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
124,312	US	A tiny-production wine made to honor the legacy of Jimmy Valvano, this Cab is huge, leathery and possibly not for everyone. For those who do like a complexity of funk, this one delivers, with a massive mouthfeel of minerality, finished in black licorice and chocolate.	93	149	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
84,859	US	Featuring a fat, short, ornately dressed holy man on the label, this is one of the most visually compelling brands to hit the market in a while, but the wine inside isn't so exciting. Black fruit and slight licorice show on the nose, with blackberry and cola on the palate.	86	20	California	Red Blend
26,203	France	This wine offers tropical fruit against a background of intense acidity. That makes it fruity, ripe with a tight structure that gives delicious lift and freshness. Drink now.	88	54	Burgundy	Chardonnay
36,470	France	Smooth and soft, this is an easy, very accessible wine. Red fruits touched by pepper and spice are cut by zesty orange and lemon flavors. It has a warm, rounded aftertaste.	85	15	Provence	Rosé
88,428	Spain	Compelling aromas of dry herbs blend with ripe berry, plum and leathery scents. This feels tight, juicy and ripped with raw, hard-pumping acidity. Flavors of currant, plum and cherry run deep, while the finish is presently youthful, grabby and drawing, with a slight note of raisin. Drink through 2032.	93	110	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
103,315	Argentina	Dense and inky on the bouquet, with blueberry as the core fruit aroma and some grass or alfalfa around the edges. Feels blocky and tannic, with sweet, roasted flavors of black fruits that come with a peppery aftertaste. Full on the finish, with coconut and oaky accents.	87	18	Mendoza Province	Malbec
82,045	France	With ripe fruit and caramel aromas, this is a rich wine (40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cinsault). The second rosé of Château Vignelaure, it's full of sunshine, with rich red berry flavors that are given a larger character by the touch of vanilla that makes it food-friendly.	89	14	Provence	Rosé
82,924	US	The scents and flavors carry more than a hint of grassiness, along the lines of Sauvignon Blanc. The high alcohol seems to strip the wine of its flesh. It's full throttle, with the mouthfeel and high-toned bite of a very ripe Viognier. It's definitely not your run-of-the-mill example of Oregon Pinot Gris.	86	26	Oregon	Pinot Gris
61,265	US	A delicious Pinot Noir. Set it beside more expensive bottlings and it stands up well. Silky and rich, with raspberry and cherry purée, cola, sweet vanilla and sandalwood flavors, and a long, spicy finish. Production was 26,000 cases.	87	14	California	Pinot Noir
22,278	US	A balance of blueberry-chiffon ripeness and asphalt tightness is enhanced by spearmint and cola notes on the nose of this blend from eastern Santa Ynez Valley. The palate shows generous black fruit against a restrained tannic frame of tobacco and cedar.	92	75	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
56,975	US	The color of a vibrant sunset, it's composed of 55% Grenache, 39% Mourvèdre, and 6% Cinsault. The lush and layered fruit flavors move from ripe summer strawberries into a mineral-drenched fruit salad.	91	28	Washington	Rosé
117,784	US	This bottling from John Sebastiano Vineyard is a great example of how a light Grenache can entertain needy palates. Sagebrush-laced aromas of wild thyme and tree bark mesh with tart pomegranate, red currant and a touch of red-cherry pie on the nose. The tea-leaf-laced sip shows raspberry, red plum and red apple, which just enough tannic structure.	92	29	California	Grenache
52,577	US	Thin fruit flavors seem overtaken by the barrel flavors. The wine spent nine months in one third new French oak—not excessive by any means, but the fruit just isn't up to it at the moment. More bottle age may bring up the light apple into more substantial focus.	86	45	Oregon	Chardonnay
29,350	Spain	This brut Cava is made entirely from the Xarello grape. It's bready, leesy and yeasty on the nose, with touches of apple and nectarine. A low-verve palate tastes briny, with a hint of lime. On the finish, this tastes like the dust of vitamins.	87	25	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
121,783	US	Zesty limes and lemons shine brightly throughout this brisk, cutting dry Riesling. It's medium bodied in style but a bit demure in concentration and length.	86	12	New York	Riesling
114,272	Italy	This Brunello opens with elegantly on the nose, with small berry, cassis and wild blueberry aromas. Beyond the steady, feminine bouquet is a wine that has power, determination and personality, with savory endnotes of spice and fresh pipe tobacco.	91	79	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
8,633	US	Vanilla and cinnamon notes show some oak influence in this medium-bodied well-made wine that has enough plum and red-cherry flavors to balance out a lightly tannic texture.	86	14	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
126,297	Italy	Wild berry, new leather and thyme are some of the aromas you'll discover in this savory Brunello. The palate doles out juicy black cherry, ripe raspberry, white pepper and tobacco notes, while firm, polished tannins offer support. Drink 2018–2025.	92	80	Tuscany	Sangiovese
10,768	US	This is one of the most forward and accessible of Calera's new releases. It's superrich now in black cherry liqueur, mocha, licorice, bacon and spice flavors, a seductively silky wine that's a total hedonistic pleasure. If you can keep from drinking it now, it should develop well over the next 6–8 years.	93	40	California	Pinot Noir
58,270	Spain	This basic but good wine opens with powerful, dark and brawny berry and rubber-like aromas. The palate feels beefy and broad, with thick, pummeling tannins. Baked black-fruit flavors end short with coffee and bitter chocolate notes.	86	20	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
3,312	Spain	Ginger ale and Sprite are the first things that come to mind when you give it a sniff. The palate shows ripe and sweet orange, tangerine and pink grapefruit, while the back end is lean and citrusy but far short of complex. Good in a standard way.	87	15	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
38,570	Italy	Rina Ianca (a blend of Grillo and Viognier) is a beautiful wine with good complexity and character. The emphasis here is on aromas of peach, almond blossom, white mineral and creamy vanilla and the mouthfeel offers both density and persistency.	87	13	Sicily & Sardinia	White Blend
11,737	US	A light, almost delicate wine, with pretty pear fruit and a hint of sweetness. The balance is just right, and the wine shows some added flair as it wraps into a finish that seems to gather strength while adding floral and lightly honeyed highlights.	89	18	Oregon	Pinot Gris
101,785	Italy	Aromas of pressed rose petal, roasted herb and a funky but not unpleasant trace of game lead the way. The gamey note carries through to the ripe, chewy palate, together with juicy Morello cherry, raspberry compote, mint, clove and mineral while a saline note closes the finish. It's still young and tannic, but shows a certain rustic charm. Drink 2019–2025.	91	75	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
