid tannins and a pleasant bite of astringency that persists through the finish. Drink now through 2022.	88	25	New York	Cabernet Franc
47,428	US	In a vintage that produced the finest overall lineup of Cayuse wines to date, it may seem a little nit-picky to score some higher and some lower. But the En Chamberlin deserves first place again. Brilliant aromatics of smoked meat, bacon fat and otherworldly roasted accents seduce instantly. Once on the palate, the silky, balanced, near-perfect mix of umami and fruit, plus licorice, cassis, coffee liqueur and black tea notes suggest it's as decadent as it is delicious.	99	75	Oregon	Syrah
56,494	US	Tough tannins, acidity and extreme dryness mark this Merlot. While it has some nice, complex black cherry and licorice flavors, it's just too astringent to enjoy, and will not age.	83	19	California	Merlot
84,052	US	A big improvement over the 2007, Stephens' '08 is rich and ripe. It brims with pineapple, buttered toast, vanilla and cinnamon flavors, brightened with crisp acidity. Easy to drink, and delicious through the finish.	90	50	California	Chardonnay
85,288	Italy	Aromas of raisin, purple flower, stewed plum, Asian spice and a hint of resin lead the nose on this dense red. The big monolithic palate doles out mature black plum, raisin, blackberry extract and licorice alongside velvety tannins. A confectionery note closes the finish.	90	64	Veneto	Red Blend
108,215	US	There's a forest-floor touch to the nose of this appellation blend that also shows smoked and raw beef, hearty berries and a slight compost touch. The mouthfeel is soft, with flavors of iron and aged beef giving nuance to the tart raspberry, pomegranate, chipped slate and dried-mint finish.	91	35	California	Pinot Noir
12,938	US	This is the winery's estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, and it opens rather stiff and herbal. It's a taut, dark and deep wine that rewards decanting, showing good concentration and dense layers of brambly berries, licorice and espresso. Age for at least another decade.	90	30	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
25,334	France	Rich and rounded, packed with yellow fruits and pineapple flavors, this is a warm, opulent wine, combining toast and fruit. True, there is some minerality, but this Meursault revels in its ripe fruit and generosity.	94	155	Burgundy	Chardonnay
73,306	US	As with all the 2013 white wines from Chehalem, the alcohol is way down and the acids up in this blend of the three estate vineyards. All-stainless fermented, it's quite tart with green apple and grapefruit flavors dominating.	87	22	Oregon	Riesling
90,241	US	Soft and dull, with simple blackberry Lifesaver candy flavors that let the heat from alcohol show through.	82	20	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
88,432	US	Winemaker James Ewart's powerful bottling shows blueberry, vanilla, dark spice and scarlet-red roses on the nose, followed by an intriguing complexity on the palate. Flavors of blackberry jam and black pepper run through the sip, as does a touch of roasted beef, framed by bursting acidity.	93	30	California	Red Blend
6,731	France	With its fine tannic structure, plum juice sweetness and beautifully ripe fruits, this is a wine that combines structure with a rich velvet coat. The acidity gives a fine lift, bringing out strawberries and a final piercing freshness.	94	280	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
22,644	US	This estate-grown Pinot Grigio takes the variety's basic citrus, straw, green apple and tropical fruit flavors and lifts them with partial barrel fermentation. It's a rich, but balanced, wine for drinking with almost anything.	88	25	California	Pinot Grigio
12,367	France	Between Nantes and Angers, the small appellation of Coteaux d'Ancenis hugs the banks of the Loire. This rosé, with its fresh while also ripe strawberry fruits, is subtly textured with attractive acidity and lightly perfumed. Drink now.	85	11	Loire Valley	Rosé
67,017	US	Grown in Calistoga, this is textbook Petite Sirah: It's black as a moonless night, bone dry, intensely tannic and enormously packed in fruit. Those tannins really lock the wine down in astringency, but they can't hide the massive burst of blackberry, cassis liqueur, mocha, crispy bacon and black pepper. Nowhere near ready to drink, it's a wine to be cellared for 5–6 years, at the very least. It should glide through the decades effortlessly, gradually losing tannins and growing more clean and pure.	93	55	California	Petite Sirah
55,027	France	An aromatic nose of ripe red and yellow apple promises fruit-forward fizz. On the palate, these notes are intensified by the very vivid frothy bubbles as they burst. There is apple crispness and lots of fruit on the light dry palate. It's an ideal and invigorating apéritif.	89	23	Alsace	Sparkling Blend
7,541	Italy	Banfi presents an easy, no-fuss Chianti Classico that showcases Sangiovese typicity and personality. This is a profoundly food-friendly wine with built-in natural acidity that pairs it with butter or cream-based pasta dishes.	87	18	Tuscany	Sangiovese
24,061	US	Lots of fruity richness in this dry Syrah. Shows blackberry, chocolate, licorice and pie crust flavors. The tannins are somewhat unbalanced, suggesting work needs to be done in the vineyard.	85	16	California	Syrah
57,766	US	A voluptuous wine that shows its sunny California origins in the ripe cherry and raspberry flavors. It's delicious on a purely hedonistic level, showing the dynamism of a Highlands Pinot Noir, even if it lacks some structural subtlety and dryness.	88	55	California	Pinot Noir
