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
22,336	US	Zinfandel is not usually a wine you have to age, but this one does need four years or so in the cellar. It's bone dry and quite good, with classic wild berry, tobacco, grilled meat and spice flavors, but it's pretty tannic. Has the depth and balance to blossom by, say, 2015.	90	27	California	Zinfandel
68,090	US	The Legacy estate reserve is a limited selection from the original mid-1970s vines. It remains stubbornly closed, even after hours of breathing time. Grudgingly, pomegranate and cranberry fruit flavors peek through a high-acid base with mineral undertones. The balance is there for further aging.	91	75	Oregon	Pinot Noir
32,841	US	Light flavors call up notes of toasted cracker and raspberry candy that are pleasant enough, but insubstantial. The addition of 3% Syrah to the blend may have helped to bump up the color, but this remains a rather thin and simple, quaffable wine.	87	30	Oregon	Pinot Noir
31,654	US	This wine blends competing elements of steely minerality and ripe, nearly sweet elements of red apple and squeezed tangerine on the nose. The flavors are also well-rounded, with apple fruit and Asian pear balanced by lemon juice acidity.	89	15	California	Chardonnay
7,226	US	Soft and a little warm in alcohol, this blend has rich flavors of red berries, red currants, smoked meat and exotic spices. It's an easy wine to drink with barbecue.	87	30	California	Red Blend
21,839	Argentina	Reedy, herbaceous aromas suggest rhubarb and red licorice candy. This feels flat and lays heavily on the palate, while candied flavors of cherry and berry finish hot.	80	10	Mendoza Province	Malbec
31,831	France	Structured and still firm, this is a wine with some good potential. It's full of blackberry fruit and ripe tannins. Juicy acidity gives it a crisp edge, lifting the solid texture. Drink from 2020.	90	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
56,236	France	This ripe wine is full of the fruit that's typical of the vintage, with its bursts of red berry flavor and layers of wood. It has a crisp edge from plenty of acidity and a good concentration that gives it the weight it needs. Drink from 2020.	91	65	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
80,920	US	A beautiful Syrah, softly tannic, dry and full bodied. High alcohol gives some jalapeño pepper heat to the blackberries, licorice, bacon, dark chocolate and sandalwood flavors, but nothing that richly sauced barbecue can't handle. Drink up.	90	34	California	Syrah
89,234	US	This wine is big, burly and complex, showing a preponderance of dark, ripe black fruit built around dusty tannins, leather and lavender. It's compelling and drinking well now.	88	18	California	Zinfandel
98,123	US	Vanilla, baking spice, coconut and dark fruit aromas lead to plush, plentiful purple-fruit flavors. It provides a lot of enjoyment and appeal, showing equal parts fruit and barrel.	91	36	Washington	Malbec
18,207	US	A disappointment after the rich 2005. They should have declassified this vintage. The wine is dry and sharp, with green, sharp acids and modest berry, currant and herb flavors.	85	75	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
64,374	Italy	Toast, oak, coffee, underbrush and baked plum aromas unfold on this extremely ripe, full-bodied wine. The densely concentrated palate delivers blackberry jam, licorice, oak roasted coffee bean, coconut and a vanilla note alongside astringent tannins. Give the tannins another few years to soften then drink sooner rather than later.	89	90	Tuscany	Sangiovese
110,554	US	This is a light, tropical Sauvignon Blanc that's widely distributed. The palate is marked by pleasant layers of pineapple, guava and melon. On the finish a streak of lemon lingers awhile. A great wine for parties, picnics and other casual gatherings.	87	12	California	Sauvignon Blanc
33,081	US	This is a smooth, dry and well-integrated white, highlighted in apricot, peach and lemongrass, with an herbal undertone. It's ready for the table, with food-friendly acidity and medium body weight.	88	28	California	Sauvignon Blanc
116,054	US	Classic and restrained, with herbal components and a firm tannic backbone, this is a finely made wine at a respectable price that's easy to enjoy and share. Savory currant, leather and oak define it best.	88	28	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
117,696	US	Some bottle age shows on this soft, gentle Pinot Noir. It's tasty in raspberries and cherries, with a rich spiciness and a smoky coat of oak. Seems at its best now, so drink up.	87	38	California	Pinot Noir
65,292	US	Here is a well-made Oregon Pinot Noir from the people who know the grapes fully—vineyard manager Dai Crisp and his crew. Purple fruits, tart acids and a lively mouthfeel with young, fresh mixed berry fruit flavors are all on display. This is not a typical 2012 fruit bomb, but compensates with some tannic, herbal muscle.	88	25	Oregon	Pinot Noir
47,802	France	Packed with red fruits, this is a bright wine. It has fine tannins due to aging half in French oak and half in stainless steel to give a balance to a wine that is crisp and fresh. Drink from 2018.	88	18	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
36,416	Italy	This blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo offers a nose of berry fruit and light almond shadings backed by an easy, informal mouthfeel. Pair this fruit-driven red with pasta or pizza.	87	12	Tuscany	Red Blend
67,684	France	There are ripe yellow fruits here in this generous, full wine. Touches of spice add to the general feeling of richness. There is enough concentration to give a wine that is dense and with a pepper aftertaste.	85	14	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
79,710	US	This is a fun, novelty wine that delivers minimally on flavor. The bright aqua color is definitely unique, the aroma is like a blue popsicle or cotton candy, and sflavors are semisweet and candylike.	81	20	California	Sparkling Blend
59,740	US	Aromas like a pastry shop and ripe pear and sweet apple flavors make this wine easy to like. Smoothly textured, it is medium bodied and the balance is rather soft.	88	15	California	Chardonnay
57,944	US	The old vine designation, though unregulated, is usually reserved for plantings at least a quarter century old. Though the first sniff suggests a wine that has been over-oaked, such is not the case. It has the concentration and fruit power—layers of citrus and stone fruit flavors—along with the depth and texture that older vines bring, to more than support the generous new oak.	90	78	Oregon	Chardonnay
13,556	Australia	This relatively lean wine focuses on pear and apple aromas and flavors. Some spearmint scents spice up the nose, while buttery nuances appear on the palate. Finishes a bit short, but with crisp and clean with herb notes, unencumbered by lots of oak.	85	16	South Australia	Chardonnay
37,192	Spain	Although a touch rough and stalky on the nose, any and all gritty aromas are offset by earthy, mature cherry and plum scents. Grabby but fair on the palate, this tastes of roasted plum, herbs and peppery spice. A dry, toasty finish with spice notes ranks as good.	88	15	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
71,835	US	The nose on this dry, medium-bodied wine is fairly neutral, with subdued aromas of lemon, lime and apple. On the palate, however, it's exuberantly floral with notes of orange blossom and white peaches accented with lime zest and acidity. Finishes long with reverberating mineral tones.	90	16	New York	Riesling
