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
28,311	US	This is a rich, robust bubbly. The palate is marked with honey-infused limes and Meyer lemons, with the bread dough sourness of lees. The mouthfeel is a little rough, though.	86	30	California	Sparkling Blend
105,187	US	A dark and spicy wine, with streaks of mineral and herb buried within very tart, acidic black fruit. This is complex, quite youthful and tightly woven. I think it will require some years to pull itself together, but the balance is here, in a medium-bodied style, showing some herb, some citrus and plenty of muscle. Tasted over many hours after being decanted, it showed itself to be a wonderful wine that developed multiple layers of flavor.	93	28	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
84,683	US	With over 16% alcohol and a splash of Petite Sirah, this Zin can be called generous. It has a rich, creamy texture, and the black currant, cherry jam, mocha and anise flavors are fully dry.	88	40	California	Zinfandel
51,642	Germany	While subdued on the nose and delicate in body, this dry yet honey-slicked wine overflows with concentration and power. Pristine, ripe grapefruit and lemon flavors flood the palate, catapulted by tart tangerine acidity and earthy touches of pollen and crushed minerals. The steely finish lingers long.	93	48	Mosel	Riesling
119,767	US	Aromas of tire rubber mix with herbs, red fruit, plum and allspice. Candied red fruit flavors are plump in feel, trailing on the finish.	87	24	Washington	Zinfandel
35,898	US	This is a huge bear-hug of a wine, from the effusive dark-fruit aromas through the rich, layered texture and ripe fruit flavors that linger on the finish. It is full bodied, well oaked, spicy and complex, with a mouthcoating texture and long finish.	91	37	California	Syrah
64,868	US	This is pure Merlot from the StoneTree vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA. It's been aged almost two years in new French oak barrels, and has the delicious mix of fruit and barrel flavors to prove it. Supple, succulent, smooth and spicy, it's a showcase for cherry and cassis fruit, accented with pungent, almost piney herb. Excellent texture and mass shows good winemaking.	91	28	Washington	Merlot
66,967	US	While the nose is delicate with faint hints of yellow plum and pear, the palate is surprisingly brawny and bold. Rich, buttery and voluminous, this wine showcases ripe citrus and apple flavors, but falls a bit short on the finish.	87	16	New York	Chardonnay
17,816	Italy	Opulent and creamy, this well-made and well-priced blend delivers distinctive notes of banana, vanilla and almond backed by stone fruit and mature melon. It's cool and crisp and offers lingering flavors of exotic fruit.	86	10	Northeastern Italy	White Blend
116,649	Argentina	Clean, neutral aromas of white fruits, hay and vanilla wafer lead to a citrusy, round palate. This fresh Chardonnay offers orange and apple cider flavors in front of a clean finish.	87	12	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
118,535	US	From two vineyards located in the warmer part of Santa Ynez Valley, this Sauvignon Blanc was mostly fermented in stainless steel, with a portion in neutal oak. The result is a nice, rich and creamy wine, slightly sweet in citrus, apricot and vanilla bean flavors, and balanced with crisp acidity.	87	12	California	Sauvignon Blanc
40,426	US	Focus and elegance are the hallmarks of this wine, and it offers the fruit purity that characterizes virtually all of Maison Bleue's white wines. From the first sniff to the last, resonating swallow, this smells and tastes like a bowl full of peaches, pineapples and mixed stone fruits. It's tight and defined, and it doesn't have new oak influence.	92	25	Washington	Chardonnay
121,571	US	A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (61%) and Sémillon, with the latter a new addition to this typically varietally designated wine, it opens with aromas of herbs, lemon verbana, white flowers, nut oil and yellow apple. The palate is lean in style, with a lightly creamy feel backed by racy acidity that leads to a white grapefruit, kiwi and pineapple-filled finish.	89	25	Washington	Bordeaux-style White Blend
74,062	Italy	Red berry, leather and aromatic herb aromas slowly appear in the glass along with a subtle whiff of violet. The taut palate is still tightly wound, offering red cherry, cranberry and star anise alongside youthfully assertive fine-grained tannins that leave a firm finish.	92	65	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
122,893	US	Apple peels, squeezed lime, rain on cement, jicama and Asian-pear aromas show on the crisp yet rounded nose of this bottling by actress Drew Barrymore. The palate is quite inviting with broad apple flavors, offering just enough texture and acidity to keep all sorts of wine lovers interested.	89	18	California	Pinot Grigio
51,204	US	While the aroma is a touch earthy, the flavors in this full-bodied and plush-textured wine resemble honey, peach and almond. With a hint of sweetness to round out the mouthfeel, this could be a good match for a wide variety of cheeses.	85	23	California	White Blend
26,917	US	This feels thin and common, with notes of tangerine and buttered toast. It's a wine to drink at parties and such.	82	16	California	Chardonnay
17,016	Spain	Melis is a project backed by wine industry folks from California, but this blend of old-vines Grenache along with Carignan, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon is very European. It's heady but well balanced, with smooth edges and not too much fiery attitude, roughness or scratchy tannins. It's forward and big-boned, but there's enough creamy richness to make it friendly. Needs plenty of air time now; should hold well for five-plus years.	92	99	Catalonia	Red Blend
116,535	Portugal	From old vines and with 17 months' wood aging, this is a smoothly ripe wine, the structure softened out, giving dusty tannins, great ripe black plum fruits and balancing acidity. It could be drunk now, but for the super-ripe fruit to meld even better, give it a year.	90	60	Douro	Portuguese Red
76,518	US	Fresh and zesty on the nose, this bottling shows dried elderberry fruit laced with oregano, thyme, dill, eucalyptus and black pepper. A strong tobacco flavor shows once sipped, with black-cherry fruit, cedary cigar box and sticky tannins contributing to a leathery mouthfeel.	87	29	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
123,345	Argentina	A heavy, roasted, charred nose gives this a dark outlook, and the bulky but smooth palate of black fruits and baked flavors does little to lessen the load. Feels good on the finish, although it tastes rather normal and a touch bitter. Round and fairly rich Malbec.	88	25	Mendoza Province	Malbec
77,659	France	On the sweet side, this is a soft, fruity, perfumed wine packed with flavors of baked apples, red currants and spiced pears. Bright acidity gives it a lift on the finish. It is now ready to drink.	88	20	Alsace	Pinot Gris
127,657	US	Intensely ripe on the nose and palate, with loads of sweet blackberries and cherries, this densely concentrated Merlot-based blend is an excellent offering from one of Long Island's best producers. Notes of sweet fruit and rose perfume soften the bold tannins and deeper tones of coffee and dark toast.	90	45	New York	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
71,130	US	This light rosé is scented with rosewater, melon and strawberry. Finished dry and nicely structured.	86	12	Washington	Sangiovese
