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26
113,827
US
Don't look for grassy or herbaceous flavors, because there is not a trace of either. This is a stand-alone style that turns the usually snarly, gooseberry-flavored Sauvignon Blanc grape into a honeyed pussycat, ripe and tropical and slightly sweet, with a toffee candy finish.
90
20
Washington
Sauvignon Blanc
66,612
France
Visually, this is a pale version of a Creamsicle. It has citrus yellow fruits and soft acidity. With its spice, it is well balanced, ending with a refreshing burst of bright red-currant flavors.
87
17
Provence
Rosé
5,318
US
Ripe and oaky, with notes of vanilla and buttered toast dominating pineapple and tropical fruit flavors. Brisk acidity provides a needed balance to all this richness.
87
18
California
Chardonnay
126,211
US
The aromas are bright, with notes of the underside of a pineapple, barrel spice, yeast and spice. It drinks quite dry, with abundant spice flavors that provide appeal.
88
45
Washington
Sparkling Blend
649
US
With a smidgen of Petit Verdot, this dark, tight and leathery wine is exalted in tobacco, graphite and tar, still youthfully awkward and shy. The flavors lean savory into meaty aspects of currant and clove, waiting to find companionship in fruit. Drink now after a decant, or cellar through 2023.
92
75
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
13,965
US
This solid if standard Pinot Noir proffers raspberry, earthiness, herbs and a touch of leather on the nose. The palate comes on silky but winds up fairly tannic by the finish. Wait until 2015 and this will be a much better wine.
87
28
California
Pinot Noir
26,344
US
A bright pinkish-orange color makes this light-bodied wine stand out from the beginning, Fresh watermelon and cherry flavors carry on the rounded palate, with a slight sweetness giving softness.
86
8
California
Zinfandel
68,883
US
Generous and sweet on the nose, this dry, light-bodied Bordeaux-style blend presents wafts of cherry pie fillings garnished with sprigs of fresh mint. By contrast, the palate is sheer with sprays of tart sour cherry fruit. It's a pleasant food wine but finishes with a touch of grape tannin bitterness.
85
55
New York
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
29,676
US
This Cabernet has a wonderfully smooth texture. It's tasty and rich in blackberry fruit, with a touch of sweet, savory raisin and lots of exotic spice. Easy to drink this dry wine over the next few years.
88
35
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
79,276
US
This rich, concentrated wine shows mountain-like aromas and flavors, such as dried herb and sage. Blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate round out the full-bodied picture.
86
35
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
106,554
Italy
In this one-dimensional wine, short-lived sensations of stewed black fruit quickly give way to acrid notes of unsweetened espresso, farmyard, sweat and green coffee beans alongside rough, grainy tannins. A bitterly tannic close leaves the tongue feeling parched.
85
39
Tuscany
Sangiovese
108,892
Italy
This is a subdued and somewhat neutral expression of Nebbiolo with measured aromas of black fruit, plum, black currant and moist earth. The wine is definitely more lively in the mouth where it picks up points thanks to its firm disposition and lingering flavors of blackberry and smoke.
88
95
Piedmont
Nebbiolo
1,729
US
From a vineyard 1,700 feet above the small town of Corralitos comes this tasty wine that begins with aromas of smoked apple, lemon zest, honeysuckle and sea salt, as well as a struck-match element. The palate shows flavors of fresh apple, chamomile and a dusting of crushed vanilla, all set against a chalky grip.
92
30
California
Chardonnay
108,267
US
One-dimensional and silky, with candied cherry and raspberry flavors that finish a little sweet.
83
18
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
117,312
Argentina
Lean, dusty red-fruit aromas are redolent of nail polish. A grabby palate is chunky and home to syrupy, cloying flavors of medicinal red fruits. Burnt, rubbery notes characterize the finish.
81
15
Mendoza Province
Tempranillo
54,074
France
This young, fruity wine is almost ready to drink. Attractive black currant acidity and light tannins t bring a bite to the natural smoothness of the wine. Drink from 2015.
85
12
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
109,618
US
Tastes like a cherry-berry fruit drink with lots of acidity, giving it a sweet-sour flavor. At least the alcohol is low.
82
14
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
17,756
US
Merlot (44%) takes the lead on this wine followed by Cabernet Franc (29%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (18%), with the balance of blend of Petit Verdot and Malbec. Alluring aromas of black plum, earth, flowers and green herb are followed by generous, palate-coating dark-fruit flavors. It brings a sense of texture that captivates.
