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13,843
Italy
Funky aromas of scorched earth, overripe plum, game and a whiff of barnyard lead the nose. The palate has a raw quality, showing unripe red berry, leather, cured meat and a hint of chewing tobacco. Overall, this is rustic and lacks fruit richness.
86
90
Piedmont
Nebbiolo
100,205
France
In its gold bottle signed by designer Adriana Karembeu, this bottling delivers bling as well as wine. The wine inside justifies the hype—a delicious apple flavor dominating along with acidity. The brand is getting drier each year with a crisp style that has a mineral edge as well as tangy orange flavors. Drink this attractive Champagne now.
92
80
Champagne
Champagne Blend
104,792
US
It's rustic, but there's something balanced and enjoyable in this wine. Combines blackberry and olive notes with some green, stalky flavors that add interest. It's absolutely dry, not just in the official sense, but in the mouth, with a dusting of tannins. Best Buy.
87
10
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
92,650
US
Bright lemon cream flavors follow buttery aromas in this bold, expressive wine. It's showy yet maintains good acidity, its fresh apple notes balancing the butter, vanilla and cream sweetness.
88
14
California
Chardonnay
49,623
US
Dry and crisp in acidity, but a little tired, even though it's less than three years of age. Shows dried fruit and tobacco flavors that are turning mushroomy.
82
22
California
Chardonnay
38,039
Argentina
Big, bold blackberry and mulled-plum aromas are ripe, briary and turn more raisiny the longer this wine sits. Raw, tart acidity and firm tannins offer structure. This wine has a palate of prune and stewed meat, with a rich yet rugged feel. Drink through 2021.
90
75
Mendoza Province
Cabernet Franc
36,354
France
Rhône-based négociant Jean-Luc Colombo has crafted this fleshy, ripe and round rosé from a blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Mourvèdre and 20% Counoise. It's got plenty of cherry fruit, but that's balanced by hints of minerality and a touch of fresh lime on the finish.
88
13
Provence
Rosé
109,631
Spain
Briney and cidery smelling, with a heavy, disjointed, cloying palate. Herbal and grassy on the finish, with a sweet, green aftertaste offset by some bitterness. Verdejo is the grape, and that's not common.
82
11
Northern Spain
Sparkling Blend
61,677
Italy
Aromas of tropical fruit and citrus blossom lead the nose on this rich sparkler. The round, rather sweet palate doles out banana, green apple, yellow peach and apricot alongside a foaming mousse. Less sweet than a dessert wine, it would pair nicely with vanilla ice cream or cream-filled pastries.
87
22
Veneto
Glera
17,757
US
Coming from a warm vintage in a hot region, this wine brings light aromas of mineral and red and black fruit along with a barrel-spice top note. The black-cherry flavors are lush, full and palate coating, supported by firm tannins. It's high on the delicious scale.
92
40
Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon
37,468
France
A light, fruity and fresh wine, it shows attractive black currant fruits. With just a touch of Cabernet Franc to give perfume, it is well balanced with tannins underlying the juicy fruit and acidity. Drink from 2016.
86
33
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
71,694
Italy
Made from Sangiovese, with 5% Merlot and 5% Canaiolo and Mammolo, this features aromas that recall forest floor, wet leaves and baking spices. The forward palate offers vanilla, plum cake and baking spices but the fruit richness is starting to dry up. Enjoy soon.
86
25
Tuscany
Red Blend
96,552
France
With its rich texture from aging on the lees, this is a Sauvignon Blanc that goes more to the tropical and pineapple fruit direction. It has refreshing acidity along with weight and concentration. The lemon acidity kicks in in the aftertaste.
87
19
Bordeaux
Sauvignon Blanc
67,103
US
The wine is a beauty. Dry, silky and pure in red cherry, raspberry, red currant and cola flavors, it was aged 16 months in 100% new French oak barrels, which give an appropriate measure of smoky caramel. With a sturdy acid-tannin structure, this supple Pinot classically exhibits the best of Anderson Valley terroir. Drink this in its flashy youth, over the next five years.
