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
87,452	US	Fruit-punchy aromas show on the seemingly sweet-leaning nose of this fun and easy wine, as do hints of pomegranate and hibiscus. The palate picks up strawberry and dried-lilac flavors. It's well made, but simple.	86	15	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
106,737	Italy	A blend of 70% Friulano, 15% Ribolla Gialla and 15% Malvasia, this is perfumed with scents suggesting yellow flower, apple, citrus fruit and hazelnut. The vibrant palate is loaded with verve and finesse, offering peach, Golden Delicious apple, sage, fennel and a hint of candied tangerine zest. A note of bitter almond closes the tangy finish.	90	32	Northeastern Italy	White Blend
90,092	Argentina	Intense on the nose, this has spice, leather and ripe berry aromas. It feels clean, plummy, juicy and bright, with lifted red and black fruit flavors. Showing chewy tannins and additional juiciness on the finish, it's very nice and delivers the goods.	89	20	Mendoza Province	Malbec
42,009	Spain	Aromas of wet dog and a whiff of skunk are hardly the stuff of legend. In the mouth, this is well cut and crisp, with fresh acidity and a controlled bubble bead. Briny flavors of celery, lettuce and scallion finish fresh, green and lean.	87	32	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
69,392	France	This is a lightly colored rosé, fresh as a red currant while having a tight texture of crisp acidity. It does need some bottle age to bring out the fuller fruit and ripe red berries. Drink this bottling from 2015, while Arnaud Margaine continues to improve the vineyards worked by the family for four generations.	88	62	Champagne	Champagne Blend
80,070	Germany	Intensely earthy notes of honey and wax, and just the faintest whiff of petrol, are enticing precursors of maturity within an otherwise delightfully fresh, fruity Riesling. It's delicately crisp on the palate, but ends with a long, lanolin-coated finish.	93	42	Mosel	Riesling
74,003	France	Straight down the line, this wine shows fruit and acidity. The tannins are relatively soft while the fruit is forward. Blackberries, coffee and licorice notes all come together.	94	90	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
73,291	US	The lack of new oak on this wine unleashes a torrent of ripe tropical fruit, including guava, as well as ripe pear. It's briny on the palate yet with quite perfumed and pungent flavors, more typical of a Rhône white than a California chardonnay.	87	19	California	Chardonnay
80,983	Spain	Lightly herbal aromas and a touch of animal blend with oak-based notes of sweet plastic and vanilla on the nose. The palate is round but slightly flabby, with moderate acidity. Lactic oak creates a plastic-like flavor that is derivative of the nose, while the finish is drab.	85	23	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
78,776	Spain	This five-grape blend is muscular and wide on the palate, with oaky berry flavors that are also tarry and toasty. Hard tannins and some chop on the finish suggest further aging would be beneficial. Drink this Cabernet-led blend that also includes Garnacha, Syrah, Merlot and Cab Franc through 2025.	92	28	Northern Spain	Red Blend
15,154	US	A note of char greets the nose before this full-bodied and robustly ripe wine shows a softness of texture and wrapped-in tannin. Smoky black cherry continues the theme, while layers of plum, mocha and currant interweave on the palate, lingering in black pepper and clove.	93	150	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
80,137	Portugal	Wood flavors dominate this young wine. It has structure and tannins, with concentrated toast and chocolate flavors. The extraction of the fruit gives the wine a bitter character. It should soften, so drink from 2019.	88	15	Douro	Portuguese Red
81,529	US	This wine is surprisingly brooding for the variety, with notes of jasmine, flowers and apricot struggling to get to the surface. The floral flavors are dry and light weight, providing intrigue.	87	16	Washington	Riesling
124,040	France	High levels of acidity give this wine a tight, eye-watering character. The fruit was probably not ripe.	82	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
123,118	France	Full of jammy Merlot fruits, this is a smooth ripe wine. Dried fruits and tannins give the wine its varietal character. They are freshened by the acidity and black-currant fruitiness. The aftertaste allows the firm tannins to shine. Drink from 2017.	88	21	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
88,121	Italy	Aromas of scorched earth, leather, ground pepper, porcini mushroom and mature berry lead the nose. The aromas carry over to the ripe palate along with raspberry jam, vanilla and chocolate. It's already accessible. Drink through 2023.	90	120	Tuscany	Sangiovese
63,563	Italy	Blue flower, mature plum, licorice, clove, mocha and menthol aromas all come together on this brawny red. The warm, bold palate delivers juicy black cherry, espresso, ground pepper and anisette alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins. Showing the heat of the vintage, it won't need years to come around. Drink 2018–2028.	90	70	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
32,457	France	A fruity, juicy wine with balanced tannins and red fruits. It is a lively perfumed wine that has some toasty tannins in the background. Drink this ripe wine from 2019. One of five wineries owned by Bernadette Faure and Alain Aubert; their daughters oversee vineyards, winemaking and marketing.	90	25	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
78,217	US	Cyclops II is an equal blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre from 2011, and Grenache from 2009. Complex and fragrant, it's a perfect match of strengths. Strawberry, cherry and blue plum fruits are underscored with layers of earth, graphite and licorice. It's already nicely balanced, and its nonvintage makeup may have helped push along the aging process. Drink now and over the next five years.	93	40	Washington	Rhône-style Red Blend
53,069	US	Fully ripe, estate-grown fruit, 100% varietal, starts it on solid ground. It's soft and plummy, with purple fruits in abundance, and brings flavors of light chocolate threaded through smooth tannins. Just a little more acidity would elevate it further. Drink soon and enjoy.	89	34	Washington	Merlot
47,799	France	This has with some tannins but it is much more about the bright red fruits. It has crisp acidity that cuts through the structure to give some a fresh edge to this structured wine. Let it sit for a few months and drink from 2017.	88	14	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
65,343	Spain	Appealing bright citrus and slate flavors ride a round yet faintly spritzy mouthfeel in this lively white from Spain's northeast. The flavors and textures show some depth and positive tension. Best for current drinking, it closes bright and dry, with good length. Best Buy. —M.M.	87	10	Catalonia	White Blend
122,759	France	This spicy, apple-fresh wine has spice, crisp acidity and great fruitiness. It's a perfect apéritif style with its lightness and freshness. Drink now.	85	29	Alsace	Pinot Gris
128,636	US	Vanilla cream, marzipan and apple custard hit the nose on this creamy, dairy-inflected bottling, but a fine line of Key-lime rind balances things. Pan-seared apples in lemon juice mesh well with saffron and dandelion as well as buttered toast with lime marmalade on the dynamic palate.	91	30	California	Chardonnay
