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
15,136	US	This celebration of legendary Jerry Lohr's 80th birthday is a winner on all fronts. A zesty, uplifting nose of blackberry, cola, licorice, leather and clay leads into a cohesively woven palate of soy, shiitake dust, roast beef and dark chocolate. The acidity is well-measured, the tannins are chalky and grippy and it's powerful without being flashy.	93	100	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
111,955	Italy	Light bodied and ideal for everyday fare, this has flavors of dried cherry, ground black pepper and a hint of clove. It's simple and easygoing, with soft tannins.	85	19	Veneto	Red Blend
105,710	France	This comes from an underrated appellation, in the shadow of the Corton-Charlemagne vineyard. It's touched lightly by wood aging, showing ripe yellow fruit and a cool streak of minerality. Still young, it's developing well and will be ready to drink from 2018.	92	38	Burgundy	Chardonnay
90,623	US	A spritzy wine, with strongly herbal flavors. There isn't much in the way of fruit, just stems and herbs and chalky tannins.	83	10	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
97,691	US	A pretty purplish pink, this rose shows deep cherry, ripe strawberry and bubblegum-ish notes on the lush nose. The palate is slightly effervescent but with crisper flavors than the nose suggests, offering cherry blossom and steely minerality, finishing crisp and tart.	87	14	California	Rosé
125,304	Italy	This beautiful riserva offers bright aromas of ginger, cola, dried mint, forest berry and cassis. The wine is bright and lively, with dusty tannins and balanced acidity. Overall, the wine shows incredibly clean and polished characteristics that linger long on the palate.	94	58	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
771	US	A beautiful sparkling wine that shows the Iron Horse signature of balanced elegance. The lime, raspberry, vanilla and brioche flavors are rich and intricate, but particularly lovely is the texture, which is soft and silky.	92	40	California	Sparkling Blend
110,512	US	Balanced and graceful, this barrel-fermented gem runs the gamut from apple to pear to peach, all framed with lively acids tasting of citrus and stone. It goes long and deep, with toast and spice beautifully proportioned.	93	28	Oregon	Chardonnay
127,268	US	There's a noticeable stemmy quality on the nose of this incredibly intriguing, almost mysterious wine, with green and pink peppercorns, crushed coffee beans and squeezed blueberry fruit aromas. A woodiness pervades the palate too, where roasted poblano chile meets with smoked cigar, lavender, dried berries and asphalt. It evolves steadily while open, and will drink with fascination 2016–2028.	92	42	California	Syrah
50,075	France	This impressively concentrated wine focuses on the brilliant red fruits that shine through the generous texture. It is ripe, with a streak of fresh acidity at the end to give the essential refreshing aftertaste.	90	30	Provence	Rosé
65,925	US	Fermented and aged in French oak, this is a forward, fruity wine which retains a bit of youthful yeastiness. The principal flavors are creamy banana, buoyed with a splash of fresh lime. It's broad, smooth and immediately enjoyable.	89	35	Oregon	Chardonnay
37,688	US	This has flavors of pineapple, orange and buttered toast, with lots of brisk acidity. It offers the oaky creaminess that many Americans love.	84	18	California	Chardonnay
78,204	US	Consisting of both Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this homegrown effort begins with a suggestion of deli meat and campfire, evocative aromas that persist through on the palate. Toasted oak and a touch of heat follow, buoyed by sizable fists of cinnamon and cherry, finishing in dried herb.	90	125	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
78,591	US	An exemplary rendition of the RR reserve bottling, this vintage is loaded with honey and spice. Smooth, off-dry, complex and full bodied, it's in perfect balance between sweetness and tang, mixing fruit and skin components with that succulence. Lively and energetic, it's delicious now but will benefit from age. Drink through 2030.	93	39	Oregon	Riesling
2,895	France	In this case, Vieilles Vignes (old vines) only means vines over 20 years. The wine is soft, rounded and full of red cherry fruitiness. Judicious wood aging has rounded the wine out while leaving all its fruit intact. It can be drunk now, but will be better from 2016.	86	30	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
86,538	US	A common, rustic wine, okay for drinking with everyday fare. It's sharp in acidity and jammy in fruity raspberries and cherries, with a Beaujolais-like gassiness.	83	9	California	Petite Sirah
4,131	France	Fruity and spicy, this is a finely wrought wine. Structured and concentrated, it will develop well, giving a solid wine with tannins as well as blackberry fruits. Drink this Sébastian and Nicolas Carreau wine from 2019.	90	27	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
11,904	Italy	Intensely floral, this opens with aromas of blue iris, crushed violet, ripe berry and a whiff of baking spice. The elegantly structured palate doles out juicy plum, ripe wild cherry, vanilla, cinnamon and mocha accompanied by fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2021.	92	45	Tuscany	Red Blend
69,352	US	Though a bit sulfury at first, some nice aromas of grilled vegetables come through, followed by cedar chips and dragon fruit. It's fairly one-dimensional in the mouth, though nicely structured, with ripe acidity and gentle tannins. Short, dried-cherry finish. Try with grilled flank steak. Drink now.	86	22	New York	Cabernet Sauvignon
81,212	US	This offers a classic Zin nose, with dried strawberries, plums, white sage, black loam and a minty lift. The palate is juicy but restrained, with ripe olallieberries cut by licorice and tobacco, bound together with considerable grip.	91	36	California	Zinfandel
10,128	Spain	Opaque in color, with blackberry and licorice aromas but also a distinct streak of brambly herbs and green. Later on, pine needle and tartness enter the fray. This is a commendable modern Rioja but it does have a few issues, namely a green herbal component.	86	24	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
19,312	Portugal	This is an immense wine, seriously ageworthy and still very young. It is powered by the dark tannins and concentrated fruits that come from the old vines at this iconic quinta. Dark, brooding, still with its wood aging up front, this needs to age for many years. Drink from 2019.	94	73	Douro	Portuguese Red
18,639	US	This is a rich, oaky Chardonnay, sweet and refined. With ripe orange, tropical fruit, apricot and buttered toast flavors, it rises above mere sweetness with a firm minerality and a fine squirt of lime acidity.	90	65	California	Chardonnay
129,846	US	Simple but meaty, this 100% Merlot has substantial weight in the midpalate. There are plenty of powerful herbal flavors, yet the grapes seem ripe enough, offering prune and cassis and a little pepper from aging in American oak.	86	10	Washington	Merlot
