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
25,818	US	This wine is sourced from a unique block in the heart of the appellation and the producer's 165-acre estate, rich in sedimentary rock fragments of quartz and fossils. It's lush and soft on the palate, with leather, ripe red berry and cassis flavors. The tannins are strong and wrapped tenaciously around the fruit, requiring further time in bottle; drink 2020–2028.	93	130	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
45,634	US	Though the term late harvest would suggest a sweet, dessert wine, this is more on the off-dry side of Riesling, with juicy acids that cut the impression of sugar. Fragrant with scents and flavors of apricots, apple pie, honey and biscuit, it is expressive, nicely balanced and loaded with flavor.	91	16	Washington	Riesling
55,589	Italy	This pretty ramato style Pinot Grigio (“ramato” refers to the copperish color you see here) delivers clean aromas of citrus, pomegranate, white cherry and a touch of cinnamon spice. Pair this wine with crab cakes or grilled Ahi tuna.	88	20	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
25,709	US	What you see is what you get, a simple, affordable Cabernet, with decent berry, spice and oak flavors. It's dry and balanced.	84	10	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
6,267	US	This tastes like a more concentrated and sweeter version of Stottle's dry Viognier from the same vintage and vineyard. Deeply concentrated, complex and creamy, it's loaded with citrus and stone fruits, honey and butterscotch, yet remains lifted by defining acidity.	94	18	Washington	Viognier
17,592	Italy	This chewy wine has vanilla, mature black-skinned berry and clove scents. The palate doles out black cherry jam, marinated prune and licorice flavors, with a warm finish that suggests elevated alcohol. Drink through 2019.	87	30	Piedmont	Barbera
17,913	France	The aromas are of wood as much as fruit. While the palate also shows plenty of wood aging flavors, there is also a more floral, red berry fruit character that's already attractive. The acidity at the end gives intense freshness.	85	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
101,450	Argentina	Flower and hay aromas lead to simple pear and spice flavors in this basic white. Mild woody notes show on the finish. Drink now.	82	14	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
44,584	Italy	There's a lot to like on this bold, fragrant wine, starting with aromas of leather, scorched earth, grilled herb and ripe black-skinned fruit. The hearty palate offers mouthfuls of juicy black cherry, raspberry jam, licorice, vanilla and cinnamon framed in robust, velvety tannins. The fruit richness seamlessly offsets the hefty abv. Drink 2018–2025.	95	130	Tuscany	Sangiovese
36,809	US	This is a very high alcohol wine, porty and fruity-sweet on the finish, with raisin, milk chocolate, caramel and mulberry flavors. It's made in a certain old-fashioned Paso style that calls for barbecue and a designated driver.	85	42	California	Zinfandel
41,754	US	Two Dijon clones went into this tasty Chardonnay, which is rounded out and easily accessible upon opening. Smooth tree-fruit flavors are set in a lightly buttery frame, with nutmeg spice. As it rolls along the impression of fresh-baked brioche is undeniable. Delicious and ready to enjoy immediately, this should hold up in the cellar through 2021 or so.	91	35	Oregon	Chardonnay
35,895	US	This concentrated, full-bodied wine blends 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, all grown from the producer's Upper Bench blocks known for cobbly soils. Brick, tar and pencil shavings accent a considerable presence of tannin and toasty oak. It should show best from 2020 to 2022.	91	125	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
42,247	US	A touch blossomy against a core of ripe raspberry and cherry perfume, the nose on this traditional-method Pinot Noir sparkler is particularly alluring. The palate is elegant and fresh, marked by fine, mouthfilling mousse and delicate raspberry-candy finish.	89	35	New York	Sparkling Blend
96,431	US	Simple and robust, dry and full-bodied. A little on the thin side, but there are some decent sour cherry candy and red currant flavors.	84	15	California	Merlot
15,247	France	In its distinctive carafe-shaped bottle, this Champagne commemorates the French king who first said that Champagne had to be bottled (so the bubbles would not disappear). It is dominated by Chardonnay, giving a chalky, mineral texture to this ripe wine. While the fruit is still deliciously fresh, the wine is just beginning to add toast flavors to its repertoire. Drink now, or better from 2017.	93	153	Champagne	Champagne Blend
7,523	US	Young, tight and compact, this is all about red fruits and red licorice. There's a dash of peppermint as well, on the way to a smooth, milk-chocolate finish. This seems sure to continue to improve through 2020 or more.	92	60	Oregon	Pinot Noir
10,309	US	A rich, robust Syrah, impressive for sheer volume and intensity. Floods the mouth with ripe flavors of blackberries, cassis, chocolate, smoked meats, black pepper and cedar. High in alcohol, which will alarm purists, and there's some burn on the finish. The wine calls for richly slathered barbecue.	91	42	California	Syrah
4,934	US	A fine, soft-tannined Cab made from Lodi Rules grapes missing some body in the midpalate, but otherwise fair for the $12 price.	86	12	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
79,100	US	Sugary sweet, with flavors of cherry jam and LifeSaver raspberry candy.	80	17	California	Syrah
20,129	US	Perhaps made in a light-bodied style, this wine comes off as herbal and a touch green, with a dullness on the palate. Aged in 30% new French oak, it takes on a taste of coffee bean that intrigues.	84	36	California	Syrah
110,838	US	Aromas of blackberries are set against freshly milled cedar, dried flowers, chopped herbs and a bit of iron. Oregano and thyme lead the palate, with slightly sour boysenberry fruit as well as espresso, dark chocolate and camphor, leaning on herbs more than ripe fruit.	92	27	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
44,286	Germany	While light in body, this lemony spätlese has a textural broadness. Its sweet tangerine and quince flavors are neatly offset by a streak of bright acidity and lingering earth notes. Drink now through 2022.	88	14	Mosel	Riesling
5,837	US	There are some curious, almost Syrah-like elements to this bottling from a rural region between Santa Clarita and Palmdale, but it's an interesting wine. Aromas of concentrated blueberry and blackberry meet with tar, peppercorn and black licorice on the nose. Then the palate shows dark fruit with fennel, oregano, marjoram, black-olive and beef-crust flavors.	88	26	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
36,401	US	Very tough and tannic now, and dry too, so that the ultimate impact is disagreeably harsh. That, despite a solid core of blackberries, black currants, violets, bacon and minerals. The question is one of ageability. The answer is that it's a gamble, as the wine, like the stock market, could go either way.	87	50	California	Syrah
41,771	France	Peach skin and orange peel appear on the nose, the palate is off-dry but fresh and vivid with floral impressions that are more present on the tongue than the nose. There is ripe, fresh peach and honeysuckle and a balanced poise. The aromatic subtlety causes you to pause and wonder, even after the last echo.	91	26	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