35,661	US	This is an intriguing wine, with the extraction and the alcohol seemingly dialed back. Somewhat light in color, it brings aromas of fresh herb, sweet spice, cedar and cherry. The flavors are elegant and cranberry tart. It doesn't come off as entirely varietal but there's plenty of enjoyment to be had, especially if paired with food.	88	30	Washington	Merlot
85,611	Portugal	This is a powerful ripe wine, packed with black fruits and firm tannins. It is an impressive blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz, rich with black-plum flavors, a dark texture and great structure. This is a wine to age. Drink from 2020.	92	20	Douro	Portuguese Red
41,857	US	A beautiful young wine, notable for two things, its balance and generosity. Feels wonderfully structured, with superb tannins and a fine dose of acidity framing massive blackberry, currant, bacon, black pepper, mineral and sandalwood flavors. Bone dry, it's a superior Syrah that should develop over the next 4–6 years.	94	75	California	Syrah
7,609	Italy	A deep gold color sends up warning flags, and the flavors bear that out. Has simple apple flavors with a touch of shellac and no depth. Kosher.	82	10	Veneto	Pinot Grigio
89,430	US	The fruit is gigantic on this rich, full-bodied and expressive young Pinot Noir. It discloses an explosion of raspberries and cherries, along with zesty acidity and a jacket of smoky oak. The wine is delicious to drink now with Pinot-friendly fare, such as grilled salmon or lamb.	90	39	California	Pinot Noir
19,771	US	Sanguine in cranberry while offering a velvety smooth, rounded approachability, this well-made, robust wine will appeal to a wide range of palates, expressing a big, leathery backbone of tannin and toasted oak.	90	22	California	Merlot
91,141	Italy	This opens with aromas of toast, oak, grilled herb and a hint of iris. The palate offers coffee, marinated cherry, licorice and a saline note alongside close-grained tannins that leave an astringent finish.	88	70	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
33,290	US	Soft and juicy in black cherry and plum, this wine offers good value in its blend of girth and acidity. It piques interest on the palate with its toned black licorice and velvety structure.	87	36	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
95,586	US	This bubbly is on the sweet side. It has sugary pineapple and orange flavors. A little scoury in texture, it's an easy sparkling wine to drink with sweet foods, like wedding cake.	84	13	California	Sparkling Blend
56,395	US	Feels more like Grenache than Pinot Noir, a heavy, full-bodied and soft wine with cherry and sandalwood flavors. Good, but atypical for the variety.	85	24	California	Pinot Noir
81,487	US	Raspberry, cocoa, coffee and vanilla aromas lead to plump, focused fruit flavors. It's both appealing and quite varietally correct. For those looking for a quality value Merlot, look no further.	89	15	Washington	Merlot
27,633	US	Raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, with smooth coffee and cream flavors streaking through the finish. Nicely made in a clean, classic Napa Zin style.	87	18	California	Zinfandel
57,643	France	This is a rich, smooth, vanilla-flavored wine that is impressively ripe while keeping all its freshness. It has a sense of concentration, with ripe strawberry and red cherry fruits and enough structure to allow it to age. Drink from 2015.	92	23	Provence	Rosé
63,674	France	As happens in Côtes de Bourg, Malbec forms part of the blend in this wine. This would explain the firm dry tannins that give it a big structure and weight. Along with the dry character, there is the beginnings of red berry fruit. The wine needs several years.	89	19	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
12,080	US	The fruit that was used to make this Pinot Grigio was sourced from a High Valley vineyard situated at an elevation of 2,000 feet. The resulting wine is full of citrus and green apple aromas and flavors. The finish shows a touch of sweetness.	86	14	California	Pinot Grigio
106,900	US	This is an elegant, heady Chardonnay beaming in floral jasmine aromas, honey and oak. Bright on the palate, it offers lively acidity and an abundance of pineapple and mango, tropical in all the right ways.	92	50	California	Chardonnay
73,351	France	Light wood aging sets the scene for this crisp and herbaceous wine. Citrus fruits give a juicy character and contrast with the mineral texture coming from the stony vineyard. It's a fresh wine to drink now.	86	13	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
29,143	US	Made from 100% Cabernet grapes grown in this highly regarded vineyard that straddles Atlas Peak, this is dry, full bodied and softly rich in tannins. It has a fruity essence and a toasty sweetness that's driven by the oak, making it delicious.	92	65	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
57,242	US	Barrel aromas of vanilla, cocoa and coconut are at the fore. The black-fruit and barrel flavors provide a lot of appeal.	90	34	Washington	Cabernet Franc
41,995	US	This is becoming a wildly popular offering from the Miller family of Bien Nacido and French Camp fame, and for good reason. Black slate, blackberry and pungent purple fruit power the nose. The palate shows lots of juiciness, but with a plum-peel tang and hints of tobacco. It's not extremely complex, but quite quaffable.	87	15	California	Red Blend
101,069	France	An aromatic wine with great depth, this is complex and concentrated. It brings out a great tangy, zesty, steely character that has freshness as well as richness in equal measure. White fruits and red currants leave a crisp, taut aftertaste.	91	17	Alsace	Riesling
80,544	US	A special, 25th anniversary bottling, this is a knockout. Dark, smoky and tannic, this has a deep, black fruit flavor, threaded with rich streaks of licorice, coffee and chocolate. Further detail comes in the form of peppery herb. This is thick, muscular and integrated.	92	69	Oregon	Pinot Noir
19,715	US	Cherry, berry and sinewy leather make for a memorable experience of fruit and savory accents in this farm-designate that impresses from start to finish. Offering length and breadth, it's balanced despite noticeable ripeness and body.	92	34	California	Zinfandel
112,248	France	This ripe wine from the Montagne de Reims is dominated by its 75% Pinot Noir. That gives a rich wine, full of ripe berry and citrus fruits and with a strong edge of tannin and minerality. It is young—a vintage that needs to age. Drink this firm, youthful wine from 2019.	93	52	Champagne	Champagne Blend
76,624	France	A restrained nose gives little away but the palate reveals very taut, shy citrus notes and lively fizzing mousse. Everything about this shows restraint but also balance and ample pure freshness. Austere perhaps, but also convincing. The finish is full of lemon dryness.	90	30	Alsace	Sparkling Blend
42,793	US	Despite an official alcohol level of 14.2% by volume, this Cab is so hot and overripe, it tastes like brandy. It's all about raisins, oranges, oak and acidity.	81	32	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
1,058	US	This is the kind of wine someone serves at a big party, maybe in paper cups, along with the canapes, and you're delighted because it's actually pretty good. It's dry, soft and chocolaty, with a rich undertow of blackberries and currants.	85	16	California	Syrah