15,438	France	From vines between 20 and 40 years old, this is a ripe, intense wine with great acidity. A good mineral texture enhances the white fruits, apricots and pineapple. The aftertaste is crisp and tight. Keep until 2017 for the wine to be at its best.	90	25	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
65,809	Spain	Blackberry, black currant and toasty oak make for a dark, charred, manly nose. This is full but not heavy, with racy acidity and firm tannins. Blackberry, baked plum and savory flavors finish with notes of prune and leather as well as salted cured meat. Drink through 2022.	92	48	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
94,319	France	This is made in a fruity style, with attractive red-fruit flavors. It is dry and laced with acidity. It has richness, a full body and refreshing final acidity.	85	18	Burgundy	Sparkling Blend
118,382	Argentina	Bland berry aromas precede a pasty feeling, cloying palate with lactic, creamy flavors of oak and generic berry fruits. This is drying on the finish.	83	10	Mendoza Province	Malbec
75,324	US	Whether or not you are inclined toward the grape, this is a must-try bottle. Dry without being austere, it starts with a berry generosity featuring bright, almost hop-driven flavors. It smoothes out with notes of mineral and citrus, and a wonderfully refreshing finish.	90	14	Oregon	Gewürztraminer
124,867	France	Subtle notes of peach rise from the glass and gain full form on the palate where the flavors are boosted by gentle sweetness. The palate is round, fresh and off dry. Drink while aromas are at their peak.	88	16	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
32,763	France	A jammy wine it has ripe red berry fruits, soft tannins and a red plum jelly flavor. It will age quickly, so drink from 2016.	84	19	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
68,979	US	Lengthy in soft tannins, clove and cinnamon, this wine has a handful of Petit Verdot. An herbal underbrush hints at an elegant backbone, despite the huge force of power and weight. It finishes in a flourish of lavender and black licorice.	91	52	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
126,036	US	From the producer's own Kivelstadt Vineyard, this compelling 100% varietal wine is sanguine and meaty. Black olive and black pepper flavors add to the larger savory landscape, bolstered by generous body, tannin and oak. It takes its time unraveling in the glass.	92	45	California	Syrah
15,166	US	Simple, forward flavors of vanilla syrup and fresh-cut tobacco seem to define the Milbrandt lineup. A tart berry flavor and chocolaty tannins make for a supple, flavorful Merlot.	87	15	Washington	Merlot
2,668	US	This Cab Franc is rich and ripe in red and black currants and cherries, with a mocha sweet earthiness leading to sweet oak buttered cinnamon toast and a slight caramelization. It's dry and smooth in tannins. Best of all is an acidity and minerality that lend structure. Drink now–2015.	90	52	California	Cabernet Franc
69,924	US	This sustainably grown Arroyo Seco wine has a very reluctant nose that eventually gives off some red-purple fruits. The palate offers a bit more, with cranberry and some slate.	83	22	California	Pinot Noir
10,028	France	This attractively rounded wine has a fine balance between red fruits and a crisp texture that is lined with vanilla. It is light in the mouth, fruity, fresh at the end and ready to drink.	89	22	Provence	Rosé
22,724	France	Bringing out all the minerality of the chalk soils, this rounded wine is also packed with rich fruits. The wine is just approaching its peak, showing wonderful lemon and white stone fruits.	94	130	Champagne	Chardonnay
49,657	US	Very aromatic for Merlot, with ripe, sugary blackberry and black- cherry aromas. Tastes deeply fruity and sweet, with plenty of berry flavor and a kiss of oak. Not especially complex, but the ripe sweetness and purity make it a very likable wine. Contains 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.	88	16	California	Merlot
125,482	US	In terms of opulence and complexity, this is the least of Lynmar's 2011 Pinot Noirs. But it's all relative, because this is a fantastic wine. Its hallmarks are dryness, moderate alcohol, tart acidity and a silky texture. The sour-cherry candy and persimmon flavors have a mushroomy edge that suggests wild mushroom risotto.	90	45	California	Pinot Noir
115,642	US	A heavier take on this often fresh and light grape, this shows blackberry fruit, roasted game and dark tobacco leaf on the slightly sour nose. Dense and rich with black cherry flavors, the palate is lifted by menthol and white pepper, with cooked beef flavors adding heft.	91	34	California	Barbera
60,257	Spain	Simple peach and melon aromas shine in this unoaked Chardonnay. A light-bodied palate holds apple and stone-fruit flavors before fading in to the short yet clean finish.	87	9	Northern Spain	Chardonnay
61,182	France	Produced from two parcels in Aloxe Corton, this structured wine has red-plum fruitiness that is still masked by a dry tannic coating. It has concentration and good potential. Drink this textured, firm wine from 2018.	90	80	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
22,274	US	This wine, from a new collaboration between San Miguel vintner David DuBois and Santa Ynez winemaker Andres Ibarra, shows excellently on the nose, with apple blossoms, white peach flesh, cold butter, seared lemons and garden herbs. The dynamic, engaging palate is framed by pencil shavings and browned butter, with lemon peels, nectarine flesh and hints of salted pineapple.	92	32	California	Chardonnay
102,005	Spain	Early tobacco and mint aromas quickly yield to mossy black fruit, and in the mouth it's fresh and zesty, with mild green-pepper infused plum and cassis flavors. Quite crisp and lean, with herbal influences showing up at all points. Classic Navarran red wine.	84	13	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
92,487	US	This blend from Matthews is 47% Merlot and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. It's thoroughly New World in style: thick, smoky, tannic and concentrated, with notes of black cherry and cassis at the core.	90	38	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
50,468	Australia	Supple and velvety, with a ripe, creamy texture, this shows textbook Cab flavors: cassis, tobacco and some vanilla from new oak. It deftly avoids the common Barossa problem of excessive size and weight, just could use a touch more persistence on the finish. Imported by AUSA Pacific, LLC.	87	28	South Australia	Cabernet Sauvignon
7,090	Argentina	Aggressive and ultra-bubbly, with gassy apple, pear and pineapple aromas. The palate runs sharp, with green apple controlling the flavor profile. Sudsy and monotone on the finish, with a bland, green-ish aftertaste.	82	15	Mendoza Province	Sparkling Blend
51,634	US	Spicy cardamom is part of the package here, where a robust flavoring of pomegranate and wild strawberry shine brightest. Smooth and tart, this medium-bodied wine is complex in additional elements of freshly tilled soil and black tea.	93	55	California	Pinot Noir
27,109	US	This wine has some pleasant layers of black cherry and tea yet is marred by its unresolve between being thin and overly oaked. The earthiness on display is on the funky side of things.	83	20	California	Pinot Noir
