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
75,763	US	Distinctly sugary, which gives the blackberries and cherries a jammy sweetness. But it's clean and crisp. For those who like this style, it's pretty good.	84	15	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
51,320	US	Lots of rich, ripe fruit in this Cabernet, which comes from the Happy Canyon area of the warmer eastern part of the valley. It shows deliciously forward blackberry, blueberry and cherry flavors, with a sweet overlay of toasty oak and rich, firm tannins. Dry and lovely, it's fine to drink now.	90	50	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
81,557	US	Tight, juicy and tannic on the entry, this wine is medium bodied and layered in dusty oak, chocolate and black cherry. Lush and not overly oaked, it's a good choice for the table and for fans of Napa Valley ripeness.	88	35	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
69,853	US	Aged both in French oak and stainless steel, this entry-level white is creamy in texture with a taste of lemon cream pie and vanilla swirls, the tannins tight and the oak present, though cradling. Fresh and fruity, this is a food-friendly, approachable wine.	88	23	California	Chardonnay
62,255	US	A dry, smooth Merlot that hews to the Clos du Val style of lean fruit. The cherry, mocha and cedar flavors have an edge of dried herbs and tobacco. Drink this elegant wine now and through 2014.	90	30	California	Merlot
27,059	Argentina	Ripe black-fruit aromas are loaded with fine oak and notes of licorice and sandalwood. A solid mile-deep palate is intense, layered and balanced. Creamy oak, aged cheese, black fruits and an exotic accent create an impressive combination of flavors, while this is muscular, warming and tastes dark and minty on the finish. Only 200 cases produced. Drink through 2022.	94	60	Mendoza Province	Malbec
65,521	Argentina	Initially this smells like bell pepper and green bean more than ripe berry fruits, but with time in the glass it rounds into spicy, herbal form. A tight, reedy palate is bolstered by tomatoey acidity, while flavors of herbal raspberry and red currant finish with ripped tannins and plenty of residual acidity. Drink through 2024.	90	50	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Sauvignon
26,934	US	Seemingly sweet and simple, this has buttery flavors of pineapple jam, white sugar and toast. A brisk cut of acidity provides a semblance of balance.	82	25	California	Chardonnay
113,311	US	This full-bodied, generously oaked and caramel-laden wine starts to show overripe flavors and textures on the palate, becoming heavy on the finish.	85	20	California	Chardonnay
107,076	Argentina	Grapey blackberry aromas come across foxy. The palate is wet and high in acidity, leaving a semisour flavor profile with only a few hints of sweetness around the edges. Drying, herbal and salty.	83	17	Mendoza Province	Malbec
57,194	US	Pitch-black in the glass, this is a meaty, deep wine, with inviting aromas of beef, black currant, caramel and smoke on the nose. The acidity is quite explosive on the palate, where flavors of charred beef, plum sauce, peppercorns and blueberry migrate towards a dark-roasted coffee note.	90	45	California	Petite Sirah
9,711	Italy	Scorched earth, black-skinned berry, orange zest and baking spice are some of the aromas that emerge on this vibrant red. It's still nervous, offering flavors of raw red berry, white pepper and grilled herb alongside bracing tannins. A coffee note signals the close. Drink 2018–2026.	90	50	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
47	US	This is a sweet wine with flavors of white sugar, orange, honey and vanilla, all brightened by crisp acidity.	86	13	California	Riesling
4,028	US	Sinewy texture and bright acidity meet a funk of blue cheese and forest in this interestingly complex and affordable wine. The earthiness continues in streaks of tart cranberry that ride along the palate.	88	25	California	Pinot Noir
95,627	US	Classic aromas of lemon custard, white-peach meringue, toasted oak and roasted nuts show on the nose of this bottling by the Carmel Valley-based producer. The fat lemon-cream flavors meet with savory smoked alder on the sip, with a sea-salt touch leading into the finish.	91	40	California	Chardonnay
43,193	US	This is a very sweet, unctuous dessert wine, with the flavor and texture of honey. Made from Viognier, it has decadent apricot, peach, tangerine and crème brûlée notes that combine in a dense, delicious mélange.	93	14	California	Viognier
116,720	US	This is a perfect wine, both in accessible flavors and somewhat affordable price, for pizza night or meatballs. Cooked red plum, strawberry and a bit of cracked pepper kick off the nose in the Cabernet Franc-led blend, with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. More plum hits the palate along with peppery spices, tobacco and marjoram. It's easy but not overly simple.	89	22	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
121,884	US	This is an absolutely beautiful wine to drink now, but the richness comes at the price of considerable alcohol. The color is dark and impenetrable, the aromas huge in Cabernet-inspired blackberries and black currants, with a touch of something herbal and also a stony minerality. There's also a fascinating peatiness, like an Islay Scotch. It really opens up in the glass, becoming ever more complex. It's great Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, but that high alcohol may limit its ageability.	99	290	California	Red Blend
36,551	Argentina	Reduced, condensed aromas of jammy berry fruits are herbal and narrow. In the mouth, this Cabernet-Malbec blend is wiry, rubbery and pinched. Flavors of prune, fig, black cherry and oregano finish blocky, with raw residual tannins.	84	11	Mendoza Province	Red Blend
97,877	Italy	This opens with intense floral aromas that recall white roses, lemon zest and apricot. The linear, vibrant palate offers pink grapefruit, white peach and a flint note alongside crisp acidity that leaves a refreshing finish. Oliver McCrum, T. Edward Wines.	89	21	Northeastern Italy	Riesling
121,799	US	Too ripe for balance or longevity, the blackberry and currant flavors in this Cab veer into raisins, with a bitter finish. It's also soft and very oaky, more like a warm, interior valley wine than one from this fine appellation. Drink now.	84	75	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
102,167	US	Spearmint and pine resin stand out in this simple, light-bodied red that traffics subtly in spice and tannin, not quite finding its balance.	84	24	California	Pinot Noir
14,954	France	Organically grown grapes from one of the top Provence estates have produced this light grey-pink colored wine. It is a delicious fruity confection of bright red berries and tangy acidity. There is an attractive touch of minerality to give the wine structure. Drink now.	91	24	Provence	Rosé
85,727	Spain	Charcoal aromas shadow standard black fruit scents. This is forward in its approach, with a sturdy mouthfeel. Black plum and blackberry flavors feature a lot of vanilla and cream, while the finish is mild, straightforward and tastes mostly like oak and associated vanilla. Drink now through 2020.	89	73	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
21,604	Argentina	Generous, sizable aromas of cassis, blackberry and violet are inviting. This is juicy, with slightly wiry acidity creating a racy mouthfeel. Flavors of berry and cassis are loamy on their own but ride comfortably on a wave of tartaric acidity, while the finish is lifted and lively, with black-fruit flavors.	91	27	Mendoza Province	Malbec
110,641	US	Good blackberry, black cherry, cola and spice flavors in this Merlot. It's marked by the jagged, sandpapery tannins that often accompany Dry Creek red wines. You can call it rustic, but it's rustic-chic, an interesting wine with some real complexity.	88	33	California	Merlot
