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
85,725	US	Tastes of perfectly ripened pineapple, pear, lime and peach flavors. On the structural side is fine acidity and a tangy minerality, like a lick of cold steel. Oak is here, notable but perfectly integrated. Give this Chard a little time in the glass to breathe.	93	35	California	Chardonnay
114,921	US	A light cedary, floral aroma starts this full-bodied wine on an interesting note, and similar flavor complexity continues. It feels nicely astringent on the palate, as fine tannins and good acidity keep it lively.	88	26	California	Grenache
104,414	US	Prominent crushed gravel and stone notes meet leather and dust on the nose of this very earthy bottling, which shows a bit of blackberry as well. The palate is redolent with potpourri flavors and incredibly floral, with plum as the dominant fruit.	87	40	California	Malbec
121,143	US	Rich in thick cherry liqueur-flavored texture, this Sangiovese is dry and tannic with the best of its fruit and tobacco layers popping mid-palate before finishing flat as a straight line.	83	35	California	Sangiovese
49,497	Italy	Cassis, blue flower, baking spice, grilled herb and a whiff of new leather lead the nose. The chewy palate offers dried black cherry, mature plum, chewing tobacco and nutmeg alongside fine-grained tannins. Despite its solid structure, it also has elegance and freshness.	91	73	Veneto	Red Blend
26,443	France	Ripe and generous, this floral wine is dense with fruit as much as tannins. It is full of blackberry and plum flavors, ripe while also cut with acidity. The spice that comes from the wood aging shows well, adding a further element. Drink the wine from 2022.	94	355	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
70,343	Argentina	One of the Uco Valley's highest vineyards has produced an awkward, funky, clunky Chardonnay with butterscotch, mustard and heavy oak aromas. Flavors of mustard and barrel resin follow the nose, while this finishes with pickled notes, a pinched mouthfeel and a sense of skins. Salentein needs to reassess this wine, which is new to its lineup.	83	50	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
127,513	Italy	Inviting aromas of dark berry, fragrant blue flower and a whiff of baking spice lead the nose. The chewy medium-bodied palate offers ripe red cherry, black raspberry, tobacco and a hint of espresso framed in tight fine-grained tannins. A hint of star anise closes the firm finish. Drink 2018–2023.	90	70	Tuscany	Sangiovese
120,711	US	The cool Sonoma Coast appellation is not known for Bordeaux blends, especially in cool vintages like 2010. This blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe with raspberries and oak, but there's a tart bit of acidity. Its taut and elegant in style, but lacks generosity. Drink now.	87	38	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
43,969	Spain	Deep and dark, with cola, blackberry and mossy aromas. This is full-bodied, tight and tannic, with hardness that will only be tempered by food and/or more time in bottle. Tastes bold, chunky and ripe, with chocolate and licorice along with heat and tannic fire. Drink now through 2017.	91	70	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
6,278	US	This exceptional wine was made by the late David Lett to celebrate the birth of his granddaughter. It's drinking beautifully, and has the color and scent of a mature wine, though Eyrie Pinots can often live longer than those who bet against them. Delicate and subtle, it nonetheless shows surpassing power and length. Mature, fully-evolved dried fruit and herb flavors are highlighted with notes of cinnamon and brown sugar.	94	85	Oregon	Pinot Noir
56,522	US	From the county right across the Golden Gate from San Francisco comes this dry, elegant Pinot Noir. It has a great structure, with fine acidity, smooth tannins and oak that's been nicely integrated with the fruit. The cherry, black raspberry, orange and cola flavors are tasty.	88	42	California	Pinot Noir
129,596	US	A majority of Grenache plays lead here, with an accompaniment of 35% Syrah and 12% Mourvedre. Concentrated in a grip of leather, there's further integration of earth and black fruit that stays bright and vibrant on the palate, a medium-bodied coming-together of savory with ripe.	90	42	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
8,545	Italy	Aromas of fragrant blue flower and wild berry waft out of the glass. The easygoing no-frills palate offers juicy wild cherry and a hint of baking spice alongside supple tannins. It's enjoyable but already accessible and extremely straightforward by Brunello standards. Drink through 2019.	87	35	Tuscany	Sangiovese
79,142	US	Hints of salted caramel accent flavors of apple and pear concentrate in this bold-bodied Chardonnay. Yielding acidity accentuates its ripe weighty mouthfeel. The finish is brisk.	85	15	New York	Chardonnay
84,786	Italy	Opening aromas include forest floor, red berries, cooking spices and Mediterranean herbs. The juicy palate shows bright red berries, mint and thyme accented with notes of white pepper. It's well balanced but will benefit with a few more years in bottle to fully develop. Drink 2016–2020.	90	40	Tuscany	Sangiovese
58,835	Germany	Chamomile blossoms seem to perfume this delicately fruity, floral wine. Medium-sweet in style, it's dainty and spry, showering the palate with sweet Meyer lemon, lime and honey. It's pristine through a long meandering finish.	91	60	Mosel	Riesling
111,109	Italy	Aromas of baked earth, vanilla, toasted oak and grilled herb waft out of the glass. The meaty palate has a rustic appeal, offering blackberry, cherry and cured meat, with a smoky note alongside chewy tannins.	88	25	Tuscany	Sangiovese
74,296	France	A blend of 13 different grape varieties, some rare, this is a delicious, honeyed wine, with rich baked apple flavor and crisp acidity, topped with a creamed spice note. Its pure line of citrus provides a lively finish.	90	20	Alsace	White Blend
14,044	Italy	This Amarone shows nearly overripe black fruit aromas, with just a hint of nail polish remover. The palate is better, delivering mature black cherry flavors accented by fennel, hay and raisin notes. Best to drink this soon.	87	40	Veneto	Red Blend
46,789	Italy	The oak note is still a bit pungent here and the wine needs three or four more years of cellaring before reaching harmony. Beyond that, however, this super Tuscan blend offers a solid base of blackberry, spice, leather and tobacco.	91	68	Tuscany	Red Blend
62,682	Spain	Bold, medicinal and slightly stalky smelling on the nose, this young Tempranillo is jarring on the palate. Flavors of berry fruits come with oak and saltiness, while the finish is rubbery in feel and herbal in flavor.	85	10	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
36,654	Spain	Ripe berry, raisin and Maduro cigar aromas are hefty and convincing for Spanish Syrah. This feels full, with bracing acidity. Flavors of cassis, plum, chocolate and tobacco are steady as a barge on calm water. This is impressive for varietal Syrah from Spain. Drink through 2021.	92	30	Northern Spain	Syrah
20,236	US	This wine is not aromatic at first, blossoming slowly into shy layers of red berry and subtle cinnamon before taking on a pleasant juiciness and medium weight. The tannins are non-agressive and integrated into the spicy finish.	90	26	California	Zinfandel