92
74
Washington
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
8,506
US
Sweetly ripe and oaky, with pineapple jam, kiwi, pear and green apple, and notes of vanilla, buttered popcorn and cream. Defines the fruit-forward, buttery style of Chardonnay in a soft, forward way.
86
30
California
Chardonnay
91,194
US
Easy to see what the winemaker was aiming for with this Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine. Sheer opulence was the goal, and it succeeds. The wine is soft and gentle, with ultrarefined tannins and incredibly ripe, concentrated blackberry jam, blueberry, chocolate and sweet oak flavors. The alcohol is quite high, which gives it a glyceriney sweetness and also precludes aging. Drink now–2014.
92
140
California
Red Blend
36,247
US
Showing a light whiff of funk, this seems a bit reductive at first, but opens gracefully with adequate aeration. Black cherry and dark chocolate flavors combine and thread into a medium finish with some of that same earthy character.
92
85
Oregon
Pinot Noir
74,879
US
This wine tastes sweet and grapey, with a softness that becomes cloying and a preponderance of baked flavor.
81
31
California
Merlot
45,236
US
Rex Hill makes a wide assortment of Pinots; this sports the black label and is widely available and fruit forward. It's loaded with raspberry and cherry flavors and dusted with a bit of clean earth. There is a typical (for Oregon) streak of Dr. Pepper flavor as well. Overall a nice bottle for immediate enjoyment.
90
33
Oregon
Pinot Noir
27,430
US
This is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 16% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. It shows a nice interplay of fruit and barrel with notes of cocoa, cherry, dry chocolate and toast supported by well-integrated tannins. The mid-palate still needs some time to fully come together but when it does, it will be a beauty.
91
40
Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon
5,283
US
A wish of smoke adds complexity and mystery to bright tangerine, white peach and floral notes on this dry-style Riesling. It's delicate in body, but vibrantly structured, with tart lemon-lime acidity that pierces through ripe stone-fruit flavors on the palate.
87
13
New York
Riesling
39,594
US
This is dry, tart in acidity and stimulating in lemongrass and pear flavors. It has a touch of New Zealand-style gooseberry, demonstrating a green-peppercorn-like grassiness. Try pairing it with a goat cheese and thyme omelet for weekend brunch.
88
13
California
Sauvignon Blanc
81,425
US
There's a palate-warming generosity to this single-vineyard Pinot, a result of its softly balanced texture and the smoothness of new oak. Luxurious flavors of smoky cherries and currants, roasted nuts, molasses and honey taste almost like an energy fruit bar from the health food store. This lovely, supple wine should develop through 2012.
90
58
California
Pinot Noir
38,613
US
An affordable blend that is almost 60% Malbec, the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc and Syrah. It drinks well, smooth and polished, and the rough tannins that can often overtake the fruit in this region have been nicely managed here, pulling the wine into balance. Strawberry and light black cherry, some herb and tar, and good grip for an everyday red.
88
18
Oregon
Red Blend
108,522
France
Moving toward the floral side of Sauvignon Blanc, this fruity, rounded wine has ripe acidity, a tangy citrus flavor and a full-bodied feel. It's set to age over several years.
90
30
Loire Valley
Sauvignon Blanc
75,284
US
Tart cherry and cranberry meet with woody cedar aromas, campfire and nettle on the nose of this widely available bottling. Cherry and strawberry flavors get hit with bittersweet chocolate and pine-cedar touches on the sip.
84
13
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
81,592
Italy
Aromas of wood shop and anisette dominate the nose. The palate is evolved, offering prune, pomegranate, vanilla, oak extract and roasted coffee bean but no fruit richness.
86
40
Sicily & Sardinia
Red Blend
24,888
US
You'll find savory blackberry, cherry, currant and cola flavors in this dry blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, as well as smoky, oaky notes. The problem is excessive softness. There's no proper structure, so it all collapses in mid-palate.
85
30
California
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
54,469
US
Churchill makes Pinots in a lighter-bodied style, but they're still elegant and complex. This translucent wine is silky in the mouth, and the raspberry, cherry, and cola flavors are enhanced with brisk acidity. Best Now–2014.
88
45
California
Pinot Noir
13,335
Italy
Aromas of spiced plum, underbrush and exotic spice evolve in the glass. The rich, round palate offers blackberries, black cherries, espresso, licorice and grilled herbs alongside smooth but still chewy tannins. Drink through 2018.
