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
13,474	Italy	Alluring scents of violet and rose waft from the glass. The savory, succulent palate offers ripe strawberry, wild cherry, cake spice, chopped herb and anisette. Firm, refined tannins and fresh acidity provide balance while a saline note wraps up the finish. Drink 2018–2028.	93	80	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
70,542	Argentina	This is cool, earthy and tight on the nose. Then it opens and blooms, with classy roasted notes that set the stage for a smooth-rolling palate with bold blackberry, herb and chocolate flavors. By the time it finishes, complex bitter-chocolate and toast notes have taken over. This is primed and ready to drink.	92	47	Mendoza Province	Malbec
20,068	US	This is soft and gentle, with easy berry, herb, cola and sandalwood flavors. Drink now, as this is about as good as it will ever be.	87	17	California	Merlot
99,111	Germany	A streak of lemon-lime acidity jolts the senses on this unctuously ripe Riesling full of sweet orange and tangerine flavors. It's dancing and light on it's feet, yet powerfully packed with honey and nectar. Penetrating and persistent on the palate.	92	35	Mosel	Riesling
67,310	Spain	Dense, tarry aromas of asphalt and rubbery boysenberry are hefty but also a bit flat. This has a tannic mouthfeel to go with blackberry, prune and raisin flavors. Toast, bitter chocolate and full-bodied weight push the finish on this oaky, ripe Rioja. Drink through 2020.	89	44	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
54,577	US	With sharp acidity and pungent black currant, plum and raisin flavors, this muscular Cabernet is probably best to drink now. It's an interesting wine, with a spicy, tannic finish.	88	85	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
7,078	US	Way too oaky. Compromised by the clumsy, heavy application of wood. The caramel and roasted butterscotch aromas and flavors completely swamp whatever wine lies beneath.	82	45	California	Chardonnay
123,137	Italy	Here's a reasonably layered Pinot Grigio that offers a candy-like level of butterscotch and dried fruit over fresh notes of peach and passion fruit. The wine is piquant and edgy in the mouth and ends with a citric blast of acidity.	84	23	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
46,838	Italy	This is a direct and pungent Brunello with an intense, vertical lift and a steady delivery of fruit, spice and smoke aromas. It opens with dried raspberry, cassis, clove and pipe tobacco followed by fine tannins and persistency.	92	120	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
88,922	Argentina	Smells exotic and unusual, and frankly not a whole lot like Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is high in acid, so there's a citric sheer to the mouthfeel along with generic berry and spice flavors. Tartness and tannic clamp show up on the finish.	83	12	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Sauvignon
75,157	France	Toasted almond aromas follow through to give this wine a creamy, nutty character. There's vanilla, soft acidity and a final thrust of acidity.	84	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
39,438	US	This is a first-rate Oregon Pinot Gris made with fruit sourced from the Methven Vineyard. Crisp and steely, it's a mix of cucumber and honeydew melon fruit, with bracing acidity and excellent length.	90	16	Oregon	White Blend
126,885	US	Drink this ripely sweet Cabernet now. It's very rich in blackberry, red currant, cocoa and caramelized oak flavors, wrapped into firm, fine tannins. Will do just fine with a nice steak.	87	40	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
70,014	US	Here's a softly fruity wine marked by aromas and flavors of grass, melon, grapefruit, tangerine, and fig. It's fairly dry, although it seems like there's a touch of residual sugar-not very much, just enough to round it out. It's a little one-dimensional, but pleasant.	85	10	California	Sauvignon Blanc
84,300	US	Bruised apricot, lemonade and citrus rind-laden marzipan notes hit the nose on this wine, which is showing just a touch of nutty, honeyed oxidization. The macadamia nut element arises on the palate too, alongside intriguingly peaty flavors reminiscent of Scotch, with almond liqueur on the outro. It presents decent acidity throughout.	88	35	California	Chardonnay
126,535	US	A longtime proponent of Rhône blends, this producer combines 60% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre and 17% Syrah to full-bodied, ripely robust effect, all from estate-grown fruit. Smoky, charred oak and spicy acidity wrap around lush blackberry, cherry and tar, with plenty of grip to show on the finish.	91	56	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
126,381	US	Made in an exceptionally ripe and strongly oaky way, this wine is rather heavy right now. The Cabernet was blended with some Syrah and Petit Verdot grown in a Calistoga vineyard. There's no questioning the richness, but it's so ripe that the blackberries veer into dark chocolate and prunes. See what it does over the next eight years.	91	95	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
26,626	US	Wisps of cocoa powder and cinnamon lend a warm, spicy tone to this rich, berry-toned wine. Ripe black plum and blackberry flavors are lipsmackingly fruity but calibrated neatly by crisp acidity and fine, chalky tannins. The finish is long and lingering.	91	24	New York	Merlot
121,902	US	Delicious in its own way, with a soft, gentle mouthfeel framing upfront flavors of raspberry, cherry, vanilla, toast and pie spice. Drink now with a steak or a lamb chop.	88	60	California	Pinot Noir
25,536	Spain	Initial aromas are suggestive of turpentine and alcohol, but with time things improve. This is chunky and low on pulse; flavors of tomato, green herbs and red fruits are marginal, while the finish carries some burn and heat.	85	22	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
18,026	France	With smoky aromas and strict tannins, this is initially an austere wine. The fruit remains firm and tight, very powerful, while the final acidity gives a delicious, more juicy finale.	92	96	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
13,476	US	A warm and welcoming yet light dusting of vanilla lifts the Marcona almonds, honey, buttered toast and white peach on the nose of this bottling from the brand formerly known as La Fenetre. Cashew nuts pop on the palate alongside brown butter, lemon peels, salt and light caramel flavors, all in utter balance.	93	36	California	Chardonnay
127,207	US	Coming off the Rocks District, this wine displays high-toned aromas of brown stems, crushed violets and black pepper along with a light meat and olive streak. The flavors are poised and layered, showing a mixture of red and black fruits with abundant savory accents. The crazy-long finish flat out impresses.	94	60	Washington	Syrah
35,690	US	Fleshy and unctuous in flavor yet tautly structured, this neatly balanced Merlot offers loads of bright cherry and raspberry flavors layered into wisps of toast, spice and cedar. Its brisk puckery style makes it an ideal dinner wine. Fine-grained but persistent tannins on the finish suggest ageability well into the 2020s.	90	40	New York	Merlot
44,266	US	Soft and supple in lemon and melon, this 100% varietal white was given time in both stainless steel and neutral oak, the combination rewarding in a rounded, approachable mouthfeel that's both creamy and ripe. Stone fruit makes an appearance, before the wine finishes lean and tart.	88	28	California	Sauvignon Blanc