76,175	Argentina	Although this is almost red in color and entering its twilight, it's not bad for $8. Dusty berry aromas lead to a semifull palate with raspberry, cherry and plum flavors that end in chewy dryness.	85	8	Mendoza Province	Rosé
5,696	US	This spicy, elegant take on Syrah will reward your attention. Boysenberry and other purple/black fruits are expressed both aromatically and on the palate, with light touches of vanilla. The overall impression is of a pretty, structured, textural wine, with excellent length and balance.	91	28	Washington	Syrah
75,541	US	Starts out with earthy, berryish aromas, and drinks earthy and light, with just a suggestion of berry fruit. Simple and one-dimensional. An everyday wine with a slight tannic bite.	83	24	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
43,059	Italy	Montessu is a gorgeous blend of Carignano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah that shows full fruit flavors of plum and blackberry, followed by slightly green tones of curry leaf and rosemary. The tannins are firm and tight, with a fine, silky texture.	90	35	Sicily & Sardinia	Red Blend
79,301	US	Pure and focused in flavor, this is a great example of a natural-tasting wine in which the cherry, strawberry and blackberry flavors inherent in the grapes shine through and there's little oak to complicate things. It is medium bodied, well balanced, with light tannins and mild acidity.	88	20	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
106,044	US	Fruit flavors of pineapple and lemon are pushed forward, followed by a pleasing touch of light butter. The wine was barrel fermented in half new, half used oak. It's a fine spring/summer quaffer.	87	18	Oregon	Chardonnay
89,570	Germany	Delicate whiffs of orange blossom and honeycomb scent this slightly off-dry Riesling. The palate is ripe with honey and peach, but elegantly balanced with lime acidity and a lingering touch of crushed-stone minerality.	90	19	Mosel	Riesling
129,829	US	Black cherry and blueberry fruit flavors are accompanied by a definite note of mushroom, much as in many lesser Bordeaux. There's a little lift from moderate volatile acidity, and a mix of coffee, blueberry and smoke through the finish.	86	15	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
125,659	US	This cuvée is the product of a collaboration between Phelps Creek owner Bob Morus and Burgundian winemaker Alexandrine Roy. She has crafted an elegant wine with unusual nuances—hints of bacon fat and butter, lightly woven into the tart, racy pomegranate and raspberry fruit. Elegant and refined, this is as Burgundian as Oregon Pinot ever gets.	88	42	Oregon	Red Blend
24,173	France	Its name a play on the Petit Chablis appellation (pas si petit means “not so little”), this wine has a ripe and fruity character. Crisp texture and lively, exuberant acidity carry its white fruit flavors into the finish. Drink now.	87	19	Burgundy	Chardonnay
120,028	France	This beautifully balanced wine shows toast that counterpoints the generous yellow fruits and acidity. It's a ripe wine, touched by honey, spice and peach flavors. The aftertaste, with its total freshness, is crisp, lively, mouthfilling and refreshing. Drink from 2018.	94	208	Burgundy	Chardonnay
83,359	US	It's hard to exaggerate the purity of this wine, which is 100% Cabernet. It startles for the intensity of mountain blackberries and raspberries, and then a firm minerality kicks in, along with the tannins, providing grounding structure. The finish lasts for a full minute. Winemaker Luc Morlet has really hit the jackpot with this dry, spectacularly complex young wine, which will develop for at least a decade.	96	125	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
60,619	US	A bit abrupt, with edgy tannins, but quite good for the price. Give it an hour or two in a decanter to let it mellow, and enjoy the blackberry, black currant and oak flavors.	87	20	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
126,344	France	From vines situated on the plain below the Saint-Émilion slopes, this wine has firm tannins against a soft, fruity backdrop. Dominated by 80% Merlot, it's jammy and ripe, with plenty of red berry fruit and acidity on the finish. Drink from 2018.	87	20	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
93,776	US	A very fine Chardonnay notable for its concentration, power and elegance. Framed in well-oaked flavors of smoky vanilla and honey, the underlying fruit is very ripe in peaches, pears and figs, balanced with racy acidity. Delicious now, and should hold for five years or so.	94	54	California	Chardonnay
105,990	Italy	This is a highly recommendable Pinot Grigio for those looking for a fun and personable companion to seafood and light vegetable dishes. Aromas here include citrus, pear and aromatic green apple. The wine is clean, crisp and zippy on the close.	87	12	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
77,161	Portugal	This is a concentrated and ripe wine with a solid structure that will allow it to age. With bold berry fruits and firm tannins, it is still developing. Give this serious wine until 2019.	90	45	Douro	Portuguese Red
21,144	US	This bottling is easy, light and crisp, starting with squeezed orange and ripe yellow apples on the nose. It's delicate on the palate, with citrus and stone-fruit flavors, just right for an afternoon sip in the sun.	87	13	California	Pinot Grigio
86,845	US	Ripe blackberry juice, espresso, baking spices and savory roasted herbs hit the nose on this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. Dried black cherries dominate the palate, with extra seasoning from chopped mint, lilacs and all manner of brown and black spices. It's almost too flavorful.	87	28	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
75,033	US	Pino is a new Oregon entry from the Bronco Wine Company. It delivers the goods, with chunky cherry fruit done in a bold, clean, full-flavored style. It's got small amounts of Syrah and Maréchal Foch in the blend, probably for color and spice, which works quite well. This is a fine everyday mealtime option with versatility to spare.	88	20	Oregon	Pinot Noir
38,902	US	California-based Siduri cellared and bottled this wine that was vinified in Oregon. Still young and compact, it nonetheless shows some good flesh on its bones. The tannins pop out a bit, along with red berries and a streak of coffee. Another year of bottle age would be helpful, or give it plenty of aeration.	89	39	Oregon	Pinot Noir
100,860	Spain	Leather, raw wood and berry aromas start off this young wine. The palate is fairly raw and gripping, while herbal, peppery blackberry flavors finish with a toasty oak note and tannic rub.	85	10	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
102,751	US	Too soft in structure, and sweet, too, like berry fruit concentrate. Fans of sweet, simple red wines will like this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel.	83	18	California	Red Blend
85,411	US	Fogarty has a good track record with this bottling. The '04 certainly is ripe and soft, with rich, jammy cherry, red currant, raspberry, licorice and mocha flavors. With very high (15.5%) alcohol, it could have a firmer structure, but it's lip-smackingly good.	89	48	California	Cabernet Franc
50,905	US	This wine offers most things one wants in the variety, from an opening hit of cinnamon spice and toasted oak with an overlaying of juicy blackberry, licorice and mocha. Undoubtedly ripe and bold, it was aged in American oak for 20 months, only one-quarter of it new.	90	28	California	Zinfandel
