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
82,768	Spain	Initially this smells toasty to the point of charred, but with airing the nose settles on oak, black fruit and lightly stemmy red-berry scents. This feels full and good, with resolved tannins that don't bite. Flavors of black fruits and coconut oak finish strong and deep. This can last until 2025, maybe longer.	90	32	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
7,876	US	One of the appellation's more famous wines, this opens in black licorice and blackberry, alongside a streak of malted chocolate, soft and sinewy, with a tension of acidity that adds age-worthy structure. Dense and interesting now, it'll get better over time, cellaring well through 2027.	94	145	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
27,401	US	An awkward Pinot, soft and sweet in raspberry fig Newton cookie and Dr. Pepper cola flavors. The alcohol is pretty high, and shows in the form of heat. Lacks the delicacy you expect from this fine vineyard.	86	58	California	Pinot Noir
112,394	Spain	Radiator dust, baked apple and other familiar, semirich aromas grace the nose on this more elevated Cava. In the mouth, there's chunkiness, weight and integrity along with a flavor profile that hints at vinegar but settles on cidery apple and kumquat. Nicely done and different from the mass wines Freixenet is known for.	88	18	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
69,782	US	Touches of cinnamon, turned earth, iron, dark cranberry and fresh raspberry hit the nose on this bottling from a celebrated vineyard. The palate shows lots of potential with more bottle age, offering notes of graphite, underripe berries, black pepper and bay leaf.	86	49	California	Pinot Noir
66,863	US	Fragrant aromas of Anjou pear and green apple skins make for a fresh and fruit nose on this wine that is cut with lime-peel bitterness. It's delicate at first on the palate, with a slightly sour yellow grapefruit-peel flavor that leaves an energetic zing in the mouth.	89	16	California	Sauvignon Blanc
117,102	US	This wine is the top of the line for Black Kite, and it certainly does not disappoint. Tea leaves, raspberry and cherry make a great blend of aromas, while the fruit flavors are bright like red cherries, the texture lively and fresh, and the overall impression very elegant. Best now through 2020.	93	85	California	Pinot Noir
5,433	US	The historic winery's most widely accessible bottling, this is a solid everyday sipper, showing concentrated olallieberry, black plum, violet and teriyaki aromas. The palate discloses blackberry and mint, with touches of pepper and lavender.	88	25	California	Syrah
23,343	France	A finely structured wine, well spiced with ripe berry fruits and intense but balanced acidity. This is stylish, attractive and is worth aging for 3-4 years.	90	25	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
51,684	US	This 100% Grenache was aged in neutral French oak. It's dry in style, but rich, with flavors of raspberries, strawberries, cherries and toast. An edge of acidity adds verve.	86	18	California	Rosé
115,678	US	A special spot for Syrah, Parmalee-Hill gets plenty of coastal fog and coolness, providing this gamy, silky 100% varietal wine with structure and buoyant acidity around a balanced weight of tar, black olive and dark cherry.	91	62	California	Syrah
129,177	US	Very concentrated aromas of kirsch, dried berries, chocolate and spice cake show on the nose of this bottling that is bolstered by 10% Petite Sirah. That density extends to the palate, where treacly black-cherry-syrup flavors mix with baking spice.	85	36	California	Zinfandel
43,652	US	The Sigrid never fails to deliver lush fruit and hedonistic barrel flavors. However in cooler years, when the alcohol falls below 14%, it has something extra when details of skin and flower emerge as well. This is a wine of power and finesse, with juicy pear and peach, supple acids, brioche and toasted biscuit, underscored with refreshing minerality. Drink now through 2025.	95	85	Oregon	Chardonnay
60,476	US	This is a generous, tightly wound vineyard-designate that tastes more full-figured than it lists in terms of alcohol, jammy in dark plum and cardamom. It finishes with a ripe robustness of dark cherry fruit flavor and hint of earth.	88	64	California	Pinot Noir
95,361	Spain	If you like full-flavored, lusty Tempranillos, Viñas del Cenit in western Zamora is a reliable source. This has floral berry aromas, a saturated palate with wall to wall tannins, and baked black-fruit flavors that push up towards maximum ripeness. A staunch, jammy, tannic red made to with meat off the grill.	90	15	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
32,484	US	This Pinot Noir-Syrah blend opens up with aromas of cherry compote, red currant, pencil shavings and roasted beets. It's extremely silky on the palate, with purple fruit, even blueberries present. The alcohol is not out of balance, thanks to a touch of bitterness.	92	24	California	Red Blend
54,192	US	Fleshy and briny, this wine hails from the producer's own marquee vineyard, situated in the heart of the Olivet Lane district. Ripe, with a buttery undertone, it's classic in its rendering of Gravenstein apple and pear flavors—balanced, yet with a robust frame.	90	45	California	Chardonnay
85,206	US	Black as night in the glass, this wine shows black cherries, lava rocks and espresso beans on the dense nose. It's thick and chewy once sipped, with zesty acidity that sizzles across the palate, showing blackberry and coffee flavors. It's all power, with very little finesse. Sales of the wine benefit multiple sclerosis research.	90	40	California	Petite Sirah
32,100	Italy	Blueberry, chocolate, mint and clove aromas lead the nose of this blend of 50% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Franc and 15% Petit Verdot. The palate offers dried black cherries, coffee, cinnamon, black pepper and cocoa. Fine-grained tannins provide the framework.	89	28	Tuscany	Red Blend
93,559	US	For this classic, restrained Cabernet Sauvignon with 11% Petit Verdot, the grapes were grown in Rutherford, Yountville and St. Helena. The wine is juicy in soft red cherry and cassis. Seamless on the palate, it offers a nice progression from explosive fruit to measured acidity and low oak, the finish balanced between all three.	90	59	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
24,753	US	Fresh raspberry and Bing cherry juice meet with wet black slate, rain on cement and toasted sagebrush scents on the nose of this block-selection expression. The palate opens with ripe red berry, then tightens on slightly sour cranberries, with singing acidity down the middle and a warmer anise tinge to the edges.	93	58	California	Pinot Noir
94,478	US	This mature block-designated wine shows round blackberry flavors offset by leather and smoke. Full bodied, it's densely built and powerfully ripe.	87	125	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
109,303	US	Lavish barrel fermentation, aging in new French oak and sur lie stirring was intended to bring out a Bordeaux-style richness in this wine. But the chilly vintage intervened, yielding a wine with dominant green peppercorn aromas and flavors. Still, it's a subtle, elegant wine. Drink now.	86	30	California	Sauvignon Blanc