91,019	US	Talley's basic estate Pinot can be good, and it can be ordinary. The '06 is pretty tannic and direct. It's a hard, tough wine that's not particularly lush, although it's clean and properly varietal. You'll find cherry and currant flavors that veer into raisins.	86	36	California	Pinot Noir
16,509	US	Long a producer of high quality and good value, Navarro seems to be raising the bar higher on its Pinot Noir. A vivid, potent and concentrated fruit component lights up this full-bodied wine from the first whiff through the finish. Black cherry, violet and cassis come together in a powerful beam of flavor. A good backbone of acidity and firm tannins supports that power nicely.	93	55	California	Pinot Noir
98,391	France	A limited-edition vintage that Perrier-Jouët releases for summer drinking. It has weight and richness with a soft, fruity dosage that gives touches of yeast and fragrant acidity. Ripe apple, raspberry and citrus fruits are still very present in this wine that is full and balanced. It could do with more bottle age to bring out more of the toast that is just beginning, so drink from 2016.	95	250	Champagne	Champagne Blend
113,509	France	Wood spice aromas are an indication this wine that has had serious oak aging. Along with the dense tannins and wood, there is, happily, some fruit that will develop as the structure softens. Drink this powerful wine with its rich berry fruit from 2021.	90	22	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
31,223	US	This wine delivers on richness of flavor without being overwhelming or overdone. Refined in soft tannins and a core of expressive, juicy blue and black berry fruit, it is seductive and smoky on the finish, sourced mainly from vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley.	90	15	California	Zinfandel
77,055	Italy	This dense and ripe Syrah offers mature black-skinned fruit, allspice and smoke tones. Its core of ripe black currant fruit is accented with a confectionary note of vanilla and punctuated by rounded tannins. Enjoy soon.	87	17	Sicily & Sardinia	Syrah
83,135	France	With spice and wood right up front, this wine is toasty and rich. It has a creamy texture along with bright acidity and a generous body. The wine, with its smooth, ripe aftertaste, is of course young. Drink from 2017.	91	82	Burgundy	Chardonnay
57,358	Germany	Vibrant strikes of acidity and spicy mineral tones permeate through this brisk, feather-light spätlese. Zesty green-apple and plum flavors are cutting and spry on the palate, accentuated by delicate, lingering sweetness. Invigorating now, it should gain depth through 2025 and hold further.	90	34	Mosel	Riesling
100,936	US	A leathery texture gives this wine a rough, roguish edge, around flavors of baked plum and mocha. Medium bodied, it's approachable and ready to enjoy now.	86	40	California	Zinfandel
108,935	France	Organically grown grapes give this wine a pure and fruity character that makes it instantly attractive. It is crisp, laced with lemon and lively, juicy red fruits. The aftertaste is dry and full of flavor.	88	10	Provence	Rosé
60,508	Spain	Rooty berry and coffee aromas are medicinal. This feels punchy due to stark acidity. Flavors of oaky red plum and currant finish similarly, and while this Rioja isn't bothersome it's raw throughout.	84	11	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
97,879	US	For a (relatively) mass production Oregon Pinot, this offers excellent flavors and comparatively good value. A seductive nose leads into a plush palate mixing berries, cola, clean earth and rock. It's textural and balanced, with enough complexity to keep you coming back to the glass.	89	32	Oregon	Pinot Noir
87,526	US	Lovely aromatics introduce this subtly powerful Pinot Noir. Floral highlights lead into tart cherry fruit that seems to gather strength as it flows across the palate. There are hints of mineral and a splash of coffee in the lingering finish.	92	55	Oregon	Pinot Noir
74,806	US	Some people are sensitive to the green, minty gooseberry aroma that strongly permeates this wine. If you can deal with that, the flavors veer toward slightly sweet pineapples, peaches, melons and vanilla.	82	17	California	Sauvignon Blanc
25,703	US	Bonterra excels with this leaner, lighter, brighter form of Chardonnay. Made out of organically grown grapes, it's crisp as a green apple, with just a trace of butterscotch on the otherwise lemony finish.	88	14	California	Chardonnay
18,254	US	Very light in the glass, this bottling shows tons of underripe cranberry, dried rose petals, marjoram, white pepper and tangy olives on the nose. The light-bodied palate shows similar qualities, with fully extracted flavors of tart red fruits, purple flowers and white tea.	92	42	California	Pinot Noir
14,908	US	This syrupy, dense red exhibits tobacco and root beer flavors, framed with chunky tannins. Blackberry and black current fruit barely show through its leathery texture and profound weight.	86	59	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
26,034	France	Initially a little rustic, the wine does open out. It is smoky, fruity with the acidity of the vintage.	84	12	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
92,204	France	There is plenty of Merlot in this ripe wine which is produced in the Listrac cooperative. Spice and attractive tannins give the wine structure and perfume. They contrast with the juicy blackberry fruits and fine crisp acidity. The wine will be ready to drink from 2021.	87	25	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
35,636	US	Blended with 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec, this sturdily built, medium-bodied wine shows a distinct green, herbal quality that's strong and persistent on the nose. Pencil shaving and sage elements contribute further intrigue and complexity.	88	65	California	Cabernet Sauvignon