59,094	US	There's lots of forward raspberry, cherry and pomegranate fruit in this soft, lush wine. Oak brings an additional layer of richness. It's delicious—like toast spread with butter and jam—but a little one-dimensional. However, it's a wonderful dimension to explore now.	87	35	California	Pinot Noir
87,289	US	The lovely wines from this pioneering estate, now in the capable hands of second-generation winemaker Jason Lett, are generally priced well below any comparable efforts. Here the texture and minerality evoke surpassing elegance. Lime, grapefruit, a bite of pineapple all come into play, with the depth and balance that suggests several years of life ahead.	92	19	Oregon	Pinot Gris
111,725	US	Here's a lovely Grenache to drink now. It's dry and silky, with the light weight of Pinot Noir, and ripely succulent in cherries. Bright acidity adds the final note. The very high alcohol is hardly noticeable, but it will affect you physically.	88	42	California	Grenache
58,661	US	Made in small quantities, this wine opens in a decadence of gingerbread and graham cracker aromas before a medium-bodied texture supports a supple ripeness of green apple, melon and pear.	89	65	California	Chardonnay
90,631	Spain	Raw aromas of rhubarb and scratchy raspberry offer little to latch onto. The palate feels clipped and angular, while the flavors are a touch stalky and generic as far as red fruit goes. This finishes tangy and scouring.	83	15	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
74,217	US	Blending fruit from four vineyards, this opens with dusty aromatics of rose petals, baking spices and cocoa. The mouthfeel continues in a pleasantly dusty vein, showing tart berry and pie-cherry flavors with a lick of mocha.	89	25	Oregon	Pinot Noir
123,086	US	Even though this wine is unoaked and inexpensive, it's one of the best Viogniers out there. It shows the lean, drily crisp profile of Edna Valley whites, with wildly exotic flavors of citrus, tropical fruits, wildflowers, peaches, pears, minerals and vanilla. At this price, it's a giveaway.	92	17	California	Viognier
100,052	France	Attractively ripe, this has fruity red-berry flavors along with acidity and soft tannins. This is ready to drink now.	87	17	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
72,901	US	This is a compelling example of Oregon Pinot Gris. Apple, pear and lemon curd carry the bulk of the flavors, with a lightly peppery lift to the midpalate. The spicy character extends through a pleasing, long finish.	91	27	Oregon	Pinot Gris
116,528	US	Made in the Edmeades style of high alcohol and exceptional ripeness, this is a powerfully explosive Zin. Fully dry, it's packed with black currant, cassis, plum jam, dark chocolate and spice flavors that are wrapped into hard tannins. Will soften in time. Best now through 2012.	90	30	California	Zinfandel
13,070	US	This bright, light and acid-driven wine is juicy and fresh—a full embrace of tart lemon and tangerine flavors. Its liveliness is long-lived and welcome.	90	29	California	Pinot Noir
82,779	US	This smells like a cherry crumble pie that's been heavily hit with cinnamon and other brown spices and served on slate. It dances across the palate with hearty spice, very vibrant fruit, cola and acidity that carries from beginning to end.	90	25	California	Pinot Noir
43,116	US	A rich, lusty Zin, filled with wild berry and spice flavors, with a touch of raisins. No surprise that it's a little prickly hot, because the alcohol is way high, but that's just fine with barbecue.	87	26	California	Zinfandel
125,951	France	This ripe wine comes from organic vineyards in the village of Brochon, next to Gevrey-Chambertin. It shows plenty of structure, a tantalizing smoky character from wood aging and juicy red fruit character. This will be a delicious wine to drink from 2018.	90	50	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
123,981	US	Flavor-wise, this is a huge wine, bursting with raspberries, cherries and persimmons. The texture is pure silk and satin, as light and airy as Pinot gets, yet with a ghostly weight. Drink now with your most Pinot-friendly foods.	89	45	California	Pinot Noir
58,436	Argentina	As prices for Argentinean Malbecs climb, this is a really good value. It's earthy and full, and slightly rustic on the nose. Feels ripe and rugged, with scratchy tannins supporting red berry and oak-based vanilla notes. Feels fresh and good for a large-production Malbec.	87	10	Mendoza Province	Malbec
77,799	US	Michael Mondavi's Folio Fine Wine Partners now offers an Oregon Pinot Noir, this one vinified by Rob Mondavi, a fourth- generation winemaker. Pale and elegantly styled, it shows refined winemaking skills and a European sensibility. Pungently herbal, this supple wine brings young fruit flavors of cranberry and raspberry, but shows ageworthy depth and persistence. It's the sort of subtle, classic style that rewards both time and attention.	89	35	Oregon	Pinot Noir
52,304	US	Good, deep flavors of blackberries, currants and spices mark this dry wine. It has a coating of smoky new oak. The texture is a bit harsh, which is really its only minus. Otherwise, it's a nice Merlot to drink now.	87	26	California	Merlot
90,832	France	Taut and edgy, very steely in character, with almost an austere character in its youth. Its fruits are definitely on the citrus side of the spectrum, crisp yet rich as well. The acidity shoots right through the wine.	93	70	Burgundy	Chardonnay
108,451	US	What a value. Pretty much as delicious as Paso reds get, although it's high in alcohol. Dazzles with cherry, blackberry, currant, dark chocolate, sweet sandalwood and cinnamon spice flavors.	90	15	California	Merlot
62,702	France	This soft, fresh Sauvignon Blanc just hints at herbaceousness and brings out riper fruits, peaches and red apple skins. A ripe and warm wine, it is ready to drink now. Screwcap.	85	20	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
58,751	US	This captures attention with piercing cherry and cranberry aromas and with herb and orange-peel grace notes. The palate is soft, polished and layered, with a mouthfeel that dazzles and the flavors to back it up. The finish lingers.	91	40	Washington	Syrah
85,332	US	This inaugural release is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot. The grapes come from vineyards in St. Helena and Rutherford. It's an inky black, dry, powerful wine, with intense flavors of black cherry, red and black currant and dark chocolate, plus floral and mineral notes. The tannins are strong, but sweet and refined. Showing lots of class, this can be consumed now, and it will also age for 8–10 years.	94	87	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
95,100	US	Herb, plum, spice and black-currant aromas are followed by well-balanced fruit flavors. The tannins bring some dryness, needing time to stretch their legs. Give it a short decant.	89	33	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
25,645	US	Smells rich and decadent, with aromas of orange marmalade and honey, but still maintains refreshing touches of citrus and pineapple throughout. It's thick and rich in the mouth, and finishes long, with excellent balance. This can easily compete with Canadian ice wines.	90	32	New York	Riesling
