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
52,123	US	You'll want to age this Pinot for a few years. It's drily tannic and tart in acidity, which hides the polished black cherry, cola, beef jerky and spice flavors under an astringent coat. Try after 2011.	90	55	California	Pinot Noir
53,955	US	Forward and a bit on the chunky side, with fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry, this ready-to-drink wine shows the more open and fruit-driven aspect of the vintage. Tasty highlights suggest chocolate-coated orange peels.	90	40	Oregon	Pinot Noir
69,200	US	Made from traditional Portuguese varieties, this is one of the best California Port-style wines out there, which is no surprise coming as it does from sweet wine specialist Quady. It's tremendously rich and sweet in chocolate truffle and blackberry-infused flavors, with near-perfect acidity and tannins for balance. A great success at a good price for a full, not a half, bottle.	94	24	California	Red Blend
71,578	US	A fine Sauvignon Blanc, dry and crisp in acidity, with a long, spicy finish. Feels minerally and clean in the mouth, yet rewards with rich lemongrass, pineapple, Asian pear and vanilla cream flavors.	88	28	California	Sauvignon Blanc
102,335	US	Aromas are quite delicate for the variety and style, with fresh flowers, peach and whiffs of lychee. The palate is similarly restrained, showing elegance with the lightly sweet stone fruit flavors that are accented by bright acidity. It's all about nuance.	88	28	Washington	Riesling
9,675	Italy	Aromas of red berry, rose, toast and a whiff of oak emerge in the glass. The firm palate offers mature wild cherry, licorice, grilled sage and mineral alongside taut, fine-grained tannins.	90	60	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
43,847	Italy	Aromas suggest leafy underbrush, espresso and toasted oak. The evolved palate offers coffee, roasted hazelnut and dried red berry alongside fleeting tannins.	85	24	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
69,199	France	Slowly the potential of this impressive wine is coming out. It is rich, the new wood flavors blending with the ripe blackberry sweetness and tight tannins. Chocolate flavor power through this concentrated wine.	94	75	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
77,034	US	As with previous vintages, this rare wine spent 38 months in barrel. Smooth and supple, it's a lush expression of purple and black fruits, generously endowed with darker flavors of smoke, tar, soy and licorice. There is a compelling, yet subtle, umami character overriding all else. It's drinking quite beautifully now, but could age considerably longer.	96	100	Washington	Syrah
69,566	US	Dry and tart in acidity, this Pinot shows the variety's silky texture and gentle tannins. The flavors veer toward cranberries and sour cherry candy.	84	14	California	Pinot Noir
53,270	Australia	Tart and zesty, with lime and cranberry aromas and flavors. It's light, clean and refreshing.	83	12	South Australia	Sangiovese
35,966	US	An enormously rich wine, flamboyant in blackberries, cherries, Dr. Pepper cola, sweet cured meat, anise and black pepper flavors that sink in deep and last long into the finish. An unusual blend of Malbec, Merlot and Syrah, it's powerful in tannins and bone dry. Grill up your best steak and enjoy.	93	36	California	Red Blend
21,729	US	The blend is Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. The alcohol is high, which helps balance the apparent sweetness of this wine. The result is raspberry jam.	85	45	California	Red Blend
60,624	Italy	Prius is a bright rosé from Sardinia that offers fun aromas of myrtle berry, chopped herb, bramble and savory spice. It's a crisp, silky wine that would pair with Thai or Indian dishes.	87	27	Sicily & Sardinia	Rosé
38,494	France	Light, fruity and fragrant, this is an attractive, crisp wine that highlights red-berry fruits and soft acidity. It's a wine to drink now.	85	25	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
103,809	Italy	Notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, tobacco and blackberry characterize the nose of this darkly extracted, Sangiovese-based wine. The mouthfeel is smooth and supple, and thanks to its generous chocolate and cherry endnotes, it proves very easy to drink.	88	18	Tuscany	Sangiovese
41,971	US	Bella Vetta's 2005 was very good. This 2006 is easily on a par. It's a ripe, plush wine, filled with blackberry, currant and sweet oak flavors with a savory tease of leather that may be a touch of brett, but it acts as a spice. And look how modern techniques have tamed those fierce Howell Mountain tannins. The mouthfeel is sheer velvet.	91	29	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
46,545	France	A cool wine, full of citrus as well as green apple flavors. The wine is bright, crisp and refreshing in its acidity. Almonds and white fruits add to the attractive mix.	87	16	Burgundy	Chardonnay
52,114	US	Though it's relatively light for Syrah, this offers flavors that are true to classic varietal characteristics. Red and purple berries, anise and a vein of steel are all in the mix, and continue through a gentle fade-out.	88	25	Oregon	Syrah
51,816	France	The wine is fresh, so crisp and fruity. Its red currant fruit and lively acidity are rounded out by a caramel flavor that gives richness. The aftertaste though is dry and packed with fruit. Drink now.	86	24	Loire Valley	Rosé
77,331	US	Mostly Grenache and Syrah along with pinches of Cinsault and Mourvèdre, this wine is unmistakably from The Rocks District, with aromas and flavors of earthy funk, coffee, crushed rock, dried herbs, plum and peppery spices. Considering the labeled alcohol level, the flavors are surprisingly sweet and rich, with a lightly tacky feel and a drawn-out finish.	91	55	Washington	Rhône-style Red Blend
111,780	France	Everything here is just hinted at: a touch of tropical fruit on the nose, a faint note of nougat on the palate and a spritz of lemon over the biscuity backdrop. There is structure, dryness and backbone, all held in a tight package that has a long-echoing aftertaste.	90	29	Alsace	Sparkling Blend
59,009	US	Juicy black cherry and strawberry flirt with this vineyard-designate's sultry and dense earthiness, combining two sides of the equation with a deft hand. Tea, sage and robust tannins give it depth and breadth across the palate, as tingling acidity keeps it fresh.	91	50	California	Pinot Noir
42,497	US	There's nothing at all French about this Cab. It could only come from California, with its jammy, soft black cherry and chocolate flavors.	85	30	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
86,644	France	This ripe, bold and generous Gonfrier Frères wine is ready to drink. Some firm tannins and a ripe texture are balanced with the juicy black-currant fruits. Drink now, although even better from early 2018.	89	14	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
110,887	US	The nose on this bottling is quite reserved, with anise, dill and black plum, as well as a hint of crushed black rocks. The flavors are also tightly wound, with licorice and oregano laid atop the tart plum fruits.	87	35	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