52,895	France	Ethereal notes of orange blossom and jasmine lead to richer tones of damask rose underpinned by a lively orange-peel freshness. The palate presents the same delicious juxtaposition of opulence and light-footed ease. Full of life and fragrant, vigorous joy, the wine has flavors that seem to linger forever.	95	80	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
121,395	US	Smooth and fat in texture, this wine has pear and butterscotch aromas, candied apple and butter flavors, and an almost sweet finish. It's a big, soft wine with low acidity and a short finish.	85	12	California	Chardonnay
55,987	US	This is a dry wine meant for the dinner table. It has blackberry and raspberry aromas, concentrated fruit flavors, firm tannins and a taut finish. It will be best to drink after 2018.	88	20	California	Red Blend
63,946	US	This is a very nice Riesling for drinking with today's ethnic fare. Although it's softer than you'd expect from this normally tart varietal, it's clean and spicy, with citrus, flower and honey flavors. The sweetness level is off-dry.	84	25	California	Riesling
29,116	Italy	Aromas of wild berry, menthol, baking spice and a balsamic note lead the nose. On the tightly wound palate, bracing tannins support raw cherry, anise, tobacco and a hint of coffee alongside firm acidity.	89	50	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
5,320	US	Marked by brisk, cutting acidity, this Chardonnay is bone dry, with a steely, stony cut of mineral that's relieved by lemon and lime flavors. It's a severe wine by itself, but it should be food friendly.	87	38	California	Chardonnay
43,063	Germany	A waxy lemon-peel note and a whiff of lanolin lend a mineral-driven slickness to this delicately textured, penetrating Riesling. Ripe tropical-fruit flavors are honeyed and intensely concentrated, yet the finish is elegant with a swathe of fresh, clean flowers.	90	23	Mosel	Riesling
11,876	US	This cuvée is principally from the estate (Appassionata) vineyard. Lush, spicy and spread broadly across the palate, it pleases with strawberry-raspberry fruit, milk chocolate and a dusting of cocoa powder. The wine does seem to lighten up rather quickly at the finish, but further bottle age may fix that.	90	39	Oregon	Pinot Noir
48,839	US	A flinty aroma and slightly chalky texture work really well in this lean-flavored but appetizing and full-bodied wine. It's not overtly fruity, but has subtle, savory and earthy characters that are fascinating to taste, while the bone-dry balance makes it extra appetizing.	90	22	California	Sauvignon Blanc
125,310	Italy	Riserva La Poderina presents an impenetrable wall of aromatic intensity with dark concentration and lovely density in the mouth. You'll recognize dark fruit, polished mineral, leather, tobacco and powdered spice notes. The wine lasts long on the palate, driven by its bold structure.	94	79	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
62,276	US	Rich notes of black currant, black cherries, pressed violets and a shred of tar show on the nose of this wine by Steve Martell of Sextant. The small-batch blend of 83% Syrah, 13% Grenache and 4% Mourvèdre mixes concentrated berries with dark chocolate, espresso beans, peppercorns and crushed herbs on the palate.	93	38	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
55,162	Italy	Subdued aromas recall dark-skinned berry, moist earth and a whiff of menthol. The straightforward, medium-bodied palate shows dark cherry and clove alongside bright acidity and firm but not very persistent tannins.	87	30	Tuscany	Sangiovese
59,591	US	The vineyard is in a theoretically warmer part of the valley, in the Windsor region, but somehow, there are unripe notes here. Despite some sour-cherry candy and pomegranate flavors, there's a green streak of asparagus. Drink the wine soon, as it's not an ager.	86	50	California	Pinot Noir
101,399	US	Barrel-fermented and aged on the lees, this Burgundian-style Chard is creamy and rich in ripe tropical fruit flavors and new oak. It's a big wine, forward in pineapple and mango flavors that are honey-ripe and crisp.	88	25	California	Chardonnay
114,554	US	Four clones comprise this vineyard blend, which opens into a moderately soft, well-rounded palate with sweet spice, pumpkin bread, a dash of Dr Pepper and plenty of strawberry and cherry fruit. It's already quite accessible and drinking deliciously. Pop this while waiting for some of the other 2013 Adelsheims to develop further in bottle.	92	75	Oregon	Pinot Noir
85,340	US	Fragrant with smoky red fruits, this tight, young, pure Cabernet Sauvignon brings a generous mix of raspberry, pomegranate and cherry fruit into play. The firm and supple tannins are folded in seamlessly, with hints of iron, coffee and chocolate.	94	37	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
98,246	US	This Zinfandel-based wine, which blends 13% Tempranillo and 6% Petite Sirah, shows strawberry, cherry, baking spice and cola aromas. There is decent tannic tension on the palate, and the flavors—sarsaparilla, cola, stewed plum and clove spice—are easily enjoyable.	88	24	California	Zinfandel
20,706	US	Fermented and aged in both stainless steel and neutral French oak, this 100% varietal wine lets the fruit take center stage, offering up white peach and apricot in a succulent package. Floral and flinty, it's balanced, with just the slightest notion of vanilla and brioche popping up on the finish.	92	42	California	Viognier
89,615	Spain	Heavy aromas of baked berry fruits and raisin suggest a bit of overripeness. On the palate, that take is confirmed by chunky weight offset by natural acidity. Flavors of oak barrel, raisin and tart plum cover a wide spectrum, while this blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Carignan finishes long, with black-fruit flavors. Drink now.	87	25	Northern Spain	Red Blend
3,934	Argentina	Red plum, tomato and brambly herbal aromas set up a snappy, astringent palate with strained raspberry, spice and herbal flavors. Very dry and acidic as it transitions to the finish. An herbal, sharp-edged red.	83	11	Mendoza Province	Red Blend
128,589	Italy	Aromas of wood shop, coffee and espresso all carry over to the palate along with oak extract and toast. It lacks the fruit richness necessary to stand up to the oak.	87	80	Tuscany	Sangiovese
30,742	Italy	Fresh and floral, this offers creamy foam and a simple bouquet of stone fruit and citrus. It also delivers a plush, semisweet sensation on the palate.	85	7	Veneto	Glera
58,033	Italy	Licorice, grilled herb, mature black-skinned fruit and balsamic aromas take shape in the glass. The juicy palate doles out fleshy black cherry, crushed blackberry, orange zest and spice flavors, with a saline hint of cured meat. Chewy tannins provide lend structure.	90	36	Tuscany	Sangiovese
43,618	Portugal	Red-cherry flavors dominate this soft fruity wine. It is aromatic, full of ripe fruitiness and with just the right touch of acidity. Drink now.	84	10	Douro	Rosé
84,458	US	This remains tight and somewhat impenetrable, with focused, tart flavors of red berry, lemon and pineapple. The scent of oak references considerable time in 40% new barrels. Once the fruit flavors fade, it's mostly acid that remains in the finish.	87	32	Washington	Merlot
