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
10,740	US	This wine brings notes of plum, dried herbs, mocha and wood spice. It's rich and silky in feel with sharp-edged acids, showing some warmth on the finish.	91	32	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
108,066	US	This shows high alcohol and a full-bodied mouthfeel, plus massive concentration of ripe, slightly roasted fruit. It's enormous in flavors of blackberries, sweet black currants and licorice, sprinkled with cocoa and black pepper.	87	45	California	Zinfandel
71,167	Italy	Confident and self-assured, Torrione is a wine that transmits its essence without veils or tricks. Vibrant berry fruit, blue flower, mineral tones and bright crispness create a balanced ensemble and suggest a pairing with wild boar or rabbit.	92	40	Tuscany	Sangiovese
119,813	US	This classic, versatile, dry table wine has everything in good proportions, from a cherry-like aroma to ripe but not cloying fruit flavors. The moderately tannic texture has an appetizing bite. It's something that can be enjoyed with almost any meal.	90	25	California	Zinfandel
18,716	Italy	Intense aromas suggest violet, rose, perfumed berry, leather and spice, with balsamic notes. The focused palate delivers sour cherry, crushed raspberry, leather, mineral and white pepper alongside polished tannins. It's balanced with nice depth. Drink 2016–2028.	91	30	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
109,873	Italy	The blend is 60-40 Grillo and Viognier and the wine offers aromatic components of both varieties. The first imparts green notes of kiwi and cut grass and the second offers sweet floral fragrances.	86	13	Sicily & Sardinia	White Blend
4,895	US	Full flavored and full bodied, this big, expansive wine oozes ripe and dried fruit character from the aroma to the flavors and finish. It suggests blackberry and strawberry flavors, feels tannic on the palate rather than soft, and carries a bit of warmth.	87	28	California	Zinfandel
106,733	France	With time, fresh rose petals merge into heady Turkish delight notes on the nose. This is full-on Gewurztraminer with all the bells and whistles: utterly decadent rose water and honeysuckle notes are submerged in rich, indulgent sweetness. This is perfumed and full-on: a super-charged varietal expression with rich, powdery layers of rose, honey and caramel.	90	72	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
24,207	US	Made from 88% Grenache and 12% Viognier, this lilting wine abounds with dry, fruity and floral characteristics. Salmon-peach in color, it has texture and the requisite refreshment offered by its barely ripe strawberry and peach swathes. Although it delivers enough acidity and bite to pair with food, it might be hard to wait that long.	90	19	California	Grenache
82,837	US	This is the Gainey family's annual statement on how Bordeaux varieties can excel in the Santa Ynez Valley, and this blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot is a marvelous argument. Aromas of pepper, pencil shavings, oregano, dill, elderberries, black currant and dried blueberries lead into an expertly integrated palate where black fruit is nuanced by cedar, dried oregano, crushed gravel and peppery spice.	95	60	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
23,248	US	This distinctive wine shows aromas of rain-soaked herbs, mineral, cocoa and red fruit. It's filled with luscious, jammy raspberry flavors that combine with an alluring, silky feel. With time, the aromas and flavors might unite to kick it up a notch.	89	45	Washington	Syrah
35,375	US	Made from a single vineyard, this wine is both tasty and complex enough to stimulate the imagination. It smells like butter and cream, and tastes like ripe pear, toasted almonds and vanilla bean. Luscious yet a bit crisp, the texture feels great on the palate. Grenache Blanc, Piquepoul Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier all contributed.	92	18	California	White Blend
48,494	US	This variety is still a rarity in the valley, though it is up-and-coming. This example displays aromas of funk, black olive, tobacco and mineral that are followed by plump, expressive fruit and savory flavors. It provides a lot of intrigue.	92	38	Washington	Tempranillo
61,782	Spain	Jumpy and nervy smelling, with tottering aromas of jammy berry and strawberry. It feels dilute at first, but more structure and body appear as the wine unfolds. The flavor of jammy raspberry is somewhat herbal, and the finish is light.	84	23	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
8,674	US	The aromas of gooseberry, lime, herb and passion fruit pop. The flavors are broad and tart. The concentration isn't quite all there but it brings plenty to hold the interest and should do well at the dinner table.	88	22	Washington	Sauvignon Blanc
71,552	France	Solidly structured, this is a dense wine. Its black fruits add to the density, giving a concentrated, fruity wine. Drink this starting from mid-2018.	86	10	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
86,608	US	Some kind of magic is happening here. As the lowest-priced Chardonnay in Stoller's lineup, this may turn out to be your favorite. Using all-stainless steel, this sleek style brings out the aromatics, texture and detail. There's tensile strength here, herb-tinged accents, clean and juicy citrus-inflected fruit and superb balance throughout.	92	25	Oregon	Chardonnay
114,210	US	J. Lohr dives into the dark side of Pinot Noir, presenting a deeply hued wine with black cherries, slate and yeast on the nose. Licorice and blackberry power the palate with sage as the prevailing herb, all balancing out well despite the relatively high alcohol content.	92	35	California	Pinot Noir
56,967	US	An assortment of vineyards contributes to this tight and chewy Cabernet, blended with small percentages of Merlot and Cab Franc. The crunchy black fruits and underlying minerality contribute to the impression of well-structured compactness, with plenty of potential for aging through 2022–2024.	91	36	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
27,031	US	Though not treating the grape with quite the same reverence as other varieties, Central Coast vintners are having fun with Merlot, making quaffable, easygoing bottlings like this one. It shows caramelized blueberry, black currant and asphalt touches on the nose. The graphite minerality also pops on the palate, giving a tension to the cassis flavors.	88	28	California	Merlot
113,136	US	Extremely ripe fruit flavors fuel this full-bodied, no-holds barred wine. The aromas are like blackberry jam and raspberry syrup, and the flavors are almost that extreme, but the wine is technically dry. A very viscous texture wraps it up.	88	16	California	Merlot
6,670	US	This is the most dynamic 2011 entry in Matthias Pippig's Loner series, starting with aromas of lemon juice, lime sorbet, wet chalk, white pepper and crushed herbs. The tight, mineral-driven flavors dance across diced peaches and baked apples, with lime spritzer and baking soda thrown on top.	93	60	California	Chardonnay
51,281	Germany	Notes of lemon and cherry blossom brighten tones of crushed stone and slate on this semi-dry Riesling. Juicy and ripe with flavors of melon and white peach, it's intensely fruity and floral but honed with reverberating minerality on the finish.	90	32	Mosel	Riesling