74,301	US	Tangy cranberry and wild strawberry fruit, and spice and grip, highlights this clean, pure and fruit-driven Malbec. The addition of 20% Merlot may account for a sense of near-raisiny ripeness. The tannins carry a hint of dried leaf.	90	30	Washington	Malbec
10,013	US	This eccentric Chard marches to its own beat. It's drier and more acidic than most, and the flavors offer a mélange of peaches, oranges, tropical fruits, Meyer lemons, cashews and white flowers. Yet it's delicious and compelling. Made with full-throttle techniques that include partial barrel fermentation, malolactic fermentation and battonage, it was bottled unfined and unfiltered. The vineyards are Sierra Madre, in the Santa Maria Valley, and Oaks Savannah, in the Santa Ynez Valley.	91	30	California	Chardonnay
16,324	Portugal	From vines planted in 2004, this wine celebrates daughter Francesca's 18th birthday and is a ripe impressive wine that is rich and smoothly textured. A blend of classic Douro grapes, especially Tinta Francisca, the wine is full of black fruits and ripe tannins. It will be ready from 2019.	94	94	Douro	Portuguese Red
85,168	Italy	This offers intriguing aromas of chopped mint, menthol, leather, soil and spiced berry. The mint note carries over to the chewy palate, along with soothing licorice, clove and tobacco, all of which add depth to the core of juicy black cherry. Velvety tannins lend structure and polish. It's already accessible and will make wonderful imbibing over the next several years. Drink through 2025.	94	120	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
87,208	US	Dried blueberries and chopped oregano show on the nose of this widely distributed brand. The palate is powered by sagebrush and other wild herbs, with plum and olallieberry fruit.	86	15	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
14,540	Argentina	Aromas of powdered bubble gum, plum and chlorine aren't great, nor is the clamping, gritty feeling palate. With flavors of tart citrus and not much more, this is a limited but decent South American rosé.	84	17	Mendoza Province	Malbec
122,757	France	On the sweet side, this light and fresh wine hails from a single vineyard. It has spice and attractive apple acidity, plus a crisp side at the end. This is a bright wine to drink now.	85	28	Alsace	Pinot Gris
75,433	US	Decent, everyday Pinot, with good varietal character, if not especially complex. The wine is dry, silky and crisp, with modest cherry and cola flavors.	85	15	California	Pinot Noir
47,438	US	The acidity really makes this Chardonnay come alive, providing vitality, a quality that's boosted by an undercurrent of minerals. It's so rich in tropical fruit, orange, nectarine and pear flavors, and so generously oaked, which brings a sweet, satisfying note of buttered toast, that all you want to do is drink it now, preferably with steamed lobster and melted butter.	96	50	California	Chardonnay
124,362	US	Made to please, the fruit for this wine comes from Watmaugh Ranch, farmed by the Sebastiani family. Aged eight months in a majority of French oak, it shows flavors of apple skin, butter and olive amid a richness that's balanced by zesty acidity.	88	22	California	Chardonnay
11,913	US	Sourced from the Kuleto Estate Vineyard near Pritchard Hill, this wine is quite intense in golden caramel oak and honeyed power. Nonetheless, it explodes in lemon and flint, remaining bright and balanced, with a bite of apple pie on the long finish.	92	40	California	Chardonnay
33,128	US	Takes the popular route, with caramelized oak and ripe fruit that taste sweet. Almost like a dessert wine, showing tangerine, vanilla and buttered toast flavors that pall after a sip or two.	84	25	California	Chardonnay
101,636	Italy	Red currant, French oak, espresso and cedar aromas emerge on this blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The taut palate offers sour cherry, licorice, grilled sage and oak-driven spice alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins that grip the finish.	89	35	Tuscany	Red Blend
70,583	Italy	Pressed rose, dark berry, baked earth, forest floor, licorice, walnut and a balsamic note are some of the intriguing aromas you'll find on this fantastic, balanced Barolo. The structured, elegant palate delivers mature black cherry, dark raspberry, anise, white pepper, tobacco, orange peel and clove alongside assertive but refined tannins.	94	63	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
47,555	France	This honeyed wine from a good Sauternes year is rich. Touches of botrytis give it a dry edge and stop it from being cloying. In the background, the acidity finishes with a lift. Drink from 2018.	88	32	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
124,574	Spain	Stemmy and leathery smelling, with heat, roasted fruit and cheesy aromas. The palate is full but soupy, with roasted, baked black fruit flavors. A bit of cinnamon and spice help out the finish, but by then the wine's very average fate has been sealed.	83	9	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
33,005	Spain	Dense, stewy, baked aromas of blueberry and Graham cracker lead to a blocky, flabby palate with earthy flavors of stewed berries and prune. In many ways this registers as overripe and raisiny.	85	22	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
122,902	US	A richer-than-usual version, this wine has citrus and light herbs in the aroma, and ripe melon and apple in the flavors. It's both mouthfilling and lively, for the best of both worlds.	89	16	California	Sauvignon Blanc
34,279	France	Gentle notions of pear emanate from the glass. The palate is equally gentle: ripe pear fruit, balanced by lovely lemon freshness. There is an arresting interplay of residual sweetness and zesty acidity at the core. However, the full spectrum of glorious pear fruit becomes fully expressed on the incredibly long finish. This has immense depth and will hold its poise for a few years yet. Drink now through 2025.	94	50	Alsace	Pinot Gris
79,267	US	This is a great project dedicated to and featuring the winery's workers, who are named on the bottles, although the wine itself is a tad sweet. Baked black cherry, licorice and caramel aromas lead to a palate ripe with purple berry and cocoa dust flavors. An easy to quaff and light-bodied red.	86	25	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
108,817	US	There's a bit of oak here, but not too much, giving a smoky, buttered toast richness to the orange, lime and pineapple fruit. It's a rich, flashy Chardonnay, with crisp acidity and a clean, spicy finish.	92	25	California	Chardonnay
60,595	US	This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Merlot (33%), Cabernet Franc (17%) and Petit Verdot brings vanilla, baker's chocolate, woodspice, dried herb and cherry aromas. It's medium bodied on the palate, with cherry flavors and cinnamon accents throughout.	88	30	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
536	US	Merlot (63%) takes the lead on this blend followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) and Cabernet Franc. The aromas seem somewhat wound up at present, with notes of wood spice, vanilla and fresh herb. The palate is über-smooth, showing a fine sense of balance and polish.	91	50	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
35,410	Italy	Bright and fresh, with streamlined and compact fruit, Poggio Teo has the natural acidity to stand up to cheese- or cream-based dishes. It has light dustings of toasted nut and spice that give the palate added dimension.	88	25	Tuscany	Sangiovese
80,844	Italy	Woodland berry, dark spice, rose and balsamic notes waft from the glass. Vibrant, elegant and focused, it delivers crushed strawberry, red cherry and licorice flavors on the palate, with firm, refined tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2023–2033.	93	50	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