90
47
Tuscany
Red Blend
76,621
France
A lovely touch of lemon sponge cake appears on the nose. The palate also plays up to this by uniting notes of sprightly lemon and fresh pastry on the palate. This is light and bright, fresh and creamy with lively mousse. The finish is dry and wonderfully refreshing with lasting lemon notes.
91
20
Alsace
Sparkling Blend
126,511
US
The 2008 vintage was cool and resulted in lighter-bodied wines that also were lower in alcohol. That trend benefited wines like this lovely one from Regale. It has a transparent, silky texture, yet is very rich in cherry pie filling, bacon and Indian spices. Feels beautiful and complex now, and should develop bottle nuance over the next six years.
92
48
California
Pinot Noir
117,538
US
Clear and light in color, this is an earthy, stemmy wine that discloses rhubarb, cranberry and black tea, on the more extreme side of tart. Light bodied, it stays fresh on the palate, with some tension and grip, finishing with an additional note of tartness.
88
32
California
Pinot Noir
112,782
US
A rich, savory Zin, brimming with freshly picked flavors of ripe wild red, blue and black berries, cola, sweet kid leather, mocha and tobacco. Fully dry and not too tannic, it's ready to drink now.
87
20
California
Zinfandel
27,067
US
Roasted meat, rosemary, peppercorn, dried flower and blackberry notes show on the wondrously gamy nose of this wine. The palate echos that savory style, with generous lamb, char, dark berry and peppercorn flavors.
94
55
California
Syrah
83,769
Spain
Smooth, deep aromas of bacon and dark berry form a proper and likable greeting. The palate is tight, with piercing but balanced acidity creating lift and structure. Tastes of bacon, vanilla, raspberry and plum, with cured meat, vanilla and coconut on the finish. Drink now through 2016.
91
26
Northern Spain
Tempranillo Blend
51,038
France
A whole host of aromas interest here: black and red cherry, fresh earth, lifted conifer and a touch of mocha. The palate is concentrated and has a lovely texture of starched velvet. This echoes aromatically and has a vein of brightening freshness at its core. There is warmth and a huge generosity of fruit that is utterly moreish.
92
45
Alsace
Pinot Noir
21,371
US
This wine is pale pink in color, with aromas suggesting herbs, cherry and red apple. It drinks off dry and is an easy-drinking porch pounder.
85
12
Washington
Rosé
76,949
US
This aromatic barrel selection employs multiple clones, from a winery which lays claim to farming more Pinot Noir clones than any in Oregon. Black cherry, cola and spice combine, leading into pinpoint tannins with a pleasing sweetness from the barrel aging. Drink over the next five years.
91
55
Oregon
Pinot Noir
51,966
US
The winery holds back its wines to good effect. There's no sign of fatigue here, just well-integrated complex meaty flavors. It's dusky and dark, with aromas of smoke, tobacco and espresso. Flavors include all of the above around black fruits and slightly gritty tannins. It's dense and delicious and ready to drink.
93
28
Oregon
Tempranillo
50,002
Argentina
Norton Reserva is one of Argentina's best Cabernetss for the money. This vintage offers a mineral aroma along with rose petal, baked plum and spiced cherry scents. It feels deep, generous and balanced, with cassis, blackberry, earth and molasses flavors.
90
18
Mendoza Province
Cabernet Sauvignon
115,716
France
This is in Pommery's relatively delicate style, a finely balanced, elegant Champagne. It has some lively acidity; the balance between this and the white fruits and touch of maturity works. Great non-vintage.
90
42
Champagne
Champagne Blend
110,175
US
Formerly the deLancellotti vineyard, Silice brings fresh, supple flavors of bright raspberry and cherry fruit. A distinctive ashy stone note forms the bassline, holding the finish firm. It should benefit from another year of bottle age. Or give it a long decant to enjoy now.
92
70
Oregon
Pinot Noir
35,830
US
Coming from one of Washington's premier Riesling sites, it's redolent with peach, mineral and floral notes. It drinks almost completely dry with bright, crisp acids.
88
16
Washington
Riesling
86,162
US
A rich, savory Pinot Gris that's just a little sweet, and has a slight fizziness that makes it lively. Rich in citrus, tropical fruit, honeysuckle and vanilla flavors, brightened with brilliant acidity, it shows a buttery smokiness from neutral oak. Drink this refreshing wine now.