99,637	US	Very dry and tart, with pear, lemon and lime, green apple and oaky vanilla flavors that finish with crisp Russian River acidity. Has a touch of pyrazine sourness that detracts.	86	35	California	Sauvignon Blanc
30,344	France	With dusty white flower aromas, this is a perfumed wine with a tight texture and fruit. Still too young to drink, it does have a lively, fresh character that comes from the bright green fruits. As it softens, it will be better balanced, so drink from 2016.	88	23	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
65,900	Italy	Spiced plum, dried herbs, underbrush and toasted oak aromas waft out of the glass. A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, the palate offers up ripe black currant, crushed mint, espresso and tobacco accompanied by fine-grained tannins.	88	22	Tuscany	Red Blend
46,336	US	Stone fruit like apricot and white peach dominate on the nose of this wine that tastes slightly off dry, though no residual sugar content is listed. Hedonistic, it remains rich and creamy through the honey-laced finish.	88	25	California	Riesling
108,994	US	The Roessler brothers take a good spin through the historic Sanford & Benedict vines and present a wine with cherry, baked fennel and a bit of eucalyptus on the nose. It's fairly lean once sipped, but balanced well between pomegranate fruit and dark spices.	88	56	California	Pinot Noir
128,367	US	This superripe and supersmooth wine packs in extra layers of flavor of boysenberry and anise between stacks of blackberry and ripe strawberry, all while staying supported by fine but firm tannins and vibrant acidity. Very full in body, it is still appetizingly dry, balanced for serving at a special meal, and very rewarding to drink now through 2022.	94	100	California	Zinfandel
91,624	US	Very gamy and umami-rich aromas of bacon fat and animal hide meet with maple, boysenberry, white pepper, rosemary and teriyaki on the nose of this bottling. The savory and somewhat smoky touches thrive on the palate too, where roasted pork and charred plums combine with coffee bean and warm-toast flavors.	92	60	California	Grenache
18,069	France	Aromas of this wine show considerable wood. On the palate, the wood is very present, giving acidity as well as layers of toast and spice. Hints of yellow fruit show through, suggesting the possibility of a ripe, rich wine in the future. Drink from 2019.	90	59	Burgundy	Chardonnay
66,789	US	Succulent and leesy, it blends juice from five different sites, including the King Estate vineyard. Soaked in minerals and alive with pretty fruit flavors of citrus, pink grapefruit and Key lime, this reserve-level bottling is one of several limited offerings by the leader in Oregon Pinot Gris.	92	24	Oregon	Pinot Gris
95,981	France	Fresh and creamily fruity, this well-made, balanced wine features a touch of honey and almonds as well as bright, crisp acidity. The 100% Chardonnay in the wine gives a ripe and round aftertaste.	87	22	Loire Valley	Chardonnay
83,971	US	Lightish in color, it opens with earthy, tobacco aromas, a hint of mint and, if you really concentrate, blackberries. It's very limpid in the mouth, light as a feather, but the fruit is great. The concentrated blackberry taste is dry and flavorful, with wonderful acids. This is a very individualistic wine, and fun to drink.	87	17	California	Sangiovese
53,265	US	A little too raw and minty to merit a higher score, this wine's cherry flavors just aren't powerful enough. As a result, the wine has a thin taste.	83	42	California	Cabernet Franc
6,616	US	A brisk, sturdy Cabernet, marked by firm tannins, tart acidity and a marked coating of sweet, smoky oak. It's Janzen's basic Napa Cabernet, and shows the winery's ability to produce elegant Cabs. But it's not an ager.	88	50	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
5,787	Argentina	Damp and furry on the nose, this is all tannins and scratch. High acidity only contributes to the grating mouthfeel, hence it's a bumpy ride where standard berry flavors are a sideshow. Chento 2012 is a better bet if it's still on the shelf.	83	20	Mendoza Province	Malbec
120,112	US	According to its bottle, this has 15.5% alcohol, and yet the raspberry flavor lacks weight and depth. Instead, flavors of stem and earth seem to dominate.	85	17	Washington	Zinfandel
89,000	US	This wine shows roasted beef with blackberry crust, fresh-cracked black pepper and tarry asphalt on the nose. The asphalt and charred meat play strongly on the heavy-duty palate that also offers blackberry balsamic reduction. It's brawny and burly, perhaps too much so for the everyday drinker.	90	60	California	Syrah
15,263	US	This blend of 66% Tannat and 34% Petite Sirah by Santa Clarita-based winemakers Steve Lemley and Nate Hasper offers layers of rich flavors without being overdone. Deep aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, mocha and caramel lead into a sip full of blackberry paste, beef char, dried tobacco leather and a cocoa spice. The caramel finish is just delicious.	93	50	California	Red Blend
117,285	US	A light touch of cedar meets with black raspberry on this somewhat simple table wine. It's light and easy to quaff on the palate, with tangy dark red fruit but not much complexity, making it a great pizza wine.	87	26	California	Red Blend
9,963	Argentina	Slightly reduced aromas of red and black fruits are rustic and come with a whiff of animal hide. This Malbec-led blend is a touch shallow in feel, with candied berry flavors that suggest wild herbs and garrigue. A light, jumpy, fruity finish eschews weight for freshness.	87	18	Mendoza Province	Red Blend
78,739	France	Obviously the producer thinks this is an important wine judging by the unusually heavy bottle. The wine is certainly attractively rich and full bodied. With weighty blackberry fruit and a concentrated core of tannins, it is balanced, fruity and likely to age well. There is a mineral edge that will soften as the wine matures. Drink from 2021.	92	50	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
54,937	US	A blend of Pinot Blanc and four other white grapes, this pleasant and fruity wine offers simple enjoyment. Peach, pink-grapefruit, straw and cracker flavors show on the palate and lead to a dry finish.	88	18	Oregon	White Blend
92,645	France	Youthful, bright red color on this full-bodied, potentially rich wine. With its balance between acidity, black fruits and edgy tannins, the wine from the plateau close to Saumur has all the smoky, tobacco leaf and fragrance of cool climate Cabernet Franc.	91	40	Loire Valley	Cabernet Franc
33,917	US	Good balance and slightly lean fruit and spice flavors make an agreeable combo in this medium-bodied and nicely tangy wine. Whiffs of cinnamon and earth go with cherry and rhubarb flavors.	86	10	California	Pinot Noir
47,308	Italy	Creamy and yeasty, this luminous Chardonnay-based sparkler delivers aroma of mature peach and apricot backed by almond nut and butter. The wine has the heft and staying power to pair with shellfish or lobster.	91	50	Northeastern Italy	Chardonnay
16,022	Spain	Earthy, meaty berry aromas are solid and sturdy. It feels fresh and lifted by lasting acidity, with flavors of raspberry, strawberry and vanilla that are easy to like. A wine to drink now without too much contemplation, this finishes steady and smooth.	88	18	Northern Spain	Red Blend
