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
117,501	US	Tightly wound still, this wine isn't showing much yet beyond ripe cherries, pomegranates and new oak. Firm tannins and crisp acidity provide structure, and the finish is dry and long. But the balance and complexity suggest that this block selection will age well. Hold until 2018.	90	60	California	Pinot Noir
46,205	US	Sangiovese doesn't do well in California as a dry table wine but it makes a pretty good rosé. The grape's naturally high acidity frames its classic cherry flavors, which are deliciously clean and pure in this steel-fermented wine. Best of all, the wine is relatively low in alcohol and dry. Try this polished rosé with sushi.	88	14	California	Sangiovese
37,731	France	Red-berry fruits dominate this already delicious wine. Allied with the acidity and the toasty wood aging, it is balanced while, of course, still young. It has potential, rich with tannins and with fine fruits. The wine is structured, needing time. Drink from 2025.	93	80	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
127,808	US	This is a very rich, elaborate Chardonnay, brimming with ripe tropical fruit, vanilla, buttered toast and butterscotch flavors. Vibrant acidity adds brightness and zest to all the richness.	89	28	California	Chardonnay
116,929	Argentina	Berry aromas turn more jammy and unfocused with airing. An offputting, buttery, creamy palate tastes of stewy, earthy plum and compost, while the finish brings an artificial oak flavor. The blend is 60% Bonarda and 40% Malbec.	81	13	Mendoza Province	Red Blend
48,685	Italy	A 80-20 blend of Cabernet and Corvina (a native grape of northern Italy), this refreshing red wine opens with a lively ruby color and simple aromas of berry fruit and red rose petal. Pair this wine with picnic foods such as grilled sausage or hamburger.	84	20	Northeastern Italy	Red Blend
64,095	US	This rich and full-bodied wine is a great candidate for aging. Stash it away in a cool place until at least 2018 when its slightly rough and drying tannins should begin to mellow and let all the ripe fruit and complex spice flavors come out. It's blended with a touch of Mourvèdre for a spicy, earthy accent.	91	30	California	Syrah
78,831	Italy	Aromas of ripe plum, blue flower, tilled soil, truffle and a whiff of exotic incense lead the nose on this full-bodied wine. The juicy, chewy palate delivers mouthfuls of fleshy wild cherry, crushed black raspberry, baking spice and grilled herb framed in firm, velvety tannins. It's already delicious. Drink 2018–2023.	93	70	Tuscany	Sangiovese
106,447	Italy	If you enjoy a really pungent, intensely grassy Sauvignon, then you'll love this wine, but for many consumers it will be too much. The descriptor “cat pee” may sound unkind, but it's apropos in this case, balanced by passion fruit and a long, lemony finish.	87	38	Northeastern Italy	Sauvignon Blanc
84,316	Spain	Blackberry, cherry and earthy aromas are backed by a secondary wave of oaky char. This is 80% Garnacha and 20% Carignan with raw clamp to the palate created by grabby tannins and tomatoey acidity. Briny raspberry and plum flavors finish with rubbery tannins and related grab. This is a tough wine but one with lots of life and power. Drink through 2019.	88	19	Catalonia	Red Blend
66,992	US	A bit sharp and jammy, like it's fresh from the fermenter. In fact, almost with a nouveau quality. But the blackberry, mulberry and peppery chocolate flavors are savory.	85	13	California	Zinfandel
74,467	US	Lemon and mandarin-orange rinds provide citrus freshness to the nose of this wine, which also shows pear blossom, salted apple slices and a touch of coconut flake. The mouthfeel is creamy and shows a flash of hazelnut, with seared lemon wedges and apple cream rounding out the sip.	91	36	California	Chardonnay
84,216	US	Plump cranberries, anise, charred cinnamon and a touch of a forest floor character hit the nose on this bottling from a longtime regional farming family. It's light but bright on the palate, with Earl Grey tea, chaparral scrub and citrus rind decorating an elegant pomegranate fruit structure.	89	42	California	Pinot Noir
44,123	US	Something about this blush makes you think of warm spring and summer nights, sitting outside with friends. It's dry, crisp and clean, with strawberry, orange rind, vanilla and white pepper flavors.	90	14	California	Rosé
46,475	France	This powerful, perfumed wine shows as much structure as fruit. That gives it a strong presence, solid and dense. Its black plum and damson fruits have richness, spice and intense acidity. With the dark tannins, the wine will certainly age. Drink from 2018.	92	55	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
122,799	US	Camiana has been establishing a real track record with this bottling, and the 2008 is the best yet. It shows the intensity and purity of Howell Mountain fruit, bearing deep flavors of blackberries, blueberries, dark chocolate and currants, with big, firm tannins that are characteristic of the mountain. There's also a softness and a femininity that make the wine drinkable now, but it should easily develop over the next decade, at the very least.	93	75	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
39,789	Spain	This vintage seems to have taken a step forward compared to past years. It's bright pink in color, with tight, salinic aromas of cherry and apple skins. Tastes tangy and crisp, with plum, nectarine and citrus flavors. Real good for the price.	87	9	Northern Spain	Rosé
105,634	Germany	This perfumed, blossomy wine balances rich, ripe yellow cherry and tangerine sweetness against a straight-edged frame of acidity. It's forward and easy, but delicately nuanced, kissed by hints of almond and spice. The finish is moderately long and lip-smacking. Drink now.	89	15	Mosel	Riesling
92,589	France	The most taut and steely of the wines made by Guillaume Vrignaud from Fourchaume fruit, this offers a tight, minerally texture, lively acidity and an apple- and grapefruit-like crispness. With its structure, this has the potential to age for 4–5 years.	90	45	Burgundy	Chardonnay
65,909	US	While intensely peachy and floral, this plump, fruity Gewürztraminer has a lingering trace of earthiness that distracts. Nonetheless, it's buoyant and juicy on the palate, with sunny tangerine acidity that lingers refreshingly.	88	19	New York	Gewürztraminer
63,513	Spain	Yeasty and gaseous at first, then earthy and smoky. The palate is crisp, wet and fresh, with dry plum, cherry and a hint of cooked brown sugar. Finishes solid and sweet, and overall the wine elicits little to no complaints.	86	16	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
91,581	US	Bright aromas of vanilla, toast and wood spice lead to a full-bodied, rich palate. The style gets out in front of the fruit but there's still much to enjoy.	88	30	Washington	Chardonnay
44,332	US	This wine is a blend of Mourvèdre (63%), Grenache (27%) and Syrah. The aromas pop, with notes of freshly ground black pepper, black fruit and herb. The palate is action packed with juicy dark-fruit flavors that stretch out on the finish.	91	39	Washington	Rhône-style Red Blend
18,006	Italy	Nebbiolo from the Serralunga area of the Langhe tends to veer towards bolder concentration, dark color and thicker aromatic intensity. This expression illustrates this trend very nicely and adds its own distinct layers of licorice and tar to the overall picture.	92	31	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
108,697	US	From this winery's young estate vineyard, this displays aromas of crushed rock, plum, raspberries and herbs along with coffee accents. It's rich and concentrated with layers of red and black fruit flavors. A firm squeeze of grainy tannins could use additional time to unwind. It will be best from 2020 to 2025.	92	65	Washington	Syrah
