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
787	US	Robust black fruit forms around a dense, leathery core of concentration and richness before allowing room for softer, intertwined tannins to add structure and more depth. Chocolate marks the finish of this big, bold wine.	90	125	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
14,222	US	This aromatic rosé is a lovely shade of pale salmon, and has mashed apple and yeasty, almost hoppy notes. Flavors are bracing and lively, hinting at pretty cherry fruit.	88	15	Oregon	Grenache
92,974	Italy	Chopped herb, wild berry, spice and truffle aromas slowly take shape in the glass. The palate shows both concentration and elegance, offering fleshy raspberry, crushed cherry, licorice and crushed mint flavors, bolstered by firm but refined tannins. Drink 2019–2027.	93	55	Tuscany	Sangiovese
5,973	US	Aromas like cedar and heavily toasted bread meet very ripe black cherry and plum flavors, for a full-bodied wine that's not shy about the oak influence. While the wine is big, the texture is rather soft and smooth.	87	13	California	Merlot
60,349	US	The blend is 81% Merlot, and includes small amounts of four other Bordeaux grapes as well. It's aromatic with dried herbs and tart berries and plums bringing fresh flavors and juicy acidity. It's well-built for another few years of cellaring.	89	17	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
77,455	US	Very light in color in the glass, this appellation blend shows cut nectarine, lemon juice and apple skins on the easy, restrained but energetic nose. The palate offers touches of Pink Lady apple, nectarine and squeezed tangerine. It's altogether crisp and refreshing while retaining the grape's familiar notes.	89	45	California	Chardonnay
75,185	US	Quite yellow in color, this wine opts for a deeper rather than fresher style of the grape, offering aromas of iodine, orange extract and concentrated apples. The palate presents dried-apple flavors.	86	25	California	Sauvignon Blanc
115,764	US	Quite tart, this mixes a core of cherry fruit with acidic citrus flavors adding lift. It's a lifted, high-tone wine, and the tannins carry a hint of green herbs.	88	28	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
66,062	US	With no oak, this features straightforward lime, orange, nectarine and white pepper flavors. The acidity is bright and zesty, making it a versatile table wine.	86	20	California	Pinot Gris
88,755	France	Smooth, velvet-textured wine. It tastes like munching into mouthwatering black cherries. The acidity is important but not overwhelming. Ready to drink now.	87	22	Loire Valley	Pinot Noir
26,876	France	While the wood flavors are prominent, they don't mask the ripe berry fruits in this Merlot-dominant blend. Blaye sister-brother team of Marie-Pierre et Pierre-Charles Dartier produced a wine with a rich character. It is full of wood spice, hints of mint and acidity. Drink from 2019.	89	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
40,535	US	Half of the fruit was sourced from the outstanding Lewis Vineyard, and the dense, dark, purple berry flavors are compelling. Highlights of black olive, smoke, and a bit of stem and earth add complexity. Give this one some breathing time, or cellar it for a few more years to soften the muscular tannins.	89	40	Washington	Syrah
93,738	US	This is a restrained and structured wine, light in tart cranberry, rhubarb and an overwhelming attraction of baked plum. Lush and plush on the palate without ever pushing too far, it lingers in cardamom.	91	50	California	Pinot Noir
48,958	Italy	Aromas of crushed plum, asphalt, oak, toast, exotic spice and forest floor lead the nose. The palate delivers black cherry, mocha, licorice and mineral alongside bracing, tightly woven tannins that need time to unwind. Drink 2017–2031.	92	500	Piedmont	Red Blend
108,882	US	A reserve selection from the winery's Jordan Block, this brings similar flavors with slightly more intensity. Black fruits, black pepper and some spice from barrel aging combine in a medium-bodied effort with moderate aging potential.	88	50	Oregon	Pinot Noir
19,030	US	This blend of Grenache (53%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%) and Syrah (13%) explodes with potpourri, peat, white pepper, smoke and earth aromas. The palate is loaded with fruit and savory flavors that glide into the extended finish. The texture is absolutely dazzling.	93	75	Washington	Red Blend
