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
80,974	Spain	Raw, green aromas suggest underripe fruit, green tobacco and green herbs. Following the nose, this feels astringent and clampy. Herbal flavors of plum don't taste as green as this smells, while the finish is rugged and tannic.	85	24	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
50,379	US	Hints of smoke and toast add warmth to the fresh pear and blossom aromas. An easy-drinking blend of stainless-steel- and barrel-fermented wine, it's bright with fresh fruit, but it's lusciously textured on the palate.	86	12	New York	Chardonnay
109,914	Italy	Delicate scents of rose, chopped mint, dark spice and tilled soil aromas take shape in the glass. The firmly structured palate offers red cherry, pomegranate, licorice and white pepper set against a backbone of polished, fine-grained tannins. A coffee note closes the finish. Drink 2018–2027.	93	105	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
112,497	US	Orange blossoms, lemon juice, honeydew melon and a nearly guava element show on the topical nose of this slightly sweet wine. The palate offers orange and lime juice flavors, with sour and bitter sides to cut the sweetness. Expect this to age well and show even better in the years to come.	88	16	California	Riesling
127,891	Italy	Aromas of red berry, tobacco, coconut and espresso meld together with a balsamic note. The palate is young and aggressive, offering toast, oak-driven spice and a green note of powdered sage alongside grainy, astringent tannins. A note of salted game marks the close.	87	76	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
110,106	US	From Napa and Sonoma in equal measure, this wine is herbal, slightly green, while also dense, syrupy and mouth-coating in tannins.	84	75	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
8,560	US	Deep aromas of hibiscus, rose buds, dark red berries and sugar plums are spiced up by cola, crushed pencils and lots of garrigue on this bottling. The palate is clean and crisp, with snappy raspberry, light cranberry and lots more chaparral-like herbs, including wild thyme, bay laurel, lavender and fennel pollen.	93	48	California	Pinot Noir
44,812	France	With its floral rose motif, the bottle is attractive in itself. The rosé inside comes to life with crisp red fruits and lively acidity. This wine has a real freshness with a tangy texture, spice and a perfumed aftertaste.	88	18	Provence	Rosé
123,196	US	A structured proprietary red blend from Temecula Valley. The tannins remain a tad chewy, leathery even, though the wine's got some hints of fig, cherry and cinnamon that keep it interesting.	87	33	California	Red Blend
83,559	US	Smooth and appealing, with a smoky edge to the purple plum and berry fruits, this is a flavorful, forward and easy-drinking rendition of what may become Southern Oregon's signature grape. The tannins are silky and the length impressive.	90	28	Oregon	Tempranillo
20,153	Spain	This brut nature is citric and bubbly on the palate after opening with aromas of weeds and spring onion. Flavors of lemon, herbs, onion and mustard coalesce in front of a bitter finish.	83	13	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
77,985	US	Tangy boysenberry and elderberry fruit shows on the nose of this sultry bottling, along with thyme, potpourri and licorice. The flavors are more cooked than fresh, recalling charred blackberry, dried blueberry, leather and licorice. It's a hearty wine that consumes the entire palate.	90	56	California	Syrah
4,087	US	Mint and tarragon come to the fore aromatically in this vineyard-designate, a soft, approachable mix of juicy plum, red berry and chocolate. Fuller in style and ripe, it'll do well on a table of grilled and roasted fare, finishing with a kick of black pepper.	86	55	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
8,437	US	Some will find this Chardonnay severe and lacking in richness as it's marked by dryness, minerality and acidity, rather than tropical fruit and sweet oak.It would not be surprising if this wine made gains in 5–6 years, but even if it doesn't, it defines a more elegant style.	92	50	California	Chardonnay
9,231	US	Released at just a little over a year old, this demonstrates the promise of Lake County for Cabernet. It's a dry, polished and enjoyable wine, with a fine tannin-acid structure and good flavors of blackberries, currants, black cherries and smoky oak.	87	19	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
39,792	US	Nice and dry, with a good cut of acidity balancing out the ripe black cherry and cola flavors. Fully drinkable now for the soft tannins, it's a pleasant wine that wants pairing with a grilled, salted and peppered steak.	87	38	California	Syrah
101,330	US	Quite a good Zinfandel, although it does show some of the weaknesses that strike this vineyard in a cool year. You'll find a smooth, full-bodied wine, with ample tannins and fine berry-cherry fruit and spices. Yet it's curiously ambiguous in the mouth, and the concentration falls apart midpalate.	87	50	California	Zinfandel
29,812	US	So delicious now, you can drink it, but the hard tannins strongly suggest aging this beauty. Beyond the astringency are complex flavors of blackberries and olives, with sweet toasty oak playing a starring role. Harder to describe is the overall balance, so rich and sweet, yet dry and elusive. Give it until 2020 to begin to come around.	94	200	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
8,104	France	This vineyard, at 900 feet, gives a cool take on Chardonnay. It is tight, structured and mineral in character. Vanilla from the wood aging mingles with the taut citrus fruit. The richness will develop as the apricot flavors develop. Drink this fine wine from 2019.	93	80	Burgundy	Chardonnay
82,083	US	Moderate acidity buoys a rich note of caramel apple in this appellation wine, which is moderate in both ripeness and texture. It finishes clean and simple.	86	35	California	Chardonnay
40,946	US	This Pinot is dry, silky and light-bodied. It shows pleasant raspberry, cola and red currant flavors that finish clean and racy, and the alcohol level is a refreshingly low 13.5% by volume. It requires no aging, so drink up.	86	30	California	Pinot Noir
108,086	US	This is an assertive wine with an herbal personality. Aromas resemble citrus and fresh herbs, the flavors are citrusy and savory, and the mouthfeel is rather generous.	86	20	California	Viognier
41,041	Italy	Fermented in oak barrels, this has aromas that recall white flower, toasted oak, baked pear and dried apricot. The palate offers butterscotch and mature Golden Delicious apple alongside fresh acidity. Toasted hazelnut signals the finish.	89	28	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
125,236	Portugal	Aged in wood for up to 14 months, this wine is rich and smooth. Produced from low-yielding old vines, it's a field blend of many different varieties. It is ripe with layers of black currant and spice flavors along with acidity. The wine has weight but remains stylish. Drink from 2018.	92	19	Douro	Portuguese Red