7,821	US	Pure Cabernet Sauvignon, young and fruity, with tart berry and bitter herb. The light but slightly green tannins add some useful counterpoint to the cherry pop fruit, giving the wine a more substantial palate impression and length in the finish.	87	13	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
54,920	US	This wine strikes a balance between crispness and fullness as it offers tart green apple aromas, richer, riper apple and Bosc pear flavors and a texture that's more rounded than sharp.	88	19	California	Sauvignon Blanc
85,517	France	Ripe and spicy, this is an opulent wine, showing great swathes of tropical fruits as well as pepper and just the right amount of acidity. The wine is rich, intense, concentrated and needs to age. Drink from 2016.	90	17	Alsace	Pinot Gris
117,444	Spain	Cedary aromas of wood shavings, sawmill and spiced berry evolve in the glass but hold onto a woody essence. A deep, structured palate deals flavors of wild berry, clove and chocolate, while an additional layer of chocolaty oak rises up on the finish. Drink from 2018–2030.	91	45	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
36,380	US	Tasted shortly after bottling, this needed some airing to blow off the sulfur. Once open it showed itself to be a palate-pleasing, round and spicy wine, elaborating its pear fruit with notes of orange peel and Meyer lemon.	88	20	Oregon	Pinot Gris
89,094	US	This is a nice, smooth Merlot, perfect for everyday drinking. It's dry and rich in tannins, with blackberry, currant, smoked meat and oak flavors.	87	20	California	Merlot
112,536	France	An perfumed wine, this is light and fruity. Bright raspberry flavors are lifted by refreshing acidity and a tang of zesty lemon. A touch of minerality gives texture. Drink now.	88	22	Loire Valley	Rosé
114,410	Spain	An opening of spice, toasted fruit, leather and lemon peel is attractive in the traditional sense. Medium bodied, with tangy red-cherry flavors up front and some citrus in the rear. Finishes light and fresh, with touches of vanilla and fresh-chopped dill. Very drinkable if you like a more classic-style Rioja.	88	24	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
34,270	US	One of the first producers to work with Bucher Vineyard fruit, this shows familiarity and comfort in its ability to coax black cherry, pomegranate and allspice flavors, wrapping them in a voluptuous mouthfeel. Full-bodied and lushly layered, it's lengthy with a touch of smoke.	94	50	California	Pinot Noir
109,971	France	High-altitude (up to 1,800 feet) mainly north-facing vineyards give this wine its intense character. It is crisp, tight, mineral and concentrated. Acidity cuts through, making this wine right for seafood and spicy Asian cooking. The aftertaste continues this fresh, textured character.	92	23	Provence	Rosé
48,078	US	This is a fine Cabernet, with ripe berry, cherry and cola flavors, tinged with smoky oak. The tannins are firm but pliant, making it drinkable now, though it could develop bottle complexity over the years.	88	50	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
41,226	France	This is showing a mature, browning color. The palate echoes that it is just beginning to dry out, although for the next year or two it will still be a delicious, mature wine. The tannins are dark, with some sweetness as well as final acidity.	91	240	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
45,960	US	A majority varietal, this wine also contains Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, combining for a taste of baked blackberry and licorice, the oak subtle in smoke. With a tannic bite on the midpalate, it resolves into smoother, velvety textures on the finish, inviting one in for another try.	90	68	California	Syrah
53,479	Argentina	Aromas of tarry asphalt, hockey puck and pasty oak dominate the creamy berry component. Jammy in feel, it has prune, spiced berry and herbal flavors. On the finish, the tannins are grabby while volume drowns out finesse.	87	65	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Franc
32,995	US	This is the companion wine to the equally-flirty Buxom Blonde White. Here the blend includes Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese. It has substantial scents and flavors of fig and prune, earth and espresso. Done in a dark, soft, ready-to-drink style, it's fine for drinking with any barbequed meats.	85	18	Washington	Red Blend
115,633	US	There's a vibrant purity to this wine with its aromas and flavors of boysenberry, green olive, wet gravel and smoked meat, with the Viognier blended in (8%) only adding to its perfume. It coats the palate with a plush but still light and lively texture backed by a zing of tart acidity.	91	48	Washington	Syrah
84,730	France	This Merlot-dominated blend has resulted in a wine that is both juicy and structured. With its forward flavor of black currant juice, it is surprisingly ready to drink, although the tannins also promise aging. It's ripe and dense, while the final acidity offers a fresh finish	88	37	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
54,289	France	Perfumed wine with some subtle overtones of spice, fresh fruits and acidity. It is a wine that has a rounded texture with just a final seasoning of pepper.	88	18	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
42,994	US	This is a substantial, complete and well-balanced wine with a deep red color and brickish rim. Intensely fruity and spicy aromas incorporate elegant oak nuances, black cherries, nutmeg and cinnamon, leading to generous, ripe flavors and a smooth, velvety texture. It's quite complex and delicious.	93	55	California	Pinot Noir
32,671	US	A solid Pinot Noir, silky and rich in raspberry, cherry and smoky oak flavors. Notable for its silky texture and balancing acidity, it's a lovely wine to drink now and over the next few years.	87	50	California	Pinot Noir
118,881	US	Tart and slender, this is deceptive; at first it seems a little thin, but as it opens in the glass into a succulent, well-defined, racy wine with citrus and peach, mineral and herb. It's not delicate, but its muscularity is concealed behind elegant styling.	90	22	Oregon	Chardonnay
32,138	US	This is a new label for King Vintners, a new division of King Estate. The wine takes an herbal path rather than putting the emphasis on juicy fruit. A phenolic edge frames the finish. Balanced and detailed, it would make a fine accompaniment to herb-grilled chicken.	88	20	Oregon	Pinot Gris
110,684	US	This cuvée is put together from several estate vineyards, most of them marked by low vigor and cool ridge-top climates. The blend shows them all off well. Dark cherry and plum delve into classic earthy forest floor and sautéed mushrooms, the texture soft and silky.	90	55	California	Pinot Noir
79,073	US	This is a big wine from a stellar vineyard in the heart of Oakville, sizable on the palate in billowy tannin, tobacco, black plum and milk chocolate. Full bodied in every way, it has a smooth, velvety nature that should soften further in time, allowing for a finish of compost and tea. Drink now through 2023.	94	175	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
66,290	France	While the tannins are still young, enough fruit gives balance and potential to the wine. It has structure and a dry texture sustained by the black currant fruitiness in the background. Drink from 2017. Joseph Arbo bought the property in 1988 and installed a new winery in 2011.	87	19	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
118,584	US	A twist of clove, fig and chocolate figure into this powerful, concentrated wine, with baked plum, tobacco and maple taking on secondary roles. It's full bodied and thick, so pair appropriately. It finishes in black pepper.	90	45	California	Zinfandel