36,553	US	With 45g/L residual sugar, it drinks quite sweet but doesn't have the acidity to hold together its notes of green grapes, jasmine and stone fruit.	84	15	Washington	Riesling
10,587	Italy	This wine smells more like an Amarone than a Brunello. Aromas recall nail varnish, raisin, prune and overripe black fruit with whiffs of toast and espresso. The extracted, one-dimensional palate offers black plum, mature blackberries, oak, vanilla, coffee, and the warmth of noticeable alcohol alongside bracing tannins. Overall, it lacks finesse and nuance.	87	93	Tuscany	Sangiovese
122,944	France	This is an immensely dense wine that is going to be a classic. The dark tannins are still lined with wood aging but that will go because the fruit underneath is also just as dense and intense. Blackberry, black plum and damson plum give power and sweetness. This is a great wine with huge potential. Drink from 2028.	97	145	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
84,680	Portugal	Even after five years, this wine still shows its primary fruit—black plums, sweet but structured. Callabriga, a Tinta Roriz based wine, goes light on the acidity, but the tannins and the hints of vanilla balance well with the blackberry jam fruits.	88	30	Douro	Portuguese Red
28,424	US	Scents of moist earth and coffee grounds wrap around sharply defined berry fruit flavors. This is just on the edge of volatile, buoyed by firm acidity, and showing a sharp streak of burnt toast running through the tannins.	86	25	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
21,160	US	The apple and cider aromas are vibrant while the palate offers plenty of dry tart fruit flavors. It brings appeal.	87	60	Washington	Sparkling Blend
84,960	US	A pale pink color introduces this wine, as do fairly weak aromas of bubble gum and freshly squeezed lime. This is one of three rosés made by Proulx, and they are all rather subtle in expression, this one delivering a bit of lime and decent amount of tannic grip to the palate. It would be a great match for anything rich in texture but light in flavor, as it could be easily overwhelmed.	86	24	California	Rosé
92,307	US	Tropical in style and approach, this rich wine dotted in pineapple and papaya drinks bigger than it is, veering into very ripe flavor and texture.	84	18	California	Sauvignon Blanc
8,125	US	Darker in color than many other versions of the variety, this bottling shows hearty charred meat, blackberry, gravel and condensed rose petal aromas. There's a leathery structure to the palate, where peppercorn, tobacco and red fruit notes lead into a mocha-laced finish.While it lacks the typical Cabernet Franc freshness, it has plenty of depth.	88	40	California	Cabernet Franc
113,906	US	The nose on this upstate New York sparkler is promising, with toasty aromas reminiscent of Champagne. However, the palate doesn't follow through. The wine is thin and watery, with little depth or persistence. Nonetheless, it could be enjoyable as a simple warm-weather quaffer.	81	25	New York	Champagne Blend
121,711	US	This wine has soft tannins, with heaps of vanilla-cherry and raspberry notes and a herbal hit on the finish that leans green. A blend of 88% Zinfandel, with smaller amounts of Petite Sirah, Teroldego and Barbera from one of Amador's historic producers.	84	19	California	Zinfandel
68,903	France	This Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot blend has a tannic character, smoky flavors and a solid structure. It is also perfumed with ripe berry fruits and a juicy taste that is developing behind the firm tannins. It's made by the same team as the Médoc Cru Bourgeois Haut Breton Larigaudière. Drink from 2016.	86	32	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
44,258	US	Cherry liqueur akin to kirsch rises aromatically, along with a lavender perfume. Light and high-strung, this is a tightly wound wine, punched in acidity and savory tea. The finish displays bold swathes of oak.	88	32	California	Pinot Noir
43,583	US	Dry and classy, this is tart in acidity, with an earthiness to the cherry-berry fruit. This is elegant rather than opulent; drink it over the next 2–3 years.	89	65	California	Merlot
74,436	US	Nottingham's biggest Cab production at 375 cases, this is a mix of Cabs from four different Livermore Valley vineyards, including three that Nottingham vineyard designates, and about half the price. But spring for the good stuff. This still-closed Cab, with small percentages of Petite Sirah, Merlot and Syrah, is very herbal and savory, with plenty of tannin and tobacco.	86	32	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
126,933	US	This charming and refreshing wine has aromas like green apples. Richer flavors that suggest white peach accompany a tangy but smooth texture. Light to medium bodied, it is perfect for lunch or pre-dinner drinking.	87	18	California	White Blend
24,577	Australia	Byrne is a relatively young Clare Valley producer, having made its own wines only since 2008. This Reserve Cabernet features some charred oak and espresso notes on the nose, then ripe, plummy fruit on the palate. It's full bodied, dusty and extracted, boasting plenty of intensity, but lacking polish in this youthful state. It should improve for at least the next five years or so.	91	35	South Australia	Cabernet Sauvignon
14,802	US	This is a reserved and elegant example, fashioned along European lines. There's mixed vegetable and tomato notes upfront and a juicy palate of red fruit rounded out by a vanilla top note. The medium finish shows soft tannins. Serve with firm cheese. Drink now to 2011.	87	11	New York	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
56,938	France	This is a lightly sweet wine with candy flavors and an attractive touch of acidity and an orange zest backdrop. It's ready to drink now either as an apéritif or with spicy food.	83	11	Loire Valley	Rosé
26,585	Italy	This opens with aromas of toast, licorice and espresso that follow through to the palate along with a green note of powdered sage. It lacks fruit richness while clenched, abrasive tannins grip the finish.	86	77	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
123,706	US	Full of berry and spice aromas, this wine is full-bodied, dry, and grippingly tannic in texture, offering ripe blackberry and raspberry flavors that match its big structure. Gutsy and concentrated, it's made from estate-grown fruit.	90	20	California	Zinfandel
18,204	US	Lots to admire in this dry, full-bodied Merlot. It's forward and charming in sour red cherry candy, blueberry and herb flavors, with a nice edge of smoky oak. Contains a little Cabernet and Zinfandel for complexity, and the alcohol is nice and low. Great price.	85	8	California	Merlot
105,766	France	For a Premier Cru, this is surprisingly open and ready. It has a light structure, offering delicious, forward, juicy fruit that has been rounded out by wood aging. With its ripe character, it will be ready to drink in a year.	89	78	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
28,613	Italy	This blend of Cab, Sangiovese and Merlot has a fruity, almost sweet nose that recalls almond paste or Amaretto, with tones of blueberry and raspberry in the background. It's a fruitier, more immediate wine with pretty renderings of oak and toasted nut in the background. It's also clean and elegant with good staying power.	90	55	Tuscany	Red Blend
46,766	US	This big-bodied wine is full of smoke, toast and custard in the nose, sure signs of barrel fermentation or aging. The mouth is packed with thick, custardy citrus fruit, which renders it a bit like orange-tinged flan. Fortunately, it retains its acids, which keeps it well balanced despite the heavy oaking it went through.	89	17	California	Sauvignon Blanc