52,334	US	This easy-drinking, estate-grown, Bordeaux-style blend tilts more toward Merlot than Cabernet Sauvignon in this new vintage. Medium-bodied and fully ripe, it falls just a little flat on the midpalate, and finishes with a suggestion of alcoholic heat.	87	25	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
104,228	Italy	The subtle nose of this all-Sangiovese wine suggests ripe black-skinned fruit, pressed violets and dark spices. The linear palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, clove and chopped herb flavors, pulled taut by firm, fine-grained tannins that lead to a coffee-inflected finish.	90	33	Tuscany	Sangiovese
44,600	US	Made in tiny amounts, this wine blends 72% Mourvèdre with field-blended Petite Sirah, Syrah, Peloursin, Carignane and Alicante Bouschet. It comes from two acres in the heart of the appellation, representing historic varieties still hanging on for dear life. Raisiny leather, gunpowder and an intensity of blueberry give it life, atop an undeniable funkiness that's hard to resist.	94	45	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
41,994	Spain	Yeasty, toasty aromas come with notes of brown sugar and baking spices. Lively and good on the palate, this tastes of dry citrus fruits and nectarine. A fresh-feeling, citrusy finish is clean and firm.	87	15	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
127,211	US	The top drop from Bethel Heights in this vintage, this is a dark, dense evocation of Pinot Noir at its most authoritative and engaging. It's a muscular mix of mulberry, blueberry and blue plum, with a dash of sassafras for good measure. The length and sense of throttled power suggest that this is a fine cellar candidate. Drink now through 2028.	94	56	Oregon	Pinot Noir
81,834	US	A density of honey and caramel washes over this vineyard-designate, a concentrated and viscous expression of the variety. Layered in light waves of lemon, it finishes with a bite of ripe yellow apple and more of that caramel.	89	38	California	Chardonnay
34,771	France	Quince and lychee fruit flavors dominate this ripe, off-dry wine. It has a spicy character, allowing for a dry core of pepper while also giving a rich aftertaste. Drink now.	86	24	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
92,674	US	The variety is unmistakable here, with aromas of savory herb mixed with cherry and accented by sweet barrel spices. Flavors are light, dry and reserved in style, with abundant barrel accents that prove a bit distracting.	88	35	Washington	Cabernet Franc
11,081	France	A famous old brand that seems to be living off past glory, this year's edition is quite neutral in aroma and flavor; you have to work to pick out some mild herb and citrus, but it does show a nice spicy, green-peppercorn character on the finish.	81	11	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
28,834	France	This is a single-vineyard wine from Pfaffenheim. Giving a touch of spice as well as delicate acidity, it's light, bright and fruity. Crisp right through and attractively perfumed, it is ready to drink now.	84	32	Alsace	Riesling
19,271	US	Subtle whiffs of rose petal, spice and earth entice on the nose of this rustic but pretty Pinot Noir. Lush in body, the palate suggests ruddy plum and cherry flavors shaded in tones of leather, smoked meat and balsamic. Finely grained tannins frame a long finish.	87	25	New York	Pinot Noir
83,335	Italy	Barolo Lorens offers a hearty, meaty expression of Barolo that would pair with beef and wild mushroom stew or bacon-wrapped quail served with wild rice. The wine boasts deep, concentrated extraction with aromas of bresaola, smoke, spice, ripe cherry and red rose accents. It's thick and long lasting with slightly textured tannins.	91	75	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
123,384	Italy	Made with Sangiovese and 5% Merlot, this opens with scents underbrush, scorched earth, cedar and baked plum. The palate offers dried black cherry, ground pepper, licorice and a confectionary note supported by assertive, fine-grained tannins. A grilled herb note signals the close.	89	35	Tuscany	Red Blend
29,693	Italy	Aromas of toast and hazelnut lead the way on this lively wine, following through to the palate along with yellow apple skin and a hint of mineral. Vigorous bubbles give it a bright mouthfeel.	88	30	Piedmont	Sparkling Blend
89,009	US	With fruit from The Benches (71%) and Canoe Ridge vineyards, this wine offers aromas of toast, pineapple, peach and pear, with barrel notes (100% American) providing accents. Flavors are creamy in feel with a finish that lingers.	90	20	Washington	Chardonnay
24,454	Spain	This dark, exotic blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah is impressive given that 2008 wasn't a good year in Spain. This shows integrated oak, graphite and inky aromas in front of a full, balanced palate that's home to berry flavors, schisty minerality and mocha accents. A generous finish with plum and berry flavors as well as licorice is the right ending. Drink through 2018.	92	42	Catalonia	Red Blend
11,045	US	This AVA is a hotbed for this grape, as this ripe, robust effort demonstrates. Concentrated plum and cherry fruit has a whiff of leather, along with pretty baking spices. The tannins are substantial, and turn a bit chalky with plenty of skin flavors. Another couple of years of bottle age would be optimal.	89	28	Oregon	Tempranillo
36,031	Italy	There's a youthful, brambly character to this Rosso that appears as dried sage, rosemary, forest berry and wild mushroom. The wine is bright, fresh and streamlined.	86	44	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
46,914	US	This is the producer's first vintage from Hudson, one of the most sought-after sites in the appellation, and one not widely planted to the variety. Light and lush with a velvety ripeness, this special wine shines in pomegranate, earthy truffle and a turn of smoked meat. Robust, it maintains balance amidst its brawn.	93	60	California	Pinot Noir
114,779	US	Half the fruit is sourced from the Carabella vineyard, half from the Hyland vineyard. This is a young, tense, tight wine, still melding itself together. Melon, green pineapple, green banana and Streaks of butter and toast suggest that all the right flavor components are in place. The wine remains steely and compressed; definitely a white wine that should be decanted.	89	30	Oregon	Chardonnay
47,172	US	Nearly equal parts Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, this blend also features good handfuls of Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc that offer soft, velvety flavors of blackberry and blueberry. Lightly oaked, the tannins are grippy while the wine generates an herbal undertone on the nose.	90	38	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
92,594	US	Toasty, caramelized oak dominates the aroma and flavor of this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. It tastes soft and a little short of power.	86	42	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
118,712	US	Very fine, a smooth, silky wine with an elegant mousse, or quality of bubbles. It's pretty full-bodied, with subtle raspberry, peach, vanilla and brioche flavors. Easily the most complex and interesting of Chandon's lineup of sparklers.	92	50	California	Sparkling Blend
128,524	US	Most of this wine comes from esteemed Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes appellation. It charms with aromas of green apple, Bosc pear and mineral. The flavors are medium bodied and pure, with a lightly creamy feel and a zing of acidity stitching it all together. The balance is spot-on.	89	13	Washington	Chardonnay