84,425	US	A briny note of saline and pickle provide an intrigue to the entry of this wine, which is otherwise integrated in oak and medium to full bodied. Smooth and floral, it sings on the palate, revealing baked apple and pear around a hint of wild vanilla and herb.	90	40	California	Chardonnay
82,031	Australia	Matured in used French barriques, this nevertheless shows touches of toast and cedar alongside tart, fruit notes of cranberry and raspberry. It's full bodied and richly tannic, with crisp acids that accentuate the tannins on the finish. Drink 2020–2030.	88	32	South Australia	Grenache
117,956	France	Rich blackberry and black-currant flavors give this wine its ripe character. They are already well balanced by the spicy tannins and dry core. The wine will develop well and should be ready from 2019. This is the last vintage under the Fournier-Casteja family. In December, Birot was sold to Miaolin Chen's New Century Tourism Group based in Hangzhou, China.	90	18	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
111,055	US	A little rugged around the edges, with jagged tannins that emphasize the acidity. But it's dry and balanced, and you'll find ripe flavors of cherries, pomegranates, red licorice and toast. Drink now.	87	38	California	Pinot Noir
122,226	Italy	Aromas of scorched earth, chopped mint, menthol, dried herb and mature berry lead the nose. The robust palate offers raisin, licorice, clove and espresso alongside evident alcohol. Aggressive tannins leave an astringent, tongue-drying close.	88	80	Tuscany	Sangiovese
31,126	France	This is a fruity wine, packed with acidity, red fruits and a soft texture. With its crisp open character it is not a wine for long aging, so drink from 2018.	85	29	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
90,992	US	Feels a bit thick and heavy now, with jammy raspberry, cherry, mocha and sandalwood flavors, but so good, so pure that a few years in the cellar have to benefit. A splendid acid-tannin balance provides the framework for aging. Better after 2011.	93	50	California	Pinot Noir
5,177	US	This Pinot bears only the simple regional Carneros appellation, but it has the rich texture and complex flavors of a vineyard-designated wine. Absolutely delicious, with raspberry, red cherry, mocha and red-licorice flavors that go on and on into a long, spicy finish. Drink this lovely wine over the next few years.	90	40	California	Pinot Noir
105,941	US	Soft and ripe, made for drinking now for the polished berry-cherry, tobacco, sweet oak and spice flavors. For the price, there's a lot of upscale character.	87	20	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
9,176	US	There's meaty leather and sizable tannin in this mountain-grown Malbec, from an Atlas Peak vineyard sought after for many types of red grapes. Time in bottle has served it well, the bolder aspects and jammy blackberry and blueberry fruit softened by balanced acidity.	92	55	California	Malbec
110,680	France	Firm tannins and concentrated black fruit flavors set this wine up for long-term aging. It has a solid core that gives it dryness at this young stage. But the bold blackberry fruit and acidity will come through to produce a generous, balanced wine. Drink from 2021.	90	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
129,004	US	The three partners in this new venture have decades of winemaking experience among them, and it shows. With 15% Grenache blended in, the result is a ripe, lightly funky, spicy rendition of Syrah that nicely marries the earthiness to racy wild-berry flavors and a peppery finish. Great length.	93	25	Washington	Syrah
52,957	US	There's something ruggedly luscious about this Cab Franc. It's not an ager or particularly complicated, but it does offer up a panoply of ripe red and black currants, anise, dark chocolate and spice flavors. It finishes dry, balanced and charming.	87	32	California	Cabernet Franc
51,987	France	Exemplary in all areas, from the smoke, mushroom and berry nose to the exotic undertones of island spice and fine oak supporting vibrant raspberry fruit. It's one of those wines that's a pure pleasure to drink, and it's ready out of the gate. For very good Burgundy that clicks on all cylinders, this is it.	92	33	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
94,420	Portugal	Deep, dusty wine, tannins dominating the fruit, giving a tough feel. There are some black currant flavors, but only just a hint. This definitely needs time to soften and broaden; give it 4–5 years.	88	27	Douro	Portuguese Red
92,253	France	With five years bottle aging, this is a wine that shows great balance, along with a blossoming maturity. The wine is dry with brisk acidity, intense minerality and a taut profile, but rich and concentrated with apple flavor. It's likely to age for several more years.	93	125	Champagne	Chardonnay
6,671	US	A whirlwind of aromas—peppered black cherries, elderberry, caramel, toast, barrel smoke—rise off this appellation blend from German-born winemaker Matthias Pippig, who handcrafts small batches on Santa Barbara's Eastside. It's very soft on the palate, with medium-dark flavors of butter-crusted plum pie and an herbal note of pine pitch keeping it serious.	93	50	California	Syrah
36,661	US	This complex spicy wine is tangled up in blue fruits—plum and blueberry—with a side order of raspberries. It's bright, youthful, in perfect balance, and sporting a palate-pleasing toasty note.	92	65	Oregon	Pinot Noir
70,284	France	A blend from six vineyards in the Côtes des Blancs, this tight, steely, chalky-textured wine still tastes young despite five years aging. It is full of citrus, lime juice and pink-grapefruit flavors that are integrated with the crisp, complex texture.	90	65	Champagne	Chardonnay
128,824	US	Vibrant aromas of pineapple, flowers, peach and lychee lead to an palate that leans sweeter than off dry. Stone-fruit flavors linger on the finish.	85	13	Washington	White Blend
120,849	US	From a blending of two barrels—one new and one neutral—this is a snappy, sappy, tangy wine with ripe, forward red and purple fruits. These notes are framed with pretty barrel toast, and the tannins are firm, ripe and balanced. Drink now with pleasure or tuck it away until 2020.	91	48	Oregon	Pinot Noir
41,970	Italy	This is an intense and austere sparkling wine with persistent perlage and deep aromas of toast, roasted nut, honey, stone fruit and butterscotch. You'll also get a playful hint of chopped herbs that add buoyancy to the wine's thick, solid mouthfeel.	91	60	Northeastern Italy	Sparkling Blend
73,127	Italy	Underbrush, blackberry, blue flower and mocha lead the nose on this blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The dense palate offers cassis, black cherry, black pepper, espresso and licorice alongside youthfully assertive tannins. Drink 2016–2021.	90	33	Tuscany	Red Blend
110,363	US	Nicely dry and well structured, this full-bodied wine will provide serious enjoyment at the dinner table. It has all the ripe, juicy berry qualities of the grape variety and adds moderate tannins for a firmer mouthfeel. Layers of blackberry, cherry and pepper flavors make it especially interesting.	90	12	California	Zinfandel
92,523	France	A tight, crisp wine from vineyards that face across the river to the town of Chablis. The wine has delicious yellow fruits, intense acidity and an opulent character. The vines of the vineyard face east giving warmth while keeping a strong mineral texture. Drink this wine from 2019.	93	34	Burgundy	Chardonnay

