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26
52,732
US
Sharp and volatile aromas introduce this dark, chalky red. It needs to be paired with a seriously juicy, fatty red meat to buffer the the tannins.
84
26
Oregon
Petite Sirah
10,631
Italy
A great value wine to pair with homemade spaghetti sauce or grilled sausage with onions and bell peppers, this wine is soft and lush, with cherry, almond and blackberry notes. There's a touch of sweet strawberry on the close.
87
10
Sicily & Sardinia
Merlot
62,508
US
Hartford's blended Zin is filled with exuberant aromas of jammy “Zinberry” fruit, baking spices like cinnamon and clove, bittersweet chocolate and black pepper. The vibrant mixed-berry flavors are rich and satisfying, finishing with a touch of warmth and softness.
91
34
California
Zinfandel
27,050
US
Winemaker Trey Fletcher is creating texturally tantalizing wines that are exciting to sip now but built to last for years in the cellar. This shows lemon blossom, lemon skin, almond and macadamia scents, with a chalky minerality that's evident even on the nose. Racy, laser-focused acidity frames the palate, where lime, grapefruit and apple flavors unfold. Drink now through 2024.
94
45
California
Chardonnay
125,491
US
Production is lower for this cuvée in 2010, and the sources now incude Nysa and Ribbon Ridge along with Maresh. Aged in one-fifth new French oak for just under a year, it remains tightly wound, with tart, primary raspberry fruit wrapped in moderate acids. There are delicate herbal notes sprinkled throughout. Overall this is elegant, balanced and strongest on the midpalate.
90
36
Oregon
Pinot Noir
111,110
France
This yeasty, ripe and fruity wine is given great shape by the mineral-taut texture. It is on the dry side, crisp with well-structured apples and pears. The bready character gives extra richness and balances the tight acidity at the end.
88
40
Champagne
Champagne Blend
125,918
Italy
Here's a classically crafted Brunello, with nuanced aromas of violet, iris, tobacco and clove on the nose. The palate delivers a core of black cherry flavor punctuated with nutmeg, eucalyptus and truffle. It's tight and tannic now, but should develop great complexity with time; drink 2016–2023.
92
42
Tuscany
Sangiovese
66,207
US
This red blend has ripe tannins and a dusty core of leather that frame rich red fruit on the palate. A partnership between singer Dave Matthews and winemaker Steve Reeder of Simi Winery in Healdsburg, it's fairly priced and accessible, with moderate alcohol and a soft, medium-weight body. It contains mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
86
15
California
Red Blend
109,464
Italy
Alpine herb, underbrush, pressed rose petal, dried berry and a balsamic note are some of the aromas you'll find in this elegant Nebbiolo. It's still remarkably youthful, with bright red cherry, fresh raspberry, clove, white pepper and mineral flavors accented by notes of rosemary and sage. It's impeccably balanced, with tightly wound but fine-grained tannins and bright acidity that support the bright flavors and vibrant edge. Drink 2018–2031.
95
32
Piedmont
Nebbiolo
36,292
US
The grilled portobello, roasted meat-bone taste to this wine suggests pairing it with beef stew and mushrooms. The wine also is rich in spicy wild blackberries, fresh-picked and ripe under the summer sun, but the finish is dry and firm in tannins.
90
29
California
Syrah
84,292
US
From a vineyard 1,500 feet above the valley floor in Soda Canyon, blended with 4% Cabernet Sauvignon from Morisoli Vineyard, this is a beautiful beast of a wine, concentrated in red cherry and plum as well as mocha. Nicely weighted with soft tannin and length, it's well made and should age. Drink now through 2020.
93
85
California
Merlot
68,317
France
This is a rich wine that is full of spicy aromatic fruit. It is classy and elegant while having some weight. Red fruits and orange zest are given a perfumed herbal edge from the Mourvèdre in the blend. This is real food wine, ready to drink.
91
23
Provence
Rosé
16,070
US
A simple, easy wine to drink, crisp and slightly sweet in orange, lime, peach and pear flavors.
84
10
California
Pinot Grigio
121,742
US
Lemon-lime soda and limestone aromas emerge on the nose, which is slightly sweet in ripeness but also a bit shy. The palate shows apples and pears, but is quite flat.
83
15
California
Chardonnay
99,135
US
A graceful Pinot Noir that feels silky on the palate, tastes almost sweet, exudes strawberry and cherry flavors. It is smooth and pure, has a refined texture, almost delicate but with good vibrant acidity and great balance. Just a bit lighter and more elegant than The Charm bottling from Shane.