107,300	US	Pineapple appears first on the nose and palate, followed by high-toned acidity and a back-up of lemon and lime. Medium bodied, the wine remains light and crisp throughout, finishing in a swirl of lemon zest and grapefruit pith.	90	17	California	Sauvignon Blanc
35,588	US	This opens with a powerful, sharp and spicy set of aromas mixing dense blackberry and boysenberry fruit with sweet smoke and chocolate-covered raisins. This is a fine effort, with sappy fruit, tart acids, streaks of leaf and vanilla, a burst of tobacco in the mid-palate, and a smooth finish with polish and verve.	91	40	Washington	Syrah
114,219	France	Powerful, with tannins that are seamlessly woven into the fruitiness, this is a rounded, ripe and concentrated wine. The berry fruits and the juicy damsons are as important as the generous, soft texture. The wine will develop over the medium-term; drink from 2017.	92	180	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
111,421	US	A very nice Chardonnay marked by crisp dryness and fine structure, which highlights the pleasant varietal flavors. Offers a nice array of pineapples, peaches, apricots and green apples, accented by the smoky vanilla of oak and grounded in minerals.	87	15	California	Chardonnay
44,955	Italy	Dry and tonic, this has steely bubbles and subtle aromas of crushed stone, citrus and dry hay. Pair this easy with fried finger foods or grilled shrimp appetizers.	85	15	Veneto	Glera
25,226	US	The acidity on this fine wine makes your mouth water, giving a clean bite to the pineapple, orange, sweet cream, honeysuckle and cinnamon-spice flavors. The balance of tartness and sweetness is what makes the wine so appealing.	88	20	California	Pinot Gris
26,657	US	You'll want to age this wine for a good 6–8 years, because right now it's rather tough in tannins, and the fruit and oak have not married. Nonetheless it's quite a good wine. Shows complex layers of blackberries, currants and caramelized oak. Lifts Alexander Valley Cabernet above its usual level into noteworthy.	93	150	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
68,219	US	Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon along with 10% each Merlot and Petit Verdot, this wine displays aromas of dried and fresh herbs, flowers, black tea, dark chocolate and cherry. The fruit and savory flavors are sweet and supple, backed by tightly coiled tannins that need time to unwind.	90	40	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
84,554	Portugal	Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional from two Ramos-Pinto quintas results in a consistently smooth, finely rich wine. It has ripe blackberry fruits that are layered with subtle wood accents and given a great lift by ample acidity. It's a ripe wine, with enough tannins to age for the medium-term, although it can be drunk now.	89	15	Douro	Portuguese Red
124,814	France	A firmly structured wine, dry to the core. The tannins feel extracted, giving some bitterness, yet the fruit shows potential juiciness. While it's always going to be a severe wine, it should be a great food partner.	88	27	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
119,973	Argentina	Black cherry, blackberry and marzipan aromas are full, lusty and inviting. This has a chewy, full-bodied and layered mouthfeel to go with the dark-fruit flavors that are aided by spice notes. A peppery chocolaty finish is solid, ripe and friendly. Drink through 2020.	91	16	Mendoza Province	Malbec
98,022	US	The opening aromas spotlight vanilla and tobacco, with flavors of ripe, chunky red fruits. The 18 months in French oak bring those same accents of vanilla and tobacco into the lingering finish, which comes into focus as the wine breathes.	91	50	Oregon	Pinot Noir
55	US	This shows jelly-like flavors of orange and pear, with some earthy tones. The mouthfeel is soft and there's a bounty of oak in the form of buttered toast and caramel notes.	85	30	California	Chardonnay
62,475	Italy	Scents of white flower and orchard fruit lift from the glass. The bright, straightforward palate offers yellow apple and citrus alongside crisp acidity.	87	19	Northeastern Italy	Chardonnay
71,062	US	Known primarily for Zinfandel, this winery's Petite Sirah is robust and full-bodied. It shows the rustic tannins that characterize the variety, with earthy flavors of blackberries and blueberries. Should develop bottle complexity for many years.	86	25	California	Petite Sirah
31,879	US	Fermentation was done in a mix of stainless steel and French oak, yielding a soft, accessible, lightly spiced wine. Flavors mix notes of fresh cut grass and celery with melony fruit.	87	14	Washington	Sauvignon Blanc
28,163	Italy	Firm and full-bodied, this opens with aromas of mature plum, underbrush, baked earth, vanilla and exotic spice. The high-toned, chewy palate doles out ripe black cherry, raspberry jam, vanilla, mocha, white pepper and mint alongside polished tannins.	90	18	Piedmont	Barbera
73,359	France	This is a fragrant, floral wine, with a smooth touch of vanilla. It has a fruity, ripe feel, and it shows fresh, crisp, apple-like acidity. This is a ready-to-drink, balanced Chardonnay.	86	27	Burgundy	Chardonnay
16,640	US	A skyscraper-sized blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 9% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec, this is a generously structured, tannic and bold expression of plum, leather and pencil lead that leans into gamy, black pepper notes as well. Velvety smooth, it has years to go in the bottle. Cellar through 2025.	93	100	California	Red Blend
62,983	Italy	Prosecco Superiore Dei Casel is a soft, foamy wine with apple mousse, lemon zest and soft layers of peach cobbler. The wine is delicate, elegant and fine.	88	18	Veneto	Glera
9,276	US	Velvety texture underlies dusty tannins and neutral oak in this light and lean wine from a vineyard in the heart of Pinot Noir country. Vanilla and cherry play off each other nicely, finding equal partnership with a buoyant acidity.	86	28	California	Cabernet Franc
119,261	US	A to Z has kept a lid on its pricing, and offers one of the best values in Oregon Pinot Noir. Though very young, this wine is soft and forward, and benefits from its early release. It could almost pass for a cru Beaujolais, from the slightly candied cherry fruit right down to the hints of banana that suggest a certain amount of whole cluster fermentation. In any event, it's fruity, lightly detailed with spice, and quite charming, though not as substantial as its 2006 predecessor.	87	20	Oregon	Pinot Noir
22,237	US	Tastes too over-oaked for what you get. There are modest cherry-berry flavors, but the wine is dominated by smoky char, caramel and butterscotch. Ready now.	84	30	California	Merlot
117,535	US	So sweet and rich in cherry, vanilla and cinnamon spice flavors, what's not to like? It's dry, gentle in tannins and complex. Seems designed for easy pairing with a great steak.	90	65	California	Cabernet Franc
85,421	US	Here's a polished Chard with an elegant balance to a variety that often lacks both. Everything is here, from the ripe tropical fruit and rich oak to the crisp acidity and mineral trimmings, all poised in perfect equilibrium.	90	30	California	Chardonnay
65,984	US	One of Oregon's best-kept secrets is this well-made budget-priced Pinot from Eola Hills. Aged in French and American oak for just under one year, it's labeled as a plain Oregon AVA, but it's 95% Willamette Valley fruit. That brings an extra dimension to the wine, with some tannic muscle and a streak of dried leaf and forest floor flavors along with ripe strawberry fruit.	88	19	Oregon	Pinot Noir