18,228	France	Soft and warm, with toast and butter adding richness to the white peach and green plum fruits. The acidity and texture are very evident, giving this wine a certain nervous energy.	87	20	Burgundy	Chardonnay
11,927	Italy	Intense red berry, cake spice, new leather and sunbaked earth aromas meld together. The big, chewy palate delivers fleshy black cherry, toast, coffee, anise and grilled herb alongside solid, ripe tannins. You'll also get a nod of alcohol on the finish.	92	90	Tuscany	Sangiovese
79,796	US	A 100% Sauvignon Blanc that was fermented in both stainless steel and neutral oak, this wine offers floral, nutty and deeply layered suggestions of structured oak. Medium to full-bodied, it's lengthy and impressive, with crispness to the finish.	90	24	California	Sauvignon Blanc
54,184	US	Plum, dark berries and a slick streak of almond paste combine in this supple wine. It has a touch of dried herb and soft leather, with light tannins wrapping up the finish.	90	70	Oregon	Pinot Noir
125,096	France	This comes from a part of the Château de Cérons vineyard in Bordeaux's Graves region. It is a fruity crisp wine, light in texture and with attractive black-currant fruits. The wood aging has smoothed the wine, opening up the stalky texture. Drink from 2019.	88	18	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
56,970	France	The estate wine from Sacha Lichine's Château d'Esclans discloses deeper color than some rosés from Provence. It has a ripe feel, smooth red fruits and a touch of toastiness. Full-bodied and dry, it is definitely a food rosé, and best left until late 2014 before drinking.	91	35	Provence	Rosé
7,433	US	Rustic and funky, with a curious nose sending up scents of fruit, musk, soy, pepper and espresso. Flavors are vivid and grapey, and there is a penetrating spicy note running throughout. The finish is tannic and rough.	86	20	Oregon	Cabernet Franc
120,546	Australia	Made in a supple, immediately approachable style, this is a nicely supple, slightly creamy, almost gulpable red. Raspberry and cherry fruit is buttressed by ample spice, then ends on a lingering note of star anise. Drink now–2018.	91	37	South Australia	Grenache
23,669	France	This rich, boldy alcoholic wine has a pepper character that dominates fragrant fruit and spice notes. It should age well, so drink until 2020.	89	24	Alsace	Pinot Gris
23,827	US	This small-production, nouveau-style wine was made without oak or filtering. Simple and juicy, it's festive, with effusive dried cranberry and cola spice notes that are soft and easygoing.	88	30	California	Pinot Noir
107,844	Australia	This release is always among my favorite Aussie Rieslings. Not only is the quality consistent, the price for a nearing-maturity wine makes it a winning value. It is smoky and toasty on the nose, showing off those developed aromas to good effect against a background of bergamot-tinged fruit. The round patina of age is balanced by great acid drive and a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2020.	93	32	South Australia	Riesling
113,789	US	Smashed berries, honeyed coffee, leather, beef jerky, cola and black pepper show on the nose of this complex wine by the legendary Hearst family. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, with lightly roasted coffee notes, touches of seared caramel, sesame oil and teriyaki and a base of dried black-plum fruit.	90	30	California	Malbec
105,101	US	Spice, toast and savory dried herbs accent rich black cherry in this penetrating Pinot Noir. Dense on the palate and voluptuous in body, it's forward in fruit yet maintains a cool restraint of minerality and fine, penetrating tannins. It's a polished, memorable wine.	91	47	New York	Pinot Noir
28,119	US	Over the years this Rhône blend, based on Mourvédre, Grenache and Syrah, has been an excellent value, and the '05 is one of the best yet. Rich and soft, it's packed with opulent cherry and blackberry pie filling, cassis, red currant, licorice, pepper and smoke flavors, with a creamy, chocolaty taste throughout. Yet the wine is totally dry and balanced.	91	18	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
101,122	US	A great Cabernet for drinking now with upscale dishes. Production was 2,700 cases, but it's worth a search. Tastes classy and elegant, with rich blackberry, currant, anise and oak flavors that are dry and complex. For this price, it's a huge value.	91	22	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
19,555	US	Dusty plum flavors meet baked bread aromas in this tightly-wound, tense vineyard-designated wine. It's marked by an undercurrent of pomegranate and rhubarb, the texture taking on more savory tones of forest and black tea as it finishes.	90	50	California	Pinot Noir
17,097	France	Delamotte, the sister house of the legendary Salon, is based in the Côte des Blancs so it has plenty of experience with Chardonnay. This crisp, fruity and lightly toasty wine shows well-balanced freshness and poise. Drink now.	92	112	Champagne	Chardonnay
126,398	France	This rich but tannic wine shows ripe fruitiness as well as dense structure. There is a good balance between juiciness and dryness in this wine, which is already developing well.	86	13	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
68,202	US	This wine is 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and 10% Mourvèdre. It opens with aromas of white pepper, potpourri, herbs and raspberries. The flavors are soft, displaying a very pretty mouthfeel and a pleasing sense of restraint.	90	45	Washington	Rhône-style Red Blend
49,782	Italy	Barbaresco Ad Altiora is characterized by plumpness and ripeness of fruit. That rich, natural succulence is backed by firm tannins and drying sensations of exotic spice, licorice and tobacco leaf. The balance between those two extremes is what sets this bold red wine apart.	91	60	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
68,573	France	Definite tannins here, a wine that shows ripe fruits, richness and a solid core. It is not huge, but does have structure, bitter chocolate, sweetness. It's worth aging this wine 3–4 years.	91	40	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
41,141	US	This serious and concentrated wine has plenty of ripe fruit aromas and flavors, with a smooth texture, and lingering fruitiness on the finish. It resembles black plums and cloves in flavor, and has excellent balance and depth.	90	19	California	Zinfandel
58,614	France	A structured, relatively cool Volnay, dominated more by ripe tannins than by fruit. The fruit that is there is fresh, layered with acidity, juicy in texture, with cranberry and black plum skin flavors. The finish suggests red berries with its firmness. The wine demands at least five years' aging.	93	70	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
12,092	US	Loaded with vibrant jammy fruit, this is a bright Zinfandel that has a smoky grilled-meat note on the finish. Pair this with meaty dishes.	86	11	California	Zinfandel
69,491	US	This is a full-bodied, intensely ripe wine, slightly sweet-tasting like soda, that benefits from a balance of tangy acidity and a finish of leather.	84	20	California	Zinfandel