2,723	France	This wine is tangy and textured with light tannins, a bite of citrus acidity and plenty of fruit. It's bright and has a juicy, lively aftertaste. Drink now.	86	10	Bordeaux	Rosé
60,566	Italy	This wine is characterized by thick concentration and mature notes of plum, prune, blackberry tart, coffee, chocolate and black licorice. The wine delivers thick consistency and dense tannins and is almost too much of a good thing. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.	88	40	Tuscany	Red Blend
65,410	US	A sound, pleasant Zinfandel with a good array of wild berry, cherry, anise, herb and white pepper flavors. The flavors are quite complex, but the wine is a little sharp and edgy in tannins, with some green notes.	85	32	California	Zinfandel
125,208	US	Made in stainless-steel tanks and a mix of French and American oak barrels, this new, low-priced, low-in-alcohol white is straightforward in its rich layers of butterscotch and tropical vanilla, with a roundness that many will find attractive.	85	12	California	Chardonnay
18,536	US	Strong oak aromas and flavors wrap around this full-bodied, rather tannic and bold Merlot. It shows ripe fruit flavors and a gripping texture that makes it appropriate to match with red meat. Blended with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.	87	22	California	Merlot
76,442	US	This bottling, which includes 8% Zinfandel and 3% Syrah, shows gingerbread, sandalwood, olallieberry, violet and maraschino cherry on the nose. It's delicate on the palate at first, with candied-strawberry flavors as well as cinnamon foam and purple flowers. It features a nice textural tension as well.	90	24	California	Grenache
98,984	Italy	Mauro Sebaste is an up-and-coming winery to watch with a full range of Piedmont wines. This pretty Barbera from Alba shows big oak tones that need more time to integrate within the folds of the dark berry and sweet spice tones that are typical of this deeply beloved native grape.	88	21	Piedmont	Barbera
39,306	US	Rich, ripe and concentrated, the lush array of black fruits is enhanced with a generous amount of barrel-generated baking spices. There's a chef's pantry of cinnamon, ginger and more, along with a vein of molasses and a whiff of coffee running through the tannins. It's a total yum-fest.	94	30	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
116,375	US	Whiffs of sweet curry spice and fennel are enticing on the nose of this earthy, rather savory Riesling from Rock Stream. Lean in profile and vibrantly acidic with a squeaky, lemony sheen, it's the perfect pairing for subtly spiced South Indian cuisine.	85	15	New York	Riesling
119,177	US	This wine struggles in its overripe, nearly sweet confections of vanilla and marshmallow.	82	22	California	Chardonnay
19,733	Italy	Toast, underbrush, fragrant blue flower and woodland berry aromas lead the way. The firm palate offers tart red cherry, licorice and baking spice alongside fine-grained tannins that lend elegant structure. Drink 2018–2024.	92	87	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
123,288	Argentina	Pleasant apple and woodspice aromas are basic and limited but good. This feels balanced, with friendly melon, banana and tropical-fruit flavors. Light oak and related vanilla flavors drive the finish on this easygoing Chardonnay.	87	11	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
57,781	US	Michael David makes bombastically huge wines, but here they've mastered the style, making a black-as-night Syrah true to it's roots, with flavors of dark red fruit, bacon and toast, with a wall of vanilla and oak. It's juicy, jammy and surprisingly well integrated, a wine that's ready to drink now, preferably with a sizzling tri-tip.	88	16	California	Syrah
9,923	France	Just beginning to mature, this balanced, ripe wine is complex, with bright acidity, toast and pear and green-plum fruits. It is rich, with a tight mouse that shows intensity as well as a stylish character. This is a fine wine just coming into its own but well worth aging further until 2020.	95	65	Champagne	Champagne Blend
119,671	US	Leather, pipe smoke, roasted coffee, vanilla bean, pencil lead and sea-salt caramel aromas show on the rich, silky nose of this bottling, laid across black currant and black-plum fruit. The dark fruit extends to the palate, boosted by hoisin, cappuccino, violet and chocolate flavors, all wrapped in a firm but not imposing tannic veil.	92	70	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
35,388	Italy	Collazzi's burly super Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc (aged 18 months in oak) offers elegance and sophistication in the form of blackberry, rum cake, exotic spice, cured meat and black pepper. It's a big, bold wine that would pair well with barbecued meats.	92	40	Tuscany	Red Blend
112,299	US	Dark pink-red in color, this is a dry, lean and pleasant quaff, bright in cranberry and orange, with a meaty back note and a quick finish.	87	12	California	Zinfandel
35,223	US	With fresh, jammy blackberry and cherry fruit, this Cab tastes like it's right out of the fermenting tank. It's bright in acidity and simple, but gets the job done.	83	8	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
95,842	France	Ripe and fruity, this is a round, soft wine that shows the jammy character of Pinot Noir. It has a straight line of acidity that cuts through the fruit, which makes for an attractive, light finish.	87	28	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
5,003	US	Nicely styled, showing lots of licorice in the nose and in the flavors. Blackberry and plum, cedar and spice are gently introduced, and the balance of fruit, acid and tannin is taut and proportionate.	88	33	Washington	Merlot
91,478	US	This nonvintage rosé, modeled after a Bandol, is a blend of grapes and vintages, yet retains superb freshness and offers unusual complexity. Rich and tart, with a creamy strawberry core, it also shows sandalwood highlights and a hint of barrel toast.	91	35	Oregon	Rosé
70,083	US	This tastes like a cool-climate Zin because of the deep plum and black cherry flavors and light earthy, herbal accents, with touches of cedar and toast in the bouquet. It has moderate tannins and medium-to-full body.	89	28	California	Zinfandel
117,681	US	Immature now, with sweet, jammy blackberry, cassis and charred oak flavors, wrapped into firm, hard tannins. Tastes almost rustic, but there's pedigree in there. Give it a few years and see what happens.	88	55	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
97,980	France	With 20% Sémillon in the blend, this wine has some richness as well as plenty of herbal character. It is light, refreshing and crisp, with plenty of acidity and gooseberry flavors. The wine is ready to drink.	86	13	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
72,674	France	The palest color leads to a perfumed, very ready-to-drink wine. It is crisp with fruit that is now softened by a year's aging, offering a touch of caramel along with crushed strawberry flavors. Drink now.	86	27	Loire Valley	Rosé
119,691	US	Voluptuously honeyed with swirls of caramel, this single-vineyard estate wine is expansive on the palate. Toast, Good & Plenty candy and lemon meringue intertwine on the nose and palate atop a chalky texture and lingering acidity.	92	50	California	Chardonnay