26,193	US	Cherries jump out at you, a dense compendium of fruit set against iron and earth. The wine is a bit austere, tight; it may need decanting. But it's got good concentration and spice, and flavor that keeps on running through a long finish.	89	39	Oregon	Pinot Noir
9,611	US	Based on Merlot, this Right Bank-style Bordeaux blend has rich, instantly likeable flavors of cherries, currants, cocoa, green olives and violets. New oak plays a prominent role, both in toasty flavors and in wood tannins. The wine feels softly tannic in the mouth, and will be fabulous now with a great steak, but it also will develop over the next 10–12 years.	93	125	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
22,549	US	Tropical-fruit aromas and lavish flavors go well with the richness and full body of this creamy-textured wine blended from Chardonnay, Sémillon and Verdelho grapes. Toasted almond, nutmeg and vanilla all come out on the palate and linger on the finish.	89	22	California	White Blend
79,065	US	This wine is 100% varietal coming from Champoux, Palengat and Wallula Gap vineyards. The aromas bring plenty of appeal, with notes of incense, spice box and dark fruit that lead to full exquisitely balanced dark fruit flavors that show polish, poise and a lengthy finish.	94	140	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
43,781	US	From a vineyard north of St. Helena comes this 100% varietal wine. If you like your Cabs soft, superextracted and direct, you'll love it. The blackberry and cherry flavors are so ripe and sweet, they taste like pie filling. Best now and for a couple years.	87	85	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
28,166	US	Complexity and varietal character come through in this concentrated, well-balanced and smoothly polished wine. It is full bodied and lightly tannic, but so oozing with flavors that it's still easy to sip. The array of black plum, light sage, and black olive flavors is accented with very light oak.	90	10	California	Merlot
4,176	US	The winery's larger-production blend of several vineyard sources, given 20 months in American oak, this wine opens in pungent earth, soy and mushroom, reminiscent of a beef bouillon or beef stew. Big tannins surround the fruit, accented in black licorice and black coffee before finishing lean.	87	38	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
110,442	US	Reductive at first, this wine opens to show aromas of coffee, dried herbs, carob and eucalyptus, with the barrel notes initially taking the lead followed by blue fruit. The fruit flavors are silky in feel with abundant coffee and plum notes backed by rustic tannins.	88	38	Washington	Malbec
47,595	US	The notes of ash, cherry, and plum are faint and soft in feel but it's well priced for the quality and delivers enough tannic heft to live up to its name.	85	10	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
5,152	Spain	A steal for six bucks; the nose is floral and black, but under control. Meanwhile, the palate is bouncy, round and balanced, with juicy black plum and wild berry flavors. Clean and solid.	87	6	Northern Spain	Grenache
101,201	US	This medium-weight Pinot Noir has a whiff of the chicken yard among its aromas, but the well-ripened cherry fruit at the core more than compensates. There's a hint of peach-skin phenolics, and the finish has enough stuffing to keep from fading too quickly. A good sipper for the near term.	87	24	Oregon	Pinot Noir
66,508	France	This wine is tight, crisp with citrus flavors and intense acidity. It is developing into a refreshing, broader wine that will have a riper character. Wait until late 2017.	88	12	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
24,771	US	From the producer's dry-farmed estate vineyard, this elegantly powerful wine opens in cracked black pepper, dried herb and cedar, continuing the peppery theme on the palate. Black cherry and high-toned blackberry combine with the more savory elements, with an overall softness of texture and lengthy finish.	93	38	California	Zinfandel
51,373	US	There's a beautiful wine in here, but it's buried under tannins. Also, the fruit is all primary blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and cherry jam, while the oak stands to the side, insistent in vanilla and toast. Nothing has merged, everything is separated. Yet this is a great wine, easily the greatest Cabernet to emerge from Livermore Valley in memory. Beautiful now, and should develop for a decade.	95	100	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
128,143	US	This is a completely unique wine for the state, one that calls out more to the Loire Valley than to Rattlesnake Hills. Coming in at a cool 12.5% alcohol—in a vintage known for average temperatures—it brings detailed notes of flowers, cigar box, raspberry and moist earth. With nine months of neutral French-oak aging, there's barely a trace of oak influence. It's lighter in style but still brings good depth with a long, flavorful finish. As far from a cocktail wine as you can get; serve this one at the dinner table.	91	22	Washington	Cabernet Franc
117,157	Australia	Already developed, with hints of toast and marmalade on the nose and showing baked apple and citrus flavors on the palate. This plump, medium-bodied Riesling finishes with a touch of honeyed softness, suggesting it should be consumed over the next year.	85	18	South Australia	Riesling
112,513	France	With grapes from 40-year-old vines, this is a dense and concentrated wine. Yellow fruit as well as crisper citrus flavors give a balance between richness and freshness. It has high alcohol that shows in the light pepper edge although this doesn't detract from the fruitiness of the aftertaste. Drink from 2017.	89	25	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
43,199	US	This is a gorgeous Cabernet, but it's pretty young, and while it's delicious now due to the ripe fruit, it really needs time. Wrapped in fresh, tight tannins, it displays powerful red and black currant, blackberry, cherry, chocolate and vanilla oak flavors, and shows the elegant, important mouthfeel of a top Napa Cab. Give it until after 2008, if you can keep your hands off, and will come into its own after 2010.	93	75	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
42,099	France	While this wine is full, it has an indistinct character. A soft texture and only light fruitiness leave a dull impression.	84	13	Burgundy	Chardonnay
14,630	Italy	Aromas of meat juice, scorched earth, grilled herb and dried plum lead the nose. On the rich palate, notes of licorice, dried sage, mocha and orange peel accent the primary flavors of raspberry jam and crushed black cherry. It's balanced with firm tannins.	90	55	Tuscany	Red Blend
80,665	US	Whiffs of herbs and green florals persist from start to finish on this elegant off-dry Riesling. The palate is lush with ripe white-peach flavor, but blossomy and bright with a streak of lemon-lime acidity. Finishes long with a delicately lacy sweetness.	91	20	New York	Riesling
90,111	US	This is a smooth, easy-drinking, chocolaty Cabernet. The ripe red fruit is laced with streaks of black olive, mushroom and loam. Barrel aging in both American and French oak (half new) brings in coffee and chocolate.	88	29	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
8,893	France	All the proper structure of young Gevrey-Chambertin with the addition of rich, generous fruit. The core is of wood and dry fruit tannins, the fruit of rich black plum juice. At this stage, the wine is firm. Give it 5–6 years to open up.	93	224	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
10,595	US	Buttered toast and butterscotch flavors rule in this Chardonnay. The grapes bring ripe, pure flavors of mangoes, pineapples and tangerines. It's delicious, if a bit obvious in its appeals.	87	85	California	Chardonnay