89
18
California
Pinot Gris
31,206
Italy
Le Serre Nuove presents an intense and harmonious bouquet that is accented by opulent notes of black cherry, chocolate, cinnamon spice, leather and tobacco. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet France and Petit Verdot ends long on the close with enduring density and velvety texture.
93
60
Tuscany
Red Blend
90,345
US
This is Chris Gorman's first white wine; it has been babied and it shows. The wild yeast fermentation in 100% new French oak really piles on the rich, butterscotch flavors, along with toast, spice, nutmeg and caramel. But there's fruit to match, powerful and thick, with impressive length and weight.
92
35
Washington
Chardonnay
146
US
There's a touch of hot asphalt, pencil lead and miso on the nose of this first vintage from a promising, well-funded project, with dark elderberry fruit and dried dill rounding out the aromas. The palate blends a gamy beef quality with oregano, marjoram, cooked strawberry, baked blackberry and a sesame-oil character.
91
68
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
117,552
Italy
Aromas of coffee bean, mocha, plum and damp soil lead the nose. The palate offers toast, espresso, licorice, dried black cherry and tart red currant alongside a backbone of zesty acidity and dusty tannins.
88
42
Piedmont
Barbera
99,579
US
You can feel and taste the cool weather during this vintage in the citrusy acids, steely minerals and sleek, streamlined flavors of Meyer lemons and nectarines. Barrel fermentation adds needed richness. Good price for a dry, sophisticated Chardonnay.
91
24
California
Chardonnay
43,746
Italy
Delicate aromas of wisteria, jasmine and a whiff of white orchard fruit mingle in the glass. The bright palate offers tart Granny Smith apple, green pear and lime alongside racy acidity and a soft mousse.
88
30
Veneto
Glera
15,370
France
This Cabernet-dominated wine is elegant, structured with plenty of black currant and berry fruits that give a fresher element. With firm tannins that need to soften, it will age. Drink from 2016.
86
20
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
48,033
US
Seared yellow apple, lemon rinds and pressed white flowers show on the nose of this bottling from the pioneering winery, which was recently acquired by the Gallo family. The texture is quite steely with bountiful acidity, but the flavors are a little flat on the sip, where stone fruit and squeezed citrus show.
87
28
California
Chardonnay
128,870
Italy
This refreshing Pinot Grigio has all its cards in place and offers pretty aromas of peach, Golden Delicious apple, honey and green melon. It tastes fresh and has sweet tones of yellow fruit and honey.
86
15
Veneto
Pinot Grigio
119,951
US
This is the Left Bank companion to the winery's La Soeur blend. Here the Cabernet Sauvignon is dominant, with Merlot and a splash of Petit Verdot making up the last third. Firm, dark and tight upon opening, it sends up scents of smoke and charcoal, forming a wreath around dense fruit flavors of blueberry and cassis. A young wine, with perhaps a decade or more of life ahead of it.
91
35
Washington
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
117,183
US
Perfumed aromas of lime leaf, white peach and flowers are followed by an off-dry palate, chock full of stone-fruit flavors. Pair it with spicy Thai food.
88
9
Washington
Riesling
99,147
Argentina
Slightly granular smelling and seemingly oversized on the bouquet. In the mouth it folds itself back into standard form, with earthy, jammy flavors of wild berry and spice. Seems a touch heavy and slightly green on the finish, but overall it gets the job done.
86
13
Mendoza Province
Merlot
88,332
France
Effectively a Blanc de Noirs, made from 100% Pinot Noir, this fresh wine has weight and richness. It is full, packed with acidity and pink grapefruit flavors that cut through the ripe texture. It is a food wine, rich and full-bodied.
90
60
Champagne
Pinot Noir
43,853
US
Crisp red cherry and berry notes on the nose become increasingly ruddy and ripe on the palate of this soft, medium-bodied Merlot. It's pleasantly juicy, but whiffs of ramp and dried savory herbs are a distracting contrast.
85
17
New York
Merlot
80,333
US
A big, ripe, voluptuous Zinfandel, packed with flavor. The deliciousness factor of blackberries, cherries, anise and dark chocolate comes at the cost of high alcohol, which limits the wine's elegance but makes it super-drinkable with the richest barbecue imaginable.
91
26
California
Zinfandel
54,108
US
The 2006 was really good, but the 2007 is a disappointment. Where that wine was complex, this is simple, tasting of watermelon, cotton candy and LifeSaver cherry flavors that finish watery and sugary.