94
70
California
Pinot Noir
118,068
US
This reserve tastes oakier and stronger than Jarvis's regular 2006 Cabernet. With near-perfect balance, this is awesome. Flavors of blackberries and black currants are complexed with minerals and herbs and indefinable things from the soil. It's hard in tannins and rich in spicy, smoky new oak. Hold until at least 2014, and it should continue to age well beyond that.
96
245
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
103,354
US
This opens with cherry cordial, cranberry, herb and barrel spice aromas that seem a bit off. The palate is marked by sweet cherry and cranberry flavors that trail off quickly on the finish.
87
35
Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon
50,209
US
This has a candied cherry color, vivid strawberry and cotton candy aromas, and on first sip a freshness that's almost startling. On second sip it's more like a light red wine, delicate, medium-bodied, very fruity but easy on the palate.
87
17
California
Rosé
80,058
US
There's a delicacy to this Pinot that makes it a welcome alternative to the big, clumsy style. The color is translucent, and the alcohol is relatively low, giving it a nice, bouncy mouthfeel. The depth of flavor is impressive, suggesting ripe forest raspberries and cherries, and a hint of mushrooms. It would be a pity to drink this wine before 2017.
93
75
California
Pinot Noir
35,502
France
Tight and sharp, this is an herbaceous wine with a strongly citrus character. The aftertaste has some spice.
82
28
Bordeaux
Sparkling Blend
38,565
US
This is the first Chardonnay for Daedalus Cellars. Flavors are rich and full-bodied, with candied orange peel, sweet citrus and vanilla most noticeable among them. Left on the lees for almost 18 months, this is wide open and ready to drink.
87
25
Oregon
Chardonnay
65,392
Spain
Comes on solid and strong with smoky aromas of black fruit, coconut and shoe polish. Stout and layered in the mouth, with full tannins and a nice mix of bold berry flavors, tobacco, herbs, spice and lemony oak. Tastes similar on the finish, with tobacco and spice lasting the longest. Complex and healthy; drink now through 2018.
91
28
Northern Spain
Tempranillo
11,197
France
This is the big one, one of the most treasured white wine vineyards in the world. And the wine is magnificent, balanced with restrained power and style. Yellow fruits are shot through with acidity that conveys a nervy texture and an intense, concentrated character. This needs many years; don't drink before 2020.
95
520
Burgundy
Chardonnay
39,227
France
Made by Jean-René Matignon, technical director of Château Pichon Baron in Pauillac, the wine is finely structured, showing polished wood aging. The velvet black fruits and fine acidity are already well integrated. Drink from 2018.
89
15
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
39,644
Italy
Inspired by the Bordeaux tradition and made from a blend of Cabs Sauvignon and Franc, Burdese is a rich and perfumed wine with penetrating notes of blackberry, currants, tobacco and exotic spice. It is full bodied and concentrated without being overextracted thanks to its vibrant red fruit flavors, silky tannins and long finish.
92
39
Sicily & Sardinia
Red Blend
32,777
France
A lean wine, hard-edged and with austere tannins. It has some berry fruits that are submerged by the tense tannins and acidity. At the end, smoky wood aging flavors dominate.
84
41
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
128,701
US
Sharp, spicy, tight, and focused, this is one of the best of the numbered Cabs from Dunham in the past few years. It's sleek, polished and sappy, with perfect balance, and a riveting depth of black raspberry, black cherry and cassis fruit. The tannins are soft and polished, hinting at black tea and coffee grounds.
93
45
Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon
24,161
US
This wine is a blend of Primitivo (46%), Petite Sirah (29%) and Zinfandel. Aromas of huckleberry, raspberry, herb and spice lead to sweet blue-fruit flavors that provide enjoyment.
87
25
Washington
Red Blend
41,511
Italy
This opens with sun-baked soil, mocha, prune and leafy underbrush aromas. The densely concentrated palate offers black cherry jam, espresso and vanilla flavors, with scorching alcohol and assertive tannins that leave an astringent finish.