82,449	France	Based in Mesnil-sur-Oger, this producer specializes in Chardonnay blanc de blancs. This nonvintage is a fine expression of the style, full of minerality softened by rich fruit, much of it from Grand Cru vineyards. A delicate wine, it's subtly fruity, with an enticing floral character. Drink now.	92	78	Champagne	Chardonnay
100,619	US	The late actor-turned-vintner's family keeps producing solid wines, including this bottling that offers earthy scents of beet juice and clove. The flavors are pomegranate-driven, with cardamom and allspice making the wine memorable and lasting on the finish.	93	55	California	Pinot Noir
96,005	Italy	Big and bitter, this has aromas of overripe plum, prune, espresso and resin with an acrid whiff of sweat that eventually burns off in the glass. The extracted palate offers blueberry, mocha, bitter prune and roasted coffee bean alongside astringent tannins that dry out the finish. Superior Wines, Wine Warehouse.	86	60	Veneto	Red Blend
87,911	US	This wine has an unusually dark color, plus potent and spicy charred-oak aromas. A very aggressive sweet-oak flavor coats over the grape flavors. It stays somewhat sweet on the palate and finish.	85	15	California	Zinfandel
13,681	US	It has very crisp acids and those kiwi and lime flavors that mark cool-climate Chards. Oak and lees aging add richer, creamier notes.	86	26	California	Chardonnay
71,620	US	Lightly sweet and simply fruity, this wine tastes a bit like peaches and has a gentle texture.	83	23	California	Riesling
42,022	US	Rhône specialist Donelan ventures into Burgundian territory with this Pinot Noir, with good results. The grapes were grown in the wild Fort Ross area, and the wine shows typical cool-climate acidity and a feral quality to the wild berry, cherry and spice flavors. A fascinating wine that should develop over the next eight years.	93	45	California	Pinot Noir
123,798	France	A rich, spicy wine, this shows flavors of new wood and ripe yellow fruit. The concentrated palate reveals juicy pear and peach juice flavors and a tight, minerally structure. Dense vineyard planting and 35-year-old vines bring out extra intensity and complexity.	92	88	Burgundy	Chardonnay
6,343	Spain	Aromas of cola, raisin and cassis are ripe and chunky. A sinewy palate displays raisiny flatness, while this is oaky tasting on the surface and more spicy, rubbery and fruity underneath. Flavors of tobacco and wood spice finish tight, with bright acidity keeping things lively.	91	45	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
16,548	Italy	This is an easy, fruit-driven Chianti Classico that shows cherry, white almond and pressed violets. There's a darker side in the mouth that translates into raw notes of cola and smoked bresaola.	84	20	Tuscany	Sangiovese
13,119	France	Savigny-lès-Beaune, better known for its reds, also makes small quantities of white. From a three-acre parcel, this wine is ripe and tangy with orange peel and mineral acidity. It is a wine that is aging fast and that will be ready to drink from late 2017.	89	50	Burgundy	Chardonnay
89,751	US	Smashed Concord grapes, lavender and more purple flower aromas make for a very purple-leaning nose on this bottling from the hot stretches of southern Monterey County. The flavors are also quite violet-like, with lavender, jasmine, black plum, olallieberry, plum blossoms, and dill, altogether quite elegant with a relatively light touch.	89	20	California	Tempranillo
80,090	US	Aromas like green apples and white peach, flavors like grapefruit and a crisp texture make this wine quite refreshing. Most people will like its overall fruitiness and medium body, and appreciate the fresh acidity. It's made with 25% Sémillon.	87	14	California	Sauvignon Blanc
20,825	US	This is a food-friendly Cab. It's made in an elegant style, with fine acidity and firm tannins that frame black and red currant, plum, mocha and cedar flavors. Lovely now, but so balanced, it should develop for ten years.	91	35	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
115,839	Italy	Made of equal parts dried Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes, this dessert wine has intense toasted almond, maple syrup and caramel aromas. The dense, structured palate delivers acacia honey, dried fig and toasted hazelnut flavors.	91	45	Tuscany	White Blend
99,869	US	Wonderful flavors in this dry Syrah, ranging from blackberries and cherries through cola to dried herbs and anise. The tannins are gentle. The big problem is excessive softness, which mars the wine's structural integrity. Ready now.	86	32	California	Syrah
65,708	France	This is a perfumed wine with eucalyptus aromas and new wood flavors. The wood element is held in balance by flavors of ripe berry fruits and delicate acidity. Keep this wine until 2015.	87	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
73,824	US	Firm in tannins, this Bordeaux blend was grown in the cooler Oak Knoll District of the valley. Along with the astringency, it shows very ripe, sweetly jammy flavors of black cherries, currants and licorice. Could improve with cellaring.	86	40	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
126,104	US	A straightforward, subtle version of Pinot Grigio, light in alcohol, a good choice as an apéritif or as an accompaniment to a light lunch. A lean lemon quality dominates its flavors and aromas.	86	16	California	Pinot Grigio
54,975	France	The steely, mineral character of a Blanc de Blancs is resoundingly evident here. It's fresh on the palate with a crisp texture and vivacious acidity. It's so fruity, it's certainly ready to drink now, but wait a year, and it will show wonderful signs of maturity as well.	90	30	Champagne	Chardonnay
94,145	US	This wine is 35% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec. It brings a whole lot of appeal with its aromas of coffee, woodspice, blackberries and dark cherries. The palate shows a mixture of grace and power and the finish won't quit.	93	55	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
95,766	Spain	An opening salvo of honey and white fruits is solid as can be. The palate rolls out dry, angular citrus, pineapple and apple flavors in front of a finish that's naturally fresh and nutty. A bubbly with no muss, fuss or confusion. Best if you like ‘em dry.	89	15	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
65,894	Italy	Aromas of blackberry, underbrush, blue flowers and a whiff of coffee lead the nose. The medium-bodied palate doles out juicy black cherry, raspberry and white pepper alongside firm acidity. Drink through 2016 to capture the combination of fruit and freshness.	88	27	Piedmont	Barbera
46,347	US	Aromas of ripe grapes and vanilla make for a lush, inviting nose on this fruit-forward bottling of 49.5% Sangiovese, 49.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec. The juicy palate shows blackberries and black cherries as well as licorice and dark chocolate, with strong tannins giving textural balance.	88	50	California	Red Blend
84,410	US	Given time to ferment slowly in large oak casks, this wine offers golden color and a taste of baked apple and lemon pie. Tart in minerality, it's also fulsome in body and weight, finding a balance between flavor and buoyancy. It finishes with length and breadth.	90	60	California	Chardonnay
70,986	US	This half Cabernet, one quarter each Merlot and Cab Franc offers a lovely mix of herb and earth, moderate density, nicely spiced, with brambly red fruits. It shows delicate old vine character, making up with refined herbal flavors what it lacks in fruit sweetness.	90	50	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