799	France	This 23-acre-estate is situated in the south of the Margaux appellation, close to classed growth Château Giscours. While not classified, it still has the ability to produce a fine ripe wine that also has great structure. Acidity and firm tannins are very present along with concentrated blackberry fruits. Drink this fine wine from 2019.	90	45	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
127,541	US	While plush blackberry, dried fig and cherry aromas are rich and ripe on the nose, this voluptuous Cab is surprisingly structured and taut on the palate. It's rich and luscious in red fruit yet firmly anchored with cranberry acidity and a fine firm fringe of tannins. It's amply lavished in vanilla, spice and toast, but wears these embellishments well.	90	28	New York	Cabernet Sauvignon
24,564	Australia	This light- to medium-weight wine is drinkable now—try it with Coffin Bay oysters if you can—but should also age well for up to 15 years. Notes of citrus, lime and crushed stone are mouthwatering and refreshing.	91	19	South Australia	Riesling
115,901	Italy	Milky chocolate and creamy almond paste open the nose of this ripe and rich Barolo. Shadings of citrus, spice, plum, licorice and root beer add to the complexity. This is a pure, elegant and traditional expression of Nebbiolo that needs another five to 10 years in the cellar.	91	50	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
123,464	US	Penetrating aromatically, spicy and complex, this brings in sharp berry scents, baking chocolate and a streak of herb. It's tight and vertically structured, and once in the mouth it turns a bit hard and unyielding. But it lingers and resonates, improves after being open for several hours, and can be cellared for up to a decade.	91	22	Washington	Merlot
33,261	US	This age-worthy wine smells like the shady side of a mountain, with black olive notes and roasted fennel alongside cedar-spiced strawberries and brambly berries. Both firm tannins and pungent acidity fuel the palate, with cherry, raspberry and slightly bitter espresso. Drink 2020–2025.	92	50	California	Pinot Noir
24,688	Italy	A distinctive mineral vein runs through this crisp white wine from the Cusumano brothers of Sicily. Made in Alcamo, in the southwest part of the Mediterranean island, the wine is fresh, easygoing and offers a touch of piquant spice on the close.	85	10	Sicily & Sardinia	White Blend
87,344	US	The top bottling of the Talley family's second label, this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 17% Petit Verdot and 16% Malbec offers tons of black fruit on the nose as well as fennel, thyme, oregano and a subdued licorice note. The palate puts violet florality together with fresh blackberry fruit, white pepper and a bit of caramel, proving both delicious and elegant.	91	28	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
108,740	Portugal	A rich, ripe, warm wine, smoothed with soft tannins. The open, generous fruit character is given an extra edge with textured wood and acidity. A black, tarry aftertaste adds further complexity.	89	20	Douro	Portuguese Red
96,876	Italy	This shows sophisticated aromas of cured meat, Indian spice and dried tobacco that sit as subtle afterthoughts at the back of the bouquet. The core of the wine is dominated by dark cherry and plum fruit. Firmly structured and still young, the wine needs a few more years to evolve.	91	75	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
85,561	US	This shows the acidity, dryness and body that often mark Merlot from California. The flavors are complex, showing sour cherry and blackberry richness with quite a bit of herbaceousness. Appreciation of this wine demands some participation on the part of the drinker.	87	60	California	Merlot
58,691	Argentina	A little sharp and ringing on the nose, with pine and citrus keeping it ultra fresh. The palate is mildly aggressive and zesty, with herbal raspberry and cherry flavors. With light oak and acidity kicking all the way to the end, this shows the crisp side of Pinot Noir.	84	10	Mendoza Province	Pinot Noir
110,624	US	Unabashedly appealing, this 100% varietal, full-bore wine displays aromas of dark plum, milk chocolate and clove. The flavors are sweet, rich and palate-coating, leading to a persistent finish.	90	36	Washington	Malbec
50,315	US	A cynical take on Pinot Noir offering little in the way of fruit or personality. It's overly oaky and dark in color, perhaps due to the 5% Petit Verdot listed in the blend, and overly ripe on the finish.	83	25	California	Pinot Noir
49,975	US	One of the consistently finest Rieslings from the state, this is technically off dry, but feels dry given its exceptional acidity. Elegant citrus and floral aromas introduce a dense, textural midpalate. A showcase of style and panache, its layered citrus and stone fruits bring both skin and flesh flavors into focus.	93	20	Washington	Riesling
14,442	France	From the plateau that lies between the Loire and Vienne rivers, this is a firm, mineral structured wine. It has power and juicy red fruits that also show dark, dry tannins. It's a concentrated and dense wine for medium-term aging.	91	20	Loire Valley	Cabernet Franc
113,746	Italy	Scents of mature wild berry, fragrant iris, chopped mint and a hint of leather come together on this. The round, no-frills palate offers up dried black cherry, anise and clove alongside mature, loosely knit tannins. It's already extremely accessible.	88	50	Tuscany	Sangiovese
98,655	US	Even before you smell it, you can tell this is a sweetie from the old-gold color and thick texture. Aromas of vanilla custard and crème brûlée, apricot preserves, orange-blossom honey and vanilla. Flavors are extravagantly fruity and sweet, with a honeyed aftertaste that lingers. It could use a bit more acidity to balance out all that sugar.	86	19	California	Riesling
104,539	US	For the second year in a row, Decoy has released one of the best values in Zinfandel of the vintage. This year, Sonoma County is source to the grapes, and the wine shows classic wild berry, cola, anise, pepper and sandalwood flavors. Most remarkable is the tannic structure, which is smooth and distinguished. Easy to find, with 15,000 cases produced.	91	22	California	Zinfandel
64,750	US	Made very much in the modern cult style, this is an enormously rich, soft, immediately delicious wine, with a milk chocolate edge to the blackberry, cherry and new oak flavors. It's not an ager; drink now.	89	60	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
39,842	US	Complexity in terms of both fruit flavors and oak-induced spices make this wine fun to taste. It has light baking-spice aromas, ripe fruit flavors like black cherry, and a lightly tannic texture.	87	11	California	Red Blend
14,627	France	One of the trio of great white wine villages in the Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet makes the most classical wines. This village wine has the best of all worlds with its generous fruit and beautifully taut texture. It's ready to drink but will also age well. Drink now and until 2022.	90	70	Burgundy	Chardonnay
4,121	France	This well-balanced nonvintage Champagne from this major producer in the Aube region is dominated by Pinot Noir, giving rich character and structure. Red apple and ripe melon flavors mean everything is in place, making for a wine that is deliciously ready to drink.	90	49	Champagne	Champagne Blend
31,574	US	Ripe, tropical mango and pineapple tones swirl from nose to palate in this plush, yet elegant Chardonnay. Creamy in texture and lavishly adorned with oak, vanilla and spice, it's a voluptuous wine, with a bold, slightly warming finish.	90	35	New York	Chardonnay
103,801	US	Aromas of smoke and sweet apple introduce an intensely flavored palate that's full of ripe yellow peach, waxy flower and fresh fennel. Off-dry and bold in structure, it finishes with a hint of lanolin and a lingering minerality.	88	16	New York	Riesling