92
42
California
Pinot Noir
88,334
Italy
Floral aromas of wild flowers, wisteria and a whiff of white tree fruit float out of the glass. The vibrant, refined palate delivers crisp apple, succulent pear and a note of citrus zest alongside bright acidity and an elegant perlage. A light mineral touch marks the finish.
90
18
Veneto
Glera
70,032
US
Very solid and deep, with a bouquet of delicious black-currant and dark-cherry fruit and toasty, buttery oak. Very comfortable mouthfeel. Full, with layered fruit and a long and elegant finish that sports big but not sharp tannins. Tight now; hold for three to six years.
95
50
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
74,570
US
Good and complex, but smells a little candied, like mint cherry-scented toothpaste, and tastes sweetly jammy in cherries. This all-Pommard clone Pinot may be going through a mute phase. Try holding for several months.
88
55
California
Pinot Noir
75,087
US
Peppery, forest-floor aromas and black fruit flavors make this wine taste bold and concentrated. A firm texture wraps around the palate and supports the rich black cherry and cardamom flavors beautifully.
89
25
California
Pinot Noir
89,868
Italy
Aromas suggesting underbrush, toast, ripe plum, dark spice, menthol and Mediterranean herb waft out of the glass. On the bold, polished palate, velvety tannins support juicy Morello cherry, blackberry jam, licorice, coffee and a chocolate note. It's already accessible and will make for fine drinking over the next few years. Drink through 2021.
93
80
Tuscany
Sangiovese
85,925
France
This ripe, jammy wine is all about fruit. Its red berry flavors burst from the glass and are gently backed by tannins. It is already attractive, ripe and full. Drink from 2019.
88
35
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
62,501
US
Here's a real find: a serious-fun wine with lots going for it. Opens with black-cherry, smoke and vanilla aromas; rich and fine. The flavors are cherry-smoky and bone dry, with a fine texture. There's something distinguished and high quality about the structure and finish.
91
19
California
Syrah
86,303
US
A little on the sweet side, with Lifesaver candy lemon, lime and pineapple flavors, this unoaked PG is clean and balanced with crisp acidity.
84
14
California
Pinot Grigio
93,965
US
Thin, sour and hard, this has simple cranberry fruit, with stem and earth flavors.
83
45
Oregon
Pinot Noir
66,491
Italy
This opens with aromas of new oak, burned rubber, raisin and vanilla. The one-dimensional palate offers candied date, fig, mocha and licorice alongside bracing, grainy tannins that leave a mouth-puckering finish. It lacks the fruit richness needed to stand up to the oak spices and astringent tannins.
86
29
Piedmont
Barbera
51,513
US
A simple Sauvignon Blanc, this is dry and mouthwateringly tart. The lemon and lime flavors have a green edge of gooseberry.
85
20
California
Sauvignon Blanc
98,775
US
Offers a blast of blackberries, black cherries, plums, mulberries and all kinds of other stone fruits and berries, in a dry wine structured with fine tannins. Drink this full-bodied wine with steak.
87
38
California
Malbec
47,677
US
This affordable offering from a prime site within the appellation introduces itself with burly, smoky undertones and a thick skin, remaining grippy and smoky in black fruit throughout. Full bodied, it shows the warmth of the vintage and ripeness of valley floor grapes.
89
24
California
Merlot
112,039
US
A harsh wine, soft in texture and simple, with sweet raspberry jam and chocolate flavors that taste oddly acidic.
82
37
California
Syrah
123,543
France
Earthy and rustic, this Pinot Noir is lightweight, with a hint of red cherry. There is an unpleasant bitter aftertaste.
80
20
Alsace
Pinot Noir
67,104
US
Ten is Sea Smoke's biggest Pinot, a barrel selection chosen for sheer volume. It easily handles its 100% new oak coating. Needs decanting; even 15 minutes in the glass brought a unifying process, integrating the cedar and smoke with the explosive blackberry, cherry and chocolate fruit, and revealing the rich, dense, satiny texture. Should age well for up to eight years.
94
70
California
Pinot Noir
41,622
France
Ripe, mature, easy Champagne, maintaining the Clicquot style of bottle maturity, with toast, sweet pastry and a rich, full-in-the-mouth character of white fruits. The finish is relatively soft.
89
40
Champagne
Champagne Blend
3,378
Portugal
A blend from two vineyards, this wine is rich and full bodied, with fine tannins and a dark concentration. With its perfumed character and tight structure, it is impressive, full of black fruits with a strong mineral streak. Drink this still-young wine from 2019.