11,901	France	From the northernmost appellation of the Côte de Nuits, this firm and solidly tannic wine comes from one of the vineyards on the list to get Premier Cru approval in the near future. Its tannins are well balanced already with the red-berry fruit and bitter-cherry flavors that are shot through with acidity. Drink from 2018.	92	50	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
3,795	US	This is all estate-grown from the original (2004) planting. Tannins are smooth and the wine has a pleasing chocolate streak upon entry. Peppery and herbal highlights come into play through the finish, which firms up nicely.	88	20	Washington	Syrah
44,922	France	Produced in the Entre-deux-Mers region, this light, fresh wine has young tannins and stalky black-currant flavors. It is crisp with lively acidity and a juicy aftertaste. Give it another few months and drink from late 2016.	85	11	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
70,112	US	Tight and fresh aromas of Asian pear, honeysuckle and key lime pie converge on this sparkler from a new estate in Temecula. The palate shows sliced apples, yellow pears, ripe nectarine, rounder white peach and even creamy cherimoya flavors. Though the region is known more for almond-flavored sparklers, they seem to do regular bubbles well.	89	32	California	Chardonnay
117,505	US	Well-aged and drinking at a peak, this 100% Sangiovese is round and toasty, filled with plush cherry fruit, and just a smidgen of green olive. The barrel aging brings in accents of toasted walnuts through a full, inviting finish.	90	29	Washington	Sangiovese
52,794	Italy	Made by celebrated winemaker Vittorio Fiore, this gorgeous Sangiovese-based wine shows the lavish intensity and creamy consistency of Tuscany's world famous reds. Ripe fruit, cherry and exotic spice would pair with steak, lamb or oven-roasted pasta.	93	65	Tuscany	Sangiovese
4,668	US	A proven success for Tildio, the newest release of Cabernet Franc uses fruit from the exceptional RiverBend vineyard in the Wahluke Slope. It's a delicious mix of wild berry and smoky earth, with dark streaks of licorice and tar adding depth and persistence.	89	30	Washington	Cabernet Franc
10,333	Italy	Aromas of smoky cigar, toasted note and black cherry open the bouquet of this bright expression from Montalcino. The wine shows good density and a tonic, crisp feel on the close.	90	60	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
14,528	France	Honeyed and caramel aromas are followed on the palate by a ripe, rich creamy texture. Yellow fruits are further smoothed by buttery flavors. This is a rounded wine, ready to drink.	85	18	Burgundy	Chardonnay
104,548	US	Softly delicious, this Cabernet is perfect for drinking now. Its blackberry, currant and cocoa flavors are housed in wonderfully ripe, accessible tannins. Shows the elegance of a superior Napa Cab.	91	40	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
117,217	Argentina	A ripe, modern success with everything a fan of New World reds might want. The nose is floral and beautiful, with fine oak scents supporting brilliant raspberry, plum and spice aromas. It's deep, smooth and pressing in the mouth, with a delicious set of blackberry, coconut, vanilla and creamy flavors. A beauty to drink now through 2017.	94	120	Mendoza Province	Red Blend
58,655	US	Lively aromas of lemon and crisp apple contrast with flavors that are buttery and rich. It offers a soft, smooth texture on the palate, while the finish is spiced by nutmeg and vanilla.	89	30	California	Chardonnay
97,131	US	While this Pinot is silky in texture, with pleasant cherry cola and oak flavors, it's a tough wine with a somewhat harsh mouthfeel.	82	15	California	Pinot Noir
56,004	US	A deep color, concentrated fruit aromas, and equally concentrated fruit flavors give a lot of depth to this medium-bodied and lushly textured wine. It smells like black cherries and light baking spices, tastes like rhubarb and raspberry but also has some clove and cedar notes that add complexity. It's an all-around palate-pleaser that seems to keep improving hours after opening.	92	38	California	Pinot Noir
6,062	US	This wine is all from Underwood Mountain and shows perfumed aromas of grape skins, pear and apricot. It drinks medium sweet with abundant stone-fruit flavors.	89	18	Washington	Riesling
43,062	Germany	Sprightly and crisp, with just 7% alcohol, this dainty Riesling is juicy and brisk, with loads of sweet-tart tangerine flavor. Layers of bitter citrus rind and lanolin, along with a steely midpalate, add depth, extending to a long, lemony finish.	90	114	Mosel	Riesling
1,576	France	Beneath the surface tannins is great Merlot fruit, very ripe and full-bodied, a powerhouse of flavors. The depth and complexity of the wine is all there, along with a dark core of dryness. A wine for long-term aging.	96	400	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
77,773	France	Equal proportions of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier make this a well-balanced wine. It is initially soft with a creamy mousse followed by a good tang of acidity to keep it crisp. The apple fruitiness shows a wine from a fine vintage that is still young. Ideally drink from 2018.	91	55	Champagne	Champagne Blend
122,610	Australia	Yellow fruit nuances abound in this slightly sweet-tasting offering from an area better known for growing Cabernet. Pear, pineapple and lemon aromas and flavors predominate, finishing with a bit of heat and slightly rough acids.	84	9	South Australia	Chardonnay
129,524	France	This delicious, opulent Blanc de Blancs emphasizes rich fruit as much as minerality. Full of ripe apple flavor, along with hints of lemon juice and apricot, this has a fine depth of flavor and delivers a fragrant, refreshing finish.	90	55	Champagne	Chardonnay
505	Spain	Full and smoky, with bacon, blackberry and tire rubber on the nose. This is a bit grating in feel due to full tannins and acids, with wild berry flavors, bitter oak, black plum and darkness. Lengthy on the finish.	87	16	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
39,228	Italy	Woodland berry, balsamic herb, tilled soil and eucalyptus aromas lead the nose along with a hint of coffee. The full-bodied palate offers black cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and vanilla alongside enveloping fine-grained tannins. A hint of sage marks the finish. Drink 2019–2025.	89	75	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
109,938	US	Distinctive and precise, this well-priced wine should have a place in your cellar. It captures the specific characteristics—terroir if you will—that distinguish the best Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs: highlights of cola and herb, refreshing minerality, a perfect balance of fruit, acid and tannin, and a riveting liveliness in the mouth. All this without any hint of new oak makes this a winemaking tour de force.	93	38	Oregon	Pinot Noir
45,018	US	High in acidity and well-defined minerality, this wine is also soft and velvety, with a sensibility of crushed rocks and preserved lemon. From a younger block of the famed Ritchie Vineyard, it celebrates youthful playfulness on the palate, with a long-lasting, voluptuous finish.	94	38	California	Chardonnay