113,547	France	Intensely perfumed, this wine is also structured and fresh. Combining these elements gives a dense wine, firmly textured and with a dry core. Acidity gives the natural richness lift. It's meant for aging, drink from 2017.	90	27	Alsace	Pinot Gris
97,929	US	Not many wineries hold back Syrah this long, but it must have been because the wine was so tannic. It's still pretty tannic and dry. But there's enough sweet blackberry, currant and cherry fruit to satisfy, especially with char-broiled beef.	85	20	California	Syrah
7,784	Italy	Aromas suggest ripe blackberry, baking spice, mocha and a balsamic note of menthol. The brooding palate opens with mature black cherry, savory herb and black pepper alongside tightly knit but velvety tannins that still need to unwind. Drink 2016–2021.	92	47	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
49,015	US	Abacela makes up to four different Tempranillos in a given vintage, this being the entry-level bottle. And a fine introduction it is, with vivid red and black berries, a dusting of sweet spices, a gentle whiff of tanned leather, chalk and ample tannins. Aged in both French and American oak, 15% new, it is drinking quite nicely already.	89	23	Oregon	Tempranillo
71,183	Italy	This is a good example of Syrah's potential in Tuscany, giving off generous notes of bright cherry and boysenberry followed by toasted nuts, tobacco and smoked ham. This version has a particularly attractive finale, which is bursting with balsam and menthol freshness.	91	52	Tuscany	Syrah
59,401	US	An old-vine field blend of Gewürztraminer, Trousseau Gris and Riesling, this vintage is tiny in production but boldly delicious in flavor and intent. Bright pretty aromatics of honeysuckle meet a balanced layering of creamy white peach, apple and wild vanilla, blessed by supportive acidity.	94	30	California	White Blend
129,061	France	There is an attractive hint of toastiness here, since the bottle was disgorged in February 2014. That brings a roundness and a complexity to this classic Blanc de Blancs. As its name indicates the grapes come from the village of Cramant on the Côte des Blancs, and there are suggestions of the chalk terroir in the tight minerality and crisp apple that come through in the aftertaste.	93	75	Champagne	Chardonnay
128,064	US	This wine leans into the green side of the variety, with aromas of garden herbs, green pepper, dark chocolate and cherry. The palate brings abundant savory flavors along with chewy tannins.	88	21	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
122,151	France	This is gentle and rounded, with creamed pear and citrus flavors. With hints of caramel and vanilla, it is soft, clean and very ready to drink.	86	16	Burgundy	Chardonnay
16,064	US	What's not to like about this extremely fruity, easy-drinking Rhône-style blend? It smells and tastes like blackberry jam, with a lightly tannic texture. A touch of sweetness keeps it soft.	87	18	California	Red Blend
113,005	France	The second wine of Château Belcier is a firm proposition in its own right, with dark tannins and juicy black currant acidity. It's tight with some austerity that needs to round out. Drink from 2017.	86	20	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
128,890	US	This is made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Dry and tannic, this imparts red fruit around a greenish tinge of tobacco leaf, the tannins overly robust.	85	62	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
65,507	US	There's extra richness across the palate of perfectly ripened apple, pear and melon fruit. The weight of the wine in the mouth is substantial but maintains a sense of lightness and proportion, and the finish extends out gracefully as long as you can wait for that next sip.	91	17	Oregon	Pinot Gris
52,847	US	With 4% co-fermented Viognier, the aromas bring subdued notes of flowers, dark fruit and barrel spice. The cranberry and cherry flavors are tart and focused, trailing toward the finish.	89	45	Washington	Syrah
15,218	US	Shades of smoke, dried herbs and nut skins add savory tones to this dry Riesling. The palate builds intensity on the midpalate with layers of fresh apple, lime skin and underripe stone fruit, bolstered by sprightly tangerine-laced acidity.	87	15	New York	Riesling
86,058	France	Fresh and lively in the nose, with proper toasty accents. Fairly full and complex flavors of honey, bread and minerals. Yeasty on the tail end, with lemon notes keeping it going. As a whole, it’s a nice, well-made quality Champagne.	89	33	Champagne	Champagne Blend
74,483	US	A classic interpretation of a red Bordeaux blend, this holds almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, in addition to smaller amounts of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The wine offers mint, sage and cedar that give a brushy quality around blackberry and cassis. With a juicy core, it's complex and lengthy, the oak subdued.	91	54	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
95,179	US	This wine is subtle in aroma but extremely generous in texture. It seems to start out slow and then floods the palate with very ripe but not sweet flavors like kiwi, pear and honeydew melon on a nicely viscous, pillowy texture.	91	20	California	Chardonnay
44,747	Italy	Barolo Ornato is a beautiful wine: rich in flavor, intensity and personality. You can taste the quality of the fruit here thanks to the pristine notes of cherry, wild berry, spice and ginger that emerge from the nose. Oak notes of vanilla and cinnamon are nicely integrated and folded within the wine's dense, supple texture.	94	109	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
2,348	US	Herb, currant, vanilla and tire-rubber aromas are at the fore. The blackberry flavors drink off dry, sweetening toward the finish.	85	15	Washington	Merlot
26,727	US	Beguiling aromas of corn silk, vanilla, barrel spice and malolactic notes lead to a palate that is elegant in style. It dances lightly.	88	50	Washington	Chardonnay
49,387	US	Thin and earthy, this is Pinot Noir at its most herbal, with no fruit in sight.	82	11	Washington	Pinot Noir
38,197	France	With 49% Chardonnay and 51% Pinot Noir from grand cru vineyards, this well-balanced wine is just coming into its best years. Crisp and dry, following the Lanson style of no malolactic fermentation, the wine is full of white fruits, citrus and hints of toast, based around a tangy, mineral texture. Drink now and until 2025.	94	90	Champagne	Champagne Blend
28,983	France	Light and bright with plenty of fruit and a lsoft texture, this lemon-flavored wine has crisp acidity and a ready-to-drink freshness. Drink now.	84	14	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
53,090	US	Sagebrush and faint anise hints decorate the red cherry and ripe raspberry fruit in this appellation blend. The palate is lively if fairly simple, with fresh red berry flavors and a touch of garrigue.	88	48	California	Pinot Noir
80,777	US	The aromas are all high toned, with notes of baking spice, green herb, berry and wood spice. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied, with appealing well-balanced flavors.	87	39	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
91,120	Argentina	Exotic, earthy aromas of loamy blackberry, pencil eraser, brown sugar and violet petals lead to a deep but wiry and clipped-feeling palate. The flavor profile is oaky, with spiced berry and cardamom notes leading the charge. A lasting finish is stern and doesn't waver. Drink through 2020.	91	28	Mendoza Province	Malbec