33,810	Spain	A ripe fruity set of berry and cassis aromas shows a slight hint of raisin. This is a stacked saturated wine with raw tannins and plenty of power. Blackberry and earthy notes finish stout and compact: this doesn't vary or waver on the back end. Best from 2019–2026.	93	44	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
4,100	US	Cranberry and strawberry rise to the top of this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend in terms of aroma and flavor, the color and weight of the wine light ruby red. Dry tannin and herb intermingle around a soft texture before becoming puckering on the finish. Small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc are within the blend.	86	54	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
97,359	US	Pretty good for a California-appellated Pinot Noir at this price. Dry and silky, it shows pretty flavors of cherries and spices, with a nice, silky texture.	85	15	California	Pinot Noir
94,631	France	This Reims-based cooperative's wine is fruity, with a nice mature character from aging. Its citrus and green plum fruit is balanced with soft acidity. The texture is creamy, ripe and ready to drink.	87	50	Champagne	Champagne Blend
40,626	Italy	Made of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this evokes ripe strawberry and baking spice on the nose. The palate is accessible despite chewy tannins, delivering black plum and pipe tobacco flavors. Enjoy through 2019.	89	18	Tuscany	Red Blend
127,005	US	White and black pepper jump out of the glass, calling to the senses in this wine from the Wallace Creek Vineyard. A complex tangle of body and texture interweaves between an underlying elegance that belies the considerable ripeness behind this wine.	93	38	California	Syrah
39,403	US	Enhanced with 5% Roussanne, this bottling offers deep blueberry and blackberry fruit on the nose alongside touches of black licorice, oak smoke, sandalwood and caramel. Hints of juniper and pine needle show on the thick palate, giving a bitter complement to the thick and unctuous blueberry and fudge flavors.	92	55	California	Syrah
34,219	Portugal	Light tannins are dominated by the black cherry and ripe berry fruits. Acidity and a fresh character make this wine accessible and ready to drink.	86	13	Douro	Portuguese Red
127,228	US	A gorgeous Shea bottling, this is lushly aromatic and fruited with strawberry jam, blueberry and cherry. The fruit is set against clean acids and supple tannins, and flavors remain full and focused with details of baking spices all through the long finish. This is a thoroughly delicious example of the power and pleasure of the 2014 vintage in the Willamette Valley.	94	45	Oregon	Pinot Noir
72,748	Italy	Fragrant and loaded with finesse, this opens with scents of blue flower, rose, perfumed berry and a hint of dark spice. The bright palate delivers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and cinnamon alongside tightly wound but remarkably refined tannins. Drink 2017–2022.	94	70	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
91,538	Italy	This opens with aromas of black-skinned berry, blue flower, French oak and a balsamic whiff of menthol. The smooth, refined palate offers dried black cherry, dark spice and chopped herb alongside supple tannins.	90	45	Tuscany	Red Blend
18,417	Spain	Punchy and pure on the bouquet, this has nicely presented blackberry and cassis aromas that are offset by a whiff of dried cheese and leather. It feels snappy, fresh and firm, with toasty, mildly-spicy plum, berry and toasted flavors. Lengthy, juicy and healthy on the finish. Drink now through 2015.	91	25	Catalonia	Red Blend
97,803	US	Although this is a rosé, it provides an early glimpse, and a promising one, into the highly anticipated '09 Pinot vintage. Ripe and fruity in cherries, vanilla and spices, the wine shows great finesse and style.	87	16	California	Pinot Noir
55,178	US	From a producer with a generally good track record for off-dry Riesling comes this delightfully crisp, fruity wine. With a touch of white sugar in the background, it shows brisk flavors of limes, peaches, green apples and vanilla.	87	19	California	Riesling
126,440	US	Sourced from the Kiona vineyard on Red Mountain, and vinified in Oregon, this features a brambly, berry-strewn mid-palate with dried leaves and spices adding further interest. It rolls pleasantly across the palate into a tart, fruity finish.	88	30	Washington	Syrah
57,531	France	Round and velvet smooth, it has blackberry fruits that are full in the mouth, giving freshness while also making the wine rich and generous. The tannins are already well-integrated into this soft wine. Drink from 2015.	88	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
1,849	US	Both tart and tannic, it's unusually tight in personality, with a mouth-puckering texture, sharp fruit flavors and astringent finish. While there are too many soft and overripe Zins, this one goes pretty far the other way.	83	38	California	Zinfandel
60,987	US	A hazelnut-infused dessert wine based upon Pinot Noir, it's raisined, slightly volatile and impressively nutty. It turns creamy in the mouth, with rich flavors of hazelnut, toffee plus a hint of dried leaves.	87	39	Oregon	Pinot Noir
27,780	US	A great buy in a smooth, dry Merlot that shows real Napa elegance and style. It's medium-bodied and lush, with appealing cherry, currant, licorice, tobacco, mocha and spice flavors. Drink now for the immediate appeal.	90	22	California	Merlot
129,890	Argentina	This inky Malbec opens with an oaky blend of vanilla, blackberry, prune, cassis and tobacco aromas. A compact, firm palate is just lush enough, while oak-based flavors of cinnamon and baking spices rest on top of spiced plum and cassis. A peppery finish is intermixed with tobacco notes. Drink through 2021.	91	25	Mendoza Province	Malbec
104,141	US	Tastes overworked and sweetly heavy, with super-extracted pineapple jam, orange tapioca and butterscotch flavors. A heavy hand has been applied here.	84	40	California	Chardonnay
83,941	US	Beautiful aromas of ripe red cherry and cherry blossoms mix with rose-laced potpourri, dust, cola and vanilla on the nose of this best-barrel bottling by Jim Clendenen, named after his daughter. Bright and zesty acidity grabs the palate's immediate attention, making the mouth water as flavors of tart cherry, rust, marinated olive and fig come forth, finishing in a very earthy way.	95	50	California	Pinot Noir
111,903	US	This blend offers notes of herbs, woodspice, black licorice and cherry. It's full of sweet black fruit flavors, with the alcohol riding high and providing some distraction.	88	15	Washington	Red Blend
15,446	Italy	This opens with aromas of mature black currant and dark baking spice. The full-bodied palate offers mature black cherry, ripe blackberry, licorice and pipe tobacco alongside a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2017 through 2022.	90	40	Veneto	Red Blend
127,379	US	A delightful bistro wine from a producer who's specialized in Rhône-style wines for decades. It's dry, with pleasant raspberry, strawberry, orange zest, vanilla and spice flavors, wrapped into the silky texture of a fine Pinot Noir.	88	26	California	Grenache