37,257	Italy	This bold, sturdy wine brings together mature plum, black cherry, citrus, blue flower, clove, mocha, black pepper and licorice sensations. The savory palate is supported by a backbone of assertive, drying tannins. You'll also notice the evident alcohol. It's delicious but extremely forward so drink soon for freshness.	88	21	Tuscany	Sangiovese
61,363	Argentina	Resiny, nutty, toasty aromas just barely cut it in terms of drawing you in. The palate on this basic, woody Chardonnay is fine, while resiny white-fruit flavors finish with a forced flavor of vanilla and oak.	83	11	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
30,532	US	Pineapple and peach rise to the fore in this wine, a suggestion of waxy caramel apple lurking. High-toned acidity keeps it structured and clean on the palate, a zesty mix of orange and lemon weaving throughout the soft layers. A richer bite of graham cracker finishes things off.	88	25	California	Chardonnay
36,565	US	A barrel selection from the estate and Shaw vineyards, this spent a couple of years in new French oak. It shows good concentration and oak influence. Cassis fruit is underscored with vivid acidity, and the wine retains its balance through a long finish that offers highlights of smoke and char.	90	55	Washington	Red Blend
29,452	US	Citrusy acidity gives this wine enough balance to give the ripe lemon, lime and guava flavors balance. It's tart yet juicy, with a refreshingly minerality.	85	16	California	Sauvignon Blanc
25,998	US	Vivid flavors and an unusually firm texture make this a bold, structured and noteworthy wine with good potential for mid-term aging. It is dry, has pure raspberry and blackberry on the palate, fine-grained tannins for grip and a lingering finish.	91	31	California	Zinfandel
123,157	France	Dry, yes, but this wine is also soft and ripe. It has an attractive toasty character giving power to the midpalate. It's in the finish that the real acidity and dryness show most.	87	52	Champagne	Champagne Blend
127,517	US	This blend of 87% Grenache, 8% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah is big, bold and robustly flavored, showing its youth. Juicy cherry and licorice flavors are edged in smoke and tannin. The cinnamon-laced finish is soft and long.	90	60	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
75,965	Argentina	Clean and well made, but underwhelming. There's basic blueberry and blackberry flavors riding on a medium-bodied palate, but overall the wine is more generic than specific. It's easygoing and causes no red flags to go up, however at the end of the day it doesn't show much personality.	85	12	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Sauvignon
74,176	Italy	Made from 90% Sangiovese plus other grapes, it opens with subtle aromas of blue flowers, black berries and toasted sensations. The juicy, dense palate offers ripe black cherry and raspberry spiced up with notes of black pepper and clove. Polished and extremely friendly, this is ready to be enjoyed soon.	89	25	Tuscany	Red Blend
74,325	France	A firm and tannic wine, with a hard-edge feel to it. The structure is dry and tough, leaving little room for the fruit, even in the future.	83	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
1,788	US	The vineyard is near if not entirely within the Arroyo Grande Valley appellation, and it shows that region's tannins, acidity and ripe, long hangtime flavors. The balanced 2012 vintage has given it tremendously ripe cherry, raspberry, red currant and cola flavors, yet the wine retains an exciting sense of control and balance. Give it until 2018–2019 in the cellar to gain traction.	91	50	California	Pinot Noir
33,890	France	This ripe, smoky wine is full of black fruits and soft, generous tannins. It is rich, juicy with black plum juice and berry jelly flavors that are still young and fresh. Age this wine until 2017.	89	16	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
48,873	US	A blend of Riesling and Muscat with a pinch of Gewürztraminer, this wine offers vibrant aromas of orange peel, fresh flowers, spice and jasmine that don't entirely meld. It drinks dry with light concentration and a slightly bitter finish.	83	14	Washington	White Blend
58,274	Italy	This Brut Prosecco Superiore shows a tight embroidery of white flower, almond and citrus aromas. The wine is simple and clean on the finish with a drying mineral touch on the close.	86	24	Veneto	Glera
85,487	US	A fabulous bottling from one of West Paso's most beautiful vineyards, this blend of 54% Grenache, 22% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah and 6% Tannat shows aromas of fresh black cherry, dried mint and fudge on the well-integrated nose. Black plum, soy, pencil lead, condensed teriyaki, lilac and violet flavors unfold on the delicious palate.	92	32	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
30,681	US	This sports a smoky aroma, wrapped into tight, tart red fruits. There is an ashy undertone, and somewhat granular tannins.	85	20	Oregon	Pinot Noir
77,715	US	A bit rough and hot, this Syrah has very ripe blackberry, cherry, licorice and Asian spice flavors. Drink it with easy fare, like pizza or burgers.	83	15	California	Syrah
32,532	Spain	Begins with a sweet marshmallow creaminess on the nose, which is followed by a firm, tanninc palate with snappy cherry and raspberry flavors. Clean and easy to understand, but in the end it's a very regular wine.	84	13	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
98,106	US	It's unbelievable that this Chardonnay is unoaked, it's so incredibly rich and creamy. Just packed with layers of tropical fruits, peaches, Asian pears and oatmeal cookies. All that butter and cream must be from the malolactic fermentation and aging on the lees. One of the best unoaked Chardonnays ever.	93	29	California	Chardonnay
17,239	Spain	Cherry, raspberry and spicy oak aromas open this chunky, standard Rioja. Roasted plum and currant flavors turn more oaky on the back side, while the finish feels fresh and tastes lightly spicy.	86	15	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
85,563	Spain	This is a full-force wine with a scratchy bouquet and aromas of herbal fruit, vanilla and burnt stems. It's jumpy in the mouth, and not that smooth, with aggressive tannins and baked flavors of raisin, herbs and burnt fruit. On the finish, there's oaky caramel and chocolate along with heat and stewy notes.	87	73	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
20,971	France	This firm, structured wine is lean and austere. Spice and toast notes dominate, leaving little room for fruit. It's a tough wine to like.	85	20	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
113,596	US	Light in color and texture, with faint mushroom and earth tones and wispy swirls of cherry, this Pinot is silky with perceptible acidity and a finish of spicy mint. It's structured enough in body to pair beautifully with a range of food.	89	44	California	Pinot Noir
57,438	France	This wine is full of smoky tannins and ripe black fruits, with a light touch of acidity. It's dense, structured as befits the vintage, and still has a way to go. Set on the slopes above the river Garonne, this is a seriously improved estate, bought by the Dulon family in 2004. Drink from 2016.	90	45	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