56,010	US	Crushed orange peels, plump lemon blossoms, spun sugar, clarified butter and a slight almond oil touch combine for a lush, layered nose on this bottling from the Carmel Valley producer. The palate presents an expert balance between salt, butter and almond warmth aand tingling, lime-led acidity. Will please both lovers of classic Cali chard and acid-heads.	92	25	California	Chardonnay
121,648	US	Ripe and heavy, with raspberry and cherry jam, cola, green herb and oak flavors that finish spicy. The grapes are from Jameson Canyon, outside Calistoga. A good wine, but not going anywhere, so drink up.	87	45	California	Pinot Noir
117,963	Germany	Honeycomb and tangerine skins entice on the nose of this elegant dry Riesling. White-peach and grapefruit flavors are ripe and rich on the palate, lending an unctuous, almost oily, mouthfeel. Strikes of steel and acid on the finish lend finesse.	90	20	Mosel	Riesling
85,296	US	For the fan of big, bold flavor, this Rutherford red is robust in tannin and oak, as well as full, ripe waves of blueberry, black cherry and chocolate. Interspersed among the enjoyable proceedings are dessert-like elements of caramel and cinnamon.	90	40	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
14,948	France	With a high proportion of the local Rolle grape in the blend, this is a lightly perfumed wine with a strong herbal element. It is a ripe finely structured wine, with great acidity and orange flavors. A style of wine that will be better for a few more months, it should be drunk from late 2017.	91	29	Provence	Rosé
114,754	France	This blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon is light, bright and crisp. It has red fruits and perfumed acidity along with a softly tannic aftertaste. It is not a wine for aging long so drink from 2018.	85	14	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
46,667	France	This rounded wine has spice, lychee and pineapple flavors. It is light, bright and fruity with a pepper aftertaste, and is ready to drink.	85	18	Alsace	Pinot Gris
99,444	US	White-peach aromas meet with vanilla butter and honeysuckle on the nose, yet there is a tension apparent amid the ripeness. The sip starts with an edgy texture and crisp acidity that cut across flavors of nectarine and apple.	88	35	California	Viognier
55,481	US	This is a simple, honeyed wine with buttered toast, vanilla, apricot, orange and pineapple flavors. Nothing fancy, but will satisfy your Chardonnay cravings.	84	14	California	Chardonnay
76,430	US	Blue fruit and herb aromas are followed by full-bodied blue and purple-fruit flavors. The balance is spot-on and the finish lingers.	90	28	Washington	Syrah
24,366	France	Ripe raspberry fruit with a vanilla overlay also shows a rich, herbal character, touches of spice and bright final acidity.	88	65	Provence	Rosé
105,942	Italy	This is a silky and soft Nebbiolo with bright berry aromas and simple spice nuances. There's an elegant, feminine quality to this red wine, but it also shows power and determination.	87	32	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
18,159	US	This blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah grapes is so packed with flavors that they seem to stumble over each other at first. It leads with a definitely earthy aroma that fades, but then the flavors come out—effusive, chocolaty, almost sweet and definitely ripe. It is full bodied and rich in texture.	88	28	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
46,269	Italy	Made entirely with Sangiovese, this opens with aromas of wet leaves, underbrush, leather and prune. The palate offers dried red and black cherry, grilled sage and a confectionary note alongside lithe tannins. Drink soon to capture the remaining fruit.	86	13	Tuscany	Sangiovese
30,200	US	Lots of characteristic Cabernet flavor in this wine. Blackberrry jam and cassis liqueur flavors flood the mouth, heady and flashy and long in the finish. The tannins are thick, yet so soft, you can enjoy this wine now, although it will develop over the next ten years.	90	65	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
90,058	US	Rich and creamy, this stylish, concrete-egg-fermented Pinot Gris is both muscular and fleshy. Generous fruit flavors combine pear and peach with highlights of orange peel and citrus. The flavors continue through a long, clean finish.	92	48	Oregon	Pinot Gris
105,312	US	Nothing subtle about this strongly flavored Merlot, which smacks of perfectly ripened red and black currants, toasty oak and violets. It's a big, flashy, full-bodied wine and also a very tannic one. Best to age for a few years, or at least give it long decanting.	87	36	California	Merlot
103,674	US	This cuvée is made with the oldest Wädenswil plantings at the estate. It's broadly fruity with delicious strawberry flavors front and center. Supporting acids are proportionate and fresh. Although relatively light, this elegant, graceful wine is ready for immediate enjoyment.	90	70	Oregon	Pinot Noir
91,995	US	A cool-vintage red that clocks in at a low (for Washington) alcohol, this wine is aromatically reticent with notes of green herbs, cherry, tomato paste and barrel spices. It's tart with puckering acid and firm tannins, but good fruit intensity throughout. Drinking quite young now, it will be best after 2017 and should have a long life ahead of it.	89	30	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
123,488	US	Lalayee, says winemaker Virginie Bourgue, means lullaby in Persian. This 51/49 Cab/Merlot blend is textural and pretty, a palate-coating potpourri of cranberry, pomegranate, blue plum and cassis fruit. Bourgue has layered in new barrel nuances of coffee and caramel latté, with a whiff of smoke.	91	35	Washington	Red Blend
121,842	US	Sugary and sweet, this bottling has tangerine, pear and vanilla flavors. For the price, it's a good party wine.	84	13	California	Pinot Grigio
66,352	US	Made from a 50-50 split of Pinot Noir and Syrah, this pinkish wine is medium bodied and intensely electric in acidity, a taste of wild strawberry and waxy apple at its core. Lemony, it remains dry on the palate throughout, with some girth on the finish.	88	22	California	Rosé
60,770	Spain	Opens with grainy, whispy aromas of reedy raspberry and smoky blackberry. Feels tannic and aggressive, so it punches ahead with lively, firm flavors of raspberry, plum and strawberry. Finishes oaky, with vanilla and dill notes. Bold Rioja to drink now.	88	20	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
49,082	US	Subtle and steely, this Pinot Gris is crisp and lemony. It has plenty of citrus amidst a core of herbs and flowers. The grapes are sourced from the organic vineyards of Guinness McFadden in the Potter Valley area of Mendocino County.	87	20	California	Pinot Gris
50,717	Germany	Rather austere whiffs of lemon, lime and pine on the nose of this medium-sweet Spätlese belie the fruity mélange of grapefruit and guava that awaits on the palate. It's dainty in mouthfeel, yet buoyant and penetrating in sweet citrus, honey and melon flavors. The finish draws out dramatically, meandering on a murmur of tea tannins.	93	38	Mosel	Riesling
50,135	US	Too sugary sweet by far, which is partly the result of very high alcohol but may also be due to some residual sugar. The sweetness draws attention to the oak, and makes it taste stronger than it really is. Despite flavors of blackberries, blueberries and mocha, this wine is too Porty and unbalanced.	84	29	California	Zinfandel