92
35
Douro
Portuguese Red
100,869
France
Earthy notes of forest floor and white field mushroom precede the fruitier notions of ripe fresh and dried pear on nose and palate. This wine has a balm-like quality to the texture and a depth of developed flavor. The dried apple finish is dry, lasting and clean.
91
23
Alsace
Pinot Gris
55,710
US
Smoke and leather tack-room scents and flavors, making for a sharp, short, fruitless wine.
81
15
Oregon
Pinot Noir
1,768
France
This firm, smoky wine with fine tannins and ripe fruit is developing well, allowing the berry fruits to come through the structure. Give this wine until late 2016.
84
25
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
11,532
US
A good Pinot Noir for everyday drinking. It's very dry and crisp and silky in the mouth, with complex flavors of cherries, cola, licorice and beef jerky. The acidity suggests rich, oily fare, like lamb or salmon.
86
25
California
Pinot Noir
38,617
Spain
Good, pure, dark and teetering on powerful, with strong, rich black plum aromas. The mouth is staunch and balanced, with full dark fruit flavors of blackberry along with bitter chocolate. Solid and clean throughout. A winner in its price range.
88
16
Northern Spain
Tempranillo
121,427
Spain
Tobacco, brown sugar, dried fruit and vanilla aromas work the bouquet, which is very nice. In the mouth, however, it's acidic, almost to the point of being citrusy. Flavors of earthy sour plum and raspberry are propped up by lasting acids, while the palate teeters on lemony and shear. Drink now.
87
110
Northern Spain
Tempranillo
111,970
France
The lifted, pure scent of damask rose after rain hits you first. It is then joined by riper notions of Mirabelle but always with fresh, airy lift. While the palate weighs this down with perceptible sweetness, the aromas rise unfettered. This is a beautiful wine singing with rose and orange aromatics that persist with a lingering perfume.
93
55
Alsace
Gewürztraminer
49,378
Spain
Herbal to the max, with strong bell pepper and pimiento aromas. It feels clacky, with salty, herbal flavors of blackberry and dark plum. Warm almost to the point of being hot on the finish, with burnt notes as well as acidic zip.
83
22
Catalonia
Red Blend
55,879
US
Quite a nice Chardonnay at a great price. It's rich and creamy and plump, with deliciously ripe flavors of pineapples, Asian pears, buttered cinnamon toast and vanilla. The richness is balanced by crisp acidity and a firm minerality.
89
15
California
Chardonnay
476
US
This is a big wine, clearly in need of cellaring. There's a massive core of blackberries, cherries and baking chocolate on the palate, but it's rigidly tannic, dry and acidic still. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese, putting it in the super Tuscan category. Give it until 2017 to begin to mellow, and it could still be going strong in 2025.
92
88
California
Red Blend
68,677
Australia
Austere, tannic and chewy, this Cabernet could use a few years in the cellar. Classic mint and cassis notes are framed by cedar and vanilla, but the fruit comes through on the firm, dusty finish, a sign of positive things to come. Drink 2020–2030.
93
75
South Australia
Cabernet Sauvignon
121,927
Spain
Cheesy tomato-based aromas are rubbery and fiery. This feels lean and monotone. Stewed, salty flavors of earthy berry fruits are off base and dirty, while this is cheesy tasting on the finish.
82
10
Northern Spain
Merlot
69,373
France
Pure Pinot Noir, this has weight as well as intense acidity. It's a crisp wine, sourced from near Chablis, cool in texture while showing ripe red apples and quince fruitiness. Drink now.
88
25
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
25,411
US
This blend of Pommard, Coury and Dijon 667 clones shows bright cherry fruit, bedecked with lovely spices. It's round and forward, with medium weight and depth.
90
65
Oregon
Pinot Noir
35,338
Australia
There's a noticeable background herbal element to this intensely concentrated wine. Dense layers of cassis and chocolate are front and center, filling the mouth with velvety richness and finishing long. Despite the power and richness, there's a structure to match, suggesting this will improve through at least 2012 and drink well until 2020.
93
45
South Australia
Cabernet Sauvignon
14,247
Italy
A blend of Nero d'Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this is bright and fresh, with an easy-drinking approach. Cherry, blackberry and spice give it a full and lively personality.
88
15
Sicily & Sardinia
Red Blend
95,768
US
Fermented in stainless steel for less than two months, this shows intense green-apple and lime flavors that are brightened by considerable acidity. This is a great apéritif wine.