47,355	US	A tiny-production Pinot by a new producer, it makes a stunning debut. Owners James Hahn and Mila Chanamé are childhood friends with longtime Anderson Valley vineyard manager Norman Kobler and the shared roots have clearly put them in sync. The wine is perfumey in lilac and violet with a lightly textured and seductive mouthfeel that's exotic in just-ripe cherry and raspberry.	94	45	California	Pinot Noir
60,892	Italy	The subtle, subdued nose is of perfumed spice, dried red rose and currant. But there is chewy softness here and enough extraction to hold the wine firm on the palate. The structure is there but the fruit definition is less apparent.	89	60	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
53,876	France	Four parcels in the Clos du Roi Premier Cru go into this wine. It is structured and firm—a wine for aging. It has a strongly mineral character, concentrated tannins as well as black-cherry fruit and freshening acidity. Drink the wine from 2018.	90	50	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
123,231	Italy	You'll find aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, espresso, brown spice and sun-baked earth on this medium-bodied red. The palate delivers dried black cherry, blackberry licorice, coffee and ground black pepper set in a framework of packed, fine-grained tannins.	90	33	Tuscany	Sangiovese
2,942	Argentina	Aromas of white grapefruit, celery and other prickly fruits lose steam with airing, while the green apple and lime flavors are solid and offer some sweetness. Wet in the mouth, which is what you want, but standard fare as a whole.	84	10	Mendoza Province	Sauvignon Blanc
12,397	Italy	This opens with intense floral aromas and a whiff of candied citrus. The slightly sweet palate offers lemon drops, exotic fruit and notes of honey and almond.	87	18	Veneto	White Blend
92,292	France	This is a fresh wine with caramel as well as ripe red-berry flavors. With its textured acidity and crisp, clean aftertaste, it's a wine to drink as an apéritif.	84	22	Loire Valley	Rosé
32,064	US	Lynmar has released this, the first of their 2012 Chardonnays, early, in order to let the fruit star. It's flashy, like a conga line of pineapples, oranges, mangoes, limes and papayas. Tasty, direct and appealing, it would be amazing with bacon-wrapped shrimp.	88	20	California	Chardonnay
118,630	US	Fresh, bright aromas including raspberry and strawberry tag rich baking spices, and oak-induced maple syrup flavors for an appealing, jammy personality.	86	16	California	Barbera
93,223	US	Firm tannins and a dry finish mark this wine. It has a wealth of blackberry, currant and sandalwood flavors as well as a salty, smoky umami taste that suggests grilled bacon. Drink now.	90	28	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
82,862	US	A penetrating whiff of wintergreen is the first impression of this aromatic young wine. The tightly-wound fruit brings cranberry and tart plum flavors into focus, followed by a lick of dark chocolate running through stiff tannins.	88	30	Oregon	Pinot Noir
108,103	US	Honeyed in apple, pear and mango, this is a tightly wound, full-bodied wine, voluptuous and quite ripe in style.	86	29	California	Chardonnay
42,528	Spain	Rusty and mature in color, with earthy, lightly leafy aromas that come with notes of maple and brown sugar. This feels elegant and fit, with classic Rioja flavors of dried red fruit, cocoa and malt. The finish is long and tasting lightly baked. Drink now.	90	45	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
43,938	Argentina	Floral red-fruit aromas are modest but clean. The palate is a bit chunky but overall it's in good shape. Flavors of berry and cassis are ordinary, but the flavor profile is perfectly good. A touch of chocolate and oak rise up on the finish.	88	15	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Sauvignon
79,134	US	A little on the sweet, jammy side, but shows plenty of Chard character, with a rich vein of creamy, smoky oak. Peaches, pears, pineapples and green apples are the flavors.	84	8	California	Chardonnay
86,582	France	Blending Cabernet and Merlot, this is a caramel-flavored dry rosé, with good berry fruitiness. There's a fine final burst of acidity.	85	15	Bordeaux	Rosé
