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
88,901
US
A simple, rustic wine. It shows Pinot's silky texture, with racy acidity and subtle cherry, pomegranate and cola flavors. But it's chunky and clunky in the mouth. Seems to contain some unripe grapes.
85
35
California
Pinot Noir
20,938
US
Rich, ripe and dramatically layered with black currant, licorice and oak flavors that turn a little raisiny on the finish. Although it's very dry, there's ripeness in the fruit. Flashy enough to drink now, and should slowly mellow over 5–6 years.
92
35
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
35,005
US
This blends 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir in a seamless, focused package of bright acidity, moderate mousse and tangled peach, tangerine and blood orange flavors. It has impressive complexity and length, with a nutty note that closes out the finish.
92
80
California
Sparkling Blend
63,766
Italy
Initially reserved, this ethereal red took some time to open but it was worth the wait, revealing enticing scents of violet, wild berry, rosemary and Mediterranean brush. The palate is all about extreme elegance, offering wild cherry, crushed strawberry, grilled herb and star anise alongside firm, refined tannins. Best 2018–2023.
95
550
Tuscany
Sangiovese
1,068
US
With its distinctive black label, this reserve is set apart from the winery's expanding lineup of Pinots. It shows more oak-derived flavors, along with ripe plum and cherry fruit. Streaks of espresso, vanilla and chocolate come through, suggesting it will only improve with a hearty decant or additional bottle age. Drink now through the mid-2020s.
94
100
Oregon
Pinot Noir
89,831
US
While dry and impeccably elegant, this buoyantly perfumed Riesling balances subtle notes of honeysuckle and bees wax against a backdrop of luscious, mango, pineapple and peach flavors. The palate is satisfying and supple yet balanced by a sheen of lemon-lime acidity. Finishes long with a savory flick of pollen.
92
19
New York
Riesling
70,340
Argentina
Earthy at best, weedy at worst, this smells like savory red plum. Chunky and syrupy on the palate, with a shot of high-toned acidity, this tastes like briny, pickled raspberry and it rings with acidity on the finish.
83
13
Mendoza Province
Red Blend
62,430
US
Rich aromas of baked black plum meet with hibiscus, mint and a perfume-like lavender oil on the nose of this blend of 41% Dolcetto, 33% Refosco and 26% Nebbiolo. It's very flavorful yet not heavy on the palate, with crushed blueberry, gravel and lilac flavors. The vibrant acidity will allow these elements to converge in years to come. Drink 2018–2028.
92
60
California
Red Blend
38,198
France
The top wine from Mailly, this is rich with a good balance between its fresh white fruits streaked with lemon and its tight texture. Together, these two aspects hold the wine poised and coiled, a tight wine that is now just at maturity. Drink now and until 2022.
94
130
Champagne
Champagne Blend
98,377
US
An amazing wine, possibly the winery's finest Sycamore ever. It's ripe and concentrated, in typical California Cabernet fashion. It dazzles with black currants, crème de cassis and chocolate, yet is firm and dry throughout. The tannin-acid balance is near perfect. Really impresses for sheer power and authority, and will age for a very long time. Best after 2018.
96
100
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
76,263
Italy
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this wine features aromas of violet, ripe red berries and coffee. The juicy, straightforward palate offers mature black cherry and blackberry layered with espresso notes. The wine has firm tannins, but since it reflects the warm vintage, it isn't an ager. Enjoy soon.
87
22
Tuscany
Sangiovese
29,775
Argentina
Jammy, ripe and loaded with inky, sweet black-fruit aromas, the bouquet on this modern Cab Franc draws you in. Once there, look for a big but balanced palate with blackberry, roasted notes, loam and chocolate flavors. The satisfying finish is pure and long, with toasty blackness.
92
110
Mendoza Province
Cabernet Franc
119,837
France
Ripe and full of fruit, this is developing into a black-currant-flavored wine with a good balance of tannins. It has a smoky background from wood aging, giving the wine extra complexity. Drink from 2019.
88
18
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
123,697
Italy
Made of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, this opulent wine evokes black currant, underbrush and vanilla on the nose. The concentrated palate delivers cassis, toast, tobacco and a black pepper note, while close-grained tannins leave an astringent finish. Drink 2018–2022.
90
90
Tuscany
Red Blend
47,090
France
This wine is soft, although with plenty of ripe fruit. It has a touch of spice and light acidity, showing the richness of the white-wine vintage. Drink now.