25,818

US

This wine is sourced from a unique block in the heart of the appellation and the producer's 165-acre estate, rich in sedimentary rock fragments of quartz and fossils. It's lush and soft on the palate, with leather, ripe red berry and cassis flavors. The tannins are strong and wrapped tenaciously around the fruit, requiring further time in bottle; drink 2020–2028.

93

130

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

45,634

US

Though the term late harvest would suggest a sweet, dessert wine, this is more on the off-dry side of Riesling, with juicy acids that cut the impression of sugar. Fragrant with scents and flavors of apricots, apple pie, honey and biscuit, it is expressive, nicely balanced and loaded with flavor.

91

16

Washington

Riesling

55,589

Italy

This pretty ramato style Pinot Grigio (“ramato” refers to the copperish color you see here) delivers clean aromas of citrus, pomegranate, white cherry and a touch of cinnamon spice. Pair this wine with crab cakes or grilled Ahi tuna.

88

20

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

25,709

US

What you see is what you get, a simple, affordable Cabernet, with decent berry, spice and oak flavors. It's dry and balanced.

84

10

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

6,267

US

This tastes like a more concentrated and sweeter version of Stottle's dry Viognier from the same vintage and vineyard. Deeply concentrated, complex and creamy, it's loaded with citrus and stone fruits, honey and butterscotch, yet remains lifted by defining acidity.

94

18

Washington

Viognier

17,592

Italy

This chewy wine has vanilla, mature black-skinned berry and clove scents. The palate doles out black cherry jam, marinated prune and licorice flavors, with a warm finish that suggests elevated alcohol. Drink through 2019.

87

30

Piedmont

Barbera

17,913

France

The aromas are of wood as much as fruit. While the palate also shows plenty of wood aging flavors, there is also a more floral, red berry fruit character that's already attractive. The acidity at the end gives intense freshness.

85

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

101,450

Argentina

Flower and hay aromas lead to simple pear and spice flavors in this basic white. Mild woody notes show on the finish. Drink now.

82

14

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

44,584

Italy

There's a lot to like on this bold, fragrant wine, starting with aromas of leather, scorched earth, grilled herb and ripe black-skinned fruit. The hearty palate offers mouthfuls of juicy black cherry, raspberry jam, licorice, vanilla and cinnamon framed in robust, velvety tannins. The fruit richness seamlessly offsets the hefty abv. Drink 2018–2025.

95

130

Tuscany

Sangiovese

36,809

US

This is a very high alcohol wine, porty and fruity-sweet on the finish, with raisin, milk chocolate, caramel and mulberry flavors. It's made in a certain old-fashioned Paso style that calls for barbecue and a designated driver.

85

42

California

Zinfandel

41,754

US

Two Dijon clones went into this tasty Chardonnay, which is rounded out and easily accessible upon opening. Smooth tree-fruit flavors are set in a lightly buttery frame, with nutmeg spice. As it rolls along the impression of fresh-baked brioche is undeniable. Delicious and ready to enjoy immediately, this should hold up in the cellar through 2021 or so.

91

35

Oregon

Chardonnay

35,895

US

This concentrated, full-bodied wine blends 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, all grown from the producer's Upper Bench blocks known for cobbly soils. Brick, tar and pencil shavings accent a considerable presence of tannin and toasty oak. It should show best from 2020 to 2022.

91

125

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

42,247

US

A touch blossomy against a core of ripe raspberry and cherry perfume, the nose on this traditional-method Pinot Noir sparkler is particularly alluring. The palate is elegant and fresh, marked by fine, mouthfilling mousse and delicate raspberry-candy finish.

89

35

New York

Sparkling Blend

96,431

US

Simple and robust, dry and full-bodied. A little on the thin side, but there are some decent sour cherry candy and red currant flavors.

84

15

California

Merlot

15,247

France

In its distinctive carafe-shaped bottle, this Champagne commemorates the French king who first said that Champagne had to be bottled (so the bubbles would not disappear). It is dominated by Chardonnay, giving a chalky, mineral texture to this ripe wine. While the fruit is still deliciously fresh, the wine is just beginning to add toast flavors to its repertoire. Drink now, or better from 2017.

93

153

Champagne

Champagne Blend

7,523

US

Young, tight and compact, this is all about red fruits and red licorice. There's a dash of peppermint as well, on the way to a smooth, milk-chocolate finish. This seems sure to continue to improve through 2020 or more.

92

60

Oregon

Pinot Noir

10,309

US

A rich, robust Syrah, impressive for sheer volume and intensity. Floods the mouth with ripe flavors of blackberries, cassis, chocolate, smoked meats, black pepper and cedar. High in alcohol, which will alarm purists, and there's some burn on the finish. The wine calls for richly slathered barbecue.

91

42

California

Syrah

4,934

US

A fine, soft-tannined Cab made from Lodi Rules grapes missing some body in the midpalate, but otherwise fair for the $12 price.

86

12

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

79,100

US

Sugary sweet, with flavors of cherry jam and LifeSaver raspberry candy.

80

17

California

Syrah

20,129

US

Perhaps made in a light-bodied style, this wine comes off as herbal and a touch green, with a dullness on the palate. Aged in 30% new French oak, it takes on a taste of coffee bean that intrigues.

84

36

California

Syrah

110,838

US

Aromas of blackberries are set against freshly milled cedar, dried flowers, chopped herbs and a bit of iron. Oregano and thyme lead the palate, with slightly sour boysenberry fruit as well as espresso, dark chocolate and camphor, leaning on herbs more than ripe fruit.

92

27

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

44,286

Germany

While light in body, this lemony spätlese has a textural broadness. Its sweet tangerine and quince flavors are neatly offset by a streak of bright acidity and lingering earth notes. Drink now through 2022.

88

14

Mosel

Riesling

5,837

US

There are some curious, almost Syrah-like elements to this bottling from a rural region between Santa Clarita and Palmdale, but it's an interesting wine. Aromas of concentrated blueberry and blackberry meet with tar, peppercorn and black licorice on the nose. Then the palate shows dark fruit with fennel, oregano, marjoram, black-olive and beef-crust flavors.

88

26

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

36,401

US

Very tough and tannic now, and dry too, so that the ultimate impact is disagreeably harsh. That, despite a solid core of blackberries, black currants, violets, bacon and minerals. The question is one of ageability. The answer is that it's a gamble, as the wine, like the stock market, could go either way.

87

50

California

Syrah

41,771

France

Peach skin and orange peel appear on the nose, the palate is off-dry but fresh and vivid with floral impressions that are more present on the tongue than the nose. There is ripe, fresh peach and honeysuckle and a balanced poise. The aromatic subtlety causes you to pause and wonder, even after the last echo.