50,617	Italy	Lush and balanced, this 80-20 blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah offers attractive notes of chocolate fudge, espresso and spice in the foreground of berry fruit. The wine has dense structure and bitter cherry flavors that ride long on the finish.	91	45	Sicily & Sardinia	Red Blend
3,806	US	There's a pleasant sweetness to the nose, a mix of white flowers and fragrant apples. On the palate, green banana, apple juice and papaya rise to the occasion. A strong minerality holds through the finish.	88	13	California	Sauvignon Blanc
107,901	US	An absolute joy and triumph. Just superb, showcasing the best of Oakville. Perfect tannins, as pure as velvet and sweet, and perfect oak, too, with beautifully applied char and wood spice. That the oak is 100% new is in keeping with the wine's volumetrics. The wine's flavors are a profound, heady expression of blackberries, blueberries, cassis and dark, barely sweetened chocolate. Just spectacular, a real achievement by any world class standard. Production was a scant 275 cases.	99	125	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
23,371	US	Great price for a sparkling wine this refined, and the fact that it's a rosé makes it an even better deal. It's rich in strawberry, orange and lime flavors, with that savory yeastiness that marks the best bubblies. The blend is Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.	92	27	California	Sparkling Blend
2,583	US	Specks of rosemary give the aromatic entry of this wine a nice herbal invitation. This subtlety is followed by more bombastic waves of big, juicy black cherry, berry and oak. The tannins are still substantial, suggesting cellaring, through 2021.	89	45	California	Pinot Noir
127,190	US	Though it's barrel fermented, this is a thin, hard-edged wine with green and slightly stemmy flavors only partially masked by the buttery barrel notes.	83	12	Oregon	Chardonnay
108,593	US	This wine is made from 75% Sangiovese with 18.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.5% Merlot. A little pruney, it falls flat and veers hot on the palate, full bodied and quite ripe. Dashes of cinnamon stick brighten the experience.	83	32	California	Red Blend
102,099	France	Very firm and tight, with streaks of mineral and textures of earth. Unyielding and a bit over-sulfered, but it hints and depth and concentration.	89	48	Burgundy	Chardonnay
2,392	Portugal	The quinta for this wine is on the plateau north of the Douro river. It has produced a red-fruit wine, rich with soft tannins and juicy fruitiness. The wood aging is already well integrated into this bold, ripe wine. Drink now.	87	15	Douro	Portuguese Red
59,288	US	An exciting wine, dry and silky with balanced restraint Overall, the power is evident in the controlled explosion of cherries, currants and cola, wrapped in firm, smooth tannins. A great success, and worthy of extended cellaring. Begin to drink this beauty after 2018.	94	65	California	Pinot Noir
84,088	Italy	Here is a playful Riesling with a nice balance between sweet fruit and drying mineral tones that give the wine dimension and intensity. Aromas include stone fruit, white flower and natural rubber.	85	22	Northeastern Italy	Riesling
99,505	France	In the classic Provence skittle bottle, this is a soft, red-fruited wine. Fruity and crisp, it is refreshing and immediately appealing.	85	15	Provence	Rosé
8,194	France	Although this tastes younger than some recent bottlings of this great nonvintage, it is still a fine wine. Its apple flavors meld effortlessly with citrus, grapefruit zest and just a touch of toast to show the depth of flavor that will emerge after a few more months in bottle.	91	47	Champagne	Champagne Blend
99,837	US	An appealing wine with notes of orange peel, citrus and red fruit. It's medium-bodied with lively citrus flavors that display a soft feel.	89	18	Oregon	Tempranillo
78,394	US	Yorba is doing the world of Zin lovers a huge favor by holding its wines in bottle for longer than most producers, and what you get for all that waiting is a wine ready to drink that's still got plenty of structure and ageability. This Zin shows great depth, with subdued fruit and darker flavors of plum and coffee allowed to shine, rounded out by an intensity of spice.	90	28	California	Zinfandel
57,702	US	This is a big, full-bodied Pinot Noir. If you're seeking a delicate style, go elsewhere. It's fleshy and precociously rich in cherry and mulberry fruit that's soft and chewy, like a candy bar. Such are the acids and tannins that you'll want to cellar it for three or four years.	90	45	California	Pinot Noir
68,687	US	Rustic compost, wild strawberry and cola spice highlight this medium-bodied, velvety textured wine, buoyed by a linear streak of lively acidity. Leather and smoke accentuate the finish.	92	48	California	Pinot Noir
105,947	US	With an intensity of almond paste and charcuterie at first sniff, this nice Pinot Grigio from the Sangiovese specialists at Vino Noceto is light in color but rich in mouthfeel, with a flowery, apricot flavor. Its finish is smooth and a smidge sweet.	87	15	California	Pinot Grigio
65,902	US	Larger than life in terms of oak and tannin on the entry, this wine is elusive in fruit. Medium-bodied, it feels weighty and sharp-shouldered, while being clearly well-made and expressive of its appellation and variety. A cherry-vanilla note rings on the finish.	88	52	California	Pinot Noir
17,178	US	The Miller's Cove Red is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that shows an exceptionally fine calibration of ripe, concentrated cherry and berry flavors against a backdrop of bristling acidity. It's refreshingly quaffable, yet nuanced with hints of spice, mineral and violet that linger softly on the finish.	89	22	New York	Red Blend
20,677	Italy	A 70-30 blend of Catarratto and Chardonnay, this wine offers enormous freshness in the form of citrus blossom, white almond, honey, lemon mousse and basil leaf notes. It feels silky, crisp and light.	87	24	Sicily & Sardinia	White Blend
55,941	US	The reserve takes the tight focus and black fruit flavors of the regular Cab and ramps them up a notch or two. Deeper, denser and darker, with flavors of cassis and licorice wrapped into the tannic, earthy depths of the finish. This has great power.	91	30	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
31,886	US	Lots of upfront lemon, lime, orange and tropical fruit flavors in this wine, which is balanced with crisp acidity and finishes dry. A tang of minerality helps to make it clean and vibrant. Great food wine, especially with Asian fare.	87	20	California	Sauvignon Blanc
30,870	Italy	Melini's Riserva, from a 98 acre vineyard in Radda in Chianti, is still firmly traditional in character. With its firm, dry bitter cherry fruit flavors and just a light touch of wood, it shows how classic Chianti winemaking still has a place, provided it is used in the right way.	87	23	Tuscany	Sangiovese
118,905	US	Sweet, tart and simple, like the filling on a black-cherry pie. Not much else going on. Drink now.	84	25	California	Merlot
108,046	US	In this pungent wine, Syrah is co-fermented with a touch of Viognier, then blended with 33% Grenache. Interesting scents of diesel, soil and stem wrap into the tight red berry fruit. It rounds into a rather soft, easy-drinking red that should be consumed through 2017.	89	33	Washington	Rhône-style Red Blend