74,119	US	A bone-dry Chardonnay for drinking now. This shows great structure, with a keen cut of acidity that brightens the mineral-driven orange and pineapple flavors.	90	22	California	Chardonnay
26,713	US	The aromas are light, with notes of yellow apple and spice. The palate is rounded in feel, showing a lovely sense of texture.	88	12	Washington	Chardonnay
44,806	US	This is a soft, well-integrated wine with a full-throttle backbone of cedar and cranberry that drinks easily and is ready for the table. Priced attractively, it offers value for the quality and broad appeal.	88	24	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
71,469	US	It's a clash of the titans now, with massively ripe blackberry, currant and chocolate flavors battling a battalion of oak and tannins for supremecy. It's a good wine—rich and soft in the Alexander Valley way—but unresolved. Try giving it 4–5 years in the cellar.	89	50	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
27,807	Italy	Enticing scents of iris, violet, menthol and exotic spice emerge in the glass. Elegant and fresh, the polished, delicious palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and a potpourri of baking spices. It's beautifully balanced, with bright acidity and silky smooth tannins. While it's already accessible, it will also age for years. Drink 2018–2028.	94	47	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
99,329	US	From a Westside Road-adjacent vineyard in the heart of the northern Middle Reach, Flax is rocky and the vines a decade old. Expect luxurious power and a velvety mouthfeel from this wine, its black tea, pomegranate and rhubarb flavors brushed with allspice, sage and cola.	95	60	California	Pinot Noir
94,497	US	Definitely dry, this wine conveys precise rose petal, lychee fruit and Gravenstein apple aromas and flavors and a lively texture. Because it's rich in body, flavors linger on the finish. It will make a great apéritif with such appetizers as goat cheese toasts and roasted almonds.	90	16	California	Gewürztraminer
58,999	Italy	This bright, fragrant wine offers aromas of an orchard in bloom, spring flower, peach and a hint of banana. The crisp palate shows crunchy apple, pear and mineral alongside bracing acidity. A light almond note signals the crisp close.	88	24	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
122,475	Italy	Oak, ripe berry, toast, menthol and vanilla aromas set the tone. On the bracing palate, notes of mocha, espresso and licorice accent dried black cherry while astringent tannins leave a raspy finish.	88	53	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
117,519	Italy	Tornamira is a blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that offers plush, fruity layers of black fruit, spice, cola, tobacco and softly worn leather. Pair this wine with grilled sausage and bell peppers.	90	30	Sicily & Sardinia	Red Blend
43,023	Italy	Muted scents of orchard fruit and a touch of almond lead the nose. The vibrant palate offers pear, citrus zest and mineral accompanied by bracing acidity.	87	15	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
75,167	Argentina	Tropical fruit and melon aromas are basic but friendly. This has a punch-like mouthfeel as well as open-knit flavors of orange, nectarine, white grapefruit and apple. What it lacks in finesse is made up for in fruit.	84	8	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
104,206	US	This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in the winery's estate vineyard, on the east side of Napa Valley. It's awesomely rich and ripe, delivering heady blackberry, blueberry, cassis liqueur, cola and new oak flavors that are as long in the finish as they are deep. With thick tannins, it's clearly a wine you need to cellar. Drink 2016–2020 and beyond.	94	155	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
90,251	Italy	Vigna di Pallino is a light, well-priced and easygoing Chianti that would work with pizza or even a soup and sandwich lunch. Cherry and raspberry are wrapped around a light, compact mouthfeel.	86	15	Tuscany	Sangiovese
84,395	US	Rich flavors of cherries, red currants and licorice mark this wine, leading to a spicy finish. It's a little aggressive in texture, though, with dominating acidity. Drink now.	86	29	California	Pinot Noir
2,689	US	This brut-style bubbly is comprised of 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay and shows aspects of both varieties. It's fairly full bodied, with raspberry, strawberry, lime, brioche, vanilla and toast flavors. Feels elegant, complex and lush in the mouth, and should develop additional bottle notes over the next six years.	90	32	California	Sparkling Blend
112,636	Argentina	Fiery, spicy, herbal black fruit aromas set up a tight, herbal palate with oak in support. Flavors are sweet and also creamy due to ample oak, while the finish is light in fruit, with a tomato accent.	84	15	Mendoza Province	Malbec
107,113	US	Anthony Nappa's Bordo highlights Cabernet Franc at both its most savage and feral, but also vulnerable state. Black-cherry and plum flavors are plump and fleshy on the palate but layered in dark shadowy swathes of char, smoke, bramble and herb. Bold and expansive on the palate, it finishes softly, wrapped in fine feathery tannins. It's ready to drink now but should hold well through at least 2024.	89	20	New York	Cabernet Franc
82,016	Italy	Made predominantly from Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco, this opens with delicate white flower and orchard fruit aromas. The bright palate offers yellow apple, lemon and rosemary flavors, set against fresh acidity.	88	20	Tuscany	White Blend
53,254	US	Crisp green-apple flavors and a touch of lime make this dry and medium-bodied wine taste clean and vibrant. It's not big or showy, but nice, tight and beautifully balanced.	90	25	California	Sauvignon Blanc
112,357	US	This unusual barrel-fermented white is blended with 5% Sauvignon Musqué for an exotic take on the variety. Floral with apple blossom scents, it reveals sharp acidity underlying its robust fig, preserved lemon, wild vanilla and lemongrass flavors. The texture is silky smooth.	92	35	California	Sauvignon Blanc
3,545	US	Bella's only 2010 Zinfandel from the Russian River Valley is high in alcohol, but manages somehow to maintain balance. It's softly tannic and incredibly rich in chocolate, mulberry jam, cassis liqueur, prune and peppery-spice flavors. Delicious, but heady.	92	45	California	Zinfandel
19,978	Spain	Inky dark, with deep berry, sandalwood and sawmill aromas. Color and potency are not lacking in this modern-styled Tempranillo, which hits like a hammer. Feelwise, this is a tough, angular wine that will benefit from another year or two of aging. Now it's very tight and tannic, with piercing acidity.	87	46	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
56,052	Italy	A delicious, classic Barbera with a dense core of rich black cherry and spice balanced by fresh acidity. Well made, with a long, clean finish, this is a perfect match for barbecued meats.	88	20	Piedmont	Barbera
32,107	Italy	Dense and concentrated, this blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot initially has a subdued nose that eventually reveals prune, alcohol, tobacco and leather aromas. The syrupy palate doles out blackberry extract, fig, sweet spice and soaring alcohol alongside velvety tannins. While some may like the sheer power, the dominant alcohol stunts any complexity, giving it a monolithic quality.	89	240	Tuscany	Red Blend