27,888	Italy	This has aged for 20 months in oak and presents tones of cherry fruit, blackberry, blue flower, spice and toasted almond. There's a slightly pungent note of bruised apple or plum that gives the wine sharp brightness.	89	28	Tuscany	Sangiovese
92,944	US	The oak is pretty strong on this Chardonnay, dominating the fruit with buttered toast and butterscotch flavors. Still, it has some fat, unctuous tropical fruit and pear flavors that are quite pleasant.	87	26	California	Chardonnay
27,278	US	Very limited, this is a relatively new project from second generation winemaker Jason Lett. It is sourced from “the oldest vines in the Willamette Valley”—presumably Eyrie vines planted in 1965, and finds similar territory as the Eyrie reserve, with a bit more richness through the midpalate, partly from more expressive barrel flavors.	92	63	Oregon	Chardonnay
103,240	US	Coming from the Horse Heaven Hills region, this wine offers appealing aromas of cranberry, raspberry fruit leather, red currant and spice—all displaying a fine sense of purity. The tart fruit flavors are broad and generous but stay in balance.	91	24	Washington	Zinfandel
45,265	US	This wine comes from older vines at Conner Lee, Dionysus and Elephant Mountain vineyards. Light aromas of herb, dark plum, menthol and licorice lead to quite sweet full-bodied fruit flavors and a warm finish. It delivers a sense of hedonism and unabashed appeal, though the variety doesn't seem entirely clear.	89	28	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
60,863	US	Soft, simple and a little vegetal, with a green, asparagus taste alongside the blackberries. A decent party wine where no one really cares, as long as the wine is red.	82	8	California	Zinfandel
114,424	France	The nonvintage blend from this producer is getting marginally drier with tight crisp fruit as well as delicious sliced apple flavors. With a touch of toastiness, this wine shows itself as having some attractive bottle age. It is ready to drink.	91	55	Champagne	Champagne Blend
122,721	US	Firm and tannic, with ripe, dark fruits, this wine charges ahead with power and precision. Deep blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors are wrapped in dark chocolate and coffee-ground tannins. This has the length and structure to develop nicely through 2023–2025.	91	45	Oregon	Pinot Noir
69,379	US	An aromatic offering with notes of pear, melon and ripe banana. The oak (85% French, 15% stainless steel) adds vanilla accents. It drinks close to dry with abundant melon flavors and a textured feel.	88	27	Oregon	Viognier
61,660	Italy	Heady floral scents of wisteria, jasmine and hawthorn lead the way. The bright, frothy palate doles out crisp green apple, Bartlett pear and a hint of lime alongside a foaming mousse.	87	26	Veneto	Glera
22,049	US	This bottling's extreme grapefruit pithiness meets with rainy cement and a touch of rubber on the nose. The flavors are quite reductive, with tar and sour crab apple touches.	85	22	California	Pinot Grigio
115,825	US	There's very little if any oak on this wine, which has a classic Central Coast profile of high acidity and bright, intense fruit. The flavors of limes, kiwis, passionfruit and vanilla finish long and bright. Good value in a classy, superdrinkable Chardonnay.	87	11	California	Chardonnay
79,737	US	Earth and mushroom dominate this lighter-style wine, offering aromas and flavors of forest floor and fresh soil, and even a taste of black tea shyly dancing in the background. Well-balanced and complex, it has a silky texture and long, smooth finish.	89	42	California	Pinot Noir
55,223	US	Too many California Sangiovese suffer from all sorts of problems, mainly unripeness. But this one is soft and smooth and juicy. It offers rich flavors of cherries, red currants, chocolate, anise and pepper, and will be fine with a grilled steak, or even tempura veggies dipped in soy sauce.	87	32	California	Sangiovese
110,315	France	Lifted notes of rose water and honeysuckle blossom rise immediately from the glass. They remain just as perfumed on the palate, clothing peach fruit in floral fragrance. There is a pleasantly bitter edge and just enough freshness to stand up to the opulent flavors. This finishes medium sweet and has a perfumed finish.	91	26	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
108,861	US	Ripe fruit aromas and flavors ooze from this full-bodied but silky-textured wine. It tastes like a late-harvest style, with cherry and blood orange flavors, and seems well-suited for kicking back by the fire after a meal, eating chunks of cheese.	87	29	California	Zinfandel
93,678	Argentina	This smells mulchy at first, then more like tomato and earthy leather. The palate is big and blocky, with herbal, mildly stewed flavors of tomato, berry and spiced plum. It's earthy on the finish, with a clove accent.	84	12	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Sauvignon
58,642	US	This is a fully oaken, reserve-level wine with decadent yellow wax that's concentrated and ripe on the palate in toffee, vanilla and baked apple pie. Robust, it drinks decadently.	89	47	California	Chardonnay
124,177	France	This wine has structure, typical of this appellation, as well as dark black fruits and rich tannins. Acidity cuts through this ripeness, bringing in freshness. Spice and an attractive perfume come along at the end. Drink from 2019.	90	80	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
14,031	US	This Sonoma County wine made by Santa Barbara-based Winemaker Andrew Murray is explosively juicy in black currant and berry, while offering soft, lean aspects of herb and pepper.	88	85	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
94,844	France	An intriguing wine, that offers ripe sweetness followed by an edgy rustic acidity. Is this a stage in its evolution? Probably, because the tannins promise aging and the intensely aromatic nature of the fruit points to a potentially fine wine. Just don't drink it yet.	89	55	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
101,751	US	This wine offers a ripe abundance of apple and pear, veering almost into tropical flavors. It conveys richness amid a streak of high acidity, the oak semi-restrained. It finishes in vanilla crème brûlée.	88	30	California	Chardonnay
110,781	France	This is a soft wine from the warm white vintage of 2015. It is a touch herbal and much more tropical and white fruits. The balance is just right, so drink now.	85	8	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
69,263	US	From grapes grown in Coombsville, this blends in tiny additions of Petit Verdot and Merlot. Earthy in leather and fresh compost, it remains light-bodied and dry, despite a large tannin presence, the finish marked by pencil shavings and herbs.	88	85	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
41,168	Italy	This has fragrances of ripe black cherry, raisin and a touch of leather. The palate delivers raisin and raspberry flavors, along with spicy black pepper notes. The palate is a bit evolved, showing tertiary notes.	89	60	Veneto	Red Blend
24,171	US	Reserved aromas of cherry, cranberry, pencil lead and barrel spice lead to sweet fruit flavors back by lightly grainy tannins.	87	24	Washington	Red Blend