3,384	US	From a different block of the same vineyard as the “Whale label” Memorista, this is drinking much better at the moment. It's smooth and supple—a pretty wine with honeyed minerality around fruit flavors of citrus and peaches.	92	25	Oregon	Riesling
105,807	US	Aged in both French and American oak, this is a tropical and oaky expression of the grape, round and slightly sweetened atop a silkiness of smooth butter.	84	17	California	Chardonnay
129,869	US	This wine hits the mark, combining intriguing flavors of vanilla, shortcake and cinnamon with a bracing but supple texture and a fine-grained mousse. It is dry, subtle, complex and elegant.	90	25	California	Sparkling Blend
108,687	US	Aromas of coffee, graphite, herb, barrel spice and black fruit lead to a power-packed palate full of dark fruit and earth flavors supported by chewy tannins. It's a classic Red Mountain style, not shy but delivering the goods with a long life ahead of it.	92	65	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
90,482	US	Aromatically still in its shell, this wine offers notes of mineral, pepper, smoked meat, barrel spices and dark-blue fruit. However, flavors are already singing, with waves of rich, intense fruit that almost overwhelm the senses. This velvet hammer of a wine should only reveal more charms with additional time in the bottle. Best from 2017 to 2022.	93	55	Washington	Syrah
113,655	US	Young and unintegrated, this Cab is nowhere near ready to drink. The sweet oak sticks out, overpowering the ripe blackberry, currant and herb flavors. Needs time. Give it until after 2009, at the earliest.	89	65	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
119,497	US	Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, with a light touch of oak, this is an easy-drinking wine with crisp acidity and ripeness making it a natural partner for Asian fare. It has intensely ripe apricot, orange, peach and vanilla flavors, with a note of gooseberry.	86	25	California	Sauvignon Blanc
117,018	US	Smells raisiny, feels hot, tastes overripe.	81	62	California	Pinot Noir
76,597	US	This Cabernet Sauvignon demonstrates proportionate fruit, acid and barrel components. The only downside, if there is one, is a hint of underripeness, manifested as a whiff of asparagus.	88	40	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
60,434	France	This fruity, light and fresh wine offers easy tannins and red berry fruits. It's rounded and juicy, smoothed by wood aging that gives it a ripe aftertaste. Drink now.	86	13	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
31,367	US	Fermented in neutral Burgundian oak, this is crisp and stylish, and brings in tart Asian pear, jicama and white peach. Flavors are clean and razor sharp. No alterations, additions, or finings are employed—this is as noninterventionist as it gets.	92	35	Washington	Chardonnay
86,989	US	Pink in the glass with the slightest yellow hue, this bottling offers broad nectarine, Pink Lady apple, soda and bubblegum aromas. It's clean and fresh on the palate, showing poached apple, citrus and wet slate flavors, with a citrusy acidity and decent grip that frame the finish.	89	20	California	Rosé
109,806	Argentina	A sniff is rewarded with sandalwood, dry spice and thick, jammy berry aromas. It's concentrated and well integrated on the palate, with ultraripe and sweet flavors of coconut, vanilla cream and berry fruit. Seems a touch flat and candied on the finish, with a final blast of sweetness.	91	135	Mendoza Province	Malbec
85,797	US	Pinot Noir pro Adam Lee shows his Rhône colors with this cool-climate bottling that offers scents of black pepper, violets, purple fruit and fried pork. It's both lush and energetic on the palate, presenting dark blackberry flavors but with acidic verve. An exciting look at the grape's varied potential.	93	34	California	Syrah
11,932	France	This is a bright, fruity, rounded wine with a soft texture. It's full and ripe, with melon and green plum notes, plus a touch of bitterness on the finish.	85	20	Bordeaux	Sauvignon Blanc
45,729	Germany	A crush of mineral and earth tones exhilarate on the nose of this dry Riesling. Ripe, sunny grapefruit and nectarine flavors expand luxuriously on the palate, tightened by a fine stream of lime and lemon acidity. The finish is long and steely.	90	18	Mosel	Riesling
112,141	US	Apple and pear, cracker and citrus, pineapple and a hint of residual sugar combine in a soundly made, all-purpose Chardonnay. The alcohol is just under 13%, and the wine was not put through malolactic fermentation, leaving it crisp and fresh.	87	9	Washington	Chardonnay
18,001	US	An impressive wine from this St. Helena winery, with the vineyard below Howell Mountain. It's rich and classic, showing ripe blackberry, blueberry, currant and earthy flavors, with wonderfully thick, refined tannins. An elaborate, Cabernet that should benefit from up to six years in the cellar.	92	58	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
7,550	US	The vineyard, high in the Mayacamas Mountains, is famous for the tannic quality of its red wines. You'll find this '08 Cab tough and astringent. But you'll also easily discover the vast richness of chocolate, cherry, blackberry and currant fruit, so deep and impressive, and the finish is totally dry and balanced. This Cabernet clearly needs time. Give it until 2014 to begin to come around.	91	60	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
55,909	US	A blend of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, this wine exemplifies the finesse of a fine Santa Ynez white wine. It's ripe with orange and peach jam flavors, but there's no oak, so what you get is pure fruit.	87	16	California	White Blend
90,754	US	Most of this wine hails from Force Majeure Vineyard, with Olsen in the Yakima Valley filling it out. Aromas of crushed granite, blackberry, wood spice and herbs are followed by vibrant red and black-fruit flavors that display depth and finesse. The finish carries.	93	48	Washington	Syrah
42,607	Italy	Crushed blue flower, ripe plum and baking spice are some of the aromas you'll find on this polished red. The round, chewy palate offers ripe black cherry, cinnamon and white pepper alongside sleek tannins. Drink soon to capture the juicy fruit.	89	25	Tuscany	Sangiovese
96,645	US	This is a dry, full-bodied deal of a wine, offering melon, papaya and zesty acidity around plenty of breadth and depth. Textured and luxurious, it finishes in ginger and Asian pear.	90	16	California	Chardonnay
124,261	US	This is a newish producer making Pinot in Marin, the county between San Francisco and Sonoma. The wine is dry, crisp, elegant and medium-bodied, showing cola, cherry liqueur and spicy vanilla flavors. It's a promising Pinot whose next step is to build in additional layers of complexity.	88	30	California	Pinot Noir
57,289	US	Creamy on the nose, this wine shows seared pineapple, apple custard, lemon oil and faint iodine aromas. The flavors are evenly placed between lemon yogurt and salted apples, mixing a bit of tang and ripe fruit with a savory sea salt.	91	40	California	Chardonnay