36,777	Italy	This seems very ripe, and offers notes of cooked cherry, backed by loads of exotic spice, cherry cola, prune, plum, crème de cassis and graphite. It exhibits a velvety mouthfeel and pretty good length on the finish.	86	15	Tuscany	Merlot
63,432	US	Roughly half estate-grown Tempranillo, this smooth and deeply-fruited red includes small amounts of 10 other grapes. For all that it's complete, complex and composed, with pomegranate jam, loganberries, polished tannins and prolonged power. Drink now through 2020.	90	18	Oregon	Red Blend
64,157	US	This is one of the harder grapes to tame in California, yet those wanting to walk the razor blade balance between ripeness and freshness should copy this Josh Jensen version. Candied nectarine, white peach, cherimoya and jasmine show on the ripe, honeyed nose, but then the palate restrains that exuberance with chamomile, sour pear peels and sea salt flavors.	92	34	California	Viognier
18,164	US	With a vivid golden color, bold and buttery aromas, and rich, almost nutty flavors, this is a full-bore rendering. It is full bodied and brings out the most flavorful aspects of the grape. The texture is rich and almost thick, and the buttery nuances linger on the finish.	88	15	California	Chardonnay
76,598	Italy	Wines from the Berardenga area in the southern part of the appellation tend to show extracted fruit flavors because of the clay soils and extra heat. Tenuta di Renieri reflects the region, and it offers bright cherry and chocolate notes.	88	20	Tuscany	Sangiovese
6,381	US	This is a smooth-textured, medium-bodied wine that opens with brown sugar and maple aromas, leads to ripe cherry and blackberry flavors and finishes with a hint of sweetness.	86	13	California	Red Blend
62,409	Italy	This offers a base of bright cherry flavor, followed by light tobacco and spice tones. Pair this with grilled lamb chops or roasted pork rolls.	88	16	Tuscany	Sangiovese
40,017	US	The winery aims for Loire valley characteristics in its wines, hence the reference to Côt, as Malbec is known in the region. This is grapy, purple and young. At this point it's difficult to see much else beyond the fruit and lip-sticking acids. It's a good warm-weather quaffing wine, best served slightly chilled.	87	30	Oregon	Malbec
123,374	Italy	Made with Sangiovese and Canaiolo Nero, this charming wine opens with fruity aromas of wild red berry and a whiff of dried herb. The bright, easygoing palate offers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry and clove alongside lithe tannins. It's made for pure drinking pleasure so enjoy soon.	89	14	Tuscany	Red Blend
105,397	US	Bright aromas of pear, peach, baking spice and malolactic notes lead to a sleek yet creamy palate. It loses its rhythm a touch in the middle but comes back together.	89	30	Washington	Chardonnay
101,905	Italy	Purple flowers, ripe berry and tobacco aromas lead the nose on this Sangiovese-based wine. On the smooth, concentrated palate, notes of black pepper, anise and clove accent the core of fleshy black cherry. Velvety tannins provide support. Drink 2016–2020.	89	20	Tuscany	Sangiovese
725	Italy	This has aromas that recall leafy underbrush, sawdust and menthol. The dense, oak-driven palate shows licorice, espresso, toast and a hint of bitter chocolate but the fruit has dried up. It abruptly ends on a green note of powdered sage.	85	80	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
129,317	Italy	Aromas of white spring flower, mint and orchard fruit lead the way. Bright and silky, the refined palate delivers yellow apple, peach and Bartlett pear set against crisp acidity and a refined perlage.	90	50	Veneto	Glera
41,173	Italy	Aromas of blue flowers, black-skinned berries, baking spice and Mediterranean herb take shape in the glass. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the approachable palate doles out black cherry, crushed plum, cinnamon and clove while dried mint provides backup. Silky tannins and fresh acidity balance the juicy flavors. Drink through 2018.	91	30	Tuscany	Red Blend
84,161	France	All the restrained nose gives away is a touch of lemon. The palate is similarly lean, with lemon, and a bright frothy mousse on a light, dry body. This is ideal for clean, dry and brisk refreshment. No frills but total freshness and a clean finish that shows the slightly more mellow autolysis.	89	30	Alsace	Sparkling Blend
3,591	France	Soft wine that is now maturing. It is attractive with its red fruits and light tannins. The end is easy and fresh. Not for aging.	86	50	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
111,609	Italy	An inky-black appearance and spicy-savory aromas make this the kind of Brunello you want to drink on a really cold winter night. Tightly concentrated and extracted, with loads of black cherry, leather and tobacco, there are balsam notes too, but delivered in a big, strong fashion. The smooth, silky finish that is not overly dense or intense.	90	50	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
48,643	US	Lots of richness in this dry, minerally Chardonnay. It has forward flavors of peaches, pears, baked green apples and flint, while lots of new oak contributes honey and caramel notes.	90	34	California	Chardonnay
78,781	France	Firm with dark tannins, this is a structured wine. It is still reticent, likely to take several more years to show its fruit. It is dense with the black-plum fruit behind the firm tannins. With all this concentration, expect this wine to need at least until 2024 before drinking.	92	60	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
127,807	US	Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at about half each, this Reserve, which spent 18 months on the lees, is sophisticated, with great depth and complexity, and rich, dense swirls of golden honey and apple.	89	40	California	Sparkling Blend
65,267	US	While initially a bit smoky, or even slightly sulfurous on the nose, time and air restore prettier notes of berry and cherry to this zesty dry rosé. Sprightly and crisp, it offers a refreshingly breezy finish.	86	16	New York	Rosé
53,506	France	A classy, elegant style of Champagne with a tart, steely structure and firm, tight flavors. Very dry and a bit closed down, but the length and concentration suggest some wonderful development ahead. This style of Champagne would benefit from cellaring; at least four or five years would be optimal.	90	30	Champagne	Champagne Blend
62,275	France	Ripe and full of raspberries, this has a structure well cushioned by the ripe texture. The wine is packed with acidity while having a sense of floral, aromatic fruitiness. From four different parcels in premier cru, this seductive wine will also age well. Drink from 2018.	93	113	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
44,790	US	A perennial knockout, this wine continues to impress. The estate-grown grapes are picked specifically to make a bone-dry refreshing palate pleaser that's pretty in pink and orange tones. Tart, crisp and broadly appealing, it's an effortless experience dripping in grapefruit and blood orange.	92	30	California	Rosé
24,886	US	This Chardonnay has fine acidity and even some minerality giving a bracing edge to ripe tropical fruit, peach and citrus flavors. It's heavily oaked, though, and has a soft ripeness that makes the wine almost off dry.	85	19	California	Chardonnay

