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
73,694	US	Quite rich and distinguished, with the full-bodied weight and rich, thick tannins of a fine Cabernet, yet with Merlot's flavors of cherries, plums, and violets, with a white chocolate edge. Impresses for its youthful purity and deliciousness, as well as the refined texture.	91	36	California	Merlot
20,179	France	Still dominated by its new wood aromas, this is a fine, structured wine that is only just setting out. It has fine weight, rich blackberry fruits and dark tannins. The spicy wood still needs to integrate, so drink from 2017.	90	33	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
58,509	US	A slightly high-toned scent of lemon candy, pineapple and peach opens the door to this delicious Dijon clone Chardonnay. Aged 11 months in neutral French oak, it's lively and concentrated, with a finishing lick of butterscotch.	92	26	Oregon	Chardonnay
52,455	US	Great balance in this fruit-forward yet well-structured wine. It's not a monster, but firmly in the lunch and dinner wine category because of appetizingly fresh raspberry and strawberry flavors and good acidity. It's medium-bodied, firm-textured and dry.	90	18	California	Zinfandel
128,477	France	A perfumed, finely structured wine, with firm, dusty tannins. The wood is well-balanced with acidity and some generous weight, finishing with black fruits and intense freshness.	91	50	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
122,131	US	A blend of all five Bordeaux varieties with Cabernet (70%) and Merlot (18%) taking the lead, this wine offers aromas of vanilla, leather, Red Vines, dried fruit and cherry cordial, with barrel influences out front. The red and black-fruit flavors are tart and generous, with a steely spine of tannins backing them up. It's in a sweet spot. Drink up.	91	48	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
121,156	US	The wine is enormously ripe, a lip-smackingly fruity 100% Cab that seduces the palate with massive black currant, licorice, sweet date and cedar flavors. Yet it has a tannic astringency that suggests, although it does not require, aging. Should develop well for at least a decade.	93	90	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
71,695	Spain	Light, tropical aromas of citrus fruits form the bouquet. This is fresh but standard in feel, with flavors of lettuce, green herbs, white fruits and brine. The finish feels reasonably good but doesn't offer much flavor.	86	13	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
76,943	Australia	While this wine comes out of the chute loaded with toast, mocha and brown sugar-inflected oak, the wood falls appropriately into the background on the palate, allowing cassis fruit to come forward. It's firm and tannic, with a powerful structure that requires a few years to come into perfect balance; try it after 2020.	91	26	South Australia	Cabernet Sauvignon
15,816	France	Attractively balanced wine, its apple and pear acidity giving a very fruity character. There is a burst of lemon zest for extreme freshness with some grassy herbal character right at the end.	85	14	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
60,407	Italy	Clean, crisp and fresh, which is enough to satisfy most Pinot Grigio drinkers. This one blends Asian pear with hints of green herbs and lemon to make a refreshing summertime quaff.	86	14	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
116,149	France	Peach and tangerine unite to create an utterly seductive nose: luscious juicy flesh is defined by aromatic spice and zestiness. These opposites play off each other and create something that is alive and vigorous, joyful and precious. There is concentration and poise, structure and texture, but none of this concerns the hedonistic forces at play. They just want to express their careless exuberance. There is something defiant about this dry concentrated wine. Perhaps it is a welcome and encouraging counterweight to so much sadness in the world.	96	48	Alsace	Riesling
4,913	US	A deep, dark color, ripe blackberry aromas and berry and spice flavors add up to a full-bodied, impressive wine from one of the oldest wineries in the Sierra Foothills. Smoky, oaky accents help shape the opulent fruit flavors, and enough firm tannins and lively acidity provide good balance.	91	19	California	Zinfandel
45,440	US	Hestan only makes this one white wine. Though its beginnings might seem humble, the juice in the bottle surely will change anyone's mind. This is liquid gold in color, with deep petrol aromas and a note of toasted caramel oak.It's superbly balanced, with minerality winning the day—especially on the finish. This wine starts out like a California blockbuster but finishes very elegantly, with finesse.	91	50	California	Chardonnay
115,517	US	An earthy Chardonnay, with herb-infused citrus and peach flavors, overlaid with sweet oak. It's soft and a little sweet and ready to drink now.	86	35	California	Chardonnay
109,001	US	From almost 92% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay, this is a dry, elegant, fairly priced sparkling wine tasting of ripe stone fruit. The finish ends sweet, begging for spicy food to complement.	88	22	California	Sparkling Blend
125,367	US	Aromas of vanilla, wood spice and dark fruit are followed by generous but still restrained black-fruit flavors. It shows a pretty sense of balance.	88	22	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
64,335	US	Sonoma Valley stalwart Sam Sebastiani returns to the winemaking fold with this small-production Sangiovese. A juicy study in robust, powerful tannins and fresh plum, it has a trace of anise on the back of the palate. Blended with 8% Petite Sirah and 4% Malbec, it spent a year in older French oak barrels and is a delicious California version of the Italian classic.	91	35	California	Sangiovese
55,993	US	This is a celebratory display of the appellation and vintage, a rewarding show of creme brûlée and spicy acidity. Well-integrated and balanced, while undoubtedly ripe, it has mellow oak around tropical mango and juicy apricot and peach.	92	45	California	Chardonnay
101,270	France	The Cinsault that dominates this blend creates a light and gently fruity wine. It has attractive acidity and just the lightest of red-fruit flavors. The aftertaste is soft and tangy with orange zest.	86	12	Provence	Rosé
117,135	US	There's a strong scent of petroleum and burnt rubber in this wine, making it challenging to enjoy.	80	29	California	Tempranillo
43,861	US	Darker than a rosé, almost Pinot Noirish in color, it has aromas of strawberries and raspberries, with a deeper, more decadent note, like chocolate cherries. Oddly, it tastes dry. There are some delicate raspberry flavors, but they’re not too strong. Then it turns very rich and fruity on the finish. There’s something addictive about this drink-me bubbly.	88	11	California	Champagne Blend
129,420	US	Familiar aromas of plum, mulberry, clove and slate show on the nose of this appellation blend by the Paso Robles-based winery. There is decent tension on the sip, where cooked cranberry and strawberry meet with a backbone of allspice and nutmeg as well as bittersweet chocolate.	89	25	California	Pinot Noir
90,977	Italy	Basarin unveils super seductive aromas of mocha fudge, clove, toasted almond, sweet cherry and cured meat. There's enormous depth and density here and the finish is thick and chewy. The wine lasts long on the palate and would pair perfectly with any truffle-based dish. A Marc de Grazia selection; various American importers.	93	60	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