28,422	US	A solidly made, easy-tasting Merlot made from organic Mendocino grapes that tastes of cherry and cranberry and is smooth in texture. The wine includes 13% Syrah as well as smatterings of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Carignane.	86	16	California	Merlot
51,891	US	This is an awesome wine that's rich and dramatically layered, with smooth Oakville tannins and a fine jacket of acidity. It's upfront and concentrated, calling attention to its layers of blackberry, cassis, mocha, anise and sweet oak. Beautiful now, but it will continue to develop additional complexities over the next 10 years. Spoto has dramatically upped its game with this release.	94	115	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
78,406	France	A wine that reveals its rich, jammy fruit slowly. When it arrives, the fruit is soft and generous, with strawberry jam and red plum flavors. It also has intense fresh acidity, a dry tannic core and aging potential.	90	24	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
73,032	US	This needs another year or two in bottle to further integrate the disparate components, especially the aggressive barrel flavors. What's here is all good—vivid, punchy apple fruit, sharp acids and toasty wood notes. There's a hint of vanilla custard and even a suggestion of banana cream pie. It just needs to meld a bit longer and the score could go higher.	90	40	Oregon	Chardonnay
53,773	US	Bradley Brown's appellation blend is a nice entry point to this exciting winery. This wine shows lavish smoked black currant and plum flavors, with aromatically lifting spices of anise and black pepper and a savory roast-beef element. The palate packs lots of pepper and relies on plump black cherry, boysenberry and a dark-chocolate syrup richness.	91	36	California	Syrah
21,357	US	From vineyards on Howell Mountain and Oak Knoll, this wine is bristling in acidity, with a taste of lemon peel and grapefruit. Secondary characteristics of peas and pineapple confound as a stony texture adds breadth.	86	30	California	Sauvignon Blanc
70,063	France	Produced from vines in the Mâcon region, this citrus and yellow-fruit-flavored wine is rich, rounded and mature. It still has plenty of freshness, supplemented by almond and butter flavors. Drink now.	86	20	Burgundy	Chardonnay
43,099	Argentina	Grassy red berry and plum aromas lead to a lean, somewhat high-acid palate with herbal, oaky flavors of raspberry and plum that don't last that long. Fresh and healthy feeling on the finish, but tasting more of oak and spice than fruit.	85	13	Mendoza Province	Malbec
36,692	US	Baked red cherries and strawberry paste form the pretty components on the nose of this bottling from four vineyards and five clones, but more poignant twists comes from black sage, chipped slate and pepper dust. The cranberry fruit is quite restrained on the palate, which instead shows lots of pepper, bay leaf, rose petal and dried fennel. It offers lots of energy and depth.	91	45	California	Pinot Noir
26,038	Spain	Raw, gamy aromas of herbal black fruits and wet dog fur set up a bumpy palate that's tough and jagged. Unabsorbed oak sits atop rudimentary berry fruit flavors, while the finish is choppy, oaky and herbal.	84	15	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
6,899	Argentina	A strong oak character drives the nose, which also shows aromas of mint, tobacco and prune. This is extracted to the point of being chunky, while flavors of spiced plum and berry fruits have an herbal undertone. Staunch tannins and soupy, minty flavors are prominent on the finish.	87	21	Mendoza Province	Malbec
47,526	Germany	Loosen's '09 auslese from the Sonnenuhr unleashes a cavalcade of ripe tropical fruit, ranging from pineapple and guava to carambola and lime. It's very sweet and isn't showing much more than fruit at this point in time, but it should develop additional complexity with cellaring.	93	64	Mosel	Riesling
80,625	US	This is a rich, very sweet dessert wine that tastes like some botrytis hit the grapes. It has intense flavors of apricot jam, pineapple-infused crème brûlée and butter-vanilla cookie flavors that are decadently delicious.	91	35	California	Riesling
108,175	US	A tart sour-cherry note is warmed by hints of sweet vanilla and freshly shaven cedar on this brisk, sprightly wine. Hints of wet leaves and brine add a tinge of savoriness to the palate.	86	17	New York	Pinot Noir
8,227	France	From the legendary 1996 vintage, this is a bottling that only received its dosage in 2012. It is very dry, intensely crisp and packed with acidity and minerality. Still young and fruity, it's an impressive wine that will certainly improve with age. Drink through 2022.	92	275	Champagne	Champagne Blend
36,404	US	Rich in cherries, raspberries, licorice, cola and sandalwood, this Pinot finishes dry and spicy. It has a lovely, silky mouthfeel, yet is quite sharp in acidity, and a bit one-dimensional. Best now.	87	48	California	Pinot Noir
23,437	Argentina	Candied plum and red berry aromas smell like red licorice. Flavors are raisiny, with sourness and astringency.	80	5	Mendoza Province	Malbec
127,756	Italy	Lisini delivers an extremely satisfying Brunello that is richly redolent of black fruit, plum, cola, root beer, leather and pipe tobacco. It feels vibrant and fresh in the mouth with well- integrated acidity against firm tannins. Pair this pretty wine with grilled meats.	91	90	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
32,120	US	Aromas of garden herbs, cherry and bittersweet chocolate lead to medium-bodied fruit and barrel flavors. The tannins are quite firm and need some time (hopefully) to soften. The oak seems to get out front.	88	22	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
30,126	France	Properly rich and majestic, this wine also has impressive amounts of crisp acidity to balance its concentration. The wine has layers of peach and apricot along with beautiful acidity and a taut texture that will allow it to age. It is generous and will become opulent and full bodied as it develops. Drink this powerful wine from 2022.	95	214	Burgundy	Chardonnay
52,661	US	This bottling is a great representation of the savory style that's typical of the Santa Cruz Mountains, but with enough rounded, approachable ripeness that it will appease those seeking juicier wine as well. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, spicy vanilla and sharp cinnamon-allspice lead into a black and white pepper-laden palate, full of ripe elderberry, blueberry and elderflower.	92	38	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
127,630	France	Ripe and juicy, this dense wine offers red-fruit flavors shot through with acidity. The old vines give depth to the rich wine that finishes with layers of bright fruit. Drink from 2018.	90	55	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
108,447	US	With a touch of green grass and gooseberry, this refreshing Sauvignon Blanc features richer flavors of pineapples, lemons, limes, honeysuckle and vanilla. It's a streamlined, elegant wine, at a very good price.	90	16	California	Sauvignon Blanc
14,345	US	What a fine, beautiful wine this is. Shows every graceful aspect of a modern Napa Cab, from the perfectly ripened fruit to the unbelievably fine tannins and application of oak. Thrills the mouth with decadently rich black currants, crême de cassis, milk chocolate, anise and cedar flavors, but never loses an impeccable sense of balance and control. Best now, even without decanting, and through 2014.	96	85	California	Cabernet Sauvignon