117,501

US

Tightly wound still, this wine isn't showing much yet beyond ripe cherries, pomegranates and new oak. Firm tannins and crisp acidity provide structure, and the finish is dry and long. But the balance and complexity suggest that this block selection will age well. Hold until 2018.

90

60

California

Pinot Noir

46,205

US

Sangiovese doesn't do well in California as a dry table wine but it makes a pretty good rosé. The grape's naturally high acidity frames its classic cherry flavors, which are deliciously clean and pure in this steel-fermented wine. Best of all, the wine is relatively low in alcohol and dry. Try this polished rosé with sushi.

88

14

California

Sangiovese

37,731

France

Red-berry fruits dominate this already delicious wine. Allied with the acidity and the toasty wood aging, it is balanced while, of course, still young. It has potential, rich with tannins and with fine fruits. The wine is structured, needing time. Drink from 2025.

93

80

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

127,808

US

This is a very rich, elaborate Chardonnay, brimming with ripe tropical fruit, vanilla, buttered toast and butterscotch flavors. Vibrant acidity adds brightness and zest to all the richness.

89

28

California

Chardonnay

116,929

Argentina

Berry aromas turn more jammy and unfocused with airing. An offputting, buttery, creamy palate tastes of stewy, earthy plum and compost, while the finish brings an artificial oak flavor. The blend is 60% Bonarda and 40% Malbec.

81

13

Mendoza Province

Red Blend

48,685

Italy

A 80-20 blend of Cabernet and Corvina (a native grape of northern Italy), this refreshing red wine opens with a lively ruby color and simple aromas of berry fruit and red rose petal. Pair this wine with picnic foods such as grilled sausage or hamburger.

84

20

Northeastern Italy

Red Blend

64,095

US

This rich and full-bodied wine is a great candidate for aging. Stash it away in a cool place until at least 2018 when its slightly rough and drying tannins should begin to mellow and let all the ripe fruit and complex spice flavors come out. It's blended with a touch of Mourvèdre for a spicy, earthy accent.

91

30

California

Syrah

78,831

Italy

Aromas of ripe plum, blue flower, tilled soil, truffle and a whiff of exotic incense lead the nose on this full-bodied wine. The juicy, chewy palate delivers mouthfuls of fleshy wild cherry, crushed black raspberry, baking spice and grilled herb framed in firm, velvety tannins. It's already delicious. Drink 2018–2023.

93

70

Tuscany

Sangiovese

106,447

Italy

If you enjoy a really pungent, intensely grassy Sauvignon, then you'll love this wine, but for many consumers it will be too much. The descriptor “cat pee” may sound unkind, but it's apropos in this case, balanced by passion fruit and a long, lemony finish.

87

38

Northeastern Italy

Sauvignon Blanc

84,316

Spain

Blackberry, cherry and earthy aromas are backed by a secondary wave of oaky char. This is 80% Garnacha and 20% Carignan with raw clamp to the palate created by grabby tannins and tomatoey acidity. Briny raspberry and plum flavors finish with rubbery tannins and related grab. This is a tough wine but one with lots of life and power. Drink through 2019.

88

19

Catalonia

Red Blend

66,992

US

A bit sharp and jammy, like it's fresh from the fermenter. In fact, almost with a nouveau quality. But the blackberry, mulberry and peppery chocolate flavors are savory.

85

13

California

Zinfandel

74,467

US

Lemon and mandarin-orange rinds provide citrus freshness to the nose of this wine, which also shows pear blossom, salted apple slices and a touch of coconut flake. The mouthfeel is creamy and shows a flash of hazelnut, with seared lemon wedges and apple cream rounding out the sip.

91

36

California

Chardonnay

84,216

US

Plump cranberries, anise, charred cinnamon and a touch of a forest floor character hit the nose on this bottling from a longtime regional farming family. It's light but bright on the palate, with Earl Grey tea, chaparral scrub and citrus rind decorating an elegant pomegranate fruit structure.

89

42

California

Pinot Noir

44,123

US

Something about this blush makes you think of warm spring and summer nights, sitting outside with friends. It's dry, crisp and clean, with strawberry, orange rind, vanilla and white pepper flavors.

90

14

California

Rosé

46,475

France

This powerful, perfumed wine shows as much structure as fruit. That gives it a strong presence, solid and dense. Its black plum and damson fruits have richness, spice and intense acidity. With the dark tannins, the wine will certainly age. Drink from 2018.

92

55

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

122,799

US

Camiana has been establishing a real track record with this bottling, and the 2008 is the best yet. It shows the intensity and purity of Howell Mountain fruit, bearing deep flavors of blackberries, blueberries, dark chocolate and currants, with big, firm tannins that are characteristic of the mountain. There's also a softness and a femininity that make the wine drinkable now, but it should easily develop over the next decade, at the very least.

93

75

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

39,789

Spain

This vintage seems to have taken a step forward compared to past years. It's bright pink in color, with tight, salinic aromas of cherry and apple skins. Tastes tangy and crisp, with plum, nectarine and citrus flavors. Real good for the price.

87

9

Northern Spain

Rosé

105,634

Germany

This perfumed, blossomy wine balances rich, ripe yellow cherry and tangerine sweetness against a straight-edged frame of acidity. It's forward and easy, but delicately nuanced, kissed by hints of almond and spice. The finish is moderately long and lip-smacking. Drink now.

89

15

Mosel

Riesling

92,589

France

The most taut and steely of the wines made by Guillaume Vrignaud from Fourchaume fruit, this offers a tight, minerally texture, lively acidity and an apple- and grapefruit-like crispness. With its structure, this has the potential to age for 4–5 years.

90

45

Burgundy

Chardonnay

65,909

US

While intensely peachy and floral, this plump, fruity Gewürztraminer has a lingering trace of earthiness that distracts. Nonetheless, it's buoyant and juicy on the palate, with sunny tangerine acidity that lingers refreshingly.

88

19

New York

Gewürztraminer

63,513

Spain

Yeasty and gaseous at first, then earthy and smoky. The palate is crisp, wet and fresh, with dry plum, cherry and a hint of cooked brown sugar. Finishes solid and sweet, and overall the wine elicits little to no complaints.

86

16

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

91,581

US

Bright aromas of vanilla, toast and wood spice lead to a full-bodied, rich palate. The style gets out in front of the fruit but there's still much to enjoy.

88

30

Washington

Chardonnay

44,332

US

This wine is a blend of Mourvèdre (63%), Grenache (27%) and Syrah. The aromas pop, with notes of freshly ground black pepper, black fruit and herb. The palate is action packed with juicy dark-fruit flavors that stretch out on the finish.

91

39

Washington

Rhône-style Red Blend

18,006

Italy

Nebbiolo from the Serralunga area of the Langhe tends to veer towards bolder concentration, dark color and thicker aromatic intensity. This expression illustrates this trend very nicely and adds its own distinct layers of licorice and tar to the overall picture.