126,985	Italy	Despite its age (the wine is from the 2005 vintage) this Barbera d'Alba is impressively vinous and fresh with bright berry notes backed by some prune and plum nuances. It's tart and chewy in the mouth.	86	25	Piedmont	Barbera
39,973	Spain	A bit funky and gassy on the nose, and while the wine offers ripeness and sweetness on the palate, there's always a little something strange and sulfuric lingering. It has its plum and acidity, but the tannins and overall mouthfeel are grabby.	84	14	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
1,045	US	Far and away the freshest and most interesting of the three vintages submitted for review. The fruit retains more of its youthful gloss; it's riper and shows more cherry character, along with bright, spicy highlights. The tannins are proportionate and less earthy and herbal. This is no barn-burner, but it's a good quaffer.	85	24	Oregon	Pinot Noir
73,656	US	This wine's nose has a sharply spiced tinge, with wet herbs, cola, and cranberry aromas. At first, it's a bit muddy on the palate, but then the strong acidic backbone presents both herbal tones and tart cranberry against an earthy core.	89	48	California	Pinot Noir
47,667	Germany	Intensely ripe, almost tropical shades of pineapple, mango and cantaloupe are calibrated by shimmering minerality and spine-tingling acidity in this bristling spätlese. It's delightfully honeyed and juicy, but nuanced and penetrating too. Notes of hibiscus nectar and tangerine linger long through the finish.	91	23	Mosel	Riesling
86,410	Spain	Ripe oaky aromas of marzipan, vanilla and baked berry fruits are soft and raisiny. This blend of 40% Carignan and 30% each of Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon feels rich, saturated and smooth. Flavors of raisin, prune, spiced cherry and cheesy oak finish with a reprise of raisiny ripeness. Drink through 2018.	90	35	Catalonia	Red Blend
48,792	US	Scents and flavors of beet root, rhubarb and cranberry are front and center in this stiff, tart wine with root and acidic flavors. It spent 22 months in one-third new French oak, but that doesn't register on the palate.	86	35	Oregon	Pinot Noir
67,265	US	To call this wine easy for the price is no insult. For 10 bucks, you get a soft, dry, full-bodied Cab with pleasurable cherry and currant flavors. Perfect for everyday red wine fare.	85	10	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
126,473	US	Divio, notes winemaker Bruno Corneaux, is the ancient Roman name for Dijon, hence, a sly reference to the clones in this outstanding Chardonnay. It's lush and flavorful, with a juicy mix of pear, peach and papaya fruit. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak, the fruit sets up against a palate-popping wash of toasted hazelnuts, filling out the extended finish. An all-around splendid bottle.	93	50	Oregon	Chardonnay
85,578	US	Give this Syrah a few hours of decanting and drink it now. It's dry, full bodied and dense in blackberry, blueberry, bacon, pepper and oak flavors. Shows real elegance and class, but not an ager.	87	40	California	Syrah
122,684	US	Smoky and toasty, with well-defined acidity, this flavorful Chardonnay matches the barrel notes to light tropical and stone fruits—peach and papaya.	88	18	Washington	Chardonnay
122,513	US	Winemaker Tyler Russell sources the fruit for this bottling from an extremely cool-climate vineyard. Tons of fresh-pressed boysenberries meet with wood ash, underripe berries, black olives, rosemary, roasted lamb and Mediterranean spices on the nose. Tart black-plum skin is layered with bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, crushed peppercorn and charred beef on the dynamic palate.	95	42	California	Syrah
2,087	US	This is Peju's best Sauvignon Blanc in many years. It's bone dry and elegantly crisp in acidity, a clean, vibrant, food-friendly wine. With just a hint of oak, it shows rich flavors of Meyer lemons and limes, with exotic notes of papaya and white flowers. What a great comeback.	90	22	California	Sauvignon Blanc
79,300	US	Entirely varietal, this wine is simple in its embrace of peach, pineapple and guava flavors, leaning ripe and bright atop a direct hit of freshness.	88	18	California	Pinot Gris
37,352	US	This is old vine (1978), Wente clone Chardonnay, with bright, spicy fruit flavors of banana, pear and melon. A touch of toast and cracker comes from barrel-fermentation in neutral French oak. Forward and rich, this is one to drink up while it's young and fresh.	90	28	Washington	Chardonnay
30,129	US	Out of the gate this wine reveals quite savory aromas of stems, fire pit, soot, black olive and light flowers. The flavors are intense and tightly wound, showing a lot of structure along with elegance. It's a flat out stunner, showing grace and power as well as a hyper-extended finish.	95	105	Washington	Syrah
32,699	US	There's a lot to like in this dense and impactful wine, a mix of softly layered black plum and raspberry with a powerful bouquet of violet. Medium bodied, it finishes fresh and pillowy.	90	45	California	Tempranillo
8,247	France	This is a sweet Pinot Gris that is honeyed and very rich. Light spice notes are buoyed by explosive apricot and pineapple flavors, yielding a wine that's great for capping off a meal.	89	32	Alsace	Pinot Gris
93,664	US	Juicy, jammy, tasting of red licorice and bright blackberry fruit, with dusty undertones and a bite of coffee on the finish, this is a good-value Zinfandel from old Lodi vines.	84	10	California	Zinfandel
97,127	Argentina	Dull aromas of murky leaves and wet cement don't set things up well. This is clunky and scouring in feel, with leafy blackberry flavors that finish bitter.	82	19	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Sauvignon
970	US	A little tough and gritty, but okay for everyday fare. Shows blackberry, currant, tobacco and herb flavors that turn sweetly fruity on the finish.	85	19	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
66,837	US	Meyer lemon pith and grapefruit scents meet with sliced pear, chalk and wet slate on the nose of this bottling. The palate sizzles with acidity and tension—almost too much so—with lemon peel and tart kumquat flavors.	87	26	California	Chardonnay
35,445	US	A block selection from the producer's expertly farmed estate in Carneros, this is a robust, ripe white that's velvety rich on the palate and laced with apple and melon flavors. A tart, salty note laps at its edges.	91	60	California	Chardonnay
119,277	US	Showing ripe peach, pineapple and honeysuckle flavors, this Chard, from the cooler southern part of the valley, is balanced with crisp acidity. Oak plays a prominent role, offering spicy crème brûlée complexities.	87	24	California	Chardonnay
9,603	Argentina	This inky, concentrated, ultraripe Malbec is one of the best wines Zuccardi has produced. Aromas of blueberry, cassis, graphite and chocolate feed into a generous palate with creamy oak, mocha, baked berry and cassis flavors. The finish is lusty and big, but not biting, so you can drink this beauty anytime from now through 2017.	93	90	Mendoza Province	Malbec