85
30
Bordeaux
Sauvignon Blanc
27,077
US
The flavors in this Zin are very lush and delicious, suggesting a mélange of crushed wild forest berries, freshly ground black peppercorn, mocha, anise and something animal, like sweet, soy-splashed grilled beef. The drawback is excessive softness, which may be related to high alcohol. The correct tannic structure isn't there.
85
34
California
Zinfandel
79,337
Italy
Aromas suggest grilled herb, leather, tilled earth and mature berry with a balsamic note. The palate offers crunchy red berry, menthol, sage and white pepper alongside round but not very persistent tannins.
89
35
Tuscany
Sangiovese
128,021
Italy
Earthy, floral and berry aromas lead into a palate that offers up creamy cherry, white pepper, licorice and tobacco along with supple tannins. This is already enjoyable so drink soon.
89
30
Piedmont
Nebbiolo
11,250
France
A softly textured wine, this has richness coming from black and red berry fruits. Wood and juiciness combine well in this attractive wine that will be ready to drink in a few months.
88
37
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
60,699
US
Subtle honeysuckle, orange and apricot aromas lead to nicely tangy fruit flavors, medium body and good crisp acidity. This is a well-balanced, vibrant and refreshing wine.
89
24
California
Viognier
112,992
US
This is the winery's first-ever release of a varietal Tempranillo, after using the grapes with Syrah for years in other bottlings.This wine has a softness around a touch of black pepper and dried herb that's inviting, if not a tad generic. The finish is round and lean.
86
49
California
Tempranillo
22,307
Spain
Aromas of graham cracker, vanilla and berry fruits are inviting but lack depth. In the mouth, this is grabby, with abrasive but tolerable tannins. Flavors of oaky, toasty berry fruits are chocolaty and finish with hints of tobacco and vanilla along with more tannic bite. Drink 2018–2030.
90
30
Northern Spain
Tempranillo Blend
58,443
France
Ripe and fruity, this has a rich texture that comes both from the generous white fruits and from the cut of lemon acidity. A mineral-textured wine, it's crisp now and will likely round out to bring out the ripeness. Drink from 2019.
91
90
Burgundy
Chardonnay
58,521
France
This four-acre, east-facing slope has produced a rich, ripely maturing wine, with rounded red fruits layered with acidity. It's a generous wine, full in the mouth. The aftertaste continues the juicy, fruity theme, firmly sustained by the tannins.
92
43
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
101,987
US
Acidic, chalky and sharp upon entry, this wine's light berry flavors quickly give way to those tart acids. Though the fruit shows some concentration, it's a one-dimensional effort that has not completely knit together.
85
30
Washington
Grenache
65,069
US
This medium-bodied wine is like a liquid fruit bowl, pouring out apple, melon, peach and banana flavors that taste almost sweet. It has a broad mouthfilling texture, a rather soft balance and a lingering fruity finish.
86
24
California
White Blend
34,209
US
Herbal and tart, this has light red fruits and subtle suggestions of chocolate, hazelnut and almond paste. It was aged in half-neutral, half-new French oak.
86
25
Oregon
Pinot Noir
34,417
US
Deeply colored, this bottling shows ripe blackberry pie with caramel, crushed graphite and a touch of mint on the nose. The tannins are soft but provide just enough structure to deliver lavish flavors of black cherry, beef char and cedar.
89
40
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
31,648
Argentina
Stalky, leathery aromas suggest cooked fruit rater than freshness. This is normal in feel, while the flavor profile settles on rubbery, roasted, stalky berry fruits. Mild bitterness combines with earthiness on the finish.
85
12
Mendoza Province
Malbec
55,655
US
Bright and plump fruits of black plum and boysenberry are drizzled with tar and dusted with savory peppercorns on the nose of this bottling, which also has a gamy hint of roast lamb. The palate is a tad thin but full of flavor, with boysenberry, lavender and thyme flavors.
88
25
California
Syrah
22,122
US
A fresh and textural wine, this puts a spicy spin on citrus rind, peach and apricot flavors. There's an intriguing hint of white pepper as well, and an overall sensation of density, intensity and exceptional length.
91
11
Washington
Riesling
38,116
Germany
Whiffs of smoke dissipate with aeration on this delicately off-dry Riesling, revealing a lush wine, with yellow peach and nectarine flavors. Roundness on the midpalate is tightened by a shock of citrusy acidity that lingers long on the finish.
90
17
Mosel
Riesling
14,719
US
Simple, sweet and rustic. Shows candied flavors of cherries, with hard, drying tannins. The blend is Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Syrah.