110,032	US	Opening with aromas of fresh and dried herbs, this wine follows with notes of blackberry, flowers, and black currant, with smoked meat and black olives providing undertones. The black fruit flavors don't hold back, packing a powerful punch.	93	70	Washington	Syrah
67,950	France	While the wine is toasty, burnt almost, the freshness of the fruit is very present, giving a light, lively touch to the weight. Give it six months to finally integrate.	89	30	Burgundy	Chardonnay
85,704	US	If only more Zins were this good! De Loach hits this one out of the park, with its fabulous wealth of wild berry, mocha, anise, spice, grilled meat and mushroom flavors. The high alcohol adds a wonderful varietal heat to the peppery finish.	93	30	California	Zinfandel
58,893	US	This gorgeously inviting wine shines with barely ripe pear, lemon and lychee flavors. Its focused, stony minerality lends freshness and pleasing complexity on the palate, as orange blossom aromas and flavors seep in.	93	30	California	Gewürztraminer
121,947	US	Ripe red-cherry and strawberry aromas are lifted by grated clove and mace spice on the inviting nose of this bottling by longtime Winemaker Eric Hickey. A lively boysenberry-pomegranate combination explodes on the palate, where snapped sage sticks, wild thyme and dried rose petals make for an ethereally light yet stunningly flavorful wine.	95	60	California	Pinot Noir
31,429	Germany	Laser strikes of acidity and deep, mineral intensitiy lend a grounded elegance to this otherwise sunny, yielding dessert wine. It's intensely honeyed, bursting with sweet pineapple and peach flavors, yet finely filigreed in mouthfeel. Delicious already, it should improve through 2040.	94	64	Mosel	Riesling
103,256	Italy	Aromas suggesting resin, mature plum, forest floor, exotic spice, leather and black currant emerge on this solidly structured red. The firm palate offers espresso, raisin, cherry marinated in spirits, fig, licorice and chewing tobacco alongside firm, close-grained tannins that clutch the finish.	91	99	Veneto	Red Blend
92,699	US	Benton Lane's reliable, stainless-steel fermented Pinot Gris does not go through malolactic fermentation. The wine is fresh and scented with citrus, grapefruit and wintergreen. Crisp acids lift the palate and add hints of spicy pear. Refreshing and elegant.	87	16	Oregon	Pinot Gris
51,117	US	Mendocino's Anderson Valley is one of the best sources of Gewürztraminer in California, and this polished bottling shows why. The wine is brisk and clean, with potent flavors of tropical citrus fruits, flowers and a wild array of Asian spices, all wrapped into a creamy texture. It's a little sweet on the finish.	87	18	California	Gewürztraminer
80,590	France	Grown on gravel terraces that rise up from the Loire, this wine is both structuredand fruity. Fresh juicy black currant flavors bring acidity along with them, leaving a light tannic structure at the end. Drink now.	87	15	Loire Valley	Cabernet Franc
26,488	US	Light, smoky aromas and juicy, fruity flavors make this medium-bodied wine easy to enjoy. From a breezy delta vineyard, it's neither big nor overtly oaky but well-balanced and smooth in texture.	87	12	California	Merlot
53,191	US	A very fine Cabernet, rich, ripe and complex, from a very expensive neighborhood. The wine shows its pedigree in the refined, silky and satiny texture. Its flavors are simply gorgeous, with mineral-infused black currant notes. But the wine is still young and tannic. Give this cellar candidate 6–8 years, and it could go well beyond that.	94	90	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
44,241	Portugal	A vineyard selection is used to make this powerful, super ripe wine. With its opulent flavors, it is as densely packed with fruit as it is with tannins. Balanced and gorgeous, this is ready to drink now, yet it will age over several years.	93	60	Douro	Portuguese Red
116,024	US	A sweet mix of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cão, Souzão and Tinta Barroca that smells of melted chocolate over strawberries. The alcohol overwhelms the fruit's charm and makes it hard to discern the care that was taken in putting such grapes together.	84	30	California	Red Blend
8,809	Italy	Crosè is a hearty rosato made from Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco. It has a bright character with ripe cherry-berry fruit balanced by crisp acidity. While structured, it's also very drinkable.	87	19	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
95,403	US	At more than four years of age, this Syrah is very dry. It's also tannic, with a hard, astringent bite to the blackberries. Somewhat rustic, it seems unlikely to develop in the bottle.	86	29	California	Syrah
128,081	US	Wild red berries, crushed pepper, lilacs and a frame of asphalt show on the exuberant nose of this bottling. The palate is loaded with meat, smoke, cedar, charcoal and easy boysenberry flavors, the perfect pairing for a hamburger. It is a tad light in body, especially since it hasaged for so many years.	89	40	California	Merlot
64,186	Italy	A fat rich wine with an exuberant personality. Plenty of hefty, ripe fruit, a big chunky palate and a good, long luscious finish. While it is not as complex as some other 2003 Barolos, it is friendly and solid and will work beautifully with food.	90	79	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
128,609	France	Pale in color, this crisp wine offers a touch of yeastiness that contrasts with the red-currant fruits. It has plenty of bright acidity as well as a tangy, zesty aftertaste.	85	14	Bordeaux	Rosé
98,819	France	This bold, ripe wine is full of tannins as well as great fruit. Juicy with black currant flavors, smoky from wood aging and rich with tannins, it's finely structured and ready to mature gently. Drink from 2021.	91	17	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
29,889	US	Thick, rich and tightly wound, this cool-climate wine from near the town of the same name is brightly acidic and floral. A mix of rose petal, violet and dried herbes de Provence on the nose echoes on the palate. Bing and dark cherry provide a sultry fruitiness that never dominates over the piquant cardamom spice. Drink now through 2023.	94	60	California	Pinot Noir
87,370	Italy	A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and 10% Colorino, this simple, fruity wine opens with discreet aromas of violet, red berries and black plum. The palate is rather lean, but you can detect black cherry and a hint of pepper. It finishes on a drying, tannic note.	85	35	Tuscany	Red Blend
5,655	US	Comprised of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot, this is a juicy, savory and lengthy wine, with herbaceous elements of cedar, brush and peppercorn. A lush, full-bodied complement of baked plum and cherry ride out a lengthy finish.	90	75	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
5,499	France	While the wood is still very apparent in this wine, it does also have the rich fruit as a balance. The acidity, dark berry fruits and a fine juicy character go with the firm tannins and spicy wood character. Drink from 2017.	93	22	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
5,218	US	Just one barrel was made of this reserve. At first the new oak shines through, then as it opens out the wood becomes less noticeable and a complex array of spice, stem and iron filings comes into play. The fruit is light and textural, showing hints of sassafras and even a whiff of petrol.	92	150	Oregon	Pinot Noir