16,095	Portugal	Pink in color, a smooth wine, layered in caramel, missing real fruit.	83	9	Douro	Rosé
83,053	US	This at-first subtle wine shows more complexity with each sip. It has the aroma of toasted baguette slices, then tastes rich and figgy, with pear and almond nuances that linger on the finish due to a nicely viscous texture.	89	32	California	Chardonnay
58,104	France	Named after the shells from sea creatures that are found in much of the chalk soil of Sancerre, this crisp, mineral wine is tangy, zesty and textured. Fresh apples and gooseberry are cut by the intense acidity and tight structure. Drink from 2017.	92	40	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
59,296	US	This is a marvelous wine, made for Force Majeure by Syncline's James Mantone. A delectable blend of 56% Mourvèdre, 38% Syrah, and 6% Grenache, it's a spice rack of aromatics, with flavors of boysenberry and raspberry over crushed rocks. Tight, tart and tangy, it has remarkable depth and density, and should age beautifully for at least a decade.	94	50	Washington	Rhône-style Red Blend
42,240	US	Pleasing aromas of fresh pear, tropical fruit, melted butter and vanilla are followed by rounded pear and vanilla flavors that show a light touch.	89	25	Washington	Chardonnay
116,290	US	The pure, natural flavors of ripe Chardonnay grapes star in this wine, which is a combination of Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco fruit. It's potent in pineapple, tangerine, peach, papaya and pear flavors that burst in the mouth with the most brilliant acidity. Defines the unoaked Chardonnay style at its best.	90	20	California	Chardonnay
44,593	France	Named in honor of the Romans who first planted vines in Sancerre, this wine has its feet firmly in the chalk soil that gives it richness as well as minerality. Ripe with touches of yellow fruits as well as lime and other citrus flavors, it is structured, dense and likely to age well. Drink from 2018.	95	65	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
104,782	US	This is a good wine that's weakened by a lack of harmony. The fruit veers toward mangoes and breadfruit. The acids are fine. A gentle overlay of oak and pronounced lees add textural complexity. Yet the parts don't come together smoothly; it feels jagged in the mouth. —S.H.	87	26	California	Chardonnay
46,844	Italy	This fruit-forward wine opens with bursting notes of cherry, blackberry, vanilla, almond paste, cola and delicate touches of resin or wet river stone. It's an impressive achievement that straddles a fine line between modernity and tradition.	92	55	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
29,628	Spain	Charred on top and showing roasted berry aromas underneath. This wine sizes up as a plump, round berry ball with low-to-medium acidity and soft tannins. It's just mildly herbal and rooty, with a soft finish. It flows smoothly and won't cause any eyebrows to be raised. Drink now.	88	35	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
42,667	Italy	Made with organically grown Sangiovese grapes, this structured red has subdued aromas of mature black cherry, blue flower and baking spice. The soft palate offers prune and sweet vanilla alongside rather fleeting tannins.	87	32	Tuscany	Sangiovese
33,560	Italy	Fragrant spring flower, citrus blossom and orchard fruit aromas leap from the glass. The slightly off-dry tangy palate presents ripe green apple, white peach and a juicy note of candied lemon drop offset by crisp acidity and a lively perlage.	88	22	Veneto	Glera
67,399	US	Though relatively young (planted in 2001) this Dundee Hills vineyard can deliver the goods. This is full, juicy, packed with ripe fruits, moderately deep in color, and limned with sharp, herbal, astringent tannins. It could profit from a bit more bottle age, to take the edge off the green tea in the finish.	90	50	Oregon	Pinot Noir
6,693	US	The winery's proprietary block of Zin grapes (planted in 1999) from the coveted Stagecoach Vineyards contributes to an intense wine. Juicy and oaky, it's dense in cherry and plum, a note of lavender and sage complementing the whole. A thick liqueur sense characterizes the texture, but the palate stays alive through the site's rocky minerality. This one'll age.	93	50	California	Zinfandel
90,430	France	This ripe Chardonnay has a soft texture and only the lightest minerality. It is fresh, tangy with lemon-zest flavors and refreshing acidity. The aftertaste with a burst of crispness is particularly attractive.	88	38	Champagne	Chardonnay
98,612	Spain	Yeasty applesauce aromas precede a full palate that weighs on the heavy and flat side. Obtuse flavors of apple finish solid and chunky but low on acidity and crispness. Overall this is good but slightly lazy on the palate.	86	16	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
103,410	US	The Sundance blend in 2006 is two-thirds Merlot, the other third splits Cab Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's what the winemaker modestly describes as his “leftovers,” but like the best leftovers it tastes great. It's wide open and broadly appealing, with sweet and soft fruit flavors of ripe berries, cherries and milk chocolate. Along with the ripe, fresh fruit are soft tannins and some pleasing streaks of coffee and licorice.	90	20	Washington	Red Blend
8,673	France	A red-fruit-dominated rosé that is full of bright fruits and a smooth texture. It has acidity to balance the ripe nature of the wine. This style is really for food, ripe and rich in the mouth.	88	24	Loire Valley	Rosé
88,374	Australia	Classically styled Barossa Cabernet, with plenty of weight and texture, its rich chocolate and cassis aromas and flavors backed by just a touch of mint. Finishes long, with velvety tannins that should begin to settle by 2010 and keep it evolving through 2020.	91	38	South Australia	Cabernet Sauvignon
20,300	US	Aromas of vanilla, cocoa and woodspice are at the fore. The palate starts out broadly but then trails as it moves toward the finish. This wine doesn't entirely come together.	86	13	Washington	Merlot
52,872	US	Cedar, graphite and concentrated plum aromas mark the nose of this full-bodied wine from the southern end of the appellation, where it's cool and breezy from the Pacific Ocean. Entirely varietal, it shows a wealth of red and black berry fruitiness, dotted with dried herb.	92	75	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
73,676	US	Another terrific Napa ‘99, this one packed with opulent flavors of cassis, green olives and herbs, wrapped generously in fine toasty oak. The wine is very dry and the tannins are fine and complex. The delicious finish goes on and on.	92	40	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
127,087	US	Built upon generous, sweet and pretty cherry and cassis fruit, this drinks well now, but could be cellared until 2020. Tannins are ripe and polished, and the natural acidity carries a finishing lick of citrus.	92	80	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
38,385	France	This wine is lean, austere with high acidity that leaves fruit well behind. It is structured and dry, only hinting at black-currant freshness. This third-generation family estate also hosts monthly musical and tasting events and sells fruit, vegetables and honey.	84	32	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