109,815	Australia	A lively, medium-bodied dry red for casual meals, this is a good example of Australian Sangiovese. Red berry fruit is backed by crisp acids and firmish tannins, making this a good candidate to pair with burgers or pizza. It's 85% Sangiovese, with the balance Merlot and Shiraz.	87	18	South Australia	Sangiovese
4,971	Italy	You don't see much Syrah from the Veneto in northeast Italy, but Cicogna shows that the variety does have a future here. This expression is soft and plump with ripe fruit, blackberry, leather and tobacco. There's a point of bright freshness on the long finish.	90	35	Veneto	Syrah
80,619	US	Vanilla, saffron and other exotic yellow spices are laced amidst the dried apples, dried pineapples and just-cut lemons on the nose of this wine from a vineyard on the cool western fringe of the appellation. It's fairly broad in the mouth, with lots of lemon zest, cooked apples and more vanilla, cut by a pithy bitterness.	92	34	California	Chardonnay
58,791	US	Expressively aromatic, this is sourced from the Lawrence Vineyards on the Royal Slope. It bursts from the glass with scents of body powder, lilacs and lemon oil. It gracefully weaves those accents into a rich body with floral, citrus and tree fruit flavors, rounded off with just a hint of residual sugar. Still medium dry, this is a versatile wine to sip and enjoy solo or with light picnic foods.	91	18	Washington	Riesling
5,180	Italy	This structured wine opens with quintessential Sangiovese aromas of violet and black berries punctuated with whiffs of leather and balsamic herbs. The palate delivers a core of black cherry accented with mint, black pepper and licorice notes that add depth. The hint of prune on the finish reflects the warm, challenging vintage, but this is a delicious, well-balanced wine. Enjoy soon. Soilair Selections, Vineyard Road, WineCraft.	90	25	Tuscany	Sangiovese
98,150	France	Fruity and perfumed, this is already an attractive wine. Dusty tannins are working with the black-currant fruitiness to produce a fresh, lightly structured wine. Like many wines of the vintage, it will develop quickly, so drink from 2018.	88	29	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
28,941	US	A nose of sour cherry and cranberry meshes with sandalwood and savory herbs on this single-site study by the longtime Paso producer. The palate is overflowing with oregano and other dried garden herbs, laid against a juicy red and purple-fruit frame.	90	38	California	Zinfandel
98,605	Italy	Citrus and orchard-fruit aromas lead the way. Reflecting the nose, the simple off-dry palate offers ripe pear and nectarine drop alongside bright acidity.	86	22	Veneto	Glera
12,143	US	This is a lovely expression of this vineyard site, sometimes classified as Sonoma Coast. It captures the cool-climate province of the vines in crisp, classic ways, allowing elegant layers of pear, guava and lime to express and coalesce, finishing with a tease of voluptuousness.	91	65	California	Chardonnay
83,721	France	This single-vineyard wine, rounded and rich, is smooth, spicy and full of quince and lychee flavors that are developing well. Concentrated and dense, it will be best in late 2014.	89	35	Alsace	Pinot Gris
114,621	US	Peju's Merlots have been inconsistent. When they're good, they're quite good, but you never know. This 2008, from a less successful vintage, is all right. It's dry and tannic and soft in cherry and tobacco flavors. But there's not a lot going on. Drink up.	86	35	California	Merlot
113,666	France	Tense and dark, this has firm, dry tannins that overlay black plum skin and black fig flavors. The wine shows richness but also a foursquare solid structure and weight that is balanced by a final sweet, satisfying juicy acidity.	88	70	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
81,585	US	This 2010 Artist Series wine is roughly half-and-half Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, with just a splash of Merlot. It's a pretty, fruit-forward wine, with cherry and berry flavors that carry a gentle whiff of leather. The finish turns a bit chalky, with a slight hint of ash.	89	30	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
94,872	Italy	Scents of violet, iris and a balsamic whiff of menthol mingle together. The succulent palate doles out juicy raspberry, black cherry, clove and licorice alongside a backbone of firm, polished tannins. Drink 2018–2023.	91	75	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
53,731	US	Full-priced, full-bodied, and the full complement of just about all you want in a Rutherford Cab. Port-like aromas lead a pure and layered palate that features cassis, cherry, tobacco and cocoa. What an array of flavors, and then it finishes with dusty tannins and a tight grip. The gang at BV sure know how to craft Cabernet.	93	130	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
85,840	France	This is a ripe and tangy wine from the Bellanger family. Its green, citrus and apricot fruits are all singing together in an attractive, balanced way. It has richness that gives a full-bodied wine without detracting from the fresher, white currant and spice side. Drink now.	90	40	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
101,835	US	The very limited reserve bottling sees two years of barrel age in 100% new French oak. In this vintage, there isn't quite enough fruit ripeness to match that treatment. The light elegant fruit flavors of pomegranate and wild berry are a bit overpowered by the darker smoky oak flavors. A stiff streak of espresso runs through the finish. Best to drink this now through 2020.	89	60	Oregon	Tempranillo
89,357	US	Peppery and bright, this carries tart flavors of wild berries and mountain herbs. The penetrating peppery character is its most defining attribute.	87	36	Washington	Malbec
16,775	Italy	This structured wine opens with aromas of green apple, pear, clove and a hint of nutmeg that all carry over to the palate along with a mineral note. The creamy texture has nice weight and is brightened by vibrant acidity. Oliver McCrum, T. Edward Wines.	89	18	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
49,153	US	Another "dry" Riesling that's not quite dry, this one starts off with spiced pears and hints of peaches that seem a bit soft at first, then turn gradually tarter and more focused on the finish.	86	13	New York	Riesling
103,588	Spain	Hard and charred on the nose at first, this sheds its tire-like aromas for cleaner berry-fruit notes with airing. A full grabby palate is a bit rough and awkward, while roasted berry, plum and oak flavors finish minty and resiny.	88	17	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
35,902	US	Fermented in 80% stainless steel and 20% barrel, this at first shows a touch of barrel reduction on the nose that dissipates into richly layered stone fruit and fresh lime. Lingering minerality provides freshness and perspective.	91	19	California	Sauvignon Blanc
11,256	France	With its apricot and honey flavors, this is an attractive, fruity dessert wine. There is some dryness from botrytis to add complexity. At the end, the wine offers a delicious fruit salad finish.	88	27	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
51,689	US	The lightly floral, soapy aroma of this wine shows some varietal character. The palate is buttressed with flavors of talc and a wash of rose water. The complexity stops there, and this seems to be a wine that should be consumed within the first year or two.	86	10	Oregon	Gewürztraminer
46,870	France	This is a beautiful wine with its pink-orange color. The taste lives up to its appearance. A mature wine from a great vintage, it's rich with spice and nuts along with tight acidity. From fruit grown in the southern Champagne region of the Aube, the wine is completely ready to drink.	94	130	Champagne	Champagne Blend