60,400

US

Simple and jammy, although tasty enough, with lip-smacking, candied flavors of cherries, raspberries and spicy mocha. Feels light and silky in the mouth, with gentle acids and tannins.

86

38

California

Pinot Noir

21,850

Argentina

Clean, citric and precise on the nose, then exceedingly lean and pointy in the mouth, where uncompromised flavors of mineral, lime and orange peel set up a chalky, crisp finish. Mouthwatering and cleansing.

86

13

Mendoza Province

Sauvignon Blanc

93,036

US

Rich and sweet in pineapples, limes, kiwi fruit, honey and caramelized oak, but bracing acidity and a firm minerality prevent it from being a mere fruit bomb. Drink now.

87

21

California

Chardonnay

104,875

Italy

Blackberry, ripe plum, kitchen spice and moist earth aromas lead the nose. The straightforward, easy-drinking, palate offers black cherry, white pepper and a hint of anise alongside lively acidity.

87

35

Piedmont

Barbera

122,868

US

This 11-vineyard blend of 51% Syrah, 31% Grenache, 14% Mourvèdre and 4% Counoise represents an excellent value in the realm of expertly balanced but boisterously flavored wines. The fruity nose shows smashed raspberry, boysenberry, violet and potpourri, leading into a lively palate full of rose petals, exotic red cherries and turned earth. It's easy to drink yet intellectual as well.

91

25

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

91,728

France

Bonheur—happiness—is an appropriate name for this fresh and crisp wine that comes in a flute à corset bottle. It is fruity, lively with orange and apricot over raspberries. Bright acidity finishes it all in good humor.

86

18

Provence

Rosé

91,742

US

Pleasant but then rather persistent oak aromas occupy the nose on this wine, with lemon rinds and lime juice hiding beneath. The palate is also quite reliant on the oak, offering smoked vanilla beans, pear juice and a touch of citrus peel bitterness, but it's really a very plush white wine.

86

30

California

Bordeaux-style White Blend

11,578

France

From one of the highest of the Mercurey premier crus, this wine has a crisp edge to its otherwise ripe red fruits. It has a fine line of wood as well as the juicy fruitiness and acidity. The wine is already balanced, likely to develop easily and quickly. Drink this from 2019.

91

45

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

80,043

Italy

Earthy aromas of truffle, leather, dried herb and dark berry slowly take shape in this full-bodied red. Smooth and concentrated, the palate doles out fleshy wild cherry, raspberry compote, and savory orange zest and star anise notes, framed by fine-grained tannins. Drink 2019–2025.

92

80

Tuscany

Sangiovese

128,714

US

This is one of the first wines to bear this new appellation in Sonoma County. More importantly, it's one of the best California Malbecs out there. It's rich and juicy with ripe cherries and mocha, along with a sweet coating of toasty oak. It's soft enough to drink now, especially with a great grilled steak.

90

39

California

Malbec

15,390

US

There's a peppy ease to the aromas of this bottling, with light raspberry and rhubarb lifted by cola and sarsaparilla notes. The palate is a tad fruit-punchy, with red cherry and some thyme to give depth.

85

25

California

Pinot Noir

87,663

US

Smoky, meaty aromas and lush berry flavors combine for a showy, full-bodied wine. It smells like charred oak, minerals and blackberry, then tastes like chocolate and dark cherry, with soft tannins for texture and a lingering, almost sweet finish.

88

16

California

Zinfandel

114,180

France

This is an attractive, soft and fruity wine. With gentle tannins and a touch of spice to balance the red fruits, it is developing into a juicy wine. Lightly smoky at the end, it will be ready to drink from 2017.