121,154	US	The wine is a serious Syrah that further establishes Kynsi's mastery of this variety, which is so hard to make into a complex wine. Drily tannic, it shows a fabulous range of flavors, among them blackberries, black cherries, chocolate-covered mints, licorice candy and plum jam, and even lighter, pastry notes of pecan sandy cookies. Might age for a while, but probably at its best now.	93	46	California	Syrah
37,164	France	This wine is packed with tannins, less packed with fruit. That gives it a tough character, very dry and not fruity enough. The estate is owned by the Perrin family of Château Carbonnieux.	85	20	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
75	US	This is made from equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with small additions of Malbec. Juicy, it reveals a raisiny quality of ripeness around integrated oak and generous tannin.	86	75	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
8,802	Italy	Aromas of black fruit, baking spices and meat juices carry over to the palate along with ripe berry, vanilla and hints of mocha. This is very soft and ready with a sweet, almost sugary finish. Drink soon.	87	53	Tuscany	Sangiovese
129,085	Italy	This wine offers a lot of fruit, with subtle background notes of leather, wet earth and prune. It's a fresh, easydrinking selection.	87	12	Tuscany	Red Blend
85,305	US	Saturated with color and ripe fruit flavors, this almost-thick wine is medium bodied, mouthcoating and bursting with black cherry and prune flavors. It is dry, moderately tannic in texture and well balanced despite its richness.	90	21	California	Red Blend
91,823	US	Bring on the canapés to eat with this dry, crisp and savory Sauvignon Blanc. And look at that everyday price. The wine is high in acidity and dry, with palate-stimulating lemon, lime, honeysuckle, spice and vanilla flavors.	86	12	California	Sauvignon Blanc
3,101	US	Not the best Monte Bello to emerge in recent years. There's a sharpness of acidity that cuts the palate, and it accentuates the fresh fruit, giving it a jammy zing. More troubling is an overripe raisiny flavor. This bottling is, of course, one of the most ageable in California, but the inherent imbalance seems to mitigate against long time in the cellar.	88	145	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
66,517	US	Bright aromas of toast, spice and pear are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors that persist on the finish.	88	25	Washington	Chardonnay
6,551	US	Fruit-bowl aromas, fresh but neutral flavors and a fairly soft texture make this light-bodied wine pleasant and easy to drink.	85	10	California	Sauvignon Blanc
53,186	US	Do not pop the cork and drink this right away as it's currently tight and tannic. But as it warms up and breathes, it releases its considerable charms. With 16% Viognier blended in, it's fantastically rich and concentrated in black-pepper-accented raspberry and sweet-smoke flavors. Acidity adds balance to the richness. You can enjoy this wine now, after an hour in the decanter, or cellar it for at least six years.	94	44	California	Syrah
79,268	US	Grass and apricot scents define the nose of this lively, refreshing wine—a simple study in vanilla and ripely sweetened peach that was fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks.	86	16	California	Sauvignon Blanc
94,056	Italy	This is a blend of Corvina, Oseleta and Cabernet Franc that shows some of the intensity of an Amarone, but with more defined tannic structure on the finish. The bouquet offers blackberry and dark spice.	90	27	Veneto	Red Blend
22,223	US	A hard wine to like, although it's clean and without technical flaws. Tastes very oaky now, with hard grapeskin and oak tannins giving an astringency to the superripe blackberry and cherry jelly flavors.	84	42	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
124,722	Italy	Camphor, eucalyptus, berry and a whiff of cellar floor lead the nose. The bright palate shows Morello cherry, star anise and aromatic herb alongside tightly wound tannins that leave a firm, austere finish.	90	40	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
39,402	Portugal	Aged for a year in oak, this is a rich, smooth and densely textured wine. Full of black fruits, the wine comes from a vineyard facing north across the Douro river. This impressive Reserva is still developing and should be ready from 2018.	92	25	Douro	Portuguese Red
14,121	US	Classic and compelling aromas of rose petal, candied boysenberry, hibiscus reduction and vanilla brioche show on the nose of this wine from a rugged appellation east of the Salinas Valley. The firmly structured palate shows rose petals and tart berries, dusted by fennel pollen, white pepper and chaparral spice.	92	30	California	Grenache
9,453	US	Aromas of green herbs, flowers, earth and mineral start out quite brooding. The smoked meat and savory flavors are very pretty, showing a light touch. The finish lingers.	92	55	Washington	Syrah
106,424	US	Soft and mouth-filling, this Central Coast Grenache offers a flood of flavors. Cherries, black raspberries, milk chocolate and vanilla flood the palate, wrapped into rich, finely ground tannins. Drink now.	86	28	California	Grenache
29,248	US	The proprietary name indicates that this is the winemaker's reserve cuvée, a three-barrel selection mixing equal proportions of grapes from the Eola Hills, Dundee Hills and Ribbon Ridge AVAs. It's austere, tight and yet authoritative, showing compact wild berry fruit, Mediterranean herbs and a slight saltiness. It's best to cellar it until 2020, or give it a good long decant.	91	36	Oregon	Pinot Noir
33,869	US	Right now, the wine is tart in acidity and tannic, although the ripe cherry and red currant flavors are obvious and delicious. The oak influence is strong. The wine doesn't seem to be a longterm ager, but it should benefit from cellaring until 2017.	87	38	California	Pinot Noir
124,632	US	Aromas of pear, apricot and stemmy herbs lead to full-feeling pear and stone -ruit flavors that pull up short on the back nine, seeming a bit underripe.	86	20	Washington	Viognier
116,621	US	Peach pit, apple and pear fruit flavors combine in this crisp, somewhat steely wine that has a classic elegance. Depth, length and finishing minerality make this a wine worth extra attention.	92	25	Oregon	Chardonnay
78,749	US	This well-made wine has appealing aromas of milk chocolate, coffee and plum. The style is lighter, with the concentration not seeming quite all there, but it still provides plenty of appeal with its elegance. Put it at the dinner table to see it at its best.	88	30	Washington	Syrah
112,033	US	A disagreeable wine, unripe and vegetal, with just a trace of blackberries. Sweet toasty oak adds a little richness.	82	48	California	Merlot
53,709	US	Flashes of buttery new oak show up in the lively aromas and richer flavors of this medium-bodied, barrel-fermented and elegant wine. It has a fine array of nutmeg, vanilla and lemon accents lifted by good acidity.	89	27	California	Chardonnay
55,496	Italy	This wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percentages of Alicante and Petit Verdot that render a soapy, herbal nose with accents of root beer, exotic spice, lavender potpourri and green pepper corn. It is very well balanced.	92	55	Tuscany	Red Blend