75,763

US

Distinctly sugary, which gives the blackberries and cherries a jammy sweetness. But it's clean and crisp. For those who like this style, it's pretty good.

84

15

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

51,320

US

Lots of rich, ripe fruit in this Cabernet, which comes from the Happy Canyon area of the warmer eastern part of the valley. It shows deliciously forward blackberry, blueberry and cherry flavors, with a sweet overlay of toasty oak and rich, firm tannins. Dry and lovely, it's fine to drink now.

90

50

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

81,557

US

Tight, juicy and tannic on the entry, this wine is medium bodied and layered in dusty oak, chocolate and black cherry. Lush and not overly oaked, it's a good choice for the table and for fans of Napa Valley ripeness.

88

35

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

69,853

US

Aged both in French oak and stainless steel, this entry-level white is creamy in texture with a taste of lemon cream pie and vanilla swirls, the tannins tight and the oak present, though cradling. Fresh and fruity, this is a food-friendly, approachable wine.

88

23

California

Chardonnay

62,255

US

A dry, smooth Merlot that hews to the Clos du Val style of lean fruit. The cherry, mocha and cedar flavors have an edge of dried herbs and tobacco. Drink this elegant wine now and through 2014.

90

30

California

Merlot

27,059

Argentina

Ripe black-fruit aromas are loaded with fine oak and notes of licorice and sandalwood. A solid mile-deep palate is intense, layered and balanced. Creamy oak, aged cheese, black fruits and an exotic accent create an impressive combination of flavors, while this is muscular, warming and tastes dark and minty on the finish. Only 200 cases produced. Drink through 2022.

94

60

Mendoza Province

Malbec

65,521

Argentina

Initially this smells like bell pepper and green bean more than ripe berry fruits, but with time in the glass it rounds into spicy, herbal form. A tight, reedy palate is bolstered by tomatoey acidity, while flavors of herbal raspberry and red currant finish with ripped tannins and plenty of residual acidity. Drink through 2024.

90

50

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Sauvignon

26,934

US

Seemingly sweet and simple, this has buttery flavors of pineapple jam, white sugar and toast. A brisk cut of acidity provides a semblance of balance.

82

25

California

Chardonnay

113,311

US

This full-bodied, generously oaked and caramel-laden wine starts to show overripe flavors and textures on the palate, becoming heavy on the finish.

85

20

California

Chardonnay

107,076

Argentina

Grapey blackberry aromas come across foxy. The palate is wet and high in acidity, leaving a semisour flavor profile with only a few hints of sweetness around the edges. Drying, herbal and salty.

83

17

Mendoza Province

Malbec

57,194

US

Pitch-black in the glass, this is a meaty, deep wine, with inviting aromas of beef, black currant, caramel and smoke on the nose. The acidity is quite explosive on the palate, where flavors of charred beef, plum sauce, peppercorns and blueberry migrate towards a dark-roasted coffee note.

90

45

California

Petite Sirah

9,711

Italy

Scorched earth, black-skinned berry, orange zest and baking spice are some of the aromas that emerge on this vibrant red. It's still nervous, offering flavors of raw red berry, white pepper and grilled herb alongside bracing tannins. A coffee note signals the close. Drink 2018–2026.

90

50

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

47

US

This is a sweet wine with flavors of white sugar, orange, honey and vanilla, all brightened by crisp acidity.

86

13

California

Riesling

4,028

US

Sinewy texture and bright acidity meet a funk of blue cheese and forest in this interestingly complex and affordable wine. The earthiness continues in streaks of tart cranberry that ride along the palate.

88

25

California

Pinot Noir

95,627

US

Classic aromas of lemon custard, white-peach meringue, toasted oak and roasted nuts show on the nose of this bottling by the Carmel Valley-based producer. The fat lemon-cream flavors meet with savory smoked alder on the sip, with a sea-salt touch leading into the finish.

91

40

California

Chardonnay

43,193

US

This is a very sweet, unctuous dessert wine, with the flavor and texture of honey. Made from Viognier, it has decadent apricot, peach, tangerine and crème brûlée notes that combine in a dense, delicious mélange.

93

14

California

Viognier

116,720

US

This is a perfect wine, both in accessible flavors and somewhat affordable price, for pizza night or meatballs. Cooked red plum, strawberry and a bit of cracked pepper kick off the nose in the Cabernet Franc-led blend, with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. More plum hits the palate along with peppery spices, tobacco and marjoram. It's easy but not overly simple.

89

22

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

121,884

US

This is an absolutely beautiful wine to drink now, but the richness comes at the price of considerable alcohol. The color is dark and impenetrable, the aromas huge in Cabernet-inspired blackberries and black currants, with a touch of something herbal and also a stony minerality. There's also a fascinating peatiness, like an Islay Scotch. It really opens up in the glass, becoming ever more complex. It's great Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, but that high alcohol may limit its ageability.

99

290

California

Red Blend

36,551

Argentina

Reduced, condensed aromas of jammy berry fruits are herbal and narrow. In the mouth, this Cabernet-Malbec blend is wiry, rubbery and pinched. Flavors of prune, fig, black cherry and oregano finish blocky, with raw residual tannins.

84

11

Mendoza Province

Red Blend

97,877

Italy

This opens with intense floral aromas that recall white roses, lemon zest and apricot. The linear, vibrant palate offers pink grapefruit, white peach and a flint note alongside crisp acidity that leaves a refreshing finish. Oliver McCrum, T. Edward Wines.

89

21

Northeastern Italy

Riesling

121,799

US

Too ripe for balance or longevity, the blackberry and currant flavors in this Cab veer into raisins, with a bitter finish. It's also soft and very oaky, more like a warm, interior valley wine than one from this fine appellation. Drink now.

84

75

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

102,167

US

Spearmint and pine resin stand out in this simple, light-bodied red that traffics subtly in spice and tannin, not quite finding its balance.

84

24

California

Pinot Noir

14,954

France

Organically grown grapes from one of the top Provence estates have produced this light grey-pink colored wine. It is a delicious fruity confection of bright red berries and tangy acidity. There is an attractive touch of minerality to give the wine structure. Drink now.

91

24

Provence

Rosé

85,727

Spain

Charcoal aromas shadow standard black fruit scents. This is forward in its approach, with a sturdy mouthfeel. Black plum and blackberry flavors feature a lot of vanilla and cream, while the finish is mild, straightforward and tastes mostly like oak and associated vanilla. Drink now through 2020.

89

73

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

21,604

Argentina

Generous, sizable aromas of cassis, blackberry and violet are inviting. This is juicy, with slightly wiry acidity creating a racy mouthfeel. Flavors of berry and cassis are loamy on their own but ride comfortably on a wave of tartaric acidity, while the finish is lifted and lively, with black-fruit flavors.