82,768

Spain

Initially this smells toasty to the point of charred, but with airing the nose settles on oak, black fruit and lightly stemmy red-berry scents. This feels full and good, with resolved tannins that don't bite. Flavors of black fruits and coconut oak finish strong and deep. This can last until 2025, maybe longer.

90

32

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

7,876

US

One of the appellation's more famous wines, this opens in black licorice and blackberry, alongside a streak of malted chocolate, soft and sinewy, with a tension of acidity that adds age-worthy structure. Dense and interesting now, it'll get better over time, cellaring well through 2027.

94

145

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

27,401

US

An awkward Pinot, soft and sweet in raspberry fig Newton cookie and Dr. Pepper cola flavors. The alcohol is pretty high, and shows in the form of heat. Lacks the delicacy you expect from this fine vineyard.

86

58

California

Pinot Noir

112,394

Spain

Radiator dust, baked apple and other familiar, semirich aromas grace the nose on this more elevated Cava. In the mouth, there's chunkiness, weight and integrity along with a flavor profile that hints at vinegar but settles on cidery apple and kumquat. Nicely done and different from the mass wines Freixenet is known for.

88

18

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

69,782

US

Touches of cinnamon, turned earth, iron, dark cranberry and fresh raspberry hit the nose on this bottling from a celebrated vineyard. The palate shows lots of potential with more bottle age, offering notes of graphite, underripe berries, black pepper and bay leaf.

86

49

California

Pinot Noir

66,863

US

Fragrant aromas of Anjou pear and green apple skins make for a fresh and fruit nose on this wine that is cut with lime-peel bitterness. It's delicate at first on the palate, with a slightly sour yellow grapefruit-peel flavor that leaves an energetic zing in the mouth.

89

16

California

Sauvignon Blanc

117,102

US

This wine is the top of the line for Black Kite, and it certainly does not disappoint. Tea leaves, raspberry and cherry make a great blend of aromas, while the fruit flavors are bright like red cherries, the texture lively and fresh, and the overall impression very elegant. Best now through 2020.

93

85

California

Pinot Noir

5,433

US

The historic winery's most widely accessible bottling, this is a solid everyday sipper, showing concentrated olallieberry, black plum, violet and teriyaki aromas. The palate discloses blackberry and mint, with touches of pepper and lavender.

88

25

California

Syrah

23,343

France

A finely structured wine, well spiced with ripe berry fruits and intense but balanced acidity. This is stylish, attractive and is worth aging for 3-4 years.

90

25

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

51,684

US

This 100% Grenache was aged in neutral French oak. It's dry in style, but rich, with flavors of raspberries, strawberries, cherries and toast. An edge of acidity adds verve.

86

18

California

Rosé

115,678

US

A special spot for Syrah, Parmalee-Hill gets plenty of coastal fog and coolness, providing this gamy, silky 100% varietal wine with structure and buoyant acidity around a balanced weight of tar, black olive and dark cherry.

91

62

California

Syrah

129,177

US

Very concentrated aromas of kirsch, dried berries, chocolate and spice cake show on the nose of this bottling that is bolstered by 10% Petite Sirah. That density extends to the palate, where treacly black-cherry-syrup flavors mix with baking spice.

85

36

California

Zinfandel

43,652

US

The Sigrid never fails to deliver lush fruit and hedonistic barrel flavors. However in cooler years, when the alcohol falls below 14%, it has something extra when details of skin and flower emerge as well. This is a wine of power and finesse, with juicy pear and peach, supple acids, brioche and toasted biscuit, underscored with refreshing minerality. Drink now through 2025.

95

85

Oregon

Chardonnay

60,476

US

This is a generous, tightly wound vineyard-designate that tastes more full-figured than it lists in terms of alcohol, jammy in dark plum and cardamom. It finishes with a ripe robustness of dark cherry fruit flavor and hint of earth.

88

64

California

Pinot Noir

95,361

Spain

If you like full-flavored, lusty Tempranillos, Viñas del Cenit in western Zamora is a reliable source. This has floral berry aromas, a saturated palate with wall to wall tannins, and baked black-fruit flavors that push up towards maximum ripeness. A staunch, jammy, tannic red made to with meat off the grill.

90

15

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

32,484

US

This Pinot Noir-Syrah blend opens up with aromas of cherry compote, red currant, pencil shavings and roasted beets. It's extremely silky on the palate, with purple fruit, even blueberries present. The alcohol is not out of balance, thanks to a touch of bitterness.

92

24

California

Red Blend

54,192

US

Fleshy and briny, this wine hails from the producer's own marquee vineyard, situated in the heart of the Olivet Lane district. Ripe, with a buttery undertone, it's classic in its rendering of Gravenstein apple and pear flavors—balanced, yet with a robust frame.

90

45

California

Chardonnay

85,206

US

Black as night in the glass, this wine shows black cherries, lava rocks and espresso beans on the dense nose. It's thick and chewy once sipped, with zesty acidity that sizzles across the palate, showing blackberry and coffee flavors. It's all power, with very little finesse. Sales of the wine benefit multiple sclerosis research.

90

40

California

Petite Sirah

32,100

Italy

Blueberry, chocolate, mint and clove aromas lead the nose of this blend of 50% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Franc and 15% Petit Verdot. The palate offers dried black cherries, coffee, cinnamon, black pepper and cocoa. Fine-grained tannins provide the framework.

89

28

Tuscany

Red Blend

93,559

US

For this classic, restrained Cabernet Sauvignon with 11% Petit Verdot, the grapes were grown in Rutherford, Yountville and St. Helena. The wine is juicy in soft red cherry and cassis. Seamless on the palate, it offers a nice progression from explosive fruit to measured acidity and low oak, the finish balanced between all three.

90

59

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

24,753

US

Fresh raspberry and Bing cherry juice meet with wet black slate, rain on cement and toasted sagebrush scents on the nose of this block-selection expression. The palate opens with ripe red berry, then tightens on slightly sour cranberries, with singing acidity down the middle and a warmer anise tinge to the edges.

93

58

California

Pinot Noir

94,478

US

This mature block-designated wine shows round blackberry flavors offset by leather and smoke. Full bodied, it's densely built and powerfully ripe.

87

125

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

109,303

US

Lavish barrel fermentation, aging in new French oak and sur lie stirring was intended to bring out a Bordeaux-style richness in this wine. But the chilly vintage intervened, yielding a wine with dominant green peppercorn aromas and flavors. Still, it's a subtle, elegant wine. Drink now.