92

31

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

108,697

US

From this winery's young estate vineyard, this displays aromas of crushed rock, plum, raspberries and herbs along with coffee accents. It's rich and concentrated with layers of red and black fruit flavors. A firm squeeze of grainy tannins could use additional time to unwind. It will be best from 2020 to 2025.

92

65

Washington

Syrah

7,821

US

Pure Cabernet Sauvignon, young and fruity, with tart berry and bitter herb. The light but slightly green tannins add some useful counterpoint to the cherry pop fruit, giving the wine a more substantial palate impression and length in the finish.

87

13

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

54,920

US

This wine strikes a balance between crispness and fullness as it offers tart green apple aromas, richer, riper apple and Bosc pear flavors and a texture that's more rounded than sharp.

88

19

California

Sauvignon Blanc

85,517

France

Ripe and spicy, this is an opulent wine, showing great swathes of tropical fruits as well as pepper and just the right amount of acidity. The wine is rich, intense, concentrated and needs to age. Drink from 2016.

90

17

Alsace

Pinot Gris

117,444

Spain

Cedary aromas of wood shavings, sawmill and spiced berry evolve in the glass but hold onto a woody essence. A deep, structured palate deals flavors of wild berry, clove and chocolate, while an additional layer of chocolaty oak rises up on the finish. Drink from 2018–2030.

91

45

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

36,380

US

Tasted shortly after bottling, this needed some airing to blow off the sulfur. Once open it showed itself to be a palate-pleasing, round and spicy wine, elaborating its pear fruit with notes of orange peel and Meyer lemon.

88

20

Oregon

Pinot Gris

89,094

US

This is a nice, smooth Merlot, perfect for everyday drinking. It's dry and rich in tannins, with blackberry, currant, smoked meat and oak flavors.

87

20

California

Merlot

112,536

France

An perfumed wine, this is light and fruity. Bright raspberry flavors are lifted by refreshing acidity and a tang of zesty lemon. A touch of minerality gives texture. Drink now.

88

22

Loire Valley

Rosé

114,410

Spain

An opening of spice, toasted fruit, leather and lemon peel is attractive in the traditional sense. Medium bodied, with tangy red-cherry flavors up front and some citrus in the rear. Finishes light and fresh, with touches of vanilla and fresh-chopped dill. Very drinkable if you like a more classic-style Rioja.

88

24

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

34,270

US

One of the first producers to work with Bucher Vineyard fruit, this shows familiarity and comfort in its ability to coax black cherry, pomegranate and allspice flavors, wrapping them in a voluptuous mouthfeel. Full-bodied and lushly layered, it's lengthy with a touch of smoke.

94

50

California

Pinot Noir

109,971

France

High-altitude (up to 1,800 feet) mainly north-facing vineyards give this wine its intense character. It is crisp, tight, mineral and concentrated. Acidity cuts through, making this wine right for seafood and spicy Asian cooking. The aftertaste continues this fresh, textured character.

92

23

Provence

Rosé

48,078

US

This is a fine Cabernet, with ripe berry, cherry and cola flavors, tinged with smoky oak. The tannins are firm but pliant, making it drinkable now, though it could develop bottle complexity over the years.

88

50

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

41,226

France

This is showing a mature, browning color. The palate echoes that it is just beginning to dry out, although for the next year or two it will still be a delicious, mature wine. The tannins are dark, with some sweetness as well as final acidity.

91

240

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

45,960

US

A majority varietal, this wine also contains Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, combining for a taste of baked blackberry and licorice, the oak subtle in smoke. With a tannic bite on the midpalate, it resolves into smoother, velvety textures on the finish, inviting one in for another try.

90

68

California

Syrah

53,479

Argentina

Aromas of tarry asphalt, hockey puck and pasty oak dominate the creamy berry component. Jammy in feel, it has prune, spiced berry and herbal flavors. On the finish, the tannins are grabby while volume drowns out finesse.

87

65

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Franc

32,995

US

This is the companion wine to the equally-flirty Buxom Blonde White. Here the blend includes Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese. It has substantial scents and flavors of fig and prune, earth and espresso. Done in a dark, soft, ready-to-drink style, it's fine for drinking with any barbequed meats.

85

18

Washington

Red Blend

115,633

US

There's a vibrant purity to this wine with its aromas and flavors of boysenberry, green olive, wet gravel and smoked meat, with the Viognier blended in (8%) only adding to its perfume. It coats the palate with a plush but still light and lively texture backed by a zing of tart acidity.

91

48

Washington

Syrah

84,730

France

This Merlot-dominated blend has resulted in a wine that is both juicy and structured. With its forward flavor of black currant juice, it is surprisingly ready to drink, although the tannins also promise aging. It's ripe and dense, while the final acidity offers a fresh finish

88

37

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

54,289

France

Perfumed wine with some subtle overtones of spice, fresh fruits and acidity. It is a wine that has a rounded texture with just a final seasoning of pepper.

88

18

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

42,994

US

This is a substantial, complete and well-balanced wine with a deep red color and brickish rim. Intensely fruity and spicy aromas incorporate elegant oak nuances, black cherries, nutmeg and cinnamon, leading to generous, ripe flavors and a smooth, velvety texture. It's quite complex and delicious.

93

55

California

Pinot Noir

32,671

US

A solid Pinot Noir, silky and rich in raspberry, cherry and smoky oak flavors. Notable for its silky texture and balancing acidity, it's a lovely wine to drink now and over the next few years.

87

50

California

Pinot Noir

118,881

US

Tart and slender, this is deceptive; at first it seems a little thin, but as it opens in the glass into a succulent, well-defined, racy wine with citrus and peach, mineral and herb. It's not delicate, but its muscularity is concealed behind elegant styling.

90

22

Oregon

Chardonnay

32,138

US

This is a new label for King Vintners, a new division of King Estate. The wine takes an herbal path rather than putting the emphasis on juicy fruit. A phenolic edge frames the finish. Balanced and detailed, it would make a fine accompaniment to herb-grilled chicken.

88

20

Oregon

Pinot Gris

110,684

US

This cuvée is put together from several estate vineyards, most of them marked by low vigor and cool ridge-top climates. The blend shows them all off well. Dark cherry and plum delve into classic earthy forest floor and sautéed mushrooms, the texture soft and silky.

90

55

California

Pinot Noir

79,073

US

This is a big wine from a stellar vineyard in the heart of Oakville, sizable on the palate in billowy tannin, tobacco, black plum and milk chocolate. Full bodied in every way, it has a smooth, velvety nature that should soften further in time, allowing for a finish of compost and tea. Drink now through 2023.

94

175

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

66,290

France

While the tannins are still young, enough fruit gives balance and potential to the wine. It has structure and a dry texture sustained by the black currant fruitiness in the background. Drink from 2017. Joseph Arbo bought the property in 1988 and installed a new winery in 2011.

87

19

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

118,584

US

A twist of clove, fig and chocolate figure into this powerful, concentrated wine, with baked plum, tobacco and maple taking on secondary roles. It's full bodied and thick, so pair appropriately. It finishes in black pepper.