102,991	Argentina	This loud, feral Cab Franc starts with medicinal, earthy aromas. Next up is a tannic, hard, grabby palate with roasted berry, salt, char and savory flavors. An amplified roasted character carries onto the finish, which is broad and bulky.	85	34	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Franc
34,937	Portugal	This is the latest vintage of the second wine produced by the joint venture between the Symington Family and Bruno Prats from Bordeaux. While the wine has plenty of wood, it also has the potential of ripe blackberry fruits. It is rich, full of ripe tannins and toast from the wood. Nutmeg and cinnamon add interest. Drink from 2019.	91	28	Douro	Portuguese Red
128,535	Italy	Here's a sassy and bright Brunello that shows a lean consistency and sharp aromas of white cherry, cassis, ginger and cola. The wine's natural acidity makes for a nervous and edgy personality overall.	89	50	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
114,080	US	The nose is a little subdued on this wine, offering leather, red fruits and dust. Pomegranate, plum and raspberry elements arise on the palate, with some roasted game and the faintest hint of chopped herbs.	85	35	California	Cabernet Franc
106,616	US	A little rough around the edges, with some green tannins and minty, herbal flavors. You get some candied cherries and currants, but the wine is pretty rustic.	82	15	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
89,786	US	This is certified organic, from one of Oregon's leading vineyards. Somewhat muted in this cool, wet vintage, it's nonetheless a sturdy effort with a potent herbal component. The stiff red fruits conjure up a tart cranberry and cherry mix.	89	45	Oregon	Pinot Noir
66,095	France	A textured, tight wine, this offers some firm fruits. Berry flavors, plenty of acidity and a touch of minerality add to a wine that will need time to develop. Drink from 2018.	87	48	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
50,130	US	A bit rough and edgy, but for the price, you get a pretty nice glassful of wine. This dry Cab offers rich black currant, blackberry, mulberry and cedar flavors.	84	10	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
101,253	US	Light white peach and apple aromas show off this boutique bottling from one of the few commercial projects in Ventura County. There'a plenty of tension on the palate, with tangy citrus and buttery nut flavors, which ultimately feel a little soft.	86	18	California	Chardonnay
101,520	France	Chapuy is a négociant based in Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Chardonnay vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. This wine, made from grapes sourced exclusively from grand cru vineyards, is all citrus, mineral and apple skin flavors. It's a tight, taut effort with a crisp texture and a note of grapefruit on the finish. Worth aging for a few months.	90	39	Champagne	Chardonnay
16,630	Argentina	Black as night in color then lush, ripe and silky smooth on the nose, this heady Malbec offers aromas of marzipan, balsam, licorice and cassis. The palate is intense and tannic, with lusty flavors of blackberry, prune and chocolate. Finishing flavors of mocha, cocoa and toast are lush and long. Drink through 2018.	93	111	Mendoza Province	Malbec
37,373	US	Farrell's 2007 lineup of Chardonnays is a triumph, and this Starr Ridge is among their best. It's a big wine, rich in tropical fruit, peach, green apple, mineral and oak flavors that completely satisfy now. Yet there's an acidic urgency that suggests aging for up to six years, by which time the wine should achieve a honeyed creaminess.	94	50	California	Chardonnay
57,644	Spain	Ripe dark-fruit aromas come with ample oak, spice and balsamic notes. It's lush and deep in the mouth, with a shot of lemony acidity for mooring. Blackberry, loamy berry, baking spice and toast flavors finish plump, round and with a cedary note. Drink through 2022.	92	32	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
46,546	France	Structured and fruity, this is a wine that shows the delicate perfumed character of the Hautes Côtes. The wine has bright raspberry fruits, balanced acidity and just the right amount of structure for aging for a year.	87	20	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
123,702	US	Dusty leather, cedar and pencil shaving notes integrate seamlessly with the moderate oak and firm tannins of this wine from a vineyard originally planted by Robert Pepi. Its medium-bodied power makes it friendly for the table or as a before-dinner glass, the finish marked by a pronounced bittersweet chocolate flavor.	90	80	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