87

12

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

60,388

US

This fruitywine has crisp acids and a pretty overlay of toasty oak. Drinks rich in apple, citrus and pear flavors, with a creamy texture, and is dry.

86

15

California

Chardonnay

117,490

France

Rich and complex, this is a densely flavored rosé. It has spice and tangerine orange zest as well as a more complex red pepper and red currant character. It is a wine for fish or ratatouille.

90

20

Provence

Rosé

104,649

US

This is the inaugural release of this wine. It shows aromas of dried herbs, plums and currants that lead to a full-bodied and full-flavored palate. It's a mouthful of juicy fruit flavors that delights the senses, with the feel simply dazzling.

91

20

Washington

Barbera

8,975

US

Gravel, asphalt and iron drive the minerally nose of this bottling, which also shows cigar box, cherry leather, stewed strawberry and chocolate-caramel aromatics. There is plenty of both tannic grip and vibrant acidity once sipped, with cherries, cranberries and oregano elements making for a saucy palate. Drink 2017–2025.

93

70

California

Nebbiolo

38,414

Italy

From the celebrated Montefico vineyard site, this opens with a floral fragrance of rose petal, blue flower and perfumed red berry. The delicious palate delivers layers of ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and white pepper alongside firm tannins. Drink after 2017.

94

65

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

129,256

US

From an organically farmed estate vineyard in Chiles Valley operated by the same family for more than 40 years, this 87% Cabernet Sauvignon-13% Merlot has soul and structure, as well a stony minerality that compels. Menthol and tobacco weave between thick layers of dark cherry and plum, complemented on the palate by exotic cardamom and clove. This is one worth cellaring through 2022 or giving an hour or two to open.

93

50

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

19,024

France

This is a ripe generous wine with soft tannins and already delicious red fruits. It lives up to the ideal of Volnay, rich and sumptuous, although with an attractive cut of acidity to balance. Drink this wine from 2022.

93

84

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

31,163

US

This Pinot is so fabulous, it's easy to fall in love with. It comes as no surprise that this wine hails from the wonderful Talley-Rincon Vineyard. Light and silky, it's bright in citrusy acids. Dry on the palate, but with juicy raspberry and cherry flavors, and hints of mineral, spice and smoky oak for complexity. What a nice wine for drinking now.

92

40

California

Pinot Noir

19,803

Argentina

This is pricey for what you get. It's a blend of 50% Riesling with 40% Albariño and 10% Sauvignon, and frankly it smells a bit oily and stalky, while the palate is soft and the flavors suggest underripe green melon and apple. On the finish, it's a bit green.

83

30

Mendoza Province

White Blend

73,128

US

Fermented entirely in concrete egg, this is a light, clear red exuberant in earthy cherry and cassis. Ethereal, it offers spice and plenty of length around a shy body, a bite of fruit on the finish. Made in small quantities at a fair price, it's one to try for its sheer rarity alone, a good example of another light-bodied red that can do well in the appellation.

90

20

California

Grenache

39,521

Spain

Simple lime and salinic aromas are clean and fresh. The palate is juicy and tight, with lime, apple and dry spice flavors. Finishes balanced and citrusy, with proper length and mouthfeel. A good but regular Cava that's done right for the price.

87

10

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

91,638

US

Candied red cherry, mulberry, lilac, kola nut and dark sandalwood show on the lush nose of this bottling. The palate is wound tightly around a tense structure and bright but not overpowering acidity, revealing flavors of allspice, dark red fruit and hints of juniper.

92

34

California

Grenache

124,929

US

Restrained aromas of waxy apple skins and lemon accumulate in ripeness on the palate of this off-dry Riesling, boasting juicy pink grapefruit and caramelized sugar tones. It's zesty and spry but rounded and juicy in mouthfeel.

89

13

New York

Riesling

64,682

Italy

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot (with small percentages of other varieties mixed in), this extracted wine delivers mature fruit, dried rose petal and dark chocolate. The wine is fresh but gritty and thickly textured as well.

88

30

Tuscany

Red Blend

14,543

US

The grapes for this old-vine wine come from various appellations within Sonoma, including Dry Creek and Sonoma Valley. The Zin is blended with mixed blacks and Mourvèdre, which combine for a sweet, thick and jammy experience of cherry-raspberry molasses. A spicy hit of pepper peaks on the finish.

84

23

California

Zinfandel

84,819

France

Powerful and rich, this has a great spice component that shoots through the pure fruit flavors. It is already a delicious wine with its juicy acidity and fresh, zesty, mineral character. But at the same time, it has a great structure, beautifully ripe fruitiness and excellent potential. It will drink at its best from 2022.

95

333

Burgundy

Chardonnay

103,497

US

This is a glamorous, fashionable wine that gives the pleasure you want in a bubbly. It's dryish and crisp, with doughy yeast, raspberry and lime flavors. A good price for a California sparkling wine of this quality.