87,452

US

Fruit-punchy aromas show on the seemingly sweet-leaning nose of this fun and easy wine, as do hints of pomegranate and hibiscus. The palate picks up strawberry and dried-lilac flavors. It's well made, but simple.

86

15

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

106,737

Italy

A blend of 70% Friulano, 15% Ribolla Gialla and 15% Malvasia, this is perfumed with scents suggesting yellow flower, apple, citrus fruit and hazelnut. The vibrant palate is loaded with verve and finesse, offering peach, Golden Delicious apple, sage, fennel and a hint of candied tangerine zest. A note of bitter almond closes the tangy finish.

90

32

Northeastern Italy

White Blend

90,092

Argentina

Intense on the nose, this has spice, leather and ripe berry aromas. It feels clean, plummy, juicy and bright, with lifted red and black fruit flavors. Showing chewy tannins and additional juiciness on the finish, it's very nice and delivers the goods.

89

20

Mendoza Province

Malbec

42,009

Spain

Aromas of wet dog and a whiff of skunk are hardly the stuff of legend. In the mouth, this is well cut and crisp, with fresh acidity and a controlled bubble bead. Briny flavors of celery, lettuce and scallion finish fresh, green and lean.

87

32

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

69,392

France

This is a lightly colored rosé, fresh as a red currant while having a tight texture of crisp acidity. It does need some bottle age to bring out the fuller fruit and ripe red berries. Drink this bottling from 2015, while Arnaud Margaine continues to improve the vineyards worked by the family for four generations.

88

62

Champagne

Champagne Blend

80,070

Germany

Intensely earthy notes of honey and wax, and just the faintest whiff of petrol, are enticing precursors of maturity within an otherwise delightfully fresh, fruity Riesling. It's delicately crisp on the palate, but ends with a long, lanolin-coated finish.

93

42

Mosel

Riesling

74,003

France

Straight down the line, this wine shows fruit and acidity. The tannins are relatively soft while the fruit is forward. Blackberries, coffee and licorice notes all come together.

94

90

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

73,291

US

The lack of new oak on this wine unleashes a torrent of ripe tropical fruit, including guava, as well as ripe pear. It's briny on the palate yet with quite perfumed and pungent flavors, more typical of a Rhône white than a California chardonnay.

87

19

California

Chardonnay

80,983

Spain

Lightly herbal aromas and a touch of animal blend with oak-based notes of sweet plastic and vanilla on the nose. The palate is round but slightly flabby, with moderate acidity. Lactic oak creates a plastic-like flavor that is derivative of the nose, while the finish is drab.

85

23

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

78,776

Spain

This five-grape blend is muscular and wide on the palate, with oaky berry flavors that are also tarry and toasty. Hard tannins and some chop on the finish suggest further aging would be beneficial. Drink this Cabernet-led blend that also includes Garnacha, Syrah, Merlot and Cab Franc through 2025.

92

28

Northern Spain

Red Blend

15,154

US

A note of char greets the nose before this full-bodied and robustly ripe wine shows a softness of texture and wrapped-in tannin. Smoky black cherry continues the theme, while layers of plum, mocha and currant interweave on the palate, lingering in black pepper and clove.

93

150

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

80,137

Portugal

Wood flavors dominate this young wine. It has structure and tannins, with concentrated toast and chocolate flavors. The extraction of the fruit gives the wine a bitter character. It should soften, so drink from 2019.

88

15

Douro

Portuguese Red

81,529

US

This wine is surprisingly brooding for the variety, with notes of jasmine, flowers and apricot struggling to get to the surface. The floral flavors are dry and light weight, providing intrigue.

87

16

Washington

Riesling

124,040

France

High levels of acidity give this wine a tight, eye-watering character. The fruit was probably not ripe.

82

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

123,118

France

Full of jammy Merlot fruits, this is a smooth ripe wine. Dried fruits and tannins give the wine its varietal character. They are freshened by the acidity and black-currant fruitiness. The aftertaste allows the firm tannins to shine. Drink from 2017.

88

21

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

88,121

Italy

Aromas of scorched earth, leather, ground pepper, porcini mushroom and mature berry lead the nose. The aromas carry over to the ripe palate along with raspberry jam, vanilla and chocolate. It's already accessible. Drink through 2023.

90

120

Tuscany

Sangiovese

63,563

Italy

Blue flower, mature plum, licorice, clove, mocha and menthol aromas all come together on this brawny red. The warm, bold palate delivers juicy black cherry, espresso, ground pepper and anisette alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins. Showing the heat of the vintage, it won't need years to come around. Drink 2018–2028.

90

70

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

32,457

France

A fruity, juicy wine with balanced tannins and red fruits. It is a lively perfumed wine that has some toasty tannins in the background. Drink this ripe wine from 2019. One of five wineries owned by Bernadette Faure and Alain Aubert; their daughters oversee vineyards, winemaking and marketing.

90

25

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

78,217

US

Cyclops II is an equal blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre from 2011, and Grenache from 2009. Complex and fragrant, it's a perfect match of strengths. Strawberry, cherry and blue plum fruits are underscored with layers of earth, graphite and licorice. It's already nicely balanced, and its nonvintage makeup may have helped push along the aging process. Drink now and over the next five years.

93

40

Washington

Rhône-style Red Blend

53,069

US

Fully ripe, estate-grown fruit, 100% varietal, starts it on solid ground. It's soft and plummy, with purple fruits in abundance, and brings flavors of light chocolate threaded through smooth tannins. Just a little more acidity would elevate it further. Drink soon and enjoy.

89

34

Washington

Merlot

47,799

France

This has with some tannins but it is much more about the bright red fruits. It has crisp acidity that cuts through the structure to give some a fresh edge to this structured wine. Let it sit for a few months and drink from 2017.

88

14

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

65,343

Spain

Appealing bright citrus and slate flavors ride a round yet faintly spritzy mouthfeel in this lively white from Spain's northeast. The flavors and textures show some depth and positive tension. Best for current drinking, it closes bright and dry, with good length. Best Buy. —M.M.

87

10

Catalonia

White Blend

122,759

France

This spicy, apple-fresh wine has spice, crisp acidity and great fruitiness. It's a perfect apéritif style with its lightness and freshness. Drink now.

85

29

Alsace

Pinot Gris

128,636

US

Vanilla cream, marzipan and apple custard hit the nose on this creamy, dairy-inflected bottling, but a fine line of Key-lime rind balances things. Pan-seared apples in lemon juice mesh well with saffron and dandelion as well as buttered toast with lime marmalade on the dynamic palate.