90
17
California
Pinot Gris
16,202
US
Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, this wine shows why Dry Creek Valley has achieved such a fine reputation with this variety. Totally dry and brisk in acidity, it has savory flavors of lemons and limes, passionfruit, gooseberries and white pepper. Awesome with Vietnamese, Ethiopian and Indian fare calling for white wine.
90
17
California
Sauvignon Blanc
81,625
US
Scratch is a very promising inaugural Pinot Noir from Sabrine Rodems, who's also the winemaker for Wrath and Kori. It shows the vibrant fruit of the Highlands, with potent raspberry, cherry and persimmon flavors, yet is dry and balanced in acids and tannins, with a super-long finish. Possesses that hard-to-define characteristic of class. Great now, and you can hold it several years.
92
45
California
Pinot Noir
38,758
Argentina
Opaque in color, this saturated Malbec-led blend exhibits coconut and cola aromas along with fully ripe blackberry notes. This is massive in the mouth, with a solid foundation. Maximum berry expression and a jammy, deep-fruited finish give this power and content beyond its price point.
91
17
Mendoza Province
Red Blend
35,327
France
This is a wine that speaks of its terroir, the chalk soil coming out in a very mineral, austere character. It has elegance, class, great style of poise, showing acidity, fresh green fruits and a need to age for at least 5 years.
93
46
Burgundy
Chardonnay
83,079
US
Melon and citrus aromas get this soft, ripe and round wine going. The palate is full and plump, with bold citrus and tropical flavors and a welcome textural creaminess. The finish is smooth and supple, and as a whole this wine covers all the bases while showing itself to be a more than capable food accompaniment.
88
10
Oregon
Pinot Gris
34,065
France
This wine is full of juicy fruit along with a dark, smoky character. A firm undertow of very dry tannins brings out a firm structure. The hard edge needs to soften, so wait to drink until 2018.
88
48
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
83,047
US
Coming from Cerro Prieto Vineyard, one of the few places to grow Pinot Noir in this appellation, this bottling shows aromas of clove, vanilla, sandalwood and pomegranate on the nose. Light pomegranate and tart red-fruit flavors dominate the palate, with a touch of dried herb.
89
35
California
Pinot Noir
32,407
US
This wine has a glorious floral nose highlighted in honey and wildflowers, revealing richer gingerbread and toasted oak undertones as it opens. Its creamy texture provides a sense of unctuousness, complemented by tart green apple and lemon on the finish.
91
55
California
Chardonnay
113,897
US
Here's a clean, brisk Sauvignon Blanc for pairing with Asian fare. It's spicy and overtly sweet, with lemongrass, honey and vanilla flavors.
85
12
California
Sauvignon Blanc
6,264
US
While the winery's regular 2010 Diamond Mountain Cab is a barrel selection, this Estate Vineyard selection consists of “only the darkest, most extracted lots,” from the winery's various vineyards, according to the winemaker. That's exactly what you get, an inky wine, it's huge on the palate with blackberries, currants and dark chocolate, augmented by plenty of new French oak. It is absolutely delicious now, but the tannin structure guarantees to develop for 10–20 years.
95
80
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
61,118
France
This soft, smooth and creamy wine has attractive spice and vanilla from the wood aging, along with light citrus and peach flavors. Ripe and full in the mouth, it has a touch of minerality at the end to give a fine texture. It is ready to drink.
87
18
Burgundy
Chardonnay
39,974
US
With just a touch of oak, this is a pretty good Sauvignon Blanc. It's a little sweet in fig, citrus, passionfruit and melon flavors, but those Monterey acids are brisk and provide a clean balance.
84
15
California
Sauvignon Blanc
73,797
US
Ripe, fresh peach and apple flavors are lifted with a spray of white-floral perfume on this pretty, easy-going wine. It's brisk on the palate with revitalizing lemon acidity and a hint of salinity on the finish.
87
24
New York
Chardonnay
102,085
Italy
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah, this opens with delicate aromas suggesting black-skinned fruit and a whiff of cooking spice. The easygoing palate delivers black currant and leather alongside round tannins.
87
26
Tuscany
Red Blend
48,265
US
This 100% Sangiovese from this Sierra Foothills Sangiovese specialist has a giant mouthfeel, full of plummy and earthy dark cherry and caramel molasses. As big as the wine is, the tannins are softened and the wine has a long finish. An excellent wine to pair with Italian sausage, risotto or so many other Italian-inspired meals.