120,809	US	Red wine doesn't get much smoother—and values in Pinot Noir don't get much better—than this. The wine has attractive red- and black-cherry aromas, a sense of richness on the palate and a silky mouthfeel that's hard to resist. Subtlety and restraint keep this wine from tiring the taste buds.	90	12	California	Pinot Noir
70,084	US	This is two-thirds Merlot, with a half-dozen other grapes filling in the balance. It's a soft, thick and rich wine that feels and tastes as if it's farther along the aging curve than the vintage would suggest. It's loaded with smooth red and purple fruits, flavors of fig newton cookies, even a bit of tar—all in all a generous wine drinking at or near its flavor peak.	89	14	Washington	Red Blend
5,221	US	This Dundee Hills vineyard really shines in 2012, with multi-layered flavors of sweet, spicy, slightly candied fruits. Kirsch, orange peel, smoke and sandalwood play against each other, with a citrus kick to the underlying acidity. Bright and focused through a long finish, this is one to tuck away for a few years. Drink 2017–2025.	92	48	Oregon	Pinot Noir
30,242	US	Fires on all cylinders, with massive tropical fruit, peach and green apple fruit, enriched with sweet, smoky, vanilla-accented oak. The malolactic fermentation gives it a creamy, buttered-popcorn richness. It's rich and appealing in the modern style.	86	22	California	Chardonnay
70,706	Portugal	Red-berry fruits dominate this still-young wine that has dark tannins and concentration. Spice and wood-aging flavors still show strongly. Drink from 2019.	87	19	Douro	Portuguese Red
121,335	US	The more winemaker Chris Upchurch ups the percentage of Mourvèdre, the more delicious this wine becomes. Now at 50%, it adds a welcome touch of wildness, a hint of garrigue and a whiff of the barnyard. Raspberry, strawberry and cherry fruits, with some wild plum also, lead into a finish with allspice, cinnamon and bacon fat.	91	34	Washington	Red Blend
107,679	US	The King Estate name is intentionally printed upside down on the label, emphasizing the paradoxical nature of the wine, which has been barrel aged. As when oak is applied to Pinot Gris, it mutes the varietal nuances of the grape. So along with tart apple and pear fruit, you'll find a softer palate, with vanilla and buttered nuts in the aftertaste.	90	24	Oregon	Pinot Gris
112,326	France	A faint scent of red cherry greets the nose and also makes a brief appearance on the fresh, clean and rather light body. This is slightly rustic but is honest and straightforward. Drink soon.	86	18	Alsace	Pinot Noir
84,549	US	This smells smoky, meaty and slightly earthy—in an attractive way—and tastes almost as savory as it is fruity. Flavors resemble ripe plums with added cardamom, cinnamon and dried fennel. The texture is ultrasmooth and it seems to melt in the mouth, leaving a soft impression on the finish.	89	13	California	Tempranillo
121,484	US	Good, dry flavors of red cherries, red currants, orange zest, Dr. Pepper and anise in this silky smooth, tart wine. It's a little off in texture, with some minty sharpness, so drink now.	87	38	California	Pinot Noir
89,892	US	Fresh wildflower and pear aromas, with just a hint of yeastiness, introduce a bold, textured palate that's full of flower and stone fruit flavors. Striking acidity drives the long, penetrating finish.	87	18	New York	Riesling
88,956	US	This wine has a compelling earthy funkiness that's both varietal and fun, a tangle of red fruit, sassafras and cardamom that's light and bright. It makes a great companion to food.	90	45	California	Pinot Noir
101,506	Italy	This opens with licorice, chopped herb, eucalyptus and dark spice aromas. The assertive palate offers dried black cherry, coffee bean and sagenotes framed by close-grained tannins.	88	40	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
55,721	US	A blend of five diverse red grapes, this lightly fruity quaffer is almost invisible as far as flavor is concerned. It hits the tongue and vanishes.	80	17	Oregon	Red Blend
89,753	France	On an estate about 10 miles north of Aix-en-Provence, this 32-acre vineyard has produced a pretty, fruity wine. Light and crisp, it is cut by citrus acidity, giving a lift to the lively raspberry fruits.	89	14	Provence	Rosé
56,161	Italy	The nose of this 90% Trebbiano and 10% San Colombano wine suggests dried apricot, chestnut honey and marzipan. Its rich flavors carry over to a sweet, luscious finish.	89	55	Tuscany	White Blend
107,071	US	A simple, sweet wine, with fruit juice flavors of pineapple, peaches, apples and honey.	83	25	California	Chardonnay
54,805	US	Not quite up there with the great '07. More like the ‘06, offering vast, ripe flavors that lack complexity. The pineapple, crème brûlée, apricot, nectarine and honeysuckle flavors taste almost dessert-sweet, accented by caramelized oak.	87	42	California	Viognier
109,077	Italy	Here is a nicely executed Pinot Grigio with a slightly bigger, more succulent style than your standard Pinot Grigio. Mature fruit aromas of peach, honey and melon make for a nice balance against the wine's natural freshness.	87	18	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
86,476	US	Black cherry, chipped slate and cola notes lavish the nose on this top-end bottling of best barrels from the single-vineyard specialist. The palate offers much more depth, with ripe alpine strawberry, black plum skins and blackberry fruit, all seasoned by crushed nutmeg and shaved juniper.	93	80	California	Pinot Noir
99,141	US	Fruity and easy to drink, but not a good representation of this famous mountain vineyard, at this price. The wine is sweet and simple in candied raspberries, blackberries, licorice and milk chocolate. Maybe it was released too early. Try cellaring for a couple years.	86	48	California	Zinfandel
73,586	US	A troubled Pinot Noir. The mouthfeel is all wrong, lacking Pinot's sensuality, but marked by harshness. And the raspberry and cherry flavors have a green, minty edge. Not likely to age, so if you drink it now, give it a good long decant.	85	55	California	Pinot Noir
46,265	Italy	Made entirely with Sangiovese, this easygoing, friendly red opens with aromas of fresh plum and crushed blue flowers. The juicy palate offers up fleshy black cherry, raspberry and a hint of Mediterranean herb alongside round, soft tannins. Enjoy soon.	86	10	Tuscany	Sangiovese
25,979	US	A leathery touch of teriyaki and beef char mesh with violet, blueberry and black cassis aromas on the nose of this bottling from deep in the canyons of this appellation. Dark fruits of blueberry and elderberry hang from a strong, cedar-driven tannic structure spiced with vanilla, maple and clove.	91	38	California	Zinfandel
56,261	Italy	Fruity and smoky, this has muddled aromas of ripe fruit and exotic spice. The palate is bright and intense with fresh acidity and firm tannins.	88	34	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
118,665	US	This wine hails from two fine vineyard sources belonging to the Dutton family—Mill Station Vineyard and Shop Bloc—within the Green Valley AVA embedded within the boundaries of the Russian River. Dry and extracted, it exudes honeysuckle and jasmine around lush layers of lemon, ginger candy and melon.	91	36	California	Chardonnay