90

26

California

Sparkling Blend

11,322

US

This wine, made by a relative of the Jocko's Steak House family, is vibrant. Bright and racy, the welcoming nose offers light cinnamon notes, plump raspberries, dried rose petals and a touch of slate. The palate winds tight cranberry-raspberry fruit through layers of bay leaf and dark clay, finishing with a menthol character that lingers into the finish.

93

32

California

Pinot Noir

53,647

US

This is an excellent Cabernet that's dry, firmly tannic, and has fine acidity. It's a bit less flashy than the '09 and '10, but has better structure, and may well gain traction with six years or longer in the cellar. It's 100% Cabernet blended from three Coombsville vineyards.

92

64

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

83,679

Argentina

Good for Argentine Chard but not worth the price. It starts with mellow peach and apricot aromas, which are followed by melon, papaya and banana flavors. Easygoing in terms of feel, with a creamy, sweet finish. A typical South American tropical Chardonnay.

85

20

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

83,416

Italy

100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of cassis, cedar, tobacco and dried Mediterranean herbs. The concentrated palate delivers licorice, black currants, dried plum, coffee, clove and chocolate alongside bracing but fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2016–2022.

91

40

Tuscany

Cabernet Sauvignon

35,024

France

Balancing sweet wood and mineral-driven citrus character, this is elegant and stylish, showing peach and grapefruit flavors. The wood, so fine, acts as balance and support. Age for 5–6 years.

92

260

Burgundy

Chardonnay

85,499

US

This is a ripe, vigorous young Petite Sirah. It's strong in tannins, with just enough acidity to make the black currant, roasted meat, plum and cedar flavors bright. This needs time; give it 5–6 years, and it should glide through 2020.

90

39

California

Petite Sirah

114,374

Italy

Aromas of French oak, coconut, blue flower and spiced plum emerge in the glass. The firm palate offers black currant, espresso, tobacco and vanilla while fine-grained tannins provide support.

90

65

Veneto

Red Blend

122,349

France

This is a ripe, rounded and aromatic wine, with just the right stretch of minerality and juicy citrus flavor. Crisp, tangy and refreshing in its fruitiness, the wine is rich and full, finishing with a final burst acidity.

91

34

Burgundy

Chardonnay

75,395

US

Using grapes sourced from an older vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, this pure Cabernet mixes blackberry and black cherry fruit with a lightly smoky core. It thins out quickly, and shows a hint of green in its tannins.

87

28

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

47,605

US

Green bell pepper and gooseberry notes dominate this Sauvignon Blanc, although it does have notes of honey and Meyer lemons. It's bright in acidity, and the finish is spicy and clean. For the price, it's a good value.

85

11

California

Sauvignon Blanc

90,107

US

The most accessible of Testarossa's 2008 Pinot Noirs, this blend is dry and silky and fruity. Rewards for its plethora of cherry, raspberry, cola, cinnamon, white pepper and sandalwood flavors. Drink now–2011.

88

37

California

Pinot Noir

116,708

US

Feels harsh and tart in the mouth, with sharp acidity that gives the oaky-cherry flavors the taste of Chinese sweet-and-sour sauce.

82

40

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

89,874

US

Meaty, slightly earthy aromas are tempting, and the flavors expand with gobs of rich black plum and blackcurrant. This wine from a rising star in the Sierra Foothills has serious structure and full body, blanketed in fine tannins and encouraging the flavors to linger on the finish. Drink after 2018.

93

48

California

Tempranillo

83,174

US

This distinctive wine shows aromas of rain-soaked herbs, mineral, cocoa and red fruit. It's filled with luscious, jammy raspberry flavors that combine with an alluring, silky feel. With time, the aromas and flavors might unite to kick it up a notch.

89

45

Washington

Syrah

39,716

US

The Holstein designate offers pretty flavors of cherry and brambly berry, along with the Dr. Pepper character often found in Oregon. It's drinking well, though lacking the concentration that you would anticipate from the vintage and AVA.

87

35

Oregon

Pinot Noir

97,702

US

Racy and bright, with high acidity framing dry flavors of lemons, limes and grapefruits. There's a green streak of gooseberry that signals some unripeness.

85

17

California

Sauvignon Blanc

109,099

US

Light and lively, this is a bright, tangy, fruit-driven effort, with little or no evident barrel flavor. Apples and white peaches hold down the center, with a crisp, fresh finish.

88

22

Oregon

Chardonnay

128,831

US

A blend of fruit from Loess, Mill Creek Upland and Leonetti Old Block, this standout wine opens with alluring aromas of dark chocolate, raspberries, blueberries, sandalwood and assorted spices. The palate is plush and fruit-filled but with well-balanced acidity and impressive length.