87
50
Tuscany
Sangiovese
44,245
US
Another terrific offering from Shafer, this is a wine that seems to do well regardless of the vintage. It always shows a firm minerality and slight herbaceousness, with tropical fruit flavors and a smoky coating of fine oak. It's a shade less opulent than the 2009, making this very elegant and refined, yet still rich and complex. Don't drink it too cold—airing brings out subtle nuances.
93
48
California
Chardonnay
53,497
US
Wines like this make a strong argument for the future of Pinot Noir grown in this region. The blend includes 10 percent Pinot Meunier, which pumps up the color. It’s a spicy, plummy wonder that’s soft and ready to drink. It tastes of spiced apples and cinnamon, with a hint of violets in the smooth finish.
91
18
California
Pinot Noir
94,157
US
This upper-end bottling from the metalworks-minded winery shows black plum, black loam and charred pasilla chile on the nose. The palate is soft and lush, with a proper tannic presentation for the grape, showing more black cherry and a pinch of dill flavors.
93
60
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
105,246
US
As sure-fire as the sunrise, Ponzi's Pinot Noir Rosé is always a class act. The floral, strawberry and peppercorn aromas set your mouth watering before the first sip. There's sufficient acidity to take a bit of a chill-down in stride, and the finish, though bone dry, has ample fruit sweetness to round out the mouthfeel.
90
20
Oregon
Rosé
115,885
US
Blended with 4% Viognier and 1% Grenache, this fragrant offering displays aromas of fresh flowers, herbs, green olive, huckleberry and smoked meat. The palate is ripe and fruit forward, a bit balled up in the middle right now but showing a pleasing sense of purity with length to match. Give it time to come into its own.
91
35
Washington
Syrah
41,712
US
This is the first Dineen designate from :Nota Bene, and it's worth chasing down. Focused dark purple and black fruits line up—cherry, plum and cassis—with a rich layer of espresso and a lick of graphite following. The 22 months in barrel brings an interesting hint of caramel to a nicely balanced finish.
91
35
Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon
233
US
There is an odd, piercing edge to the aromas, a mix of acetic acid and pungent herb, with a hint of diesel. Somehow it's not off-putting, just atypical. The light, tart fruit is a mix of rhubarb and cranberry, very earthy and tasting of dirt and bark in the finish. This could be quite pleasant with a hearty, rustic dish such as beef Bourgogne.
85
28
Oregon
Pinot Noir
50,531
Italy
A blend of 70% Nero d'Avola and 30% Frappato, this elegant wine opens with aromas of dark cherry, strawberry, blue flower and spice. The juicy fruit carries over to the soft, supple palate together with notes of toast and espresso. Drink through 2017.
89
32
Sicily & Sardinia
Red Blend
8,032
US
Like the label says, this Pinot Noir-based blend of multiple varieties is sugary sweet, with raspberry, vanilla and toast flavors. It's a refreshing and easy to drink.
86
14
California
Sparkling Blend
38,376
Spain
This Tempranillo's red berry jam and oak aromas lean savory and saucy. On the palate, lip-smacking, tomato-like acidity sends a jolt through plum, currant and oak spice flavors, the oak lingering on the finish. Drink over the next 15 years.
90
100
Northern Spain
Tempranillo
78,167
France
While this is obviously Sauvignon Blanc, it also has some rich creaminess that makes it more rounded and rich. The citrus and crisp apple flavors are well-integrated into this ripe wine.
87
16
Bordeaux
Sauvignon Blanc
81,106
US
All of the charms of this Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel blend are on the surface, but what a pretty surface it is. Polished raspberry and cherry fruit, bacon, cream and a splendid array of flashy spices characterize the flavors.
87
20
California
Red Blend
4,419
US
This wine's aromas suggest woodspice, herb, parsley, cherry and smoke. Its cherry and coffee flavors are light in style and cut short on the finish.
89
40
Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon
25,534
US
Fans of sharply scented Sauvignon Blancs will be happy with this bottling, which features a strong nose of green pear skin and freshly cut lawn. It is fairly flat upon sipping, though, with a bit of Granny Smith apple tang and faint lemongrass.