90
28
California
Sangiovese
80,829
Germany
Wild, tropical fruit aromas are marked with saffron and pollen on the nose of this zingy, extroverted Riesling. Off dry in style, the palate is thirst quenching with sunny tangerine and peach flavors lifted by a vein of lemon acidity. Finishes moderately long on a sweet, honeyed note
89
28
Mosel
Riesling
72,254
Italy
Heady scents of jasmine, wisteria, white peach and mountain herbs come together on this rich but racy wine. The aromas carry over to the palate of green apple, lime and a note of candied ginger offset by racy acidity and a refined mousse. The finish is clean and refreshing, and drier than one would expect from the Extra Dry category.
91
32
Veneto
Glera
100,443
US
There's enough unripe fruity flavor in this wine to detract from its pleasure. As dry, crisp and silky as it is, its cherry and cola flavors are marred by a sharp, green taste of menthol.
84
25
California
Pinot Noir
112,716
US
This is a stainless-steel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc. It's clean and crisp in acidity, but too sweet. Tastes like sugared orange, mango and pineapple fruit juice.
84
18
California
Sauvignon Blanc
80,127
US
This Bordeaux blend is very dry and very tannic. There's something old-fashionedly rustic about it. With deep blackberry flavors, it may age, but it's not very hedonistic right now.
83
28
California
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
83,757
US
A tight, spicy Pinot with a chocolate heart, this has a lot of aging potential. The fruit and tannins are tightly wound at the moment, with a lavish coating of milk chocolate from the barrel aging. Cellar it another 5–6 years and let it knit together.
91
75
Oregon
Pinot Noir
126,568
Italy
Iris, mature berry, menthol and Mediterranean herb aromas emerge on this full-bodied red. On the ripe, chewy palate, notes of clove, vanilla and mocha accent juicy Morello cherry, crushed black cherry, star anise and tobacco. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink 2019–2026.
91
67
Tuscany
Sangiovese
57,288
France
L'Homme Mort is a northern extension of the Fourchaume Premier Cru vineyard, so called because this was where a local lord dispensed justice by death. It often produces cooler wines such as this. It is tight, with toasted bread hints and with a strongly tangy character. It does need to develop and shouldn't be drunk before 2018.
91
45
Burgundy
Chardonnay
98,366
US
Thin and reedy, with cherry tea, cola and green herb, vegetal flavors. Drink up.
81
18
California
Pinot Noir
98,911
US
There's a strong green-peppercorn tinge to the nose of this bottling, along with hints of ancho chile and cedar. The palate shows oregano, thyme and dill, proving quite Old World in style, with only the slightest presence of blackberry fruit.
87
22
California
Merlot
26,641
US
At 81%, this could be a varietally labeled Merlot, with the rest Cabernet Franc (15%) and Petit Verdot. It appeals with pretty aromas of cocoa, wood spice and jammy red fruit that are followed by full-bodied fruit and barrel flavors that pack a wallop while staying in balance.
91
53
Washington
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
102,728
US
Made from the two Cabs plus Syrah, this bottling shows its typicity in the rustic mouthfeel and exuberant berry, spice and cocoa flavors. It's a dry, lusty red that will happily wash down savory stews and roasts.
86
42
California
Red Blend
28,714
US
A slip of sour cherry gives zing to this medium-acidity, fruit-forward wine that's both earthy and pinched in toasted oak.
87
36
California
Pinot Noir
86,832
US
This is aromatic and enchanting, loaded with very pretty scents of citrus blossom and lime. The fruit blends sweet apple, lemon/lime and juicy white peach. It's a luscious Chardonnay that relies on the perfectly ripened fruit to deliver the flavors, and succeeds beautifully. All Dijon clones, with a splash of Viognier lifting up the nose.
90
20
Oregon
Chardonnay
22,565
US
Jasmine, apricot and floral aromas are followed by medium-sweet stone-fruit flavors. Floral and jasmine flavors persist on the finish.
89
12
Washington
Riesling
69,255
US
This has a dry finish with modest alcohol, and its emphasis is on phenolic flavors rather than the usual floral-perfumed aromas that characterize most versions of the grape. Here you'll find lemon rind, pineapple and tart, mineral-soaked acids. It's a fine match for white fish, shellfish, scallops or oysters.
88
15
Oregon
Gewürztraminer
57,212
US
A youthful wine given 50% whole-cluster fermentation, this is complex and delicate, restrained in oak while being expressive in roses and bitter black tea. Soft, pungent black fruit provides a savory element that's entirely welcome and interesting, before a freshness takes hold on the finish.