92

75

Washington

Merlot

24,680

US

A good everyday Zinfandel whose full-bodied, spicy fruitiness will satisfy with barbecue. It's a rugged, somewhat rustic wine with briary flavors of wild blackberries, leather, cola and pepper. Drink now.

85

18

California

Zinfandel

42,976

US

Ripe and luscious, this coats the mouth with a mélange of juicy apples and peaches. That initial hit is followed up with a wash of buttery, toasted nuts, and finally kissed away with a lick of wet stone. It's creamy and rich without ever being tiring.

93

29

Oregon

Chardonnay

65,462

US

Production volume is up, but the concentration does not match the excellent 2014 edition of this reserve-level wine. There are modestly ripe melon and green apple flavors, along with a touch of buttered toast.

88

55

Oregon

Chardonnay

35,490

US

Aromas of pear and yellow apple are at the fore. It drinks off dry with full feel. There's enjoyment to be had but the varietal is hard to discern.

83

25

Washington

Chardonnay

33,194

US

Abundant flavors and fresh-tasting acidity come together in this full-bodied wine to form a complete, complex package. Yes, there is a vivid streak of vanilla and nutmeg from aging in all American oak barrels but the ripe apple flavors and underlying crispness keep those from overwhelming.

90

18

California

Chardonnay

126,927

US

Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Malbec grapes, aged six months sur lie in barrel, this dry wine has a pleasing ruby color and tannic, woodsy waves of waxy strawberry. It finishes clean and fresh.

87

38

California

Rosé

107,037

US

From an estate-grown, valley-floor vineyard on the southern edges of the winery property, this wine is complex and nuanced in berry pie and a satchel of dried herb. Sizable tannins—which show promise to be tamed with time—form the integrated structure, supporting a lengthy, mocha-chocolate finish. Cellar through 2020.

92

136

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

106,619

US

Soft and earthy, with dried herb and blackberry flavors tinged with smoky oak, this is a gentle Cabernet for drinking now. It has enough fanciness to partner with a nice steak or an upscale beef taco.

87

40

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

53,468

US

A simple Merlot, but likeable enough, with ripe, jammy raspberry, prune and cherry flavors.

87

36

California

Merlot

95,909

US

A bit over the top in fruity extraction, a bomb blast of sweet raspberry, cherry and blackberry jam. It's almost like a dessert wine. Yet there's a lot of tannins and acidity, and who knows? It could do interesting things. At this price, buy a bottle and stick it in the cellar for six years.

87

22

California

Syrah

55,268

US

Sometimes in a challenging vintage such as 2009, it is the least expensive, blended wines that benefit most, perhaps because grapes normally destined for the single-vineyard wines are redirected. Here, rich fruit flavors highlighted with streaks of caramel and toffee get things rolling quickly. Berries and cherries, firm acids, pretty spice and a lingering butterscotch finish.

91

45

Oregon

Pinot Noir

31,439

US

A crisp light yellow in the glass, this is a well-priced wine for warmer days. Light grassy tones mix with faint peach on the nose, while the palate is dissected by strong acidity, offering rounded peach, a touch of green pepper and a cement-like minerality.

88

15

California

Sauvignon Blanc

71,160

US

This is 90% Cabernet Franc from the Chelle den Pleasant Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Strong scents and flavors of barnyard, bacon fat and tanned leather. The fruit is muted, and finishes with tarry tannins. Drink up.

85

30

Washington

Cabernet Franc

2,851

US

Slightly muted tones of black cherry and plum preserves are accented by wet soil, mushroom and coconut in this rustic yet elegant Cabernet Franc. Ripe fruit is contrasted by vibrant acidity, rigid tannins and a pleasant bite of astringency that persists through the finish. Drink now through 2022.

88

25

New York

Cabernet Franc

47,428

US

In a vintage that produced the finest overall lineup of Cayuse wines to date, it may seem a little nit-picky to score some higher and some lower. But the En Chamberlin deserves first place again. Brilliant aromatics of smoked meat, bacon fat and otherworldly roasted accents seduce instantly. Once on the palate, the silky, balanced, near-perfect mix of umami and fruit, plus licorice, cassis, coffee liqueur and black tea notes suggest it's as decadent as it is delicious.

99

75

Oregon

Syrah

56,494

US

Tough tannins, acidity and extreme dryness mark this Merlot. While it has some nice, complex black cherry and licorice flavors, it's just too astringent to enjoy, and will not age.

83

19

California

Merlot

84,052

US

A big improvement over the 2007, Stephens' '08 is rich and ripe. It brims with pineapple, buttered toast, vanilla and cinnamon flavors, brightened with crisp acidity. Easy to drink, and delicious through the finish.