127,392	US	Accents of vanilla, fresh mint and graham cracker crumbs add a touch of complexity to the ripe black plum and cherry flavors on Comtesse Thérèse's Aquebogue Estate. Elegantly structured with a brisk, lean acidity and soft, powdery tannins.	88	25	New York	Cabernet Sauvignon
65,981	US	Bright and fresh on the nose at first, this offers citrus spray and then delves into drying apples and pear. There is solid grip on the palate, offering flavors of sour orange, lime Granny Smith apple and a bit of grassiness.	88	30	California	Chardonnay
125,242	US	Full bodied and robust, this wine is abundant in earthy mint, strawberry and rhubarb,. It is also fully infatuated with its cool-climate aromatics of sea breeze and morning fog. Cherry rules the day on the palate, taking on a richness across the voluptuous finish.	92	48	California	Pinot Noir
57,051	US	Creamy bubbles pour from the bottle on this reliably solid sparkler, with aromas of Meyer-lemon zest, gray slate, wet concrete, crushed white rocks and a shade of nectarine. The palate is yeasty with sourdough elements dominant, alongside shreds of red apple, lemon juice and tangerine rinds.	90	45	California	Pinot Noir
2,024	US	Sourced from a single vineyard, this spent 17 months in French oak, 38% new. It's light and spicy, with pleasant fruit flavors of apple and pear.	87	45	Oregon	Chardonnay
86,813	Italy	This wine is not as bulky or dense as others from Bolgheri and boasts a more austere, yet elegant nose. But there's character and depth here thanks to its chewy tannins and long cherry finish.	91	50	Tuscany	Red Blend
45,962	US	Thick and rich, with a menthol-like streak in the background, this 89% Zin is complemented by a wealth of mixed blacks, from Alicante Bouschet to Trousseau Noir. It opens with a bouquet of fresh, brambly blackberry, raspberry and sage, reaching a powerful conclusion of brown sugar and spice, staying structured atop soft, sizable tannins. Drink now through 2020.	90	47	California	Zinfandel
100,191	France	There is an earthy touch to the almost overripe peach notes on the nose. The palate adds both sweetness and a subtle welcome hint of phenolic bitterness to the peachy fruit. Bright lemon freshness cuts through the medium-sweet palate to provide a fresh, almost lip-smacking finish. This wine is full of ripe expressive fruit flavors, giving equal billing to lemon and peach.	92	40	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
33,528	Spain	Passion fruit and citrus aromas are straightforward and a bit sharp. This feels lemony yet wan, with tangy, lean flavors of lemon-lime mixed with fresh green herbs. Notes of scallion and tarragon blend with lingering lime on the finish.	86	13	Northern Spain	Sauvignon Blanc
116,656	France	This bold, ripe blend even contains some Muscat that gives richness and a touch of honey and spice to what is otherwise a dry rosé. The acidity acts as a balance to this attractive wine.	87	10	Provence	Rosé
70,898	US	This unusual wine, from Dunham's estate vineyard, is dark and shows Rhône-like flavors of blood and cured meats. The fruit is tart—wild berry and cranberry flavors just on the edge of herbal, but laden with grace notes of herb, mineral and coffee. It's a pleasure to taste a Washington Syrah with this complexity at a very French (13%) level of alcohol.	90	65	Washington	Syrah
3,966	US	A Châteauneuf-du-Pape-style Rhône blend that really nails it for satisfaction. Rich and fruity, spicy, yet with great structure. Defines the vintner's art of blending, comprised of five varieties sourced from a dozen vineyards. Fun and serious at the same time.	90	24	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
30,750	Italy	Cavit is an important wine cooperative in northern Italy that is largely responsible for Pinot Grigio's immense popularity in the United States. This bottle shows easy tones of peach and citrus.	85	10	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
51,646	France	Old vines and barrel fermentation have produced a singularly rich wine. Smooth, creamy and ripe with a predominance of Chardonnay, it has loads of yellow fruit reined in with plenty of acidity and crisp texture. Now just mature, it's ready to drink.	93	84	Champagne	Champagne Blend
68,039	US	A promising mix of 43% Touriga Nacional and 57% Tempranillo, this bottling shows tar, dark blueberry, black cherry, crushed graphite and slate and oregano on the earthy nose. The palate meshes dark fruit with lighter herbs, proving surprisingly underweight in mouthfeel yet offering a leather and dust character.	88	25	California	Red Blend
57,318	Italy	Light but clean, with aromas of anise, pears and green apples and modest flavors of pear, watermelon rind and lime.	83	6	Veneto	Pinot Grigio
79,815	US	Don't be deterred by this wine's unusual, brassy and cloudy appearance; it has fantastic doughy, floral and apricot aromas and flavors and a welcome sense of richness and length. Bracing acidity kicks in on the midpalate, along with a hint of tannin and texture. Best after 2019, and decanting is recommended.	89	20	California	White Blend
42,674	Italy	Aromas of underbrush, toasted oak, coffee and a whiff of roasted herb emerge on this. The brawny palate displays dried black cherry, hazelnut, anise and vanilla alongside astringent tannins that leave a tongue-drying finish. A green note of powdered sage marks the close.	87	35	Tuscany	Sangiovese
121,212	US	This is an impressive take on the unoaked style, with pithy aromas of grapefruit and quinine leading into a tropical sense of guava skins, melon rinds and white-peach flesh. The acidity is mellow but persistent on the sip, where Key lime, pink grapefruit and sharp citrus flavors shine.	92	25	California	Chardonnay
94,090	Spain	Opaque in color, with blackberry and licorice aromas but also a distinct streak of brambly herbs and green. Later on, pine needle and tartness enter the fray. This is a commendable modern Rioja but it does have a few issues, namely a green herbal component.	86	24	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
14,352	US	This is a big, powerful Bordeaux blend that clearly needs time. Tasted in early 2009, it's very tannic and dry, although you can detect the massive cassis and plum flavors. It would be a pity to open before 2012, if you can keep your hands off it. Could eventually stun. Alpha Omega is a winery to watch.	95	82	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
15,400	Italy	The nose reveals subdued aromas of red plum and bay leaf. With a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Sangiovese and 10% Syrah, the simple zesty palate offers orange peel and hints of cedar and clove alongside evolved, fleeting tannins. Drink soon.	85	18	Tuscany	Red Blend
145	US	Cooked cranberry is spiced with anise, peppercorn and roasted beef slices on this bottling from a vineyard planted by three brothers who are longtime Salinas Valley farmers. The palate shows dark cranberry and raspberry, spiced up by chopped sage, thyme and bay leaf.	91	64	California	Pinot Noir
45,086	US	A good wine for its classic structure and deep, complex black currant and cocoa flavors. But it's pretty oaky and tannic, giving it a hard, resistant feeling despite being nearly four years in age. Could surprise with up to 6 years in the cellar.	87	45	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