117,382	US	Craig has struggled to move this Paso Robles Syrah off-center and into the end zone for years. The fight continues. The wine is just too soft and simple in structure, although it does show pretty pepper-sprinkled black and blue berries and stone fruits.	85	30	California	Syrah
70,543	Spain	This is deep and fruity up front, with blackberry and cola aromas that come with creamy oak and offsetting minerality. Full and jammy on the palate, with flavors of blackberry, fine herbs and lightly applied molasses. Round and concentrated on the finish. Drink now through 2016.	91	25	Catalonia	Red Blend
39,955	US	An absense of the variety's trademark floral and peach aromatics presages the lack of ripeness found on the palate. An angular peppery streak of green fruit runs through the wine from start to finish, despite good palate presence.	81	15	New York	Viognier
21,601	France	One of the two luxury wines from Château d'Esclans, Les Clans is rich, wood-aged and full of ripe and rounded fruit flavors. With the extra year of aging, it has lost some initial freshness but has gained complexity and structure. The wine is full-bodied while remaining very stylish. Drink now.	91	70	Provence	Rosé
29,168	US	A soft, mid-range, medium-bodied Pinot Noir from areas including the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, it imparts aromas of rosemary and herbes de Provence before delving into a world of tart cherry and cranberry. The finish is smoky.	85	24	California	Pinot Noir
12,413	US	With ripe blackberry, beef jerky and cassis flavors, wrapped into strong tannins, this is good to drink now with foods that want a dry, full-bodied and fruity red wine. It should hold in the bottle for a couple of years.	87	45	California	Syrah
49,306	France	Fashionably pale in color, this light, bright and very poised wine is made from old-vine Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault. With its acidity and fresh red currant and raspberry fruits, it is still crisp and could age a few more months, although why wait?	90	38	Provence	Rosé
3,168	Italy	A genuine, honest sparkler, this has simple tones of almond paste and lemon soda. The mouthfeel is held steady by foamy cream and bright effervescence.	86	19	Veneto	Glera
43,823	Italy	This special commemorative bottle celebrates the 60th anniversary (1947–2007) of one of Italy's flagship wines. The characteristic aromas of Sangiovese come through loud and clear in the form of bright pulses of wild berry, blue flower, light spice and dried tobacco. The wine is bright and tight on the finish. Hold this bottle in your cellar.	92	40	Tuscany	Sangiovese
115,417	Spain	Rubbery, floral aromas of raspberry and cherry along with wet cement get this mature Toro wine going. The palate offers fleshy fruit and firm tannins, while the flavor profile brings floral, leafy, leathery flavors in front of a solid, fresh feeling and leafy tasting finish. Drink now.	87	17	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
28,379	US	Oak and lees give rich, yeasty, butterscotchy complexities, and a creamy texture, to this fine young Chardonnay. Fortunately, the underlying varietal flavors are strong in pineapple, apple, honeydew and papaya. Only 500 cases were produced.	88	20	California	Chardonnay
100,621	France	The Corton hill has a number of red Grand Cru sites, including Vergennes, which lies at the western end. The wine has power, although its more dominant character is richness. It's packed with red fruits, laced with dark tannins and spice, and freshened with black currant acidity. It's a wine for aging, drink from 2018.	93	200	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
78,541	US	Almost entirely fermented in stainless steel, it has unquestionable acidity captured in the bottle, without a sacrifice of ripe, juicy peach fruit. Lemongrass lingers on the tail end.	89	25	California	Sauvignon Blanc
17,569	US	An attractive oaky theme runs through this medium-bodied and appropriately tannic wine. It smells like toasted bread, cinnamon and vanilla, and tastes both fruity and full of oak spices.	87	11	California	Merlot
56,689	Spain	Compact, rubbery aromas of plum and berry come with notes of cheesy oak and cowhide. A tight, fresh palate is balanced, tasting of plum, berry fruits and oaky spice. A straightforward finish echoes the palate.	87	13	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
70,210	US	This is 100% varietal from the historic Foppiano clone, the wine marked by grapy leather and buoyant acidity in equal parts. Chocolate and gunpowder show up along the way, before a big grip gets aggressive on the finish, blown off by a few more swirls of the glass.	90	44	California	Petite Sirah
106,777	France	Rich and with good fruit, this is a structured wine that has the density to age well. The dark-chocolate flavors mingle with the black-plum fruits, finishing with just a light lift of acidity.	88	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
52,476	Italy	From the new estate run by Giovanni and Paolo Bulgari (of fashion and jewelry fame), this pure expression of Sangiovese shows very interesting aromas of bright red cherry, perfumed blue flower and a touch of sweet spice. The wine is focused, compact and crisp on the close.	90	40	Tuscany	Sangiovese
75,672	US	This nearly 100% Cabernet is strongly flavored, bone dry, very tannic and nowhere near ready. It has a tough, astringent mouthfeel, and the concentrated richness of grapes grown on low-yielding hillsides. Intense flavors of blackberries, black cherries, cassis, cola and herbs mark this fine, ageable wine. Don't touch it before 2013, and it should ride out many years beyond that.	93	75	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
114,058	US	The nose on this bottling from longtime Sauv Blanc proponent Fred Brander and winemaker Fabian Bravo is light and delicate, with dried apricot and wet hay aromas, but also tangy, with fresh-cut tangerines. The acidity is evened out on the sip, making for a subtle and pleasant experience full of dried grass, light citrus and Granny Smith apple skin flavors.	90	20	California	Sauvignon Blanc
19,494	Spain	Magenta-tinted and ready to go; that in a nutshell is this easy, no-oak blend of Tempranillo and Grenache. It's fruity to the max, with aromas of boysenberry and black cherry as well as similar flavors. Ripe and easy to drink.	85	10	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
23,474	France	Full, fragrant and very perfumed, this is a beautiful ripe wine that is already showing signs of maturity. Its fragrant white fruit flavors are touched by minerality and texture. It could still be aged for another 2–3 years. The name recalls the local legend of the dragon who fought the sun.	91	40	Alsace	Riesling
38,765	US	Few California Chardonnays are ageable, but this is one you might want to stick in the cellar for a few years to let the parts knit together. Right now, it's prominent in oak, acidity, yeasty lees and tropical fruits. This wine will show better balance by 2015.	91	50	California	Chardonnay
93,745	US	Smoked meats, concentrated blackberrry and blueberry and a heavily peppered spice character shows on the nose of this bottling, with some dark chocolate for good measure. The tasty smoke invades the palate too, but there's also gingerbread cake, baked black plum, cocoa and baking spices. It offers solid acidity and decent structure too.	91	18	California	Zinfandel