86

30

California

Sauvignon Blanc

2,723

France

This wine is tangy and textured with light tannins, a bite of citrus acidity and plenty of fruit. It's bright and has a juicy, lively aftertaste. Drink now.

86

10

Bordeaux

Rosé

60,566

Italy

This wine is characterized by thick concentration and mature notes of plum, prune, blackberry tart, coffee, chocolate and black licorice. The wine delivers thick consistency and dense tannins and is almost too much of a good thing. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

88

40

Tuscany

Red Blend

65,410

US

A sound, pleasant Zinfandel with a good array of wild berry, cherry, anise, herb and white pepper flavors. The flavors are quite complex, but the wine is a little sharp and edgy in tannins, with some green notes.

85

32

California

Zinfandel

125,208

US

Made in stainless-steel tanks and a mix of French and American oak barrels, this new, low-priced, low-in-alcohol white is straightforward in its rich layers of butterscotch and tropical vanilla, with a roundness that many will find attractive.

85

12

California

Chardonnay

18,536

US

Strong oak aromas and flavors wrap around this full-bodied, rather tannic and bold Merlot. It shows ripe fruit flavors and a gripping texture that makes it appropriate to match with red meat. Blended with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

87

22

California

Merlot

76,442

US

This bottling, which includes 8% Zinfandel and 3% Syrah, shows gingerbread, sandalwood, olallieberry, violet and maraschino cherry on the nose. It's delicate on the palate at first, with candied-strawberry flavors as well as cinnamon foam and purple flowers. It features a nice textural tension as well.

90

24

California

Grenache

98,984

Italy

Mauro Sebaste is an up-and-coming winery to watch with a full range of Piedmont wines. This pretty Barbera from Alba shows big oak tones that need more time to integrate within the folds of the dark berry and sweet spice tones that are typical of this deeply beloved native grape.

88

21

Piedmont

Barbera

39,306

US

Rich, ripe and concentrated, the lush array of black fruits is enhanced with a generous amount of barrel-generated baking spices. There's a chef's pantry of cinnamon, ginger and more, along with a vein of molasses and a whiff of coffee running through the tannins. It's a total yum-fest.

94

30

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

116,375

US

Whiffs of sweet curry spice and fennel are enticing on the nose of this earthy, rather savory Riesling from Rock Stream. Lean in profile and vibrantly acidic with a squeaky, lemony sheen, it's the perfect pairing for subtly spiced South Indian cuisine.

85

15

New York

Riesling

119,177

US

This wine struggles in its overripe, nearly sweet confections of vanilla and marshmallow.

82

22

California

Chardonnay

19,733

Italy

Toast, underbrush, fragrant blue flower and woodland berry aromas lead the way. The firm palate offers tart red cherry, licorice and baking spice alongside fine-grained tannins that lend elegant structure. Drink 2018–2024.

92

87

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

123,288

Argentina

Pleasant apple and woodspice aromas are basic and limited but good. This feels balanced, with friendly melon, banana and tropical-fruit flavors. Light oak and related vanilla flavors drive the finish on this easygoing Chardonnay.

87

11

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

57,781

US

Michael David makes bombastically huge wines, but here they've mastered the style, making a black-as-night Syrah true to it's roots, with flavors of dark red fruit, bacon and toast, with a wall of vanilla and oak. It's juicy, jammy and surprisingly well integrated, a wine that's ready to drink now, preferably with a sizzling tri-tip.

88

16

California

Syrah

9,923

France

Just beginning to mature, this balanced, ripe wine is complex, with bright acidity, toast and pear and green-plum fruits. It is rich, with a tight mouse that shows intensity as well as a stylish character. This is a fine wine just coming into its own but well worth aging further until 2020.

95

65

Champagne

Champagne Blend

119,671

US

Leather, pipe smoke, roasted coffee, vanilla bean, pencil lead and sea-salt caramel aromas show on the rich, silky nose of this bottling, laid across black currant and black-plum fruit. The dark fruit extends to the palate, boosted by hoisin, cappuccino, violet and chocolate flavors, all wrapped in a firm but not imposing tannic veil.

92

70

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

35,388

Italy

Collazzi's burly super Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc (aged 18 months in oak) offers elegance and sophistication in the form of blackberry, rum cake, exotic spice, cured meat and black pepper. It's a big, bold wine that would pair well with barbecued meats.

92

40

Tuscany

Red Blend

112,299

US

Dark pink-red in color, this is a dry, lean and pleasant quaff, bright in cranberry and orange, with a meaty back note and a quick finish.

87

12

California

Zinfandel

35,223

US

With fresh, jammy blackberry and cherry fruit, this Cab tastes like it's right out of the fermenting tank. It's bright in acidity and simple, but gets the job done.

83

8

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

95,842

France

Ripe and fruity, this is a round, soft wine that shows the jammy character of Pinot Noir. It has a straight line of acidity that cuts through the fruit, which makes for an attractive, light finish.

87

28

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

5,003

US

Nicely styled, showing lots of licorice in the nose and in the flavors. Blackberry and plum, cedar and spice are gently introduced, and the balance of fruit, acid and tannin is taut and proportionate.

88

33

Washington

Merlot

91,478

US

This nonvintage rosé, modeled after a Bandol, is a blend of grapes and vintages, yet retains superb freshness and offers unusual complexity. Rich and tart, with a creamy strawberry core, it also shows sandalwood highlights and a hint of barrel toast.

91

35

Oregon

Rosé

70,083

US

This tastes like a cool-climate Zin because of the deep plum and black cherry flavors and light earthy, herbal accents, with touches of cedar and toast in the bouquet. It has moderate tannins and medium-to-full body.

89

28

California

Zinfandel

117,681

US

Immature now, with sweet, jammy blackberry, cassis and charred oak flavors, wrapped into firm, hard tannins. Tastes almost rustic, but there's pedigree in there. Give it a few years and see what happens.

88

55

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

97,980

France

With 20% Sémillon in the blend, this wine has some richness as well as plenty of herbal character. It is light, refreshing and crisp, with plenty of acidity and gooseberry flavors. The wine is ready to drink.

86

13

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

72,674

France

The palest color leads to a perfumed, very ready-to-drink wine. It is crisp with fruit that is now softened by a year's aging, offering a touch of caramel along with crushed strawberry flavors. Drink now.

86

27

Loire Valley

Rosé

119,691

US

Voluptuously honeyed with swirls of caramel, this single-vineyard estate wine is expansive on the palate. Toast, Good & Plenty candy and lemon meringue intertwine on the nose and palate atop a chalky texture and lingering acidity.