85,348	Portugal	An impressive wine, with spice, intense ripe black berry fruits and a solid core of tannins. It has power without being overwhelming, densely textured and ready to age for several years.	93	39	Douro	Portuguese Red
33,872	Italy	Ripe berry aromas arrive accented with baking spices, toasted notes and espresso. The soft, round palate delivers mature black plum, black cherry and vanilla alongside bracing tannins. Superior Wines, Quintessential Wines.	87	85	Tuscany	Sangiovese
119,778	Italy	Dried cherry, dark berry, tobacco and grilled herb sensations all come together in this fresh, straightforward red. Smooth but rather fleeting tannins support the bright, juicy flavors. Drink through 2016.	87	22	Tuscany	Red Blend
119,734	US	Bright acidity gives the tangerine and citron flavors of this Chardonnay a bite. It's very dry, clean and minerally, and finishes with a mouthwatering scour.	87	28	California	Chardonnay
55,132	Italy	Delicate aromas of honeysuckle, white stone fruit and citrus present themselves to the nose while the fun, simple palate shows green pear and a hint of lime. Zesty acidity gives it a tangy close.	85	14	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
34,415	US	Light tawny in color, this palate-pleasing effort boasts stone fruit, orange blossom and fresh herb flavors. It's elegant and food-friendly in style, with the sort of detail that usually comes with a higher price tag.	89	14	Oregon	Pinot Gris
118,481	Italy	Intense aromas recall forest floor, tobacco, dark berry and grilled herb. The structured palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, black pepper and balsamic notes alongside big, brooding tannins. The warmth of alcohol shows on the midpalate.	89	47	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
37,215	US	While initially a bit smoky and closed on the nose, time and aeration reveal the elegant briar and raspberry aromas of this wine. Made predominantly from Cabernet Franc and Merlot, along with smaller proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah, it's concentrated in red berry and plum flavors accented by savory herb and bramble.	88	25	New York	Rosé
29,437	US	Using the all-too-confusing “extra dry” designation for a rather sweet sparkling wine seems unnecessary for this re-named wine with spiffy new packaging. The blend is 63% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Noir and 18% Pinot Gris; the flavors are a mix of citrus rind and crystalized sugar. The finish, despite the sweetness, is slightly bitter.	85	14	Washington	Sparkling Blend
102,530	US	Smooth and rich, this has pleasing flavors of blackberries, currants, dried herbs and cedar that are marked by firm tannins. Dry and full-bodied, it's a classic Cabernet to drink now and over the next four years or so while it's still fresh and fruity. This bottling routinely earns Editor's Choice awards.	88	17	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
127,278	France	This prestige cuvée from Jacquart is a blend of grand and premier crus, giving a wine that is rich, round and approaching maturity with a dense, deep series of fruit and creamy toast flavors. It's a beautiful Champagne at this stage, poised between youth and maturity. The aftertaste leaves a crisper, fruitier end.	92	130	Champagne	Champagne Blend
65,791	US	This wine immediately wows the palate, bursting into full flavor with an explosion of apple and pear fruit. There's a light yeastiness as well, just enough to suggest a young, fresh, exuberant wine, and it simply grabs hold of your taste buds and never lets go.	90	18	Oregon	Pinot Gris
7,520	France	To judge by the cork, this bottling has some age, giving it a toasty as well as fruity character that adds complexity to this baked-apple and citrus-flavored wine. It also means that it needs no further aging and is delicious to drink now.	92	54	Champagne	Champagne Blend
98,362	US	Harsh in the mouth, with tart acids giving a bite to thin raspberry and tea flavors.	82	12	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
9,385	US	Ripe, rich fruit and bold, mouth dampening tannins express the rugged muscularity of this wine. A blend of classic Bordeaux grape varieties, it highlights pristine black cherry and cassis against a backdrop of spice, cedar, barnyard and tobacco complexities. It needs a few years to ease off its brawniness, but should improve beautifully through at least 2023.	93	75	New York	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