28,311

US

This is a rich, robust bubbly. The palate is marked with honey-infused limes and Meyer lemons, with the bread dough sourness of lees. The mouthfeel is a little rough, though.

86

30

California

Sparkling Blend

105,187

US

A dark and spicy wine, with streaks of mineral and herb buried within very tart, acidic black fruit. This is complex, quite youthful and tightly woven. I think it will require some years to pull itself together, but the balance is here, in a medium-bodied style, showing some herb, some citrus and plenty of muscle. Tasted over many hours after being decanted, it showed itself to be a wonderful wine that developed multiple layers of flavor.

93

28

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

84,683

US

With over 16% alcohol and a splash of Petite Sirah, this Zin can be called generous. It has a rich, creamy texture, and the black currant, cherry jam, mocha and anise flavors are fully dry.

88

40

California

Zinfandel

51,642

Germany

While subdued on the nose and delicate in body, this dry yet honey-slicked wine overflows with concentration and power. Pristine, ripe grapefruit and lemon flavors flood the palate, catapulted by tart tangerine acidity and earthy touches of pollen and crushed minerals. The steely finish lingers long.

93

48

Mosel

Riesling

119,767

US

Aromas of tire rubber mix with herbs, red fruit, plum and allspice. Candied red fruit flavors are plump in feel, trailing on the finish.

87

24

Washington

Zinfandel

35,898

US

This is a huge bear-hug of a wine, from the effusive dark-fruit aromas through the rich, layered texture and ripe fruit flavors that linger on the finish. It is full bodied, well oaked, spicy and complex, with a mouthcoating texture and long finish.

91

37

California

Syrah

64,868

US

This is pure Merlot from the StoneTree vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA. It's been aged almost two years in new French oak barrels, and has the delicious mix of fruit and barrel flavors to prove it. Supple, succulent, smooth and spicy, it's a showcase for cherry and cassis fruit, accented with pungent, almost piney herb. Excellent texture and mass shows good winemaking.

91

28

Washington

Merlot

66,967

US

While the nose is delicate with faint hints of yellow plum and pear, the palate is surprisingly brawny and bold. Rich, buttery and voluminous, this wine showcases ripe citrus and apple flavors, but falls a bit short on the finish.

87

16

New York

Chardonnay

17,816

Italy

Opulent and creamy, this well-made and well-priced blend delivers distinctive notes of banana, vanilla and almond backed by stone fruit and mature melon. It's cool and crisp and offers lingering flavors of exotic fruit.

86

10

Northeastern Italy

White Blend

116,649

Argentina

Clean, neutral aromas of white fruits, hay and vanilla wafer lead to a citrusy, round palate. This fresh Chardonnay offers orange and apple cider flavors in front of a clean finish.

87

12

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

118,535

US

From two vineyards located in the warmer part of Santa Ynez Valley, this Sauvignon Blanc was mostly fermented in stainless steel, with a portion in neutal oak. The result is a nice, rich and creamy wine, slightly sweet in citrus, apricot and vanilla bean flavors, and balanced with crisp acidity.

87

12

California

Sauvignon Blanc

40,426

US

Focus and elegance are the hallmarks of this wine, and it offers the fruit purity that characterizes virtually all of Maison Bleue's white wines. From the first sniff to the last, resonating swallow, this smells and tastes like a bowl full of peaches, pineapples and mixed stone fruits. It's tight and defined, and it doesn't have new oak influence.

92

25

Washington

Chardonnay

121,571

US

A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (61%) and Sémillon, with the latter a new addition to this typically varietally designated wine, it opens with aromas of herbs, lemon verbana, white flowers, nut oil and yellow apple. The palate is lean in style, with a lightly creamy feel backed by racy acidity that leads to a white grapefruit, kiwi and pineapple-filled finish.

89

25

Washington

Bordeaux-style White Blend

74,062

Italy

Red berry, leather and aromatic herb aromas slowly appear in the glass along with a subtle whiff of violet. The taut palate is still tightly wound, offering red cherry, cranberry and star anise alongside youthfully assertive fine-grained tannins that leave a firm finish.

92

65

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

122,893

US

Apple peels, squeezed lime, rain on cement, jicama and Asian-pear aromas show on the crisp yet rounded nose of this bottling by actress Drew Barrymore. The palate is quite inviting with broad apple flavors, offering just enough texture and acidity to keep all sorts of wine lovers interested.

89

18

California

Pinot Grigio

51,204

US

While the aroma is a touch earthy, the flavors in this full-bodied and plush-textured wine resemble honey, peach and almond. With a hint of sweetness to round out the mouthfeel, this could be a good match for a wide variety of cheeses.

85

23

California

White Blend

26,917

US

This feels thin and common, with notes of tangerine and buttered toast. It's a wine to drink at parties and such.

82

16

California

Chardonnay

17,016

Spain

Melis is a project backed by wine industry folks from California, but this blend of old-vines Grenache along with Carignan, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon is very European. It's heady but well balanced, with smooth edges and not too much fiery attitude, roughness or scratchy tannins. It's forward and big-boned, but there's enough creamy richness to make it friendly. Needs plenty of air time now; should hold well for five-plus years.

92

99

Catalonia

Red Blend

116,535

Portugal

From old vines and with 17 months' wood aging, this is a smoothly ripe wine, the structure softened out, giving dusty tannins, great ripe black plum fruits and balancing acidity. It could be drunk now, but for the super-ripe fruit to meld even better, give it a year.

90

60

Douro

Portuguese Red

76,518

US

Fresh and zesty on the nose, this bottling shows dried elderberry fruit laced with oregano, thyme, dill, eucalyptus and black pepper. A strong tobacco flavor shows once sipped, with black-cherry fruit, cedary cigar box and sticky tannins contributing to a leathery mouthfeel.

87

29

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

123,345

Argentina

A heavy, roasted, charred nose gives this a dark outlook, and the bulky but smooth palate of black fruits and baked flavors does little to lessen the load. Feels good on the finish, although it tastes rather normal and a touch bitter. Round and fairly rich Malbec.

88

25

Mendoza Province

Malbec

77,659

France

On the sweet side, this is a soft, fruity, perfumed wine packed with flavors of baked apples, red currants and spiced pears. Bright acidity gives it a lift on the finish. It is now ready to drink.

88

20

Alsace

Pinot Gris

127,657

US

Intensely ripe on the nose and palate, with loads of sweet blackberries and cherries, this densely concentrated Merlot-based blend is an excellent offering from one of Long Island's best producers. Notes of sweet fruit and rose perfume soften the bold tannins and deeper tones of coffee and dark toast.

90

45

New York

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

71,130

US

This light rosé is scented with rosewater, melon and strawberry. Finished dry and nicely structured.