300	US	Soft, light in body and easy to drink, this Sangiovese, from the Napa estate vineyard, is delicious in raspberry, red currant, licorice, bacon and spice flavors. It's somewhat ephemeral, an instantly pleasant wine to drink especially with cured meats, olives, hard cheeses.	87	28	California	Sangiovese
4,878	Italy	A 50-50 blend of Ciliegiolo and Sangiovese, this opens with aromas of blackberry extract, espresso, tilled soil and a balsamic note. The palate offers dried black cherries accented with mint, menthol and licorice alongside drying, woody tannins. Drink before 2018 to capture what remains of the fruit.	87	37	Tuscany	Red Blend
38,379	Spain	Sweet oak, berry fruit and clove aromas lead to a palate centered on racy acidity. Salty plum and red berry flavors conclude with drying tannins, feeling bold and fresh. Drink through 2022.	90	36	Northern Spain	Red Blend
108,353	US	A high-elevation vineyard (1,700-feet) above Boonville, Deer Meadows imparts a subtle floral violet quality to this wine, which is lovingly faint in color and silky texture. Over time, the perfume builds into a singularly resolved mélange of dark blueberry and tart cherry, the acidity perfectly able to hit the high notes. This wine should be enjoyable through 2021–2024 minimum, making an incredible partner to mushroom risotto or spring lamb.	93	75	California	Pinot Noir
117,087	US	A brooding, savory and smoothly textured wine, velvety more than silky, this offers black tea, truffle and high-toned cherry. The wine is named for sandstone, “mother rock” of the Goldridge soils that are so prominent where these vines dig down. Soft, it's also lengthy, a substantial and substantive bottling.	93	115	California	Pinot Noir
121,515	US	Softly layered in medium-sized waves of earth, rose and strawberry, this is a delightful wine with enough stuffing through the midpalate to enjoy on its own or with a meal.	90	45	California	Pinot Noir
35,356	France	A 50-50 blend of Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay from the Marne Valley gives this wood-aged wine richness, with good spice and flavor concentration. Dry and crisp, it benefits from the fine vintage to highlight ripe grapes with acidity and citrus flavors. The wine is ready to drink.	92	95	Champagne	Champagne Blend
22,811	US	Don't let the Red Wine label fool you. This is 92% Syrah with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon. It provides immediate appeal with its aromas of raspberry, plummy fruit, orange peel and chocolate. The palate has full-bodied, sumptuous flavors that linger. Drink now.	91	32	Washington	Red Blend
18,665	US	Shows the full-bodied richness and fruity concentration of all Fogarty's Pinots. Brims with red and black cherries, red currants, cola, anise, pepper, butterscotch and sandalwood flavors that are strong, and framed in strong tannins. Needs 3–6 years in the cellar to knit together and gather balance.	92	48	California	Pinot Noir
44,468	US	This 100% varietal wine is brawny and blustery in style: big boned with a lot of heat. Sturdy tannins surround extracted black fruit and shards of cinnamon, with fresh tobacco taking root on the finish.	89	75	California	Merlot
30,942	France	With its strawberry flavor and tight acidity, this is an attractive, clean sparkling wine. It has just the right balance between acidity and bright fruit, leaving a textured aftertaste.	87	20	Burgundy	Sparkling Blend
76,559	US	A rich, buttery Chardonnay, brimming with well-oaked pineapple, honey, créme brûlée and spice flavors, brightened with acidity. A real crowd pleaser.	89	30	California	Chardonnay
122,345	US	Here is a reserve-level wine that is a showcase for elegance rather than sheer power. Refined flavors of peach, pear and melon carry notes of cilantro and a finishing lick of Butter Brickle. Give this a little extra breathing time, or cellar till 2018.	91	36	Oregon	Chardonnay
79,777	US	A Rhône-style blend that's rich in cola, blackberry and cherry jam and oak flavors. The tannins are fine and ripe, while acidity is on the soft side, giving the wine a certain directness. Yet it's nicely dry and clean. Drink now.	87	60	California	Red Blend
87,826	US	A fine Syrah, dry and rich in blackberry, currant, dark chocolate, grilled meat, spice and cedar flavors. It's pretty firm in tannins and acids, though, making it hard and chewy. Difficult to predict its future, but an educated guess suggests it's not an ager.	88	55	California	Syrah
102,258	Italy	Aromas of fragrant purple flower, dark-skinned berry, new leather and a whiff of crushed botanical herb float out of the glass. The savory, full-bodied palate doles out layers of juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, cinnamon and anise while polished, fine-grained tannins lend finesse and structure. Orange peel and an earthy hint of game lend depth. Drink 2019–2025.	93	75	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
107,546	Italy	This opens with red berry aromas and unusual whiffs of crushed dill and celery. Those green notes carry over to the taut, lean palate, with raw cherry, cranberry and clove. Bracing, tightly wound tannins and firm acidity provide the backbone.	88	45	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
128,968	US	Principally Cabernet Franc with small amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec (8% each) blended in, this wine is almost irresistible with its pretty, pale salmon color. It does not disappoint with its aromas and flavors of melon, white peach and grapefruit, with a light spritz giving it some lift.	91	17	Washington	Rosé
41,155	France	The vineyard of the medieval Château de Mercey has produced a fully structured, fully fruity wine in 2010. It has ripe berry fruits, layers of acidity and a firm core of tannins. It should age over the next 3–4 years.	89	28	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
14,280	US	Ripe, exotic papaya, mango, apricot and tangerine flavors highlight this wine. There's also plenty of buttered toast notes, but it's balanced with brisk acidity. This is a fine wine for drinking now.	86	18	California	Chardonnay
113,586	US	This is a very fine, high level Cabernet that shows the impeccable nature of Mondavi Reserve. Yet it's also very tannic and far from being drinkable. Shows a vast repository of black currant, blackberry, black cherry and new oak flavors wrapped into a smooth, velvety mouthfeel whose finish goes on forever. Masculine and authoritative, it should continue to improve for many years. Drink now, with decanting, and through 2017, at least.	94	135	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
77,983	Spain	Briny cidery aromas are fortunately not that loud or intense. This is wide and generous on the palate, with dry briny stone-fruit and apple flavors. A sense of dryness and pickle brine is amplified on a purposeful finish.	90	36	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
73,246	US	Although 2013 may have been a difficult vintage, for some winemakers it resulted in immaculate wines with impeccable precision and focus. In this wine, the medium-bodied fruit runs from apple to pineapple. Twenty months in 10% new French oak has left an indelible impression of buttered nuts and a pleasantly oily mouthfeel.	92	35	Oregon	Chardonnay