110,950	US	Lots of good acidity in this clean wine, with stimulating flavors of lemons, limes and gooseberries. There's a sour taste of feline emission that will turn some people off.	83	14	California	Sauvignon Blanc
18,866	US	Easy-drinking and intensely structured, this is marked by streaks of red raspberry fruit that also reveal cedar and herb. Slightly floral on the nose, the wine has a softness despite its size.	89	85	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
88,854	US	Fruity and rustic, with a rough mouthfeel framing ripe cherry-berry flavors. Okay for everyday fare such as barbecue and pizza.	83	15	California	Merlot
23,370	US	This is a Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend from Calistoga. The wine is made in the Coup de Foudre style, which is soft, sensual and immediately attractive. Shows blueberry, black cherry and dark chocolate flavors, with a deft touch of oak, but also notable tannins. Seems too soft to age, so drink over the next four years.	92	75	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
82,716	US	From a historic vineyard planted in 1971, this bottling show savory and dark notes of strawberry, raspberry, licorice, slate, sage and a touch of oak smoke. The palate boasts earthy structure and vibrant acidity, with flavors of slightly bitter cherry fruit, beet juice and bay leaf.	93	64	California	Pinot Noir
102,995	US	This simple white is creamy and crisp with layers of peach flavor. It would be enjoyable alongside shellfish of just about any kind, but especially with raw oysters in a mignonette sauce. The wine's textures can hold up against both the richness of the sauce and oysters' salty brine.	85	14	California	Sauvignon Blanc
17,343	Italy	Aromas of leafy underbrush, toast, grilled herb and dark-skinned berry emerge on this elegant red. The fresh, polished palate doles out juicy wild cherry, licorice, clove and a hint of toasted oak alongside fine-grained tannins.	90	32	Tuscany	Sangiovese
80,393	US	Rich and fruity, with tons of pineapple, mango, lime, peach, pear, nectarine and honey flavors. Lots of sweet smoky oak, too. Not particularly complex, but flashy. Drink now.	87	37	California	Chardonnay
44,519	US	Previously lableled Quatre Journaux, this is now vineyard-designated, but otherwise everything remains unchanged. It's a pretty wine, with rhubarb and red-plum fruit. Further details of orange peel and chocolate emerge as it opens. The perfectly balanced acids and tannins suggest it will thrive in the cellar. Drink now–2006.	91	70	Oregon	Pinot Noir
24,725	US	This coastal Chardonnay is ripe and forward in apricots, orange and mangoes, bright in acidity and strong in oaky flavors of buttered toast.	85	24	California	Chardonnay
49,912	Italy	Here's a creamy, modern Chardonnay with a terrific balance between fruit and oak that translates into peach, vanilla essence and mature melon. There's a nice roundness to the wine and its chewy texture is reinforced by ripe fruit flavors.	88	50	Sicily & Sardinia	Chardonnay
41,307	Spain	Pungent, feline aromas of sweat and cactus set up a sharp, citric palate that's loaded to the brim with acidity. Austere flavors of passion fruit and lime end with a note of mango along with a wave of citric burn.	85	16	Northern Spain	Sauvignon Blanc
114,658	Germany	Whiffs of pine fronds and herbs lend a green tone to this dainty medium-sweet wine. Steely and lean, it's refreshingly quaffable with sweet-tart pineapple and grapefruit flavors that linger nervously on the finish.	88	35	Mosel	Riesling
117,882	US	The 2009 vintage was successful for Sausal's three new Zinfandels, and this intense, concentrated bottling shows how the cool weather managed to ripen the grapes, yet keep alcohol levels moderate. It's a big, powerful wine, packed with wild berry, cola, licorice, spice and sandalwood flavors that have a tang of the earth.	92	40	California	Zinfandel
101,978	US	Kandorian makes a stainless-steel version of Sauvignon Blanc, and also this heavily-oaked style, which is about as far in the other direction as possible. It's deep gold, scented with strong whiskey-barrel aromas, and tasting of nut oil and superripe apples, plus plenty of oak.	87	30	Oregon	Sauvignon Blanc
27,264	Portugal	Dominated by Touriga Nacional, this impressive and concentrated wine has a powerful structure, dark tannins, black stone fruit and layered wood. With its dense character, it is made for aging, and should be cellared for 4–5 years.	92	40	Douro	Portuguese Red
16,291	US	Lemony-vanilla crème brûlée rises to the fore in this medium-bodied Chardonnay. Medium to high in acidity, it retains a crisp freshness throughout its layers of fruit, finishing clean.	87	20	California	Chardonnay
113,873	France	The prestige cuvée from this producer, this has richness and a dense texture that brings out the ripe fruits. From a good, if not great, vintage, it is beautifully balanced, still young to taste and likely to age well. Drink now for the fruit or wait until 2018 for more maturity.	93	138	Champagne	Champagne Blend
55,307	Italy	This easy-drinking Pinot Grigio opens with a crystalline appearance and clean citrus, pear and peach aromas. Fresh acidity and a touch of peachy sweetness characterize the mouthfeel.	85	10	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
97,639	US	This inaugural release of Brian Carter's “Spanish Style Blend” is 70% Stone Tree vineyard Tempranillo. Carter is a supremely skillful and thoughtful blender, and the result is a luscious, mouthwatering bottle of wine that opens with a perfect mix of berries and light chocolate; scents of spice and mint; and a palate-pleasing streak of bacon fat that lingers happily in the mouth.	93	35	Washington	Red Blend
44,590	US	From the hillsides of Westside Road, a goldmine of goodness, this estate-driven wine is packed with cinnamon, black-cherry clafouti and crushed rose petals. Soft and seductively silky on the palate, it's bright and deceptively light, a symphony of pomegranate, cardamon and blood orange that lingers on the finish.	95	105	California	Pinot Noir
99,594	Italy	Aromas of French oak, mature black-skinned fruit, espresso and a hint of blue flower lead the nose on this structured red. The generous palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry, ground pepper and licorice while velvety tannins provide smooth, seamless support. Drink through 2021.	92	89	Sicily & Sardinia	Red Blend
4,069	US	Here is a hefty, concentrated, satisfying wine to pair with big proteins. A dense red-black color, with aromas of blackberry jam and dried plums lead to bold fruit flavors, full body and a thick, nicely tannic texture. The intense plum and blackberry character lasts through the lingering finish.	90	29	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
57,825	Italy	Orlando Abrigo consistently delivers bold, full-bodied expressions of Nebbiolo and this vineyard-designate Barbaresco is no exception. You could say that the wine has “good bones” thanks to the firmness of its tannic structure and the boldness of its blackberry, cassis and spice flavors.	92	55	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
98,103	France	A deliciously fruity wine, its bright apricot, pineapple and peach flavors open and generous. Of course, there is a more serious core of structure, lemon zest and dryness to promise aging. At the end, though, fruit and a light toastiness give immediate pleasure.	93	145	Burgundy	Chardonnay