13,474

Italy

Alluring scents of violet and rose waft from the glass. The savory, succulent palate offers ripe strawberry, wild cherry, cake spice, chopped herb and anisette. Firm, refined tannins and fresh acidity provide balance while a saline note wraps up the finish. Drink 2018–2028.

93

80

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

70,542

Argentina

This is cool, earthy and tight on the nose. Then it opens and blooms, with classy roasted notes that set the stage for a smooth-rolling palate with bold blackberry, herb and chocolate flavors. By the time it finishes, complex bitter-chocolate and toast notes have taken over. This is primed and ready to drink.

92

47

Mendoza Province

Malbec

20,068

US

This is soft and gentle, with easy berry, herb, cola and sandalwood flavors. Drink now, as this is about as good as it will ever be.

87

17

California

Merlot

99,111

Germany

A streak of lemon-lime acidity jolts the senses on this unctuously ripe Riesling full of sweet orange and tangerine flavors. It's dancing and light on it's feet, yet powerfully packed with honey and nectar. Penetrating and persistent on the palate.

92

35

Mosel

Riesling

67,310

Spain

Dense, tarry aromas of asphalt and rubbery boysenberry are hefty but also a bit flat. This has a tannic mouthfeel to go with blackberry, prune and raisin flavors. Toast, bitter chocolate and full-bodied weight push the finish on this oaky, ripe Rioja. Drink through 2020.

89

44

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

54,577

US

With sharp acidity and pungent black currant, plum and raisin flavors, this muscular Cabernet is probably best to drink now. It's an interesting wine, with a spicy, tannic finish.

88

85

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

7,078

US

Way too oaky. Compromised by the clumsy, heavy application of wood. The caramel and roasted butterscotch aromas and flavors completely swamp whatever wine lies beneath.

82

45

California

Chardonnay

123,137

Italy

Here's a reasonably layered Pinot Grigio that offers a candy-like level of butterscotch and dried fruit over fresh notes of peach and passion fruit. The wine is piquant and edgy in the mouth and ends with a citric blast of acidity.

84

23

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

46,838

Italy

This is a direct and pungent Brunello with an intense, vertical lift and a steady delivery of fruit, spice and smoke aromas. It opens with dried raspberry, cassis, clove and pipe tobacco followed by fine tannins and persistency.

92

120

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

88,922

Argentina

Smells exotic and unusual, and frankly not a whole lot like Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is high in acid, so there's a citric sheer to the mouthfeel along with generic berry and spice flavors. Tartness and tannic clamp show up on the finish.

83

12

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Sauvignon

75,157

France

Toasted almond aromas follow through to give this wine a creamy, nutty character. There's vanilla, soft acidity and a final thrust of acidity.

84

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

39,438

US

This is a first-rate Oregon Pinot Gris made with fruit sourced from the Methven Vineyard. Crisp and steely, it's a mix of cucumber and honeydew melon fruit, with bracing acidity and excellent length.

90

16

Oregon

White Blend

126,885

US

Drink this ripely sweet Cabernet now. It's very rich in blackberry, red currant, cocoa and caramelized oak flavors, wrapped into firm, fine tannins. Will do just fine with a nice steak.

87

40

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

70,014

US

Here's a softly fruity wine marked by aromas and flavors of grass, melon, grapefruit, tangerine, and fig. It's fairly dry, although it seems like there's a touch of residual sugar-not very much, just enough to round it out. It's a little one-dimensional, but pleasant.

85

10

California

Sauvignon Blanc

84,300

US

Bruised apricot, lemonade and citrus rind-laden marzipan notes hit the nose on this wine, which is showing just a touch of nutty, honeyed oxidization. The macadamia nut element arises on the palate too, alongside intriguingly peaty flavors reminiscent of Scotch, with almond liqueur on the outro. It presents decent acidity throughout.

88

35

California

Chardonnay

126,535

US

A longtime proponent of Rhône blends, this producer combines 60% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre and 17% Syrah to full-bodied, ripely robust effect, all from estate-grown fruit. Smoky, charred oak and spicy acidity wrap around lush blackberry, cherry and tar, with plenty of grip to show on the finish.

91

56

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

126,381

US

Made in an exceptionally ripe and strongly oaky way, this wine is rather heavy right now. The Cabernet was blended with some Syrah and Petit Verdot grown in a Calistoga vineyard. There's no questioning the richness, but it's so ripe that the blackberries veer into dark chocolate and prunes. See what it does over the next eight years.

91

95

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

26,626

US

Wisps of cocoa powder and cinnamon lend a warm, spicy tone to this rich, berry-toned wine. Ripe black plum and blackberry flavors are lipsmackingly fruity but calibrated neatly by crisp acidity and fine, chalky tannins. The finish is long and lingering.

91

24

New York

Merlot

121,902

US

Delicious in its own way, with a soft, gentle mouthfeel framing upfront flavors of raspberry, cherry, vanilla, toast and pie spice. Drink now with a steak or a lamb chop.

88

60

California

Pinot Noir

25,536

Spain

Initial aromas are suggestive of turpentine and alcohol, but with time things improve. This is chunky and low on pulse; flavors of tomato, green herbs and red fruits are marginal, while the finish carries some burn and heat.

85

22

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

18,026

France

With smoky aromas and strict tannins, this is initially an austere wine. The fruit remains firm and tight, very powerful, while the final acidity gives a delicious, more juicy finale.

92

96

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

13,476

US

A warm and welcoming yet light dusting of vanilla lifts the Marcona almonds, honey, buttered toast and white peach on the nose of this bottling from the brand formerly known as La Fenetre. Cashew nuts pop on the palate alongside brown butter, lemon peels, salt and light caramel flavors, all in utter balance.

93

36

California

Chardonnay

127,207

US

Coming off the Rocks District, this wine displays high-toned aromas of brown stems, crushed violets and black pepper along with a light meat and olive streak. The flavors are poised and layered, showing a mixture of red and black fruits with abundant savory accents. The crazy-long finish flat out impresses.

94

60

Washington

Syrah

35,690

US

Fleshy and unctuous in flavor yet tautly structured, this neatly balanced Merlot offers loads of bright cherry and raspberry flavors layered into wisps of toast, spice and cedar. Its brisk puckery style makes it an ideal dinner wine. Fine-grained but persistent tannins on the finish suggest ageability well into the 2020s.

90

40

New York

Merlot

44,266

US

Soft and supple in lemon and melon, this 100% varietal white was given time in both stainless steel and neutral oak, the combination rewarding in a rounded, approachable mouthfeel that's both creamy and ripe. Stone fruit makes an appearance, before the wine finishes lean and tart.

88

28

California

Sauvignon Blanc

36,553

US

With 45g/L residual sugar, it drinks quite sweet but doesn't have the acidity to hold together its notes of green grapes, jasmine and stone fruit.