47,156	US	This is a lovely Cabernet Franc, polished and clean. It's wound tight, with black fruits and firm, pencil lead tannins. There's a dash of clean earth, good length, and some softening of the mid-palate from the addition of 18% Merlot.	92	42	Washington	Cabernet Franc
64,970	Argentina	Light cherry and raspberry aromas come in front of a grabby rubbery palate. This tastes like salty plum, with little variation of that theme. A solid finish tastes exactly like what came before.	85	13	Mendoza Province	Malbec
31,477	US	Some of the region's oldest Dijon clone plantings are in this wine, done in a firm, classy style with little new wood apparent. With its crisp apple and citrus fruit and steely edge, it delivers plenty of flavor, a long, penetrating finish and the sense that it will age nicely for a decade at least.	92	35	Oregon	Chardonnay
23,616	US	A sensational value, this blends fruit from a half-dozen vineyards that carry the winery's vineyard designates. Soft and appealing flavors mix citrus, plum and berry in a juicy, wide open, flat out delicious bottle. The fruit is the star, although a year in 9% new French oak adds a nice touch of toast.	91	26	Oregon	Pinot Noir
87,434	US	This is quite a value for the quality, a stellar, medium-bodied, restrained wine that's high-toned and elusive at first aromatically. But it opens in the glass, delighting in blackberry, cherry and a burst of clove, showing skill in winemaking from a blend of vineyards, some valley floor and others mountain.	94	50	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
36,479	France	This Kosher wine is darker in color than many Provence rosés. Made from organically grown grapes it has an earthy character that masks some of the fruit. The acidity and the sense of freshness are, however, all there.	85	25	Provence	Rosé
42,353	US	Tense with acidity and dense in firm tannins, this fun, affordable wine needs time to unwind after opening. Once aired, it shares notes of black tea, licorice and a twine of leather around thick, shy fruit, most notably cranberry.	90	25	California	Pinot Noir
1,556	US	The flagship wine from Quilceda Creek offers exotic scents of plum, cassis, loam, coffee and pine sap, a rich and evocative blend. The wine delivers all that is promised and more; it is deep and dense with flavor, polished, focused and persistent. Vanilla, espresso, fine tannins, luscious acids and cascading fruits.	99	125	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
71,645	France	A strong caramel aroma and flavor spoils the suggestions of fruit. They give a ripe, almost sweet character that doesn't match with the red-currant fruit flavors.	82	16	Bordeaux	Rosé
49,882	US	Roughly three-fifths Merlot and two fifths Cabernet Franc. Though the blend and oak treatment are quite similar to the 2005, this new release comes out with far better balance and structure. The oak flavors are lighter, the tannins are polished and lightly herbal, as befits Cabernet Franc, and there is a hint of steel in the backbone of this tight, svelte effort.	90	40	Washington	Red Blend
76,934	France	This is a small property under the same ownership as Château Paloumey. It is unusual in the 20% Petit Verdot that goes into the blend. That gives the wine its deep color and rich generous black-plum fruit. Solid and dense, the wine will age well. Drink from 2020.	91	25	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
26,570	Italy	Made with dried grapes—95% Malvasia delle Lipari and 5% Corinto Nero—this opens with delicate aromas of dried stone fruit, walnut and a hint of sweet spice. The intense palate shows mature apricot, fig and hazelnut set against a background of acacia honey. Just enough fresh acidity prevents it from being too sweet.	91	37	Sicily & Sardinia	White Blend
80,134	US	The aromas bring notes of toasty spices, black currant, green pepper and blue fruit. The fruit and smoke flavors are smooth and easy drinking, with lightly grainy tannins providing support. It needs some more time to fully come together.	88	17	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
58,792	US	Though coming from the warm 2013 vintage, this wine still retains its balance with notes of peach, mango and crushed granite. It's light and airy in style for a Washington Viognier without sacrificing flavor or length.	91	22	Washington	Viognier
18,890	Italy	Candied cherry, fruit liqueur, caramel, licorice and dark chocolate open the bouquet of this beautiful riserva from Montalcino. The wine is lean and bright on the close with fresh acidity and bright cherry notes.	90	65	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
73,161	Italy	Here is a well crafted and plush Barbera with equal measures of fruit intensity and spicy oak tones of vanilla, smoke and tobacco, The wine is soft and velvety with a long chewy finish. Pair it with spicy lamb curry stewed in coconut milk.	91	50	Piedmont	Barbera
50,798	France	Mushroom aromas indicate a wine that is now mature. It's light, textured with hints of green herbs as well as tannins that are now dry. Not for aging, drink now.	86	60	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
46,862	US	This is a bright, integrated and extremely impressive blend of different estate-vineyard sources. Effortlessly enjoyed, it's nonetheless plenty complex underneath the pleasing fruit and acidity. Tart plum, raspberry, pomegranate and touches of cola and mocha combine for a seamless, satisfying experience.	94	45	California	Pinot Noir
19,864	Italy	A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with delicate ripe black plum and Mediterranean herb aromas. It's firm and straightforward on the palate, delivering black cherry and black tea flavors. Drink through 2019.	87	21	Tuscany	Red Blend
23,631	US	Ebulliently fresh and fruity, this unoaked Chardonnay highlights flavors of freshly pressed apples, lemons and nectarines with sprays of honeysuckle and pollen. It's sprightly on the palate, showing lingering streaks of lemon and lime. Drink now–2017.	89	15	New York	Chardonnay
33,028	Italy	You can't beat the low price and overall good cheer of this fresh Italian Chardonnay in a screwtop bottle. The golden-colored wine reveals a soft and smooth texture accented by pretty aromas of stone fruit, honey and almond nut.	87	11	Northeastern Italy	Chardonnay
640	US	Yields tend to be low in this dry-farmed vineyard, which especially struggles during a drought, but the quality is fantastic. Aromas of browned toast, popcorn, Meyer-lemon pith, honey pollen and a mineral herbal chamomile character show on the nose. A vibrant chalkiness reveals itself on the sip, with lemon blossom and grapefruit pith keeping the palate tight, grippy and texturally zippy.	92	37	California	Chardonnay
685	US	This wine pushes the notion of low alcohol, giving soft and subtle an extreme definition. As such, it will not please everyone. Earthy spice and an exotic notion of orange blossom dance around a light, clear body and high-toned minerality. It hails from a foggy, shaded vineyard in Freestone.	90	75	California	Pinot Noir
31,565	US	This wine's milk chocolate, herb, cherry, barrel spice and plum aromas lead to a plush, soft palate loaded with chocolate and plum flavors. It strikes a lovely balance.	90	28	Washington	Merlot
52,157	France	A severe wine, its structure deriving from an important wood element and fruit tannins. It brings out apple and green plum skins, with a tangy texture that demands a few months aging.	88	56	Burgundy	Chardonnay