15,136

US

This celebration of legendary Jerry Lohr's 80th birthday is a winner on all fronts. A zesty, uplifting nose of blackberry, cola, licorice, leather and clay leads into a cohesively woven palate of soy, shiitake dust, roast beef and dark chocolate. The acidity is well-measured, the tannins are chalky and grippy and it's powerful without being flashy.

93

100

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

111,955

Italy

Light bodied and ideal for everyday fare, this has flavors of dried cherry, ground black pepper and a hint of clove. It's simple and easygoing, with soft tannins.

85

19

Veneto

Red Blend

105,710

France

This comes from an underrated appellation, in the shadow of the Corton-Charlemagne vineyard. It's touched lightly by wood aging, showing ripe yellow fruit and a cool streak of minerality. Still young, it's developing well and will be ready to drink from 2018.

92

38

Burgundy

Chardonnay

90,623

US

A spritzy wine, with strongly herbal flavors. There isn't much in the way of fruit, just stems and herbs and chalky tannins.

83

10

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

97,691

US

A pretty purplish pink, this rose shows deep cherry, ripe strawberry and bubblegum-ish notes on the lush nose. The palate is slightly effervescent but with crisper flavors than the nose suggests, offering cherry blossom and steely minerality, finishing crisp and tart.

87

14

California

Rosé

125,304

Italy

This beautiful riserva offers bright aromas of ginger, cola, dried mint, forest berry and cassis. The wine is bright and lively, with dusty tannins and balanced acidity. Overall, the wine shows incredibly clean and polished characteristics that linger long on the palate.

94

58

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

771

US

A beautiful sparkling wine that shows the Iron Horse signature of balanced elegance. The lime, raspberry, vanilla and brioche flavors are rich and intricate, but particularly lovely is the texture, which is soft and silky.

92

40

California

Sparkling Blend

110,512

US

Balanced and graceful, this barrel-fermented gem runs the gamut from apple to pear to peach, all framed with lively acids tasting of citrus and stone. It goes long and deep, with toast and spice beautifully proportioned.

93

28

Oregon

Chardonnay

127,268

US

There's a noticeable stemmy quality on the nose of this incredibly intriguing, almost mysterious wine, with green and pink peppercorns, crushed coffee beans and squeezed blueberry fruit aromas. A woodiness pervades the palate too, where roasted poblano chile meets with smoked cigar, lavender, dried berries and asphalt. It evolves steadily while open, and will drink with fascination 2016–2028.

92

42

California

Syrah

50,075

France

This impressively concentrated wine focuses on the brilliant red fruits that shine through the generous texture. It is ripe, with a streak of fresh acidity at the end to give the essential refreshing aftertaste.

90

30

Provence

Rosé

65,925

US

Fermented and aged in French oak, this is a forward, fruity wine which retains a bit of youthful yeastiness. The principal flavors are creamy banana, buoyed with a splash of fresh lime. It's broad, smooth and immediately enjoyable.

89

35

Oregon

Chardonnay

37,688

US

This has flavors of pineapple, orange and buttered toast, with lots of brisk acidity. It offers the oaky creaminess that many Americans love.

84

18

California

Chardonnay

78,204

US

Consisting of both Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this homegrown effort begins with a suggestion of deli meat and campfire, evocative aromas that persist through on the palate. Toasted oak and a touch of heat follow, buoyed by sizable fists of cinnamon and cherry, finishing in dried herb.

90

125

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

78,591

US

An exemplary rendition of the RR reserve bottling, this vintage is loaded with honey and spice. Smooth, off-dry, complex and full bodied, it's in perfect balance between sweetness and tang, mixing fruit and skin components with that succulence. Lively and energetic, it's delicious now but will benefit from age. Drink through 2030.

93

39

Oregon

Riesling

2,895

France

In this case, Vieilles Vignes (old vines) only means vines over 20 years. The wine is soft, rounded and full of red cherry fruitiness. Judicious wood aging has rounded the wine out while leaving all its fruit intact. It can be drunk now, but will be better from 2016.

86

30

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

86,538

US

A common, rustic wine, okay for drinking with everyday fare. It's sharp in acidity and jammy in fruity raspberries and cherries, with a Beaujolais-like gassiness.

83

9

California

Petite Sirah

4,131

France

Fruity and spicy, this is a finely wrought wine. Structured and concentrated, it will develop well, giving a solid wine with tannins as well as blackberry fruits. Drink this Sébastian and Nicolas Carreau wine from 2019.

90

27

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

11,904

Italy

Intensely floral, this opens with aromas of blue iris, crushed violet, ripe berry and a whiff of baking spice. The elegantly structured palate doles out juicy plum, ripe wild cherry, vanilla, cinnamon and mocha accompanied by fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2021.

92

45

Tuscany

Red Blend

69,352

US

Though a bit sulfury at first, some nice aromas of grilled vegetables come through, followed by cedar chips and dragon fruit. It's fairly one-dimensional in the mouth, though nicely structured, with ripe acidity and gentle tannins. Short, dried-cherry finish. Try with grilled flank steak. Drink now.

86

22

New York

Cabernet Sauvignon

81,212

US

This offers a classic Zin nose, with dried strawberries, plums, white sage, black loam and a minty lift. The palate is juicy but restrained, with ripe olallieberries cut by licorice and tobacco, bound together with considerable grip.

91

36

California

Zinfandel

10,128

Spain

Opaque in color, with blackberry and licorice aromas but also a distinct streak of brambly herbs and green. Later on, pine needle and tartness enter the fray. This is a commendable modern Rioja but it does have a few issues, namely a green herbal component.

86

24

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

19,312

Portugal

This is an immense wine, seriously ageworthy and still very young. It is powered by the dark tannins and concentrated fruits that come from the old vines at this iconic quinta. Dark, brooding, still with its wood aging up front, this needs to age for many years. Drink from 2019.

94

73

Douro

Portuguese Red

18,639

US

This is a rich, oaky Chardonnay, sweet and refined. With ripe orange, tropical fruit, apricot and buttered toast flavors, it rises above mere sweetness with a firm minerality and a fine squirt of lime acidity.

90

65

California

Chardonnay

129,846

US

Simple but meaty, this 100% Merlot has substantial weight in the midpalate. There are plenty of powerful herbal flavors, yet the grapes seem ripe enough, offering prune and cassis and a little pepper from aging in American oak.

86

10

Washington

Merlot

15,438

France

From vines between 20 and 40 years old, this is a ripe, intense wine with great acidity. A good mineral texture enhances the white fruits, apricots and pineapple. The aftertaste is crisp and tight. Keep until 2017 for the wine to be at its best.