83
22
California
Pinot Noir
45,653
US
Light, tart and slightly mushroomy, this Pinot might pass for a solid Bourgogne from one of the better négociants. Organically grown grapes add some lightly earthy notes. All in all, quite pleasant.
86
24
Oregon
Pinot Noir
88,174
US
There's a touch of soft cheese rind at first on the nose of this wine from the historic vineyard. It quickly emerges into a gray slate and white rock minerality, followed by warmed pears and apples. It's tightly focused on the steely, tense palate, with lime sorbet and green pear ripeness and a sunny body.
93
37
California
Chardonnay
48,318
US
Dry, crisp and austere, although it's elegant in its own way. Shows citrus, mineral and lees flavors, with some creamy, buttered toast notes.
85
23
California
Chardonnay
114,842
US
Dark in color, soft in structure and rather heavy, this is a good Pinot Noir that doesn't quite rise beyond a drink-me-now polish. It has jammy flavors of cherries, blackberries and mocha. Drink now.
87
50
California
Pinot Noir
30,381
US
Pure Cabernet, ageworthy wine. Right now it is quite tight, somewhat herbal and compact. The fruit is layered, a range from strawberry through cherry and into cassis, and it leads sharply into spicy tannins with a clear edge. This cellarworthy wine will need considerable breathing time; or pop it in the cellar for up to a decade.
91
54
Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon
30,298
US
This is made from declassified barrels originally intended for Stevens 424. It's sharp-edged and spicy, not yet wellintegrated, but substantial, with wild berry flavors and slightly green tannins. A good quaffer, or pair it with a flank steak.
87
18
Washington
Red Blend
114,766
Italy
Made of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, this simple red opens with a whiff of black currant and brown spice. Informal and easygoing in structure, it shows plum and clove flavors on the palate. Drink soon.
85
13
Tuscany
Red Blend
101,859
US
From the new Happy Canyon appellation, this wine is so close to being so good. It's dry and rich in acidity, and complex in blackberry, cherry and currant flavors that finish long and sweet. This new 7200 line from Foxen is worth watching over future vintages.
89
35
California
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
1,501
US
Lush and opulent, this shows complex flavors of cherry compote, raspberry jam, date and exotic spice. Thoroughly dry on the finish, this drinks well right now. It offers a delicacy that's sometimes missing in Santa Lucia Pinot Noirs. From Hess Collection.
92
32
California
Pinot Noir
63,204
US
Erath is on a single-vineyard crusade; the number of different bottlings is downright dizzying. This particular vineyard, just outside of the town of Dundee, produces a relatively soft wine, spicy with pine needles and herbs, and finishing with a distinctly metallic note that flattens out the flavors.
87
40
Oregon
Pinot Noir
25,383
US
This very substantive wine carries rich and complex flavors on a firm and lively frame. It has an exotic, perfumed aroma, and plenty of fruit flavor and firm tannins. The elements of ripe cherries, suave oak and vibrant acidity all support each other for great balance and a long finish.
94
54
California
Pinot Noir
111,413
US
One of the better Sangioveses out there, because it avoids the pitfalls of unbalanced flavors and textures. It's a dry, crisply acidic wine that's ripe enough in cherries and cola to satisfy. Good job. The next step is to build in complexity.
87
35
California
Sangiovese
102,084
Italy
Made with 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, this opens with aromas of black currant and baking spice. The evolved palate provides mature plum, oak and toast alongside gripping, rather drying tannins.
87
49
Tuscany
Red Blend
53,145
US
Yellow peach, lemon, Asian pear and citrus peels show on the nose of this bottling by Matt Villard. It's very light and reserved on the palate, which is what makes it refreshing, with flavors of ripe nectarine, pan-seared apple and cider. A sizzle of acidity runs through it.
89
30
California
Viognier
118,666
US
Given plenty of time in bottle, this wine is drinking beautifully now, balanced and pillowy in texture. Vanilla-cherry and clove sit atop a note of graham cracker, lingering around smoky oak and a lengthy finish.
91
80
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
2,028
Italy
Aromas of green apples, peach and citrus carry over to palate. The juicy flavors are accompanied by lively acidity that makes this wine very food friendly.
87
9
Northeastern Italy
Pinot Grigio
24,123
US
Sweet in fruity oak and soft in structure, this easy wine has flavors of red cherries, raspberries, red currants and vanilla honey. Drink now.