91

27

Mendoza Province

Malbec

110,641

US

Good blackberry, black cherry, cola and spice flavors in this Merlot. It's marked by the jagged, sandpapery tannins that often accompany Dry Creek red wines. You can call it rustic, but it's rustic-chic, an interesting wine with some real complexity.

88

33

California

Merlot

74,301

US

Tangy cranberry and wild strawberry fruit, and spice and grip, highlights this clean, pure and fruit-driven Malbec. The addition of 20% Merlot may account for a sense of near-raisiny ripeness. The tannins carry a hint of dried leaf.

90

30

Washington

Malbec

10,013

US

This eccentric Chard marches to its own beat. It's drier and more acidic than most, and the flavors offer a mélange of peaches, oranges, tropical fruits, Meyer lemons, cashews and white flowers. Yet it's delicious and compelling. Made with full-throttle techniques that include partial barrel fermentation, malolactic fermentation and battonage, it was bottled unfined and unfiltered. The vineyards are Sierra Madre, in the Santa Maria Valley, and Oaks Savannah, in the Santa Ynez Valley.

91

30

California

Chardonnay

16,324

Portugal

From vines planted in 2004, this wine celebrates daughter Francesca's 18th birthday and is a ripe impressive wine that is rich and smoothly textured. A blend of classic Douro grapes, especially Tinta Francisca, the wine is full of black fruits and ripe tannins. It will be ready from 2019.

94

Douro

Portuguese Red

85,168

Italy

This offers intriguing aromas of chopped mint, menthol, leather, soil and spiced berry. The mint note carries over to the chewy palate, along with soothing licorice, clove and tobacco, all of which add depth to the core of juicy black cherry. Velvety tannins lend structure and polish. It's already accessible and will make wonderful imbibing over the next several years. Drink through 2025.

94

120

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

87,208

US

Dried blueberries and chopped oregano show on the nose of this widely distributed brand. The palate is powered by sagebrush and other wild herbs, with plum and olallieberry fruit.

86

15

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

14,540

Argentina

Aromas of powdered bubble gum, plum and chlorine aren't great, nor is the clamping, gritty feeling palate. With flavors of tart citrus and not much more, this is a limited but decent South American rosé.

84

17

Mendoza Province

Malbec

122,757

France

On the sweet side, this light and fresh wine hails from a single vineyard. It has spice and attractive apple acidity, plus a crisp side at the end. This is a bright wine to drink now.

85

28

Alsace

Pinot Gris

75,433

US

Decent, everyday Pinot, with good varietal character, if not especially complex. The wine is dry, silky and crisp, with modest cherry and cola flavors.

85

15

California

Pinot Noir

47,438

US

The acidity really makes this Chardonnay come alive, providing vitality, a quality that's boosted by an undercurrent of minerals. It's so rich in tropical fruit, orange, nectarine and pear flavors, and so generously oaked, which brings a sweet, satisfying note of buttered toast, that all you want to do is drink it now, preferably with steamed lobster and melted butter.

96

50

California

Chardonnay

124,362

US

Made to please, the fruit for this wine comes from Watmaugh Ranch, farmed by the Sebastiani family. Aged eight months in a majority of French oak, it shows flavors of apple skin, butter and olive amid a richness that's balanced by zesty acidity.

88

22

California

Chardonnay

11,913

US

Sourced from the Kuleto Estate Vineyard near Pritchard Hill, this wine is quite intense in golden caramel oak and honeyed power. Nonetheless, it explodes in lemon and flint, remaining bright and balanced, with a bite of apple pie on the long finish.

92

40

California

Chardonnay

33,128

US

Takes the popular route, with caramelized oak and ripe fruit that taste sweet. Almost like a dessert wine, showing tangerine, vanilla and buttered toast flavors that pall after a sip or two.

84

25

California

Chardonnay

101,636

Italy

Red currant, French oak, espresso and cedar aromas emerge on this blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The taut palate offers sour cherry, licorice, grilled sage and oak-driven spice alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins that grip the finish.

89

35

Tuscany

Red Blend

70,583

Italy

Pressed rose, dark berry, baked earth, forest floor, licorice, walnut and a balsamic note are some of the intriguing aromas you'll find on this fantastic, balanced Barolo. The structured, elegant palate delivers mature black cherry, dark raspberry, anise, white pepper, tobacco, orange peel and clove alongside assertive but refined tannins.

94

63

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

47,555

France

This honeyed wine from a good Sauternes year is rich. Touches of botrytis give it a dry edge and stop it from being cloying. In the background, the acidity finishes with a lift. Drink from 2018.

88

32

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

124,574

Spain

Stemmy and leathery smelling, with heat, roasted fruit and cheesy aromas. The palate is full but soupy, with roasted, baked black fruit flavors. A bit of cinnamon and spice help out the finish, but by then the wine's very average fate has been sealed.

83

9

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

33,005

Spain

Dense, stewy, baked aromas of blueberry and Graham cracker lead to a blocky, flabby palate with earthy flavors of stewed berries and prune. In many ways this registers as overripe and raisiny.

85

22

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

122,902

US

A richer-than-usual version, this wine has citrus and light herbs in the aroma, and ripe melon and apple in the flavors. It's both mouthfilling and lively, for the best of both worlds.

89

16

California

Sauvignon Blanc

34,279

France

Gentle notions of pear emanate from the glass. The palate is equally gentle: ripe pear fruit, balanced by lovely lemon freshness. There is an arresting interplay of residual sweetness and zesty acidity at the core. However, the full spectrum of glorious pear fruit becomes fully expressed on the incredibly long finish. This has immense depth and will hold its poise for a few years yet. Drink now through 2025.

94

50

Alsace

Pinot Gris

79,267

US

This is a great project dedicated to and featuring the winery's workers, who are named on the bottles, although the wine itself is a tad sweet. Baked black cherry, licorice and caramel aromas lead to a palate ripe with purple berry and cocoa dust flavors. An easy to quaff and light-bodied red.

86

25

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

108,817

US

There's a bit of oak here, but not too much, giving a smoky, buttered toast richness to the orange, lime and pineapple fruit. It's a rich, flashy Chardonnay, with crisp acidity and a clean, spicy finish.

92

25

California

Chardonnay

60,595

US

This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Merlot (33%), Cabernet Franc (17%) and Petit Verdot brings vanilla, baker's chocolate, woodspice, dried herb and cherry aromas. It's medium bodied on the palate, with cherry flavors and cinnamon accents throughout.

88

30

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

536

US

Merlot (63%) takes the lead on this blend followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) and Cabernet Franc. The aromas seem somewhat wound up at present, with notes of wood spice, vanilla and fresh herb. The palate is über-smooth, showing a fine sense of balance and polish.

91

50

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

35,410

Italy

Bright and fresh, with streamlined and compact fruit, Poggio Teo has the natural acidity to stand up to cheese- or cream-based dishes. It has light dustings of toasted nut and spice that give the palate added dimension.