85,162	US	Sourced from the estate's best blocks, this opens in a seductive whiff of bay leaf and sour, muddled cherry and strawberry, with lacings of orange for refreshing tang. Full bodied and concentrated, with sizable tannin providing structure and complexity, the density is balanced by ample acidity.	94	72	California	Pinot Noir
89,549	Italy	A blend of 70% Pinot Nero and 30% Chardonnay, this opens with aromas of toast, roasted nuts, mature apple and pear. The palate offers rich apricot, citrus, bread crust and vanilla alongside a fine, persistent perlage.	90	52	Northeastern Italy	Sparkling Blend
87,723	Germany	Sweet, lush and harmonious, with almost decadent honey, apple and citrus flavors balanced by scents of crushed stone and just enough acidity to keep things vibrant.	90	29	Mosel	Riesling
75,199	US	Winemaker Jay Somers has done a nice job with this fruit, crafting a light, but elegant wine with a mix of cherry, cola, spice and milk chocolate flavors. The grapes come from recently-planted vines in the estate vineyard.	87	27	Oregon	Pinot Noir
89,426	Spain	This is a blocky, big Rioja, with coffee, earth and slightly stewed aromas that suggest warmth and ripeness. A deep, saturated palate is round and a touch jagged, while fig, prune and baked berry flavors finish earthy, slightly pruny and round. Drink this ripe wine now through 2017.	90	28	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
79,105	Italy	This is a hopelessly gorgeous wine with so much energy, intensity, density and good cheer. The superb ensemble—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot—delivers chocolate fudge, ripe cherry, rhubarb, cola, tobacco and cedar wood. It's tight and supple, with seamless harmony and excellent succulence on the finish. But it's that incredible intensity that truly sets this wine apart.	98	175	Tuscany	Red Blend
2,428	US	A big, heavy rosé, this has an orange-pink color and slightly sweet flavors of jammy raspberry, vanilla and cream. A blend of Syrah and Grenache.	85	25	California	Rosé
116,965	Italy	D'Amare is a rich blend of Chardonnay and Viognier, offering a thick, viscous mouthfeel and bright notes of apricot, pear, pineapple and exotic fruit. It shows fine density and a creamy finish.	88	50	Tuscany	White Blend
75,718	US	From the somewhat cool 2010 vintage, this Boushey vineyard Syrah is moving into secondary fruit flavors of strawberry preserves. A leafy, lightly herbal component adds extra texture and length.	89	40	Washington	Syrah
98,977	France	Bone-dry style, very crisp and with a full fruit character of red apples and peaches along with red berries. A great food wine.	88	18	Provence	Rosé
100,263	Italy	Crushed flower, leather, menthol and balsamic aromas meld together. The bright palate displays dense black cherry marinated in spirits, licorice and thyme alongside solid tannins. Drink 2018–2038.	93	79	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
107,972	France	A rich, ripe concentrated wine, packed with red plum and cherry fruits, lightly layered with tannins. The wine is immediately attractive, juicy, ready to drink.	88	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
7,606	US	Kind of unripe and thin, with tobacco, beet and herb flavors, although a touch of black cherry helps. The texture is smooth, but the finish is a little watery.	83	15	California	Pinot Noir
127,235	US	Light, spicy aromas like vanilla and nutmeg and ripe, full blackberry and cherry flavors come with a soft texture and almost sweet balance. This has lots of flavor with medium body and without drying tannins and acidity. The winemaker blended in 10% Syrah and 5% Petite Sirah.	87	25	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
121,654	US	This Chardonnay shows flashy orange, pineapple, peach and honey flavors, enriched with the buttered toast of oak barrels. The texture is creamy smooth.	87	30	California	Chardonnay
117,771	France	Originally planted by monks in the 12th century, this vineyard has produced an intensely herbaceous wine. Steely and crisp with grapefruit and gooseberry flavors, the wine's texture brings out the chalky soil. Still young, it will be better from 2018.	92	22	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
20,338	US	Bright raspberry fruit dominates here, backed with ample acidity. Give it a little breathing time and it fleshes out and lengthens. At this stage the fruit is clean and primary, but the overall structure suggests giving it another couple of years of bottle age for prime time enjoyment.	91	42	Oregon	Pinot Noir
124,430	France	While there is certainly plenty of wood here, the wine has weight and impressive concentration for the year. The tannins are still brooding away, giving a dark firm character to the wine. Blackberry fruits and acidity are there, but still well buried in the tannins.	95	850	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
77,021	US	Big, ripe and juicy, with some overripenes veering into raisins, but it gives a rich plummy edge to the wild berries, tobacco and spice. Drink this impressive Zinfandel with roasts and beef stews.	88	30	California	Zinfandel
49,809	France	The wine has weight, tannins and a firm structure. At the same time, its ripe black fruits are developing to fill out the structure and give an impressive wine. Hints of dark chocolate go with the juicy acidity to leave a wine that has several years to develop. Drink from 2021.	91	30	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
124,098	Argentina	Blowsy and tropical, with aromatic flabbiness. The feel is acceptable and the flavors of papaya and dry white fruits bring some saucy, resiny qualities. Finishes with sappy, resiny oak notes and just enough Chardonnay character to not be disastrous.	83	11	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
55,450	US	A 100% varietal wine fermented in stainless steel, this is a bright, lively tangle of cherry and orange built around bristling acidity that practically sizzles on the palate. Light-bodied and plenty crisp, it mellows to show length and breadth on the finish.	88	29	California	Pinot Noir
54,565	US	Sadly, this is the last Patianna Sauvignon Blanc made by the late Mike Lee. It opens with great, subtle aromatics of just-ripe pear and melon and is balanced and easy to like. The finish is long and lean, with layers of acidity that would match well with scallops, shrimp or fresh oysters.	88	17	California	Sauvignon Blanc
13,855	Spain	Nectarine and white peach aromas are pithy, pointed and briny like sea water. This feels citrusy and pulpy, while zesty citric flavors of grapefruit, scallion and green herbs finish with residual pithy briny notes.	86	26	Catalonia	White Blend
105,521	France	The nose is shy and merely hints at lemon zestiness. The palate also opens with lemon zest but in a very concentrated full-on fashion with a citrus blast. There is a softer touch of orange and tangerine, too. The freshness is bundled and has ample drive and energy. This certainly is juicy, citrus fresh and off dry. The finish is whistle-clean and very refreshing.	92	25	Alsace	Riesling
11,576	US	Malbec and Petit Verdot each make up 37% of this wine, with the balance in Cabernet Sauvignon. The Malbec pops aromatically, suggesting clove, spice and plum. The palate is well balanced, with supple black cherry flavors and a persistent finish. It brings a lot of appeal.	91	75	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
56,668	Italy	Structured and savory, this polished wine doles out aromas and flavors of mature plum, crushed black cherry, violet, black pepper and clove. Firm but fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink 2016–2021.	91	50	Tuscany	Sangiovese