80,974

Spain

Raw, green aromas suggest underripe fruit, green tobacco and green herbs. Following the nose, this feels astringent and clampy. Herbal flavors of plum don't taste as green as this smells, while the finish is rugged and tannic.

85

24

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

50,379

US

Hints of smoke and toast add warmth to the fresh pear and blossom aromas. An easy-drinking blend of stainless-steel- and barrel-fermented wine, it's bright with fresh fruit, but it's lusciously textured on the palate.

86

12

New York

Chardonnay

109,914

Italy

Delicate scents of rose, chopped mint, dark spice and tilled soil aromas take shape in the glass. The firmly structured palate offers red cherry, pomegranate, licorice and white pepper set against a backbone of polished, fine-grained tannins. A coffee note closes the finish. Drink 2018–2027.

93

105

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

112,497

US

Orange blossoms, lemon juice, honeydew melon and a nearly guava element show on the topical nose of this slightly sweet wine. The palate offers orange and lime juice flavors, with sour and bitter sides to cut the sweetness. Expect this to age well and show even better in the years to come.

88

16

California

Riesling

127,891

Italy

Aromas of red berry, tobacco, coconut and espresso meld together with a balsamic note. The palate is young and aggressive, offering toast, oak-driven spice and a green note of powdered sage alongside grainy, astringent tannins. A note of salted game marks the close.

87

76

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

110,106

US

From Napa and Sonoma in equal measure, this wine is herbal, slightly green, while also dense, syrupy and mouth-coating in tannins.

84

75

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

8,560

US

Deep aromas of hibiscus, rose buds, dark red berries and sugar plums are spiced up by cola, crushed pencils and lots of garrigue on this bottling. The palate is clean and crisp, with snappy raspberry, light cranberry and lots more chaparral-like herbs, including wild thyme, bay laurel, lavender and fennel pollen.

93

48

California

Pinot Noir

44,812

France

With its floral rose motif, the bottle is attractive in itself. The rosé inside comes to life with crisp red fruits and lively acidity. This wine has a real freshness with a tangy texture, spice and a perfumed aftertaste.

88

18

Provence

Rosé

123,196

US

A structured proprietary red blend from Temecula Valley. The tannins remain a tad chewy, leathery even, though the wine's got some hints of fig, cherry and cinnamon that keep it interesting.

87

33

California

Red Blend

83,559

US

Smooth and appealing, with a smoky edge to the purple plum and berry fruits, this is a flavorful, forward and easy-drinking rendition of what may become Southern Oregon's signature grape. The tannins are silky and the length impressive.

90

28

Oregon

Tempranillo

20,153

Spain

This brut nature is citric and bubbly on the palate after opening with aromas of weeds and spring onion. Flavors of lemon, herbs, onion and mustard coalesce in front of a bitter finish.

83

13

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

77,985

US

Tangy boysenberry and elderberry fruit shows on the nose of this sultry bottling, along with thyme, potpourri and licorice. The flavors are more cooked than fresh, recalling charred blackberry, dried blueberry, leather and licorice. It's a hearty wine that consumes the entire palate.

90

56

California

Syrah

4,087

US

Mint and tarragon come to the fore aromatically in this vineyard-designate, a soft, approachable mix of juicy plum, red berry and chocolate. Fuller in style and ripe, it'll do well on a table of grilled and roasted fare, finishing with a kick of black pepper.

86

55

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

8,437

US

Some will find this Chardonnay severe and lacking in richness as it's marked by dryness, minerality and acidity, rather than tropical fruit and sweet oak.It would not be surprising if this wine made gains in 5–6 years, but even if it doesn't, it defines a more elegant style.

92

50

California

Chardonnay

9,231

US

Released at just a little over a year old, this demonstrates the promise of Lake County for Cabernet. It's a dry, polished and enjoyable wine, with a fine tannin-acid structure and good flavors of blackberries, currants, black cherries and smoky oak.

87

19

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

39,792

US

Nice and dry, with a good cut of acidity balancing out the ripe black cherry and cola flavors. Fully drinkable now for the soft tannins, it's a pleasant wine that wants pairing with a grilled, salted and peppered steak.

87

38

California

Syrah

101,330

US

Quite a good Zinfandel, although it does show some of the weaknesses that strike this vineyard in a cool year. You'll find a smooth, full-bodied wine, with ample tannins and fine berry-cherry fruit and spices. Yet it's curiously ambiguous in the mouth, and the concentration falls apart midpalate.

87

50

California

Zinfandel

29,812

US

So delicious now, you can drink it, but the hard tannins strongly suggest aging this beauty. Beyond the astringency are complex flavors of blackberries and olives, with sweet toasty oak playing a starring role. Harder to describe is the overall balance, so rich and sweet, yet dry and elusive. Give it until 2020 to begin to come around.

94

200

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

8,104

France

This vineyard, at 900 feet, gives a cool take on Chardonnay. It is tight, structured and mineral in character. Vanilla from the wood aging mingles with the taut citrus fruit. The richness will develop as the apricot flavors develop. Drink this fine wine from 2019.

93

80

Burgundy

Chardonnay

82,083

US

Moderate acidity buoys a rich note of caramel apple in this appellation wine, which is moderate in both ripeness and texture. It finishes clean and simple.

86

35

California

Chardonnay

40,946

US

This Pinot is dry, silky and light-bodied. It shows pleasant raspberry, cola and red currant flavors that finish clean and racy, and the alcohol level is a refreshingly low 13.5% by volume. It requires no aging, so drink up.

86

30

California

Pinot Noir

108,086

US

This is an assertive wine with an herbal personality. Aromas resemble citrus and fresh herbs, the flavors are citrusy and savory, and the mouthfeel is rather generous.

86

20

California

Viognier

41,041

Italy

Fermented in oak barrels, this has aromas that recall white flower, toasted oak, baked pear and dried apricot. The palate offers butterscotch and mature Golden Delicious apple alongside fresh acidity. Toasted hazelnut signals the finish.

89

28

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

125,236

Portugal

Aged in wood for up to 14 months, this wine is rich and smooth. Produced from low-yielding old vines, it's a field blend of many different varieties. It is ripe with layers of black currant and spice flavors along with acidity. The wine has weight but remains stylish. Drink from 2018.

92

19

Douro

Portuguese Red

18,228

France

Soft and warm, with toast and butter adding richness to the white peach and green plum fruits. The acidity and texture are very evident, giving this wine a certain nervous energy.