90

45

California

Zinfandel

26,193

US

Cherries jump out at you, a dense compendium of fruit set against iron and earth. The wine is a bit austere, tight; it may need decanting. But it's got good concentration and spice, and flavor that keeps on running through a long finish.

89

39

Oregon

Pinot Noir

9,611

US

Based on Merlot, this Right Bank-style Bordeaux blend has rich, instantly likeable flavors of cherries, currants, cocoa, green olives and violets. New oak plays a prominent role, both in toasty flavors and in wood tannins. The wine feels softly tannic in the mouth, and will be fabulous now with a great steak, but it also will develop over the next 10–12 years.

93

125

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

22,549

US

Tropical-fruit aromas and lavish flavors go well with the richness and full body of this creamy-textured wine blended from Chardonnay, Sémillon and Verdelho grapes. Toasted almond, nutmeg and vanilla all come out on the palate and linger on the finish.

89

22

California

White Blend

79,065

US

This wine is 100% varietal coming from Champoux, Palengat and Wallula Gap vineyards. The aromas bring plenty of appeal, with notes of incense, spice box and dark fruit that lead to full exquisitely balanced dark fruit flavors that show polish, poise and a lengthy finish.

94

140

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

43,781

US

From a vineyard north of St. Helena comes this 100% varietal wine. If you like your Cabs soft, superextracted and direct, you'll love it. The blackberry and cherry flavors are so ripe and sweet, they taste like pie filling. Best now and for a couple years.

87

85

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

28,166

US

Complexity and varietal character come through in this concentrated, well-balanced and smoothly polished wine. It is full bodied and lightly tannic, but so oozing with flavors that it's still easy to sip. The array of black plum, light sage, and black olive flavors is accented with very light oak.

90

10

California

Merlot

4,176

US

The winery's larger-production blend of several vineyard sources, given 20 months in American oak, this wine opens in pungent earth, soy and mushroom, reminiscent of a beef bouillon or beef stew. Big tannins surround the fruit, accented in black licorice and black coffee before finishing lean.

87

38

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

110,442

US

Reductive at first, this wine opens to show aromas of coffee, dried herbs, carob and eucalyptus, with the barrel notes initially taking the lead followed by blue fruit. The fruit flavors are silky in feel with abundant coffee and plum notes backed by rustic tannins.

88

38

Washington

Malbec

47,595

US

The notes of ash, cherry, and plum are faint and soft in feel but it's well priced for the quality and delivers enough tannic heft to live up to its name.

85

10

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

5,152

Spain

A steal for six bucks; the nose is floral and black, but under control. Meanwhile, the palate is bouncy, round and balanced, with juicy black plum and wild berry flavors. Clean and solid.

87

6

Northern Spain

Grenache

101,201

US

This medium-weight Pinot Noir has a whiff of the chicken yard among its aromas, but the well-ripened cherry fruit at the core more than compensates. There's a hint of peach-skin phenolics, and the finish has enough stuffing to keep from fading too quickly. A good sipper for the near term.

87

24

Oregon

Pinot Noir

66,508

France

This wine is tight, crisp with citrus flavors and intense acidity. It is developing into a refreshing, broader wine that will have a riper character. Wait until late 2017.

88

12

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

24,771

US

From the producer's dry-farmed estate vineyard, this elegantly powerful wine opens in cracked black pepper, dried herb and cedar, continuing the peppery theme on the palate. Black cherry and high-toned blackberry combine with the more savory elements, with an overall softness of texture and lengthy finish.

93

38

California

Zinfandel

51,373

US

There's a beautiful wine in here, but it's buried under tannins. Also, the fruit is all primary blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and cherry jam, while the oak stands to the side, insistent in vanilla and toast. Nothing has merged, everything is separated. Yet this is a great wine, easily the greatest Cabernet to emerge from Livermore Valley in memory. Beautiful now, and should develop for a decade.

95

100

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

128,143

US

This is a completely unique wine for the state, one that calls out more to the Loire Valley than to Rattlesnake Hills. Coming in at a cool 12.5% alcohol—in a vintage known for average temperatures—it brings detailed notes of flowers, cigar box, raspberry and moist earth. With nine months of neutral French-oak aging, there's barely a trace of oak influence. It's lighter in style but still brings good depth with a long, flavorful finish. As far from a cocktail wine as you can get; serve this one at the dinner table.

91

22

Washington

Cabernet Franc

117,157

Australia

Already developed, with hints of toast and marmalade on the nose and showing baked apple and citrus flavors on the palate. This plump, medium-bodied Riesling finishes with a touch of honeyed softness, suggesting it should be consumed over the next year.

85

18

South Australia

Riesling

112,513

France

With grapes from 40-year-old vines, this is a dense and concentrated wine. Yellow fruit as well as crisper citrus flavors give a balance between richness and freshness. It has high alcohol that shows in the light pepper edge although this doesn't detract from the fruitiness of the aftertaste. Drink from 2017.

89

25

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

43,199

US

This is a gorgeous Cabernet, but it's pretty young, and while it's delicious now due to the ripe fruit, it really needs time. Wrapped in fresh, tight tannins, it displays powerful red and black currant, blackberry, cherry, chocolate and vanilla oak flavors, and shows the elegant, important mouthfeel of a top Napa Cab. Give it until after 2008, if you can keep your hands off, and will come into its own after 2010.

93

75

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

42,099

France

While this wine is full, it has an indistinct character. A soft texture and only light fruitiness leave a dull impression.

84

13

Burgundy

Chardonnay

14,630

Italy

Aromas of meat juice, scorched earth, grilled herb and dried plum lead the nose. On the rich palate, notes of licorice, dried sage, mocha and orange peel accent the primary flavors of raspberry jam and crushed black cherry. It's balanced with firm tannins.

90

55

Tuscany

Red Blend

80,665

US

Whiffs of herbs and green florals persist from start to finish on this elegant off-dry Riesling. The palate is lush with ripe white-peach flavor, but blossomy and bright with a streak of lemon-lime acidity. Finishes long with a delicately lacy sweetness.

91

20

New York

Riesling

90,111

US

This is a smooth, easy-drinking, chocolaty Cabernet. The ripe red fruit is laced with streaks of black olive, mushroom and loam. Barrel aging in both American and French oak (half new) brings in coffee and chocolate.

88

29

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

8,893

France

All the proper structure of young Gevrey-Chambertin with the addition of rich, generous fruit. The core is of wood and dry fruit tannins, the fruit of rich black plum juice. At this stage, the wine is firm. Give it 5–6 years to open up.

93

224

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

10,595

US

Buttered toast and butterscotch flavors rule in this Chardonnay. The grapes bring ripe, pure flavors of mangoes, pineapples and tangerines. It's delicious, if a bit obvious in its appeals.

87

85

California

Chardonnay

799

France

This 23-acre-estate is situated in the south of the Margaux appellation, close to classed growth Château Giscours. While not classified, it still has the ability to produce a fine ripe wine that also has great structure. Acidity and firm tannins are very present along with concentrated blackberry fruits. Drink this fine wine from 2019.