96,877	US	An inverted GSM with Mourvèdre (80%) taking the lead followed by Syrah (15%) and Grenache, this aromatic wine offers notes of smoke, coffee and peppery spices. It's elegantly styled with a lithe feel.	88	45	Washington	Red Blend
74,539	US	This is the first reserve for Bridgeview. It's a block selection, treated the same as their regular bottling; i.e., all stainless, no malolactic. That said, it has an extra dimension, good texture, more elegance and lovely fruit.	89	16	Oregon	Pinot Gris
63,623	US	Elegant on the nose, it offers aromas settling between violet, white pepper and chai tea. The 5% Petite Sirah adds a nice touch of viscosity to the palate. The flavors range from cinnamon to licorice with nice bitterness and acidity, making the fruits of plum and prune almost an afterthought.	93	24	California	Zinfandel
126,281	US	Pencil shavings, purple flowers, light cranberry fruit and hint of wood smoke show on the nose of this bottling. The smoked cherry character extends to the palate, with it picks up the tang of cranberry and a salty richness.	84	22	California	Pinot Noir
25,916	Portugal	Spicy and ripe, this is a wine that is soft, full in the mouth and with generous tannins. It does have a mineral edge that adds shape to the wine and crispens the black-plum flavor. Drink the wine now.	87	15	Douro	Portuguese Red
42,541	US	This is a five-grape blend, with leafy flavors of garden-fresh herbs as well as ripe strawberries and vanilla cream. It's a smooth and immediately pleasing wine, with a velvety finish.	90	28	Washington	Red Blend
29,817	US	Gorgeous foam leads this wine, a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. Golden peach in color with a dry, savory strawberry richness and smooth texture, it is buoyed by solid acidity. Estate-grown, this is a stellar California sparkler, incredibly well-priced and versatile.	93	28	California	Sparkling Blend
11,178	US	Not a whole lot going on in this soft, simple wine. The cherry, raspberry and root beer flavors are ultraripe, with a liqueured quality, and the finish is semisweet.	84	39	California	Grenache
127,612	US	Made from the Dijon clone called 777, this wine is pretty on the nose, floral in black pepper and clove, a solid, softly textured effort from two vineyards, Leras and Pleasant Hill. Forested in pine, dried herb and cola, it closes out in round waves of juicy acidity.	90	59	California	Pinot Noir
49,748	France	This ripe and full-bodied wine has a wonderful balance between pure acidity and ripe yellow fruits. From chalk and clay soils, it's both mineral and rich, both fresh and warm. It could be drunk now, although it will be much better from 2016.	88	25	Burgundy	Chardonnay
28,590	US	A bit heavy and soft, although it's nicely dry, with good tannins. The cherry flavors are mixed with herbs, with a touch of smoky oak.	83	10	California	Merlot
65,566	US	There's plenty to enjoy aromatically and texturally in this wine. It offers floral and citrus refreshment and intrigue around deeper, richer elements of melon and kiwi. Oak surrounds the big finish.	85	24	California	Sauvignon Blanc
12,524	US	A little sour in acidity, or maybe the acidity sticks out because the raspberry and cherry fruit isn't strong enough. Either way, this dry, silky Pinot Noir is rustic, but it does show real varietal character.	86	30	California	Pinot Noir
49,346	Spain	Ripe and oaky up front, a sweet vanilla aroma is redeemed by darker notes of blackberry and asphalt. Jammy and full bodied, the palate delivers boysenberry, herbs and creamy oak flavors. The heavy, chewy finish is dense and ripe.	89	24	Catalonia	Red Blend
43,072	France	This is an attractively perfumed wine, which is polished by the wood influence, offering flavors of mint and eucalyptus. It is rich and spicy, with the weight of black fruits. This is already drinkable, so consume it now, or keep it for 3–4 years.	89	35	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
57,188	US	Soft, subtle flavors of classic Chardonnay mingle with warming spice in this friendly but simple white. Pair with salad or seafood.	83	12	New York	Chardonnay
7,349	Italy	It shows earthy aromas of wet soil and leafy underbrush, as well as leather, dark berry and spice. The palate offers restrained black plum, sour cherry, espresso and licorice alongside firm yet drying tannins. The fruit richness is starting to fade so enjoy soon rather than later.	88	45	Tuscany	Sangiovese
97,251	France	Big, bold and cuddly, this wine's tannins are cushioned by the red berry fruit and attractive acidity. It has weight and a rich feeling, and the dry edge offers the possibility of aging. This small clos is exclusive to Jaffelin.	92	57	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
27,600	Italy	Red berry, wild mint, crushed rose, forest floor and new leather are just some of the aromas you'll find on this fragrant delicious red. Seamlessly boasting structure and finesse, the full-bodied palate displays layers of succulent morello cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and cinnamon while firm velvety tannins lend support and a polished texture. A savory saline note wraps up the lingering finish. Drink 2018–2026.	96	45	Tuscany	Sangiovese
55,343	Argentina	Cherry, cassis and spice aromas are mild and comported. The wine feels chewy and just dense enough, with baked cassis, berry and herb flavors that finish toasty and hot, with a rubbery note. Clean aromas and full fruit flavors are this wine's best attributes.	87	14	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Sauvignon
93,940	US	This 100% Cabernet has a very strong flavor. It's almost assaultive in blackberries and black currants that are sweet and jammy, while oak adds even sweeter notes of caramel and butterscotch. The result is somewhat awkward, too much of a good thing. Seems like it needs time to integrate and resolve contradictions. Try after 2013.	90	90	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
87,326	US	Immaculate flavors of raspberries and Bing cherries are set in a well-structured frame of barrel toast and tannin. There is ample, yet unintrusive acidity, and the balance throughout is perfectly maintained. Drink now and over the next five or six years.	92	90	Oregon	Pinot Noir
125,448	US	Coming from a cool vintage, this thriller of a wine has generous notes of black pepper, plum, orange rind and cranberry. It's concentrated, rich and flavorful with the oak (50% new French) giving some gruffness to the tannins that should soften with additional time in the bottle. Best after 2017.	93	50	Washington	Syrah
34,278	US	There's a great deal of sagebrush on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard in the eastern Sta. Rita Hills, along with red cherry, pencil lead and sandalwood. Dark cherry and cranberry flavors power the palate, the fruit wrapped in hickory smoke. Thyme flavors carry into the tannic finish.	94	55	California	Pinot Noir
82,015	US	This easy-to-love wine from the Michael Mondavi family has an obvious but attractive oaky character, from the abundant cedar and cinnamon aromas to the spicy nutmeg and cardamom flavors that bolster its red cherry fruit and medium body.	88	15	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
17,022	Italy	A blend of Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina, this boasts delicate floral and fruit aromas of white rose and wild berry. Juicy red cherry and fleshy strawberry drive the vibrant palate while hints of baking spice provide the backdrop.	90	23	Piedmont	Red Blend