91

26

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

52,895

France

Ethereal notes of orange blossom and jasmine lead to richer tones of damask rose underpinned by a lively orange-peel freshness. The palate presents the same delicious juxtaposition of opulence and light-footed ease. Full of life and fragrant, vigorous joy, the wine has flavors that seem to linger forever.

95

80

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

121,395

US

Smooth and fat in texture, this wine has pear and butterscotch aromas, candied apple and butter flavors, and an almost sweet finish. It's a big, soft wine with low acidity and a short finish.

85

12

California

Chardonnay

55,987

US

This is a dry wine meant for the dinner table. It has blackberry and raspberry aromas, concentrated fruit flavors, firm tannins and a taut finish. It will be best to drink after 2018.

88

20

California

Red Blend

63,946

US

This is a very nice Riesling for drinking with today's ethnic fare. Although it's softer than you'd expect from this normally tart varietal, it's clean and spicy, with citrus, flower and honey flavors. The sweetness level is off-dry.

84

25

California

Riesling

29,116

Italy

Aromas of wild berry, menthol, baking spice and a balsamic note lead the nose. On the tightly wound palate, bracing tannins support raw cherry, anise, tobacco and a hint of coffee alongside firm acidity.

89

50

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

5,320

US

Marked by brisk, cutting acidity, this Chardonnay is bone dry, with a steely, stony cut of mineral that's relieved by lemon and lime flavors. It's a severe wine by itself, but it should be food friendly.

87

38

California

Chardonnay

43,063

Germany

A waxy lemon-peel note and a whiff of lanolin lend a mineral-driven slickness to this delicately textured, penetrating Riesling. Ripe tropical-fruit flavors are honeyed and intensely concentrated, yet the finish is elegant with a swathe of fresh, clean flowers.

90

23

Mosel

Riesling

11,876

US

This cuvée is principally from the estate (Appassionata) vineyard. Lush, spicy and spread broadly across the palate, it pleases with strawberry-raspberry fruit, milk chocolate and a dusting of cocoa powder. The wine does seem to lighten up rather quickly at the finish, but further bottle age may fix that.

90

39

Oregon

Pinot Noir

48,839

US

A flinty aroma and slightly chalky texture work really well in this lean-flavored but appetizing and full-bodied wine. It's not overtly fruity, but has subtle, savory and earthy characters that are fascinating to taste, while the bone-dry balance makes it extra appetizing.

90

22

California

Sauvignon Blanc

125,310

Italy

Riserva La Poderina presents an impenetrable wall of aromatic intensity with dark concentration and lovely density in the mouth. You'll recognize dark fruit, polished mineral, leather, tobacco and powdered spice notes. The wine lasts long on the palate, driven by its bold structure.

94

79

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

62,276

US

Rich notes of black currant, black cherries, pressed violets and a shred of tar show on the nose of this wine by Steve Martell of Sextant. The small-batch blend of 83% Syrah, 13% Grenache and 4% Mourvèdre mixes concentrated berries with dark chocolate, espresso beans, peppercorns and crushed herbs on the palate.

93

38

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

55,162

Italy

Subdued aromas recall dark-skinned berry, moist earth and a whiff of menthol. The straightforward, medium-bodied palate shows dark cherry and clove alongside bright acidity and firm but not very persistent tannins.

87

30

Tuscany

Sangiovese

59,591

US

The vineyard is in a theoretically warmer part of the valley, in the Windsor region, but somehow, there are unripe notes here. Despite some sour-cherry candy and pomegranate flavors, there's a green streak of asparagus. Drink the wine soon, as it's not an ager.

86

50

California

Pinot Noir

101,399

US

Barrel-fermented and aged on the lees, this Burgundian-style Chard is creamy and rich in ripe tropical fruit flavors and new oak. It's a big wine, forward in pineapple and mango flavors that are honey-ripe and crisp.

88

25

California

Chardonnay

114,554

US

Four clones comprise this vineyard blend, which opens into a moderately soft, well-rounded palate with sweet spice, pumpkin bread, a dash of Dr Pepper and plenty of strawberry and cherry fruit. It's already quite accessible and drinking deliciously. Pop this while waiting for some of the other 2013 Adelsheims to develop further in bottle.

92

75

Oregon

Pinot Noir

85,340

US

Fragrant with smoky red fruits, this tight, young, pure Cabernet Sauvignon brings a generous mix of raspberry, pomegranate and cherry fruit into play. The firm and supple tannins are folded in seamlessly, with hints of iron, coffee and chocolate.

94

37

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

98,246

US

This Zinfandel-based wine, which blends 13% Tempranillo and 6% Petite Sirah, shows strawberry, cherry, baking spice and cola aromas. There is decent tannic tension on the palate, and the flavors—sarsaparilla, cola, stewed plum and clove spice—are easily enjoyable.

88

24

California

Zinfandel

20,706

US

Fermented and aged in both stainless steel and neutral French oak, this 100% varietal wine lets the fruit take center stage, offering up white peach and apricot in a succulent package. Floral and flinty, it's balanced, with just the slightest notion of vanilla and brioche popping up on the finish.

92

42

California

Viognier

89,615

Spain

Heavy aromas of baked berry fruits and raisin suggest a bit of overripeness. On the palate, that take is confirmed by chunky weight offset by natural acidity. Flavors of oak barrel, raisin and tart plum cover a wide spectrum, while this blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Carignan finishes long, with black-fruit flavors. Drink now.

87

25

Northern Spain

Red Blend

3,934

Argentina

Red plum, tomato and brambly herbal aromas set up a snappy, astringent palate with strained raspberry, spice and herbal flavors. Very dry and acidic as it transitions to the finish. An herbal, sharp-edged red.

83

11

Mendoza Province

Red Blend

128,589

Italy

Aromas of wood shop, coffee and espresso all carry over to the palate along with oak extract and toast. It lacks the fruit richness necessary to stand up to the oak.

87

80

Tuscany

Sangiovese

30,742

Italy

Fresh and floral, this offers creamy foam and a simple bouquet of stone fruit and citrus. It also delivers a plush, semisweet sensation on the palate.

85

7

Veneto

Glera

58,033

Italy

Licorice, grilled herb, mature black-skinned fruit and balsamic aromas take shape in the glass. The juicy palate doles out fleshy black cherry, crushed blackberry, orange zest and spice flavors, with a saline hint of cured meat. Chewy tannins provide lend structure.

90

36

Tuscany

Sangiovese

43,618

Portugal

Red-cherry flavors dominate this soft fruity wine. It is aromatic, full of ripe fruitiness and with just the right touch of acidity. Drink now.

84

10

Douro

Rosé

84,458

US

This remains tight and somewhat impenetrable, with focused, tart flavors of red berry, lemon and pineapple. The scent of oak references considerable time in 40% new barrels. Once the fruit flavors fade, it's mostly acid that remains in the finish.

87

32

Washington

Merlot

99,637

US

Very dry and tart, with pear, lemon and lime, green apple and oaky vanilla flavors that finish with crisp Russian River acidity. Has a touch of pyrazine sourness that detracts.