86

12

Washington

Sangiovese

35,661

US

This is an intriguing wine, with the extraction and the alcohol seemingly dialed back. Somewhat light in color, it brings aromas of fresh herb, sweet spice, cedar and cherry. The flavors are elegant and cranberry tart. It doesn't come off as entirely varietal but there's plenty of enjoyment to be had, especially if paired with food.

88

30

Washington

Merlot

85,611

Portugal

This is a powerful ripe wine, packed with black fruits and firm tannins. It is an impressive blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz, rich with black-plum flavors, a dark texture and great structure. This is a wine to age. Drink from 2020.

92

20

Douro

Portuguese Red

41,857

US

A beautiful young wine, notable for two things, its balance and generosity. Feels wonderfully structured, with superb tannins and a fine dose of acidity framing massive blackberry, currant, bacon, black pepper, mineral and sandalwood flavors. Bone dry, it's a superior Syrah that should develop over the next 4–6 years.

94

75

California

Syrah

7,609

Italy

A deep gold color sends up warning flags, and the flavors bear that out. Has simple apple flavors with a touch of shellac and no depth. Kosher.

82

10

Veneto

Pinot Grigio

89,430

US

The fruit is gigantic on this rich, full-bodied and expressive young Pinot Noir. It discloses an explosion of raspberries and cherries, along with zesty acidity and a jacket of smoky oak. The wine is delicious to drink now with Pinot-friendly fare, such as grilled salmon or lamb.

90

39

California

Pinot Noir

19,771

US

Sanguine in cranberry while offering a velvety smooth, rounded approachability, this well-made, robust wine will appeal to a wide range of palates, expressing a big, leathery backbone of tannin and toasted oak.

90

22

California

Merlot

91,141

Italy

This opens with aromas of toast, oak, grilled herb and a hint of iris. The palate offers coffee, marinated cherry, licorice and a saline note alongside close-grained tannins that leave an astringent finish.

88

70

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

33,290

US

Soft and juicy in black cherry and plum, this wine offers good value in its blend of girth and acidity. It piques interest on the palate with its toned black licorice and velvety structure.

87

36

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

95,586

US

This bubbly is on the sweet side. It has sugary pineapple and orange flavors. A little scoury in texture, it's an easy sparkling wine to drink with sweet foods, like wedding cake.

84

13

California

Sparkling Blend

56,395

US

Feels more like Grenache than Pinot Noir, a heavy, full-bodied and soft wine with cherry and sandalwood flavors. Good, but atypical for the variety.

85

24

California

Pinot Noir

81,487

US

Raspberry, cocoa, coffee and vanilla aromas lead to plump, focused fruit flavors. It's both appealing and quite varietally correct. For those looking for a quality value Merlot, look no further.

89

15

Washington

Merlot

27,633

US

Raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, with smooth coffee and cream flavors streaking through the finish. Nicely made in a clean, classic Napa Zin style.

87

18

California

Zinfandel

57,643

France

This is a rich, smooth, vanilla-flavored wine that is impressively ripe while keeping all its freshness. It has a sense of concentration, with ripe strawberry and red cherry fruits and enough structure to allow it to age. Drink from 2015.

92

23

Provence

Rosé

63,674

France

As happens in Côtes de Bourg, Malbec forms part of the blend in this wine. This would explain the firm dry tannins that give it a big structure and weight. Along with the dry character, there is the beginnings of red berry fruit. The wine needs several years.

89

19

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

12,080

US

The fruit that was used to make this Pinot Grigio was sourced from a High Valley vineyard situated at an elevation of 2,000 feet. The resulting wine is full of citrus and green apple aromas and flavors. The finish shows a touch of sweetness.

86

14

California

Pinot Grigio

106,900

US

This is an elegant, heady Chardonnay beaming in floral jasmine aromas, honey and oak. Bright on the palate, it offers lively acidity and an abundance of pineapple and mango, tropical in all the right ways.

92

50

California

Chardonnay

73,351

France

Light wood aging sets the scene for this crisp and herbaceous wine. Citrus fruits give a juicy character and contrast with the mineral texture coming from the stony vineyard. It's a fresh wine to drink now.

86

13

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

29,143

US

Made from 100% Cabernet grapes grown in this highly regarded vineyard that straddles Atlas Peak, this is dry, full bodied and softly rich in tannins. It has a fruity essence and a toasty sweetness that's driven by the oak, making it delicious.

92

65

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

57,242

US

Barrel aromas of vanilla, cocoa and coconut are at the fore. The black-fruit and barrel flavors provide a lot of appeal.

90

34

Washington

Cabernet Franc

41,995

US

This is becoming a wildly popular offering from the Miller family of Bien Nacido and French Camp fame, and for good reason. Black slate, blackberry and pungent purple fruit power the nose. The palate shows lots of juiciness, but with a plum-peel tang and hints of tobacco. It's not extremely complex, but quite quaffable.

87

15

California

Red Blend

101,069

France

An aromatic wine with great depth, this is complex and concentrated. It brings out a great tangy, zesty, steely character that has freshness as well as richness in equal measure. White fruits and red currants leave a crisp, taut aftertaste.

91

17

Alsace

Riesling

80,544

US

A special, 25th anniversary bottling, this is a knockout. Dark, smoky and tannic, this has a deep, black fruit flavor, threaded with rich streaks of licorice, coffee and chocolate. Further detail comes in the form of peppery herb. This is thick, muscular and integrated.

92

69

Oregon

Pinot Noir

19,715

US

Cherry, berry and sinewy leather make for a memorable experience of fruit and savory accents in this farm-designate that impresses from start to finish. Offering length and breadth, it's balanced despite noticeable ripeness and body.

92

34

California

Zinfandel

112,248

France

This ripe wine from the Montagne de Reims is dominated by its 75% Pinot Noir. That gives a rich wine, full of ripe berry and citrus fruits and with a strong edge of tannin and minerality. It is young—a vintage that needs to age. Drink this firm, youthful wine from 2019.

93

52

Champagne

Champagne Blend

76,624

France

A restrained nose gives little away but the palate reveals very taut, shy citrus notes and lively fizzing mousse. Everything about this shows restraint but also balance and ample pure freshness. Austere perhaps, but also convincing. The finish is full of lemon dryness.

90

30

Alsace

Sparkling Blend

42,793

US

Despite an official alcohol level of 14.2% by volume, this Cab is so hot and overripe, it tastes like brandy. It's all about raisins, oranges, oak and acidity.

81

32

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

1,058

US

This is the kind of wine someone serves at a big party, maybe in paper cups, along with the canapes, and you're delighted because it's actually pretty good. It's dry, soft and chocolaty, with a rich undertow of blackberries and currants.