72,225	Italy	This vintage of Damilano's Cannubi cru Barolo is very impressive. Chocolate fudge and hazelnut are lavished over very good integrity of fruit. You can make out aromas of red currant, spice and blueberry. The tannins are thick and chewy but will unwind with five to 10 more years in the bottle.	91	93	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
12,278	US	This is the 33rd vintage of this landmark Zinfandel, which, since it's a blend that includes just 74% Zinfandel in it, isn't technically Zinfandel at all. Whatever. It's just plain delicious, old-vine, succulent juice. Jammy, juicy, vibrant and tight, it has a long life ahead.	90	30	California	Zinfandel
104,448	US	Vivid black cherry lights up the aroma and floods the flavors of this full-bodied, expressive wine. Attractive nuances of rhubarb and clove add complexity. The purity of fruit and absence of obvious oak give great focus and brightness that continue through the lingering finish. It will be best after 2018.	94	42	California	Pinot Noir
95,442	US	The bouquet of this earthy, aromatic vineyard-designate wine is bursting with freshly picked wildflowers and earth. The palate is mouthwatering in blueberry, strawberry and a bite of sour cherry. Lively acidity keeps the proceedings on a hair-raising ride, before diving headfirst into a long finish of bacon and dark chocolate.	94	54	California	Pinot Noir
117,844	Italy	A rich, ripe expression of one of Italy's iconic wines, this displays the heat of the 2011 vintage. It opens with aromas of red currants, tobacco, oak and exotic spice while the full-bodied palate delivers dried black cherries, blueberry extract, licorice and black pepper. Densely concentrated and tightly packed with assertive but fine-grained tannins, you'll need to give this time to unwind. Drink 2017–2026.	94	625	Tuscany	Merlot
125,772	US	Maybe southern Oregon is too hot for white wines; at least it appears to be based on this flat, rather lifeless offering. The nose is like applesauce, while the palate is bland and lazy, with only a modicum of grapefruit working in its favor. A little banana and citrus pith on the finish save it from a worse fate.	80	18	Oregon	Pinot Gris
37,678	US	This Sauvignon Blanc smells of lemon, vanilla and pear. It's crisp and steely, with sourness on the finish.	84	11	California	Sauvignon Blanc
101,225	Italy	Alluring scents of wisteria, citrus and white peach lead the nose on this elegant sparkler. The lively palate doles out Bartlett pear and green apple alongside a creamy mousse and vibrant acidity, while a white almond note closes the finish.	89	22	Veneto	Glera
3,342	France	This tight wine has red fruit acidity without the richness. With its green edge, it's likely to remain full of acidity even as it matures.	84	29	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
43,433	France	Very fruity, very juicy, this wine is all about crisp, fresh fruitiness, starting with hand-picked biodynamic vineyard plots and gravity-flow into the winery. Red currants dominate, with considerable acidity right at the fore. At the back, the tannins are developing, but fruit will be the hallmark for the long future. Owner Thierry Valette's family also owns Château Troplong-Mondot in Saint-Émilion.	87	34	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
58,187	France	Named after the old road that used to bring vacationers from the north to the beaches of Provence, this wine is smooth and soft, with a definite touch of sunshine in its flavors. The acidity, well in balance, is light and bright, a breeze across the red fruit flavors.	88	20	Provence	Rosé
127,947	US	All fruit and little structure. Blasts the palate with blackberries, cherries, chocolate, currant, vanilla and pastry flavors that are functionally sweet. Acidity is soft, emphasizing the glyceriney sweetness.	84	35	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
41,228	US	The 2009 vintage was a great one for this bottling, which was too sweet in 2008. This one's more like the '05, only richer and better. It feels nice and crisp and dry, with polished, complex citrus fruit, white flower, peach and mineral flavors.	91	22	California	Sauvignon Blanc
123,717	US	Very crisp, very lean, and very lively, this wine is driven by great fruit acidity and has a refreshing lip-smacking blend of tart apple, lemon and grapefruit flavors. It will be an attention-getting drink before dinner.	89	20	California	Sparkling Blend
123,467	Italy	Here's a very pleasurable Barbera with loads of fruit intensity followed by smoke, pipe tobacco, sweet chocolate and vanilla bean. The wine is executed in a modern style with enduring intensity and a soft, velvety finish. Pair it with baked chèvre cheese.	91	43	Piedmont	Barbera
54,497	US	Fruity in stewed plum and cherry, this is a robustly full-bodied, concentrated wine, with accents of violets on the nose. Integrated tannin makes way for a smooth texture dotted in black pepper and licorice staring at a precipice of overripe heat. Enjoy with meaty, grilled foods.	90	55	California	Cabernet Franc
121,314	US	What a great price for a Chardonnay this balanced and savory. It's bright in acidity, with keen flavors of limes, oranges, tropical fruits and vanilla, and just a touch of buttered toast. Easy to find, with a production of 6,000 cases.	87	10	California	Chardonnay
118,364	US	This Chard is dry and crisp in acidity, with subtle kumquat, peach and tangerine flavors, as well as hints of buttered toast. It's a little on the thin side.	84	9	California	Chardonnay
125,928	Argentina	Deep berry aromas combine seamlessly with sweet notes of marzipan and complex accents of balsam wood on what is an inviting, rich nose. This is rewardingly bright and structured on the palate, where blackberry, boysenberry and plum flavors carry onto a full, long finish. This is high-end, ripe Malbec. Drink through 2018.	92	50	Mendoza Province	Malbec
41,189	US	This wine is beautifully rendered, with pear and melon backed by hints of citrus. The length, persistance, balance and tension are superb, and the mouth-puckering finish will have you reaching for another glass.	91	22	Oregon	Riesling
113,028	US	This wine is hyperbright in acidity, with a lemony tartness that's pleasing on the palate. Its use of oak is subtle and integrated, allowing for a layering of peach cobbler to be introduced.	90	21	California	Chardonnay
43,058	US	The fruit is sourced from Kiona Vineyards on Red Mountain, some of the best Syrah in Washington. Sappy and concentrated, with a juicy and pure raspberry flavor, this shows good length and a lick of mineral on the finish.	90	26	Washington	Syrah
21,886	US	The grapes for this Syrah come from the Ballard Canyon area, which is likely to be Santa Barbara's next official appellation. It's a big, full-bodied wine, tannic and dry, with blackberry, blueberry, smoked meat, black pepper and sandalwood flavors. Feels fine and dramatic in the mouth, and should develop bottle interest through 2015.	92	39	California	Syrah
113,003	US	This is the winery's more accessible and approachable Cabernet, ready to drink. Robust flavors of tobacco and brambly blackberry provide a nod to the mountain provenance. The wine spent more than a year in oak, 30% of it new French and 10% of it new American. The wood flavor is pronounced, a taste of vanilla an endpoint to the finish.	86	35	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
62,607	Argentina	Seems like its best days are behind it. That said, there's still some fire in the hole and kick to this South American PG. Pineapple is the lead aroma and flavor, with pink grapefruit and passion fruit sitting in reserve. Has flow but is starting to fall apart.	83	9	Mendoza Province	Pinot Grigio
50,783	US	A drop in alcohol by more than a full percent since the excellent 2009 Nysa was released suggests that this vintage did not achieve optimal ripeness. Bitter upon entry, with a medicinal note, this remains stiff and unyielding, with tart cranberry fruit and sharp acids.	86	55	Oregon	Pinot Noir
123,303	Argentina	Raspberry and cherry aromas are mild while not stirring much excitement. This feels a bit raw and tannic, but it's got enough body to hold up. Berry and plum flavors finish with hints of spice and chocolate.	87	17	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Sauvignon
120,568	Italy	This opens with black-skinned berry, dried violet and star anise aromas. The savory, easy-drinking palate delivers blackberry, black pepper and clove flavors set against bright acidity and supple tannins. Enjoy through 2020.	88	15	Piedmont	Barbera
17,781	US	This wine beautifully blends vivid fruit, enticing spice and luxuriously creamy flavors that are concentrated, layered and complex. It pulls it all off gracefully due to underlying acidity that supports a lush texture and leads to a long finish.	92	22	California	Chardonnay
78,426	US	The term Claret is used properly here, to represent a classic Bordeaux blend, in this instance including all five grapes in generous proportions. It's a sensational value, with the depth, detail and precision of a much more expensive wine. Spicy red fruits, wisps of herb and black olive, a hint of earth and tar, all tease and tantalize, without overpowering the wine's innate finesse.	90	20	Washington	Red Blend
15,975	France	From vines on the slopes above the River Cher, this steely wine has a tight texture that is restraining the natural fruitiness. It will open up, with its ripe yellow and green fruit flavors. Drink from 2016.	85	13	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
66,867	US	Sharp cinnamon and squeezed pomegranate aromas mix with strawberry blossoms and dried cherries on the nose of this wine from the longtime regional producer. The palate is driven by chaparral aromas of wild sage, coyote brush and juniper, spicing up the red-fruit flavors.	89	21	California	Pinot Noir
77,187	France	The smoothness of white wines in this vintage is very apparent in this ripe, rounded bottling. With enough acidity and citrus flavors to balance the melon and peppered-pear flavors, the wine is balanced and full in the mouth. Age until 2019.	90	30	Burgundy	Chardonnay
59,356	France	A rich white wine, its toast character submerged in a generous peach and apricot ripeness. There is an attractive lemon zest acidity to give a bright shot through all the richness. Worth aging 2–3 years.	90	20	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
2,383	Portugal	This densely tannic wine is bold and linear, with concentrated chocolate and spice flavors. Rich black fruits are layered with acidity and a tight, mineral texture. Still firm, the wine is not likely to soften more, so drink now.	87	26	Douro	Portuguese Red
61,313	US	This earthy wine offers dusky, mossy aromas, raisin and light black-pepper flavors, and a touch of sweetness. It has full body and a soft, soothing texture.	88	40	California	Zinfandel
60,433	France	Soft and round, this young wine is all about fruit and a light tannic structure. Fresh berry fruits abound along with acidity and a drier core. It's not for long aging and will be ready to drink in 2015.	86	23	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
104,814	US	The best Chardonnays from this warm Sonoma County valley show tropical fruit flavors and are quite decadent, and this is one of the best. With crisp acidity, it brims with pineapple crème brûlée, papaya and vanilla custard. Drink this opulent wine with rich fare, such as scallops, crab and lobster.	92	24	California	Chardonnay
125,127	Spain	The lime, mineral and flower aromas are inviting. On the palate, light, powdery flavors of lime, kiwi and green melon take over. It tastes a little green on the finish, like tarragon, but overall it's fresh, dry and easy to drink. This is a blend of 40% Macabeo and 40% Parellada and 20% Sauvignon Blanc.	86	15	Catalonia	White Blend
62,864	US	Underneath the oak is a modest, crisp Pinot Noir, dry and appealing in raspberry, cherry, cola and mushroom flavors. The oak is a little heavy-handed, though, making the wine feel heavy and finish sweet.	86	20	California	Pinot Noir
113,247	Italy	This youthful Barbaresco opens with soft layers of ripe cherry fruit and a plush, rich texture. There's substance, firmness and a deeper color here that will give this wine a long aging future.	91	45	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
76,976	Italy	Sweet oak, vanilla, plum, violet and mocha aromas lead the nose on this structured wine. The oak influence carries over to the palate together with ripe black cherry, leather and baking spice. The tightly compacted tannins need time to unwind. Drink 2020–2035.	92	92	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
116,491	US	If chocolate-covered cherries could be liquefied, this wine is what they would taste like. It is delicious, fruity, soft in texture, maybe slightly sweet, and so easygoing and tempting that it's hard to stop sipping. Note that it's deceptively full in body.	88	26	California	Red Blend
34,521	US	Not a lot of aromas in this 14.9% old-vine Zin, though a touch of fruit shows up mid-palate. Pretty so-so.	83	28	California	Zinfandel
100,601	US	A blend of six varieties, but it's not a simple wine made from the leftovers that some wineries use for blends. Instead, it's crisp and fruity, not as dry as Tangent's varietal wines, but rich in Muscat orange, Riesling flowers, Pinot Gris citrus, Viognier tropical fruit and Pinot Blanc peach. One percent Albariño seems to add to the acidity.	87	20	California	White Blend
2,790	US	Black Box hops onto the popular sweet red wine train with this blend. It is, as advertised, sweet, but not too much, giving a sugary edge to the blackberries and cherries.	84	25	California	Red Blend
77,320	Italy	A vibrant expression of Nebbiolo, this has a bright cherry note and ethereal tones of ginger and cola. It shows elegance and finesse, with a light touch of smoked spice and firm tannins on the long finish.	90	30	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
128,754	US	Stone, lime salt and lemon zest pique the entry of this medium-bodied white, which is well-integrated in terms of oak. High in citrus flavor and pear, it has a gritty texture that gives it added complexity.	90	32	California	Chardonnay
43,531	Italy	This simple wine has subdued aromas of black-skinned berry and a whiff of wildflower. The easy, diluted palate offers black cherry alongside soft, fleeting tannins.	84	8	Tuscany	Red Blend

52,123

US

You'll want to age this Pinot for a few years. It's drily tannic and tart in acidity, which hides the polished black cherry, cola, beef jerky and spice flavors under an astringent coat. Try after 2011.

90

55

California

Pinot Noir

53,955

US

Forward and a bit on the chunky side, with fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry, this ready-to-drink wine shows the more open and fruit-driven aspect of the vintage. Tasty highlights suggest chocolate-coated orange peels.

90

40

Oregon

Pinot Noir

69,200

US

Made from traditional Portuguese varieties, this is one of the best California Port-style wines out there, which is no surprise coming as it does from sweet wine specialist Quady. It's tremendously rich and sweet in chocolate truffle and blackberry-infused flavors, with near-perfect acidity and tannins for balance. A great success at a good price for a full, not a half, bottle.

94

24

California

Red Blend

71,578

US

A fine Sauvignon Blanc, dry and crisp in acidity, with a long, spicy finish. Feels minerally and clean in the mouth, yet rewards with rich lemongrass, pineapple, Asian pear and vanilla cream flavors.

88

28

California

Sauvignon Blanc

102,335

US

Aromas are quite delicate for the variety and style, with fresh flowers, peach and whiffs of lychee. The palate is similarly restrained, showing elegance with the lightly sweet stone fruit flavors that are accented by bright acidity. It's all about nuance.

88

28

Washington

Riesling

9,675

Italy

Aromas of red berry, rose, toast and a whiff of oak emerge in the glass. The firm palate offers mature wild cherry, licorice, grilled sage and mineral alongside taut, fine-grained tannins.

90

60

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

43,847

Italy

Aromas suggest leafy underbrush, espresso and toasted oak. The evolved palate offers coffee, roasted hazelnut and dried red berry alongside fleeting tannins.

85

24

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

69,199

France

Slowly the potential of this impressive wine is coming out. It is rich, the new wood flavors blending with the ripe blackberry sweetness and tight tannins. Chocolate flavor power through this concentrated wine.

94

75

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

77,034

US

As with previous vintages, this rare wine spent 38 months in barrel. Smooth and supple, it's a lush expression of purple and black fruits, generously endowed with darker flavors of smoke, tar, soy and licorice. There is a compelling, yet subtle, umami character overriding all else. It's drinking quite beautifully now, but could age considerably longer.

96

100

Washington

Syrah

69,566

US

Dry and tart in acidity, this Pinot shows the variety's silky texture and gentle tannins. The flavors veer toward cranberries and sour cherry candy.

84

14

California

Pinot Noir

53,270

Australia

Tart and zesty, with lime and cranberry aromas and flavors. It's light, clean and refreshing.

83

12

South Australia

Sangiovese

35,966

US

An enormously rich wine, flamboyant in blackberries, cherries, Dr. Pepper cola, sweet cured meat, anise and black pepper flavors that sink in deep and last long into the finish. An unusual blend of Malbec, Merlot and Syrah, it's powerful in tannins and bone dry. Grill up your best steak and enjoy.

93

36

California

Red Blend

21,729

US

The blend is Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. The alcohol is high, which helps balance the apparent sweetness of this wine. The result is raspberry jam.

85

45

California

Red Blend

60,624

Italy

Prius is a bright rosé from Sardinia that offers fun aromas of myrtle berry, chopped herb, bramble and savory spice. It's a crisp, silky wine that would pair with Thai or Indian dishes.

87

27

Sicily & Sardinia

Rosé

38,494

France

Light, fruity and fragrant, this is an attractive, crisp wine that highlights red-berry fruits and soft acidity. It's a wine to drink now.

85

25

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

103,809

Italy

Notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, tobacco and blackberry characterize the nose of this darkly extracted, Sangiovese-based wine. The mouthfeel is smooth and supple, and thanks to its generous chocolate and cherry endnotes, it proves very easy to drink.

88

18

Tuscany

Sangiovese

41,971

US

Bella Vetta's 2005 was very good. This 2006 is easily on a par. It's a ripe, plush wine, filled with blackberry, currant and sweet oak flavors with a savory tease of leather that may be a touch of brett, but it acts as a spice. And look how modern techniques have tamed those fierce Howell Mountain tannins. The mouthfeel is sheer velvet.

91

29

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

46,545

France

A cool wine, full of citrus as well as green apple flavors. The wine is bright, crisp and refreshing in its acidity. Almonds and white fruits add to the attractive mix.

87

16

Burgundy

Chardonnay

52,114

US

Though it's relatively light for Syrah, this offers flavors that are true to classic varietal characteristics. Red and purple berries, anise and a vein of steel are all in the mix, and continue through a gentle fade-out.

88

25

Oregon

Syrah

51,816

France

The wine is fresh, so crisp and fruity. Its red currant fruit and lively acidity are rounded out by a caramel flavor that gives richness. The aftertaste though is dry and packed with fruit. Drink now.

86

24

Loire Valley

Rosé

77,331

US

Mostly Grenache and Syrah along with pinches of Cinsault and Mourvèdre, this wine is unmistakably from The Rocks District, with aromas and flavors of earthy funk, coffee, crushed rock, dried herbs, plum and peppery spices. Considering the labeled alcohol level, the flavors are surprisingly sweet and rich, with a lightly tacky feel and a drawn-out finish.

91

55

Washington

Rhône-style Red Blend

111,780

France

Everything here is just hinted at: a touch of tropical fruit on the nose, a faint note of nougat on the palate and a spritz of lemon over the biscuity backdrop. There is structure, dryness and backbone, all held in a tight package that has a long-echoing aftertaste.

90

29

Alsace

Sparkling Blend

59,009

US

Juicy black cherry and strawberry flirt with this vineyard-designate's sultry and dense earthiness, combining two sides of the equation with a deft hand. Tea, sage and robust tannins give it depth and breadth across the palate, as tingling acidity keeps it fresh.

91

50

California

Pinot Noir

42,497

US

There's nothing at all French about this Cab. It could only come from California, with its jammy, soft black cherry and chocolate flavors.

85

30

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

86,644

France

This ripe, bold and generous Gonfrier Frères wine is ready to drink. Some firm tannins and a ripe texture are balanced with the juicy black-currant fruits. Drink now, although even better from early 2018.

89

14

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

110,887

US

The nose on this bottling is quite reserved, with anise, dill and black plum, as well as a hint of crushed black rocks. The flavors are also tightly wound, with licorice and oregano laid atop the tart plum fruits.

87

35

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

126,985

Italy

Despite its age (the wine is from the 2005 vintage) this Barbera d'Alba is impressively vinous and fresh with bright berry notes backed by some prune and plum nuances. It's tart and chewy in the mouth.

86

25

Piedmont

Barbera

39,973

Spain

A bit funky and gassy on the nose, and while the wine offers ripeness and sweetness on the palate, there's always a little something strange and sulfuric lingering. It has its plum and acidity, but the tannins and overall mouthfeel are grabby.

84

14

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

1,045

US

Far and away the freshest and most interesting of the three vintages submitted for review. The fruit retains more of its youthful gloss; it's riper and shows more cherry character, along with bright, spicy highlights. The tannins are proportionate and less earthy and herbal. This is no barn-burner, but it's a good quaffer.

85

24

Oregon

Pinot Noir

73,656

US

This wine's nose has a sharply spiced tinge, with wet herbs, cola, and cranberry aromas. At first, it's a bit muddy on the palate, but then the strong acidic backbone presents both herbal tones and tart cranberry against an earthy core.

89

48

California

Pinot Noir

47,667

Germany

Intensely ripe, almost tropical shades of pineapple, mango and cantaloupe are calibrated by shimmering minerality and spine-tingling acidity in this bristling spätlese. It's delightfully honeyed and juicy, but nuanced and penetrating too. Notes of hibiscus nectar and tangerine linger long through the finish.

91

23

Mosel

Riesling

86,410

Spain

Ripe oaky aromas of marzipan, vanilla and baked berry fruits are soft and raisiny. This blend of 40% Carignan and 30% each of Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon feels rich, saturated and smooth. Flavors of raisin, prune, spiced cherry and cheesy oak finish with a reprise of raisiny ripeness. Drink through 2018.

90

35

Catalonia

Red Blend

48,792

US

Scents and flavors of beet root, rhubarb and cranberry are front and center in this stiff, tart wine with root and acidic flavors. It spent 22 months in one-third new French oak, but that doesn't register on the palate.

86

35

Oregon

Pinot Noir

67,265

US

To call this wine easy for the price is no insult. For 10 bucks, you get a soft, dry, full-bodied Cab with pleasurable cherry and currant flavors. Perfect for everyday red wine fare.

85

10

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

126,473

US

Divio, notes winemaker Bruno Corneaux, is the ancient Roman name for Dijon, hence, a sly reference to the clones in this outstanding Chardonnay. It's lush and flavorful, with a juicy mix of pear, peach and papaya fruit. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak, the fruit sets up against a palate-popping wash of toasted hazelnuts, filling out the extended finish. An all-around splendid bottle.

93

50

Oregon

Chardonnay

85,578

US

Give this Syrah a few hours of decanting and drink it now. It's dry, full bodied and dense in blackberry, blueberry, bacon, pepper and oak flavors. Shows real elegance and class, but not an ager.

87

40

California

Syrah

122,684

US

Smoky and toasty, with well-defined acidity, this flavorful Chardonnay matches the barrel notes to light tropical and stone fruits—peach and papaya.

88

18

Washington

Chardonnay

122,513

US

Winemaker Tyler Russell sources the fruit for this bottling from an extremely cool-climate vineyard. Tons of fresh-pressed boysenberries meet with wood ash, underripe berries, black olives, rosemary, roasted lamb and Mediterranean spices on the nose. Tart black-plum skin is layered with bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, crushed peppercorn and charred beef on the dynamic palate.

95

42

California

Syrah

2,087

US

This is Peju's best Sauvignon Blanc in many years. It's bone dry and elegantly crisp in acidity, a clean, vibrant, food-friendly wine. With just a hint of oak, it shows rich flavors of Meyer lemons and limes, with exotic notes of papaya and white flowers. What a great comeback.

90

22

California

Sauvignon Blanc

79,300

US

Entirely varietal, this wine is simple in its embrace of peach, pineapple and guava flavors, leaning ripe and bright atop a direct hit of freshness.

88

18

California

Pinot Gris

37,352

US

This is old vine (1978), Wente clone Chardonnay, with bright, spicy fruit flavors of banana, pear and melon. A touch of toast and cracker comes from barrel-fermentation in neutral French oak. Forward and rich, this is one to drink up while it's young and fresh.

90

28

Washington

Chardonnay

30,129

US

Out of the gate this wine reveals quite savory aromas of stems, fire pit, soot, black olive and light flowers. The flavors are intense and tightly wound, showing a lot of structure along with elegance. It's a flat out stunner, showing grace and power as well as a hyper-extended finish.

95

105

Washington

Syrah

32,699

US

There's a lot to like in this dense and impactful wine, a mix of softly layered black plum and raspberry with a powerful bouquet of violet. Medium bodied, it finishes fresh and pillowy.

90

45

California

Tempranillo

8,247

France

This is a sweet Pinot Gris that is honeyed and very rich. Light spice notes are buoyed by explosive apricot and pineapple flavors, yielding a wine that's great for capping off a meal.

89

32

Alsace

Pinot Gris

93,664

US

Juicy, jammy, tasting of red licorice and bright blackberry fruit, with dusty undertones and a bite of coffee on the finish, this is a good-value Zinfandel from old Lodi vines.

84

10

California

Zinfandel

97,127

Argentina

Dull aromas of murky leaves and wet cement don't set things up well. This is clunky and scouring in feel, with leafy blackberry flavors that finish bitter.

82

19

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Sauvignon

970

US

A little tough and gritty, but okay for everyday fare. Shows blackberry, currant, tobacco and herb flavors that turn sweetly fruity on the finish.

85

19

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

66,837

US

Meyer lemon pith and grapefruit scents meet with sliced pear, chalk and wet slate on the nose of this bottling. The palate sizzles with acidity and tension—almost too much so—with lemon peel and tart kumquat flavors.

87

26

California

Chardonnay

35,445

US

A block selection from the producer's expertly farmed estate in Carneros, this is a robust, ripe white that's velvety rich on the palate and laced with apple and melon flavors. A tart, salty note laps at its edges.

91

60

California

Chardonnay

119,277

US

Showing ripe peach, pineapple and honeysuckle flavors, this Chard, from the cooler southern part of the valley, is balanced with crisp acidity. Oak plays a prominent role, offering spicy crème brûlée complexities.

87

24

California

Chardonnay

9,603

Argentina

This inky, concentrated, ultraripe Malbec is one of the best wines Zuccardi has produced. Aromas of blueberry, cassis, graphite and chocolate feed into a generous palate with creamy oak, mocha, baked berry and cassis flavors. The finish is lusty and big, but not biting, so you can drink this beauty anytime from now through 2017.

93

90

Mendoza Province

Malbec

72,225

Italy

This vintage of Damilano's Cannubi cru Barolo is very impressive. Chocolate fudge and hazelnut are lavished over very good integrity of fruit. You can make out aromas of red currant, spice and blueberry. The tannins are thick and chewy but will unwind with five to 10 more years in the bottle.

91

93

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

12,278

US

This is the 33rd vintage of this landmark Zinfandel, which, since it's a blend that includes just 74% Zinfandel in it, isn't technically Zinfandel at all. Whatever. It's just plain delicious, old-vine, succulent juice. Jammy, juicy, vibrant and tight, it has a long life ahead.

90

30

California

Zinfandel

104,448

US

Vivid black cherry lights up the aroma and floods the flavors of this full-bodied, expressive wine. Attractive nuances of rhubarb and clove add complexity. The purity of fruit and absence of obvious oak give great focus and brightness that continue through the lingering finish. It will be best after 2018.

94

42

California

Pinot Noir

95,442

US

The bouquet of this earthy, aromatic vineyard-designate wine is bursting with freshly picked wildflowers and earth. The palate is mouthwatering in blueberry, strawberry and a bite of sour cherry. Lively acidity keeps the proceedings on a hair-raising ride, before diving headfirst into a long finish of bacon and dark chocolate.

94

54

California

Pinot Noir

117,844

Italy

A rich, ripe expression of one of Italy's iconic wines, this displays the heat of the 2011 vintage. It opens with aromas of red currants, tobacco, oak and exotic spice while the full-bodied palate delivers dried black cherries, blueberry extract, licorice and black pepper. Densely concentrated and tightly packed with assertive but fine-grained tannins, you'll need to give this time to unwind. Drink 2017–2026.

94

625

Tuscany

Merlot

125,772

US

Maybe southern Oregon is too hot for white wines; at least it appears to be based on this flat, rather lifeless offering. The nose is like applesauce, while the palate is bland and lazy, with only a modicum of grapefruit working in its favor. A little banana and citrus pith on the finish save it from a worse fate.

80

18

Oregon

Pinot Gris

37,678

US

This Sauvignon Blanc smells of lemon, vanilla and pear. It's crisp and steely, with sourness on the finish.

84

11

California

Sauvignon Blanc

101,225

Italy

Alluring scents of wisteria, citrus and white peach lead the nose on this elegant sparkler. The lively palate doles out Bartlett pear and green apple alongside a creamy mousse and vibrant acidity, while a white almond note closes the finish.

89

22

Veneto

Glera

3,342

France

This tight wine has red fruit acidity without the richness. With its green edge, it's likely to remain full of acidity even as it matures.

84

29

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

43,433

France

Very fruity, very juicy, this wine is all about crisp, fresh fruitiness, starting with hand-picked biodynamic vineyard plots and gravity-flow into the winery. Red currants dominate, with considerable acidity right at the fore. At the back, the tannins are developing, but fruit will be the hallmark for the long future. Owner Thierry Valette's family also owns Château Troplong-Mondot in Saint-Émilion.

87

34

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

58,187

France

Named after the old road that used to bring vacationers from the north to the beaches of Provence, this wine is smooth and soft, with a definite touch of sunshine in its flavors. The acidity, well in balance, is light and bright, a breeze across the red fruit flavors.

88

20

Provence

Rosé

127,947

US

All fruit and little structure. Blasts the palate with blackberries, cherries, chocolate, currant, vanilla and pastry flavors that are functionally sweet. Acidity is soft, emphasizing the glyceriney sweetness.

84

35

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

41,228

US

The 2009 vintage was a great one for this bottling, which was too sweet in 2008. This one's more like the '05, only richer and better. It feels nice and crisp and dry, with polished, complex citrus fruit, white flower, peach and mineral flavors.

91

22

California

Sauvignon Blanc

123,717

US

Very crisp, very lean, and very lively, this wine is driven by great fruit acidity and has a refreshing lip-smacking blend of tart apple, lemon and grapefruit flavors. It will be an attention-getting drink before dinner.

89

20

California

Sparkling Blend

123,467

Italy

Here's a very pleasurable Barbera with loads of fruit intensity followed by smoke, pipe tobacco, sweet chocolate and vanilla bean. The wine is executed in a modern style with enduring intensity and a soft, velvety finish. Pair it with baked chèvre cheese.

91

43

Piedmont

Barbera

54,497

US

Fruity in stewed plum and cherry, this is a robustly full-bodied, concentrated wine, with accents of violets on the nose. Integrated tannin makes way for a smooth texture dotted in black pepper and licorice staring at a precipice of overripe heat. Enjoy with meaty, grilled foods.

90

55

California

Cabernet Franc

121,314

US

What a great price for a Chardonnay this balanced and savory. It's bright in acidity, with keen flavors of limes, oranges, tropical fruits and vanilla, and just a touch of buttered toast. Easy to find, with a production of 6,000 cases.

87

10

California

Chardonnay

118,364

US

This Chard is dry and crisp in acidity, with subtle kumquat, peach and tangerine flavors, as well as hints of buttered toast. It's a little on the thin side.

84

9

California

Chardonnay

125,928

Argentina

Deep berry aromas combine seamlessly with sweet notes of marzipan and complex accents of balsam wood on what is an inviting, rich nose. This is rewardingly bright and structured on the palate, where blackberry, boysenberry and plum flavors carry onto a full, long finish. This is high-end, ripe Malbec. Drink through 2018.

92

50

Mendoza Province

Malbec

41,189

US

This wine is beautifully rendered, with pear and melon backed by hints of citrus. The length, persistance, balance and tension are superb, and the mouth-puckering finish will have you reaching for another glass.

91

22

Oregon

Riesling

113,028

US

This wine is hyperbright in acidity, with a lemony tartness that's pleasing on the palate. Its use of oak is subtle and integrated, allowing for a layering of peach cobbler to be introduced.

90

21

California

Chardonnay

43,058

US

The fruit is sourced from Kiona Vineyards on Red Mountain, some of the best Syrah in Washington. Sappy and concentrated, with a juicy and pure raspberry flavor, this shows good length and a lick of mineral on the finish.

90

26

Washington

Syrah

21,886

US

The grapes for this Syrah come from the Ballard Canyon area, which is likely to be Santa Barbara's next official appellation. It's a big, full-bodied wine, tannic and dry, with blackberry, blueberry, smoked meat, black pepper and sandalwood flavors. Feels fine and dramatic in the mouth, and should develop bottle interest through 2015.

92

39

California

Syrah

113,003

US

This is the winery's more accessible and approachable Cabernet, ready to drink. Robust flavors of tobacco and brambly blackberry provide a nod to the mountain provenance. The wine spent more than a year in oak, 30% of it new French and 10% of it new American. The wood flavor is pronounced, a taste of vanilla an endpoint to the finish.

86

35

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

62,607

Argentina

Seems like its best days are behind it. That said, there's still some fire in the hole and kick to this South American PG. Pineapple is the lead aroma and flavor, with pink grapefruit and passion fruit sitting in reserve. Has flow but is starting to fall apart.

83

9

Mendoza Province

Pinot Grigio

50,783

US

A drop in alcohol by more than a full percent since the excellent 2009 Nysa was released suggests that this vintage did not achieve optimal ripeness. Bitter upon entry, with a medicinal note, this remains stiff and unyielding, with tart cranberry fruit and sharp acids.

86

55

Oregon

Pinot Noir

123,303

Argentina

Raspberry and cherry aromas are mild while not stirring much excitement. This feels a bit raw and tannic, but it's got enough body to hold up. Berry and plum flavors finish with hints of spice and chocolate.

87

17

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Sauvignon

120,568

Italy

This opens with black-skinned berry, dried violet and star anise aromas. The savory, easy-drinking palate delivers blackberry, black pepper and clove flavors set against bright acidity and supple tannins. Enjoy through 2020.

88

15

Piedmont

Barbera

17,781

US

This wine beautifully blends vivid fruit, enticing spice and luxuriously creamy flavors that are concentrated, layered and complex. It pulls it all off gracefully due to underlying acidity that supports a lush texture and leads to a long finish.

92

22

California

Chardonnay

78,426

US

The term Claret is used properly here, to represent a classic Bordeaux blend, in this instance including all five grapes in generous proportions. It's a sensational value, with the depth, detail and precision of a much more expensive wine. Spicy red fruits, wisps of herb and black olive, a hint of earth and tar, all tease and tantalize, without overpowering the wine's innate finesse.

90

20

Washington

Red Blend

15,975

France

From vines on the slopes above the River Cher, this steely wine has a tight texture that is restraining the natural fruitiness. It will open up, with its ripe yellow and green fruit flavors. Drink from 2016.

85

13

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

66,867

US

Sharp cinnamon and squeezed pomegranate aromas mix with strawberry blossoms and dried cherries on the nose of this wine from the longtime regional producer. The palate is driven by chaparral aromas of wild sage, coyote brush and juniper, spicing up the red-fruit flavors.

89

21

California

Pinot Noir

77,187

France

The smoothness of white wines in this vintage is very apparent in this ripe, rounded bottling. With enough acidity and citrus flavors to balance the melon and peppered-pear flavors, the wine is balanced and full in the mouth. Age until 2019.

90

30

Burgundy

Chardonnay

59,356

France

A rich white wine, its toast character submerged in a generous peach and apricot ripeness. There is an attractive lemon zest acidity to give a bright shot through all the richness. Worth aging 2–3 years.

90

20

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

2,383

Portugal

This densely tannic wine is bold and linear, with concentrated chocolate and spice flavors. Rich black fruits are layered with acidity and a tight, mineral texture. Still firm, the wine is not likely to soften more, so drink now.

87

26

Douro

Portuguese Red

61,313

US

This earthy wine offers dusky, mossy aromas, raisin and light black-pepper flavors, and a touch of sweetness. It has full body and a soft, soothing texture.

88

40

California

Zinfandel

60,433

France

Soft and round, this young wine is all about fruit and a light tannic structure. Fresh berry fruits abound along with acidity and a drier core. It's not for long aging and will be ready to drink in 2015.

86

23

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

104,814

US

The best Chardonnays from this warm Sonoma County valley show tropical fruit flavors and are quite decadent, and this is one of the best. With crisp acidity, it brims with pineapple crème brûlée, papaya and vanilla custard. Drink this opulent wine with rich fare, such as scallops, crab and lobster.

92

24

California

Chardonnay

125,127

Spain

The lime, mineral and flower aromas are inviting. On the palate, light, powdery flavors of lime, kiwi and green melon take over. It tastes a little green on the finish, like tarragon, but overall it's fresh, dry and easy to drink. This is a blend of 40% Macabeo and 40% Parellada and 20% Sauvignon Blanc.

86

15

Catalonia

White Blend

62,864

US

Underneath the oak is a modest, crisp Pinot Noir, dry and appealing in raspberry, cherry, cola and mushroom flavors. The oak is a little heavy-handed, though, making the wine feel heavy and finish sweet.

86

20

California

Pinot Noir

113,247

Italy

This youthful Barbaresco opens with soft layers of ripe cherry fruit and a plush, rich texture. There's substance, firmness and a deeper color here that will give this wine a long aging future.

91

45

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

76,976

Italy

Sweet oak, vanilla, plum, violet and mocha aromas lead the nose on this structured wine. The oak influence carries over to the palate together with ripe black cherry, leather and baking spice. The tightly compacted tannins need time to unwind. Drink 2020–2035.

92

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

116,491

US

If chocolate-covered cherries could be liquefied, this wine is what they would taste like. It is delicious, fruity, soft in texture, maybe slightly sweet, and so easygoing and tempting that it's hard to stop sipping. Note that it's deceptively full in body.

88

26

California

Red Blend

34,521

US

Not a lot of aromas in this 14.9% old-vine Zin, though a touch of fruit shows up mid-palate. Pretty so-so.

83

28

California

Zinfandel

100,601

US

A blend of six varieties, but it's not a simple wine made from the leftovers that some wineries use for blends. Instead, it's crisp and fruity, not as dry as Tangent's varietal wines, but rich in Muscat orange, Riesling flowers, Pinot Gris citrus, Viognier tropical fruit and Pinot Blanc peach. One percent Albariño seems to add to the acidity.

87

20

California

White Blend

2,790

US

Black Box hops onto the popular sweet red wine train with this blend. It is, as advertised, sweet, but not too much, giving a sugary edge to the blackberries and cherries.

84

25

California

Red Blend

77,320

Italy

A vibrant expression of Nebbiolo, this has a bright cherry note and ethereal tones of ginger and cola. It shows elegance and finesse, with a light touch of smoked spice and firm tannins on the long finish.

90

30

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

128,754

US

Stone, lime salt and lemon zest pique the entry of this medium-bodied white, which is well-integrated in terms of oak. High in citrus flavor and pear, it has a gritty texture that gives it added complexity.

90

32

California

Chardonnay

43,531

Italy

This simple wine has subdued aromas of black-skinned berry and a whiff of wildflower. The easy, diluted palate offers black cherry alongside soft, fleeting tannins.

84

8

Tuscany

Red Blend