85,725

US

Tastes of perfectly ripened pineapple, pear, lime and peach flavors. On the structural side is fine acidity and a tangy minerality, like a lick of cold steel. Oak is here, notable but perfectly integrated. Give this Chard a little time in the glass to breathe.

93

35

California

Chardonnay

114,921

US

A light cedary, floral aroma starts this full-bodied wine on an interesting note, and similar flavor complexity continues. It feels nicely astringent on the palate, as fine tannins and good acidity keep it lively.

88

26

California

Grenache

104,414

US

Prominent crushed gravel and stone notes meet leather and dust on the nose of this very earthy bottling, which shows a bit of blackberry as well. The palate is redolent with potpourri flavors and incredibly floral, with plum as the dominant fruit.

87

40

California

Malbec

121,143

US

Rich in thick cherry liqueur-flavored texture, this Sangiovese is dry and tannic with the best of its fruit and tobacco layers popping mid-palate before finishing flat as a straight line.

83

35

California

Sangiovese

49,497

Italy

Cassis, blue flower, baking spice, grilled herb and a whiff of new leather lead the nose. The chewy palate offers dried black cherry, mature plum, chewing tobacco and nutmeg alongside fine-grained tannins. Despite its solid structure, it also has elegance and freshness.

91

73

Veneto

Red Blend

26,443

France

Ripe and generous, this floral wine is dense with fruit as much as tannins. It is full of blackberry and plum flavors, ripe while also cut with acidity. The spice that comes from the wood aging shows well, adding a further element. Drink the wine from 2022.

94

355

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

70,343

Argentina

One of the Uco Valley's highest vineyards has produced an awkward, funky, clunky Chardonnay with butterscotch, mustard and heavy oak aromas. Flavors of mustard and barrel resin follow the nose, while this finishes with pickled notes, a pinched mouthfeel and a sense of skins. Salentein needs to reassess this wine, which is new to its lineup.

83

50

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

127,513

Italy

Inviting aromas of dark berry, fragrant blue flower and a whiff of baking spice lead the nose. The chewy medium-bodied palate offers ripe red cherry, black raspberry, tobacco and a hint of espresso framed in tight fine-grained tannins. A hint of star anise closes the firm finish. Drink 2018–2023.

90

70

Tuscany

Sangiovese

120,711

US

The cool Sonoma Coast appellation is not known for Bordeaux blends, especially in cool vintages like 2010. This blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe with raspberries and oak, but there's a tart bit of acidity. Its taut and elegant in style, but lacks generosity. Drink now.

87

38

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

43,969

Spain

Deep and dark, with cola, blackberry and mossy aromas. This is full-bodied, tight and tannic, with hardness that will only be tempered by food and/or more time in bottle. Tastes bold, chunky and ripe, with chocolate and licorice along with heat and tannic fire. Drink now through 2017.

91

70

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

6,278

US

This exceptional wine was made by the late David Lett to celebrate the birth of his granddaughter. It's drinking beautifully, and has the color and scent of a mature wine, though Eyrie Pinots can often live longer than those who bet against them. Delicate and subtle, it nonetheless shows surpassing power and length. Mature, fully-evolved dried fruit and herb flavors are highlighted with notes of cinnamon and brown sugar.

94

85

Oregon

Pinot Noir

56,522

US

From the county right across the Golden Gate from San Francisco comes this dry, elegant Pinot Noir. It has a great structure, with fine acidity, smooth tannins and oak that's been nicely integrated with the fruit. The cherry, black raspberry, orange and cola flavors are tasty.

88

42

California

Pinot Noir

129,596

US

A majority of Grenache plays lead here, with an accompaniment of 35% Syrah and 12% Mourvedre. Concentrated in a grip of leather, there's further integration of earth and black fruit that stays bright and vibrant on the palate, a medium-bodied coming-together of savory with ripe.

90

42

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

8,545

Italy

Aromas of fragrant blue flower and wild berry waft out of the glass. The easygoing no-frills palate offers juicy wild cherry and a hint of baking spice alongside supple tannins. It's enjoyable but already accessible and extremely straightforward by Brunello standards. Drink through 2019.

87

35

Tuscany

Sangiovese

79,142

US

Hints of salted caramel accent flavors of apple and pear concentrate in this bold-bodied Chardonnay. Yielding acidity accentuates its ripe weighty mouthfeel. The finish is brisk.

85

15

New York

Chardonnay

84,786

Italy

Opening aromas include forest floor, red berries, cooking spices and Mediterranean herbs. The juicy palate shows bright red berries, mint and thyme accented with notes of white pepper. It's well balanced but will benefit with a few more years in bottle to fully develop. Drink 2016–2020.

90

40

Tuscany

Sangiovese

58,835

Germany

Chamomile blossoms seem to perfume this delicately fruity, floral wine. Medium-sweet in style, it's dainty and spry, showering the palate with sweet Meyer lemon, lime and honey. It's pristine through a long meandering finish.

91

60

Mosel

Riesling

111,109

Italy

Aromas of baked earth, vanilla, toasted oak and grilled herb waft out of the glass. The meaty palate has a rustic appeal, offering blackberry, cherry and cured meat, with a smoky note alongside chewy tannins.

88

25

Tuscany

Sangiovese

74,296

France

A blend of 13 different grape varieties, some rare, this is a delicious, honeyed wine, with rich baked apple flavor and crisp acidity, topped with a creamed spice note. Its pure line of citrus provides a lively finish.

90

20

Alsace

White Blend

14,044

Italy

This Amarone shows nearly overripe black fruit aromas, with just a hint of nail polish remover. The palate is better, delivering mature black cherry flavors accented by fennel, hay and raisin notes. Best to drink this soon.

87

40

Veneto

Red Blend

46,789

Italy

The oak note is still a bit pungent here and the wine needs three or four more years of cellaring before reaching harmony. Beyond that, however, this super Tuscan blend offers a solid base of blackberry, spice, leather and tobacco.

91

68

Tuscany

Red Blend

62,682

Spain

Bold, medicinal and slightly stalky smelling on the nose, this young Tempranillo is jarring on the palate. Flavors of berry fruits come with oak and saltiness, while the finish is rubbery in feel and herbal in flavor.

85

10

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

36,654

Spain

Ripe berry, raisin and Maduro cigar aromas are hefty and convincing for Spanish Syrah. This feels full, with bracing acidity. Flavors of cassis, plum, chocolate and tobacco are steady as a barge on calm water. This is impressive for varietal Syrah from Spain. Drink through 2021.

92

30

Northern Spain

Syrah

20,236

US

This wine is not aromatic at first, blossoming slowly into shy layers of red berry and subtle cinnamon before taking on a pleasant juiciness and medium weight. The tannins are non-agressive and integrated into the spicy finish.

90

26

California

Zinfandel

121,154

US

The wine is a serious Syrah that further establishes Kynsi's mastery of this variety, which is so hard to make into a complex wine. Drily tannic, it shows a fabulous range of flavors, among them blackberries, black cherries, chocolate-covered mints, licorice candy and plum jam, and even lighter, pastry notes of pecan sandy cookies. Might age for a while, but probably at its best now.

93

46

California

Syrah

37,164

France

This wine is packed with tannins, less packed with fruit. That gives it a tough character, very dry and not fruity enough. The estate is owned by the Perrin family of Château Carbonnieux.

85

20

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

75

US

This is made from equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with small additions of Malbec. Juicy, it reveals a raisiny quality of ripeness around integrated oak and generous tannin.

86

75

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

8,802

Italy

Aromas of black fruit, baking spices and meat juices carry over to the palate along with ripe berry, vanilla and hints of mocha. This is very soft and ready with a sweet, almost sugary finish. Drink soon.

87

53

Tuscany

Sangiovese

129,085

Italy

This wine offers a lot of fruit, with subtle background notes of leather, wet earth and prune. It's a fresh, easydrinking selection.

87

12

Tuscany

Red Blend

85,305

US

Saturated with color and ripe fruit flavors, this almost-thick wine is medium bodied, mouthcoating and bursting with black cherry and prune flavors. It is dry, moderately tannic in texture and well balanced despite its richness.

90

21

California

Red Blend

91,823

US

Bring on the canapés to eat with this dry, crisp and savory Sauvignon Blanc. And look at that everyday price. The wine is high in acidity and dry, with palate-stimulating lemon, lime, honeysuckle, spice and vanilla flavors.

86

12

California

Sauvignon Blanc

3,101

US

Not the best Monte Bello to emerge in recent years. There's a sharpness of acidity that cuts the palate, and it accentuates the fresh fruit, giving it a jammy zing. More troubling is an overripe raisiny flavor. This bottling is, of course, one of the most ageable in California, but the inherent imbalance seems to mitigate against long time in the cellar.

88

145

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

66,517

US

Bright aromas of toast, spice and pear are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors that persist on the finish.

88

25

Washington

Chardonnay

6,551

US

Fruit-bowl aromas, fresh but neutral flavors and a fairly soft texture make this light-bodied wine pleasant and easy to drink.

85

10

California

Sauvignon Blanc

53,186

US

Do not pop the cork and drink this right away as it's currently tight and tannic. But as it warms up and breathes, it releases its considerable charms. With 16% Viognier blended in, it's fantastically rich and concentrated in black-pepper-accented raspberry and sweet-smoke flavors. Acidity adds balance to the richness. You can enjoy this wine now, after an hour in the decanter, or cellar it for at least six years.

94

44

California

Syrah

79,268

US

Grass and apricot scents define the nose of this lively, refreshing wine—a simple study in vanilla and ripely sweetened peach that was fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks.

86

16

California

Sauvignon Blanc

94,056

Italy

This is a blend of Corvina, Oseleta and Cabernet Franc that shows some of the intensity of an Amarone, but with more defined tannic structure on the finish. The bouquet offers blackberry and dark spice.

90

27

Veneto

Red Blend

22,223

US

A hard wine to like, although it's clean and without technical flaws. Tastes very oaky now, with hard grapeskin and oak tannins giving an astringency to the superripe blackberry and cherry jelly flavors.

84

42

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

124,722

Italy

Camphor, eucalyptus, berry and a whiff of cellar floor lead the nose. The bright palate shows Morello cherry, star anise and aromatic herb alongside tightly wound tannins that leave a firm, austere finish.

90

40

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

39,402

Portugal

Aged for a year in oak, this is a rich, smooth and densely textured wine. Full of black fruits, the wine comes from a vineyard facing north across the Douro river. This impressive Reserva is still developing and should be ready from 2018.

92

25

Douro

Portuguese Red

14,121

US

Classic and compelling aromas of rose petal, candied boysenberry, hibiscus reduction and vanilla brioche show on the nose of this wine from a rugged appellation east of the Salinas Valley. The firmly structured palate shows rose petals and tart berries, dusted by fennel pollen, white pepper and chaparral spice.

92

30

California

Grenache

9,453

US

Aromas of green herbs, flowers, earth and mineral start out quite brooding. The smoked meat and savory flavors are very pretty, showing a light touch. The finish lingers.

92

55

Washington

Syrah

106,424

US

Soft and mouth-filling, this Central Coast Grenache offers a flood of flavors. Cherries, black raspberries, milk chocolate and vanilla flood the palate, wrapped into rich, finely ground tannins. Drink now.

86

28

California

Grenache

29,248

US

The proprietary name indicates that this is the winemaker's reserve cuvée, a three-barrel selection mixing equal proportions of grapes from the Eola Hills, Dundee Hills and Ribbon Ridge AVAs. It's austere, tight and yet authoritative, showing compact wild berry fruit, Mediterranean herbs and a slight saltiness. It's best to cellar it until 2020, or give it a good long decant.

91

36

Oregon

Pinot Noir

33,869

US

Right now, the wine is tart in acidity and tannic, although the ripe cherry and red currant flavors are obvious and delicious. The oak influence is strong. The wine doesn't seem to be a longterm ager, but it should benefit from cellaring until 2017.

87

38

California

Pinot Noir

124,632

US

Aromas of pear, apricot and stemmy herbs lead to full-feeling pear and stone -ruit flavors that pull up short on the back nine, seeming a bit underripe.

86

20

Washington

Viognier

116,621

US

Peach pit, apple and pear fruit flavors combine in this crisp, somewhat steely wine that has a classic elegance. Depth, length and finishing minerality make this a wine worth extra attention.

92

25

Oregon

Chardonnay

78,749

US

This well-made wine has appealing aromas of milk chocolate, coffee and plum. The style is lighter, with the concentration not seeming quite all there, but it still provides plenty of appeal with its elegance. Put it at the dinner table to see it at its best.

88

30

Washington

Syrah

112,033

US

A disagreeable wine, unripe and vegetal, with just a trace of blackberries. Sweet toasty oak adds a little richness.

82

48

California

Merlot

53,709

US

Flashes of buttery new oak show up in the lively aromas and richer flavors of this medium-bodied, barrel-fermented and elegant wine. It has a fine array of nutmeg, vanilla and lemon accents lifted by good acidity.

89

27

California

Chardonnay

55,496

Italy

This wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percentages of Alicante and Petit Verdot that render a soapy, herbal nose with accents of root beer, exotic spice, lavender potpourri and green pepper corn. It is very well balanced.

92

55

Tuscany

Red Blend

127,392

US

Accents of vanilla, fresh mint and graham cracker crumbs add a touch of complexity to the ripe black plum and cherry flavors on Comtesse Thérèse's Aquebogue Estate. Elegantly structured with a brisk, lean acidity and soft, powdery tannins.