10,740

US

This wine brings notes of plum, dried herbs, mocha and wood spice. It's rich and silky in feel with sharp-edged acids, showing some warmth on the finish.

91

32

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

108,066

US

This shows high alcohol and a full-bodied mouthfeel, plus massive concentration of ripe, slightly roasted fruit. It's enormous in flavors of blackberries, sweet black currants and licorice, sprinkled with cocoa and black pepper.

87

45

California

Zinfandel

71,167

Italy

Confident and self-assured, Torrione is a wine that transmits its essence without veils or tricks. Vibrant berry fruit, blue flower, mineral tones and bright crispness create a balanced ensemble and suggest a pairing with wild boar or rabbit.

92

40

Tuscany

Sangiovese

119,813

US

This classic, versatile, dry table wine has everything in good proportions, from a cherry-like aroma to ripe but not cloying fruit flavors. The moderately tannic texture has an appetizing bite. It's something that can be enjoyed with almost any meal.

90

25

California

Zinfandel

18,716

Italy

Intense aromas suggest violet, rose, perfumed berry, leather and spice, with balsamic notes. The focused palate delivers sour cherry, crushed raspberry, leather, mineral and white pepper alongside polished tannins. It's balanced with nice depth. Drink 2016–2028.

91

30

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

109,873

Italy

The blend is 60-40 Grillo and Viognier and the wine offers aromatic components of both varieties. The first imparts green notes of kiwi and cut grass and the second offers sweet floral fragrances.

86

13

Sicily & Sardinia

White Blend

4,895

US

Full flavored and full bodied, this big, expansive wine oozes ripe and dried fruit character from the aroma to the flavors and finish. It suggests blackberry and strawberry flavors, feels tannic on the palate rather than soft, and carries a bit of warmth.

87

28

California

Zinfandel

106,733

France

With time, fresh rose petals merge into heady Turkish delight notes on the nose. This is full-on Gewurztraminer with all the bells and whistles: utterly decadent rose water and honeysuckle notes are submerged in rich, indulgent sweetness. This is perfumed and full-on: a super-charged varietal expression with rich, powdery layers of rose, honey and caramel.

90

72

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

24,207

US

Made from 88% Grenache and 12% Viognier, this lilting wine abounds with dry, fruity and floral characteristics. Salmon-peach in color, it has texture and the requisite refreshment offered by its barely ripe strawberry and peach swathes. Although it delivers enough acidity and bite to pair with food, it might be hard to wait that long.

90

19

California

Grenache

82,837

US

This is the Gainey family's annual statement on how Bordeaux varieties can excel in the Santa Ynez Valley, and this blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot is a marvelous argument. Aromas of pepper, pencil shavings, oregano, dill, elderberries, black currant and dried blueberries lead into an expertly integrated palate where black fruit is nuanced by cedar, dried oregano, crushed gravel and peppery spice.

95

60

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

23,248

US

This distinctive wine shows aromas of rain-soaked herbs, mineral, cocoa and red fruit. It's filled with luscious, jammy raspberry flavors that combine with an alluring, silky feel. With time, the aromas and flavors might unite to kick it up a notch.

89

45

Washington

Syrah

35,375

US

Made from a single vineyard, this wine is both tasty and complex enough to stimulate the imagination. It smells like butter and cream, and tastes like ripe pear, toasted almonds and vanilla bean. Luscious yet a bit crisp, the texture feels great on the palate. Grenache Blanc, Piquepoul Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier all contributed.

92

18

California

White Blend

48,494

US

This variety is still a rarity in the valley, though it is up-and-coming. This example displays aromas of funk, black olive, tobacco and mineral that are followed by plump, expressive fruit and savory flavors. It provides a lot of intrigue.

92

38

Washington

Tempranillo

61,782

Spain

Jumpy and nervy smelling, with tottering aromas of jammy berry and strawberry. It feels dilute at first, but more structure and body appear as the wine unfolds. The flavor of jammy raspberry is somewhat herbal, and the finish is light.

84

23

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

8,674

US

The aromas of gooseberry, lime, herb and passion fruit pop. The flavors are broad and tart. The concentration isn't quite all there but it brings plenty to hold the interest and should do well at the dinner table.

88

22

Washington

Sauvignon Blanc

71,552

France

Solidly structured, this is a dense wine. Its black fruits add to the density, giving a concentrated, fruity wine. Drink this starting from mid-2018.

86

10

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

86,608

US

Some kind of magic is happening here. As the lowest-priced Chardonnay in Stoller's lineup, this may turn out to be your favorite. Using all-stainless steel, this sleek style brings out the aromatics, texture and detail. There's tensile strength here, herb-tinged accents, clean and juicy citrus-inflected fruit and superb balance throughout.

92

25

Oregon

Chardonnay

114,210

US

J. Lohr dives into the dark side of Pinot Noir, presenting a deeply hued wine with black cherries, slate and yeast on the nose. Licorice and blackberry power the palate with sage as the prevailing herb, all balancing out well despite the relatively high alcohol content.

92

35

California

Pinot Noir

56,967

US

An assortment of vineyards contributes to this tight and chewy Cabernet, blended with small percentages of Merlot and Cab Franc. The crunchy black fruits and underlying minerality contribute to the impression of well-structured compactness, with plenty of potential for aging through 2022–2024.

91

36

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

27,031

US

Though not treating the grape with quite the same reverence as other varieties, Central Coast vintners are having fun with Merlot, making quaffable, easygoing bottlings like this one. It shows caramelized blueberry, black currant and asphalt touches on the nose. The graphite minerality also pops on the palate, giving a tension to the cassis flavors.

88

28

California

Merlot

113,136

US

Extremely ripe fruit flavors fuel this full-bodied, no-holds barred wine. The aromas are like blackberry jam and raspberry syrup, and the flavors are almost that extreme, but the wine is technically dry. A very viscous texture wraps it up.

88

16

California

Merlot

6,670

US

This is the most dynamic 2011 entry in Matthias Pippig's Loner series, starting with aromas of lemon juice, lime sorbet, wet chalk, white pepper and crushed herbs. The tight, mineral-driven flavors dance across diced peaches and baked apples, with lime spritzer and baking soda thrown on top.

93

60

California

Chardonnay

51,281

Germany

Notes of lemon and cherry blossom brighten tones of crushed stone and slate on this semi-dry Riesling. Juicy and ripe with flavors of melon and white peach, it's intensely fruity and floral but honed with reverberating minerality on the finish.

90

32

Mosel

Riesling

113,547

France

Intensely perfumed, this wine is also structured and fresh. Combining these elements gives a dense wine, firmly textured and with a dry core. Acidity gives the natural richness lift. It's meant for aging, drink from 2017.