90

50

California

Chardonnay

85,288

Italy

Aromas of raisin, purple flower, stewed plum, Asian spice and a hint of resin lead the nose on this dense red. The big monolithic palate doles out mature black plum, raisin, blackberry extract and licorice alongside velvety tannins. A confectionery note closes the finish.

90

64

Veneto

Red Blend

108,215

US

There's a forest-floor touch to the nose of this appellation blend that also shows smoked and raw beef, hearty berries and a slight compost touch. The mouthfeel is soft, with flavors of iron and aged beef giving nuance to the tart raspberry, pomegranate, chipped slate and dried-mint finish.

91

35

California

Pinot Noir

12,938

US

This is the winery's estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, and it opens rather stiff and herbal. It's a taut, dark and deep wine that rewards decanting, showing good concentration and dense layers of brambly berries, licorice and espresso. Age for at least another decade.

90

30

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

25,334

France

Rich and rounded, packed with yellow fruits and pineapple flavors, this is a warm, opulent wine, combining toast and fruit. True, there is some minerality, but this Meursault revels in its ripe fruit and generosity.

94

155

Burgundy

Chardonnay

73,306

US

As with all the 2013 white wines from Chehalem, the alcohol is way down and the acids up in this blend of the three estate vineyards. All-stainless fermented, it's quite tart with green apple and grapefruit flavors dominating.

87

22

Oregon

Riesling

90,241

US

Soft and dull, with simple blackberry Lifesaver candy flavors that let the heat from alcohol show through.

82

20

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

88,432

US

Winemaker James Ewart's powerful bottling shows blueberry, vanilla, dark spice and scarlet-red roses on the nose, followed by an intriguing complexity on the palate. Flavors of blackberry jam and black pepper run through the sip, as does a touch of roasted beef, framed by bursting acidity.

93

30

California

Red Blend

6,731

France

With its fine tannic structure, plum juice sweetness and beautifully ripe fruits, this is a wine that combines structure with a rich velvet coat. The acidity gives a fine lift, bringing out strawberries and a final piercing freshness.

94

280

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

22,644

US

This estate-grown Pinot Grigio takes the variety's basic citrus, straw, green apple and tropical fruit flavors and lifts them with partial barrel fermentation. It's a rich, but balanced, wine for drinking with almost anything.

88

25

California

Pinot Grigio

12,367

France

Between Nantes and Angers, the small appellation of Coteaux d'Ancenis hugs the banks of the Loire. This rosé, with its fresh while also ripe strawberry fruits, is subtly textured with attractive acidity and lightly perfumed. Drink now.

85

11

Loire Valley

Rosé

67,017

US

Grown in Calistoga, this is textbook Petite Sirah: It's black as a moonless night, bone dry, intensely tannic and enormously packed in fruit. Those tannins really lock the wine down in astringency, but they can't hide the massive burst of blackberry, cassis liqueur, mocha, crispy bacon and black pepper. Nowhere near ready to drink, it's a wine to be cellared for 5–6 years, at the very least. It should glide through the decades effortlessly, gradually losing tannins and growing more clean and pure.

93

55

California

Petite Sirah

55,027

France

An aromatic nose of ripe red and yellow apple promises fruit-forward fizz. On the palate, these notes are intensified by the very vivid frothy bubbles as they burst. There is apple crispness and lots of fruit on the light dry palate. It's an ideal and invigorating apéritif.

89

23

Alsace

Sparkling Blend

7,541

Italy

Banfi presents an easy, no-fuss Chianti Classico that showcases Sangiovese typicity and personality. This is a profoundly food-friendly wine with built-in natural acidity that pairs it with butter or cream-based pasta dishes.

87

18

Tuscany

Sangiovese

24,061

US

Lots of fruity richness in this dry Syrah. Shows blackberry, chocolate, licorice and pie crust flavors. The tannins are somewhat unbalanced, suggesting work needs to be done in the vineyard.

85

16

California

Syrah

57,766

US

A voluptuous wine that shows its sunny California origins in the ripe cherry and raspberry flavors. It's delicious on a purely hedonistic level, showing the dynamism of a Highlands Pinot Noir, even if it lacks some structural subtlety and dryness.

88

55

California

Pinot Noir

91,019

US

Talley's basic estate Pinot can be good, and it can be ordinary. The '06 is pretty tannic and direct. It's a hard, tough wine that's not particularly lush, although it's clean and properly varietal. You'll find cherry and currant flavors that veer into raisins.

86

36

California

Pinot Noir

16,509

US

Long a producer of high quality and good value, Navarro seems to be raising the bar higher on its Pinot Noir. A vivid, potent and concentrated fruit component lights up this full-bodied wine from the first whiff through the finish. Black cherry, violet and cassis come together in a powerful beam of flavor. A good backbone of acidity and firm tannins supports that power nicely.