87

20

Burgundy

Chardonnay

11,927

Italy

Intense red berry, cake spice, new leather and sunbaked earth aromas meld together. The big, chewy palate delivers fleshy black cherry, toast, coffee, anise and grilled herb alongside solid, ripe tannins. You'll also get a nod of alcohol on the finish.

92

90

Tuscany

Sangiovese

79,796

US

A 100% Sauvignon Blanc that was fermented in both stainless steel and neutral oak, this wine offers floral, nutty and deeply layered suggestions of structured oak. Medium to full-bodied, it's lengthy and impressive, with crispness to the finish.

90

24

California

Sauvignon Blanc

54,184

US

Plum, dark berries and a slick streak of almond paste combine in this supple wine. It has a touch of dried herb and soft leather, with light tannins wrapping up the finish.

90

70

Oregon

Pinot Noir

125,096

France

This comes from a part of the Château de Cérons vineyard in Bordeaux's Graves region. It is a fruity crisp wine, light in texture and with attractive black-currant fruits. The wood aging has smoothed the wine, opening up the stalky texture. Drink from 2019.

88

18

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

56,970

France

The estate wine from Sacha Lichine's Château d'Esclans discloses deeper color than some rosés from Provence. It has a ripe feel, smooth red fruits and a touch of toastiness. Full-bodied and dry, it is definitely a food rosé, and best left until late 2014 before drinking.

91

35

Provence

Rosé

7,433

US

Rustic and funky, with a curious nose sending up scents of fruit, musk, soy, pepper and espresso. Flavors are vivid and grapey, and there is a penetrating spicy note running throughout. The finish is tannic and rough.

86

20

Oregon

Cabernet Franc

120,546

Australia

Made in a supple, immediately approachable style, this is a nicely supple, slightly creamy, almost gulpable red. Raspberry and cherry fruit is buttressed by ample spice, then ends on a lingering note of star anise. Drink now–2018.

91

37

South Australia

Grenache

23,669

France

This rich, boldy alcoholic wine has a pepper character that dominates fragrant fruit and spice notes. It should age well, so drink until 2020.

89

24

Alsace

Pinot Gris

23,827

US

This small-production, nouveau-style wine was made without oak or filtering. Simple and juicy, it's festive, with effusive dried cranberry and cola spice notes that are soft and easygoing.

88

30

California

Pinot Noir

107,844

Australia

This release is always among my favorite Aussie Rieslings. Not only is the quality consistent, the price for a nearing-maturity wine makes it a winning value. It is smoky and toasty on the nose, showing off those developed aromas to good effect against a background of bergamot-tinged fruit. The round patina of age is balanced by great acid drive and a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2020.

93

32

South Australia

Riesling

113,789

US

Smashed berries, honeyed coffee, leather, beef jerky, cola and black pepper show on the nose of this complex wine by the legendary Hearst family. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, with lightly roasted coffee notes, touches of seared caramel, sesame oil and teriyaki and a base of dried black-plum fruit.

90

30

California

Malbec

105,101

US

Spice, toast and savory dried herbs accent rich black cherry in this penetrating Pinot Noir. Dense on the palate and voluptuous in body, it's forward in fruit yet maintains a cool restraint of minerality and fine, penetrating tannins. It's a polished, memorable wine.

91

47

New York

Pinot Noir

28,119

US

Over the years this Rhône blend, based on Mourvédre, Grenache and Syrah, has been an excellent value, and the '05 is one of the best yet. Rich and soft, it's packed with opulent cherry and blackberry pie filling, cassis, red currant, licorice, pepper and smoke flavors, with a creamy, chocolaty taste throughout. Yet the wine is totally dry and balanced.

91

18

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

101,122

US

A great Cabernet for drinking now with upscale dishes. Production was 2,700 cases, but it's worth a search. Tastes classy and elegant, with rich blackberry, currant, anise and oak flavors that are dry and complex. For this price, it's a huge value.

91

22

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

19,555

US

Dusty plum flavors meet baked bread aromas in this tightly-wound, tense vineyard-designated wine. It's marked by an undercurrent of pomegranate and rhubarb, the texture taking on more savory tones of forest and black tea as it finishes.

90

50

California

Pinot Noir

17,097

France

Delamotte, the sister house of the legendary Salon, is based in the Côte des Blancs so it has plenty of experience with Chardonnay. This crisp, fruity and lightly toasty wine shows well-balanced freshness and poise. Drink now.

92

112

Champagne

Chardonnay

126,398

France

This rich but tannic wine shows ripe fruitiness as well as dense structure. There is a good balance between juiciness and dryness in this wine, which is already developing well.

86

13

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

68,202

US

This wine is 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and 10% Mourvèdre. It opens with aromas of white pepper, potpourri, herbs and raspberries. The flavors are soft, displaying a very pretty mouthfeel and a pleasing sense of restraint.

90

45

Washington

Rhône-style Red Blend

49,782

Italy

Barbaresco Ad Altiora is characterized by plumpness and ripeness of fruit. That rich, natural succulence is backed by firm tannins and drying sensations of exotic spice, licorice and tobacco leaf. The balance between those two extremes is what sets this bold red wine apart.

91

60

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

68,573

France

Definite tannins here, a wine that shows ripe fruits, richness and a solid core. It is not huge, but does have structure, bitter chocolate, sweetness. It's worth aging this wine 3–4 years.

91

40

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

41,141

US

This serious and concentrated wine has plenty of ripe fruit aromas and flavors, with a smooth texture, and lingering fruitiness on the finish. It resembles black plums and cloves in flavor, and has excellent balance and depth.

90

19

California

Zinfandel

58,614

France

A structured, relatively cool Volnay, dominated more by ripe tannins than by fruit. The fruit that is there is fresh, layered with acidity, juicy in texture, with cranberry and black plum skin flavors. The finish suggests red berries with its firmness. The wine demands at least five years' aging.

93

70

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

12,092

US

Loaded with vibrant jammy fruit, this is a bright Zinfandel that has a smoky grilled-meat note on the finish. Pair this with meaty dishes.

86

11

California

Zinfandel

69,491

US

This is a full-bodied, intensely ripe wine, slightly sweet-tasting like soda, that benefits from a balance of tangy acidity and a finish of leather.

84

20

California

Zinfandel

50,617

Italy

Lush and balanced, this 80-20 blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah offers attractive notes of chocolate fudge, espresso and spice in the foreground of berry fruit. The wine has dense structure and bitter cherry flavors that ride long on the finish.

91

45

Sicily & Sardinia

Red Blend

3,806

US

There's a pleasant sweetness to the nose, a mix of white flowers and fragrant apples. On the palate, green banana, apple juice and papaya rise to the occasion. A strong minerality holds through the finish.