82
30
California
Red Blend
98,598
US
Though tart and chalky, this has interesting notes of rose petals and saddle leather, with light berry fruit. It does show varietal specificity, but the wine fades quickly and lacks concentration.
86
28
Oregon
Sangiovese
113,412
France
With just that extra bottle age, the wine shows ripe quince and apricot flavors, with a suggestion of artichoke and a rounded texture. Soft and open, this is ready to drink.
87
40
Burgundy
Chardonnay
122,800
France
With wood-based aromas, this is currently a closed, taut wine. It has green fruits and minerality; it's nervy and under tension. The acidity is crisp while very light in character. This is for aging.
93
40
Burgundy
Chardonnay
67,695
US
Jammy aromas, tangy raspberry and blackberry flavors and a firm vein of tannin make this medium-bodied wine easy to enjoy and firm enough to pair with big proteins.
85
30
California
Red Blend
124,918
France
The characteristic 2014 acidity makes a lovely lemony splash in the center of this dry, refreshing wine. Lemon freshness rises from the glass, offering lots of verve and a lip-smacking finish.
89
26
Alsace
Riesling
102,509
US
The Sonoma winery heads south to source fruit from this vineyard jointly owned by the Pisoni and Franscioni families. The nose offers cherry pastry, black olive, sandalwood and graphite, and the palate presents flavors of pomegranate seeds and cranberry-orange juice across finely grained tannins.
89
46
California
Pinot Noir
58,471
France
Blossom and citrus inform the nose—white jasmine hovers alongside grapefruit and orange. The palate is juicy and full of bouncy easy fruit on a fluid dryish body. Bright lemon freshness makes the fruit flavors even more vivid. The balance between fruit and freshness gives this tension and makes it very moreish. The finish is clean and orange scented.
92
35
Alsace
Riesling
13,301
Italy
A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, this opens with aromas of red currant, cedar and exotic spice. The medium-bodied palate delivers black cherry, peppermint, black pepper and grilled herb alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
90
27
Tuscany
Red Blend
125,345
US
Bright aromas of peach, lime leaf, jasmine and flowers lead to off-dry mandarin orange and floral flavors. It provides a lot of appeal, though the concentration at times doesn't seem all there.
88
22
Washington
Riesling
66,765
US
Petite Sirah and Syrah are included in this intensely fruity wine, aged for one year in French and American oak, 25% of it new. Aromas and flavors of barbecue smoke provide a hint of char, offset by the background sweetness of vanilla.
85
27
California
Zinfandel
92,988
France
In the village of Soussans, and in the north of the Margaux appellation, this estate has a fine reputation for its wines. This vintage, with its great balance between fruit and tannins, shows why. It is a ripe wine full of black fruit and with the bright acidity of the vintage. Drink the wine from 2021.
93
21
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
119,544
Australia
A reliable offering over the past few vintages, this is a medium- to full-bodied Cabernet brimming with cedar, plum and mocha. It's muscular enough to pair with steak, or to cellar for a couple of years.
90
15
South Australia
Cabernet Sauvignon
111,986
Italy
Full-bodied and firmly structured, this offers aromas of dark cherry, mocha, blue flower and a whiff of exotic spice. The concentrated palate doles out black cherry, raspberry jam, raisin, chocolate and baking spice alongside velvety tannins. Drink 2017–2023.
93
85
Veneto
Red Blend
95,538
US
Combining 76% Pinot Noir and 24% Chardonnay, this wine has a depth of richness and focused, supportive acidity that work well to complement each other. Stone fruit, vanilla biscuit, cherry kirsch and green apple are all within the spectrum of flavors here, finishing with grace and a hint of spice.
95
44
California
Sparkling Blend
27,892
US
Black and thick, this Petite Sirah delivers on all the variety's attributes in warm-climate California. It's blisteringly gregarious yet rounded, with smoky dark-fruit flavors that are initially hard to capture and tannins that verge on puckering. But time rewards—this wine hits its stride after being allowed to open and swirled around a few times. Enjoy it with a rich risotto or rack of ribs.
89
38
California
Petite Sirah
84,351
France
Spicy from the wood aging, this wine is rich, fruity and ready to drink. It has red fruit and acidity along with a smooth texture that gives it an attractive and ripe aftertaste.
86
15
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
124,498
France
Ripe and juicy, this dense wine offers red-fruit flavors shot through with acidity. The old vines give depth to the rich wine that finishes with layers of bright fruit. Drink from 2018.