91

30

California

Chardonnay

59,094

US

There's lots of forward raspberry, cherry and pomegranate fruit in this soft, lush wine. Oak brings an additional layer of richness. It's delicious—like toast spread with butter and jam—but a little one-dimensional. However, it's a wonderful dimension to explore now.

87

35

California

Pinot Noir

87,289

US

The lovely wines from this pioneering estate, now in the capable hands of second-generation winemaker Jason Lett, are generally priced well below any comparable efforts. Here the texture and minerality evoke surpassing elegance. Lime, grapefruit, a bite of pineapple all come into play, with the depth and balance that suggests several years of life ahead.

92

19

Oregon

Pinot Gris

111,725

US

Here's a lovely Grenache to drink now. It's dry and silky, with the light weight of Pinot Noir, and ripely succulent in cherries. Bright acidity adds the final note. The very high alcohol is hardly noticeable, but it will affect you physically.

88

42

California

Grenache

58,661

US

Made in small quantities, this wine opens in a decadence of gingerbread and graham cracker aromas before a medium-bodied texture supports a supple ripeness of green apple, melon and pear.

89

65

California

Chardonnay

90,631

Spain

Raw aromas of rhubarb and scratchy raspberry offer little to latch onto. The palate feels clipped and angular, while the flavors are a touch stalky and generic as far as red fruit goes. This finishes tangy and scouring.

83

15

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

74,217

US

Blending fruit from four vineyards, this opens with dusty aromatics of rose petals, baking spices and cocoa. The mouthfeel continues in a pleasantly dusty vein, showing tart berry and pie-cherry flavors with a lick of mocha.

89

25

Oregon

Pinot Noir

123,086

US

Even though this wine is unoaked and inexpensive, it's one of the best Viogniers out there. It shows the lean, drily crisp profile of Edna Valley whites, with wildly exotic flavors of citrus, tropical fruits, wildflowers, peaches, pears, minerals and vanilla. At this price, it's a giveaway.

92

17

California

Viognier

100,052

France

Attractively ripe, this has fruity red-berry flavors along with acidity and soft tannins. This is ready to drink now.

87

17

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

72,901

US

This is a compelling example of Oregon Pinot Gris. Apple, pear and lemon curd carry the bulk of the flavors, with a lightly peppery lift to the midpalate. The spicy character extends through a pleasing, long finish.

91

27

Oregon

Pinot Gris

116,528

US

Made in the Edmeades style of high alcohol and exceptional ripeness, this is a powerfully explosive Zin. Fully dry, it's packed with black currant, cassis, plum jam, dark chocolate and spice flavors that are wrapped into hard tannins. Will soften in time. Best now through 2012.

90

30

California

Zinfandel

13,070

US

This bright, light and acid-driven wine is juicy and fresh—a full embrace of tart lemon and tangerine flavors. Its liveliness is long-lived and welcome.

90

29

California

Pinot Noir

82,779

US

This smells like a cherry crumble pie that's been heavily hit with cinnamon and other brown spices and served on slate. It dances across the palate with hearty spice, very vibrant fruit, cola and acidity that carries from beginning to end.

90

25

California

Pinot Noir

43,116

US

A rich, lusty Zin, filled with wild berry and spice flavors, with a touch of raisins. No surprise that it's a little prickly hot, because the alcohol is way high, but that's just fine with barbecue.

87

26

California

Zinfandel

125,951

France

This ripe wine comes from organic vineyards in the village of Brochon, next to Gevrey-Chambertin. It shows plenty of structure, a tantalizing smoky character from wood aging and juicy red fruit character. This will be a delicious wine to drink from 2018.

90

50

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

123,981

US

Flavor-wise, this is a huge wine, bursting with raspberries, cherries and persimmons. The texture is pure silk and satin, as light and airy as Pinot gets, yet with a ghostly weight. Drink now with your most Pinot-friendly foods.

89

45

California

Pinot Noir

58,436

Argentina

As prices for Argentinean Malbecs climb, this is a really good value. It's earthy and full, and slightly rustic on the nose. Feels ripe and rugged, with scratchy tannins supporting red berry and oak-based vanilla notes. Feels fresh and good for a large-production Malbec.

87

10

Mendoza Province

Malbec

77,799

US

Michael Mondavi's Folio Fine Wine Partners now offers an Oregon Pinot Noir, this one vinified by Rob Mondavi, a fourth- generation winemaker. Pale and elegantly styled, it shows refined winemaking skills and a European sensibility. Pungently herbal, this supple wine brings young fruit flavors of cranberry and raspberry, but shows ageworthy depth and persistence. It's the sort of subtle, classic style that rewards both time and attention.

89

35

Oregon

Pinot Noir

52,304

US

Good, deep flavors of blackberries, currants and spices mark this dry wine. It has a coating of smoky new oak. The texture is a bit harsh, which is really its only minus. Otherwise, it's a nice Merlot to drink now.

87

26

California

Merlot

90,832

France

Taut and edgy, very steely in character, with almost an austere character in its youth. Its fruits are definitely on the citrus side of the spectrum, crisp yet rich as well. The acidity shoots right through the wine.

93

70

Burgundy

Chardonnay

108,451

US

What a value. Pretty much as delicious as Paso reds get, although it's high in alcohol. Dazzles with cherry, blackberry, currant, dark chocolate, sweet sandalwood and cinnamon spice flavors.

90

15

California

Merlot

62,702

France

This soft, fresh Sauvignon Blanc just hints at herbaceousness and brings out riper fruits, peaches and red apple skins. A ripe and warm wine, it is ready to drink now. Screwcap.

85

20

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

58,751

US

This captures attention with piercing cherry and cranberry aromas and with herb and orange-peel grace notes. The palate is soft, polished and layered, with a mouthfeel that dazzles and the flavors to back it up. The finish lingers.

91

40

Washington

Syrah

85,332

US

This inaugural release is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot. The grapes come from vineyards in St. Helena and Rutherford. It's an inky black, dry, powerful wine, with intense flavors of black cherry, red and black currant and dark chocolate, plus floral and mineral notes. The tannins are strong, but sweet and refined. Showing lots of class, this can be consumed now, and it will also age for 8–10 years.

94

87

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

95,100

US

Herb, plum, spice and black-currant aromas are followed by well-balanced fruit flavors. The tannins bring some dryness, needing time to stretch their legs. Give it a short decant.

89

33

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

25,645

US

Smells rich and decadent, with aromas of orange marmalade and honey, but still maintains refreshing touches of citrus and pineapple throughout. It's thick and rich in the mouth, and finishes long, with excellent balance. This can easily compete with Canadian ice wines.

90

32

New York

Riesling

56,010

US

Crushed orange peels, plump lemon blossoms, spun sugar, clarified butter and a slight almond oil touch combine for a lush, layered nose on this bottling from the Carmel Valley producer. The palate presents an expert balance between salt, butter and almond warmth aand tingling, lime-led acidity. Will please both lovers of classic Cali chard and acid-heads.