88

13

California

Sauvignon Blanc

107,901

US

An absolute joy and triumph. Just superb, showcasing the best of Oakville. Perfect tannins, as pure as velvet and sweet, and perfect oak, too, with beautifully applied char and wood spice. That the oak is 100% new is in keeping with the wine's volumetrics. The wine's flavors are a profound, heady expression of blackberries, blueberries, cassis and dark, barely sweetened chocolate. Just spectacular, a real achievement by any world class standard. Production was a scant 275 cases.

99

125

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

23,371

US

Great price for a sparkling wine this refined, and the fact that it's a rosé makes it an even better deal. It's rich in strawberry, orange and lime flavors, with that savory yeastiness that marks the best bubblies. The blend is Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

92

27

California

Sparkling Blend

2,583

US

Specks of rosemary give the aromatic entry of this wine a nice herbal invitation. This subtlety is followed by more bombastic waves of big, juicy black cherry, berry and oak. The tannins are still substantial, suggesting cellaring, through 2021.

89

45

California

Pinot Noir

127,190

US

Though it's barrel fermented, this is a thin, hard-edged wine with green and slightly stemmy flavors only partially masked by the buttery barrel notes.

83

12

Oregon

Chardonnay

108,593

US

This wine is made from 75% Sangiovese with 18.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.5% Merlot. A little pruney, it falls flat and veers hot on the palate, full bodied and quite ripe. Dashes of cinnamon stick brighten the experience.

83

32

California

Red Blend

102,099

France

Very firm and tight, with streaks of mineral and textures of earth. Unyielding and a bit over-sulfered, but it hints and depth and concentration.

89

48

Burgundy

Chardonnay

2,392

Portugal

The quinta for this wine is on the plateau north of the Douro river. It has produced a red-fruit wine, rich with soft tannins and juicy fruitiness. The wood aging is already well integrated into this bold, ripe wine. Drink now.

87

15

Douro

Portuguese Red

59,288

US

An exciting wine, dry and silky with balanced restraint Overall, the power is evident in the controlled explosion of cherries, currants and cola, wrapped in firm, smooth tannins. A great success, and worthy of extended cellaring. Begin to drink this beauty after 2018.

94

65

California

Pinot Noir

84,088

Italy

Here is a playful Riesling with a nice balance between sweet fruit and drying mineral tones that give the wine dimension and intensity. Aromas include stone fruit, white flower and natural rubber.

85

22

Northeastern Italy

Riesling

99,505

France

In the classic Provence skittle bottle, this is a soft, red-fruited wine. Fruity and crisp, it is refreshing and immediately appealing.

85

15

Provence

Rosé

8,194

France

Although this tastes younger than some recent bottlings of this great nonvintage, it is still a fine wine. Its apple flavors meld effortlessly with citrus, grapefruit zest and just a touch of toast to show the depth of flavor that will emerge after a few more months in bottle.

91

47

Champagne

Champagne Blend

99,837

US

An appealing wine with notes of orange peel, citrus and red fruit. It's medium-bodied with lively citrus flavors that display a soft feel.

89

18

Oregon

Tempranillo

78,394

US

Yorba is doing the world of Zin lovers a huge favor by holding its wines in bottle for longer than most producers, and what you get for all that waiting is a wine ready to drink that's still got plenty of structure and ageability. This Zin shows great depth, with subdued fruit and darker flavors of plum and coffee allowed to shine, rounded out by an intensity of spice.

90

28

California

Zinfandel

57,702

US

This is a big, full-bodied Pinot Noir. If you're seeking a delicate style, go elsewhere. It's fleshy and precociously rich in cherry and mulberry fruit that's soft and chewy, like a candy bar. Such are the acids and tannins that you'll want to cellar it for three or four years.

90

45

California

Pinot Noir

68,687

US

Rustic compost, wild strawberry and cola spice highlight this medium-bodied, velvety textured wine, buoyed by a linear streak of lively acidity. Leather and smoke accentuate the finish.

92

48

California

Pinot Noir

105,947

US

With an intensity of almond paste and charcuterie at first sniff, this nice Pinot Grigio from the Sangiovese specialists at Vino Noceto is light in color but rich in mouthfeel, with a flowery, apricot flavor. Its finish is smooth and a smidge sweet.

87

15

California

Pinot Grigio

65,902

US

Larger than life in terms of oak and tannin on the entry, this wine is elusive in fruit. Medium-bodied, it feels weighty and sharp-shouldered, while being clearly well-made and expressive of its appellation and variety. A cherry-vanilla note rings on the finish.

88

52

California

Pinot Noir

17,178

US

The Miller's Cove Red is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that shows an exceptionally fine calibration of ripe, concentrated cherry and berry flavors against a backdrop of bristling acidity. It's refreshingly quaffable, yet nuanced with hints of spice, mineral and violet that linger softly on the finish.

89

22

New York

Red Blend

20,677

Italy

A 70-30 blend of Catarratto and Chardonnay, this wine offers enormous freshness in the form of citrus blossom, white almond, honey, lemon mousse and basil leaf notes. It feels silky, crisp and light.

87

24

Sicily & Sardinia

White Blend

55,941

US

The reserve takes the tight focus and black fruit flavors of the regular Cab and ramps them up a notch or two. Deeper, denser and darker, with flavors of cassis and licorice wrapped into the tannic, earthy depths of the finish. This has great power.

91

30

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

31,886

US

Lots of upfront lemon, lime, orange and tropical fruit flavors in this wine, which is balanced with crisp acidity and finishes dry. A tang of minerality helps to make it clean and vibrant. Great food wine, especially with Asian fare.

87

20

California

Sauvignon Blanc

30,870

Italy

Melini's Riserva, from a 98 acre vineyard in Radda in Chianti, is still firmly traditional in character. With its firm, dry bitter cherry fruit flavors and just a light touch of wood, it shows how classic Chianti winemaking still has a place, provided it is used in the right way.

87

23

Tuscany

Sangiovese

118,905

US

Sweet, tart and simple, like the filling on a black-cherry pie. Not much else going on. Drink now.

84

25

California

Merlot

108,046

US

In this pungent wine, Syrah is co-fermented with a touch of Viognier, then blended with 33% Grenache. Interesting scents of diesel, soil and stem wrap into the tight red berry fruit. It rounds into a rather soft, easy-drinking red that should be consumed through 2017.