124,312

US

A tiny-production wine made to honor the legacy of Jimmy Valvano, this Cab is huge, leathery and possibly not for everyone. For those who do like a complexity of funk, this one delivers, with a massive mouthfeel of minerality, finished in black licorice and chocolate.

93

149

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

84,859

US

Featuring a fat, short, ornately dressed holy man on the label, this is one of the most visually compelling brands to hit the market in a while, but the wine inside isn't so exciting. Black fruit and slight licorice show on the nose, with blackberry and cola on the palate.

86

20

California

Red Blend

26,203

France

This wine offers tropical fruit against a background of intense acidity. That makes it fruity, ripe with a tight structure that gives delicious lift and freshness. Drink now.

88

54

Burgundy

Chardonnay

36,470

France

Smooth and soft, this is an easy, very accessible wine. Red fruits touched by pepper and spice are cut by zesty orange and lemon flavors. It has a warm, rounded aftertaste.

85

15

Provence

Rosé

88,428

Spain

Compelling aromas of dry herbs blend with ripe berry, plum and leathery scents. This feels tight, juicy and ripped with raw, hard-pumping acidity. Flavors of currant, plum and cherry run deep, while the finish is presently youthful, grabby and drawing, with a slight note of raisin. Drink through 2032.

93

110

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

103,315

Argentina

Dense and inky on the bouquet, with blueberry as the core fruit aroma and some grass or alfalfa around the edges. Feels blocky and tannic, with sweet, roasted flavors of black fruits that come with a peppery aftertaste. Full on the finish, with coconut and oaky accents.

87

18

Mendoza Province

Malbec

82,045

France

With ripe fruit and caramel aromas, this is a rich wine (40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cinsault). The second rosé of Château Vignelaure, it's full of sunshine, with rich red berry flavors that are given a larger character by the touch of vanilla that makes it food-friendly.

89

14

Provence

Rosé

82,924

US

The scents and flavors carry more than a hint of grassiness, along the lines of Sauvignon Blanc. The high alcohol seems to strip the wine of its flesh. It's full throttle, with the mouthfeel and high-toned bite of a very ripe Viognier. It's definitely not your run-of-the-mill example of Oregon Pinot Gris.

86

26

Oregon

Pinot Gris

61,265

US

A delicious Pinot Noir. Set it beside more expensive bottlings and it stands up well. Silky and rich, with raspberry and cherry purée, cola, sweet vanilla and sandalwood flavors, and a long, spicy finish. Production was 26,000 cases.

87

14

California

Pinot Noir

22,278

US

A balance of blueberry-chiffon ripeness and asphalt tightness is enhanced by spearmint and cola notes on the nose of this blend from eastern Santa Ynez Valley. The palate shows generous black fruit against a restrained tannic frame of tobacco and cedar.

92

75

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

56,975

US

The color of a vibrant sunset, it's composed of 55% Grenache, 39% Mourvèdre, and 6% Cinsault. The lush and layered fruit flavors move from ripe summer strawberries into a mineral-drenched fruit salad.

91

28

Washington

Rosé

117,784

US

This bottling from John Sebastiano Vineyard is a great example of how a light Grenache can entertain needy palates. Sagebrush-laced aromas of wild thyme and tree bark mesh with tart pomegranate, red currant and a touch of red-cherry pie on the nose. The tea-leaf-laced sip shows raspberry, red plum and red apple, which just enough tannic structure.

92

29

California

Grenache

52,577

US

Thin fruit flavors seem overtaken by the barrel flavors. The wine spent nine months in one third new French oak—not excessive by any means, but the fruit just isn't up to it at the moment. More bottle age may bring up the light apple into more substantial focus.

86

45

Oregon

Chardonnay

29,350

Spain

This brut Cava is made entirely from the Xarello grape. It's bready, leesy and yeasty on the nose, with touches of apple and nectarine. A low-verve palate tastes briny, with a hint of lime. On the finish, this tastes like the dust of vitamins.

87

25

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

121,783

US

Zesty limes and lemons shine brightly throughout this brisk, cutting dry Riesling. It's medium bodied in style but a bit demure in concentration and length.

86

12

New York

Riesling

114,272

Italy

This Brunello opens with elegantly on the nose, with small berry, cassis and wild blueberry aromas. Beyond the steady, feminine bouquet is a wine that has power, determination and personality, with savory endnotes of spice and fresh pipe tobacco.

91

79

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

8,633

US

Vanilla and cinnamon notes show some oak influence in this medium-bodied well-made wine that has enough plum and red-cherry flavors to balance out a lightly tannic texture.

86

14

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

126,297

Italy

Wild berry, new leather and thyme are some of the aromas you'll discover in this savory Brunello. The palate doles out juicy black cherry, ripe raspberry, white pepper and tobacco notes, while firm, polished tannins offer support. Drink 2018–2025.

92

80

Tuscany

Sangiovese

10,768

US

This is one of the most forward and accessible of Calera's new releases. It's superrich now in black cherry liqueur, mocha, licorice, bacon and spice flavors, a seductively silky wine that's a total hedonistic pleasure. If you can keep from drinking it now, it should develop well over the next 6–8 years.

93

40

California

Pinot Noir

58,270

Spain

This basic but good wine opens with powerful, dark and brawny berry and rubber-like aromas. The palate feels beefy and broad, with thick, pummeling tannins. Baked black-fruit flavors end short with coffee and bitter chocolate notes.

86

20

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

3,312

Spain

Ginger ale and Sprite are the first things that come to mind when you give it a sniff. The palate shows ripe and sweet orange, tangerine and pink grapefruit, while the back end is lean and citrusy but far short of complex. Good in a standard way.

87

15

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

38,570

Italy

Rina Ianca (a blend of Grillo and Viognier) is a beautiful wine with good complexity and character. The emphasis here is on aromas of peach, almond blossom, white mineral and creamy vanilla and the mouthfeel offers both density and persistency.

87

13

Sicily & Sardinia

White Blend

11,737

US

A light, almost delicate wine, with pretty pear fruit and a hint of sweetness. The balance is just right, and the wine shows some added flair as it wraps into a finish that seems to gather strength while adding floral and lightly honeyed highlights.

89

18

Oregon

Pinot Gris

101,785

Italy

Aromas of pressed rose petal, roasted herb and a funky but not unpleasant trace of game lead the way. The gamey note carries through to the ripe, chewy palate, together with juicy Morello cherry, raspberry compote, mint, clove and mineral while a saline note closes the finish. It's still young and tannic, but shows a certain rustic charm. Drink 2019–2025.

91

75

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

107,300

US

Pineapple appears first on the nose and palate, followed by high-toned acidity and a back-up of lemon and lime. Medium bodied, the wine remains light and crisp throughout, finishing in a swirl of lemon zest and grapefruit pith.