85
26
California
Grenache
123,184
US
This opens with an unusual mix of watermelon, strawberry, light herbs and a buttery mouthfeel. It's on the lighter, more delicate side, with a thin finish. But fine for accompanying lighter fare, or simply sipping.
85
30
Oregon
Pinot Noir
113,915
US
Sugary-sweet and Porty, with high acidity and flavors of candied blackberries and cherries.
81
20
California
Malbec
21,857
France
Coming from the more northerly parts of Burgundy, this is cool Chardonnay, with steel and minerality. It is firmly textured, its apple and quince flavors coming with a more citrus element.
86
16
Burgundy
Chardonnay
51,239
US
This Riesling is fruit forward yet simple, with watered-down apricot, lime and orange fruit flavors. If sweetness is your thing, you'll find it here at an everyday price.
83
8
California
Riesling
85,896
France
This is a ripe wine, structured with toast, ripe peach, spicy apricot and an attractive citrus juice character. The wine opens warmly in the mouth, but then finishes more crisply, lifted by its acidity.
89
30
Burgundy
Chardonnay
25,992
US
This interesting blend pairs 66% Zinfandel from head-trained old vines with 34% Grenache to offer a wine that, though six years old, manages to maintain a youthful freshness. Aromas of pomegranate, underripe strawberry, raspberry and candied rose petals lead into a juicy palate of hibiscus and rose hips. The marjoram spice and slate minerality keep it serious.
91
35
California
Red Blend
11,299
France
A subdued nose leads onto a very lively palate dominated by foaming, big and frothy bubbles. There is an edge of bitterness but the fruit flavors are fresh and reminiscent of red apple and forest berries. Drink soon.
87
32
Alsace
Pinot Noir
51,812
US
This big, ripe, well-oaked and very firm textured wine could be paired with equally big proteins. It has generous blackberry and black-cherry flavors. Overt tannins give a drying sensation, especially on the finish.
86
33
California
Malbec
113,469
Australia
This 95% Grenache rosé is a pale salmon hue. Subtle melon and berry fruit marks the nose, while the palate is medium in body and silky in texture, finishing with mouthwatering acids. Drink now.
89
20
South Australia
Rosé
40,443
US
This blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is soft and slightly sweet, like a dessert. Tastes like a melted mélange of blackberry and cherry jam, milk chocolate granola and dusty spices. Drink now.
85
34
California
Red Blend
38,816
France
Full in the mouth, this is a ripe wine, showing wood, dark plums and a firm layer of tannins. There is a good black-fruit feel, brought out by the wine's acidity. This is serious and worth aging. Drink from 2017.
88
16
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
74,043
US
This bottling from the family's estate vineyard in the Foxen Canyon area rides the gamy side of the grape, with sizzling lamb crust, rosemary, black pepper and lavender on the nose. Dense elderberry fruit shows on the palate, with touches of asphalt, chopped thyme and more purple flowers. The acidity is balanced, and the tannins are firm but approachable. A touch of vanilla marks the finish.
93
49
California
Syrah
60,904
Australia
This is a classically styled Coonawarra Cab, with ample cassis, cedar and mint wrapped up into a balanced, well-proportioned whole. The Katnook style favors silky tannins over power, making this elegant Cabernet one to drink over the next several years.
89
20
South Australia
Cabernet Sauvignon
36,109
US
This blend holds fruit from Olsen and Red Willow vineyards. Aromas start out lightly reduced, followed by notes of stone fruit, spice and mineral. The peach flavors are full bodied, bringing generosity and appeal.
89
30
Washington
Viognier
94,329
US
Rich raspberry, cherry and mocha flavors characterize this Grenache, but the mouthfeel is off-balance, with its acids and green tannins sticking out. This exposes the difficulties of making great Grenache in California, even in the Santa Ynez Valley.
85
33
California
Grenache
117,965
US
The aromatic intensity takes you quickly to the signature heart of the grape. It's floral and spicy, leading to concentrated flavors of citrus and stone fruits. It's ripe, dry and penetrating.
90
14
Oregon
Gewürztraminer
49,094
US
Crisp with acidity and yeasty on the palate with a sourdough tartness, this is a polished bubbly with interesting flavors of limes and strawberries. The mousse is a bit rough. Drink now.
87
28
California
Sparkling Blend
129,258
US
Woodspice and vanillin are out in front on the aromas followed by mocha, raspberry and dark fruit. The palate brings lush, concentrated flavors and a lingering finish. It drinks beautifully now sbut should have a long life ahead of it.
93
52
Washington
Merlot