88

25

Tuscany

Sangiovese

80,844

Italy

Woodland berry, dark spice, rose and balsamic notes waft from the glass. Vibrant, elegant and focused, it delivers crushed strawberry, red cherry and licorice flavors on the palate, with firm, refined tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2023–2033.

93

50

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

52,334

US

This easy-drinking, estate-grown, Bordeaux-style blend tilts more toward Merlot than Cabernet Sauvignon in this new vintage. Medium-bodied and fully ripe, it falls just a little flat on the midpalate, and finishes with a suggestion of alcoholic heat.

87

25

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

104,228

Italy

The subtle nose of this all-Sangiovese wine suggests ripe black-skinned fruit, pressed violets and dark spices. The linear palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, clove and chopped herb flavors, pulled taut by firm, fine-grained tannins that lead to a coffee-inflected finish.

90

33

Tuscany

Sangiovese

44,600

US

Made in tiny amounts, this wine blends 72% Mourvèdre with field-blended Petite Sirah, Syrah, Peloursin, Carignane and Alicante Bouschet. It comes from two acres in the heart of the appellation, representing historic varieties still hanging on for dear life. Raisiny leather, gunpowder and an intensity of blueberry give it life, atop an undeniable funkiness that's hard to resist.

94

45

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

41,994

Spain

Yeasty, toasty aromas come with notes of brown sugar and baking spices. Lively and good on the palate, this tastes of dry citrus fruits and nectarine. A fresh-feeling, citrusy finish is clean and firm.

87

15

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

127,211

US

The top drop from Bethel Heights in this vintage, this is a dark, dense evocation of Pinot Noir at its most authoritative and engaging. It's a muscular mix of mulberry, blueberry and blue plum, with a dash of sassafras for good measure. The length and sense of throttled power suggest that this is a fine cellar candidate. Drink now through 2028.

94

56

Oregon

Pinot Noir

81,834

US

A density of honey and caramel washes over this vineyard-designate, a concentrated and viscous expression of the variety. Layered in light waves of lemon, it finishes with a bite of ripe yellow apple and more of that caramel.

89

38

California

Chardonnay

34,771

France

Quince and lychee fruit flavors dominate this ripe, off-dry wine. It has a spicy character, allowing for a dry core of pepper while also giving a rich aftertaste. Drink now.

86

24

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

92,674

US

The variety is unmistakable here, with aromas of savory herb mixed with cherry and accented by sweet barrel spices. Flavors are light, dry and reserved in style, with abundant barrel accents that prove a bit distracting.

88

35

Washington

Cabernet Franc

11,081

France

A famous old brand that seems to be living off past glory, this year's edition is quite neutral in aroma and flavor; you have to work to pick out some mild herb and citrus, but it does show a nice spicy, green-peppercorn character on the finish.

81

11

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

28,834

France

This is a single-vineyard wine from Pfaffenheim. Giving a touch of spice as well as delicate acidity, it's light, bright and fruity. Crisp right through and attractively perfumed, it is ready to drink now.

84

32

Alsace

Riesling

19,271

US

Subtle whiffs of rose petal, spice and earth entice on the nose of this rustic but pretty Pinot Noir. Lush in body, the palate suggests ruddy plum and cherry flavors shaded in tones of leather, smoked meat and balsamic. Finely grained tannins frame a long finish.

87

25

New York

Pinot Noir

83,335

Italy

Barolo Lorens offers a hearty, meaty expression of Barolo that would pair with beef and wild mushroom stew or bacon-wrapped quail served with wild rice. The wine boasts deep, concentrated extraction with aromas of bresaola, smoke, spice, ripe cherry and red rose accents. It's thick and long lasting with slightly textured tannins.

91

75

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

123,384

Italy

Made with Sangiovese and 5% Merlot, this opens with scents underbrush, scorched earth, cedar and baked plum. The palate offers dried black cherry, ground pepper, licorice and a confectionary note supported by assertive, fine-grained tannins. A grilled herb note signals the close.

89

35

Tuscany

Red Blend

29,693

Italy

Aromas of toast and hazelnut lead the way on this lively wine, following through to the palate along with yellow apple skin and a hint of mineral. Vigorous bubbles give it a bright mouthfeel.

88

30

Piedmont

Sparkling Blend

89,009

US

With fruit from The Benches (71%) and Canoe Ridge vineyards, this wine offers aromas of toast, pineapple, peach and pear, with barrel notes (100% American) providing accents. Flavors are creamy in feel with a finish that lingers.

90

20

Washington

Chardonnay

24,454

Spain

This dark, exotic blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah is impressive given that 2008 wasn't a good year in Spain. This shows integrated oak, graphite and inky aromas in front of a full, balanced palate that's home to berry flavors, schisty minerality and mocha accents. A generous finish with plum and berry flavors as well as licorice is the right ending. Drink through 2018.

92

42

Catalonia

Red Blend

11,045

US

This AVA is a hotbed for this grape, as this ripe, robust effort demonstrates. Concentrated plum and cherry fruit has a whiff of leather, along with pretty baking spices. The tannins are substantial, and turn a bit chalky with plenty of skin flavors. Another couple of years of bottle age would be optimal.

89

28

Oregon

Tempranillo

36,031

Italy

There's a youthful, brambly character to this Rosso that appears as dried sage, rosemary, forest berry and wild mushroom. The wine is bright, fresh and streamlined.

86

44

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

46,914

US

This is the producer's first vintage from Hudson, one of the most sought-after sites in the appellation, and one not widely planted to the variety. Light and lush with a velvety ripeness, this special wine shines in pomegranate, earthy truffle and a turn of smoked meat. Robust, it maintains balance amidst its brawn.

93

60

California

Pinot Noir

114,779

US

Half the fruit is sourced from the Carabella vineyard, half from the Hyland vineyard. This is a young, tense, tight wine, still melding itself together. Melon, green pineapple, green banana and Streaks of butter and toast suggest that all the right flavor components are in place. The wine remains steely and compressed; definitely a white wine that should be decanted.

89

30

Oregon

Chardonnay

47,172

US

Nearly equal parts Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, this blend also features good handfuls of Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc that offer soft, velvety flavors of blackberry and blueberry. Lightly oaked, the tannins are grippy while the wine generates an herbal undertone on the nose.

90

38

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

92,594

US

Toasty, caramelized oak dominates the aroma and flavor of this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. It tastes soft and a little short of power.

86

42

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

118,712

US

Very fine, a smooth, silky wine with an elegant mousse, or quality of bubbles. It's pretty full-bodied, with subtle raspberry, peach, vanilla and brioche flavors. Easily the most complex and interesting of Chandon's lineup of sparklers.

92

50

California

Sparkling Blend

128,524

US

Most of this wine comes from esteemed Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes appellation. It charms with aromas of green apple, Bosc pear and mineral. The flavors are medium bodied and pure, with a lightly creamy feel and a zing of acidity stitching it all together. The balance is spot-on.