84

15

Washington

Riesling

10,587

Italy

This wine smells more like an Amarone than a Brunello. Aromas recall nail varnish, raisin, prune and overripe black fruit with whiffs of toast and espresso. The extracted, one-dimensional palate offers black plum, mature blackberries, oak, vanilla, coffee, and the warmth of noticeable alcohol alongside bracing tannins. Overall, it lacks finesse and nuance.

87

93

Tuscany

Sangiovese

122,944

France

This is an immensely dense wine that is going to be a classic. The dark tannins are still lined with wood aging but that will go because the fruit underneath is also just as dense and intense. Blackberry, black plum and damson plum give power and sweetness. This is a great wine with huge potential. Drink from 2028.

97

145

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

84,680

Portugal

Even after five years, this wine still shows its primary fruit—black plums, sweet but structured. Callabriga, a Tinta Roriz based wine, goes light on the acidity, but the tannins and the hints of vanilla balance well with the blackberry jam fruits.

88

30

Douro

Portuguese Red

28,424

US

Scents of moist earth and coffee grounds wrap around sharply defined berry fruit flavors. This is just on the edge of volatile, buoyed by firm acidity, and showing a sharp streak of burnt toast running through the tannins.

86

25

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

21,160

US

The apple and cider aromas are vibrant while the palate offers plenty of dry tart fruit flavors. It brings appeal.

87

60

Washington

Sparkling Blend

84,960

US

A pale pink color introduces this wine, as do fairly weak aromas of bubble gum and freshly squeezed lime. This is one of three rosés made by Proulx, and they are all rather subtle in expression, this one delivering a bit of lime and decent amount of tannic grip to the palate. It would be a great match for anything rich in texture but light in flavor, as it could be easily overwhelmed.

86

24

California

Rosé

92,307

US

Tropical in style and approach, this rich wine dotted in pineapple and papaya drinks bigger than it is, veering into very ripe flavor and texture.

84

18

California

Sauvignon Blanc

8,125

US

Darker in color than many other versions of the variety, this bottling shows hearty charred meat, blackberry, gravel and condensed rose petal aromas. There's a leathery structure to the palate, where peppercorn, tobacco and red fruit notes lead into a mocha-laced finish.While it lacks the typical Cabernet Franc freshness, it has plenty of depth.

88

40

California

Cabernet Franc

113,906

US

The nose on this upstate New York sparkler is promising, with toasty aromas reminiscent of Champagne. However, the palate doesn't follow through. The wine is thin and watery, with little depth or persistence. Nonetheless, it could be enjoyable as a simple warm-weather quaffer.

81

25

New York

Champagne Blend

121,711

US

This wine has soft tannins, with heaps of vanilla-cherry and raspberry notes and a herbal hit on the finish that leans green. A blend of 88% Zinfandel, with smaller amounts of Petite Sirah, Teroldego and Barbera from one of Amador's historic producers.

84

19

California

Zinfandel

68,903

France

This Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot blend has a tannic character, smoky flavors and a solid structure. It is also perfumed with ripe berry fruits and a juicy taste that is developing behind the firm tannins. It's made by the same team as the Médoc Cru Bourgeois Haut Breton Larigaudière. Drink from 2016.

86

32

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

44,258

US

Cherry liqueur akin to kirsch rises aromatically, along with a lavender perfume. Light and high-strung, this is a tightly wound wine, punched in acidity and savory tea. The finish displays bold swathes of oak.

88

32

California

Pinot Noir

43,583

US

Dry and classy, this is tart in acidity, with an earthiness to the cherry-berry fruit. This is elegant rather than opulent; drink it over the next 2–3 years.

89

65

California

Merlot

74,436

US

Nottingham's biggest Cab production at 375 cases, this is a mix of Cabs from four different Livermore Valley vineyards, including three that Nottingham vineyard designates, and about half the price. But spring for the good stuff. This still-closed Cab, with small percentages of Petite Sirah, Merlot and Syrah, is very herbal and savory, with plenty of tannin and tobacco.

86

32

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

126,933

US

This charming and refreshing wine has aromas like green apples. Richer flavors that suggest white peach accompany a tangy but smooth texture. Light to medium bodied, it is perfect for lunch or pre-dinner drinking.

87

18

California

White Blend

24,577

Australia

Byrne is a relatively young Clare Valley producer, having made its own wines only since 2008. This Reserve Cabernet features some charred oak and espresso notes on the nose, then ripe, plummy fruit on the palate. It's full bodied, dusty and extracted, boasting plenty of intensity, but lacking polish in this youthful state. It should improve for at least the next five years or so.

91

35

South Australia

Cabernet Sauvignon

14,802

US

This is a reserved and elegant example, fashioned along European lines. There's mixed vegetable and tomato notes upfront and a juicy palate of red fruit rounded out by a vanilla top note. The medium finish shows soft tannins. Serve with firm cheese. Drink now to 2011.

87

11

New York

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

56,938

France

This is a lightly sweet wine with candy flavors and an attractive touch of acidity and an orange zest backdrop. It's ready to drink now either as an apéritif or with spicy food.

83

11

Loire Valley

Rosé

26,585

Italy

This opens with aromas of toast, licorice and espresso that follow through to the palate along with a green note of powdered sage. It lacks fruit richness while clenched, abrasive tannins grip the finish.

86

77

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

123,706

US

Full of berry and spice aromas, this wine is full-bodied, dry, and grippingly tannic in texture, offering ripe blackberry and raspberry flavors that match its big structure. Gutsy and concentrated, it's made from estate-grown fruit.

90

20

California

Zinfandel

18,204

US

Lots to admire in this dry, full-bodied Merlot. It's forward and charming in sour red cherry candy, blueberry and herb flavors, with a nice edge of smoky oak. Contains a little Cabernet and Zinfandel for complexity, and the alcohol is nice and low. Great price.

85

8

California

Merlot

105,766

France

For a Premier Cru, this is surprisingly open and ready. It has a light structure, offering delicious, forward, juicy fruit that has been rounded out by wood aging. With its ripe character, it will be ready to drink in a year.

89

78

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

28,613

Italy

This blend of Cab, Sangiovese and Merlot has a fruity, almost sweet nose that recalls almond paste or Amaretto, with tones of blueberry and raspberry in the background. It's a fruitier, more immediate wine with pretty renderings of oak and toasted nut in the background. It's also clean and elegant with good staying power.

90

55

Tuscany

Red Blend

46,766

US

This big-bodied wine is full of smoke, toast and custard in the nose, sure signs of barrel fermentation or aging. The mouth is packed with thick, custardy citrus fruit, which renders it a bit like orange-tinged flan. Fortunately, it retains its acids, which keeps it well balanced despite the heavy oaking it went through.