90

45

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

127,541

US

While plush blackberry, dried fig and cherry aromas are rich and ripe on the nose, this voluptuous Cab is surprisingly structured and taut on the palate. It's rich and luscious in red fruit yet firmly anchored with cranberry acidity and a fine firm fringe of tannins. It's amply lavished in vanilla, spice and toast, but wears these embellishments well.

90

28

New York

Cabernet Sauvignon

24,564

Australia

This light- to medium-weight wine is drinkable now—try it with Coffin Bay oysters if you can—but should also age well for up to 15 years. Notes of citrus, lime and crushed stone are mouthwatering and refreshing.

91

19

South Australia

Riesling

115,901

Italy

Milky chocolate and creamy almond paste open the nose of this ripe and rich Barolo. Shadings of citrus, spice, plum, licorice and root beer add to the complexity. This is a pure, elegant and traditional expression of Nebbiolo that needs another five to 10 years in the cellar.

91

50

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

123,464

US

Penetrating aromatically, spicy and complex, this brings in sharp berry scents, baking chocolate and a streak of herb. It's tight and vertically structured, and once in the mouth it turns a bit hard and unyielding. But it lingers and resonates, improves after being open for several hours, and can be cellared for up to a decade.

91

22

Washington

Merlot

33,261

US

This age-worthy wine smells like the shady side of a mountain, with black olive notes and roasted fennel alongside cedar-spiced strawberries and brambly berries. Both firm tannins and pungent acidity fuel the palate, with cherry, raspberry and slightly bitter espresso. Drink 2020–2025.

92

50

California

Pinot Noir

24,688

Italy

A distinctive mineral vein runs through this crisp white wine from the Cusumano brothers of Sicily. Made in Alcamo, in the southwest part of the Mediterranean island, the wine is fresh, easygoing and offers a touch of piquant spice on the close.

85

10

Sicily & Sardinia

White Blend

87,344

US

The top bottling of the Talley family's second label, this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 17% Petit Verdot and 16% Malbec offers tons of black fruit on the nose as well as fennel, thyme, oregano and a subdued licorice note. The palate puts violet florality together with fresh blackberry fruit, white pepper and a bit of caramel, proving both delicious and elegant.

91

28

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

108,740

Portugal

A rich, ripe, warm wine, smoothed with soft tannins. The open, generous fruit character is given an extra edge with textured wood and acidity. A black, tarry aftertaste adds further complexity.

89

20

Douro

Portuguese Red

96,876

Italy

This shows sophisticated aromas of cured meat, Indian spice and dried tobacco that sit as subtle afterthoughts at the back of the bouquet. The core of the wine is dominated by dark cherry and plum fruit. Firmly structured and still young, the wine needs a few more years to evolve.

91

75

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

85,561

US

This shows the acidity, dryness and body that often mark Merlot from California. The flavors are complex, showing sour cherry and blackberry richness with quite a bit of herbaceousness. Appreciation of this wine demands some participation on the part of the drinker.

87

60

California

Merlot

58,691

Argentina

A little sharp and ringing on the nose, with pine and citrus keeping it ultra fresh. The palate is mildly aggressive and zesty, with herbal raspberry and cherry flavors. With light oak and acidity kicking all the way to the end, this shows the crisp side of Pinot Noir.

84

10

Mendoza Province

Pinot Noir

110,624

US

Unabashedly appealing, this 100% varietal, full-bore wine displays aromas of dark plum, milk chocolate and clove. The flavors are sweet, rich and palate-coating, leading to a persistent finish.

90

36

Washington

Malbec

50,315

US

A cynical take on Pinot Noir offering little in the way of fruit or personality. It's overly oaky and dark in color, perhaps due to the 5% Petit Verdot listed in the blend, and overly ripe on the finish.

83

25

California

Pinot Noir

49,975

US

One of the consistently finest Rieslings from the state, this is technically off dry, but feels dry given its exceptional acidity. Elegant citrus and floral aromas introduce a dense, textural midpalate. A showcase of style and panache, its layered citrus and stone fruits bring both skin and flesh flavors into focus.

93

20

Washington

Riesling

14,442

France

From the plateau that lies between the Loire and Vienne rivers, this is a firm, mineral structured wine. It has power and juicy red fruits that also show dark, dry tannins. It's a concentrated and dense wine for medium-term aging.

91

20

Loire Valley

Cabernet Franc

113,746

Italy

Scents of mature wild berry, fragrant iris, chopped mint and a hint of leather come together on this. The round, no-frills palate offers up dried black cherry, anise and clove alongside mature, loosely knit tannins. It's already extremely accessible.

88

50

Tuscany

Sangiovese

98,655

US

Even before you smell it, you can tell this is a sweetie from the old-gold color and thick texture. Aromas of vanilla custard and crème brûlée, apricot preserves, orange-blossom honey and vanilla. Flavors are extravagantly fruity and sweet, with a honeyed aftertaste that lingers. It could use a bit more acidity to balance out all that sugar.

86

19

California

Riesling

104,539

US

For the second year in a row, Decoy has released one of the best values in Zinfandel of the vintage. This year, Sonoma County is source to the grapes, and the wine shows classic wild berry, cola, anise, pepper and sandalwood flavors. Most remarkable is the tannic structure, which is smooth and distinguished. Easy to find, with 15,000 cases produced.

91

22

California

Zinfandel

64,750

US

Made very much in the modern cult style, this is an enormously rich, soft, immediately delicious wine, with a milk chocolate edge to the blackberry, cherry and new oak flavors. It's not an ager; drink now.

89

60

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

39,842

US

Complexity in terms of both fruit flavors and oak-induced spices make this wine fun to taste. It has light baking-spice aromas, ripe fruit flavors like black cherry, and a lightly tannic texture.

87

11

California

Red Blend

14,627

France

One of the trio of great white wine villages in the Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet makes the most classical wines. This village wine has the best of all worlds with its generous fruit and beautifully taut texture. It's ready to drink but will also age well. Drink now and until 2022.

90

70

Burgundy

Chardonnay

4,121

France

This well-balanced nonvintage Champagne from this major producer in the Aube region is dominated by Pinot Noir, giving rich character and structure. Red apple and ripe melon flavors mean everything is in place, making for a wine that is deliciously ready to drink.

90

49

Champagne

Champagne Blend

31,574

US

Ripe, tropical mango and pineapple tones swirl from nose to palate in this plush, yet elegant Chardonnay. Creamy in texture and lavishly adorned with oak, vanilla and spice, it's a voluptuous wine, with a bold, slightly warming finish.

90

35

New York

Chardonnay

103,801

US

Aromas of smoke and sweet apple introduce an intensely flavored palate that's full of ripe yellow peach, waxy flower and fresh fennel. Off-dry and bold in structure, it finishes with a hint of lanolin and a lingering minerality.

88

16

New York

Riesling