90

17

California

Sauvignon Blanc

35,588

US

This opens with a powerful, sharp and spicy set of aromas mixing dense blackberry and boysenberry fruit with sweet smoke and chocolate-covered raisins. This is a fine effort, with sappy fruit, tart acids, streaks of leaf and vanilla, a burst of tobacco in the mid-palate, and a smooth finish with polish and verve.

91

40

Washington

Syrah

114,219

France

Powerful, with tannins that are seamlessly woven into the fruitiness, this is a rounded, ripe and concentrated wine. The berry fruits and the juicy damsons are as important as the generous, soft texture. The wine will develop over the medium-term; drink from 2017.

92

180

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

111,421

US

A very nice Chardonnay marked by crisp dryness and fine structure, which highlights the pleasant varietal flavors. Offers a nice array of pineapples, peaches, apricots and green apples, accented by the smoky vanilla of oak and grounded in minerals.

87

15

California

Chardonnay

44,955

Italy

Dry and tonic, this has steely bubbles and subtle aromas of crushed stone, citrus and dry hay. Pair this easy with fried finger foods or grilled shrimp appetizers.

85

15

Veneto

Glera

25,226

US

The acidity on this fine wine makes your mouth water, giving a clean bite to the pineapple, orange, sweet cream, honeysuckle and cinnamon-spice flavors. The balance of tartness and sweetness is what makes the wine so appealing.

88

20

California

Pinot Gris

26,657

US

You'll want to age this wine for a good 6–8 years, because right now it's rather tough in tannins, and the fruit and oak have not married. Nonetheless it's quite a good wine. Shows complex layers of blackberries, currants and caramelized oak. Lifts Alexander Valley Cabernet above its usual level into noteworthy.

93

150

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

68,219

US

Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon along with 10% each Merlot and Petit Verdot, this wine displays aromas of dried and fresh herbs, flowers, black tea, dark chocolate and cherry. The fruit and savory flavors are sweet and supple, backed by tightly coiled tannins that need time to unwind.

90

40

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

84,554

Portugal

Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional from two Ramos-Pinto quintas results in a consistently smooth, finely rich wine. It has ripe blackberry fruits that are layered with subtle wood accents and given a great lift by ample acidity. It's a ripe wine, with enough tannins to age for the medium-term, although it can be drunk now.

89

15

Douro

Portuguese Red

124,814

France

A firmly structured wine, dry to the core. The tannins feel extracted, giving some bitterness, yet the fruit shows potential juiciness. While it's always going to be a severe wine, it should be a great food partner.

88

27

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

119,973

Argentina

Black cherry, blackberry and marzipan aromas are full, lusty and inviting. This has a chewy, full-bodied and layered mouthfeel to go with the dark-fruit flavors that are aided by spice notes. A peppery chocolaty finish is solid, ripe and friendly. Drink through 2020.

91

16

Mendoza Province

Malbec

98,022

US

The opening aromas spotlight vanilla and tobacco, with flavors of ripe, chunky red fruits. The 18 months in French oak bring those same accents of vanilla and tobacco into the lingering finish, which comes into focus as the wine breathes.

91

50

Oregon

Pinot Noir

55

US

This shows jelly-like flavors of orange and pear, with some earthy tones. The mouthfeel is soft and there's a bounty of oak in the form of buttered toast and caramel notes.

85

30

California

Chardonnay

62,475

Italy

Scents of white flower and orchard fruit lift from the glass. The bright, straightforward palate offers yellow apple and citrus alongside crisp acidity.

87

19

Northeastern Italy

Chardonnay

71,062

US

Known primarily for Zinfandel, this winery's Petite Sirah is robust and full-bodied. It shows the rustic tannins that characterize the variety, with earthy flavors of blackberries and blueberries. Should develop bottle complexity for many years.

86

25

California

Petite Sirah

31,879

US

Fermentation was done in a mix of stainless steel and French oak, yielding a soft, accessible, lightly spiced wine. Flavors mix notes of fresh cut grass and celery with melony fruit.

87

14

Washington

Sauvignon Blanc

28,163

Italy

Firm and full-bodied, this opens with aromas of mature plum, underbrush, baked earth, vanilla and exotic spice. The high-toned, chewy palate doles out ripe black cherry, raspberry jam, vanilla, mocha, white pepper and mint alongside polished tannins.

90

18

Piedmont

Barbera

73,359

France

This is a fragrant, floral wine, with a smooth touch of vanilla. It has a fruity, ripe feel, and it shows fresh, crisp, apple-like acidity. This is a ready-to-drink, balanced Chardonnay.

86

27

Burgundy

Chardonnay

16,640

US

A skyscraper-sized blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 9% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec, this is a generously structured, tannic and bold expression of plum, leather and pencil lead that leans into gamy, black pepper notes as well. Velvety smooth, it has years to go in the bottle. Cellar through 2025.

93

100

California

Red Blend

62,983

Italy

Prosecco Superiore Dei Casel is a soft, foamy wine with apple mousse, lemon zest and soft layers of peach cobbler. The wine is delicate, elegant and fine.

88

18

Veneto

Glera

9,276

US

Velvety texture underlies dusty tannins and neutral oak in this light and lean wine from a vineyard in the heart of Pinot Noir country. Vanilla and cherry play off each other nicely, finding equal partnership with a buoyant acidity.

86

28

California

Cabernet Franc

119,261

US

A to Z has kept a lid on its pricing, and offers one of the best values in Oregon Pinot Noir. Though very young, this wine is soft and forward, and benefits from its early release. It could almost pass for a cru Beaujolais, from the slightly candied cherry fruit right down to the hints of banana that suggest a certain amount of whole cluster fermentation. In any event, it's fruity, lightly detailed with spice, and quite charming, though not as substantial as its 2006 predecessor.

87

20

Oregon

Pinot Noir

22,237

US

Tastes too over-oaked for what you get. There are modest cherry-berry flavors, but the wine is dominated by smoky char, caramel and butterscotch. Ready now.

84

30

California

Merlot

117,535

US

So sweet and rich in cherry, vanilla and cinnamon spice flavors, what's not to like? It's dry, gentle in tannins and complex. Seems designed for easy pairing with a great steak.

90

65

California

Cabernet Franc

85,421

US

Here's a polished Chard with an elegant balance to a variety that often lacks both. Everything is here, from the ripe tropical fruit and rich oak to the crisp acidity and mineral trimmings, all poised in perfect equilibrium.