85
22
California
Sauvignon Blanc
28,238
US
This vital, athletic wine is tempting now but will be best to drink after 2018. It has a dark color with a red-brick rim and opulent fruit aromas. Tangy, mouth-filling cherry and raspberry flavors come with a vibrant, tannic, lively texture. It's a bit tight to enjoy now, but will mellow and mature in the cellar.
93
55
California
Pinot Noir
71,353
France
Bright and perfumed while also rich, this is a full-bodied wine. It has spice and pepper that come from its alcohol although everything is kept fresh by the red-currant fruitiness. Drink now.
88
30
Provence
Rosé
71,043
Italy
Spice, cherry and chewy blueberry characterize this youthful Syrah from Sicily. This is a generous and proud value wine that delivers aromas of white pepper, plum, dark fruit and hickory smoke. It offers an easy, pleasurable drinking experience that won't hit your wallet.
86
10
Sicily & Sardinia
Syrah
21,667
US
Bonterra continues to make great wines at affordable prices, all from organically grown grapes. With blueberry pie and clove predominating, the wine is tannic, super-structured, with a spicy finish. A good deal for sure.
88
16
California
Zinfandel
127,244
Spain
Grassy lemon-lime aromas are alert and bright. A fresh, fruity palate is home to mild apple, pear and lees flavors. On the finish, this Cava is lasting, steady and ordinary in a welcome, textbook way.
87
10
Catalonia
Sparkling Blend
87,500
US
Here's a big, tannic Cabernet, stuffed with black currants, olives and cassis, with a lot of sweet oak. It's bone dry and elegant, and while it's not a cellar candidate, it does show fine character for drinking now.
87
28
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
89,709
US
There is much buzz about this new Steve and Chrystal Clifton (of Palmina and Brewer-Clifton) project that finds inspiration for wine from music. This orange-mauve-pink rosé is redolent with the familiar Pinot components of cherry, sagebrush and clove. On the palate, iron, graphite and wild herbs spice up the pomegranate fruit. It's very varietally pure.
90
30
California
Pinot Noir
100,697
France
Plenty of toastiness in this ripe wine gives an extra element of acidity that needs to be tamed. At the same time, it has good white- and citrus-fruit flavors. Drink this attractive wine from 2017.
89
30
Burgundy
Chardonnay
69,788
Spain
Grapefruit and other citrus aromas are zesty but standard. That's also how the palate comes across: citric and juicy, but average. Flavors of orange and tangerine finish fresh but continue the one-note theme.
86
20
Northern Spain
White Blend
105,107
US
It's hard to ignore the high alcohol listing, but the wine is so well balanced and cohesive that few would even notice. It's aromatic with notes of dried and fresh cranberries and raspberries. The palate is full bodied and rich with concentrated, pure fruit flavors.
91
29
Washington
Zinfandel
43,115
US
This a single-vineyard wine is dry and high in acidity, with cherry, tobacco and tar flavors, and has a rustic mouthfeel. Think of it as American Chianti, and drink with roasted meats and hearty pasta dishes.
86
20
California
Sangiovese
127,258
Italy
This brawny blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot offers subdued aromas of raisin, black currant, bell pepper and a whiff of menthol. The evolved palate offers toast, coffee and hints of dried black fruit alongside the warmth of evident alcohol.
87
35
Tuscany
Red Blend
36,231
Spain
Stocky plum and smashed-berry aromas offer notes of garrigue and wild animal. As for mouthfeel, this Syrah is layered, chewy and pulpy, with power in reserve. Deep berry and cassis flavors are darkened by toast and spice notes, while the finish is long, spicy and only builds in fruit. Drink through 2022.
92
80
Catalonia
Red Blend
88,292
US
A dark and smoky wine, with that charred, smoky note most evident in the nose. Streaks of vanilla and black tea run through the core flavors. Substantial, perhaps enough to match to a thick steak.