89

33

Washington

Rhône-style Red Blend

3,384

US

From a different block of the same vineyard as the “Whale label” Memorista, this is drinking much better at the moment. It's smooth and supple—a pretty wine with honeyed minerality around fruit flavors of citrus and peaches.

92

25

Oregon

Riesling

105,807

US

Aged in both French and American oak, this is a tropical and oaky expression of the grape, round and slightly sweetened atop a silkiness of smooth butter.

84

17

California

Chardonnay

129,869

US

This wine hits the mark, combining intriguing flavors of vanilla, shortcake and cinnamon with a bracing but supple texture and a fine-grained mousse. It is dry, subtle, complex and elegant.

90

25

California

Sparkling Blend

108,687

US

Aromas of coffee, graphite, herb, barrel spice and black fruit lead to a power-packed palate full of dark fruit and earth flavors supported by chewy tannins. It's a classic Red Mountain style, not shy but delivering the goods with a long life ahead of it.

92

65

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

90,482

US

Aromatically still in its shell, this wine offers notes of mineral, pepper, smoked meat, barrel spices and dark-blue fruit. However, flavors are already singing, with waves of rich, intense fruit that almost overwhelm the senses. This velvet hammer of a wine should only reveal more charms with additional time in the bottle. Best from 2017 to 2022.

93

55

Washington

Syrah

113,655

US

Young and unintegrated, this Cab is nowhere near ready to drink. The sweet oak sticks out, overpowering the ripe blackberry, currant and herb flavors. Needs time. Give it until after 2009, at the earliest.

89

65

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

119,497

US

Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, with a light touch of oak, this is an easy-drinking wine with crisp acidity and ripeness making it a natural partner for Asian fare. It has intensely ripe apricot, orange, peach and vanilla flavors, with a note of gooseberry.

86

25

California

Sauvignon Blanc

117,018

US

Smells raisiny, feels hot, tastes overripe.

81

62

California

Pinot Noir

76,597

US

This Cabernet Sauvignon demonstrates proportionate fruit, acid and barrel components. The only downside, if there is one, is a hint of underripeness, manifested as a whiff of asparagus.

88

40

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

60,434

France

This fruity, light and fresh wine offers easy tannins and red berry fruits. It's rounded and juicy, smoothed by wood aging that gives it a ripe aftertaste. Drink now.

86

13

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

31,367

US

Fermented in neutral Burgundian oak, this is crisp and stylish, and brings in tart Asian pear, jicama and white peach. Flavors are clean and razor sharp. No alterations, additions, or finings are employed—this is as noninterventionist as it gets.

92

35

Washington

Chardonnay

86,989

US

Pink in the glass with the slightest yellow hue, this bottling offers broad nectarine, Pink Lady apple, soda and bubblegum aromas. It's clean and fresh on the palate, showing poached apple, citrus and wet slate flavors, with a citrusy acidity and decent grip that frame the finish.

89

20

California

Rosé

109,806

Argentina

A sniff is rewarded with sandalwood, dry spice and thick, jammy berry aromas. It's concentrated and well integrated on the palate, with ultraripe and sweet flavors of coconut, vanilla cream and berry fruit. Seems a touch flat and candied on the finish, with a final blast of sweetness.

91

135

Mendoza Province

Malbec

85,797

US

Pinot Noir pro Adam Lee shows his Rhône colors with this cool-climate bottling that offers scents of black pepper, violets, purple fruit and fried pork. It's both lush and energetic on the palate, presenting dark blackberry flavors but with acidic verve. An exciting look at the grape's varied potential.

93

34

California

Syrah

11,932

France

This is a bright, fruity, rounded wine with a soft texture. It's full and ripe, with melon and green plum notes, plus a touch of bitterness on the finish.

85

20

Bordeaux

Sauvignon Blanc

45,729

Germany

A crush of mineral and earth tones exhilarate on the nose of this dry Riesling. Ripe, sunny grapefruit and nectarine flavors expand luxuriously on the palate, tightened by a fine stream of lime and lemon acidity. The finish is long and steely.

90

18

Mosel

Riesling

112,141

US

Apple and pear, cracker and citrus, pineapple and a hint of residual sugar combine in a soundly made, all-purpose Chardonnay. The alcohol is just under 13%, and the wine was not put through malolactic fermentation, leaving it crisp and fresh.

87

9

Washington

Chardonnay

18,001

US

An impressive wine from this St. Helena winery, with the vineyard below Howell Mountain. It's rich and classic, showing ripe blackberry, blueberry, currant and earthy flavors, with wonderfully thick, refined tannins. An elaborate, Cabernet that should benefit from up to six years in the cellar.

92

58

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

7,550

US

The vineyard, high in the Mayacamas Mountains, is famous for the tannic quality of its red wines. You'll find this '08 Cab tough and astringent. But you'll also easily discover the vast richness of chocolate, cherry, blackberry and currant fruit, so deep and impressive, and the finish is totally dry and balanced. This Cabernet clearly needs time. Give it until 2014 to begin to come around.

91

60

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

55,909

US

A blend of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, this wine exemplifies the finesse of a fine Santa Ynez white wine. It's ripe with orange and peach jam flavors, but there's no oak, so what you get is pure fruit.

87

16

California

White Blend

90,754

US

Most of this wine hails from Force Majeure Vineyard, with Olsen in the Yakima Valley filling it out. Aromas of crushed granite, blackberry, wood spice and herbs are followed by vibrant red and black-fruit flavors that display depth and finesse. The finish carries.

93

48

Washington

Syrah

42,607

Italy

Crushed blue flower, ripe plum and baking spice are some of the aromas you'll find on this polished red. The round, chewy palate offers ripe black cherry, cinnamon and white pepper alongside sleek tannins. Drink soon to capture the juicy fruit.

89

25

Tuscany

Sangiovese

96,645

US

This is a dry, full-bodied deal of a wine, offering melon, papaya and zesty acidity around plenty of breadth and depth. Textured and luxurious, it finishes in ginger and Asian pear.

90

16

California

Chardonnay

124,261

US

This is a newish producer making Pinot in Marin, the county between San Francisco and Sonoma. The wine is dry, crisp, elegant and medium-bodied, showing cola, cherry liqueur and spicy vanilla flavors. It's a promising Pinot whose next step is to build in additional layers of complexity.

88

30

California

Pinot Noir

57,289

US

Creamy on the nose, this wine shows seared pineapple, apple custard, lemon oil and faint iodine aromas. The flavors are evenly placed between lemon yogurt and salted apples, mixing a bit of tang and ripe fruit with a savory sea salt.

91

40

California

Chardonnay