90
55
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
23,142
Italy
This vibrant red opens with aromas of ground pepper, dark-skinned fruit and blue flower. The tight palate delivers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and aromatic herb along a backbone of firmly packed, polished tannins and bright acidity. It's still young and needs to unwind. Drink 2017–2022.
90
40
Piedmont
Nebbiolo
23,139
Argentina
Rich, heady aromas of black fruits, oaky char and caramel are lusty and modern. In the mouth, this shows a bolt of acidity that creates energy but also strains the wine's balance. Baked blackberry, chocolate, pepper and vanilla flavors finish long, ripe and oaky, with length derived from lasting acidity. Drink through 2021.
90
34
Mendoza Province
Malbec
24,814
US
Young Pinot Noir can sometimes dazzle you with juicy expressive downright sensational fruit, as this does. Though tasted prior to its official release, the wine drinks beautifully, offering a big hit of citrus flesh and rind along with lovely raspberry and blueberry fruit. It's forward, fresh, balanced tightly against its lush acidity, and is already just about irresistible.
93
50
Oregon
Pinot Noir
3,177
France
Orange and mandarin flavors mark this warm, full-bodied wine. It's forward and fruity, showing a sweeter character, with vanilla and spice tones. Drink soon.
86
35
Alsace
Riesling
106,073
US
There are lots of lusty flavors of briary wild berries, currants, sweet cured tobacco and peppery spices in this dry Zinfandel. It has smooth tannins and brisk acidity; by itself, it's rustic, but richly sauced meats should help tame it.
85
20
California
Zinfandel
106,769
Italy
Crushed mint, red berry and menthol aromas mix with an unusual scent suggesting paraffin. The aromas carry over to the straightforward linear palate together with sour cherry, thyme and clove alongside. Firm tannins and fresh acidity provide support.
88
30
Piedmont
Nebbiolo
103,224
Italy
Made entirely with Sangiovese, this opens with delicate aromas of violet and baking spice. The simple easy-drinking palate offers wild cherry and chopped herb alongside round tannins. Enjoy soon.
86
11
Tuscany
Red Blend
122,767
France
This soft, fruity, light wine has great white fruits and a cut of attractive acidity. It's crisp, spiced with nutmeg and given freshness by the sliced green apple.
85
19
Alsace
Pinot Gris
4,936
US
Defines a certain style of Paso Robles red wine, soft in structure, with easy, gentle tannins and ripe, pronounced fruit that's almost candied in sweetness. But in this case, the blackberry and cherry flavors are totally dry.
86
20
California
Syrah
91,063
US
Soft and melted, this Cab has pastry-filling flavors of blackberries, cherries, chocolate and anise. It's a bit on the sweet side, and could use greater tannin and acid structure.
84
32
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
3,578
US
This well-made blend aged in 20% new French oak showcases red fruit, with cracker, coffee and earth suggestions. A hint of alcoholic heat comes through on the finish.
89
33
Oregon
Pinot Noir
76,391
US
Details of tea leaf, peach skin and pear introduce a wine with tremendous texture and length. The off-dry sweetness is counterbalanced by tart acidity, creating perfect tension and continuing into a lingering, satisfying finish. As with all these young wines, this will improve dramatically with ample aeration.
95
28
Oregon
Riesling
108,321
US
A perfect shade of medium pink, this is a standard, down-the-middle rose. Lemon, watermelon and fresh-cut cherry-tomato notes play on the nose, while the palate packs raspberry and Key-lime flavors.
87
17
California
Pinot Noir
106,366
Italy
Jammy, mature notes of dark cherry and blackberry preserves open the nose of this richly opulent Brunello. Background tones include polished mineral and sweet Christmas spice with lingering accents of black pepper and crushed clove.
90
67
Tuscany
Sangiovese Grosso
33,347
US
Sharp and gritty in the mouth, with cutting acidity. Despite nice cherry, spice and sandalwood flavors, the texture is too peppery tart.
84
28
California
Pinot Noir
24,924
Italy
Livio Felluga produces one of Italy's best Pinot Grigios and this terrific vintage is no exception. The wine has a slight copper hue to its color and delivers a full, creamy style with an emphasis on soft peach and honey.
89
23
Northeastern Italy
Pinot Grigio
39,515
US
A savory sparkling wine, rich in raspberry, lime and vanilla flavors. Mainly Pinot Noir, with some Chardonnay, it's full bodied and somewhat sweet.