72,733	Italy	A blend of Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina, this opens with a medley of aromas that include ripe berry, underbrush, truffle, menthol, leather and spice. The firm palate delivers crushed black cherry, game, grilled herb, ground pepper and a balsamic note. It still has youthfully assertive tannins that need to unwind and soften. Drink 2016–2026.	90	35	Piedmont	Red Blend
12,979	US	Hints of toast, mushroom and black coffee lend a savory, earthy tone to ruddy black cherry and plum flavors. A bit clumsy and fading on the palate, it's showing its age, so best to drink up soon.	84	17	New York	Merlot
59,047	Italy	Stalky aromas suggest weedy underbrush and celery, with whiffs of salted appetizers and sweat. The meaty, impenetrable palate delivers rubber, mocha, and a confectionary note alongside chewy tannins and searing alcohol.	85	60	Tuscany	Sangiovese
59,431	US	This particular bottling is a work in progress by veteran Brutocao. It's a step forward in their attempt to master Cabernet. The wine still has a rustic edge, with blackberry jam flavors wrapped into firm tannins, and a sweet finish.	85	22	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
85,794	US	This 100% varietal wine from a young, emerging vineyard was aged in mixture of new French (86%) and American oak. It's aromatically brooding with notes of dark coffee, vanilla, dark cherry, herbs and chocolate. The polished black fruit flavors are rich yet light on their feet with the tannins combed to a fine sheen and mouthwatering acids. Best from 2020–2027.	93	60	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
94,701	US	Soft and lightly fruity, this has an underlying chalkiness. That chalky sensation runs across the palate and seems to mute the other flavors, such as herb, which are on the light side.	85	17	Washington	Merlot
4,423	Spain	Smooth, floral berry aromas are easy to like. This crianza feels whole and plump. Lightly herbal tomato flavors blend with richer plum and berry notes in front of a balanced, mostly ripe finish.	89	19	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
119,533	Spain	This single-vineyard Tempranillo opens with smooth, straightforward dark-fruit aromas that are calm and collected. A deeply stacked palate is a touch fierce but well structured. Toasty blackberry and cherry flavors linger on a toast-etched finish. Drink through 2032.	92	70	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
3,760	Argentina	Dense aromas of prune and raisin scream “overripe.” In the mouth, this is heavy, saturated and stewy in feel. Flavors of crème de cassis and brandied cherry finish baked and raisiny. Drink now.	86	29	Mendoza Province	Malbec
79,102	US	With its vegetal smell and saccharine-sweet, medicinal fruit flavors, this is not a successful Zinfandel.	80	12	California	Zinfandel
39,939	Italy	Just swamped by oak, the slight fruit here is a platform for the wood, yielding heavy cedar and prune flavors. It looks a bit old—odd at this age—and although even on the palate, it doesn't offer much in the way of mouthfeel or finish. Perhaps in the barrel too long, this wine is gone before its time.	82	16	Tuscany	Sangiovese
78,213	US	This wine contains a drop of Petit Verdot. At more than five years of age, it has shed its babyfat, and is starting to develop bottle complexity. You can certainly drink it now for its luscious red cherry, blueberry, licorice and spice flavors. The tannins are as velvety smooth as anything in Napa Valley. However, it's guaranteed to continue to develop well in the bottle. Hold until 2018, at the very least.	93	70	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
102,297	US	This blend of Cabernet Franc (52%) along with Syrah (38%), Cabernet Sauvignon (8%) and 2% Merlot saw just a smidgeon (10%) of new oak. Notes of dried herbs, raspberries and dark chocolate partner with lithe fruit flavors backed by grainy tannins.	88	12	Washington	Red Blend
105,466	France	This is textured and dense with red berry fruits and red currant crispness. Rich, it also shows some minerality and a zesty edge. This is a real apéritif rosé with its soft aftertaste and lift of acidity.	90	110	Champagne	Champagne Blend
106,545	Italy	Aromas include black berries, coffee, espresso and grilled Mediterranean herbs. The one-dimensional palate lacks the essential fruit richness needed to support the bracing, astringent tannins that give a drying, bitter character. It also displays evident alcohol sensations despite the modest alcohol.	86	48	Tuscany	Sangiovese
124,612	Italy	Blueberry, blackberry, toast, spice and tobacco aromas lead the nose on this blend of 50% Cabernet, 40% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. The evolved palate offers prune, raisin, cocoa, espresso and cedar alongside fleeting tannins. Most of the fruit has dried up, giving it a lean quality.	86	87	Tuscany	Red Blend
79,199	Italy	Woodland berry, pressed violet, dark cooking spice, truffle and new leather aromas unfold on this brawny wine. The full-bodied palate doles out ripe black cherry, ground pepper, licorice and tobacco accompanied by velvety tannins. It closes on notes of menthol and the warmth of alcohol. Drink 2018–2028.	90	60	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
70,885	France	Dominated by wood, spice and almonds, this is a structured wine that moves in a straight line from its white fruits to ageworthy acidity and toast. It is still young, a wine that needs time to mellow, to move away from its tense fruit.	90	47	Burgundy	Chardonnay
65,861	US	The Harrison Hill vineyard has some of Washington's oldest Cabernet vines. Here the blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot offers a distinctive flavor profile, clean, sharp and herbal, with an interesting, earthy note. Flavors mingle beautifully, and carry through from the tart, tight-knit red fruit into the polished and lightly slatey tannins and a chewy, lightly peppery finish.	91	72	Washington	Red Blend
116,891	US	Iron Horse's 2011 Chardonnays are all fine in their own ways, but this Estate bottling seems to combine many of their best qualities in a single wine. With ripe orange, pear, apple and smoky oak flavors accented by brisk acidity, it shows the Iron Horse signature of elegant balance.	91	28	California	Chardonnay
33,151	US	A tad watery on the palate at first, this grows into cut grass, green apples, steely minerality and a touch of nectarine flesh. It's pleasant if not particularly special on the palate, with apples, pears and kiwi flesh.	85	13	California	Sauvignon Blanc
27,801	France	From a Barsac-based producer who prefers to use the Sauternes appellation, this rich, intense wine has weight, opulence and layers of honey and botrytis flavors. While still young, it shows impressive apricot and liquorous flavors. Drink from 2022.	94	45	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
11,095	Italy	Dense aromatics with black plum, game, leather, menthol, oak and anise notes open this full-throttle red. The plate shows impressive depth of flavor with tart plum and bitter chocolate notes, as well as fine fruit to acid balance. The long, dry, even finish wraps it up beautifully with black fruit and bitter chocolate notes.	92	54	Tuscany	Sangiovese
48,559	US	At first blush this reserve seems more oaky, more open and more overtly alcoholic than the just-released Leonetti 2008 Merlot and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. After many hours of breathing time it fills in with pretty plummy fruit, toast, caramel, whiffs of smoke, cedar and cigar box, and dry tannins.	93	135	Washington	Red Blend