90

30

California

Chardonnay

65,984

US

One of Oregon's best-kept secrets is this well-made budget-priced Pinot from Eola Hills. Aged in French and American oak for just under one year, it's labeled as a plain Oregon AVA, but it's 95% Willamette Valley fruit. That brings an extra dimension to the wine, with some tannic muscle and a streak of dried leaf and forest floor flavors along with ripe strawberry fruit.

88

19

Oregon

Pinot Noir

37,257

Italy

This bold, sturdy wine brings together mature plum, black cherry, citrus, blue flower, clove, mocha, black pepper and licorice sensations. The savory palate is supported by a backbone of assertive, drying tannins. You'll also notice the evident alcohol. It's delicious but extremely forward so drink soon for freshness.

88

21

Tuscany

Sangiovese

61,363

Argentina

Resiny, nutty, toasty aromas just barely cut it in terms of drawing you in. The palate on this basic, woody Chardonnay is fine, while resiny white-fruit flavors finish with a forced flavor of vanilla and oak.

83

11

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

30,532

US

Pineapple and peach rise to the fore in this wine, a suggestion of waxy caramel apple lurking. High-toned acidity keeps it structured and clean on the palate, a zesty mix of orange and lemon weaving throughout the soft layers. A richer bite of graham cracker finishes things off.

88

25

California

Chardonnay

36,565

US

A barrel selection from the estate and Shaw vineyards, this spent a couple of years in new French oak. It shows good concentration and oak influence. Cassis fruit is underscored with vivid acidity, and the wine retains its balance through a long finish that offers highlights of smoke and char.

90

55

Washington

Red Blend

29,452

US

Citrusy acidity gives this wine enough balance to give the ripe lemon, lime and guava flavors balance. It's tart yet juicy, with a refreshingly minerality.

85

16

California

Sauvignon Blanc

25,998

US

Vivid flavors and an unusually firm texture make this a bold, structured and noteworthy wine with good potential for mid-term aging. It is dry, has pure raspberry and blackberry on the palate, fine-grained tannins for grip and a lingering finish.

91

31

California

Zinfandel

123,157

France

Dry, yes, but this wine is also soft and ripe. It has an attractive toasty character giving power to the midpalate. It's in the finish that the real acidity and dryness show most.

87

52

Champagne

Champagne Blend

127,517

US

This blend of 87% Grenache, 8% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah is big, bold and robustly flavored, showing its youth. Juicy cherry and licorice flavors are edged in smoke and tannin. The cinnamon-laced finish is soft and long.

90

60

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

75,965

Argentina

Clean and well made, but underwhelming. There's basic blueberry and blackberry flavors riding on a medium-bodied palate, but overall the wine is more generic than specific. It's easygoing and causes no red flags to go up, however at the end of the day it doesn't show much personality.

85

12

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Sauvignon

74,176

Italy

Made from 90% Sangiovese plus other grapes, it opens with subtle aromas of blue flowers, black berries and toasted sensations. The juicy, dense palate offers ripe black cherry and raspberry spiced up with notes of black pepper and clove. Polished and extremely friendly, this is ready to be enjoyed soon.

89

25

Tuscany

Red Blend

74,325

France

A firm and tannic wine, with a hard-edge feel to it. The structure is dry and tough, leaving little room for the fruit, even in the future.

83

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

1,788

US

The vineyard is near if not entirely within the Arroyo Grande Valley appellation, and it shows that region's tannins, acidity and ripe, long hangtime flavors. The balanced 2012 vintage has given it tremendously ripe cherry, raspberry, red currant and cola flavors, yet the wine retains an exciting sense of control and balance. Give it until 2018–2019 in the cellar to gain traction.

91

50

California

Pinot Noir

33,890

France

This ripe, smoky wine is full of black fruits and soft, generous tannins. It is rich, juicy with black plum juice and berry jelly flavors that are still young and fresh. Age this wine until 2017.

89

16

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

48,873

US

A blend of Riesling and Muscat with a pinch of Gewürztraminer, this wine offers vibrant aromas of orange peel, fresh flowers, spice and jasmine that don't entirely meld. It drinks dry with light concentration and a slightly bitter finish.

83

14

Washington

White Blend

58,274

Italy

This Brut Prosecco Superiore shows a tight embroidery of white flower, almond and citrus aromas. The wine is simple and clean on the finish with a drying mineral touch on the close.

86

24

Veneto

Glera

85,487

US

A fabulous bottling from one of West Paso's most beautiful vineyards, this blend of 54% Grenache, 22% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah and 6% Tannat shows aromas of fresh black cherry, dried mint and fudge on the well-integrated nose. Black plum, soy, pencil lead, condensed teriyaki, lilac and violet flavors unfold on the delicious palate.

92

32

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

30,681

US

This sports a smoky aroma, wrapped into tight, tart red fruits. There is an ashy undertone, and somewhat granular tannins.

85

20

Oregon

Pinot Noir

77,715

US

A bit rough and hot, this Syrah has very ripe blackberry, cherry, licorice and Asian spice flavors. Drink it with easy fare, like pizza or burgers.

83

15

California

Syrah

32,532

Spain

Begins with a sweet marshmallow creaminess on the nose, which is followed by a firm, tanninc palate with snappy cherry and raspberry flavors. Clean and easy to understand, but in the end it's a very regular wine.

84

13

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

98,106

US

It's unbelievable that this Chardonnay is unoaked, it's so incredibly rich and creamy. Just packed with layers of tropical fruits, peaches, Asian pears and oatmeal cookies. All that butter and cream must be from the malolactic fermentation and aging on the lees. One of the best unoaked Chardonnays ever.

93

29

California

Chardonnay

17,239

Spain

Cherry, raspberry and spicy oak aromas open this chunky, standard Rioja. Roasted plum and currant flavors turn more oaky on the back side, while the finish feels fresh and tastes lightly spicy.

86

15

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

85,563

Spain

This is a full-force wine with a scratchy bouquet and aromas of herbal fruit, vanilla and burnt stems. It's jumpy in the mouth, and not that smooth, with aggressive tannins and baked flavors of raisin, herbs and burnt fruit. On the finish, there's oaky caramel and chocolate along with heat and stewy notes.

87

73

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

20,971

France

This firm, structured wine is lean and austere. Spice and toast notes dominate, leaving little room for fruit. It's a tough wine to like.

85

20

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

113,596

US

Light in color and texture, with faint mushroom and earth tones and wispy swirls of cherry, this Pinot is silky with perceptible acidity and a finish of spicy mint. It's structured enough in body to pair beautifully with a range of food.

89

44

California

Pinot Noir

57,438

France

This wine is full of smoky tannins and ripe black fruits, with a light touch of acidity. It's dense, structured as befits the vintage, and still has a way to go. Set on the slopes above the river Garonne, this is a seriously improved estate, bought by the Dulon family in 2004. Drink from 2016.