109,267	US	A compelling effort, stylish and dark, this has a crisp minerality that underpins fruit flavors of black cherry, fig and plum. The texture, length and definition are first-rate.	91	25	Oregon	Cabernet Franc
36,822	US	This medium-bodied wine offers enticing flavors and good presence on the palate. The aromas are like forest floor, oolong tea, and ripe black cherries, while the flavors layer cherry, cranberry and clove. A firm texture carries all that flavor through the finish and keeps the taste refreshing.	89	19	California	Pinot Noir
11,488	France	The top cuvée from Thomas (you can tell by the heavy statement bottle), this is an almost opulent expression of Sauvignon Blanc. It builds on its texture, gained from the chalk soils of Sancerre, with intense tropical fruits, pineapple as well as citrus and grapefruit. It is structured, dense and impressive.	92	40	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
41,705	US	An aromatic wine with abundant notes of ripe white peach, apricot, mineral and flowers. It drinks off dry (10.7 g/L residual sugar) with a pleasing sense of tension between the acid and stone fruit flavors leading to a long, persistent finish.	91	18	Washington	Riesling
15,852	US	An extra dollop of toasty oak amplifies the deep black-cherry core. Cedar, pipe tobacco, espresso and dark chocolate highlights wrap around and through the finish. This is a wine with power, precision and exceptional detail. Drink now through the mid-2020s.	96	85	Oregon	Pinot Noir
24,496	Australia	It's refreshing to see another importer take a chance on Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills, a region that can reliably ripen the variety at reasonable crop loads. This is a rounder, more supple style of Pinot than most from Australia, with cola, spice and cherry notes reminiscent of Dr. Pepper, or of some Pinots from California's Russian River Valley. Drink now–2020.	90	28	South Australia	Pinot Noir
61,951	US	Aromas of dried herb, cherry cola and barrel spice are out in front on this 100% varietal wine. The cherry and blackberry flavors are sweet and plump, showing concentration and depth along with dry, grippy tannins.	91	30	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
104,931	Italy	This pretty Pinot Grigio would pair with or cream of shrimp risotto. There's a dry mineral note of brimstone and granite beyond more obvious tones of peach and citrus.	87	17	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
29,655	US	This is a big, powerful wine, packed with flavor. It's very good, even succulent, and startles with the intensity of its fruit, but has an edge of overripe raisins that may limit ageability. With firm tannins, the tastes suggest baked, pastry-filling blackberries, mulberries and currants.	88	100	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
119,581	US	This has sweet-tasting cherry-pie and oak flavors, plus pleasant acids and soft tannins. It tastes like a cross between a warm-climate Pinot Noir and a fruity Merlot.	85	30	California	Tempranillo
8,434	France	The lemony freshness that the nose promises is slightly unbalanced on the bright palate but the flavors are clean and invigorating. This easydrinking wine would make a perfect party apéritif.	85	24	Alsace	Riesling
77,951	Germany	While aromatically subdued with delicate notes of lemon, lime and minerals, a streak of honey builds throughout this medium-sweet wine. It adds decadence to sweet, ripe flavors of pear, apple and hibiscus nectar on the palate. It's tasty, bright and penetrating.	90	15	Mosel	Riesling
72,718	US	New oak takes the lead on the nose of this wine, with notes of vanilla and toffee followed by cranberry and cherry. It's high octane, with a concentrated cherry flavor and alcoholic warmth.	87	42	Washington	Syrah
105,449	US	Tough and gritty, with uneven tannins and some minty green flavors alongside the cherries, mulberries and red currants. Not going anywhere, so drink up.	84	24	California	Zinfandel
50,038	US	A brick color on the rim agrees with very tasty and mature flavors to indicate this wine should be enjoyed now. It smells like dried leaves on the forest floor, and tastes rather beefy and savory in flavor with hints of Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar. It is medium to full bodied and smooth in texture.	87	55	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
59,570	Spain	Sort of scratchy and generic on the nose, with reasonably fresh red fruit aromas. The mouthfeel is angular and clipped by piercing acidity, while the flavors are of nice but regular black cherry and plum. Fairly juicy and fresh as a whole.	87	14	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
64,220	US	This big-boned wine has smoke and brown-sugar aromas, ample and delicious raspberry and blackberry flavors, firm tannins, supportive acidity and a lingering finish. While full bodied, it's well balanced and will taste great with big proteins.	90	18	California	Zinfandel
107,823	US	Almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec, with a smaller make-up of Merlot, this wine tastes of an Italian deli somehow, offering a wealth of black olive and antipasti. The full-bodied finish dances in forest floor and cinnamon.	88	80	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
68,921	US	This Zinfandel specialist tries its hand at Cabernet, with excellent results. With modest alcohol, the wine is thoroughly ripe, showing complex flavors of blackberries, crème de cassis, herbs and cedar. It will be fascinating to watch this Bordeaux-style wine develop over the years.	92	22	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
64,325	Germany	While lithe and delicate in mouthfeel, this dazzling wine packs a punch with sun-kissed peach and apricot flavors. High-toned lime notes cut through the palate like a razor, leading a long, honey-kissed finish. Impeccably balanced, it's full of vibe and refreshment.	92	28	Mosel	Riesling
1,281	Spain	On the plus side, the wine is exotic and different, with blueberry, herbal notes, juniper and roasted aromas. But in the mouth, it's lean to the point of being thin, with sharp acidity and tight red plum, pie cherry and herbal flavors. Short on the finish, with tang and scour.	84	27	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
115,283	US	The nose on this single-vineyard bottling is mellow at first but then allows very complex, nearly nose-tickling aromas of lemon peel, lime sorbet, Marcona almond and white peach to emerge. The sip starts crisp and clean before the more opulent white peach and honeysuckle flavors blend with a pinch of sea salt.	90	52	California	Chardonnay
11,164	US	Tastes more like a Zin than a Cab, with rustic tannins and a peppery, briary flavor of wild berries. The wine is dry, but way too soft for any development, so drink now.	84	38	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
101,865	Argentina	Meaty, dense and rich aromas, with driving scents of prune, licorice, blackberry and cola. The palate is healthy and rich, and it keeps in step with flavors of blackberry, dark plum and savory spice. Finishes lightly roasted and dark, with a saucy aftertaste that separates it from the masses. A lusty Malbec to drink now.	89	18	Mendoza Province	Malbec
54,213	France	With its classic mineral edge, dusty tannins and firm, dry structure, the wine has a core that weighs well with the severe texture. As a contrast, the fruit underneath is ripe and juicy. A wine for several years' aging.	93	100	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend

22,336

US

Zinfandel is not usually a wine you have to age, but this one does need four years or so in the cellar. It's bone dry and quite good, with classic wild berry, tobacco, grilled meat and spice flavors, but it's pretty tannic. Has the depth and balance to blossom by, say, 2015.

90

27

California

Zinfandel

68,090

US

The Legacy estate reserve is a limited selection from the original mid-1970s vines. It remains stubbornly closed, even after hours of breathing time. Grudgingly, pomegranate and cranberry fruit flavors peek through a high-acid base with mineral undertones. The balance is there for further aging.

91

75

Oregon

Pinot Noir

32,841

US

Light flavors call up notes of toasted cracker and raspberry candy that are pleasant enough, but insubstantial. The addition of 3% Syrah to the blend may have helped to bump up the color, but this remains a rather thin and simple, quaffable wine.

87

30

Oregon

Pinot Noir

31,654

US

This wine blends competing elements of steely minerality and ripe, nearly sweet elements of red apple and squeezed tangerine on the nose. The flavors are also well-rounded, with apple fruit and Asian pear balanced by lemon juice acidity.

89

15

California

Chardonnay

7,226

US

Soft and a little warm in alcohol, this blend has rich flavors of red berries, red currants, smoked meat and exotic spices. It's an easy wine to drink with barbecue.

87

30

California

Red Blend

21,839

Argentina

Reedy, herbaceous aromas suggest rhubarb and red licorice candy. This feels flat and lays heavily on the palate, while candied flavors of cherry and berry finish hot.

80

10

Mendoza Province

Malbec

31,831

France

Structured and still firm, this is a wine with some good potential. It's full of blackberry fruit and ripe tannins. Juicy acidity gives it a crisp edge, lifting the solid texture. Drink from 2020.

90

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

56,236

France

This ripe wine is full of the fruit that's typical of the vintage, with its bursts of red berry flavor and layers of wood. It has a crisp edge from plenty of acidity and a good concentration that gives it the weight it needs. Drink from 2020.

91

65

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

80,920

US

A beautiful Syrah, softly tannic, dry and full bodied. High alcohol gives some jalapeño pepper heat to the blackberries, licorice, bacon, dark chocolate and sandalwood flavors, but nothing that richly sauced barbecue can't handle. Drink up.

90

34

California

Syrah

89,234

US

This wine is big, burly and complex, showing a preponderance of dark, ripe black fruit built around dusty tannins, leather and lavender. It's compelling and drinking well now.

88

18

California

Zinfandel

98,123

US

Vanilla, baking spice, coconut and dark fruit aromas lead to plush, plentiful purple-fruit flavors. It provides a lot of enjoyment and appeal, showing equal parts fruit and barrel.

91

36

Washington

Malbec

18,207

US

A disappointment after the rich 2005. They should have declassified this vintage. The wine is dry and sharp, with green, sharp acids and modest berry, currant and herb flavors.

85

75

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

64,374

Italy

Toast, oak, coffee, underbrush and baked plum aromas unfold on this extremely ripe, full-bodied wine. The densely concentrated palate delivers blackberry jam, licorice, oak roasted coffee bean, coconut and a vanilla note alongside astringent tannins. Give the tannins another few years to soften then drink sooner rather than later.

89

90

Tuscany

Sangiovese

110,554

US

This is a light, tropical Sauvignon Blanc that's widely distributed. The palate is marked by pleasant layers of pineapple, guava and melon. On the finish a streak of lemon lingers awhile. A great wine for parties, picnics and other casual gatherings.

87

12

California

Sauvignon Blanc

33,081

US

This is a smooth, dry and well-integrated white, highlighted in apricot, peach and lemongrass, with an herbal undertone. It's ready for the table, with food-friendly acidity and medium body weight.

88

28

California

Sauvignon Blanc

116,054

US

Classic and restrained, with herbal components and a firm tannic backbone, this is a finely made wine at a respectable price that's easy to enjoy and share. Savory currant, leather and oak define it best.

88

28

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

117,696

US

Some bottle age shows on this soft, gentle Pinot Noir. It's tasty in raspberries and cherries, with a rich spiciness and a smoky coat of oak. Seems at its best now, so drink up.

87

38

California

Pinot Noir

65,292

US

Here is a well-made Oregon Pinot Noir from the people who know the grapes fully—vineyard manager Dai Crisp and his crew. Purple fruits, tart acids and a lively mouthfeel with young, fresh mixed berry fruit flavors are all on display. This is not a typical 2012 fruit bomb, but compensates with some tannic, herbal muscle.

88

25

Oregon

Pinot Noir

47,802

France

Packed with red fruits, this is a bright wine. It has fine tannins due to aging half in French oak and half in stainless steel to give a balance to a wine that is crisp and fresh. Drink from 2018.

88

18

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

36,416

Italy

This blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo offers a nose of berry fruit and light almond shadings backed by an easy, informal mouthfeel. Pair this fruit-driven red with pasta or pizza.

87

12

Tuscany

Red Blend

67,684

France

There are ripe yellow fruits here in this generous, full wine. Touches of spice add to the general feeling of richness. There is enough concentration to give a wine that is dense and with a pepper aftertaste.

85

14

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

79,710

US

This is a fun, novelty wine that delivers minimally on flavor. The bright aqua color is definitely unique, the aroma is like a blue popsicle or cotton candy, and sflavors are semisweet and candylike.

81

20

California

Sparkling Blend

59,740

US

Aromas like a pastry shop and ripe pear and sweet apple flavors make this wine easy to like. Smoothly textured, it is medium bodied and the balance is rather soft.

88

15

California

Chardonnay

57,944

US

The old vine designation, though unregulated, is usually reserved for plantings at least a quarter century old. Though the first sniff suggests a wine that has been over-oaked, such is not the case. It has the concentration and fruit power—layers of citrus and stone fruit flavors—along with the depth and texture that older vines bring, to more than support the generous new oak.

90

78

Oregon

Chardonnay

13,556

Australia

This relatively lean wine focuses on pear and apple aromas and flavors. Some spearmint scents spice up the nose, while buttery nuances appear on the palate. Finishes a bit short, but with crisp and clean with herb notes, unencumbered by lots of oak.

85

16

South Australia

Chardonnay

37,192

Spain

Although a touch rough and stalky on the nose, any and all gritty aromas are offset by earthy, mature cherry and plum scents. Grabby but fair on the palate, this tastes of roasted plum, herbs and peppery spice. A dry, toasty finish with spice notes ranks as good.

88

15

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

71,835

US

The nose on this dry, medium-bodied wine is fairly neutral, with subdued aromas of lemon, lime and apple. On the palate, however, it's exuberantly floral with notes of orange blossom and white peaches accented with lime zest and acidity. Finishes long with reverberating mineral tones.