73,694

US

Quite rich and distinguished, with the full-bodied weight and rich, thick tannins of a fine Cabernet, yet with Merlot's flavors of cherries, plums, and violets, with a white chocolate edge. Impresses for its youthful purity and deliciousness, as well as the refined texture.

91

36

California

Merlot

20,179

France

Still dominated by its new wood aromas, this is a fine, structured wine that is only just setting out. It has fine weight, rich blackberry fruits and dark tannins. The spicy wood still needs to integrate, so drink from 2017.

90

33

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

58,509

US

A slightly high-toned scent of lemon candy, pineapple and peach opens the door to this delicious Dijon clone Chardonnay. Aged 11 months in neutral French oak, it's lively and concentrated, with a finishing lick of butterscotch.

92

26

Oregon

Chardonnay

52,455

US

Great balance in this fruit-forward yet well-structured wine. It's not a monster, but firmly in the lunch and dinner wine category because of appetizingly fresh raspberry and strawberry flavors and good acidity. It's medium-bodied, firm-textured and dry.

90

18

California

Zinfandel

128,477

France

A perfumed, finely structured wine, with firm, dusty tannins. The wood is well-balanced with acidity and some generous weight, finishing with black fruits and intense freshness.

91

50

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

122,131

US

A blend of all five Bordeaux varieties with Cabernet (70%) and Merlot (18%) taking the lead, this wine offers aromas of vanilla, leather, Red Vines, dried fruit and cherry cordial, with barrel influences out front. The red and black-fruit flavors are tart and generous, with a steely spine of tannins backing them up. It's in a sweet spot. Drink up.

91

48

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

121,156

US

The wine is enormously ripe, a lip-smackingly fruity 100% Cab that seduces the palate with massive black currant, licorice, sweet date and cedar flavors. Yet it has a tannic astringency that suggests, although it does not require, aging. Should develop well for at least a decade.

93

90

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

71,695

Spain

Light, tropical aromas of citrus fruits form the bouquet. This is fresh but standard in feel, with flavors of lettuce, green herbs, white fruits and brine. The finish feels reasonably good but doesn't offer much flavor.

86

13

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

76,943

Australia

While this wine comes out of the chute loaded with toast, mocha and brown sugar-inflected oak, the wood falls appropriately into the background on the palate, allowing cassis fruit to come forward. It's firm and tannic, with a powerful structure that requires a few years to come into perfect balance; try it after 2020.

91

26

South Australia

Cabernet Sauvignon

15,816

France

Attractively balanced wine, its apple and pear acidity giving a very fruity character. There is a burst of lemon zest for extreme freshness with some grassy herbal character right at the end.

85

14

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

60,407

Italy

Clean, crisp and fresh, which is enough to satisfy most Pinot Grigio drinkers. This one blends Asian pear with hints of green herbs and lemon to make a refreshing summertime quaff.

86

14

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

116,149

France

Peach and tangerine unite to create an utterly seductive nose: luscious juicy flesh is defined by aromatic spice and zestiness. These opposites play off each other and create something that is alive and vigorous, joyful and precious. There is concentration and poise, structure and texture, but none of this concerns the hedonistic forces at play. They just want to express their careless exuberance. There is something defiant about this dry concentrated wine. Perhaps it is a welcome and encouraging counterweight to so much sadness in the world.

96

48

Alsace

Riesling

4,913

US

A deep, dark color, ripe blackberry aromas and berry and spice flavors add up to a full-bodied, impressive wine from one of the oldest wineries in the Sierra Foothills. Smoky, oaky accents help shape the opulent fruit flavors, and enough firm tannins and lively acidity provide good balance.

91

19

California

Zinfandel

45,440

US

Hestan only makes this one white wine. Though its beginnings might seem humble, the juice in the bottle surely will change anyone's mind. This is liquid gold in color, with deep petrol aromas and a note of toasted caramel oak.It's superbly balanced, with minerality winning the day—especially on the finish. This wine starts out like a California blockbuster but finishes very elegantly, with finesse.

91

50

California

Chardonnay

115,517

US

An earthy Chardonnay, with herb-infused citrus and peach flavors, overlaid with sweet oak. It's soft and a little sweet and ready to drink now.

86

35

California

Chardonnay

109,001

US

From almost 92% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay, this is a dry, elegant, fairly priced sparkling wine tasting of ripe stone fruit. The finish ends sweet, begging for spicy food to complement.

88

22

California

Sparkling Blend

125,367

US

Aromas of vanilla, wood spice and dark fruit are followed by generous but still restrained black-fruit flavors. It shows a pretty sense of balance.

88

22

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

64,335

US

Sonoma Valley stalwart Sam Sebastiani returns to the winemaking fold with this small-production Sangiovese. A juicy study in robust, powerful tannins and fresh plum, it has a trace of anise on the back of the palate. Blended with 8% Petite Sirah and 4% Malbec, it spent a year in older French oak barrels and is a delicious California version of the Italian classic.

91

35

California

Sangiovese

55,993

US

This is a celebratory display of the appellation and vintage, a rewarding show of creme brûlée and spicy acidity. Well-integrated and balanced, while undoubtedly ripe, it has mellow oak around tropical mango and juicy apricot and peach.

92

45

California

Chardonnay

101,270

France

The Cinsault that dominates this blend creates a light and gently fruity wine. It has attractive acidity and just the lightest of red-fruit flavors. The aftertaste is soft and tangy with orange zest.

86

12

Provence

Rosé

117,135

US

There's a strong scent of petroleum and burnt rubber in this wine, making it challenging to enjoy.

80

29

California

Tempranillo

43,861

US

Darker than a rosé, almost Pinot Noirish in color, it has aromas of strawberries and raspberries, with a deeper, more decadent note, like chocolate cherries. Oddly, it tastes dry. There are some delicate raspberry flavors, but they’re not too strong. Then it turns very rich and fruity on the finish. There’s something addictive about this drink-me bubbly.

88

11

California

Champagne Blend

129,420

US

Familiar aromas of plum, mulberry, clove and slate show on the nose of this appellation blend by the Paso Robles-based winery. There is decent tension on the sip, where cooked cranberry and strawberry meet with a backbone of allspice and nutmeg as well as bittersweet chocolate.

89

25

California

Pinot Noir

90,977

Italy

Basarin unveils super seductive aromas of mocha fudge, clove, toasted almond, sweet cherry and cured meat. There's enormous depth and density here and the finish is thick and chewy. The wine lasts long on the palate and would pair perfectly with any truffle-based dish. A Marc de Grazia selection; various American importers.

93

60

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

47,156

US

This is a lovely Cabernet Franc, polished and clean. It's wound tight, with black fruits and firm, pencil lead tannins. There's a dash of clean earth, good length, and some softening of the mid-palate from the addition of 18% Merlot.