92

25

California

Chardonnay

121,648

US

Ripe and heavy, with raspberry and cherry jam, cola, green herb and oak flavors that finish spicy. The grapes are from Jameson Canyon, outside Calistoga. A good wine, but not going anywhere, so drink up.

87

45

California

Pinot Noir

117,963

Germany

Honeycomb and tangerine skins entice on the nose of this elegant dry Riesling. White-peach and grapefruit flavors are ripe and rich on the palate, lending an unctuous, almost oily, mouthfeel. Strikes of steel and acid on the finish lend finesse.

90

20

Mosel

Riesling

85,296

US

For the fan of big, bold flavor, this Rutherford red is robust in tannin and oak, as well as full, ripe waves of blueberry, black cherry and chocolate. Interspersed among the enjoyable proceedings are dessert-like elements of caramel and cinnamon.

90

40

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

14,948

France

With a high proportion of the local Rolle grape in the blend, this is a lightly perfumed wine with a strong herbal element. It is a ripe finely structured wine, with great acidity and orange flavors. A style of wine that will be better for a few more months, it should be drunk from late 2017.

91

29

Provence

Rosé

114,754

France

This blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon is light, bright and crisp. It has red fruits and perfumed acidity along with a softly tannic aftertaste. It is not a wine for aging long so drink from 2018.

85

14

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

46,667

France

This rounded wine has spice, lychee and pineapple flavors. It is light, bright and fruity with a pepper aftertaste, and is ready to drink.

85

18

Alsace

Pinot Gris

99,444

US

White-peach aromas meet with vanilla butter and honeysuckle on the nose, yet there is a tension apparent amid the ripeness. The sip starts with an edgy texture and crisp acidity that cut across flavors of nectarine and apple.

88

35

California

Viognier

55,481

US

This is a simple, honeyed wine with buttered toast, vanilla, apricot, orange and pineapple flavors. Nothing fancy, but will satisfy your Chardonnay cravings.

84

14

California

Chardonnay

76,430

US

Blue fruit and herb aromas are followed by full-bodied blue and purple-fruit flavors. The balance is spot-on and the finish lingers.

90

28

Washington

Syrah

24,366

France

Ripe raspberry fruit with a vanilla overlay also shows a rich, herbal character, touches of spice and bright final acidity.

88

65

Provence

Rosé

105,942

Italy

This is a silky and soft Nebbiolo with bright berry aromas and simple spice nuances. There's an elegant, feminine quality to this red wine, but it also shows power and determination.

87

32

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

18,159

US

This blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah grapes is so packed with flavors that they seem to stumble over each other at first. It leads with a definitely earthy aroma that fades, but then the flavors come out—effusive, chocolaty, almost sweet and definitely ripe. It is full bodied and rich in texture.

88

28

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

46,269

Italy

Made entirely with Sangiovese, this opens with aromas of wet leaves, underbrush, leather and prune. The palate offers dried red and black cherry, grilled sage and a confectionary note alongside lithe tannins. Drink soon to capture the remaining fruit.

86

13

Tuscany

Sangiovese

30,200

US

Lots of characteristic Cabernet flavor in this wine. Blackberrry jam and cassis liqueur flavors flood the mouth, heady and flashy and long in the finish. The tannins are thick, yet so soft, you can enjoy this wine now, although it will develop over the next ten years.

90

65

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

90,058

US

Rich and creamy, this stylish, concrete-egg-fermented Pinot Gris is both muscular and fleshy. Generous fruit flavors combine pear and peach with highlights of orange peel and citrus. The flavors continue through a long, clean finish.

92

48

Oregon

Pinot Gris

105,312

US

Nothing subtle about this strongly flavored Merlot, which smacks of perfectly ripened red and black currants, toasty oak and violets. It's a big, flashy, full-bodied wine and also a very tannic one. Best to age for a few years, or at least give it long decanting.

87

36

California

Merlot

103,674

US

This cuvée is made with the oldest Wädenswil plantings at the estate. It's broadly fruity with delicious strawberry flavors front and center. Supporting acids are proportionate and fresh. Although relatively light, this elegant, graceful wine is ready for immediate enjoyment.

90

70

Oregon

Pinot Noir

91,995

US

A cool-vintage red that clocks in at a low (for Washington) alcohol, this wine is aromatically reticent with notes of green herbs, cherry, tomato paste and barrel spices. It's tart with puckering acid and firm tannins, but good fruit intensity throughout. Drinking quite young now, it will be best after 2017 and should have a long life ahead of it.

89

30

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

123,488

US

Lalayee, says winemaker Virginie Bourgue, means lullaby in Persian. This 51/49 Cab/Merlot blend is textural and pretty, a palate-coating potpourri of cranberry, pomegranate, blue plum and cassis fruit. Bourgue has layered in new barrel nuances of coffee and caramel latté, with a whiff of smoke.

91

35

Washington

Red Blend

121,842

US

Sugary and sweet, this bottling has tangerine, pear and vanilla flavors. For the price, it's a good party wine.

84

13

California

Pinot Grigio

66,352

US

Made from a 50-50 split of Pinot Noir and Syrah, this pinkish wine is medium bodied and intensely electric in acidity, a taste of wild strawberry and waxy apple at its core. Lemony, it remains dry on the palate throughout, with some girth on the finish.

88

22

California

Rosé

60,770

Spain

Opens with grainy, whispy aromas of reedy raspberry and smoky blackberry. Feels tannic and aggressive, so it punches ahead with lively, firm flavors of raspberry, plum and strawberry. Finishes oaky, with vanilla and dill notes. Bold Rioja to drink now.

88

20

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

49,082

US

Subtle and steely, this Pinot Gris is crisp and lemony. It has plenty of citrus amidst a core of herbs and flowers. The grapes are sourced from the organic vineyards of Guinness McFadden in the Potter Valley area of Mendocino County.

87

20

California

Pinot Gris

50,717

Germany

Rather austere whiffs of lemon, lime and pine on the nose of this medium-sweet Spätlese belie the fruity mélange of grapefruit and guava that awaits on the palate. It's dainty in mouthfeel, yet buoyant and penetrating in sweet citrus, honey and melon flavors. The finish draws out dramatically, meandering on a murmur of tea tannins.

93

38

Mosel

Riesling

50,135

US

Too sugary sweet by far, which is partly the result of very high alcohol but may also be due to some residual sugar. The sweetness draws attention to the oak, and makes it taste stronger than it really is. Despite flavors of blackberries, blueberries and mocha, this wine is too Porty and unbalanced.