90

16

New York

Riesling

110,032

US

Opening with aromas of fresh and dried herbs, this wine follows with notes of blackberry, flowers, and black currant, with smoked meat and black olives providing undertones. The black fruit flavors don't hold back, packing a powerful punch.

93

70

Washington

Syrah

67,950

France

While the wine is toasty, burnt almost, the freshness of the fruit is very present, giving a light, lively touch to the weight. Give it six months to finally integrate.

89

30

Burgundy

Chardonnay

85,704

US

If only more Zins were this good! De Loach hits this one out of the park, with its fabulous wealth of wild berry, mocha, anise, spice, grilled meat and mushroom flavors. The high alcohol adds a wonderful varietal heat to the peppery finish.

93

30

California

Zinfandel

58,893

US

This gorgeously inviting wine shines with barely ripe pear, lemon and lychee flavors. Its focused, stony minerality lends freshness and pleasing complexity on the palate, as orange blossom aromas and flavors seep in.

93

30

California

Gewürztraminer

121,947

US

Ripe red-cherry and strawberry aromas are lifted by grated clove and mace spice on the inviting nose of this bottling by longtime Winemaker Eric Hickey. A lively boysenberry-pomegranate combination explodes on the palate, where snapped sage sticks, wild thyme and dried rose petals make for an ethereally light yet stunningly flavorful wine.

95

60

California

Pinot Noir

31,429

Germany

Laser strikes of acidity and deep, mineral intensitiy lend a grounded elegance to this otherwise sunny, yielding dessert wine. It's intensely honeyed, bursting with sweet pineapple and peach flavors, yet finely filigreed in mouthfeel. Delicious already, it should improve through 2040.

94

64

Mosel

Riesling

103,256

Italy

Aromas suggesting resin, mature plum, forest floor, exotic spice, leather and black currant emerge on this solidly structured red. The firm palate offers espresso, raisin, cherry marinated in spirits, fig, licorice and chewing tobacco alongside firm, close-grained tannins that clutch the finish.

91

99

Veneto

Red Blend

92,699

US

Benton Lane's reliable, stainless-steel fermented Pinot Gris does not go through malolactic fermentation. The wine is fresh and scented with citrus, grapefruit and wintergreen. Crisp acids lift the palate and add hints of spicy pear. Refreshing and elegant.

87

16

Oregon

Pinot Gris

51,117

US

Mendocino's Anderson Valley is one of the best sources of Gewürztraminer in California, and this polished bottling shows why. The wine is brisk and clean, with potent flavors of tropical citrus fruits, flowers and a wild array of Asian spices, all wrapped into a creamy texture. It's a little sweet on the finish.

87

18

California

Gewürztraminer

80,590

France

Grown on gravel terraces that rise up from the Loire, this wine is both structuredand fruity. Fresh juicy black currant flavors bring acidity along with them, leaving a light tannic structure at the end. Drink now.

87

15

Loire Valley

Cabernet Franc

26,488

US

Light, smoky aromas and juicy, fruity flavors make this medium-bodied wine easy to enjoy. From a breezy delta vineyard, it's neither big nor overtly oaky but well-balanced and smooth in texture.

87

12

California

Merlot

53,191

US

A very fine Cabernet, rich, ripe and complex, from a very expensive neighborhood. The wine shows its pedigree in the refined, silky and satiny texture. Its flavors are simply gorgeous, with mineral-infused black currant notes. But the wine is still young and tannic. Give this cellar candidate 6–8 years, and it could go well beyond that.

94

90

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

44,241

Portugal

A vineyard selection is used to make this powerful, super ripe wine. With its opulent flavors, it is as densely packed with fruit as it is with tannins. Balanced and gorgeous, this is ready to drink now, yet it will age over several years.

93

60

Douro

Portuguese Red

116,024

US

A sweet mix of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cão, Souzão and Tinta Barroca that smells of melted chocolate over strawberries. The alcohol overwhelms the fruit's charm and makes it hard to discern the care that was taken in putting such grapes together.

84

30

California

Red Blend

8,809

Italy

Crosè is a hearty rosato made from Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco. It has a bright character with ripe cherry-berry fruit balanced by crisp acidity. While structured, it's also very drinkable.

87

19

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

95,403

US

At more than four years of age, this Syrah is very dry. It's also tannic, with a hard, astringent bite to the blackberries. Somewhat rustic, it seems unlikely to develop in the bottle.

86

29

California

Syrah

128,081

US

Wild red berries, crushed pepper, lilacs and a frame of asphalt show on the exuberant nose of this bottling. The palate is loaded with meat, smoke, cedar, charcoal and easy boysenberry flavors, the perfect pairing for a hamburger. It is a tad light in body, especially since it hasaged for so many years.

89

40

California

Merlot

64,186

Italy

A fat rich wine with an exuberant personality. Plenty of hefty, ripe fruit, a big chunky palate and a good, long luscious finish. While it is not as complex as some other 2003 Barolos, it is friendly and solid and will work beautifully with food.

90

79

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

128,609

France

Pale in color, this crisp wine offers a touch of yeastiness that contrasts with the red-currant fruits. It has plenty of bright acidity as well as a tangy, zesty aftertaste.

85

14

Bordeaux

Rosé

98,819

France

This bold, ripe wine is full of tannins as well as great fruit. Juicy with black currant flavors, smoky from wood aging and rich with tannins, it's finely structured and ready to mature gently. Drink from 2021.

91

17

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

29,889

US

Thick, rich and tightly wound, this cool-climate wine from near the town of the same name is brightly acidic and floral. A mix of rose petal, violet and dried herbes de Provence on the nose echoes on the palate. Bing and dark cherry provide a sultry fruitiness that never dominates over the piquant cardamom spice. Drink now through 2023.

94

60

California

Pinot Noir

87,370

Italy

A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and 10% Colorino, this simple, fruity wine opens with discreet aromas of violet, red berries and black plum. The palate is rather lean, but you can detect black cherry and a hint of pepper. It finishes on a drying, tannic note.

85

35

Tuscany

Red Blend

5,655

US

Comprised of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot, this is a juicy, savory and lengthy wine, with herbaceous elements of cedar, brush and peppercorn. A lush, full-bodied complement of baked plum and cherry ride out a lengthy finish.

90

75

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

5,499

France

While the wood is still very apparent in this wine, it does also have the rich fruit as a balance. The acidity, dark berry fruits and a fine juicy character go with the firm tannins and spicy wood character. Drink from 2017.