92

42

Washington

Cabernet Franc

64,970

Argentina

Light cherry and raspberry aromas come in front of a grabby rubbery palate. This tastes like salty plum, with little variation of that theme. A solid finish tastes exactly like what came before.

85

13

Mendoza Province

Malbec

31,477

US

Some of the region's oldest Dijon clone plantings are in this wine, done in a firm, classy style with little new wood apparent. With its crisp apple and citrus fruit and steely edge, it delivers plenty of flavor, a long, penetrating finish and the sense that it will age nicely for a decade at least.

92

35

Oregon

Chardonnay

23,616

US

A sensational value, this blends fruit from a half-dozen vineyards that carry the winery's vineyard designates. Soft and appealing flavors mix citrus, plum and berry in a juicy, wide open, flat out delicious bottle. The fruit is the star, although a year in 9% new French oak adds a nice touch of toast.

91

26

Oregon

Pinot Noir

87,434

US

This is quite a value for the quality, a stellar, medium-bodied, restrained wine that's high-toned and elusive at first aromatically. But it opens in the glass, delighting in blackberry, cherry and a burst of clove, showing skill in winemaking from a blend of vineyards, some valley floor and others mountain.

94

50

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

36,479

France

This Kosher wine is darker in color than many Provence rosés. Made from organically grown grapes it has an earthy character that masks some of the fruit. The acidity and the sense of freshness are, however, all there.

85

25

Provence

Rosé

42,353

US

Tense with acidity and dense in firm tannins, this fun, affordable wine needs time to unwind after opening. Once aired, it shares notes of black tea, licorice and a twine of leather around thick, shy fruit, most notably cranberry.

90

25

California

Pinot Noir

1,556

US

The flagship wine from Quilceda Creek offers exotic scents of plum, cassis, loam, coffee and pine sap, a rich and evocative blend. The wine delivers all that is promised and more; it is deep and dense with flavor, polished, focused and persistent. Vanilla, espresso, fine tannins, luscious acids and cascading fruits.

99

125

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

71,645

France

A strong caramel aroma and flavor spoils the suggestions of fruit. They give a ripe, almost sweet character that doesn't match with the red-currant fruit flavors.

82

16

Bordeaux

Rosé

49,882

US

Roughly three-fifths Merlot and two fifths Cabernet Franc. Though the blend and oak treatment are quite similar to the 2005, this new release comes out with far better balance and structure. The oak flavors are lighter, the tannins are polished and lightly herbal, as befits Cabernet Franc, and there is a hint of steel in the backbone of this tight, svelte effort.

90

40

Washington

Red Blend

76,934

France

This is a small property under the same ownership as Château Paloumey. It is unusual in the 20% Petit Verdot that goes into the blend. That gives the wine its deep color and rich generous black-plum fruit. Solid and dense, the wine will age well. Drink from 2020.

91

25

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

26,570

Italy

Made with dried grapes—95% Malvasia delle Lipari and 5% Corinto Nero—this opens with delicate aromas of dried stone fruit, walnut and a hint of sweet spice. The intense palate shows mature apricot, fig and hazelnut set against a background of acacia honey. Just enough fresh acidity prevents it from being too sweet.

91

37

Sicily & Sardinia

White Blend

80,134

US

The aromas bring notes of toasty spices, black currant, green pepper and blue fruit. The fruit and smoke flavors are smooth and easy drinking, with lightly grainy tannins providing support. It needs some more time to fully come together.

88

17

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

58,792

US

Though coming from the warm 2013 vintage, this wine still retains its balance with notes of peach, mango and crushed granite. It's light and airy in style for a Washington Viognier without sacrificing flavor or length.

91

22

Washington

Viognier

18,890

Italy

Candied cherry, fruit liqueur, caramel, licorice and dark chocolate open the bouquet of this beautiful riserva from Montalcino. The wine is lean and bright on the close with fresh acidity and bright cherry notes.

90

65

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

73,161

Italy

Here is a well crafted and plush Barbera with equal measures of fruit intensity and spicy oak tones of vanilla, smoke and tobacco, The wine is soft and velvety with a long chewy finish. Pair it with spicy lamb curry stewed in coconut milk.

91

50

Piedmont

Barbera

50,798

France

Mushroom aromas indicate a wine that is now mature. It's light, textured with hints of green herbs as well as tannins that are now dry. Not for aging, drink now.

86

60

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

46,862

US

This is a bright, integrated and extremely impressive blend of different estate-vineyard sources. Effortlessly enjoyed, it's nonetheless plenty complex underneath the pleasing fruit and acidity. Tart plum, raspberry, pomegranate and touches of cola and mocha combine for a seamless, satisfying experience.

94

45

California

Pinot Noir

19,864

Italy

A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with delicate ripe black plum and Mediterranean herb aromas. It's firm and straightforward on the palate, delivering black cherry and black tea flavors. Drink through 2019.

87

21

Tuscany

Red Blend

23,631

US

Ebulliently fresh and fruity, this unoaked Chardonnay highlights flavors of freshly pressed apples, lemons and nectarines with sprays of honeysuckle and pollen. It's sprightly on the palate, showing lingering streaks of lemon and lime. Drink now–2017.

89

15

New York

Chardonnay

33,028

Italy

You can't beat the low price and overall good cheer of this fresh Italian Chardonnay in a screwtop bottle. The golden-colored wine reveals a soft and smooth texture accented by pretty aromas of stone fruit, honey and almond nut.

87

11

Northeastern Italy

Chardonnay

640

US

Yields tend to be low in this dry-farmed vineyard, which especially struggles during a drought, but the quality is fantastic. Aromas of browned toast, popcorn, Meyer-lemon pith, honey pollen and a mineral herbal chamomile character show on the nose. A vibrant chalkiness reveals itself on the sip, with lemon blossom and grapefruit pith keeping the palate tight, grippy and texturally zippy.

92

37

California

Chardonnay

685

US

This wine pushes the notion of low alcohol, giving soft and subtle an extreme definition. As such, it will not please everyone. Earthy spice and an exotic notion of orange blossom dance around a light, clear body and high-toned minerality. It hails from a foggy, shaded vineyard in Freestone.

90

75

California

Pinot Noir

31,565

US

This wine's milk chocolate, herb, cherry, barrel spice and plum aromas lead to a plush, soft palate loaded with chocolate and plum flavors. It strikes a lovely balance.

90

28

Washington

Merlot

52,157

France

A severe wine, its structure deriving from an important wood element and fruit tannins. It brings out apple and green plum skins, with a tangy texture that demands a few months aging.

88

56

Burgundy

Chardonnay

85,162

US

Sourced from the estate's best blocks, this opens in a seductive whiff of bay leaf and sour, muddled cherry and strawberry, with lacings of orange for refreshing tang. Full bodied and concentrated, with sizable tannin providing structure and complexity, the density is balanced by ample acidity.

94

72

California

Pinot Noir

89,549

Italy

A blend of 70% Pinot Nero and 30% Chardonnay, this opens with aromas of toast, roasted nuts, mature apple and pear. The palate offers rich apricot, citrus, bread crust and vanilla alongside a fine, persistent perlage.

90

52

Northeastern Italy

Sparkling Blend

87,723

Germany

Sweet, lush and harmonious, with almost decadent honey, apple and citrus flavors balanced by scents of crushed stone and just enough acidity to keep things vibrant.

90

29

Mosel

Riesling

75,199

US

Winemaker Jay Somers has done a nice job with this fruit, crafting a light, but elegant wine with a mix of cherry, cola, spice and milk chocolate flavors. The grapes come from recently-planted vines in the estate vineyard.

87

27

Oregon

Pinot Noir

89,426

Spain

This is a blocky, big Rioja, with coffee, earth and slightly stewed aromas that suggest warmth and ripeness. A deep, saturated palate is round and a touch jagged, while fig, prune and baked berry flavors finish earthy, slightly pruny and round. Drink this ripe wine now through 2017.

90

28

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

79,105

Italy

This is a hopelessly gorgeous wine with so much energy, intensity, density and good cheer. The superb ensemble—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot—delivers chocolate fudge, ripe cherry, rhubarb, cola, tobacco and cedar wood. It's tight and supple, with seamless harmony and excellent succulence on the finish. But it's that incredible intensity that truly sets this wine apart.

98

175

Tuscany

Red Blend

2,428

US

A big, heavy rosé, this has an orange-pink color and slightly sweet flavors of jammy raspberry, vanilla and cream. A blend of Syrah and Grenache.

85

25

California

Rosé

116,965

Italy

D'Amare is a rich blend of Chardonnay and Viognier, offering a thick, viscous mouthfeel and bright notes of apricot, pear, pineapple and exotic fruit. It shows fine density and a creamy finish.

88

50

Tuscany

White Blend

75,718

US

From the somewhat cool 2010 vintage, this Boushey vineyard Syrah is moving into secondary fruit flavors of strawberry preserves. A leafy, lightly herbal component adds extra texture and length.

89

40

Washington

Syrah

98,977

France

Bone-dry style, very crisp and with a full fruit character of red apples and peaches along with red berries. A great food wine.

88

18

Provence

Rosé

100,263

Italy

Crushed flower, leather, menthol and balsamic aromas meld together. The bright palate displays dense black cherry marinated in spirits, licorice and thyme alongside solid tannins. Drink 2018–2038.

93

79

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

107,972

France

A rich, ripe concentrated wine, packed with red plum and cherry fruits, lightly layered with tannins. The wine is immediately attractive, juicy, ready to drink.

88

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

7,606

US

Kind of unripe and thin, with tobacco, beet and herb flavors, although a touch of black cherry helps. The texture is smooth, but the finish is a little watery.

83

15

California

Pinot Noir

127,235

US

Light, spicy aromas like vanilla and nutmeg and ripe, full blackberry and cherry flavors come with a soft texture and almost sweet balance. This has lots of flavor with medium body and without drying tannins and acidity. The winemaker blended in 10% Syrah and 5% Petite Sirah.

87

25

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

121,654

US

This Chardonnay shows flashy orange, pineapple, peach and honey flavors, enriched with the buttered toast of oak barrels. The texture is creamy smooth.

87

30

California

Chardonnay

117,771

France

Originally planted by monks in the 12th century, this vineyard has produced an intensely herbaceous wine. Steely and crisp with grapefruit and gooseberry flavors, the wine's texture brings out the chalky soil. Still young, it will be better from 2018.

92

22

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

20,338

US

Bright raspberry fruit dominates here, backed with ample acidity. Give it a little breathing time and it fleshes out and lengthens. At this stage the fruit is clean and primary, but the overall structure suggests giving it another couple of years of bottle age for prime time enjoyment.

91

42

Oregon

Pinot Noir

124,430

France

While there is certainly plenty of wood here, the wine has weight and impressive concentration for the year. The tannins are still brooding away, giving a dark firm character to the wine. Blackberry fruits and acidity are there, but still well buried in the tannins.

95

850

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

77,021

US

Big, ripe and juicy, with some overripenes veering into raisins, but it gives a rich plummy edge to the wild berries, tobacco and spice. Drink this impressive Zinfandel with roasts and beef stews.

88

30

California

Zinfandel

49,809

France

The wine has weight, tannins and a firm structure. At the same time, its ripe black fruits are developing to fill out the structure and give an impressive wine. Hints of dark chocolate go with the juicy acidity to leave a wine that has several years to develop. Drink from 2021.

91

30

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

124,098

Argentina

Blowsy and tropical, with aromatic flabbiness. The feel is acceptable and the flavors of papaya and dry white fruits bring some saucy, resiny qualities. Finishes with sappy, resiny oak notes and just enough Chardonnay character to not be disastrous.

83

11

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

55,450

US

A 100% varietal wine fermented in stainless steel, this is a bright, lively tangle of cherry and orange built around bristling acidity that practically sizzles on the palate. Light-bodied and plenty crisp, it mellows to show length and breadth on the finish.

88

29

California

Pinot Noir

54,565

US

Sadly, this is the last Patianna Sauvignon Blanc made by the late Mike Lee. It opens with great, subtle aromatics of just-ripe pear and melon and is balanced and easy to like. The finish is long and lean, with layers of acidity that would match well with scallops, shrimp or fresh oysters.

88

17

California

Sauvignon Blanc

13,855

Spain

Nectarine and white peach aromas are pithy, pointed and briny like sea water. This feels citrusy and pulpy, while zesty citric flavors of grapefruit, scallion and green herbs finish with residual pithy briny notes.

86

26

Catalonia

White Blend

105,521

France

The nose is shy and merely hints at lemon zestiness. The palate also opens with lemon zest but in a very concentrated full-on fashion with a citrus blast. There is a softer touch of orange and tangerine, too. The freshness is bundled and has ample drive and energy. This certainly is juicy, citrus fresh and off dry. The finish is whistle-clean and very refreshing.

92

25

Alsace

Riesling

11,576

US

Malbec and Petit Verdot each make up 37% of this wine, with the balance in Cabernet Sauvignon. The Malbec pops aromatically, suggesting clove, spice and plum. The palate is well balanced, with supple black cherry flavors and a persistent finish. It brings a lot of appeal.

91

75

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

56,668

Italy

Structured and savory, this polished wine doles out aromas and flavors of mature plum, crushed black cherry, violet, black pepper and clove. Firm but fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink 2016–2021.