93

55

California

Pinot Noir

98,391

France

A limited-edition vintage that Perrier-Jouët releases for summer drinking. It has weight and richness with a soft, fruity dosage that gives touches of yeast and fragrant acidity. Ripe apple, raspberry and citrus fruits are still very present in this wine that is full and balanced. It could do with more bottle age to bring out more of the toast that is just beginning, so drink from 2016.

95

250

Champagne

Champagne Blend

113,509

France

Wood spice aromas are an indication this wine that has had serious oak aging. Along with the dense tannins and wood, there is, happily, some fruit that will develop as the structure softens. Drink this powerful wine with its rich berry fruit from 2021.

90

22

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

31,223

US

This wine delivers on richness of flavor without being overwhelming or overdone. Refined in soft tannins and a core of expressive, juicy blue and black berry fruit, it is seductive and smoky on the finish, sourced mainly from vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley.

90

15

California

Zinfandel

77,055

Italy

This dense and ripe Syrah offers mature black-skinned fruit, allspice and smoke tones. Its core of ripe black currant fruit is accented with a confectionary note of vanilla and punctuated by rounded tannins. Enjoy soon.

87

17

Sicily & Sardinia

Syrah

83,135

France

With spice and wood right up front, this wine is toasty and rich. It has a creamy texture along with bright acidity and a generous body. The wine, with its smooth, ripe aftertaste, is of course young. Drink from 2017.

91

82

Burgundy

Chardonnay

57,358

Germany

Vibrant strikes of acidity and spicy mineral tones permeate through this brisk, feather-light spätlese. Zesty green-apple and plum flavors are cutting and spry on the palate, accentuated by delicate, lingering sweetness. Invigorating now, it should gain depth through 2025 and hold further.

90

34

Mosel

Riesling

100,936

US

A leathery texture gives this wine a rough, roguish edge, around flavors of baked plum and mocha. Medium bodied, it's approachable and ready to enjoy now.

86

40

California

Zinfandel

108,935

France

Organically grown grapes give this wine a pure and fruity character that makes it instantly attractive. It is crisp, laced with lemon and lively, juicy red fruits. The aftertaste is dry and full of flavor.

88

10

Provence

Rosé

60,508

Spain

Rooty berry and coffee aromas are medicinal. This feels punchy due to stark acidity. Flavors of oaky red plum and currant finish similarly, and while this Rioja isn't bothersome it's raw throughout.

84

11

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

97,879

US

For a (relatively) mass production Oregon Pinot, this offers excellent flavors and comparatively good value. A seductive nose leads into a plush palate mixing berries, cola, clean earth and rock. It's textural and balanced, with enough complexity to keep you coming back to the glass.

89

32

Oregon

Pinot Noir

87,526

US

Lovely aromatics introduce this subtly powerful Pinot Noir. Floral highlights lead into tart cherry fruit that seems to gather strength as it flows across the palate. There are hints of mineral and a splash of coffee in the lingering finish.

92

55

Oregon

Pinot Noir

74,806

US

Some people are sensitive to the green, minty gooseberry aroma that strongly permeates this wine. If you can deal with that, the flavors veer toward slightly sweet pineapples, peaches, melons and vanilla.

82

17

California

Sauvignon Blanc

25,703

US

Bonterra excels with this leaner, lighter, brighter form of Chardonnay. Made out of organically grown grapes, it's crisp as a green apple, with just a trace of butterscotch on the otherwise lemony finish.

88

14

California

Chardonnay

18,254

US

Very light in the glass, this bottling shows tons of underripe cranberry, dried rose petals, marjoram, white pepper and tangy olives on the nose. The light-bodied palate shows similar qualities, with fully extracted flavors of tart red fruits, purple flowers and white tea.

92

42

California

Pinot Noir

14,908

US

This syrupy, dense red exhibits tobacco and root beer flavors, framed with chunky tannins. Blackberry and black current fruit barely show through its leathery texture and profound weight.

86

59

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

26,034

France

Initially a little rustic, the wine does open out. It is smoky, fruity with the acidity of the vintage.

84

12

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

92,204

France

There is plenty of Merlot in this ripe wine which is produced in the Listrac cooperative. Spice and attractive tannins give the wine structure and perfume. They contrast with the juicy blackberry fruits and fine crisp acidity. The wine will be ready to drink from 2021.

87

25

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

35,636

US

Blended with 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec, this sturdily built, medium-bodied wine shows a distinct green, herbal quality that's strong and persistent on the nose. Pencil shaving and sage elements contribute further intrigue and complexity.

88

65

California

Cabernet Sauvignon