93

22

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

5,218

US

Just one barrel was made of this reserve. At first the new oak shines through, then as it opens out the wood becomes less noticeable and a complex array of spice, stem and iron filings comes into play. The fruit is light and textural, showing hints of sassafras and even a whiff of petrol.

92

150

Oregon

Pinot Noir

300

US

Soft, light in body and easy to drink, this Sangiovese, from the Napa estate vineyard, is delicious in raspberry, red currant, licorice, bacon and spice flavors. It's somewhat ephemeral, an instantly pleasant wine to drink especially with cured meats, olives, hard cheeses.

87

28

California

Sangiovese

4,878

Italy

A 50-50 blend of Ciliegiolo and Sangiovese, this opens with aromas of blackberry extract, espresso, tilled soil and a balsamic note. The palate offers dried black cherries accented with mint, menthol and licorice alongside drying, woody tannins. Drink before 2018 to capture what remains of the fruit.

87

37

Tuscany

Red Blend

38,379

Spain

Sweet oak, berry fruit and clove aromas lead to a palate centered on racy acidity. Salty plum and red berry flavors conclude with drying tannins, feeling bold and fresh. Drink through 2022.

90

36

Northern Spain

Red Blend

108,353

US

A high-elevation vineyard (1,700-feet) above Boonville, Deer Meadows imparts a subtle floral violet quality to this wine, which is lovingly faint in color and silky texture. Over time, the perfume builds into a singularly resolved mélange of dark blueberry and tart cherry, the acidity perfectly able to hit the high notes. This wine should be enjoyable through 2021–2024 minimum, making an incredible partner to mushroom risotto or spring lamb.

93

75

California

Pinot Noir

117,087

US

A brooding, savory and smoothly textured wine, velvety more than silky, this offers black tea, truffle and high-toned cherry. The wine is named for sandstone, “mother rock” of the Goldridge soils that are so prominent where these vines dig down. Soft, it's also lengthy, a substantial and substantive bottling.

93

115

California

Pinot Noir

121,515

US

Softly layered in medium-sized waves of earth, rose and strawberry, this is a delightful wine with enough stuffing through the midpalate to enjoy on its own or with a meal.

90

45

California

Pinot Noir

35,356

France

A 50-50 blend of Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay from the Marne Valley gives this wood-aged wine richness, with good spice and flavor concentration. Dry and crisp, it benefits from the fine vintage to highlight ripe grapes with acidity and citrus flavors. The wine is ready to drink.

92

95

Champagne

Champagne Blend

22,811

US

Don't let the Red Wine label fool you. This is 92% Syrah with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon. It provides immediate appeal with its aromas of raspberry, plummy fruit, orange peel and chocolate. The palate has full-bodied, sumptuous flavors that linger. Drink now.

91

32

Washington

Red Blend

18,665

US

Shows the full-bodied richness and fruity concentration of all Fogarty's Pinots. Brims with red and black cherries, red currants, cola, anise, pepper, butterscotch and sandalwood flavors that are strong, and framed in strong tannins. Needs 3–6 years in the cellar to knit together and gather balance.

92

48

California

Pinot Noir

44,468

US

This 100% varietal wine is brawny and blustery in style: big boned with a lot of heat. Sturdy tannins surround extracted black fruit and shards of cinnamon, with fresh tobacco taking root on the finish.

89

75

California

Merlot

30,942

France

With its strawberry flavor and tight acidity, this is an attractive, clean sparkling wine. It has just the right balance between acidity and bright fruit, leaving a textured aftertaste.

87

20

Burgundy

Sparkling Blend

76,559

US

A rich, buttery Chardonnay, brimming with well-oaked pineapple, honey, créme brûlée and spice flavors, brightened with acidity. A real crowd pleaser.

89

30

California

Chardonnay

122,345

US

Here is a reserve-level wine that is a showcase for elegance rather than sheer power. Refined flavors of peach, pear and melon carry notes of cilantro and a finishing lick of Butter Brickle. Give this a little extra breathing time, or cellar till 2018.

91

36

Oregon

Chardonnay

79,777

US

A Rhône-style blend that's rich in cola, blackberry and cherry jam and oak flavors. The tannins are fine and ripe, while acidity is on the soft side, giving the wine a certain directness. Yet it's nicely dry and clean. Drink now.

87

60

California

Red Blend

87,826

US

A fine Syrah, dry and rich in blackberry, currant, dark chocolate, grilled meat, spice and cedar flavors. It's pretty firm in tannins and acids, though, making it hard and chewy. Difficult to predict its future, but an educated guess suggests it's not an ager.

88

55

California

Syrah

102,258

Italy

Aromas of fragrant purple flower, dark-skinned berry, new leather and a whiff of crushed botanical herb float out of the glass. The savory, full-bodied palate doles out layers of juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, cinnamon and anise while polished, fine-grained tannins lend finesse and structure. Orange peel and an earthy hint of game lend depth. Drink 2019–2025.

93

75

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

107,546

Italy

This opens with red berry aromas and unusual whiffs of crushed dill and celery. Those green notes carry over to the taut, lean palate, with raw cherry, cranberry and clove. Bracing, tightly wound tannins and firm acidity provide the backbone.

88

45

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

128,968

US

Principally Cabernet Franc with small amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec (8% each) blended in, this wine is almost irresistible with its pretty, pale salmon color. It does not disappoint with its aromas and flavors of melon, white peach and grapefruit, with a light spritz giving it some lift.

91

17

Washington

Rosé

41,155

France

The vineyard of the medieval Château de Mercey has produced a fully structured, fully fruity wine in 2010. It has ripe berry fruits, layers of acidity and a firm core of tannins. It should age over the next 3–4 years.

89

28

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

14,280

US

Ripe, exotic papaya, mango, apricot and tangerine flavors highlight this wine. There's also plenty of buttered toast notes, but it's balanced with brisk acidity. This is a fine wine for drinking now.

86

18

California

Chardonnay

113,586

US

This is a very fine, high level Cabernet that shows the impeccable nature of Mondavi Reserve. Yet it's also very tannic and far from being drinkable. Shows a vast repository of black currant, blackberry, black cherry and new oak flavors wrapped into a smooth, velvety mouthfeel whose finish goes on forever. Masculine and authoritative, it should continue to improve for many years. Drink now, with decanting, and through 2017, at least.

94

135

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

77,983

Spain

Briny cidery aromas are fortunately not that loud or intense. This is wide and generous on the palate, with dry briny stone-fruit and apple flavors. A sense of dryness and pickle brine is amplified on a purposeful finish.

90

36

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

73,246

US

Although 2013 may have been a difficult vintage, for some winemakers it resulted in immaculate wines with impeccable precision and focus. In this wine, the medium-bodied fruit runs from apple to pineapple. Twenty months in 10% new French oak has left an indelible impression of buttered nuts and a pleasantly oily mouthfeel.