85

16

California

Syrah

76,175

Argentina

Although this is almost red in color and entering its twilight, it's not bad for $8. Dusty berry aromas lead to a semifull palate with raspberry, cherry and plum flavors that end in chewy dryness.

85

8

Mendoza Province

Rosé

5,696

US

This spicy, elegant take on Syrah will reward your attention. Boysenberry and other purple/black fruits are expressed both aromatically and on the palate, with light touches of vanilla. The overall impression is of a pretty, structured, textural wine, with excellent length and balance.

91

28

Washington

Syrah

75,541

US

Starts out with earthy, berryish aromas, and drinks earthy and light, with just a suggestion of berry fruit. Simple and one-dimensional. An everyday wine with a slight tannic bite.

83

24

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

43,059

Italy

Montessu is a gorgeous blend of Carignano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah that shows full fruit flavors of plum and blackberry, followed by slightly green tones of curry leaf and rosemary. The tannins are firm and tight, with a fine, silky texture.

90

35

Sicily & Sardinia

Red Blend

79,301

US

Pure and focused in flavor, this is a great example of a natural-tasting wine in which the cherry, strawberry and blackberry flavors inherent in the grapes shine through and there's little oak to complicate things. It is medium bodied, well balanced, with light tannins and mild acidity.

88

20

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

106,044

US

Fruit flavors of pineapple and lemon are pushed forward, followed by a pleasing touch of light butter. The wine was barrel fermented in half new, half used oak. It's a fine spring/summer quaffer.

87

18

Oregon

Chardonnay

89,570

Germany

Delicate whiffs of orange blossom and honeycomb scent this slightly off-dry Riesling. The palate is ripe with honey and peach, but elegantly balanced with lime acidity and a lingering touch of crushed-stone minerality.

90

19

Mosel

Riesling

129,829

US

Black cherry and blueberry fruit flavors are accompanied by a definite note of mushroom, much as in many lesser Bordeaux. There's a little lift from moderate volatile acidity, and a mix of coffee, blueberry and smoke through the finish.

86

15

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

125,659

US

This cuvée is the product of a collaboration between Phelps Creek owner Bob Morus and Burgundian winemaker Alexandrine Roy. She has crafted an elegant wine with unusual nuances—hints of bacon fat and butter, lightly woven into the tart, racy pomegranate and raspberry fruit. Elegant and refined, this is as Burgundian as Oregon Pinot ever gets.

88

42

Oregon

Red Blend

24,173

France

Its name a play on the Petit Chablis appellation (pas si petit means “not so little”), this wine has a ripe and fruity character. Crisp texture and lively, exuberant acidity carry its white fruit flavors into the finish. Drink now.

87

19

Burgundy

Chardonnay

120,028

France

This beautifully balanced wine shows toast that counterpoints the generous yellow fruits and acidity. It's a ripe wine, touched by honey, spice and peach flavors. The aftertaste, with its total freshness, is crisp, lively, mouthfilling and refreshing. Drink from 2018.

94

208

Burgundy

Chardonnay

83,359

US

It's hard to exaggerate the purity of this wine, which is 100% Cabernet. It startles for the intensity of mountain blackberries and raspberries, and then a firm minerality kicks in, along with the tannins, providing grounding structure. The finish lasts for a full minute. Winemaker Luc Morlet has really hit the jackpot with this dry, spectacularly complex young wine, which will develop for at least a decade.

96

125

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

60,619

US

A bit abrupt, with edgy tannins, but quite good for the price. Give it an hour or two in a decanter to let it mellow, and enjoy the blackberry, black currant and oak flavors.

87

20

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

126,344

France

From vines situated on the plain below the Saint-Émilion slopes, this wine has firm tannins against a soft, fruity backdrop. Dominated by 80% Merlot, it's jammy and ripe, with plenty of red berry fruit and acidity on the finish. Drink from 2018.

87

20

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

93,776

US

A very fine Chardonnay notable for its concentration, power and elegance. Framed in well-oaked flavors of smoky vanilla and honey, the underlying fruit is very ripe in peaches, pears and figs, balanced with racy acidity. Delicious now, and should hold for five years or so.

94

54

California

Chardonnay

105,990

Italy

This is a highly recommendable Pinot Grigio for those looking for a fun and personable companion to seafood and light vegetable dishes. Aromas here include citrus, pear and aromatic green apple. The wine is clean, crisp and zippy on the close.

87

12

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

77,161

Portugal

This is a concentrated and ripe wine with a solid structure that will allow it to age. With bold berry fruits and firm tannins, it is still developing. Give this serious wine until 2019.

90

45

Douro

Portuguese Red

21,144

US

This bottling is easy, light and crisp, starting with squeezed orange and ripe yellow apples on the nose. It's delicate on the palate, with citrus and stone-fruit flavors, just right for an afternoon sip in the sun.

87

13

California

Pinot Grigio

86,845

US

Ripe blackberry juice, espresso, baking spices and savory roasted herbs hit the nose on this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. Dried black cherries dominate the palate, with extra seasoning from chopped mint, lilacs and all manner of brown and black spices. It's almost too flavorful.

87

28

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

75,033

US

Pino is a new Oregon entry from the Bronco Wine Company. It delivers the goods, with chunky cherry fruit done in a bold, clean, full-flavored style. It's got small amounts of Syrah and Maréchal Foch in the blend, probably for color and spice, which works quite well. This is a fine everyday mealtime option with versatility to spare.

88

20

Oregon

Pinot Noir

38,902

US

California-based Siduri cellared and bottled this wine that was vinified in Oregon. Still young and compact, it nonetheless shows some good flesh on its bones. The tannins pop out a bit, along with red berries and a streak of coffee. Another year of bottle age would be helpful, or give it plenty of aeration.

89

39

Oregon

Pinot Noir

100,860

Spain

Leather, raw wood and berry aromas start off this young wine. The palate is fairly raw and gripping, while herbal, peppery blackberry flavors finish with a toasty oak note and tannic rub.

85

10

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

102,751

US

Too soft in structure, and sweet, too, like berry fruit concentrate. Fans of sweet, simple red wines will like this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel.

83

18

California

Red Blend

85,411

US

Fogarty has a good track record with this bottling. The '04 certainly is ripe and soft, with rich, jammy cherry, red currant, raspberry, licorice and mocha flavors. With very high (15.5%) alcohol, it could have a firmer structure, but it's lip-smackingly good.

89

48

California

Cabernet Franc

50,905

US

This wine offers most things one wants in the variety, from an opening hit of cinnamon spice and toasted oak with an overlaying of juicy blackberry, licorice and mocha. Undoubtedly ripe and bold, it was aged in American oak for 20 months, only one-quarter of it new.