86

35

California

Sauvignon Blanc

30,344

France

With dusty white flower aromas, this is a perfumed wine with a tight texture and fruit. Still too young to drink, it does have a lively, fresh character that comes from the bright green fruits. As it softens, it will be better balanced, so drink from 2016.

88

23

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

65,900

Italy

Spiced plum, dried herbs, underbrush and toasted oak aromas waft out of the glass. A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, the palate offers up ripe black currant, crushed mint, espresso and tobacco accompanied by fine-grained tannins.

88

22

Tuscany

Red Blend

46,336

US

Stone fruit like apricot and white peach dominate on the nose of this wine that tastes slightly off dry, though no residual sugar content is listed. Hedonistic, it remains rich and creamy through the honey-laced finish.

88

25

California

Riesling

108,994

US

The Roessler brothers take a good spin through the historic Sanford & Benedict vines and present a wine with cherry, baked fennel and a bit of eucalyptus on the nose. It's fairly lean once sipped, but balanced well between pomegranate fruit and dark spices.

88

56

California

Pinot Noir

128,367

US

This superripe and supersmooth wine packs in extra layers of flavor of boysenberry and anise between stacks of blackberry and ripe strawberry, all while staying supported by fine but firm tannins and vibrant acidity. Very full in body, it is still appetizingly dry, balanced for serving at a special meal, and very rewarding to drink now through 2022.

94

100

California

Zinfandel

91,624

US

Very gamy and umami-rich aromas of bacon fat and animal hide meet with maple, boysenberry, white pepper, rosemary and teriyaki on the nose of this bottling. The savory and somewhat smoky touches thrive on the palate too, where roasted pork and charred plums combine with coffee bean and warm-toast flavors.

92

60

California

Grenache

18,069

France

Aromas of this wine show considerable wood. On the palate, the wood is very present, giving acidity as well as layers of toast and spice. Hints of yellow fruit show through, suggesting the possibility of a ripe, rich wine in the future. Drink from 2019.

90

59

Burgundy

Chardonnay

66,789

US

Succulent and leesy, it blends juice from five different sites, including the King Estate vineyard. Soaked in minerals and alive with pretty fruit flavors of citrus, pink grapefruit and Key lime, this reserve-level bottling is one of several limited offerings by the leader in Oregon Pinot Gris.

92

24

Oregon

Pinot Gris

95,981

France

Fresh and creamily fruity, this well-made, balanced wine features a touch of honey and almonds as well as bright, crisp acidity. The 100% Chardonnay in the wine gives a ripe and round aftertaste.

87

22

Loire Valley

Chardonnay

83,971

US

Lightish in color, it opens with earthy, tobacco aromas, a hint of mint and, if you really concentrate, blackberries. It's very limpid in the mouth, light as a feather, but the fruit is great. The concentrated blackberry taste is dry and flavorful, with wonderful acids. This is a very individualistic wine, and fun to drink.

87

17

California

Sangiovese

53,265

US

A little too raw and minty to merit a higher score, this wine's cherry flavors just aren't powerful enough. As a result, the wine has a thin taste.

83

42

California

Cabernet Franc

6,616

US

A brisk, sturdy Cabernet, marked by firm tannins, tart acidity and a marked coating of sweet, smoky oak. It's Janzen's basic Napa Cabernet, and shows the winery's ability to produce elegant Cabs. But it's not an ager.

88

50

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

5,787

Argentina

Damp and furry on the nose, this is all tannins and scratch. High acidity only contributes to the grating mouthfeel, hence it's a bumpy ride where standard berry flavors are a sideshow. Chento 2012 is a better bet if it's still on the shelf.

83

20

Mendoza Province

Malbec

120,112

US

According to its bottle, this has 15.5% alcohol, and yet the raspberry flavor lacks weight and depth. Instead, flavors of stem and earth seem to dominate.

85

17

Washington

Zinfandel

89,000

US

This wine shows roasted beef with blackberry crust, fresh-cracked black pepper and tarry asphalt on the nose. The asphalt and charred meat play strongly on the heavy-duty palate that also offers blackberry balsamic reduction. It's brawny and burly, perhaps too much so for the everyday drinker.

90

60

California

Syrah

15,263

US

This blend of 66% Tannat and 34% Petite Sirah by Santa Clarita-based winemakers Steve Lemley and Nate Hasper offers layers of rich flavors without being overdone. Deep aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, mocha and caramel lead into a sip full of blackberry paste, beef char, dried tobacco leather and a cocoa spice. The caramel finish is just delicious.

93

50

California

Red Blend

117,285

US

A light touch of cedar meets with black raspberry on this somewhat simple table wine. It's light and easy to quaff on the palate, with tangy dark red fruit but not much complexity, making it a great pizza wine.

87

26

California

Red Blend

9,963

Argentina

Slightly reduced aromas of red and black fruits are rustic and come with a whiff of animal hide. This Malbec-led blend is a touch shallow in feel, with candied berry flavors that suggest wild herbs and garrigue. A light, jumpy, fruity finish eschews weight for freshness.

87

18

Mendoza Province

Red Blend

78,739

France

Obviously the producer thinks this is an important wine judging by the unusually heavy bottle. The wine is certainly attractively rich and full bodied. With weighty blackberry fruit and a concentrated core of tannins, it is balanced, fruity and likely to age well. There is a mineral edge that will soften as the wine matures. Drink from 2021.

92

50

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

54,937

US

A blend of Pinot Blanc and four other white grapes, this pleasant and fruity wine offers simple enjoyment. Peach, pink-grapefruit, straw and cracker flavors show on the palate and lead to a dry finish.

88

18

Oregon

White Blend

92,645

France

Youthful, bright red color on this full-bodied, potentially rich wine. With its balance between acidity, black fruits and edgy tannins, the wine from the plateau close to Saumur has all the smoky, tobacco leaf and fragrance of cool climate Cabernet Franc.

91

40

Loire Valley

Cabernet Franc

33,917

US

Good balance and slightly lean fruit and spice flavors make an agreeable combo in this medium-bodied and nicely tangy wine. Whiffs of cinnamon and earth go with cherry and rhubarb flavors.

86

10

California

Pinot Noir

47,308

Italy

Creamy and yeasty, this luminous Chardonnay-based sparkler delivers aroma of mature peach and apricot backed by almond nut and butter. The wine has the heft and staying power to pair with shellfish or lobster.

91

50

Northeastern Italy

Chardonnay

16,022

Spain

Earthy, meaty berry aromas are solid and sturdy. It feels fresh and lifted by lasting acidity, with flavors of raspberry, strawberry and vanilla that are easy to like. A wine to drink now without too much contemplation, this finishes steady and smooth.