84

29

California

Zinfandel

74,119

US

A bone-dry Chardonnay for drinking now. This shows great structure, with a keen cut of acidity that brightens the mineral-driven orange and pineapple flavors.

90

22

California

Chardonnay

26,713

US

The aromas are light, with notes of yellow apple and spice. The palate is rounded in feel, showing a lovely sense of texture.

88

12

Washington

Chardonnay

44,806

US

This is a soft, well-integrated wine with a full-throttle backbone of cedar and cranberry that drinks easily and is ready for the table. Priced attractively, it offers value for the quality and broad appeal.

88

24

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

71,469

US

It's a clash of the titans now, with massively ripe blackberry, currant and chocolate flavors battling a battalion of oak and tannins for supremecy. It's a good wine—rich and soft in the Alexander Valley way—but unresolved. Try giving it 4–5 years in the cellar.

89

50

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

27,807

Italy

Enticing scents of iris, violet, menthol and exotic spice emerge in the glass. Elegant and fresh, the polished, delicious palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and a potpourri of baking spices. It's beautifully balanced, with bright acidity and silky smooth tannins. While it's already accessible, it will also age for years. Drink 2018–2028.

94

47

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

99,329

US

From a Westside Road-adjacent vineyard in the heart of the northern Middle Reach, Flax is rocky and the vines a decade old. Expect luxurious power and a velvety mouthfeel from this wine, its black tea, pomegranate and rhubarb flavors brushed with allspice, sage and cola.

95

60

California

Pinot Noir

94,497

US

Definitely dry, this wine conveys precise rose petal, lychee fruit and Gravenstein apple aromas and flavors and a lively texture. Because it's rich in body, flavors linger on the finish. It will make a great apéritif with such appetizers as goat cheese toasts and roasted almonds.

90

16

California

Gewürztraminer

58,999

Italy

This bright, fragrant wine offers aromas of an orchard in bloom, spring flower, peach and a hint of banana. The crisp palate shows crunchy apple, pear and mineral alongside bracing acidity. A light almond note signals the crisp close.

88

24

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

122,475

Italy

Oak, ripe berry, toast, menthol and vanilla aromas set the tone. On the bracing palate, notes of mocha, espresso and licorice accent dried black cherry while astringent tannins leave a raspy finish.

88

53

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

117,519

Italy

Tornamira is a blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that offers plush, fruity layers of black fruit, spice, cola, tobacco and softly worn leather. Pair this wine with grilled sausage and bell peppers.

90

30

Sicily & Sardinia

Red Blend

43,023

Italy

Muted scents of orchard fruit and a touch of almond lead the nose. The vibrant palate offers pear, citrus zest and mineral accompanied by bracing acidity.

87

15

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

75,167

Argentina

Tropical fruit and melon aromas are basic but friendly. This has a punch-like mouthfeel as well as open-knit flavors of orange, nectarine, white grapefruit and apple. What it lacks in finesse is made up for in fruit.

84

8

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

104,206

US

This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in the winery's estate vineyard, on the east side of Napa Valley. It's awesomely rich and ripe, delivering heady blackberry, blueberry, cassis liqueur, cola and new oak flavors that are as long in the finish as they are deep. With thick tannins, it's clearly a wine you need to cellar. Drink 2016–2020 and beyond.

94

155

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

90,251

Italy

Vigna di Pallino is a light, well-priced and easygoing Chianti that would work with pizza or even a soup and sandwich lunch. Cherry and raspberry are wrapped around a light, compact mouthfeel.

86

15

Tuscany

Sangiovese

84,395

US

Rich flavors of cherries, red currants and licorice mark this wine, leading to a spicy finish. It's a little aggressive in texture, though, with dominating acidity. Drink now.

86

29

California

Pinot Noir

2,689

US

This brut-style bubbly is comprised of 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay and shows aspects of both varieties. It's fairly full bodied, with raspberry, strawberry, lime, brioche, vanilla and toast flavors. Feels elegant, complex and lush in the mouth, and should develop additional bottle notes over the next six years.

90

32

California

Sparkling Blend

112,636

Argentina

Fiery, spicy, herbal black fruit aromas set up a tight, herbal palate with oak in support. Flavors are sweet and also creamy due to ample oak, while the finish is light in fruit, with a tomato accent.

84

15

Mendoza Province

Malbec

107,113

US

Anthony Nappa's Bordo highlights Cabernet Franc at both its most savage and feral, but also vulnerable state. Black-cherry and plum flavors are plump and fleshy on the palate but layered in dark shadowy swathes of char, smoke, bramble and herb. Bold and expansive on the palate, it finishes softly, wrapped in fine feathery tannins. It's ready to drink now but should hold well through at least 2024.

89

20

New York

Cabernet Franc

82,016

Italy

Made predominantly from Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco, this opens with delicate white flower and orchard fruit aromas. The bright palate offers yellow apple, lemon and rosemary flavors, set against fresh acidity.

88

20

Tuscany

White Blend

53,254

US

Crisp green-apple flavors and a touch of lime make this dry and medium-bodied wine taste clean and vibrant. It's not big or showy, but nice, tight and beautifully balanced.

90

25

California

Sauvignon Blanc

112,357

US

This unusual barrel-fermented white is blended with 5% Sauvignon Musqué for an exotic take on the variety. Floral with apple blossom scents, it reveals sharp acidity underlying its robust fig, preserved lemon, wild vanilla and lemongrass flavors. The texture is silky smooth.

92

35

California

Sauvignon Blanc

3,545

US

Bella's only 2010 Zinfandel from the Russian River Valley is high in alcohol, but manages somehow to maintain balance. It's softly tannic and incredibly rich in chocolate, mulberry jam, cassis liqueur, prune and peppery-spice flavors. Delicious, but heady.

92

45

California

Zinfandel

19,978

Spain

Inky dark, with deep berry, sandalwood and sawmill aromas. Color and potency are not lacking in this modern-styled Tempranillo, which hits like a hammer. Feelwise, this is a tough, angular wine that will benefit from another year or two of aging. Now it's very tight and tannic, with piercing acidity.

87

46

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

56,052

Italy

A delicious, classic Barbera with a dense core of rich black cherry and spice balanced by fresh acidity. Well made, with a long, clean finish, this is a perfect match for barbecued meats.

88

20

Piedmont

Barbera

32,107

Italy

Dense and concentrated, this blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot initially has a subdued nose that eventually reveals prune, alcohol, tobacco and leather aromas. The syrupy palate doles out blackberry extract, fig, sweet spice and soaring alcohol alongside velvety tannins. While some may like the sheer power, the dominant alcohol stunts any complexity, giving it a monolithic quality.

89

240

Tuscany

Red Blend