90

25

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

65,809

Spain

Blackberry, black currant and toasty oak make for a dark, charred, manly nose. This is full but not heavy, with racy acidity and firm tannins. Blackberry, baked plum and savory flavors finish with notes of prune and leather as well as salted cured meat. Drink through 2022.

92

48

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

94,319

France

This is made in a fruity style, with attractive red-fruit flavors. It is dry and laced with acidity. It has richness, a full body and refreshing final acidity.

85

18

Burgundy

Sparkling Blend

118,382

Argentina

Bland berry aromas precede a pasty feeling, cloying palate with lactic, creamy flavors of oak and generic berry fruits. This is drying on the finish.

83

10

Mendoza Province

Malbec

75,324

US

Whether or not you are inclined toward the grape, this is a must-try bottle. Dry without being austere, it starts with a berry generosity featuring bright, almost hop-driven flavors. It smoothes out with notes of mineral and citrus, and a wonderfully refreshing finish.

90

14

Oregon

Gewürztraminer

124,867

France

Subtle notes of peach rise from the glass and gain full form on the palate where the flavors are boosted by gentle sweetness. The palate is round, fresh and off dry. Drink while aromas are at their peak.

88

16

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

32,763

France

A jammy wine it has ripe red berry fruits, soft tannins and a red plum jelly flavor. It will age quickly, so drink from 2016.

84

19

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

68,979

US

Lengthy in soft tannins, clove and cinnamon, this wine has a handful of Petit Verdot. An herbal underbrush hints at an elegant backbone, despite the huge force of power and weight. It finishes in a flourish of lavender and black licorice.

91

52

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

126,036

US

From the producer's own Kivelstadt Vineyard, this compelling 100% varietal wine is sanguine and meaty. Black olive and black pepper flavors add to the larger savory landscape, bolstered by generous body, tannin and oak. It takes its time unraveling in the glass.

92

45

California

Syrah

15,166

US

Simple, forward flavors of vanilla syrup and fresh-cut tobacco seem to define the Milbrandt lineup. A tart berry flavor and chocolaty tannins make for a supple, flavorful Merlot.

87

15

Washington

Merlot

2,668

US

This Cab Franc is rich and ripe in red and black currants and cherries, with a mocha sweet earthiness leading to sweet oak buttered cinnamon toast and a slight caramelization. It's dry and smooth in tannins. Best of all is an acidity and minerality that lend structure. Drink now–2015.

90

52

California

Cabernet Franc

69,924

US

This sustainably grown Arroyo Seco wine has a very reluctant nose that eventually gives off some red-purple fruits. The palate offers a bit more, with cranberry and some slate.

83

22

California

Pinot Noir

10,028

France

This attractively rounded wine has a fine balance between red fruits and a crisp texture that is lined with vanilla. It is light in the mouth, fruity, fresh at the end and ready to drink.

89

22

Provence

Rosé

22,724

France

Bringing out all the minerality of the chalk soils, this rounded wine is also packed with rich fruits. The wine is just approaching its peak, showing wonderful lemon and white stone fruits.

94

130

Champagne

Chardonnay

49,657

US

Very aromatic for Merlot, with ripe, sugary blackberry and black- cherry aromas. Tastes deeply fruity and sweet, with plenty of berry flavor and a kiss of oak. Not especially complex, but the ripe sweetness and purity make it a very likable wine. Contains 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

88

16

California

Merlot

125,482

US

In terms of opulence and complexity, this is the least of Lynmar's 2011 Pinot Noirs. But it's all relative, because this is a fantastic wine. Its hallmarks are dryness, moderate alcohol, tart acidity and a silky texture. The sour-cherry candy and persimmon flavors have a mushroomy edge that suggests wild mushroom risotto.

90

45

California

Pinot Noir

115,642

US

A heavier take on this often fresh and light grape, this shows blackberry fruit, roasted game and dark tobacco leaf on the slightly sour nose. Dense and rich with black cherry flavors, the palate is lifted by menthol and white pepper, with cooked beef flavors adding heft.

91

34

California

Barbera

60,257

Spain

Simple peach and melon aromas shine in this unoaked Chardonnay. A light-bodied palate holds apple and stone-fruit flavors before fading in to the short yet clean finish.

87

9

Northern Spain

Chardonnay

61,182

France

Produced from two parcels in Aloxe Corton, this structured wine has red-plum fruitiness that is still masked by a dry tannic coating. It has concentration and good potential. Drink this textured, firm wine from 2018.

90

80

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

22,274

US

This wine, from a new collaboration between San Miguel vintner David DuBois and Santa Ynez winemaker Andres Ibarra, shows excellently on the nose, with apple blossoms, white peach flesh, cold butter, seared lemons and garden herbs. The dynamic, engaging palate is framed by pencil shavings and browned butter, with lemon peels, nectarine flesh and hints of salted pineapple.

92

32

California

Chardonnay

102,005

Spain

Early tobacco and mint aromas quickly yield to mossy black fruit, and in the mouth it's fresh and zesty, with mild green-pepper infused plum and cassis flavors. Quite crisp and lean, with herbal influences showing up at all points. Classic Navarran red wine.

84

13

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

92,487

US

This blend from Matthews is 47% Merlot and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. It's thoroughly New World in style: thick, smoky, tannic and concentrated, with notes of black cherry and cassis at the core.

90

38

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

50,468

Australia

Supple and velvety, with a ripe, creamy texture, this shows textbook Cab flavors: cassis, tobacco and some vanilla from new oak. It deftly avoids the common Barossa problem of excessive size and weight, just could use a touch more persistence on the finish. Imported by AUSA Pacific, LLC.

87

28

South Australia

Cabernet Sauvignon

7,090

Argentina

Aggressive and ultra-bubbly, with gassy apple, pear and pineapple aromas. The palate runs sharp, with green apple controlling the flavor profile. Sudsy and monotone on the finish, with a bland, green-ish aftertaste.

82

15

Mendoza Province

Sparkling Blend

51,634

US

Spicy cardamom is part of the package here, where a robust flavoring of pomegranate and wild strawberry shine brightest. Smooth and tart, this medium-bodied wine is complex in additional elements of freshly tilled soil and black tea.

93

55

California

Pinot Noir

27,109

US

This wine has some pleasant layers of black cherry and tea yet is marred by its unresolve between being thin and overly oaked. The earthiness on display is on the funky side of things.

83

20

California

Pinot Noir

11,901

France

From the northernmost appellation of the Côte de Nuits, this firm and solidly tannic wine comes from one of the vineyards on the list to get Premier Cru approval in the near future. Its tannins are well balanced already with the red-berry fruit and bitter-cherry flavors that are shot through with acidity. Drink from 2018.

92

50

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

3,795

US

This is all estate-grown from the original (2004) planting. Tannins are smooth and the wine has a pleasing chocolate streak upon entry. Peppery and herbal highlights come into play through the finish, which firms up nicely.

88

20

Washington

Syrah

44,922

France

Produced in the Entre-deux-Mers region, this light, fresh wine has young tannins and stalky black-currant flavors. It is crisp with lively acidity and a juicy aftertaste. Give it another few months and drink from late 2016.

85

11

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

70,112

US

Tight and fresh aromas of Asian pear, honeysuckle and key lime pie converge on this sparkler from a new estate in Temecula. The palate shows sliced apples, yellow pears, ripe nectarine, rounder white peach and even creamy cherimoya flavors. Though the region is known more for almond-flavored sparklers, they seem to do regular bubbles well.

89

32

California

Chardonnay

117,505

US

Well-aged and drinking at a peak, this 100% Sangiovese is round and toasty, filled with plush cherry fruit, and just a smidgen of green olive. The barrel aging brings in accents of toasted walnuts through a full, inviting finish.

90

29

Washington

Sangiovese

52,794

Italy

Made by celebrated winemaker Vittorio Fiore, this gorgeous Sangiovese-based wine shows the lavish intensity and creamy consistency of Tuscany's world famous reds. Ripe fruit, cherry and exotic spice would pair with steak, lamb or oven-roasted pasta.

93

65

Tuscany

Sangiovese

4,668

US

A proven success for Tildio, the newest release of Cabernet Franc uses fruit from the exceptional RiverBend vineyard in the Wahluke Slope. It's a delicious mix of wild berry and smoky earth, with dark streaks of licorice and tar adding depth and persistence.

89

30

Washington

Cabernet Franc

10,333

Italy

Aromas of smoky cigar, toasted note and black cherry open the bouquet of this bright expression from Montalcino. The wine shows good density and a tonic, crisp feel on the close.

90

60

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

14,528

France

Honeyed and caramel aromas are followed on the palate by a ripe, rich creamy texture. Yellow fruits are further smoothed by buttery flavors. This is a rounded wine, ready to drink.

85

18

Burgundy

Chardonnay

104,548

US

Softly delicious, this Cabernet is perfect for drinking now. Its blackberry, currant and cocoa flavors are housed in wonderfully ripe, accessible tannins. Shows the elegance of a superior Napa Cab.

91

40

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

117,217

Argentina

A ripe, modern success with everything a fan of New World reds might want. The nose is floral and beautiful, with fine oak scents supporting brilliant raspberry, plum and spice aromas. It's deep, smooth and pressing in the mouth, with a delicious set of blackberry, coconut, vanilla and creamy flavors. A beauty to drink now through 2017.

94

120

Mendoza Province

Red Blend

58,655

US

Lively aromas of lemon and crisp apple contrast with flavors that are buttery and rich. It offers a soft, smooth texture on the palate, while the finish is spiced by nutmeg and vanilla.

89

30

California

Chardonnay

97,131

US

While this Pinot is silky in texture, with pleasant cherry cola and oak flavors, it's a tough wine with a somewhat harsh mouthfeel.

82

15

California

Pinot Noir

56,004

US

A deep color, concentrated fruit aromas, and equally concentrated fruit flavors give a lot of depth to this medium-bodied and lushly textured wine. It smells like black cherries and light baking spices, tastes like rhubarb and raspberry but also has some clove and cedar notes that add complexity. It's an all-around palate-pleaser that seems to keep improving hours after opening.

92

38

California

Pinot Noir

6,062

US

This wine is all from Underwood Mountain and shows perfumed aromas of grape skins, pear and apricot. It drinks medium sweet with abundant stone-fruit flavors.

89

18

Washington

Riesling

43,062

Germany

Sprightly and crisp, with just 7% alcohol, this dainty Riesling is juicy and brisk, with loads of sweet-tart tangerine flavor. Layers of bitter citrus rind and lanolin, along with a steely midpalate, add depth, extending to a long, lemony finish.

90

114

Mosel

Riesling

1,576

France

Beneath the surface tannins is great Merlot fruit, very ripe and full-bodied, a powerhouse of flavors. The depth and complexity of the wine is all there, along with a dark core of dryness. A wine for long-term aging.

96

400

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

77,773

France

Equal proportions of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier make this a well-balanced wine. It is initially soft with a creamy mousse followed by a good tang of acidity to keep it crisp. The apple fruitiness shows a wine from a fine vintage that is still young. Ideally drink from 2018.

91

55

Champagne

Champagne Blend

122,610

Australia

Yellow fruit nuances abound in this slightly sweet-tasting offering from an area better known for growing Cabernet. Pear, pineapple and lemon aromas and flavors predominate, finishing with a bit of heat and slightly rough acids.

84

9

South Australia

Chardonnay

129,524

France

This delicious, opulent Blanc de Blancs emphasizes rich fruit as much as minerality. Full of ripe apple flavor, along with hints of lemon juice and apricot, this has a fine depth of flavor and delivers a fragrant, refreshing finish.

90

55

Champagne

Chardonnay

505

Spain

Full and smoky, with bacon, blackberry and tire rubber on the nose. This is a bit grating in feel due to full tannins and acids, with wild berry flavors, bitter oak, black plum and darkness. Lengthy on the finish.

87

16

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

39,228

Italy

Woodland berry, balsamic herb, tilled soil and eucalyptus aromas lead the nose along with a hint of coffee. The full-bodied palate offers black cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and vanilla alongside enveloping fine-grained tannins. A hint of sage marks the finish. Drink 2019–2025.

89

75

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

109,938

US

Distinctive and precise, this well-priced wine should have a place in your cellar. It captures the specific characteristics—terroir if you will—that distinguish the best Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs: highlights of cola and herb, refreshing minerality, a perfect balance of fruit, acid and tannin, and a riveting liveliness in the mouth. All this without any hint of new oak makes this a winemaking tour de force.

93

38

Oregon

Pinot Noir

45,018

US

High in acidity and well-defined minerality, this wine is also soft and velvety, with a sensibility of crushed rocks and preserved lemon. From a younger block of the famed Ritchie Vineyard, it celebrates youthful playfulness on the palate, with a long-lasting, voluptuous finish.

94

38

California

Chardonnay

120,809

US

Red wine doesn't get much smoother—and values in Pinot Noir don't get much better—than this. The wine has attractive red- and black-cherry aromas, a sense of richness on the palate and a silky mouthfeel that's hard to resist. Subtlety and restraint keep this wine from tiring the taste buds.

90

12

California

Pinot Noir

70,084

US

This is two-thirds Merlot, with a half-dozen other grapes filling in the balance. It's a soft, thick and rich wine that feels and tastes as if it's farther along the aging curve than the vintage would suggest. It's loaded with smooth red and purple fruits, flavors of fig newton cookies, even a bit of tar—all in all a generous wine drinking at or near its flavor peak.

89

14

Washington

Red Blend

5,221

US

This Dundee Hills vineyard really shines in 2012, with multi-layered flavors of sweet, spicy, slightly candied fruits. Kirsch, orange peel, smoke and sandalwood play against each other, with a citrus kick to the underlying acidity. Bright and focused through a long finish, this is one to tuck away for a few years. Drink 2017–2025.

92

48

Oregon

Pinot Noir

30,242

US

Fires on all cylinders, with massive tropical fruit, peach and green apple fruit, enriched with sweet, smoky, vanilla-accented oak. The malolactic fermentation gives it a creamy, buttered-popcorn richness. It's rich and appealing in the modern style.

86

22

California

Chardonnay

70,706

Portugal

Red-berry fruits dominate this still-young wine that has dark tannins and concentration. Spice and wood-aging flavors still show strongly. Drink from 2019.

87

19

Douro

Portuguese Red

121,335

US

The more winemaker Chris Upchurch ups the percentage of Mourvèdre, the more delicious this wine becomes. Now at 50%, it adds a welcome touch of wildness, a hint of garrigue and a whiff of the barnyard. Raspberry, strawberry and cherry fruits, with some wild plum also, lead into a finish with allspice, cinnamon and bacon fat.

91

34

Washington

Red Blend

107,679

US

The King Estate name is intentionally printed upside down on the label, emphasizing the paradoxical nature of the wine, which has been barrel aged. As when oak is applied to Pinot Gris, it mutes the varietal nuances of the grape. So along with tart apple and pear fruit, you'll find a softer palate, with vanilla and buttered nuts in the aftertaste.

90

24

Oregon

Pinot Gris

112,326

France

A faint scent of red cherry greets the nose and also makes a brief appearance on the fresh, clean and rather light body. This is slightly rustic but is honest and straightforward. Drink soon.

86

18

Alsace

Pinot Noir

84,549

US

This smells smoky, meaty and slightly earthy—in an attractive way—and tastes almost as savory as it is fruity. Flavors resemble ripe plums with added cardamom, cinnamon and dried fennel. The texture is ultrasmooth and it seems to melt in the mouth, leaving a soft impression on the finish.

89

13

California

Tempranillo

121,484

US

Good, dry flavors of red cherries, red currants, orange zest, Dr. Pepper and anise in this silky smooth, tart wine. It's a little off in texture, with some minty sharpness, so drink now.

87

38

California

Pinot Noir

89,892

US

Fresh wildflower and pear aromas, with just a hint of yeastiness, introduce a bold, textured palate that's full of flower and stone fruit flavors. Striking acidity drives the long, penetrating finish.

87

18

New York

Riesling

88,956

US

This wine has a compelling earthy funkiness that's both varietal and fun, a tangle of red fruit, sassafras and cardamom that's light and bright. It makes a great companion to food.

90

45

California

Pinot Noir

101,506

Italy

This opens with licorice, chopped herb, eucalyptus and dark spice aromas. The assertive palate offers dried black cherry, coffee bean and sagenotes framed by close-grained tannins.

88

40

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

55,721

US

A blend of five diverse red grapes, this lightly fruity quaffer is almost invisible as far as flavor is concerned. It hits the tongue and vanishes.

80

17

Oregon

Red Blend

89,753

France

On an estate about 10 miles north of Aix-en-Provence, this 32-acre vineyard has produced a pretty, fruity wine. Light and crisp, it is cut by citrus acidity, giving a lift to the lively raspberry fruits.

89

14

Provence

Rosé

56,161

Italy

The nose of this 90% Trebbiano and 10% San Colombano wine suggests dried apricot, chestnut honey and marzipan. Its rich flavors carry over to a sweet, luscious finish.

89

55

Tuscany

White Blend

107,071

US

A simple, sweet wine, with fruit juice flavors of pineapple, peaches, apples and honey.

83

25

California

Chardonnay

54,805

US

Not quite up there with the great '07. More like the ‘06, offering vast, ripe flavors that lack complexity. The pineapple, crème brûlée, apricot, nectarine and honeysuckle flavors taste almost dessert-sweet, accented by caramelized oak.

87

42

California

Viognier

109,077

Italy

Here is a nicely executed Pinot Grigio with a slightly bigger, more succulent style than your standard Pinot Grigio. Mature fruit aromas of peach, honey and melon make for a nice balance against the wine's natural freshness.

87

18

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

86,476

US

Black cherry, chipped slate and cola notes lavish the nose on this top-end bottling of best barrels from the single-vineyard specialist. The palate offers much more depth, with ripe alpine strawberry, black plum skins and blackberry fruit, all seasoned by crushed nutmeg and shaved juniper.

93

80

California

Pinot Noir

99,141

US

Fruity and easy to drink, but not a good representation of this famous mountain vineyard, at this price. The wine is sweet and simple in candied raspberries, blackberries, licorice and milk chocolate. Maybe it was released too early. Try cellaring for a couple years.

86

48

California

Zinfandel

73,586

US

A troubled Pinot Noir. The mouthfeel is all wrong, lacking Pinot's sensuality, but marked by harshness. And the raspberry and cherry flavors have a green, minty edge. Not likely to age, so if you drink it now, give it a good long decant.

85

55

California

Pinot Noir

46,265

Italy

Made entirely with Sangiovese, this easygoing, friendly red opens with aromas of fresh plum and crushed blue flowers. The juicy palate offers up fleshy black cherry, raspberry and a hint of Mediterranean herb alongside round, soft tannins. Enjoy soon.

86

10

Tuscany

Sangiovese

25,979

US

A leathery touch of teriyaki and beef char mesh with violet, blueberry and black cassis aromas on the nose of this bottling from deep in the canyons of this appellation. Dark fruits of blueberry and elderberry hang from a strong, cedar-driven tannic structure spiced with vanilla, maple and clove.

91

38

California

Zinfandel

56,261

Italy

Fruity and smoky, this has muddled aromas of ripe fruit and exotic spice. The palate is bright and intense with fresh acidity and firm tannins.

88

34

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

118,665

US

This wine hails from two fine vineyard sources belonging to the Dutton family—Mill Station Vineyard and Shop Bloc—within the Green Valley AVA embedded within the boundaries of the Russian River. Dry and extracted, it exudes honeysuckle and jasmine around lush layers of lemon, ginger candy and melon.

91

36

California

Chardonnay