88

25

New York

Cabernet Sauvignon

65,981

US

Bright and fresh on the nose at first, this offers citrus spray and then delves into drying apples and pear. There is solid grip on the palate, offering flavors of sour orange, lime Granny Smith apple and a bit of grassiness.

88

30

California

Chardonnay

125,242

US

Full bodied and robust, this wine is abundant in earthy mint, strawberry and rhubarb,. It is also fully infatuated with its cool-climate aromatics of sea breeze and morning fog. Cherry rules the day on the palate, taking on a richness across the voluptuous finish.

92

48

California

Pinot Noir

57,051

US

Creamy bubbles pour from the bottle on this reliably solid sparkler, with aromas of Meyer-lemon zest, gray slate, wet concrete, crushed white rocks and a shade of nectarine. The palate is yeasty with sourdough elements dominant, alongside shreds of red apple, lemon juice and tangerine rinds.

90

45

California

Pinot Noir

2,024

US

Sourced from a single vineyard, this spent 17 months in French oak, 38% new. It's light and spicy, with pleasant fruit flavors of apple and pear.

87

45

Oregon

Chardonnay

86,813

Italy

This wine is not as bulky or dense as others from Bolgheri and boasts a more austere, yet elegant nose. But there's character and depth here thanks to its chewy tannins and long cherry finish.

91

50

Tuscany

Red Blend

45,962

US

Thick and rich, with a menthol-like streak in the background, this 89% Zin is complemented by a wealth of mixed blacks, from Alicante Bouschet to Trousseau Noir. It opens with a bouquet of fresh, brambly blackberry, raspberry and sage, reaching a powerful conclusion of brown sugar and spice, staying structured atop soft, sizable tannins. Drink now through 2020.

90

47

California

Zinfandel

100,191

France

There is an earthy touch to the almost overripe peach notes on the nose. The palate adds both sweetness and a subtle welcome hint of phenolic bitterness to the peachy fruit. Bright lemon freshness cuts through the medium-sweet palate to provide a fresh, almost lip-smacking finish. This wine is full of ripe expressive fruit flavors, giving equal billing to lemon and peach.

92

40

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

33,528

Spain

Passion fruit and citrus aromas are straightforward and a bit sharp. This feels lemony yet wan, with tangy, lean flavors of lemon-lime mixed with fresh green herbs. Notes of scallion and tarragon blend with lingering lime on the finish.

86

13

Northern Spain

Sauvignon Blanc

116,656

France

This bold, ripe blend even contains some Muscat that gives richness and a touch of honey and spice to what is otherwise a dry rosé. The acidity acts as a balance to this attractive wine.

87

10

Provence

Rosé

70,898

US

This unusual wine, from Dunham's estate vineyard, is dark and shows Rhône-like flavors of blood and cured meats. The fruit is tart—wild berry and cranberry flavors just on the edge of herbal, but laden with grace notes of herb, mineral and coffee. It's a pleasure to taste a Washington Syrah with this complexity at a very French (13%) level of alcohol.

90

65

Washington

Syrah

3,966

US

A Châteauneuf-du-Pape-style Rhône blend that really nails it for satisfaction. Rich and fruity, spicy, yet with great structure. Defines the vintner's art of blending, comprised of five varieties sourced from a dozen vineyards. Fun and serious at the same time.

90

24

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

30,750

Italy

Cavit is an important wine cooperative in northern Italy that is largely responsible for Pinot Grigio's immense popularity in the United States. This bottle shows easy tones of peach and citrus.

85

10

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

51,646

France

Old vines and barrel fermentation have produced a singularly rich wine. Smooth, creamy and ripe with a predominance of Chardonnay, it has loads of yellow fruit reined in with plenty of acidity and crisp texture. Now just mature, it's ready to drink.

93

84

Champagne

Champagne Blend

68,039

US

A promising mix of 43% Touriga Nacional and 57% Tempranillo, this bottling shows tar, dark blueberry, black cherry, crushed graphite and slate and oregano on the earthy nose. The palate meshes dark fruit with lighter herbs, proving surprisingly underweight in mouthfeel yet offering a leather and dust character.

88

25

California

Red Blend

57,318

Italy

Light but clean, with aromas of anise, pears and green apples and modest flavors of pear, watermelon rind and lime.

83

6

Veneto

Pinot Grigio

79,815

US

Don't be deterred by this wine's unusual, brassy and cloudy appearance; it has fantastic doughy, floral and apricot aromas and flavors and a welcome sense of richness and length. Bracing acidity kicks in on the midpalate, along with a hint of tannin and texture. Best after 2019, and decanting is recommended.

89

20

California

White Blend

42,674

Italy

Aromas of underbrush, toasted oak, coffee and a whiff of roasted herb emerge on this. The brawny palate displays dried black cherry, hazelnut, anise and vanilla alongside astringent tannins that leave a tongue-drying finish. A green note of powdered sage marks the close.

87

35

Tuscany

Sangiovese

121,212

US

This is an impressive take on the unoaked style, with pithy aromas of grapefruit and quinine leading into a tropical sense of guava skins, melon rinds and white-peach flesh. The acidity is mellow but persistent on the sip, where Key lime, pink grapefruit and sharp citrus flavors shine.

92

25

California

Chardonnay

94,090

Spain

Opaque in color, with blackberry and licorice aromas but also a distinct streak of brambly herbs and green. Later on, pine needle and tartness enter the fray. This is a commendable modern Rioja but it does have a few issues, namely a green herbal component.

86

24

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

14,352

US

This is a big, powerful Bordeaux blend that clearly needs time. Tasted in early 2009, it's very tannic and dry, although you can detect the massive cassis and plum flavors. It would be a pity to open before 2012, if you can keep your hands off it. Could eventually stun. Alpha Omega is a winery to watch.

95

82

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

15,400

Italy

The nose reveals subdued aromas of red plum and bay leaf. With a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Sangiovese and 10% Syrah, the simple zesty palate offers orange peel and hints of cedar and clove alongside evolved, fleeting tannins. Drink soon.

85

18

Tuscany

Red Blend

145

US

Cooked cranberry is spiced with anise, peppercorn and roasted beef slices on this bottling from a vineyard planted by three brothers who are longtime Salinas Valley farmers. The palate shows dark cranberry and raspberry, spiced up by chopped sage, thyme and bay leaf.

91

64

California

Pinot Noir

45,086

US

A good wine for its classic structure and deep, complex black currant and cocoa flavors. But it's pretty oaky and tannic, giving it a hard, resistant feeling despite being nearly four years in age. Could surprise with up to 6 years in the cellar.

87

45

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

110,950

US

Lots of good acidity in this clean wine, with stimulating flavors of lemons, limes and gooseberries. There's a sour taste of feline emission that will turn some people off.