90

27

Alsace

Pinot Gris

97,929

US

Not many wineries hold back Syrah this long, but it must have been because the wine was so tannic. It's still pretty tannic and dry. But there's enough sweet blackberry, currant and cherry fruit to satisfy, especially with char-broiled beef.

85

20

California

Syrah

7,784

Italy

Aromas suggest ripe blackberry, baking spice, mocha and a balsamic note of menthol. The brooding palate opens with mature black cherry, savory herb and black pepper alongside tightly knit but velvety tannins that still need to unwind. Drink 2016–2021.

92

47

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

49,015

US

Abacela makes up to four different Tempranillos in a given vintage, this being the entry-level bottle. And a fine introduction it is, with vivid red and black berries, a dusting of sweet spices, a gentle whiff of tanned leather, chalk and ample tannins. Aged in both French and American oak, 15% new, it is drinking quite nicely already.

89

23

Oregon

Tempranillo

71,183

Italy

This is a good example of Syrah's potential in Tuscany, giving off generous notes of bright cherry and boysenberry followed by toasted nuts, tobacco and smoked ham. This version has a particularly attractive finale, which is bursting with balsam and menthol freshness.

91

52

Tuscany

Syrah

59,401

US

An old-vine field blend of Gewürztraminer, Trousseau Gris and Riesling, this vintage is tiny in production but boldly delicious in flavor and intent. Bright pretty aromatics of honeysuckle meet a balanced layering of creamy white peach, apple and wild vanilla, blessed by supportive acidity.

94

30

California

White Blend

129,061

France

There is an attractive hint of toastiness here, since the bottle was disgorged in February 2014. That brings a roundness and a complexity to this classic Blanc de Blancs. As its name indicates the grapes come from the village of Cramant on the Côte des Blancs, and there are suggestions of the chalk terroir in the tight minerality and crisp apple that come through in the aftertaste.

93

75

Champagne

Chardonnay

128,064

US

This wine leans into the green side of the variety, with aromas of garden herbs, green pepper, dark chocolate and cherry. The palate brings abundant savory flavors along with chewy tannins.

88

21

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

122,151

France

This is gentle and rounded, with creamed pear and citrus flavors. With hints of caramel and vanilla, it is soft, clean and very ready to drink.

86

16

Burgundy

Chardonnay

16,064

US

What's not to like about this extremely fruity, easy-drinking Rhône-style blend? It smells and tastes like blackberry jam, with a lightly tannic texture. A touch of sweetness keeps it soft.

87

18

California

Red Blend

113,005

France

The second wine of Château Belcier is a firm proposition in its own right, with dark tannins and juicy black currant acidity. It's tight with some austerity that needs to round out. Drink from 2017.

86

20

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

128,890

US

This is made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Dry and tannic, this imparts red fruit around a greenish tinge of tobacco leaf, the tannins overly robust.

85

62

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

65,507

US

There's extra richness across the palate of perfectly ripened apple, pear and melon fruit. The weight of the wine in the mouth is substantial but maintains a sense of lightness and proportion, and the finish extends out gracefully as long as you can wait for that next sip.

91

17

Oregon

Pinot Gris

52,847

US

With 4% co-fermented Viognier, the aromas bring subdued notes of flowers, dark fruit and barrel spice. The cranberry and cherry flavors are tart and focused, trailing toward the finish.

89

45

Washington

Syrah

15,218

US

Shades of smoke, dried herbs and nut skins add savory tones to this dry Riesling. The palate builds intensity on the midpalate with layers of fresh apple, lime skin and underripe stone fruit, bolstered by sprightly tangerine-laced acidity.

87

15

New York

Riesling

86,058

France

Fresh and lively in the nose, with proper toasty accents. Fairly full and complex flavors of honey, bread and minerals. Yeasty on the tail end, with lemon notes keeping it going. As a whole, it’s a nice, well-made quality Champagne.

89

33

Champagne

Champagne Blend

74,483

US

A classic interpretation of a red Bordeaux blend, this holds almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, in addition to smaller amounts of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The wine offers mint, sage and cedar that give a brushy quality around blackberry and cassis. With a juicy core, it's complex and lengthy, the oak subdued.

91

54

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

95,179

US

This wine is subtle in aroma but extremely generous in texture. It seems to start out slow and then floods the palate with very ripe but not sweet flavors like kiwi, pear and honeydew melon on a nicely viscous, pillowy texture.

91

20

California

Chardonnay

44,747

Italy

Barolo Ornato is a beautiful wine: rich in flavor, intensity and personality. You can taste the quality of the fruit here thanks to the pristine notes of cherry, wild berry, spice and ginger that emerge from the nose. Oak notes of vanilla and cinnamon are nicely integrated and folded within the wine's dense, supple texture.

94

109

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

2,348

US

Herb, currant, vanilla and tire-rubber aromas are at the fore. The blackberry flavors drink off dry, sweetening toward the finish.

85

15

Washington

Merlot

26,727

US

Beguiling aromas of corn silk, vanilla, barrel spice and malolactic notes lead to a palate that is elegant in style. It dances lightly.

88

50

Washington

Chardonnay

49,387

US

Thin and earthy, this is Pinot Noir at its most herbal, with no fruit in sight.

82

11

Washington

Pinot Noir

38,197

France

With 49% Chardonnay and 51% Pinot Noir from grand cru vineyards, this well-balanced wine is just coming into its best years. Crisp and dry, following the Lanson style of no malolactic fermentation, the wine is full of white fruits, citrus and hints of toast, based around a tangy, mineral texture. Drink now and until 2025.

94

90

Champagne

Champagne Blend

28,983

France

Light and bright with plenty of fruit and a lsoft texture, this lemon-flavored wine has crisp acidity and a ready-to-drink freshness. Drink now.

84

14

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

53,090

US

Sagebrush and faint anise hints decorate the red cherry and ripe raspberry fruit in this appellation blend. The palate is lively if fairly simple, with fresh red berry flavors and a touch of garrigue.

88

48

California

Pinot Noir

80,777

US

The aromas are all high toned, with notes of baking spice, green herb, berry and wood spice. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied, with appealing well-balanced flavors.

87

39

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

91,120

Argentina

Exotic, earthy aromas of loamy blackberry, pencil eraser, brown sugar and violet petals lead to a deep but wiry and clipped-feeling palate. The flavor profile is oaky, with spiced berry and cardamom notes leading the charge. A lasting finish is stern and doesn't waver. Drink through 2020.

91

28

Mendoza Province

Malbec

16,095

Portugal

Pink in color, a smooth wine, layered in caramel, missing real fruit.