89

13

Washington

Chardonnay

109,815

Australia

A lively, medium-bodied dry red for casual meals, this is a good example of Australian Sangiovese. Red berry fruit is backed by crisp acids and firmish tannins, making this a good candidate to pair with burgers or pizza. It's 85% Sangiovese, with the balance Merlot and Shiraz.

87

18

South Australia

Sangiovese

4,971

Italy

You don't see much Syrah from the Veneto in northeast Italy, but Cicogna shows that the variety does have a future here. This expression is soft and plump with ripe fruit, blackberry, leather and tobacco. There's a point of bright freshness on the long finish.

90

35

Veneto

Syrah

80,619

US

Vanilla, saffron and other exotic yellow spices are laced amidst the dried apples, dried pineapples and just-cut lemons on the nose of this wine from a vineyard on the cool western fringe of the appellation. It's fairly broad in the mouth, with lots of lemon zest, cooked apples and more vanilla, cut by a pithy bitterness.

92

34

California

Chardonnay

58,791

US

Expressively aromatic, this is sourced from the Lawrence Vineyards on the Royal Slope. It bursts from the glass with scents of body powder, lilacs and lemon oil. It gracefully weaves those accents into a rich body with floral, citrus and tree fruit flavors, rounded off with just a hint of residual sugar. Still medium dry, this is a versatile wine to sip and enjoy solo or with light picnic foods.

91

18

Washington

Riesling

5,180

Italy

This structured wine opens with quintessential Sangiovese aromas of violet and black berries punctuated with whiffs of leather and balsamic herbs. The palate delivers a core of black cherry accented with mint, black pepper and licorice notes that add depth. The hint of prune on the finish reflects the warm, challenging vintage, but this is a delicious, well-balanced wine. Enjoy soon. Soilair Selections, Vineyard Road, WineCraft.

90

25

Tuscany

Sangiovese

98,150

France

Fruity and perfumed, this is already an attractive wine. Dusty tannins are working with the black-currant fruitiness to produce a fresh, lightly structured wine. Like many wines of the vintage, it will develop quickly, so drink from 2018.

88

29

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

28,941

US

A nose of sour cherry and cranberry meshes with sandalwood and savory herbs on this single-site study by the longtime Paso producer. The palate is overflowing with oregano and other dried garden herbs, laid against a juicy red and purple-fruit frame.

90

38

California

Zinfandel

98,605

Italy

Citrus and orchard-fruit aromas lead the way. Reflecting the nose, the simple off-dry palate offers ripe pear and nectarine drop alongside bright acidity.

86

22

Veneto

Glera

12,143

US

This is a lovely expression of this vineyard site, sometimes classified as Sonoma Coast. It captures the cool-climate province of the vines in crisp, classic ways, allowing elegant layers of pear, guava and lime to express and coalesce, finishing with a tease of voluptuousness.

91

65

California

Chardonnay

83,721

France

This single-vineyard wine, rounded and rich, is smooth, spicy and full of quince and lychee flavors that are developing well. Concentrated and dense, it will be best in late 2014.

89

35

Alsace

Pinot Gris

114,621

US

Peju's Merlots have been inconsistent. When they're good, they're quite good, but you never know. This 2008, from a less successful vintage, is all right. It's dry and tannic and soft in cherry and tobacco flavors. But there's not a lot going on. Drink up.

86

35

California

Merlot

113,666

France

Tense and dark, this has firm, dry tannins that overlay black plum skin and black fig flavors. The wine shows richness but also a foursquare solid structure and weight that is balanced by a final sweet, satisfying juicy acidity.

88

70

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

81,585

US

This 2010 Artist Series wine is roughly half-and-half Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, with just a splash of Merlot. It's a pretty, fruit-forward wine, with cherry and berry flavors that carry a gentle whiff of leather. The finish turns a bit chalky, with a slight hint of ash.

89

30

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

94,872

Italy

Scents of violet, iris and a balsamic whiff of menthol mingle together. The succulent palate doles out juicy raspberry, black cherry, clove and licorice alongside a backbone of firm, polished tannins. Drink 2018–2023.

91

75

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

53,731

US

Full-priced, full-bodied, and the full complement of just about all you want in a Rutherford Cab. Port-like aromas lead a pure and layered palate that features cassis, cherry, tobacco and cocoa. What an array of flavors, and then it finishes with dusty tannins and a tight grip. The gang at BV sure know how to craft Cabernet.

93

130

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

85,840

France

This is a ripe and tangy wine from the Bellanger family. Its green, citrus and apricot fruits are all singing together in an attractive, balanced way. It has richness that gives a full-bodied wine without detracting from the fresher, white currant and spice side. Drink now.

90

40

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

101,835

US

The very limited reserve bottling sees two years of barrel age in 100% new French oak. In this vintage, there isn't quite enough fruit ripeness to match that treatment. The light elegant fruit flavors of pomegranate and wild berry are a bit overpowered by the darker smoky oak flavors. A stiff streak of espresso runs through the finish. Best to drink this now through 2020.

89

60

Oregon

Tempranillo

89,357

US

Peppery and bright, this carries tart flavors of wild berries and mountain herbs. The penetrating peppery character is its most defining attribute.

87

36

Washington

Malbec

16,775

Italy

This structured wine opens with aromas of green apple, pear, clove and a hint of nutmeg that all carry over to the palate along with a mineral note. The creamy texture has nice weight and is brightened by vibrant acidity. Oliver McCrum, T. Edward Wines.

89

18

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

49,153

US

Another "dry" Riesling that's not quite dry, this one starts off with spiced pears and hints of peaches that seem a bit soft at first, then turn gradually tarter and more focused on the finish.

86

13

New York

Riesling

103,588

Spain

Hard and charred on the nose at first, this sheds its tire-like aromas for cleaner berry-fruit notes with airing. A full grabby palate is a bit rough and awkward, while roasted berry, plum and oak flavors finish minty and resiny.

88

17

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

35,902

US

Fermented in 80% stainless steel and 20% barrel, this at first shows a touch of barrel reduction on the nose that dissipates into richly layered stone fruit and fresh lime. Lingering minerality provides freshness and perspective.

91

19

California

Sauvignon Blanc

11,256

France

With its apricot and honey flavors, this is an attractive, fruity dessert wine. There is some dryness from botrytis to add complexity. At the end, the wine offers a delicious fruit salad finish.

88

27

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

51,689

US

The lightly floral, soapy aroma of this wine shows some varietal character. The palate is buttressed with flavors of talc and a wash of rose water. The complexity stops there, and this seems to be a wine that should be consumed within the first year or two.

86

10

Oregon

Gewürztraminer

46,870

France

This is a beautiful wine with its pink-orange color. The taste lives up to its appearance. A mature wine from a great vintage, it's rich with spice and nuts along with tight acidity. From fruit grown in the southern Champagne region of the Aube, the wine is completely ready to drink.

94

130

Champagne

Champagne Blend