92

50

California

Chardonnay

33,810

Spain

A ripe fruity set of berry and cassis aromas shows a slight hint of raisin. This is a stacked saturated wine with raw tannins and plenty of power. Blackberry and earthy notes finish stout and compact: this doesn't vary or waver on the back end. Best from 2019–2026.

93

44

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

4,100

US

Cranberry and strawberry rise to the top of this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend in terms of aroma and flavor, the color and weight of the wine light ruby red. Dry tannin and herb intermingle around a soft texture before becoming puckering on the finish. Small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc are within the blend.

86

54

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

97,359

US

Pretty good for a California-appellated Pinot Noir at this price. Dry and silky, it shows pretty flavors of cherries and spices, with a nice, silky texture.

85

15

California

Pinot Noir

94,631

France

This Reims-based cooperative's wine is fruity, with a nice mature character from aging. Its citrus and green plum fruit is balanced with soft acidity. The texture is creamy, ripe and ready to drink.

87

50

Champagne

Champagne Blend

40,626

Italy

Made of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this evokes ripe strawberry and baking spice on the nose. The palate is accessible despite chewy tannins, delivering black plum and pipe tobacco flavors. Enjoy through 2019.

89

18

Tuscany

Red Blend

127,005

US

White and black pepper jump out of the glass, calling to the senses in this wine from the Wallace Creek Vineyard. A complex tangle of body and texture interweaves between an underlying elegance that belies the considerable ripeness behind this wine.

93

38

California

Syrah

39,403

US

Enhanced with 5% Roussanne, this bottling offers deep blueberry and blackberry fruit on the nose alongside touches of black licorice, oak smoke, sandalwood and caramel. Hints of juniper and pine needle show on the thick palate, giving a bitter complement to the thick and unctuous blueberry and fudge flavors.

92

55

California

Syrah

34,219

Portugal

Light tannins are dominated by the black cherry and ripe berry fruits. Acidity and a fresh character make this wine accessible and ready to drink.

86

13

Douro

Portuguese Red

127,228

US

A gorgeous Shea bottling, this is lushly aromatic and fruited with strawberry jam, blueberry and cherry. The fruit is set against clean acids and supple tannins, and flavors remain full and focused with details of baking spices all through the long finish. This is a thoroughly delicious example of the power and pleasure of the 2014 vintage in the Willamette Valley.

94

45

Oregon

Pinot Noir

72,748

Italy

Fragrant and loaded with finesse, this opens with scents of blue flower, rose, perfumed berry and a hint of dark spice. The bright palate delivers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and cinnamon alongside tightly wound but remarkably refined tannins. Drink 2017–2022.

94

70

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

91,538

Italy

This opens with aromas of black-skinned berry, blue flower, French oak and a balsamic whiff of menthol. The smooth, refined palate offers dried black cherry, dark spice and chopped herb alongside supple tannins.

90

45

Tuscany

Red Blend

18,417

Spain

Punchy and pure on the bouquet, this has nicely presented blackberry and cassis aromas that are offset by a whiff of dried cheese and leather. It feels snappy, fresh and firm, with toasty, mildly-spicy plum, berry and toasted flavors. Lengthy, juicy and healthy on the finish. Drink now through 2015.

91

25

Catalonia

Red Blend

97,803

US

Although this is a rosé, it provides an early glimpse, and a promising one, into the highly anticipated '09 Pinot vintage. Ripe and fruity in cherries, vanilla and spices, the wine shows great finesse and style.

87

16

California

Pinot Noir

55,178

US

From a producer with a generally good track record for off-dry Riesling comes this delightfully crisp, fruity wine. With a touch of white sugar in the background, it shows brisk flavors of limes, peaches, green apples and vanilla.

87

19

California

Riesling

126,440

US

Sourced from the Kiona vineyard on Red Mountain, and vinified in Oregon, this features a brambly, berry-strewn mid-palate with dried leaves and spices adding further interest. It rolls pleasantly across the palate into a tart, fruity finish.

88

30

Washington

Syrah

57,531

France

Round and velvet smooth, it has blackberry fruits that are full in the mouth, giving freshness while also making the wine rich and generous. The tannins are already well-integrated into this soft wine. Drink from 2015.

88

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

1,849

US

Both tart and tannic, it's unusually tight in personality, with a mouth-puckering texture, sharp fruit flavors and astringent finish. While there are too many soft and overripe Zins, this one goes pretty far the other way.

83

38

California

Zinfandel

60,987

US

A hazelnut-infused dessert wine based upon Pinot Noir, it's raisined, slightly volatile and impressively nutty. It turns creamy in the mouth, with rich flavors of hazelnut, toffee plus a hint of dried leaves.

87

39

Oregon

Pinot Noir

27,780

US

A great buy in a smooth, dry Merlot that shows real Napa elegance and style. It's medium-bodied and lush, with appealing cherry, currant, licorice, tobacco, mocha and spice flavors. Drink now for the immediate appeal.

90

22

California

Merlot

129,890

Argentina

This inky Malbec opens with an oaky blend of vanilla, blackberry, prune, cassis and tobacco aromas. A compact, firm palate is just lush enough, while oak-based flavors of cinnamon and baking spices rest on top of spiced plum and cassis. A peppery finish is intermixed with tobacco notes. Drink through 2021.

91

25

Mendoza Province

Malbec

104,141

US

Tastes overworked and sweetly heavy, with super-extracted pineapple jam, orange tapioca and butterscotch flavors. A heavy hand has been applied here.

84

40

California

Chardonnay

83,941

US

Beautiful aromas of ripe red cherry and cherry blossoms mix with rose-laced potpourri, dust, cola and vanilla on the nose of this best-barrel bottling by Jim Clendenen, named after his daughter. Bright and zesty acidity grabs the palate's immediate attention, making the mouth water as flavors of tart cherry, rust, marinated olive and fig come forth, finishing in a very earthy way.

95

50

California

Pinot Noir

111,903

US

This blend offers notes of herbs, woodspice, black licorice and cherry. It's full of sweet black fruit flavors, with the alcohol riding high and providing some distraction.

88

15

Washington

Red Blend

15,446

Italy

This opens with aromas of mature black currant and dark baking spice. The full-bodied palate offers mature black cherry, ripe blackberry, licorice and pipe tobacco alongside a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2017 through 2022.

90

40

Veneto

Red Blend

127,379

US

A delightful bistro wine from a producer who's specialized in Rhône-style wines for decades. It's dry, with pleasant raspberry, strawberry, orange zest, vanilla and spice flavors, wrapped into the silky texture of a fine Pinot Noir.