87
34
California
Sparkling Blend
16,716
US
Dry, elegant and nicely reserved, this light-bodied wine is refreshing and intriguing. Subtlety works its magic in the bosc pear aromas and white peach flavors, and the crisp texture whets the appetite.
90
26
California
White Blend
18,239
France
This balanced wine shows fine potential. Its structure dominates at the moment, with solid tannins, but the rich black fruit is all there. Let it develop over the next several years and drink from 2021.
92
30
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
1,643
US
A light earthy, toasted aroma and mostly savory rather than outright fruity flavors mark this medium-bodied, dry wine. The texture is smooth and rich enough to complete a good picture.
85
11
California
Chardonnay
109,307
Italy
This barrique-aged Chianti Classico shows cherry and espresso aromas. It has very ripe cherry and raspberry flavors that are just shy of overripe, along with vanilla and coffee notes. You'll also find drying wood tannins that cut the palate short. David Bowler Wines, Lemma Wine Company.
86
32
Tuscany
Sangiovese
33,737
Italy
Made in a familiar style for those who enjoy easy and fresh Pinot Grigio, Borgo Crosaris is appropriate for informal summer lunches on the patio. Citrus, peach and cut grass are the most obvious aromatic elements.
86
16
Northeastern Italy
Pinot Grigio
63,229
US
With its big, hard tannins, this is one for the cellar. There's a certain austerity that suggests the rocky soils of this mountain vineyard. But the fruit, packed into a dense core, is ripe and suggestive of blackberry and cherries. The youthful brawniness softens after some time in the glass or decanter, but you're best off aging it until 2019 or so.
93
67
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
84,822
US
There's a rugged earthiness and delicious meaty character to this fantastic bottling, which shows dried cranberries, dried olallieberry, smoked pork and hummingbird sage on the brawny nose. A similar power infects the palate, where red and black cherry meet with plum, mulberry, cola, shaved chocolate and a deepening sage character, finishing on crushed mint.
95
40
California
Pinot Noir
57,402
US
The nose is dominated by spices and herbs, a whiff of violets, fennel and white chocolate. Complex and intriguing, it leads into fruit flavors of plum and cherry, with a hint of alcoholic heat. The wine improved substantially after being open for several hours.
88
27
Washington
Grenache
99,213
US
Just one barrel of this bottling was produced, but it falls short of the other Dundee Hills cuvées this vintage. It starts out thin, with dilute fruit, cola and mineral notes. With hours of breathing time, it begins to fill out in the middle, so aggressive decanting is recommended.
88
45
Oregon
Pinot Noir
89,287
France
A solid wine, showing some generosity and richness, the fruits displaying a fine balance between sweetness, dry tannins and bright acidity. It has some of the sensuous character of good Volnay, opening into ripeness. Worth aging for several years, but already offering considerable pleasure.
92
89
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
120,213
US
This is definitely a light vintage for this vineyard-designate. It deftly mixes cranberry and raspberry fruit with hints of wet stone. Proportionate, drying tannins line the finish.
90
60
Oregon
Pinot Noir
128,858
US
Round and fruity with fully ripe, even sweet flavors of pear and honeydew melon. It's a little yeasty also, with a somewhat beery finish. But overall it's a fine bottle for simple sipping.
86
16
Oregon
Pinot Gris
98,285
US
A woody, toasted note speaks to well-integrated yet present oak in this white that maintains medium-bodied texture on the palate. Bright, lemony acidity complements the creaminess, dashing in wet stone and undeniable floral notes of apple and orange blossom.
91
24
California
Sauvignon Blanc
43,323
Italy
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah and other grapes, this features aromas of bright berry, spice and violet. The vibrant, easy-drinking palate offers black cherry, red currant and black pepper alongside supple tannins and fresh acidity.
87
17
Tuscany
Red Blend
37,507
France
From the famous Chablis Grand Cru, this wine lives up to the vineyard's reputation. Steely in character, packed with a firm structure and tightly textured, it shows a citrus side that will be refreshing and attractive as the wine ages. But it does need time, so wait to enjoy until 2017.
93
80
Burgundy
Chardonnay
15,139
Germany
This is a remarkably well-priced yet classic Mosel-style beerenauslese. It's deeply concentrated with unctuous honey and peach flavors, dusted with a veil of pollen and crushed minerals. It's effortlessly spry yet electric on the palate, with a high-toned lemon-lime finish.