86
45
Oregon
Pinot Noir
110,522
US
Big oak surrounds soft layers of earthy mushroom, clove and tobacco, the wine powerfully built and full-bodied in ripeness. Black pepper and a green note of cedar dot the finish.
90
100
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
79,149
US
The aromas are almost completely shut down, with light notes of corn on the cob and peach. The flavors are lightly concentrated, making it a strain to hear what they have to say.
85
25
Washington
Chardonnay
78,512
US
Warm notes of toasted brioche and smoked nuts accent high-toned lemon and apple tones in this brisk, boldly petillant blanc de blancs. The palate is bright with lemony acidity, and sweet biscuit notes by linger on the finish.
89
42
New York
Chardonnay
15,824
France
Spicy wood thrusts this wine forward. It does have enough weight of blackberry fruit to compensate.
85
12
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
119,304
Italy
This is a bright, textbook Pinot Grigio that shows the very best of easy-drinking Italian white wine. Light fragrances of sweet nectarine and honey are followed by a palate with medium structure and crisp acidity.
87
15
Veneto
Pinot Grigio
111,157
US
Quite a distinguished Cabernet. Shows its pedigree in ultra-refined tannins and an overall mouthfeel of lushness and finesse. Flavor-wise, it's all black currants, blueberries and sweet, smoky oak. Thirty-five dollars isn't cheap, but this is as good as it gets in this price bracket.
94
35
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
23,215
Italy
Made entirely with Sangiovese, this offers aromas of truffle, underbrush, dark berry and fragrant purple flower. The bright, juicy palate doles out succulent Marasca cherry, black raspberry, clove and a hint of game while supple tannins provide balance and lithe support. It's not loaded with complexity but it is delicious. Enjoy through 2018.
90
28
Tuscany
Sangiovese
101,019
France
An earthy tasting wine, this has tannins and hints of soft, perfumed red fruits. Acidity gives the wine freshness although the dry, rustic character is off-putting.
83
26
Loire Valley
Pinot Noir
73,750
US
Unapologetically sweet and luxuriously fruity, this wine is like a blackberry pie in a glass. It will be just the thing to serve as dessert, or to warm up a cold evening. It's full bodied, very thick and smooth in texture, and has a lingering finish like that of a Port.
89
25
California
Zinfandel
67,372
France
This is an interesting bottling that opened up considerably while tasting. The nose displays biscuit, grape and lime notes, and there’s plenty of green apple and sweet-tart citrus in the mouth. It has a nice texture on the palate and closes with a grapefruit tang and chalky notes.
90
26
Champagne
Champagne Blend
15,798
Portugal
Long wood aging and a selection of grapes from old vines have produced this firmly structured and concentrated wine. It is full of black plum-jelly flavors shot through with acidity. A solid, dry core promises even further aging. At the end, acidity gives a juicy, delicious aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
94
45
Douro
Portuguese Red
111,867
US
A lusty, soft Syrah, packed with flavor, for drinking now with rich meats and stews. Dry and tannic, it bursts with blackberries, black currants, cocoa and pepper, with an edge of green mint.
86
25
California
Syrah
105,955
Italy
The ninth edition of Contadino (the fruit is from the 2011 harvest) is made from a wild blend of Nerello Mascalese (70%), Nerello Cappuccio, Alicante Boushet, Uva Francesca, Minella Nera, Minella Bianca and Insolia. The wine shows an amazingly spicy quality that awakens the palate with a sudden jolt, followed by dried fruit, black ash and dried herb notes. The intensity is remarkable.
88
26
Sicily & Sardinia
Red Blend
123,045
US
With the two varieties co-fermented in concrete, this has no oak to interfere with its aromas of spice, pear and honeysuckle. It drinks off dry, seeming a bit sweeter than recent vintages, but still bringing the acidity that this region is known for.
88
18
Washington
White Blend
99,246
US
A blend of 43% Grenache, 41% Mourvédre and 16% Syrah from two vineyard sites, one warmer than the other, this plummy red is bright on the palate. Smoky and not overly oaked, it contributes gamy twinges of black currant and cardamom to the long finish.