88

26

California

Grenache

27,888

Italy

This has aged for 20 months in oak and presents tones of cherry fruit, blackberry, blue flower, spice and toasted almond. There's a slightly pungent note of bruised apple or plum that gives the wine sharp brightness.

89

28

Tuscany

Sangiovese

92,944

US

The oak is pretty strong on this Chardonnay, dominating the fruit with buttered toast and butterscotch flavors. Still, it has some fat, unctuous tropical fruit and pear flavors that are quite pleasant.

87

26

California

Chardonnay

27,278

US

Very limited, this is a relatively new project from second generation winemaker Jason Lett. It is sourced from “the oldest vines in the Willamette Valley”—presumably Eyrie vines planted in 1965, and finds similar territory as the Eyrie reserve, with a bit more richness through the midpalate, partly from more expressive barrel flavors.

92

63

Oregon

Chardonnay

103,240

US

Coming from the Horse Heaven Hills region, this wine offers appealing aromas of cranberry, raspberry fruit leather, red currant and spice—all displaying a fine sense of purity. The tart fruit flavors are broad and generous but stay in balance.

91

24

Washington

Zinfandel

45,265

US

This wine comes from older vines at Conner Lee, Dionysus and Elephant Mountain vineyards. Light aromas of herb, dark plum, menthol and licorice lead to quite sweet full-bodied fruit flavors and a warm finish. It delivers a sense of hedonism and unabashed appeal, though the variety doesn't seem entirely clear.

89

28

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

60,863

US

Soft, simple and a little vegetal, with a green, asparagus taste alongside the blackberries. A decent party wine where no one really cares, as long as the wine is red.

82

8

California

Zinfandel

114,424

France

The nonvintage blend from this producer is getting marginally drier with tight crisp fruit as well as delicious sliced apple flavors. With a touch of toastiness, this wine shows itself as having some attractive bottle age. It is ready to drink.

91

55

Champagne

Champagne Blend

122,721

US

Firm and tannic, with ripe, dark fruits, this wine charges ahead with power and precision. Deep blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors are wrapped in dark chocolate and coffee-ground tannins. This has the length and structure to develop nicely through 2023–2025.

91

45

Oregon

Pinot Noir

69,379

US

An aromatic offering with notes of pear, melon and ripe banana. The oak (85% French, 15% stainless steel) adds vanilla accents. It drinks close to dry with abundant melon flavors and a textured feel.

88

27

Oregon

Viognier

61,660

Italy

Heady floral scents of wisteria, jasmine and hawthorn lead the way. The bright, frothy palate doles out crisp green apple, Bartlett pear and a hint of lime alongside a foaming mousse.

87

26

Veneto

Glera

22,049

US

This bottling's extreme grapefruit pithiness meets with rainy cement and a touch of rubber on the nose. The flavors are quite reductive, with tar and sour crab apple touches.

85

22

California

Pinot Grigio

115,825

US

There's very little if any oak on this wine, which has a classic Central Coast profile of high acidity and bright, intense fruit. The flavors of limes, kiwis, passionfruit and vanilla finish long and bright. Good value in a classy, superdrinkable Chardonnay.

87

11

California

Chardonnay

79,737

US

Earth and mushroom dominate this lighter-style wine, offering aromas and flavors of forest floor and fresh soil, and even a taste of black tea shyly dancing in the background. Well-balanced and complex, it has a silky texture and long, smooth finish.

89

42

California

Pinot Noir

55,223

US

Too many California Sangiovese suffer from all sorts of problems, mainly unripeness. But this one is soft and smooth and juicy. It offers rich flavors of cherries, red currants, chocolate, anise and pepper, and will be fine with a grilled steak, or even tempura veggies dipped in soy sauce.

87

32

California

Sangiovese

110,315

France

Lifted notes of rose water and honeysuckle blossom rise immediately from the glass. They remain just as perfumed on the palate, clothing peach fruit in floral fragrance. There is a pleasantly bitter edge and just enough freshness to stand up to the opulent flavors. This finishes medium sweet and has a perfumed finish.

91

26

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

108,861

US

Ripe fruit aromas and flavors ooze from this full-bodied but silky-textured wine. It tastes like a late-harvest style, with cherry and blood orange flavors, and seems well-suited for kicking back by the fire after a meal, eating chunks of cheese.

87

29

California

Zinfandel

93,678

Argentina

This smells mulchy at first, then more like tomato and earthy leather. The palate is big and blocky, with herbal, mildly stewed flavors of tomato, berry and spiced plum. It's earthy on the finish, with a clove accent.

84

12

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Sauvignon

58,642

US

This is a fully oaken, reserve-level wine with decadent yellow wax that's concentrated and ripe on the palate in toffee, vanilla and baked apple pie. Robust, it drinks decadently.

89

47

California

Chardonnay

124,177

France

This wine has structure, typical of this appellation, as well as dark black fruits and rich tannins. Acidity cuts through this ripeness, bringing in freshness. Spice and an attractive perfume come along at the end. Drink from 2019.

90

80

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

14,031

US

This Sonoma County wine made by Santa Barbara-based Winemaker Andrew Murray is explosively juicy in black currant and berry, while offering soft, lean aspects of herb and pepper.

88

85

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

94,844

France

An intriguing wine, that offers ripe sweetness followed by an edgy rustic acidity. Is this a stage in its evolution? Probably, because the tannins promise aging and the intensely aromatic nature of the fruit points to a potentially fine wine. Just don't drink it yet.

89

55

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

101,751

US

This wine offers a ripe abundance of apple and pear, veering almost into tropical flavors. It conveys richness amid a streak of high acidity, the oak semi-restrained. It finishes in vanilla crème brûlée.

88

30

California

Chardonnay

110,781

France

This is a soft wine from the warm white vintage of 2015. It is a touch herbal and much more tropical and white fruits. The balance is just right, so drink now.

85

8

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

69,263

US

From grapes grown in Coombsville, this blends in tiny additions of Petit Verdot and Merlot. Earthy in leather and fresh compost, it remains light-bodied and dry, despite a large tannin presence, the finish marked by pencil shavings and herbs.

88

85

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

41,168

Italy

This has fragrances of ripe black cherry, raisin and a touch of leather. The palate delivers raisin and raspberry flavors, along with spicy black pepper notes. The palate is a bit evolved, showing tertiary notes.

89

60

Veneto

Red Blend

24,171

US

Reserved aromas of cherry, cranberry, pencil lead and barrel spice lead to sweet fruit flavors back by lightly grainy tannins.

87

24

Washington

Red Blend