89

17

California

Sauvignon Blanc

82,449

France

Based in Mesnil-sur-Oger, this producer specializes in Chardonnay blanc de blancs. This nonvintage is a fine expression of the style, full of minerality softened by rich fruit, much of it from Grand Cru vineyards. A delicate wine, it's subtly fruity, with an enticing floral character. Drink now.

92

78

Champagne

Chardonnay

100,619

US

The late actor-turned-vintner's family keeps producing solid wines, including this bottling that offers earthy scents of beet juice and clove. The flavors are pomegranate-driven, with cardamom and allspice making the wine memorable and lasting on the finish.

93

55

California

Pinot Noir

96,005

Italy

Big and bitter, this has aromas of overripe plum, prune, espresso and resin with an acrid whiff of sweat that eventually burns off in the glass. The extracted palate offers blueberry, mocha, bitter prune and roasted coffee bean alongside astringent tannins that dry out the finish. Superior Wines, Wine Warehouse.

86

60

Veneto

Red Blend

87,911

US

This wine has an unusually dark color, plus potent and spicy charred-oak aromas. A very aggressive sweet-oak flavor coats over the grape flavors. It stays somewhat sweet on the palate and finish.

85

15

California

Zinfandel

13,681

US

It has very crisp acids and those kiwi and lime flavors that mark cool-climate Chards. Oak and lees aging add richer, creamier notes.

86

26

California

Chardonnay

71,620

US

Lightly sweet and simply fruity, this wine tastes a bit like peaches and has a gentle texture.

83

23

California

Riesling

42,022

US

Rhône specialist Donelan ventures into Burgundian territory with this Pinot Noir, with good results. The grapes were grown in the wild Fort Ross area, and the wine shows typical cool-climate acidity and a feral quality to the wild berry, cherry and spice flavors. A fascinating wine that should develop over the next eight years.

93

45

California

Pinot Noir

123,798

France

A rich, spicy wine, this shows flavors of new wood and ripe yellow fruit. The concentrated palate reveals juicy pear and peach juice flavors and a tight, minerally structure. Dense vineyard planting and 35-year-old vines bring out extra intensity and complexity.

92

88

Burgundy

Chardonnay

6,343

Spain

Aromas of cola, raisin and cassis are ripe and chunky. A sinewy palate displays raisiny flatness, while this is oaky tasting on the surface and more spicy, rubbery and fruity underneath. Flavors of tobacco and wood spice finish tight, with bright acidity keeping things lively.

91

45

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

16,548

Italy

This is an easy, fruit-driven Chianti Classico that shows cherry, white almond and pressed violets. There's a darker side in the mouth that translates into raw notes of cola and smoked bresaola.

84

20

Tuscany

Sangiovese

13,119

France

Savigny-lès-Beaune, better known for its reds, also makes small quantities of white. From a three-acre parcel, this wine is ripe and tangy with orange peel and mineral acidity. It is a wine that is aging fast and that will be ready to drink from late 2017.

89

50

Burgundy

Chardonnay

89,751

US

Smashed Concord grapes, lavender and more purple flower aromas make for a very purple-leaning nose on this bottling from the hot stretches of southern Monterey County. The flavors are also quite violet-like, with lavender, jasmine, black plum, olallieberry, plum blossoms, and dill, altogether quite elegant with a relatively light touch.

89

20

California

Tempranillo

80,090

US

Aromas like green apples and white peach, flavors like grapefruit and a crisp texture make this wine quite refreshing. Most people will like its overall fruitiness and medium body, and appreciate the fresh acidity. It's made with 25% Sémillon.

87

14

California

Sauvignon Blanc

20,825

US

This is a food-friendly Cab. It's made in an elegant style, with fine acidity and firm tannins that frame black and red currant, plum, mocha and cedar flavors. Lovely now, but so balanced, it should develop for ten years.

91

35

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

115,839

Italy

Made of equal parts dried Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes, this dessert wine has intense toasted almond, maple syrup and caramel aromas. The dense, structured palate delivers acacia honey, dried fig and toasted hazelnut flavors.

91

45

Tuscany

White Blend

99,869

US

Wonderful flavors in this dry Syrah, ranging from blackberries and cherries through cola to dried herbs and anise. The tannins are gentle. The big problem is excessive softness, which mars the wine's structural integrity. Ready now.

86

32

California

Syrah

65,708

France

This is a perfumed wine with eucalyptus aromas and new wood flavors. The wood element is held in balance by flavors of ripe berry fruits and delicate acidity. Keep this wine until 2015.

87

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

73,824

US

Firm in tannins, this Bordeaux blend was grown in the cooler Oak Knoll District of the valley. Along with the astringency, it shows very ripe, sweetly jammy flavors of black cherries, currants and licorice. Could improve with cellaring.

86

40

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

126,104

US

A straightforward, subtle version of Pinot Grigio, light in alcohol, a good choice as an apéritif or as an accompaniment to a light lunch. A lean lemon quality dominates its flavors and aromas.

86

16

California

Pinot Grigio

54,975

France

The steely, mineral character of a Blanc de Blancs is resoundingly evident here. It's fresh on the palate with a crisp texture and vivacious acidity. It's so fruity, it's certainly ready to drink now, but wait a year, and it will show wonderful signs of maturity as well.

90

30

Champagne

Chardonnay

94,145

US

This wine is 35% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec. It brings a whole lot of appeal with its aromas of coffee, woodspice, blackberries and dark cherries. The palate shows a mixture of grace and power and the finish won't quit.

93

55

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

95,766

Spain

An opening salvo of honey and white fruits is solid as can be. The palate rolls out dry, angular citrus, pineapple and apple flavors in front of a finish that's naturally fresh and nutty. A bubbly with no muss, fuss or confusion. Best if you like ‘em dry.

89

15

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

65,894

Italy

Aromas of blackberry, underbrush, blue flowers and a whiff of coffee lead the nose. The medium-bodied palate doles out juicy black cherry, raspberry and white pepper alongside firm acidity. Drink through 2016 to capture the combination of fruit and freshness.

88

27

Piedmont

Barbera

46,347

US

Aromas of ripe grapes and vanilla make for a lush, inviting nose on this fruit-forward bottling of 49.5% Sangiovese, 49.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec. The juicy palate shows blackberries and black cherries as well as licorice and dark chocolate, with strong tannins giving textural balance.

88

50

California

Red Blend

84,410

US

Given time to ferment slowly in large oak casks, this wine offers golden color and a taste of baked apple and lemon pie. Tart in minerality, it's also fulsome in body and weight, finding a balance between flavor and buoyancy. It finishes with length and breadth.

90

60

California

Chardonnay

70,986

US

This half Cabernet, one quarter each Merlot and Cab Franc offers a lovely mix of herb and earth, moderate density, nicely spiced, with brambly red fruits. It shows delicate old vine character, making up with refined herbal flavors what it lacks in fruit sweetness.