90
58
California
Pinot Noir
3,625
US
This rustic wine is overripe in prunes and raisins, and hot in alcohol. It's also as sweet as a minor Port.
82
42
California
Syrah
21,152
France
The wine is soft and creamy. Made from fruit grown in the Mâcon region, it is ripe and with a good balance between citrus and melon flavors. The acidity and the attractive fruitiness have produced a wine that is ready to drink.
87
18
Burgundy
Chardonnay
106,972
Spain
Rich yet subdued on the bouquet, with elegant tobacco, lemon peel and earthy scents, this feels lush and full of heft, but it's not plodding or heavy. Flavors of spiced black fruit, molasses and tobacco are nice, and the finish features a long, dry, comfortable fade. Drink this winner now–2016.
92
43
Northern Spain
Tempranillo Blend
50,661
Spain
Bready aromas of baked apple, lees and vanilla convey quality. This feels solid and healthy, with length and depth to the palate. Apple, papaya and honeydew flavors are ripe and smooth, while the finish shows honey and green-herb notes.
90
50
Catalonia
Sparkling Blend
135
Italy
The color is just beginning to show signs of browning at the edge, but the wine is still fresh and vibrant. The nose is complex, showing licorice, summer fruits, caramel and roses. On the palate, it is soft and pleasant, but lacks some concentration. At its peak, but will drink well for a few years.
91
60
Piedmont
Nebbiolo
104,704
US
This is a proper Cabernet, showing some rich flavors of black currants and dark chocolate, wrapped into sturdy tannins. Ready to drink now.
86
45
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
8,888
France
An impressively powerful wine, with packed acidity, sweet fruits and ripe tannins. The wine has great density, a dusty texture, the fruit powering through while preserving the relative austerity of the vintage.
93
120
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
111,455
US
Vegetal and a little unclean, with deficient acidity that makes the fruit tastes insipid and sweet. Meanwhile, high alcohol makes it all hot.
81
24
California
Zinfandel
119,282
Italy
The aromatic delivery is bright, fresh and pristine. Bright acidity is backed by flavors of stone fruit, citrus and Golden Delicious apple. It's the kind of white to serve with summer salad lunches by the pool.
87
13
Northeastern Italy
Pinot Grigio
17,555
US
Quite fruity and fairly rich, this medium-bodied wine has plenty of apple, lime and dried herb flavors, and a fairly crisp but smooth texture. More than just a thirst-quencher, it brings some heft to the table.
86
18
California
Sauvignon Blanc
42,842
US
Twenty-five percent new oak shows in the aromas of buttered toast, butterscotch and caramel that superimpose over ripe notes of pineapple jam. Purists might object to all that oak, but others will go gaga.
89
25
California
Chardonnay
7,501
US
Both a study of clone and stainless-steel processing, this wine offers fresh-cut pineapple, ripe Gala apple, honeydew and even peach, with a citrus-skin sharpness to the nose. The flavors are delicate and familiar but complex and deep, with Anjou pears, lemon-lime soda and apple flesh. It's a lively stainless expression.
93
36
California
Chardonnay
55,469
US
This is a big, powerful wine, in the Pride style. It's massively constructed, with concentrated blackberry jam and currant flavors. The drawback is a green, vegetal streak that prevents meaningful aging.
84
60
California
Syrah
79,708
US
Soft, sweet red cherries and berries contrast leafy green and peppery notes in this dry-style Cabernet Franc rosé. It's a bit candied and confected, yet green in character with a quickly dissipating finish.
82
12
New York
Rosé
79,370
US
A little on the sweet side, but nicely crisp in acidity. The flavors offer generous notes of strawberries, orange zest, sugared tea, vanilla and cinnamon.
85
18
California
Rosé
111,952
France
The wine is dominated by crisp, herbal flavors. With acidity, citrus notes and just a touch of spice, it's fruity and bright. Drink now.
85
10
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style White Blend
113,814
US
Nutty and custardy, this is a full-bodied Chardonnay that emphasizes Chardonnay's textural richness when augmented by barrel fermentation and lees stirring. Toasted hazelnuts are balanced by hints of citrus. Drink now.
90
45
California
Chardonnay
85,706
US
Joseph Jewell's 2009 Elk Prairie is even better than its 2008, which is saying something. This vintage opens with perfumed cola spice and cinnamon that evolves in its lightly textured, lush mouthfeel into decadent strawberry in crème Anglaise. Bright, with a lingering finish, this Pinot Noir only gets better while in the glass.
93
39
California
Pinot Noir