90

45

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

36,777

Italy

This seems very ripe, and offers notes of cooked cherry, backed by loads of exotic spice, cherry cola, prune, plum, crème de cassis and graphite. It exhibits a velvety mouthfeel and pretty good length on the finish.

86

15

Tuscany

Merlot

63,432

US

Roughly half estate-grown Tempranillo, this smooth and deeply-fruited red includes small amounts of 10 other grapes. For all that it's complete, complex and composed, with pomegranate jam, loganberries, polished tannins and prolonged power. Drink now through 2020.

90

18

Oregon

Red Blend

64,157

US

This is one of the harder grapes to tame in California, yet those wanting to walk the razor blade balance between ripeness and freshness should copy this Josh Jensen version. Candied nectarine, white peach, cherimoya and jasmine show on the ripe, honeyed nose, but then the palate restrains that exuberance with chamomile, sour pear peels and sea salt flavors.

92

34

California

Viognier

18,164

US

With a vivid golden color, bold and buttery aromas, and rich, almost nutty flavors, this is a full-bore rendering. It is full bodied and brings out the most flavorful aspects of the grape. The texture is rich and almost thick, and the buttery nuances linger on the finish.

88

15

California

Chardonnay

76,598

Italy

Wines from the Berardenga area in the southern part of the appellation tend to show extracted fruit flavors because of the clay soils and extra heat. Tenuta di Renieri reflects the region, and it offers bright cherry and chocolate notes.

88

20

Tuscany

Sangiovese

6,381

US

This is a smooth-textured, medium-bodied wine that opens with brown sugar and maple aromas, leads to ripe cherry and blackberry flavors and finishes with a hint of sweetness.

86

13

California

Red Blend

62,409

Italy

This offers a base of bright cherry flavor, followed by light tobacco and spice tones. Pair this with grilled lamb chops or roasted pork rolls.

88

16

Tuscany

Sangiovese

40,017

US

The winery aims for Loire valley characteristics in its wines, hence the reference to Côt, as Malbec is known in the region. This is grapy, purple and young. At this point it's difficult to see much else beyond the fruit and lip-sticking acids. It's a good warm-weather quaffing wine, best served slightly chilled.

87

30

Oregon

Malbec

123,374

Italy

Made with Sangiovese and Canaiolo Nero, this charming wine opens with fruity aromas of wild red berry and a whiff of dried herb. The bright, easygoing palate offers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry and clove alongside lithe tannins. It's made for pure drinking pleasure so enjoy soon.

89

14

Tuscany

Red Blend

105,397

US

Bright aromas of pear, peach, baking spice and malolactic notes lead to a sleek yet creamy palate. It loses its rhythm a touch in the middle but comes back together.

89

30

Washington

Chardonnay

101,905

Italy

Purple flowers, ripe berry and tobacco aromas lead the nose on this Sangiovese-based wine. On the smooth, concentrated palate, notes of black pepper, anise and clove accent the core of fleshy black cherry. Velvety tannins provide support. Drink 2016–2020.

89

20

Tuscany

Sangiovese

725

Italy

This has aromas that recall leafy underbrush, sawdust and menthol. The dense, oak-driven palate shows licorice, espresso, toast and a hint of bitter chocolate but the fruit has dried up. It abruptly ends on a green note of powdered sage.

85

80

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

129,317

Italy

Aromas of white spring flower, mint and orchard fruit lead the way. Bright and silky, the refined palate delivers yellow apple, peach and Bartlett pear set against crisp acidity and a refined perlage.

90

50

Veneto

Glera

41,173

Italy

Aromas of blue flowers, black-skinned berries, baking spice and Mediterranean herb take shape in the glass. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the approachable palate doles out black cherry, crushed plum, cinnamon and clove while dried mint provides backup. Silky tannins and fresh acidity balance the juicy flavors. Drink through 2018.

91

30

Tuscany

Red Blend

84,161

France

All the restrained nose gives away is a touch of lemon. The palate is similarly lean, with lemon, and a bright frothy mousse on a light, dry body. This is ideal for clean, dry and brisk refreshment. No frills but total freshness and a clean finish that shows the slightly more mellow autolysis.

89

30

Alsace

Sparkling Blend

3,591

France

Soft wine that is now maturing. It is attractive with its red fruits and light tannins. The end is easy and fresh. Not for aging.

86

50

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

111,609

Italy

An inky-black appearance and spicy-savory aromas make this the kind of Brunello you want to drink on a really cold winter night. Tightly concentrated and extracted, with loads of black cherry, leather and tobacco, there are balsam notes too, but delivered in a big, strong fashion. The smooth, silky finish that is not overly dense or intense.

90

50

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

48,643

US

Lots of richness in this dry, minerally Chardonnay. It has forward flavors of peaches, pears, baked green apples and flint, while lots of new oak contributes honey and caramel notes.

90

34

California

Chardonnay

78,781

France

Firm with dark tannins, this is a structured wine. It is still reticent, likely to take several more years to show its fruit. It is dense with the black-plum fruit behind the firm tannins. With all this concentration, expect this wine to need at least until 2024 before drinking.

92

60

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

127,807

US

Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at about half each, this Reserve, which spent 18 months on the lees, is sophisticated, with great depth and complexity, and rich, dense swirls of golden honey and apple.

89

40

California

Sparkling Blend

65,267

US

While initially a bit smoky, or even slightly sulfurous on the nose, time and air restore prettier notes of berry and cherry to this zesty dry rosé. Sprightly and crisp, it offers a refreshingly breezy finish.

86

16

New York

Rosé

53,506

France

A classy, elegant style of Champagne with a tart, steely structure and firm, tight flavors. Very dry and a bit closed down, but the length and concentration suggest some wonderful development ahead. This style of Champagne would benefit from cellaring; at least four or five years would be optimal.

90

30

Champagne

Champagne Blend

62,275

France

Ripe and full of raspberries, this has a structure well cushioned by the ripe texture. The wine is packed with acidity while having a sense of floral, aromatic fruitiness. From four different parcels in premier cru, this seductive wine will also age well. Drink from 2018.

93

113

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

44,790

US

A perennial knockout, this wine continues to impress. The estate-grown grapes are picked specifically to make a bone-dry refreshing palate pleaser that's pretty in pink and orange tones. Tart, crisp and broadly appealing, it's an effortless experience dripping in grapefruit and blood orange.

92

30

California

Rosé

24,886

US

This Chardonnay has fine acidity and even some minerality giving a bracing edge to ripe tropical fruit, peach and citrus flavors. It's heavily oaked, though, and has a soft ripeness that makes the wine almost off dry.

85

19

California

Chardonnay