83

14

California

Sauvignon Blanc

18,866

US

Easy-drinking and intensely structured, this is marked by streaks of red raspberry fruit that also reveal cedar and herb. Slightly floral on the nose, the wine has a softness despite its size.

89

85

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

88,854

US

Fruity and rustic, with a rough mouthfeel framing ripe cherry-berry flavors. Okay for everyday fare such as barbecue and pizza.

83

15

California

Merlot

23,370

US

This is a Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend from Calistoga. The wine is made in the Coup de Foudre style, which is soft, sensual and immediately attractive. Shows blueberry, black cherry and dark chocolate flavors, with a deft touch of oak, but also notable tannins. Seems too soft to age, so drink over the next four years.

92

75

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

82,716

US

From a historic vineyard planted in 1971, this bottling show savory and dark notes of strawberry, raspberry, licorice, slate, sage and a touch of oak smoke. The palate boasts earthy structure and vibrant acidity, with flavors of slightly bitter cherry fruit, beet juice and bay leaf.

93

64

California

Pinot Noir

102,995

US

This simple white is creamy and crisp with layers of peach flavor. It would be enjoyable alongside shellfish of just about any kind, but especially with raw oysters in a mignonette sauce. The wine's textures can hold up against both the richness of the sauce and oysters' salty brine.

85

14

California

Sauvignon Blanc

17,343

Italy

Aromas of leafy underbrush, toast, grilled herb and dark-skinned berry emerge on this elegant red. The fresh, polished palate doles out juicy wild cherry, licorice, clove and a hint of toasted oak alongside fine-grained tannins.

90

32

Tuscany

Sangiovese

80,393

US

Rich and fruity, with tons of pineapple, mango, lime, peach, pear, nectarine and honey flavors. Lots of sweet smoky oak, too. Not particularly complex, but flashy. Drink now.

87

37

California

Chardonnay

44,519

US

Previously lableled Quatre Journaux, this is now vineyard-designated, but otherwise everything remains unchanged. It's a pretty wine, with rhubarb and red-plum fruit. Further details of orange peel and chocolate emerge as it opens. The perfectly balanced acids and tannins suggest it will thrive in the cellar. Drink now–2006.

91

70

Oregon

Pinot Noir

24,725

US

This coastal Chardonnay is ripe and forward in apricots, orange and mangoes, bright in acidity and strong in oaky flavors of buttered toast.

85

24

California

Chardonnay

49,912

Italy

Here's a creamy, modern Chardonnay with a terrific balance between fruit and oak that translates into peach, vanilla essence and mature melon. There's a nice roundness to the wine and its chewy texture is reinforced by ripe fruit flavors.

88

50

Sicily & Sardinia

Chardonnay

41,307

Spain

Pungent, feline aromas of sweat and cactus set up a sharp, citric palate that's loaded to the brim with acidity. Austere flavors of passion fruit and lime end with a note of mango along with a wave of citric burn.

85

16

Northern Spain

Sauvignon Blanc

114,658

Germany

Whiffs of pine fronds and herbs lend a green tone to this dainty medium-sweet wine. Steely and lean, it's refreshingly quaffable with sweet-tart pineapple and grapefruit flavors that linger nervously on the finish.

88

35

Mosel

Riesling

117,882

US

The 2009 vintage was successful for Sausal's three new Zinfandels, and this intense, concentrated bottling shows how the cool weather managed to ripen the grapes, yet keep alcohol levels moderate. It's a big, powerful wine, packed with wild berry, cola, licorice, spice and sandalwood flavors that have a tang of the earth.

92

40

California

Zinfandel

101,978

US

Kandorian makes a stainless-steel version of Sauvignon Blanc, and also this heavily-oaked style, which is about as far in the other direction as possible. It's deep gold, scented with strong whiskey-barrel aromas, and tasting of nut oil and superripe apples, plus plenty of oak.

87

30

Oregon

Sauvignon Blanc

27,264

Portugal

Dominated by Touriga Nacional, this impressive and concentrated wine has a powerful structure, dark tannins, black stone fruit and layered wood. With its dense character, it is made for aging, and should be cellared for 4–5 years.

92

40

Douro

Portuguese Red

16,291

US

Lemony-vanilla crème brûlée rises to the fore in this medium-bodied Chardonnay. Medium to high in acidity, it retains a crisp freshness throughout its layers of fruit, finishing clean.

87

20

California

Chardonnay

113,873

France

The prestige cuvée from this producer, this has richness and a dense texture that brings out the ripe fruits. From a good, if not great, vintage, it is beautifully balanced, still young to taste and likely to age well. Drink now for the fruit or wait until 2018 for more maturity.

93

138

Champagne

Champagne Blend

55,307

Italy

This easy-drinking Pinot Grigio opens with a crystalline appearance and clean citrus, pear and peach aromas. Fresh acidity and a touch of peachy sweetness characterize the mouthfeel.

85

10

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

97,639

US

This inaugural release of Brian Carter's “Spanish Style Blend” is 70% Stone Tree vineyard Tempranillo. Carter is a supremely skillful and thoughtful blender, and the result is a luscious, mouthwatering bottle of wine that opens with a perfect mix of berries and light chocolate; scents of spice and mint; and a palate-pleasing streak of bacon fat that lingers happily in the mouth.

93

35

Washington

Red Blend

44,590

US

From the hillsides of Westside Road, a goldmine of goodness, this estate-driven wine is packed with cinnamon, black-cherry clafouti and crushed rose petals. Soft and seductively silky on the palate, it's bright and deceptively light, a symphony of pomegranate, cardamon and blood orange that lingers on the finish.

95

105

California

Pinot Noir

99,594

Italy

Aromas of French oak, mature black-skinned fruit, espresso and a hint of blue flower lead the nose on this structured red. The generous palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry, ground pepper and licorice while velvety tannins provide smooth, seamless support. Drink through 2021.

92

89

Sicily & Sardinia

Red Blend

4,069

US

Here is a hefty, concentrated, satisfying wine to pair with big proteins. A dense red-black color, with aromas of blackberry jam and dried plums lead to bold fruit flavors, full body and a thick, nicely tannic texture. The intense plum and blackberry character lasts through the lingering finish.

90

29

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

57,825

Italy

Orlando Abrigo consistently delivers bold, full-bodied expressions of Nebbiolo and this vineyard-designate Barbaresco is no exception. You could say that the wine has “good bones” thanks to the firmness of its tannic structure and the boldness of its blackberry, cassis and spice flavors.

92

55

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

98,103

France

A deliciously fruity wine, its bright apricot, pineapple and peach flavors open and generous. Of course, there is a more serious core of structure, lemon zest and dryness to promise aging. At the end, though, fruit and a light toastiness give immediate pleasure.

93

145

Burgundy

Chardonnay