90

50

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

28,422

US

A solidly made, easy-tasting Merlot made from organic Mendocino grapes that tastes of cherry and cranberry and is smooth in texture. The wine includes 13% Syrah as well as smatterings of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Carignane.

86

16

California

Merlot

51,891

US

This is an awesome wine that's rich and dramatically layered, with smooth Oakville tannins and a fine jacket of acidity. It's upfront and concentrated, calling attention to its layers of blackberry, cassis, mocha, anise and sweet oak. Beautiful now, but it will continue to develop additional complexities over the next 10 years. Spoto has dramatically upped its game with this release.

94

115

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

78,406

France

A wine that reveals its rich, jammy fruit slowly. When it arrives, the fruit is soft and generous, with strawberry jam and red plum flavors. It also has intense fresh acidity, a dry tannic core and aging potential.

90

24

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

73,032

US

This needs another year or two in bottle to further integrate the disparate components, especially the aggressive barrel flavors. What's here is all good—vivid, punchy apple fruit, sharp acids and toasty wood notes. There's a hint of vanilla custard and even a suggestion of banana cream pie. It just needs to meld a bit longer and the score could go higher.

90

40

Oregon

Chardonnay

53,773

US

Bradley Brown's appellation blend is a nice entry point to this exciting winery. This wine shows lavish smoked black currant and plum flavors, with aromatically lifting spices of anise and black pepper and a savory roast-beef element. The palate packs lots of pepper and relies on plump black cherry, boysenberry and a dark-chocolate syrup richness.

91

36

California

Syrah

21,357

US

From vineyards on Howell Mountain and Oak Knoll, this wine is bristling in acidity, with a taste of lemon peel and grapefruit. Secondary characteristics of peas and pineapple confound as a stony texture adds breadth.

86

30

California

Sauvignon Blanc

70,063

France

Produced from vines in the Mâcon region, this citrus and yellow-fruit-flavored wine is rich, rounded and mature. It still has plenty of freshness, supplemented by almond and butter flavors. Drink now.

86

20

Burgundy

Chardonnay

43,099

Argentina

Grassy red berry and plum aromas lead to a lean, somewhat high-acid palate with herbal, oaky flavors of raspberry and plum that don't last that long. Fresh and healthy feeling on the finish, but tasting more of oak and spice than fruit.

85

13

Mendoza Province

Malbec

36,692

US

Baked red cherries and strawberry paste form the pretty components on the nose of this bottling from four vineyards and five clones, but more poignant twists comes from black sage, chipped slate and pepper dust. The cranberry fruit is quite restrained on the palate, which instead shows lots of pepper, bay leaf, rose petal and dried fennel. It offers lots of energy and depth.

91

45

California

Pinot Noir

26,038

Spain

Raw, gamy aromas of herbal black fruits and wet dog fur set up a bumpy palate that's tough and jagged. Unabsorbed oak sits atop rudimentary berry fruit flavors, while the finish is choppy, oaky and herbal.

84

15

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

6,899

Argentina

A strong oak character drives the nose, which also shows aromas of mint, tobacco and prune. This is extracted to the point of being chunky, while flavors of spiced plum and berry fruits have an herbal undertone. Staunch tannins and soupy, minty flavors are prominent on the finish.

87

21

Mendoza Province

Malbec

47,526

Germany

Loosen's '09 auslese from the Sonnenuhr unleashes a cavalcade of ripe tropical fruit, ranging from pineapple and guava to carambola and lime. It's very sweet and isn't showing much more than fruit at this point in time, but it should develop additional complexity with cellaring.

93

64

Mosel

Riesling

80,625

US

This is a rich, very sweet dessert wine that tastes like some botrytis hit the grapes. It has intense flavors of apricot jam, pineapple-infused crème brûlée and butter-vanilla cookie flavors that are decadently delicious.

91

35

California

Riesling

108,175

US

A tart sour-cherry note is warmed by hints of sweet vanilla and freshly shaven cedar on this brisk, sprightly wine. Hints of wet leaves and brine add a tinge of savoriness to the palate.

86

17

New York

Pinot Noir

8,227

France

From the legendary 1996 vintage, this is a bottling that only received its dosage in 2012. It is very dry, intensely crisp and packed with acidity and minerality. Still young and fruity, it's an impressive wine that will certainly improve with age. Drink through 2022.

92

275

Champagne

Champagne Blend

36,404

US

Rich in cherries, raspberries, licorice, cola and sandalwood, this Pinot finishes dry and spicy. It has a lovely, silky mouthfeel, yet is quite sharp in acidity, and a bit one-dimensional. Best now.

87

48

California

Pinot Noir

23,437

Argentina

Candied plum and red berry aromas smell like red licorice. Flavors are raisiny, with sourness and astringency.

80

5

Mendoza Province

Malbec

127,756

Italy

Lisini delivers an extremely satisfying Brunello that is richly redolent of black fruit, plum, cola, root beer, leather and pipe tobacco. It feels vibrant and fresh in the mouth with well- integrated acidity against firm tannins. Pair this pretty wine with grilled meats.

91

90

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

32,120

US

Aromas of garden herbs, cherry and bittersweet chocolate lead to medium-bodied fruit and barrel flavors. The tannins are quite firm and need some time (hopefully) to soften. The oak seems to get out front.

88

22

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

30,126

France

Properly rich and majestic, this wine also has impressive amounts of crisp acidity to balance its concentration. The wine has layers of peach and apricot along with beautiful acidity and a taut texture that will allow it to age. It is generous and will become opulent and full bodied as it develops. Drink this powerful wine from 2022.

95

214

Burgundy

Chardonnay

52,661

US

This bottling is a great representation of the savory style that's typical of the Santa Cruz Mountains, but with enough rounded, approachable ripeness that it will appease those seeking juicier wine as well. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, spicy vanilla and sharp cinnamon-allspice lead into a black and white pepper-laden palate, full of ripe elderberry, blueberry and elderflower.

92

38

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

127,630

France

Ripe and juicy, this dense wine offers red-fruit flavors shot through with acidity. The old vines give depth to the rich wine that finishes with layers of bright fruit. Drink from 2018.

90

55

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

108,447

US

With a touch of green grass and gooseberry, this refreshing Sauvignon Blanc features richer flavors of pineapples, lemons, limes, honeysuckle and vanilla. It's a streamlined, elegant wine, at a very good price.

90

16

California

Sauvignon Blanc

14,345

US

What a fine, beautiful wine this is. Shows every graceful aspect of a modern Napa Cab, from the perfectly ripened fruit to the unbelievably fine tannins and application of oak. Thrills the mouth with decadently rich black currants, crême de cassis, milk chocolate, anise and cedar flavors, but never loses an impeccable sense of balance and control. Best now, even without decanting, and through 2014.

96

85

California

Cabernet Sauvignon