88
28
California
Rhône-style Red Blend
73,562
US
This Amador Zin has Lodi producer Michael David's signature bacon and oak, its 17 months in American oak having no place to hide. The wine's blackberry fruit tastes full, its tannins chewy. High-alcohol California mountain Zin at its most intense concentration.
85
59
California
Zinfandel
31,454
US
While this is 100% varietal and entirely fermented in stainless steel, it opens with a vibrant note of green apple. That apple quality gives way on the palate to light grassy peach and nectarine, finishing crisp and clean.
88
35
California
Sauvignon Blanc
61,595
Spain
Golden in color, this has bready baked-apple aromas. It feels plump and soft for a brut nature, with a maderized quality to the palate. It tastes extremely dry, like seltzer water blended with citrus, almond and butterscotch. It continues on the same flavor plane throughout the finish.
85
15
Catalonia
Sparkling Blend
31,552
France
The Domaine, which is based in Santenay, has produced a wine that has structure as well as ripe fruits. The combination promises good aging with the red-plum fruits likely to mellow into a rich concentrated wine. It is a wine to keep and age, and not drink before 2021.
90
45
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
39,573
US
Once past a surprisingly minty open, this stiff and earthy Malbec tightens up into a Bordeaux-like cocoon. It's an austere wine, that slowly reveals dark cassis fruit, dried herbs, and a finishing whiff of coconut. Give it plenty of breathing time, or decant.
88
29
Washington
Malbec
48,476
US
Except for some excessive sharpness in the finish, this is a lush, opulent young Cab. It shows ripe cassis, chocolate and oak flavors wrapped into firm, sweet tannins. That sharpness may limit ageability.
86
50
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
38,063
US
Always reliable, and often a value, this vintage William Hill hits paydirt with well-etched blackcurrant flavors wrapped in a shroud of toasty oak. The dry tannins are dusty and complex, and the wine feels velvety on the palate.
90
22
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
14,461
Spain
Dry spice, clay dust, tomato, herb and licorice aromas accent red plum and cherry notes on this racy yet balanced Priorat. Spiced plum, brandied cherry, coffee and chocolate flavors set up a toasty, warm and spicy finish. This is really nice and exemplifies what's great about the region. Drink now.
91
40
Catalonia
Red Blend
17,836
US
This solid, mainstream Zinfandel displays blackberry fruit and some creamy notes on the nose. Well-defined, dark berry flavors with white pepper and leather accents mark the palate. The mouthfeel is even and the finish here is brisk, tart and juicy. A touch less oak might let the fruit shine a bit more.
86
20
California
Zinfandel
78,539
US
Aromas of white peach and vanilla highlight this rich-textured, rather full-bodied white wine. It's made in a generous rather than crisp style, as if it were barrel fermented, and a buttery lushness defines it more than the fairly subtle fruit flavors. Very tasty overall.
89
22
California
Viognier
90,473
Italy
Smoke, graphite, leather, woodland berry, forest floor and balsamic notes lead the nose on this complex, elegant wine. The palate offers dried black cherry, ground pepper, grilled sage, mineral and licorice alongside firm but polished tannins and bright acidity. Give it time to develop fully.
93
80
Piedmont
Nebbiolo
7,590
US
Soft and tannic, with a sour candy-sweet taste, this Cab has flavors of blackberries, cherries, currants, anise and cedar. Drink now.
85
24
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
29,444
US
The fruitiness of this wine suggests drinking it with simple Chinese foods or ham. With orange, apricot and brown sugar flavors, it's balanced by crisp acidity.
85
26
California
Sauvignon Blanc
47,779
US
This superrich Zin has extracted, luxurious fruit. It's ripe in blackberry and cherry jam, milk chocolate, peppery spice and anise flavors, with an overripe note of Port. Drink now.
87
45
California
Zinfandel
44,009
Argentina
This is smoky and a touch fiery and woody on the nose. Fresh on the palate, with plenty of body and pulp, it bears full flavors of berries and a fair amount of wood-driven spices. The finish tastes oaky and slightly lactic.