93
56
Mosel
Riesling
16,545
Italy
Terra di Siena is an easygoing Tuscan red that begs for a pairing with cheesy pasta or risotto. The fat element in those foods would be balanced by the wine's fresh acidity and easy berry flavors.
84
12
Tuscany
Sangiovese
7,127
US
Lemon custard, ripe Gala apples and a seemingly sweet candy element show on the nose of this wine from a family-owned producer. Bright energy and ripe apple characterize the palate, along with green pear skins and stonefruit.
87
26
California
Sauvignon Blanc
46,682
US
Alluring aromas of moist earth, cassis bud, olive, nori, pipe tobacco, charcoal, funk and mineral give way to lithe fruit and savory flavors with an ultra soft feel. The texture is absolutely dazzling.
93
95
Oregon
Tempranillo
127,343
US
Cherry-raspberry notes show on the nose of this appellation blend from a Paso producer, along with eucalyptus and cedar. The palate is straightforward, with cranberry, raspberry, pencil lead and a bit of tar.
88
26
California
Pinot Noir
55,141
Spain
Apple, vanilla and a hint of sulfur is what you'll find on the nose of this consistently solid value-priced Cava. A slightly soft body and flavors of green herbs, melon and white pepper finish well.
87
10
Catalonia
Sparkling Blend
44,787
US
Baked red cherry, vanilla dust and a slight edge of bay leaf show on this well-rounded estate bottling from the pioneering brand. Ripe raspberry and pomegranate meet with sagebrush, anise and more bay leaf on the sip.
92
42
California
Pinot Noir
84,201
US
Rich, ripe and flavorful, this mountain Barbera will age for a long time. That's a simple function of its balance. It's very tannic, high in acidity, and those blackberry and cherry flavors are just waiting to star. Nice now if you need a big, tight young red wine, but should hold for a decade.
88
20
California
Barbera
105,764
France
This shows the richness of the vintage in its ripe red fruits. It has weight as well as tannins, with a solid, firmly structured base of red plum fruit.
89
68
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
73,837
France
Still young, this wine is showing intense herbaceous characteristics that need to soften. Plenty of fruit between the texture needs to fill out. Hints of apples, pears and quince are all there. Drink from 2016.
87
20
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style White Blend
39,172
US
Fleshy and floral, this is a delightfully light, dry and tropical wine, with primary characteristics of apple and lime. Refreshing, it'll serve well as a versatile companion on the table or as as worthy apéritif, finishing in grassy fig and pear.
88
26
California
Pinot Grigio
5,192
France
A full, fruity wine, it is ripe and finely textured. It also has a good chalky, mineral character, rich apple and grapefruit flavors and tight, dense acidity. It should be aged until 2015.
90
25
Loire Valley
Sauvignon Blanc
58,622
France
The richness of the fruit from Caillerets is so evident in this scrumptious wine. With its big, bold black fruits, it has sweetness, a soft, generous texture and evocative perfumes. It is so delicious and ready to drink now, that even the acidity that shows through has a hard time reminding us that this wine should age as well.
93
85
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
102,273
US
Though labeled as a red wine, this could just as easily be labeled as Cabernet at 91%, and it drinks like one. Spice, herb, coffee and black-cherry aromas are followed by plump fruit flavors that show purity and depth, trailing ever so slightly toward the finish.
90
25
Washington
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
94,567
Argentina
An earthy heavily oaked nose includes jammy notes of spiced black plum. A thick beefy chewy palate delivers savory herbal black-fruit flavors. A blocky finish is tannic, and overall the sum is about equal to its parts. Drink through 2021.
90
25
Mendoza Province
Malbec
123,200
US
A strong, oaky Chardonnay. Lacks subtlety and interest, but if you're looking for sheer power, it's for you. Shows pineapple jam, buttered toast and caramel flavors.
86
45
California
Chardonnay
59,293
US
Tiers of blackberry jam, plum, milk chocolate, anise and smoky cedar flavors mark this layered Cabernet. It shows the thrilling balance of the vineyard, with ripe fruit in tension with minerals, brisk acidity and wonderful mountain tannins. A splash of Merlot and Cabernet Franc add soft, cherried relief to Cabernet's hardness. Drink this wine now and over the next 15 years, as it gradually sheds its fruit.
94
90
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
85,608
US
Hints of dusty mineral and blossom accent this crisp grapefruit-scented Riesling. While dry in style, it's exceptionally light in body. The finish is brisk, touched with hints of earth and lime.
88
17
New York
Riesling