91

50

Tuscany

Sangiovese

72,733

Italy

A blend of Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina, this opens with a medley of aromas that include ripe berry, underbrush, truffle, menthol, leather and spice. The firm palate delivers crushed black cherry, game, grilled herb, ground pepper and a balsamic note. It still has youthfully assertive tannins that need to unwind and soften. Drink 2016–2026.

90

35

Piedmont

Red Blend

12,979

US

Hints of toast, mushroom and black coffee lend a savory, earthy tone to ruddy black cherry and plum flavors. A bit clumsy and fading on the palate, it's showing its age, so best to drink up soon.

84

17

New York

Merlot

59,047

Italy

Stalky aromas suggest weedy underbrush and celery, with whiffs of salted appetizers and sweat. The meaty, impenetrable palate delivers rubber, mocha, and a confectionary note alongside chewy tannins and searing alcohol.

85

60

Tuscany

Sangiovese

59,431

US

This particular bottling is a work in progress by veteran Brutocao. It's a step forward in their attempt to master Cabernet. The wine still has a rustic edge, with blackberry jam flavors wrapped into firm tannins, and a sweet finish.

85

22

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

85,794

US

This 100% varietal wine from a young, emerging vineyard was aged in mixture of new French (86%) and American oak. It's aromatically brooding with notes of dark coffee, vanilla, dark cherry, herbs and chocolate. The polished black fruit flavors are rich yet light on their feet with the tannins combed to a fine sheen and mouthwatering acids. Best from 2020–2027.

93

60

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

94,701

US

Soft and lightly fruity, this has an underlying chalkiness. That chalky sensation runs across the palate and seems to mute the other flavors, such as herb, which are on the light side.

85

17

Washington

Merlot

4,423

Spain

Smooth, floral berry aromas are easy to like. This crianza feels whole and plump. Lightly herbal tomato flavors blend with richer plum and berry notes in front of a balanced, mostly ripe finish.

89

19

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

119,533

Spain

This single-vineyard Tempranillo opens with smooth, straightforward dark-fruit aromas that are calm and collected. A deeply stacked palate is a touch fierce but well structured. Toasty blackberry and cherry flavors linger on a toast-etched finish. Drink through 2032.

92

70

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

3,760

Argentina

Dense aromas of prune and raisin scream “overripe.” In the mouth, this is heavy, saturated and stewy in feel. Flavors of crème de cassis and brandied cherry finish baked and raisiny. Drink now.

86

29

Mendoza Province

Malbec

79,102

US

With its vegetal smell and saccharine-sweet, medicinal fruit flavors, this is not a successful Zinfandel.

80

12

California

Zinfandel

39,939

Italy

Just swamped by oak, the slight fruit here is a platform for the wood, yielding heavy cedar and prune flavors. It looks a bit old—odd at this age—and although even on the palate, it doesn't offer much in the way of mouthfeel or finish. Perhaps in the barrel too long, this wine is gone before its time.

82

16

Tuscany

Sangiovese

78,213

US

This wine contains a drop of Petit Verdot. At more than five years of age, it has shed its babyfat, and is starting to develop bottle complexity. You can certainly drink it now for its luscious red cherry, blueberry, licorice and spice flavors. The tannins are as velvety smooth as anything in Napa Valley. However, it's guaranteed to continue to develop well in the bottle. Hold until 2018, at the very least.

93

70

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

102,297

US

This blend of Cabernet Franc (52%) along with Syrah (38%), Cabernet Sauvignon (8%) and 2% Merlot saw just a smidgeon (10%) of new oak. Notes of dried herbs, raspberries and dark chocolate partner with lithe fruit flavors backed by grainy tannins.

88

12

Washington

Red Blend

105,466

France

This is textured and dense with red berry fruits and red currant crispness. Rich, it also shows some minerality and a zesty edge. This is a real apéritif rosé with its soft aftertaste and lift of acidity.

90

110

Champagne

Champagne Blend

106,545

Italy

Aromas include black berries, coffee, espresso and grilled Mediterranean herbs. The one-dimensional palate lacks the essential fruit richness needed to support the bracing, astringent tannins that give a drying, bitter character. It also displays evident alcohol sensations despite the modest alcohol.

86

48

Tuscany

Sangiovese

124,612

Italy

Blueberry, blackberry, toast, spice and tobacco aromas lead the nose on this blend of 50% Cabernet, 40% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. The evolved palate offers prune, raisin, cocoa, espresso and cedar alongside fleeting tannins. Most of the fruit has dried up, giving it a lean quality.

86

87

Tuscany

Red Blend

79,199

Italy

Woodland berry, pressed violet, dark cooking spice, truffle and new leather aromas unfold on this brawny wine. The full-bodied palate doles out ripe black cherry, ground pepper, licorice and tobacco accompanied by velvety tannins. It closes on notes of menthol and the warmth of alcohol. Drink 2018–2028.

90

60

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

70,885

France

Dominated by wood, spice and almonds, this is a structured wine that moves in a straight line from its white fruits to ageworthy acidity and toast. It is still young, a wine that needs time to mellow, to move away from its tense fruit.

90

47

Burgundy

Chardonnay

65,861

US

The Harrison Hill vineyard has some of Washington's oldest Cabernet vines. Here the blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot offers a distinctive flavor profile, clean, sharp and herbal, with an interesting, earthy note. Flavors mingle beautifully, and carry through from the tart, tight-knit red fruit into the polished and lightly slatey tannins and a chewy, lightly peppery finish.

91

72

Washington

Red Blend

116,891

US

Iron Horse's 2011 Chardonnays are all fine in their own ways, but this Estate bottling seems to combine many of their best qualities in a single wine. With ripe orange, pear, apple and smoky oak flavors accented by brisk acidity, it shows the Iron Horse signature of elegant balance.

91

28

California

Chardonnay

33,151

US

A tad watery on the palate at first, this grows into cut grass, green apples, steely minerality and a touch of nectarine flesh. It's pleasant if not particularly special on the palate, with apples, pears and kiwi flesh.

85

13

California

Sauvignon Blanc

27,801

France

From a Barsac-based producer who prefers to use the Sauternes appellation, this rich, intense wine has weight, opulence and layers of honey and botrytis flavors. While still young, it shows impressive apricot and liquorous flavors. Drink from 2022.

94

45

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

11,095

Italy

Dense aromatics with black plum, game, leather, menthol, oak and anise notes open this full-throttle red. The plate shows impressive depth of flavor with tart plum and bitter chocolate notes, as well as fine fruit to acid balance. The long, dry, even finish wraps it up beautifully with black fruit and bitter chocolate notes.

92

54

Tuscany

Sangiovese

48,559

US

At first blush this reserve seems more oaky, more open and more overtly alcoholic than the just-released Leonetti 2008 Merlot and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. After many hours of breathing time it fills in with pretty plummy fruit, toast, caramel, whiffs of smoke, cedar and cigar box, and dry tannins.

93

135

Washington

Red Blend