87
15
Mendoza Province
Malbec
75,749
US
Tough in tannins, with a minty, green streak to the cherries and blackberries. Tasty but hard now. Could develop with some time in the bottle. Try after 2010.
85
28
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
71,872
Argentina
This smells of raw oak, cinnamon and clove, with its fruit essence entirely in the background. It's creamy, chewy and tannic on the palate, with herbal, oaky, resiny flavors of baking spice and modest raspberry.
83
13
Mendoza Province
Malbec
104,059
US
Lovely from the first sniff on, this is packed with mineral-drenched fruit flavors. Pear flesh and skin dominate, along with suggestions of cucumber and white melon. The leesy minerality is a great palate cleanser.
92
20
Oregon
Pinot Gris
46,103
France
Very pure notes of Conference pear rise from the glass and promise freshness. The palate reprises the same fruitiness but streamlines it with grapefruit zest and juicy bone-dry concentration. This is bright and sprightly, energetic and invigorating, slender but packed with flavor. The finish is uncompromisingly fresh and dry.
93
24
Alsace
Pinot Gris
30,339
France
Dominated by Sauvignon Blanc, this wine has a still young, crisp, tight character. As it ages, the yellow fruits and ripe plum flavors will come through, balancing the acidity and giving a ripe, full and generous wine. Drink from 2016.
88
15
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style White Blend
97,966
US
Rustic on the nose, this is an earthy, herb-filled wine made in a robust style, juicy and exhibiting glassfuls of rhubarb and black tea. Integrated in terms of oak and tannin, it's youthful and may need some time to grow.
88
38
California
Pinot Noir
54,101
US
Soft, sweet and simple in structure. Many wine lovers will enjoy the cherry, raspberry, vanilla and chocolate-cinnamon flavors that taste like a dessert pastry.
83
30
California
Syrah
39,818
France
As labeled, this zero-dosage wine is bone dry. But because Vincent Couche has vineyards in the warm, southern region of Champagne, even his very dry wines have a richness and surprising softness. This crisp wine is also rounded, with a touch of toast from bottle age adding complexity.
90
48
Champagne
Champagne Blend
76,595
US
This is made from fruit that's sourced mostly from Mercer's Spice Cabinet Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, with some Tablas clone Syrah from the Rattlesnake Hills. It's a tasty wine but it seems incomplete. It has a ripe purple-fruit flavor, and it comes with plenty of power, but there's a hole in the middle. The finish kicks in with a splash of molasses.
88
41
Washington
Petite Sirah
95,701
US
The new oak sticks out on this Syrah, with caramel, buttered toast and vanilla dominating the underlying blackberry and cherry fruit. However, the wine is young, and its intensity is obvious. Sometimes these reds don't show well in youth but develop dramatically in the bottle. Give it until 2011, and try through 2013.
90
40
California
Syrah
60,408
Italy
In general, we love Felluga's wines. So why the modest score on the winery's top white? One simple word: oak. With this wine's buttery, oaky aromas and flavors of peach, cinnamon and brown sugar, it could pass for a decent Chardonnay. But this blend of Tocai Friulano, Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon Blanc from a great producer should do so much more.
86
41
Northeastern Italy
White Blend
49,566
Italy
Soft, supple and inviting, this is a beautifully executed Chianti Classico that puts as much emphasis on the quality of aromas as it does on the feel the wine imparts in the mouth. It's polished and plush with lingering notes of red fruit, spice and blue flowers.
91
30
Tuscany
Sangiovese
9,494
US
Just a touch of oak adds a welcome creamy smokiness to this dry, crisply acidic wine. It's superrich in ripe lychee, Mandarin orange, sweet lime and spice flavors. Refreshing and clean, it's a nice cocktail sipper.
87
22
California
Pinot Grigio
95,479
US
This light refreshing wine spent 16 months in 20% new French oak. The pretty berry fruit is elegantly set in complementary acids, with a streak of blond tea threading through the finish.
89
55
Oregon
Pinot Noir