88

18

Northern Spain

Red Blend

84,425

US

A briny note of saline and pickle provide an intrigue to the entry of this wine, which is otherwise integrated in oak and medium to full bodied. Smooth and floral, it sings on the palate, revealing baked apple and pear around a hint of wild vanilla and herb.

90

40

California

Chardonnay

82,031

Australia

Matured in used French barriques, this nevertheless shows touches of toast and cedar alongside tart, fruit notes of cranberry and raspberry. It's full bodied and richly tannic, with crisp acids that accentuate the tannins on the finish. Drink 2020–2030.

88

32

South Australia

Grenache

117,956

France

Rich blackberry and black-currant flavors give this wine its ripe character. They are already well balanced by the spicy tannins and dry core. The wine will develop well and should be ready from 2019. This is the last vintage under the Fournier-Casteja family. In December, Birot was sold to Miaolin Chen's New Century Tourism Group based in Hangzhou, China.

90

18

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

111,055

US

A little rugged around the edges, with jagged tannins that emphasize the acidity. But it's dry and balanced, and you'll find ripe flavors of cherries, pomegranates, red licorice and toast. Drink now.

87

38

California

Pinot Noir

122,226

Italy

Aromas of scorched earth, chopped mint, menthol, dried herb and mature berry lead the nose. The robust palate offers raisin, licorice, clove and espresso alongside evident alcohol. Aggressive tannins leave an astringent, tongue-drying close.

88

80

Tuscany

Sangiovese

31,126

France

This is a fruity wine, packed with acidity, red fruits and a soft texture. With its crisp open character it is not a wine for long aging, so drink from 2018.

85

29

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

90,992

US

Feels a bit thick and heavy now, with jammy raspberry, cherry, mocha and sandalwood flavors, but so good, so pure that a few years in the cellar have to benefit. A splendid acid-tannin balance provides the framework for aging. Better after 2011.

93

50

California

Pinot Noir

5,177

US

This Pinot bears only the simple regional Carneros appellation, but it has the rich texture and complex flavors of a vineyard-designated wine. Absolutely delicious, with raspberry, red cherry, mocha and red-licorice flavors that go on and on into a long, spicy finish. Drink this lovely wine over the next few years.

90

40

California

Pinot Noir

105,941

US

Soft and ripe, made for drinking now for the polished berry-cherry, tobacco, sweet oak and spice flavors. For the price, there's a lot of upscale character.

87

20

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

9,176

US

There's meaty leather and sizable tannin in this mountain-grown Malbec, from an Atlas Peak vineyard sought after for many types of red grapes. Time in bottle has served it well, the bolder aspects and jammy blackberry and blueberry fruit softened by balanced acidity.

92

55

California

Malbec

110,680

France

Firm tannins and concentrated black fruit flavors set this wine up for long-term aging. It has a solid core that gives it dryness at this young stage. But the bold blackberry fruit and acidity will come through to produce a generous, balanced wine. Drink from 2021.

90

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

129,004

US

The three partners in this new venture have decades of winemaking experience among them, and it shows. With 15% Grenache blended in, the result is a ripe, lightly funky, spicy rendition of Syrah that nicely marries the earthiness to racy wild-berry flavors and a peppery finish. Great length.

93

25

Washington

Syrah

52,957

US

There's something ruggedly luscious about this Cab Franc. It's not an ager or particularly complicated, but it does offer up a panoply of ripe red and black currants, anise, dark chocolate and spice flavors. It finishes dry, balanced and charming.

87

32

California

Cabernet Franc

51,987

France

Exemplary in all areas, from the smoke, mushroom and berry nose to the exotic undertones of island spice and fine oak supporting vibrant raspberry fruit. It's one of those wines that's a pure pleasure to drink, and it's ready out of the gate. For very good Burgundy that clicks on all cylinders, this is it.

92

33

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

94,420

Portugal

Deep, dusty wine, tannins dominating the fruit, giving a tough feel. There are some black currant flavors, but only just a hint. This definitely needs time to soften and broaden; give it 4–5 years.

88

27

Douro

Portuguese Red

92,253

France

With five years bottle aging, this is a wine that shows great balance, along with a blossoming maturity. The wine is dry with brisk acidity, intense minerality and a taut profile, but rich and concentrated with apple flavor. It's likely to age for several more years.

93

125

Champagne

Chardonnay

6,671

US

A whirlwind of aromas—peppered black cherries, elderberry, caramel, toast, barrel smoke—rise off this appellation blend from German-born winemaker Matthias Pippig, who handcrafts small batches on Santa Barbara's Eastside. It's very soft on the palate, with medium-dark flavors of butter-crusted plum pie and an herbal note of pine pitch keeping it serious.

93

50

California

Syrah

36,661

US

This complex spicy wine is tangled up in blue fruits—plum and blueberry—with a side order of raspberries. It's bright, youthful, in perfect balance, and sporting a palate-pleasing toasty note.

92

65

Oregon

Pinot Noir

70,284

France

A blend from six vineyards in the Côtes des Blancs, this tight, steely, chalky-textured wine still tastes young despite five years aging. It is full of citrus, lime juice and pink-grapefruit flavors that are integrated with the crisp, complex texture.

90

65

Champagne

Chardonnay

128,824

US

Vibrant aromas of pineapple, flowers, peach and lychee lead to an palate that leans sweeter than off dry. Stone-fruit flavors linger on the finish.

85

13

Washington

White Blend

120,849

US

From a blending of two barrels—one new and one neutral—this is a snappy, sappy, tangy wine with ripe, forward red and purple fruits. These notes are framed with pretty barrel toast, and the tannins are firm, ripe and balanced. Drink now with pleasure or tuck it away until 2020.

91

48

Oregon

Pinot Noir

41,970

Italy

This is an intense and austere sparkling wine with persistent perlage and deep aromas of toast, roasted nut, honey, stone fruit and butterscotch. You'll also get a playful hint of chopped herbs that add buoyancy to the wine's thick, solid mouthfeel.

91

60

Northeastern Italy

Sparkling Blend

73,127

Italy

Underbrush, blackberry, blue flower and mocha lead the nose on this blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The dense palate offers cassis, black cherry, black pepper, espresso and licorice alongside youthfully assertive tannins. Drink 2016–2021.

90

33

Tuscany

Red Blend

110,363

US

Nicely dry and well structured, this full-bodied wine will provide serious enjoyment at the dinner table. It has all the ripe, juicy berry qualities of the grape variety and adds moderate tannins for a firmer mouthfeel. Layers of blackberry, cherry and pepper flavors make it especially interesting.

90

12

California

Zinfandel

92,523

France

A tight, crisp wine from vineyards that face across the river to the town of Chablis. The wine has delicious yellow fruits, intense acidity and an opulent character. The vines of the vineyard face east giving warmth while keeping a strong mineral texture. Drink this wine from 2019.

93

34

Burgundy

Chardonnay