92

35

Oregon

Chardonnay

109,267

US

A compelling effort, stylish and dark, this has a crisp minerality that underpins fruit flavors of black cherry, fig and plum. The texture, length and definition are first-rate.

91

25

Oregon

Cabernet Franc

36,822

US

This medium-bodied wine offers enticing flavors and good presence on the palate. The aromas are like forest floor, oolong tea, and ripe black cherries, while the flavors layer cherry, cranberry and clove. A firm texture carries all that flavor through the finish and keeps the taste refreshing.

89

19

California

Pinot Noir

11,488

France

The top cuvée from Thomas (you can tell by the heavy statement bottle), this is an almost opulent expression of Sauvignon Blanc. It builds on its texture, gained from the chalk soils of Sancerre, with intense tropical fruits, pineapple as well as citrus and grapefruit. It is structured, dense and impressive.

92

40

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

41,705

US

An aromatic wine with abundant notes of ripe white peach, apricot, mineral and flowers. It drinks off dry (10.7 g/L residual sugar) with a pleasing sense of tension between the acid and stone fruit flavors leading to a long, persistent finish.

91

18

Washington

Riesling

15,852

US

An extra dollop of toasty oak amplifies the deep black-cherry core. Cedar, pipe tobacco, espresso and dark chocolate highlights wrap around and through the finish. This is a wine with power, precision and exceptional detail. Drink now through the mid-2020s.

96

85

Oregon

Pinot Noir

24,496

Australia

It's refreshing to see another importer take a chance on Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills, a region that can reliably ripen the variety at reasonable crop loads. This is a rounder, more supple style of Pinot than most from Australia, with cola, spice and cherry notes reminiscent of Dr. Pepper, or of some Pinots from California's Russian River Valley. Drink now–2020.

90

28

South Australia

Pinot Noir

61,951

US

Aromas of dried herb, cherry cola and barrel spice are out in front on this 100% varietal wine. The cherry and blackberry flavors are sweet and plump, showing concentration and depth along with dry, grippy tannins.

91

30

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

104,931

Italy

This pretty Pinot Grigio would pair with or cream of shrimp risotto. There's a dry mineral note of brimstone and granite beyond more obvious tones of peach and citrus.

87

17

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

29,655

US

This is a big, powerful wine, packed with flavor. It's very good, even succulent, and startles with the intensity of its fruit, but has an edge of overripe raisins that may limit ageability. With firm tannins, the tastes suggest baked, pastry-filling blackberries, mulberries and currants.

88

100

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

119,581

US

This has sweet-tasting cherry-pie and oak flavors, plus pleasant acids and soft tannins. It tastes like a cross between a warm-climate Pinot Noir and a fruity Merlot.

85

30

California

Tempranillo

8,434

France

The lemony freshness that the nose promises is slightly unbalanced on the bright palate but the flavors are clean and invigorating. This easydrinking wine would make a perfect party apéritif.

85

24

Alsace

Riesling

77,951

Germany

While aromatically subdued with delicate notes of lemon, lime and minerals, a streak of honey builds throughout this medium-sweet wine. It adds decadence to sweet, ripe flavors of pear, apple and hibiscus nectar on the palate. It's tasty, bright and penetrating.

90

15

Mosel

Riesling

72,718

US

New oak takes the lead on the nose of this wine, with notes of vanilla and toffee followed by cranberry and cherry. It's high octane, with a concentrated cherry flavor and alcoholic warmth.

87

42

Washington

Syrah

105,449

US

Tough and gritty, with uneven tannins and some minty green flavors alongside the cherries, mulberries and red currants. Not going anywhere, so drink up.

84

24

California

Zinfandel

50,038

US

A brick color on the rim agrees with very tasty and mature flavors to indicate this wine should be enjoyed now. It smells like dried leaves on the forest floor, and tastes rather beefy and savory in flavor with hints of Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar. It is medium to full bodied and smooth in texture.

87

55

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

59,570

Spain

Sort of scratchy and generic on the nose, with reasonably fresh red fruit aromas. The mouthfeel is angular and clipped by piercing acidity, while the flavors are of nice but regular black cherry and plum. Fairly juicy and fresh as a whole.

87

14

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

64,220

US

This big-boned wine has smoke and brown-sugar aromas, ample and delicious raspberry and blackberry flavors, firm tannins, supportive acidity and a lingering finish. While full bodied, it's well balanced and will taste great with big proteins.

90

18

California

Zinfandel

107,823

US

Almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec, with a smaller make-up of Merlot, this wine tastes of an Italian deli somehow, offering a wealth of black olive and antipasti. The full-bodied finish dances in forest floor and cinnamon.

88

80

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

68,921

US

This Zinfandel specialist tries its hand at Cabernet, with excellent results. With modest alcohol, the wine is thoroughly ripe, showing complex flavors of blackberries, crème de cassis, herbs and cedar. It will be fascinating to watch this Bordeaux-style wine develop over the years.

92

22

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

64,325

Germany

While lithe and delicate in mouthfeel, this dazzling wine packs a punch with sun-kissed peach and apricot flavors. High-toned lime notes cut through the palate like a razor, leading a long, honey-kissed finish. Impeccably balanced, it's full of vibe and refreshment.

92

28

Mosel

Riesling

1,281

Spain

On the plus side, the wine is exotic and different, with blueberry, herbal notes, juniper and roasted aromas. But in the mouth, it's lean to the point of being thin, with sharp acidity and tight red plum, pie cherry and herbal flavors. Short on the finish, with tang and scour.

84

27

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

115,283

US

The nose on this single-vineyard bottling is mellow at first but then allows very complex, nearly nose-tickling aromas of lemon peel, lime sorbet, Marcona almond and white peach to emerge. The sip starts crisp and clean before the more opulent white peach and honeysuckle flavors blend with a pinch of sea salt.

90

52

California

Chardonnay

11,164

US

Tastes more like a Zin than a Cab, with rustic tannins and a peppery, briary flavor of wild berries. The wine is dry, but way too soft for any development, so drink now.

84

38

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

101,865

Argentina

Meaty, dense and rich aromas, with driving scents of prune, licorice, blackberry and cola. The palate is healthy and rich, and it keeps in step with flavors of blackberry, dark plum and savory spice. Finishes lightly roasted and dark, with a saucy aftertaste that separates it from the masses. A lusty Malbec to drink now.

89

18

Mendoza Province

Malbec

54,213

France

With its classic mineral edge, dusty tannins and firm, dry structure, the wine has a core that weighs well with the severe texture. As a contrast, the fruit underneath is ripe and juicy. A wine for several years' aging.

93

100

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend