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5,364
US
Green melon, lime and lemon flavors ring fresh and pure in this unoaked Chardonnay. It's anchored by a bracing backbone of acidity, but the palate builds in richness and mouthfeel, finishing on a riper, slightly tropical fruit note.
89
16
New York
Chardonnay
45,635
US
This is 100% single vineyard Merlot; broad, beautifully integrated, with seamless black fruits, streaks of coffee and smoke, and black pepper spice. A powerful Merlot with muscle and verve, it finishes smooth and lightly tasting of chocolate.
91
75
Washington
Merlot
57,004
US
Very ripe and bright in acidity, with clean, vibrant flavors of Meyer lemon custard, Key lime pie, vanilla sorbet and crème brûlée flavors. Could be more elegant, but it's certainly not shy.
88
14
California
Chardonnay
11,925
US
Intensely dense and feral, this wine opens with a thicket of tart cherry and strawberry, followed by leathery black pepper and lavender. Medium in body and acidity, it works for the table, finding balance as it goes, before a rich taste of toffee finishes things off.
92
50
California
Zinfandel
94,133
France
Made from grapes sourced from vines planted in 1902, this is a huge, powerful, minerally wine. It's currently tight as a drum, with solid tannins and great density that pair with ripe plum and wood flavors. The acidity that appears on the finish promises long-term aging.
94
365
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
20,694
US
Light notes of pomegranate and hibiscus intertwine with Earl Grey tea and lavender on the nose of this wine from one of the region's most famous producers. There's lots of California chaparral spice on the nose, with aniseed, wild fennel and a cinnamon character decorating the cranberry, pomegranate and light strawberry flavors.
92
58
California
Pinot Noir
97,343
US
The color is a bit murky, but the wine offers sound, solid varietal aromas and plenty of sweet fruit. It's definitely front-loaded, with sweet cherry/berry and a nicely managed finish with a lick of chocolate. It shows the California influence of the winemaker, who is based in Santa Rosa.
88
39
Oregon
Pinot Noir
46,888
France
This ripe wine with its red fruits and well-balanced texture is beautifully ready to drink, with just the right crisp acidity to balance the soft richness. There is no sign yet of maturity, the fruit from this great vintage showing at its perfumed best. Drink the wine now.
94
130
Champagne
Champagne Blend
55,598
US
The Stillwater Creek vineyard bottling of Novelty Hill Syrah shows a bit more concentration than its sibling in 2011, with whiffs of pepper, earth, soy and umami. There's a saline character as well, reflective of the mineral-rich soil, and a pleasant taste of toast in the tannins.
88
28
Washington
Syrah
72,677
US
Reductive on first pour, this wine opens to display aromas of freshly sliced red apple and melon. It drinks a hair off dry, with a fleshy, full feel.
86
16
Washington
Pinot Grigio
68,145
US
A vineyard along the Silverado Trail in Napa, not far from the winery, Grande was planted in 1920 and is still farmed by the original farmer's family, Dorothy and Tony Rossi. Here, it offers structure and elegance despite a brooding weight and power, the flavors leaning toward blackberry and licorice.
94
50
California
Zinfandel
32,659
US
The blend includes 6% Syrah, and the wine has a pretty plum and blueberry color, that (perhaps by the power of suggestion) carries through into the aromas. It's tight, tart, and clean, offering a mix of berry fruits and a finish lined with vanilla and tobacco. Overall the balance is excellent, the wine juicy and fresh, and the blend just about perfect.
87
8
Washington
Merlot
59,105
US
This is a rich, well-structured Cabernet, but such are the tannins that it needs time in the cellar. The cool vintage was kind to the Calistoga fruit, keeping the alcohol modest and the tannins hefty, while allowing the grapes to develop intense flavors of blackberry and black currant. Give it 6–8 years in a good cellar.
92
32
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
117,560
US
The oak (40% new Hungarian and American) brings a sense of spiciness to the aromas, which also display notes of dill and plum. Flavors show weight and intensity, with citric acidity drawing out the finish.
88
38
Washington
Malbec
73,494
France
With its 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a wine that is structured while marked with intense black currants. It has firm tannins and just a touch of wood. It is classic upright Bordeaux with its fine acidity and dry tannins. It will need to age, drink from 2024.
94
160
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
42,477
US
Following in the wake of the marvelously ripe 2009 Tendril, this does not carry the same weight and authority. It's well made and accurately reflects the cooler, difficult vintage. Strawberry fruit is lightly coated in chocolaty tannins; the wine remains firm and compact, with medium body and balance throughout.
89
48
Oregon
Pinot Noir
52,573
Italy
A 50-50 blend of Inzolia and Chardonnay, this has pleasant aromas of yellow flower and a whiff of tropical fruit. The fresh, simple palate shows white peach and citrus while bright acidity gives it a clean finish.
86
13
Sicily & Sardinia
White Blend
122,006
Italy
This Pinot Grigio offers aromas of fragrant white flower and citrus zest. Its linear, elegant palate shows tangerine, pear, lemon drop and a hint of crystallized ginger alongside bright acidity.
90
20
Northeastern Italy
Pinot Grigio
30,500
US
This is the definition of a lovely Russian River Pinot that's ready to drink soon. It's silky in the mouth, with light tannins and brisk acidity framing savory flavors of raspberries, cola and toast. A rich streak of mushroomy earthiness adds to the attraction.
90
56
California
Pinot Noir
20,860
France
The wine is soft, round and full in the mouth, with balance between fresh citrus and ripe melon and pear fruits. The acidity gives a great lift, adding to the steely texture and final burst of fruit.
86
21
Alsace
Sparkling Blend
15,005
US
This is a complex, muscular wine, with good aging potential. The nose carries a whiff of animal (in a good way) and the black fruits are buoyed with generous acidity. Drink 2020–2028.
91
70
Oregon
Pinot Noir
103,289
US
Well made and muscular, this compact effort brings black fruit, black olive, black licorice and espresso flavors together in a balanced and strikingly complex Syrah. The blend includes small amounts of Cabernet, Lemberger, Sangiovese and Merlot—unusual, but it works.
90
16
Washington
Syrah
31,221
Italy
Savory and refreshing, this Prosecco is made using the traditional method of refermenting in the bottle. It offers tart green apple and baked vanilla cookie aromas that carry over to the palate along with bright citrus notes. It's nicely balanced with brisk acidity and small, persistent bubbles.
90
48
Veneto
Glera
31,713
France
Soft, juicy and fruity, relatively light in character. The tannins are fresh, supporting black currant and fresh, juicy fruit flavors. It's easy and open, developing well, but quickly.
88
40
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
125,843
US
This is Rochioli's estate Pinot—without a vineyard designation. It's a fabulous wine, showing the winery's signature power, complexity and balance. The flavors are rich, with notes of red berries, persimmons, red currants, bacon and cola. Absolutely delicious now, and it should gain traction and change interestingly over 6–8 years.
95
75
California
Pinot Noir
96,973
France
Crisp apple aromas lead to a spicy, yellow and melon-flavored wine. With its touches of vanilla and warm, ripe character, the wine is full and generous. Drink now.
87
18
Burgundy
Chardonnay
84,256
Italy
This gorgeous sparkler offers enticing scents of white stone fruit and spring flower. Vibrant and silky, the smooth elegant, palate delivers crisp apple, creamy white peach and juicy nectarine set against bright acidity and an ultrarefined perlage.
93
42
Veneto
Glera
122,584
US
This 100% varietal wine comes from Dineen, Seven Hills, StoneTree and Olsen vineyards. The aromas are reserved, showing abundant savory notes along with a kiss of oak spice. The palate is elegant and soft, leaning into the variety's savory side, with smoky notes on the finish.
89
35
Washington
Cabernet Franc
124,458
US
Pretty good wine for the price. Semi-sweet flavors of apricots, citrus fruits and spices are balanced with crisp, Central Coast acidity.
83
7
California
Sauvignon Blanc
82,977
US
From an estate vineyard, this wine is robust, full-bodied and viscous, with an underlying hint of petrol and plenty of oak. There's a tartness behind its flavors that gives it a lift as it finds its way to the finish.
86
26
California
Chardonnay
16,413
France
This bright wine has red fruits, citrus and a light minerality, finishing crisply. Wait until late 2014 for it to open up.
87
18
Provence
Rosé
110,435
France
From vineyards near Bandol, close to the Mediterranean coast, this full and fruity wine has a lighter side with its fresh acidity. Red berry flavors are cut with a lemon zest texture, the aftertaste bright and refreshing with its acidity. The blend is 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Carignan, 10% Rolle and 2% Ugni Blanc.
88
12
Provence
Rosé
6,913
US
Four clones, aged in 50% new French oak, constitute the heart and soul of this outstanding reserve. Redolent with a fertile mix of moist earth, compost, tobacco and floral highlights, it fills the mouth with a rich and seamless mix of plums, baked cherries and barrel notes. It leaves a tantalizing trail of mocha, toasted hazelnuts and caramel as it winds dreamily through a lingering finish.
93
35
Oregon
Pinot Noir
58,688
Argentina
A little sharp and unfocused on the nose, but the palate is simple and juicy, with tangy red-fruit flavors backed by good acidity and solid tannins. Overall it's healthy and ready but sorely missing that one key ingredient: finesse.
84
12
Mendoza Province
Malbec
16,491
US
A successful exploration of how Chardonnay can be both sharp with green fruit yet full in body, this bottling offers just-cut kiwi, crisp Asian and Anjou pear, lemon wedges and underripe mandarin on the chalky nose. A strong simmering acidity and intriguing texturality present flavors of lemongrass and green-apple flesh, with tangy lime pith in the background. Drink now while fresh.
93
34
California
Chardonnay
129,732
US
This wine brings crystal clear aromas of candy corn, summer squash, clarified butter, spice and whiffs of tropical fruit. The palate is elegant in style, showing nuance and detail to the straw flavors that lead to a warm finish.
90
40
Washington
Chardonnay
73,774
US
An intriguing blend of 40% Pinot Grigio, 40% Vermentino and 20% Viognier, this shows rounded nectarine, white peach, red apple, lime peel and lemon bars on the nose. It's quite crisp and dry on the palate, with chalky texture and lots of citrus, from mandarin orange pith to lime juice.
89
32
California
White Blend
61,613
France
Grape growers since the end of the 18th century, the Dautel and Cadot families are based in the Aube area of Champagne. The family began making their own Champagne in 1971; now Sylvain Dautel works the vineyard by hand and makes the wine for this small maison. Full-bodied, this has touches of toast from the five years bottle age. The rich fruit also allows plenty of tight acidity into the mix. Drink this mature, well-balanced wine now.
90
75
Champagne
Champagne Blend
45,909
France
The nose suggests ripe, bruised apples and a touch of apple crumble, while the palate also has a mellow aspect, helped along by a little residual sugar to make this wine off dry. Sufficient freshness balances things out but the overall impression is one of rounded mellowness. Lemon becomes apparent on the finish.
89
19
Alsace
Riesling
87,230
US
Light in the glass with shy aromas of red berries and a touch of anise, this wine is soft and earthy on the palate. An energy emerges around mid-sip, with sour cherries and juniper elements beginning to show by the finish.
85
30
California
Pinot Noir
125,149
US
Bone dry and hard in acidity, this is an austere Chardonnay that lacks richness, and hopes to trade on elegance. It has modest pineapple flavors, touched with smoky oak and lees. Defines a low-alcohol, minerally approach. Drink now.
86
24
California
Chardonnay
129,656
US
Soft, smooth and ripe, this wine has a sure-fire crowd-pleasing style. It's bursting with flavors of banana, papaya and pear, with just enough acidity to keep it from turning flabby. Put a little chill on it and drink soon.
90
24
Washington
Chardonnay
9,553
US
This is a wildly exotic wine, vibrantly abuzz in cranberry, pomegranate and rhubarb, a side note of barnyard-like earth and pretty rose petal. Tight-grained acidity remains firm in the glass and supportive of a grittiness of texture, notes of clove and black tea spiked throughout.
93
45
California
Pinot Noir
32,270
US
Weighty and creamy in rich tones of just-picked pineapple and Key lime, this is round and expansive on the palate, with undertones of earth and herb. Complex layers of apple and almond interplay, before a finish of honey and spice lingers.
93
55
California
Chardonnay
119,344
US
A big, burly proprietary red blend, Voluptous combines Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percentages of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Zinfandel , creating a rich, darkly fruited wine with dusty tannins. Well-structured despite its girth, it delivers layers of licorice and leather on the finish. Drink now.
87
30
California
Red Blend
52,846
US
This wine is a blend Viognier (60%) and Roussanne. Aromas of almond butter, lees and spice are followed by a broad palate with a creamy feel. The finish lingers.
89
24
Washington
White Blend
84,223
US
Aromas like melon and almond, then flavors like peach and honey make a sophisticated blend in this dry, light-bodied wine. It has vibrant acidity for good balance and richness in texture that lingers on the finish. The name refers to the egg-shaped concrete vats used for fermentation.
89
25
California
Riesling
9,351
US
Aside from hints of dark wild raspberries, this entry-level, second-label wine by Norm Yost doesn't offer overt fruit on the nose, instead showing graphite, dark earth and crushed rocks. Earthy flavors of beet juice and juniper show a slightly sour side, making for an interesting wine, if not completely delicious
89
26
California
Pinot Noir
128,252
US
Penguin Bay has managed to coax some fruit out of the reticent Pinot Grigio grape: this example has nice pineapple and melon tones upfront. It's less impressive in the mouth, with significant residual sugar and a short, watery finish. Drink up.
81
16
New York
Pinot Grigio
97,908
US
Wedge Mountain makes a Riesling that is as bone dry as any Riesling can possibly be. It's consistent, and styled for slurping with fresh oysters more than anything. Mouth-puckering acidity, lean citrus fruits and a lingering sense of sucking on a ripe lemon.
85
18
Washington
Riesling
10,945
France
It is the high proportion of perfumed Sauvignon Gris in this wine that creates its ripe, smooth and rich character. It brings in a calming, rounding influence to the more herbal Sauvignon Blanc and will allow it to develop a creamy character as it develops. Drink from summer 2017.
86
13
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style White Blend
31,063
US
There are equal parts strawberry and earth in this Pinot, sourced from the who's who of vineyard sites in Russian River, including Toboni, Hallberg, Floodgate, Rochioli and Bacigalupi. The components come together in mesmerizing ways, making for a balanced and restrained Pinot that's fresh in strawberry and cherry as well as seasonings of herb and cinnamon spice, building power as it goes.
90
45
California
Pinot Noir
126,130
US
O.K. for everyday drinking if you want a full-bodied, tannic, dry red wine. Shows ripe blackberry, tobacco and raisin flavors, with some bitterness in the finish. Drink up.
84
25
California
Red Blend
85,830
US
Dense blackberry and blueberry-paste scents mesh with dark chocolate, milk chocolate and graphite on the nose of this bottling from the Hahn family. A lush mouthfeel with ample weight unleashes coffee and mocha flavors, blueberry and black cherry fruit, with hints of fudge and a sweet oak touch.
90
25
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
74,016
US
This fresh, lively and assertive wine comes off as a touch sweet but it has such tangy acidity that it stays well balanced. Bright cherry and raspberry flavors have a big impact on the palate and will help it pair nicely with strong foods.
89
22
California
Pinot Noir
19,311
US
This wine is dark, deep and densely flavored with black cherry, cola and coffee. It tastes bigger than its moderate alcohol might suggest, and powers through to a long, lushly fruity finish.
94
55
Oregon
Pinot Noir
96,433
US
With its sugary flavors of oranges, guavas and vanilla, this will appeal to those who favor sweet white wines. Brisk, clean acidity fortunately provides balance.
84
15
California
Pinot Grigio
102,909
France
Still dominated by its tannins, this is a full, structured wine. Dense and with fragrant acidity and black currant flavors, it has a way to go before it is ready to drink. Wait until 2017. The estate is an Alliance Bourg co-operative member.
86
18
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
23,768
France
A fruity, structured wine, dense and dark-hued, its black currant fruits giving a sense of lighter acidity. It's just coming into balance, so it will likely age well over the medium term.
88
16
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
115,579
US
This is a New World, cult-style Cab whose high alcohol creates an impression of sweetness, but not of heat. It's succulent and delicious, a mouthful of black currants, cherry jam and milk chocolate that's balanced with lush tannins and acidity. Drink this decadent wine now.
93
100
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
96,475
US
Light pear and apple flavors, with a dash of melon, comprise this simple, pleasantly acidic white wine. Though it does not have the density of many other Oregon Pinot Gris bottlings, it is reliable and fresh, with a screwcap for good measure.
85
12
Oregon
Pinot Gris
78,785
US
This is the first vintage of this wine to include estate fruit, along with fruit from Klipsun, Bacchus and Red Willow. A complex medley of herb and spice aromas accented by purple flowers is followed by bold yet still refined dark-fruit flavors that linger on the finish. It has the tannin to go the distance. Best after 2020.
92
60
Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon
110,341
Argentina
Spicy red-berry and earthy aromas give way to a free-flowing palate with structure and tannic grip. This tastes of dark-berry fruits, brandied cherry and chocolate. A finish based on jammy berry fruits and spice is mature yet still a bit tannic and scratchy. Drink through 2022.
90
33
Mendoza Province
Cabernet Sauvignon
67,377
France
This stylish bottling offers a silky nose with hay, pound cake and herb notes. Lean and clean, it sports grapefruit and green-apple flavors, and a good feel and finish, with mineral and spice elements. A trim, well-toned contender.
89
50
Champagne
Champagne Blend
26,783
US
This medium-bodied and complex wine keeps a nice balance between ripe pear and buttered-toast flavors and some good, mouth-cleansing fruit acidity. It has richness, layers of interest and a measure of restraint, too.
92
42
California
Chardonnay
101,665
US
Fruit and barrel aromas intermingle, with notes of vanilla, coconut, wood spice, clove and red berries. The red fruit flavors are fresh and focused, with lightly grainy tannins providing the frame.
90
75
Washington
Merlot
98,547
US
There's no oak in this Sauvignon Blanc. It's bone dry and shows crisp acidity. The citrus and gooseberry flavors are green with whiffs of ammonia.
80
22
California
Sauvignon Blanc
115,713
US
Forward and ripe, with flavors of tangerine, lemongrass and light herb. The elegant, nicely textured midpalate is extended and still a bit tight. There is a delicacy to this fruit that rewards those who prize nuance. Lightly touched with cinnamon and sweet spice, flavors linger pleasantly with hints of wet stone.
90
15
Washington
Pinot Gris
101,787
US
Concentrated pomegranate, squeezed cranberry and fresh hibiscus juice pop on the nose of this elegantly restrained bottling that also has lots of wet cement and stony character. Once sipped, the body and texture are both quite delicate, but the flavors are strong: straweberry, cranberry, wet slate, sour plum, bay leaf, eucalyptus and sour juniper.
91
38
California
Pinot Noir
18,699
US
Baked blackberries, purple flowers and a touch of leather show on the nose of this hearty bottling. The palate is framed by extremely strong, hard-to-cut tannins, which hold burned flavors of black coffee and charred berries.
85
50
California
Rhône-style Red Blend
127,380
US
Dainty aromas of fresh apple and freesia are juxtaposed gorgeously against a striking tinge of petrol. While initially soft and honeyed, Sheldrake's Dry Riesling is remarkably lean with a steely minerality and focused, lime-inflected acidity.
88
15
New York
Riesling
37,491
France
Tannic and dry, this wine is beginning to show its age. It still has some juicy red fruits but they are covered by the firm structure and dusty character of the wine. It needs to be drunk now.
86
70
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
120,917
US
This is simple, with raisin and plum sauce flavors that finish dry.
82
15
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
41,609
US
This pretty rosé has flavors of tart salmonberry and wild raspberry, with plenty of citrusy acidity. Good balance throughout.
88
20
Oregon
Pinot Noir
4,637
US
The debut vintage for this cuvée, this is made from 100% Wente clone vines planted in 1977. It's richly concented on the palate, layered with dried apricot, grapefruit and pineapple flavors. A lush, buttery note enwraps its long, satisfying, full-bodied finish.
94
95
Oregon
Chardonnay
46,380
US
This blend of 42% Petit Verdot, 36% Sangiovese and 22% Merlot shows strawberry, light caramel and expressive baking-spice aromas on the nose. A powerful burst of acidity starts the palate, which combines red currant and purple-flower flavors into a very interesting and lively wine.
91
22
California
Red Blend
54,594
US
This rustic Zin is meant to wash down grilled meats, hard cheeses and tomato-based pasta dishes. It's very dry and a bit hot in high alcohol, with a peppery edge and firm, rasping tannins.
84
24
California
Zinfandel
117,589
US
This unusual and distinctive Zin has a silky texture and rich, finely ground tannins. The flavors range from classic black and red currants, mulberries, cloves and pepper to pastry flavors of coconut macaroon and fig cookie. Could easily develop over a decade.
89
48
California
Zinfandel
73,760
US
This is a really fun dry wine with a distinctive black-pepper streak running from the aroma to the finish. It's medium bodied, on the lean side in texture, like pomegranate in terms of fruit flavors, firmly tannic and well-balanced. It should make a great pairing with steak au poivre.
89
35
California
Red Blend
51,478
US
This older wine seems to have lost some of its youthful appeal, showing older characteristics of caramelized oak and weedy herb. The structure is beginning to show a mushiness that causes the wine to fall somewhat apart.
83
80
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
72,593
Italy
Donatella Cinelli Colombini's wines are usually among our high scoring Brunellos, but we were less satisfied with the 2004 vintage. It opens with heavy aromas of leather and tobacco and tastes raw and chewy in the mouth. Then, there's a blast of sour cherry on the close.
89
48
Tuscany
Sangiovese Grosso
118,348
US
Zippy acidity balances soft sour-cherry and rustic earth tones on Millbrook's standard-label Pinot Noir. It's an elegantly subdued wine, with soft, gentle tannins and a hint of green herb that linger on the finish.
86
18
New York
Pinot Noir
26,700
France
Soft, sensuous, this is a wine that appeals straight away to the senses. The red fruits float over a soft texture of sweet tannins, leaving a juicy, succulent texture. While it is not a powerful wine, it offers all the delicious characters of Pinot Noir.
90
80
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
110,976
France
The palest pink in color, this wine has a crisp texture but not much fruitiness. It is light with a touch of perfumed acidity. Drink now.
84
18
Bordeaux
Rosé
73,013
Australia
A solid value, this off-dry Riesling features classic scents of lime sherbet, followed by hints of lime, Granny Smith apple and fresh greens. It's light in body, finishing on a refreshing tart yet sweet note.
90
13
South Australia
Riesling
107,391
France
This wine, with its acidity, is so crisp and bright. Touches of red fruits give the wine a riper character, although what makes it most attractive is the freshness and the delicious fruity aftertaste. Drink this bottle as a fine apéritif.
88
55
Champagne
Champagne Blend
22,614
France
From vines on the Montagne de Reims, this Chardonnay-dominated Champagne has a ripe texture that contrasts with the mineral character of the Côte des Blancs across the valley. That gives a rich, apple- and white fruit-inflected flavor to this attractive nonvintage cuvée. Drink now.
89
50
Champagne
Champagne Blend
28,210
Argentina
A neutral nose is the result of oak and mild apple and banana aromas offsetting each other. The palate is fairly forward, with apple, pear and banana flavors. Balance is achieved courtesy of healthy fruit, light oak and good acidity. Don't expect miracles and it should do the trick.
85
16
Mendoza Province
Chardonnay
87,973
Spain
Aromas of candied cherry, leather and tire rubber require some patience and swirling. This Tempranillo feels grabby and pinched, with roasted, almost burnt black-fruit flavors. Salty toasty notes carry a hard but sturdy finish.
85
10
Northern Spain
Tempranillo
54,513
US
Deep black plum, clove, dried blueberry, dried roses and dried violets show on the very nice nose of this bottling by Bruce McGuire and pioneer Pierre Lafond. It's well structured on the sip, disclosing plums, sweet berries and touches of nutmeg and allspice. It's a strong showing for one of their more affordable bottlings.
90
27
California
Pinot Noir
96,073
US
Delicate cherry blossoms and green herbs lend freshness to tart red-cherry notes in this full-bodied yet brisk Cabernet Franc. It's a bit delicate in flavor concentration for it's bold body and alcohol content, but surprisingly refreshing and quaffable.
87
19
New York
Cabernet Franc
119,101
US
A Méthode Champenoise blend of 74% Pinot Noir and 26% Chardonnay, this is another in a line of small-production sparkling wines being made by still producers. A yeasty, almond-infused sparkler, it's restrained and medium in acidity. Peach and apricot come to the fore, fleshing out the midpalate before a subtle, orange-y finish.
88
50
California
Sparkling Blend
122,599
US
Touches of soy, cedar and smoked meat enhance the base of blueberry on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard in the geographic heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Mocha and blackberry flavors show on the sip, where an even-keeled acidity holds it all together.
89
25
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
4,492
US
This is a standout wine from the vintage, made from a selection of the Trione Cloverdale Ranch. Blended with smaller percentages of Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, it sings in robust red and black cherry and currant, as well as more luxurious waves of chocolate and vanilla. There's a forwardness to the texture, making for a wine that's both big and happy.
91
67
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
28,025
US
Dusty crushed mineral and pressed apple notes lend a rustic tone to this softly effervescent sparkling blend. Stark lemon-lime acidity frazzles the midpalate but leads a brisk, refreshing finish. Drink now through 2018.
86
16
New York
Sparkling Blend
33,888
France
While this wine certainly has a firmly tannic character, it is the fruit that shines. Black currants and perfumed spicy berry fruits are right up there along with the juicy acidity. This is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. It is well balanced although it needs to age. Drink from 2018.
89
20
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
58,624
France
This is a fruity wine with lively acidity and a brisk, zingy character. Freshness shoots through the wine, making it lively with hints of yellow fruits. The aftertaste is crisp and ripe.
89
36
Burgundy
Chardonnay
120,304
US
Something seems off here, or perhaps it is just a young wine throwing off some bottling aromas. In any event, it's thin, simple and sugary, without the complexity of the excellent 2010.
84
10
Washington
Riesling
116,714
US
Tannic and chewy, this is simple, sturdy and solidly in the herbal camp. Flavors are short and the finish leans into veggies.
81
10
Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon
128,637
US
Three-quarters of this wine is from Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley with the rest from Monette's in the Walla Walla Valley. The aromas are redolent with notes of raspberries, kirsch and white pepper. The palate has a compelling mouthfeel and a dazzling sense of purity,
91
40
Washington
Grenache