90

28

California

Zinfandel

117,382

US

Craig has struggled to move this Paso Robles Syrah off-center and into the end zone for years. The fight continues. The wine is just too soft and simple in structure, although it does show pretty pepper-sprinkled black and blue berries and stone fruits.

85

30

California

Syrah

70,543

Spain

This is deep and fruity up front, with blackberry and cola aromas that come with creamy oak and offsetting minerality. Full and jammy on the palate, with flavors of blackberry, fine herbs and lightly applied molasses. Round and concentrated on the finish. Drink now through 2016.

91

25

Catalonia

Red Blend

39,955

US

An absense of the variety's trademark floral and peach aromatics presages the lack of ripeness found on the palate. An angular peppery streak of green fruit runs through the wine from start to finish, despite good palate presence.

81

15

New York

Viognier

21,601

France

One of the two luxury wines from Château d'Esclans, Les Clans is rich, wood-aged and full of ripe and rounded fruit flavors. With the extra year of aging, it has lost some initial freshness but has gained complexity and structure. The wine is full-bodied while remaining very stylish. Drink now.

91

70

Provence

Rosé

29,168

US

A soft, mid-range, medium-bodied Pinot Noir from areas including the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, it imparts aromas of rosemary and herbes de Provence before delving into a world of tart cherry and cranberry. The finish is smoky.

85

24

California

Pinot Noir

12,413

US

With ripe blackberry, beef jerky and cassis flavors, wrapped into strong tannins, this is good to drink now with foods that want a dry, full-bodied and fruity red wine. It should hold in the bottle for a couple of years.

87

45

California

Syrah

49,306

France

Fashionably pale in color, this light, bright and very poised wine is made from old-vine Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault. With its acidity and fresh red currant and raspberry fruits, it is still crisp and could age a few more months, although why wait?

90

38

Provence

Rosé

3,168

Italy

A genuine, honest sparkler, this has simple tones of almond paste and lemon soda. The mouthfeel is held steady by foamy cream and bright effervescence.

86

19

Veneto

Glera

43,823

Italy

This special commemorative bottle celebrates the 60th anniversary (1947–2007) of one of Italy's flagship wines. The characteristic aromas of Sangiovese come through loud and clear in the form of bright pulses of wild berry, blue flower, light spice and dried tobacco. The wine is bright and tight on the finish. Hold this bottle in your cellar.

92

40

Tuscany

Sangiovese

115,417

Spain

Rubbery, floral aromas of raspberry and cherry along with wet cement get this mature Toro wine going. The palate offers fleshy fruit and firm tannins, while the flavor profile brings floral, leafy, leathery flavors in front of a solid, fresh feeling and leafy tasting finish. Drink now.

87

17

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

28,379

US

Oak and lees give rich, yeasty, butterscotchy complexities, and a creamy texture, to this fine young Chardonnay. Fortunately, the underlying varietal flavors are strong in pineapple, apple, honeydew and papaya. Only 500 cases were produced.

88

20

California

Chardonnay

100,621

France

The Corton hill has a number of red Grand Cru sites, including Vergennes, which lies at the western end. The wine has power, although its more dominant character is richness. It's packed with red fruits, laced with dark tannins and spice, and freshened with black currant acidity. It's a wine for aging, drink from 2018.

93

200

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

78,541

US

Almost entirely fermented in stainless steel, it has unquestionable acidity captured in the bottle, without a sacrifice of ripe, juicy peach fruit. Lemongrass lingers on the tail end.

89

25

California

Sauvignon Blanc

17,569

US

An attractive oaky theme runs through this medium-bodied and appropriately tannic wine. It smells like toasted bread, cinnamon and vanilla, and tastes both fruity and full of oak spices.

87

11

California

Merlot

56,689

Spain

Compact, rubbery aromas of plum and berry come with notes of cheesy oak and cowhide. A tight, fresh palate is balanced, tasting of plum, berry fruits and oaky spice. A straightforward finish echoes the palate.

87

13

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

70,210

US

This is 100% varietal from the historic Foppiano clone, the wine marked by grapy leather and buoyant acidity in equal parts. Chocolate and gunpowder show up along the way, before a big grip gets aggressive on the finish, blown off by a few more swirls of the glass.

90

44

California

Petite Sirah

106,777

France

Rich and with good fruit, this is a structured wine that has the density to age well. The dark-chocolate flavors mingle with the black-plum fruits, finishing with just a light lift of acidity.

88

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

52,476

Italy

From the new estate run by Giovanni and Paolo Bulgari (of fashion and jewelry fame), this pure expression of Sangiovese shows very interesting aromas of bright red cherry, perfumed blue flower and a touch of sweet spice. The wine is focused, compact and crisp on the close.

90

40

Tuscany

Sangiovese

75,672

US

This nearly 100% Cabernet is strongly flavored, bone dry, very tannic and nowhere near ready. It has a tough, astringent mouthfeel, and the concentrated richness of grapes grown on low-yielding hillsides. Intense flavors of blackberries, black cherries, cassis, cola and herbs mark this fine, ageable wine. Don't touch it before 2013, and it should ride out many years beyond that.

93

75

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

114,058

US

The nose on this bottling from longtime Sauv Blanc proponent Fred Brander and winemaker Fabian Bravo is light and delicate, with dried apricot and wet hay aromas, but also tangy, with fresh-cut tangerines. The acidity is evened out on the sip, making for a subtle and pleasant experience full of dried grass, light citrus and Granny Smith apple skin flavors.

90

20

California

Sauvignon Blanc

19,494

Spain

Magenta-tinted and ready to go; that in a nutshell is this easy, no-oak blend of Tempranillo and Grenache. It's fruity to the max, with aromas of boysenberry and black cherry as well as similar flavors. Ripe and easy to drink.

85

10

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

23,474

France

Full, fragrant and very perfumed, this is a beautiful ripe wine that is already showing signs of maturity. Its fragrant white fruit flavors are touched by minerality and texture. It could still be aged for another 2–3 years. The name recalls the local legend of the dragon who fought the sun.

91

40

Alsace

Riesling

38,765

US

Few California Chardonnays are ageable, but this is one you might want to stick in the cellar for a few years to let the parts knit together. Right now, it's prominent in oak, acidity, yeasty lees and tropical fruits. This wine will show better balance by 2015.

91

50

California

Chardonnay

93,745

US

Smoked meats, concentrated blackberrry and blueberry and a heavily peppered spice character shows on the nose of this bottling, with some dark chocolate for good measure. The tasty smoke invades the palate too, but there's also gingerbread cake, baked black plum, cocoa and baking spices. It offers solid acidity and decent structure too.

91

18

California

Zinfandel