83

9

Douro

Rosé

83,053

US

This at-first subtle wine shows more complexity with each sip. It has the aroma of toasted baguette slices, then tastes rich and figgy, with pear and almond nuances that linger on the finish due to a nicely viscous texture.

89

32

California

Chardonnay

58,104

France

Named after the shells from sea creatures that are found in much of the chalk soil of Sancerre, this crisp, mineral wine is tangy, zesty and textured. Fresh apples and gooseberry are cut by the intense acidity and tight structure. Drink from 2017.

92

40

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

59,296

US

This is a marvelous wine, made for Force Majeure by Syncline's James Mantone. A delectable blend of 56% Mourvèdre, 38% Syrah, and 6% Grenache, it's a spice rack of aromatics, with flavors of boysenberry and raspberry over crushed rocks. Tight, tart and tangy, it has remarkable depth and density, and should age beautifully for at least a decade.

94

50

Washington

Rhône-style Red Blend

42,240

US

Pleasing aromas of fresh pear, tropical fruit, melted butter and vanilla are followed by rounded pear and vanilla flavors that show a light touch.

89

25

Washington

Chardonnay

116,290

US

The pure, natural flavors of ripe Chardonnay grapes star in this wine, which is a combination of Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco fruit. It's potent in pineapple, tangerine, peach, papaya and pear flavors that burst in the mouth with the most brilliant acidity. Defines the unoaked Chardonnay style at its best.

90

20

California

Chardonnay

44,593

France

Named in honor of the Romans who first planted vines in Sancerre, this wine has its feet firmly in the chalk soil that gives it richness as well as minerality. Ripe with touches of yellow fruits as well as lime and other citrus flavors, it is structured, dense and likely to age well. Drink from 2018.

95

65

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

104,782

US

This is a good wine that's weakened by a lack of harmony. The fruit veers toward mangoes and breadfruit. The acids are fine. A gentle overlay of oak and pronounced lees add textural complexity. Yet the parts don't come together smoothly; it feels jagged in the mouth. —S.H.

87

26

California

Chardonnay

46,844

Italy

This fruit-forward wine opens with bursting notes of cherry, blackberry, vanilla, almond paste, cola and delicate touches of resin or wet river stone. It's an impressive achievement that straddles a fine line between modernity and tradition.

92

55

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

29,628

Spain

Charred on top and showing roasted berry aromas underneath. This wine sizes up as a plump, round berry ball with low-to-medium acidity and soft tannins. It's just mildly herbal and rooty, with a soft finish. It flows smoothly and won't cause any eyebrows to be raised. Drink now.

88

35

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

42,667

Italy

Made with organically grown Sangiovese grapes, this structured red has subdued aromas of mature black cherry, blue flower and baking spice. The soft palate offers prune and sweet vanilla alongside rather fleeting tannins.

87

32

Tuscany

Sangiovese

33,560

Italy

Fragrant spring flower, citrus blossom and orchard fruit aromas leap from the glass. The slightly off-dry tangy palate presents ripe green apple, white peach and a juicy note of candied lemon drop offset by crisp acidity and a lively perlage.

88

22

Veneto

Glera

67,399

US

Though relatively young (planted in 2001) this Dundee Hills vineyard can deliver the goods. This is full, juicy, packed with ripe fruits, moderately deep in color, and limned with sharp, herbal, astringent tannins. It could profit from a bit more bottle age, to take the edge off the green tea in the finish.

90

50

Oregon

Pinot Noir

6,693

US

The winery's proprietary block of Zin grapes (planted in 1999) from the coveted Stagecoach Vineyards contributes to an intense wine. Juicy and oaky, it's dense in cherry and plum, a note of lavender and sage complementing the whole. A thick liqueur sense characterizes the texture, but the palate stays alive through the site's rocky minerality. This one'll age.

93

50

California

Zinfandel

90,430

France

This ripe Chardonnay has a soft texture and only the lightest minerality. It is fresh, tangy with lemon-zest flavors and refreshing acidity. The aftertaste with a burst of crispness is particularly attractive.

88

38

Champagne

Chardonnay

98,612

Spain

Yeasty applesauce aromas precede a full palate that weighs on the heavy and flat side. Obtuse flavors of apple finish solid and chunky but low on acidity and crispness. Overall this is good but slightly lazy on the palate.

86

16

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

103,410

US

The Sundance blend in 2006 is two-thirds Merlot, the other third splits Cab Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's what the winemaker modestly describes as his “leftovers,” but like the best leftovers it tastes great. It's wide open and broadly appealing, with sweet and soft fruit flavors of ripe berries, cherries and milk chocolate. Along with the ripe, fresh fruit are soft tannins and some pleasing streaks of coffee and licorice.

90

20

Washington

Red Blend

8,673

France

A red-fruit-dominated rosé that is full of bright fruits and a smooth texture. It has acidity to balance the ripe nature of the wine. This style is really for food, ripe and rich in the mouth.

88

24

Loire Valley

Rosé

88,374

Australia

Classically styled Barossa Cabernet, with plenty of weight and texture, its rich chocolate and cassis aromas and flavors backed by just a touch of mint. Finishes long, with velvety tannins that should begin to settle by 2010 and keep it evolving through 2020.

91

38

South Australia

Cabernet Sauvignon

20,300

US

Aromas of vanilla, cocoa and woodspice are at the fore. The palate starts out broadly but then trails as it moves toward the finish. This wine doesn't entirely come together.

86

13

Washington

Merlot

52,872

US

Cedar, graphite and concentrated plum aromas mark the nose of this full-bodied wine from the southern end of the appellation, where it's cool and breezy from the Pacific Ocean. Entirely varietal, it shows a wealth of red and black berry fruitiness, dotted with dried herb.

92

75

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

73,676

US

Another terrific Napa ‘99, this one packed with opulent flavors of cassis, green olives and herbs, wrapped generously in fine toasty oak. The wine is very dry and the tannins are fine and complex. The delicious finish goes on and on.

92

40

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

127,087

US

Built upon generous, sweet and pretty cherry and cassis fruit, this drinks well now, but could be cellared until 2020. Tannins are ripe and polished, and the natural acidity carries a finishing lick of citrus.

92

80

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

38,385

France

This wine is lean, austere with high acidity that leaves fruit well behind. It is structured and dry, only hinting at black-currant freshness. This third-generation family estate also hosts monthly musical and tasting events and sells fruit, vegetables and honey.

84

32

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

96,877

US

An inverted GSM with Mourvèdre (80%) taking the lead followed by Syrah (15%) and Grenache, this aromatic wine offers notes of smoke, coffee and peppery spices. It's elegantly styled with a lithe feel.

88

45

Washington

Red Blend

74,539

US

This is the first reserve for Bridgeview. It's a block selection, treated the same as their regular bottling; i.e., all stainless, no malolactic. That said, it has an extra dimension, good texture, more elegance and lovely fruit.

89

16

Oregon

Pinot Gris

63,623

US

Elegant on the nose, it offers aromas settling between violet, white pepper and chai tea. The 5% Petite Sirah adds a nice touch of viscosity to the palate. The flavors range from cinnamon to licorice with nice bitterness and acidity, making the fruits of plum and prune almost an afterthought.

93

24

California

Zinfandel

126,281

US

Pencil shavings, purple flowers, light cranberry fruit and hint of wood smoke show on the nose of this bottling. The smoked cherry character extends to the palate, with it picks up the tang of cranberry and a salty richness.

84

22

California

Pinot Noir

25,916

Portugal

Spicy and ripe, this is a wine that is soft, full in the mouth and with generous tannins. It does have a mineral edge that adds shape to the wine and crispens the black-plum flavor. Drink the wine now.

87

15

Douro

Portuguese Red

42,541

US

This is a five-grape blend, with leafy flavors of garden-fresh herbs as well as ripe strawberries and vanilla cream. It's a smooth and immediately pleasing wine, with a velvety finish.

90

28

Washington

Red Blend

29,817

US

Gorgeous foam leads this wine, a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. Golden peach in color with a dry, savory strawberry richness and smooth texture, it is buoyed by solid acidity. Estate-grown, this is a stellar California sparkler, incredibly well-priced and versatile.

93

28

California

Sparkling Blend

11,178

US

Not a whole lot going on in this soft, simple wine. The cherry, raspberry and root beer flavors are ultraripe, with a liqueured quality, and the finish is semisweet.

84

39

California

Grenache

127,612

US

Made from the Dijon clone called 777, this wine is pretty on the nose, floral in black pepper and clove, a solid, softly textured effort from two vineyards, Leras and Pleasant Hill. Forested in pine, dried herb and cola, it closes out in round waves of juicy acidity.

90

59

California

Pinot Noir

49,748

France

This ripe and full-bodied wine has a wonderful balance between pure acidity and ripe yellow fruits. From chalk and clay soils, it's both mineral and rich, both fresh and warm. It could be drunk now, although it will be much better from 2016.

88

25

Burgundy

Chardonnay

28,590

US

A bit heavy and soft, although it's nicely dry, with good tannins. The cherry flavors are mixed with herbs, with a touch of smoky oak.

83

10

California

Merlot

65,566

US

There's plenty to enjoy aromatically and texturally in this wine. It offers floral and citrus refreshment and intrigue around deeper, richer elements of melon and kiwi. Oak surrounds the big finish.

85

24

California

Sauvignon Blanc

12,524

US

A little sour in acidity, or maybe the acidity sticks out because the raspberry and cherry fruit isn't strong enough. Either way, this dry, silky Pinot Noir is rustic, but it does show real varietal character.

86

30

California

Pinot Noir

49,346

Spain

Ripe and oaky up front, a sweet vanilla aroma is redeemed by darker notes of blackberry and asphalt. Jammy and full bodied, the palate delivers boysenberry, herbs and creamy oak flavors. The heavy, chewy finish is dense and ripe.

89

24

Catalonia

Red Blend

43,072

France

This is an attractively perfumed wine, which is polished by the wood influence, offering flavors of mint and eucalyptus. It is rich and spicy, with the weight of black fruits. This is already drinkable, so consume it now, or keep it for 3–4 years.

89

35

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

57,188

US

Soft, subtle flavors of classic Chardonnay mingle with warming spice in this friendly but simple white. Pair with salad or seafood.

83

12

New York

Chardonnay

7,349

Italy

It shows earthy aromas of wet soil and leafy underbrush, as well as leather, dark berry and spice. The palate offers restrained black plum, sour cherry, espresso and licorice alongside firm yet drying tannins. The fruit richness is starting to fade so enjoy soon rather than later.

88

45

Tuscany

Sangiovese

97,251

France

Big, bold and cuddly, this wine's tannins are cushioned by the red berry fruit and attractive acidity. It has weight and a rich feeling, and the dry edge offers the possibility of aging. This small clos is exclusive to Jaffelin.

92

57

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

27,600

Italy

Red berry, wild mint, crushed rose, forest floor and new leather are just some of the aromas you'll find on this fragrant delicious red. Seamlessly boasting structure and finesse, the full-bodied palate displays layers of succulent morello cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and cinnamon while firm velvety tannins lend support and a polished texture. A savory saline note wraps up the lingering finish. Drink 2018–2026.

96

45

Tuscany

Sangiovese

55,343

Argentina

Cherry, cassis and spice aromas are mild and comported. The wine feels chewy and just dense enough, with baked cassis, berry and herb flavors that finish toasty and hot, with a rubbery note. Clean aromas and full fruit flavors are this wine's best attributes.

87

14

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Sauvignon

93,940

US

This 100% Cabernet has a very strong flavor. It's almost assaultive in blackberries and black currants that are sweet and jammy, while oak adds even sweeter notes of caramel and butterscotch. The result is somewhat awkward, too much of a good thing. Seems like it needs time to integrate and resolve contradictions. Try after 2013.

90

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

87,326

US

Immaculate flavors of raspberries and Bing cherries are set in a well-structured frame of barrel toast and tannin. There is ample, yet unintrusive acidity, and the balance throughout is perfectly maintained. Drink now and over the next five or six years.

92

90

Oregon

Pinot Noir

125,448

US

Coming from a cool vintage, this thriller of a wine has generous notes of black pepper, plum, orange rind and cranberry. It's concentrated, rich and flavorful with the oak (50% new French) giving some gruffness to the tannins that should soften with additional time in the bottle. Best after 2017.

93

50

Washington

Syrah

34,278

US

There's a great deal of sagebrush on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard in the eastern Sta. Rita Hills, along with red cherry, pencil lead and sandalwood. Dark cherry and cranberry flavors power the palate, the fruit wrapped in hickory smoke. Thyme flavors carry into the tannic finish.

94

55

California

Pinot Noir

82,015

US

This easy-to-love wine from the Michael Mondavi family has an obvious but attractive oaky character, from the abundant cedar and cinnamon aromas to the spicy nutmeg and cardamom flavors that bolster its red cherry fruit and medium body.

88

15

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

17,022

Italy

A blend of Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina, this boasts delicate floral and fruit aromas of white rose and wild berry. Juicy red cherry and fleshy strawberry drive the vibrant palate while hints of baking spice provide the backdrop.

90

23

Piedmont

Red Blend