9,473	US	Good price for a sophisticated Cab you can substitute for more expensive bottlings without apologizing. The wine is rich in black currants, blackberry jam and spicy oak, accented by savory herbs and spices.	87	15	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
14,347	US	Made from 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, with no Merlot or Cabernet Franc for the first time, the '05 Rubicon tastes bigger and more impenetrable than any previous vintage. It's thick and heavy at this time, with furry tannins and undeniably ripe flavors of blackberries, black currants, cherries, violets, chocolate and cedar, and a tang of melted minerals. Desperately needs time in the cellar. Nowhere near ready for at least four years, and that may be conservative. Tasted three times, and better each time, a seriously good sign, and potentially a perfect wine.	96	145	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
62,487	US	Made from Syrah and Grenache, this blend shows the strengths and weaknesses of its style. While it's forwardly delicious and complex in cherry, licorice, bacon, black pepper, mocha and sandalwood flavors, it's rather soft.	86	40	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
127,543	France	A firm wine from a cool vineyard. It is structured, dry and solid, the fruit dominated by tannins. There is an austere character here that obviously needs time to fill out. Give it five years.	92	135	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
6,296	US	A vegetal note and excessive softness compromise this Petite Sirah. High alcohol gives it heat, while the blackberry and cherry fruit flavors are simple.	84	45	California	Petite Sirah
96,434	US	This Chardonnay has flavors of jammy tangerine, peach, tropical fruit and white sugar.	84	20	California	Chardonnay
67,574	US	A dark-golden SB from the Sierra Foothills with a nose full of honeysuckle and mango, this wine's got significant depth and concentration but also a healthy dose of alcohol (14.7%) and is a tad sweet on the finish. A small amount of Sémillon is blended in for body and texture. Pair with seafood.	86	14	California	Sauvignon Blanc
94,212	Italy	Powerfully built with nice depth, this is loaded with succulent black cherry sensations layered with underbrush, tobacco, licorice, black pepper, clove and mocha accents. The palate is balanced by firm, velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Hold for complexity. Drink 2016–2026.	92	70	Tuscany	Sangiovese
30,099	US	A Cinsault-Counoise blend, this is grapey, tasting of just-ripe berries. The flavors turn a little slender on the midpalate, but it's a pleasant quaffer with balanced tannins.	86	36	Washington	Rhône-style Red Blend
55,622	US	The aromas are brooding, with notes of ash, raw meat, smoke, herb, stem, blood orange and mineral. The palate brings a sense of freshness to the generous savory flavors, showing a bit of tannic heft on the finish that should settle with additional time in the bottle.	93	85	Oregon	Syrah
81,258	US	Direct and easy drinking, this is full of ripe blueberry aromas and flavors, framed by hints of toast and a dusting of cinnamon. Drink now.	89	10	Washington	Syrah
92,414	Italy	This conveys aromas of mature dark fruit and leafy underbrush. The firm palate displays stewed plum, ground pepper and a hint of dried sage alongside extremely astringent tannins that cut short the finish. Tried twice with the same notes.	87	70	Tuscany	Sangiovese
110,861	US	This shows lots of blackberry and currant flavors, along with a polished jacket of smoky oak. It's bone dry but a little heavy. Perfect for easy drinking when you need a nice Cabernet and don't want to mortgage the house.	87	25	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
85,874	US	Richness and ripeness combine with just enough juicy acidity in this wine that smells lemony, figgy and buttery. Tastes recall ripe pears and fig bars without being sweet. It's an appealing wine with personality and good balance.	87	14	California	Chardonnay
110,294	US	Assertively grassy, this pungent Sauvignon Blanc also carries a fairly strong diesel scent. Call it Pouilly-Fumé in style, though as a New World wine, it has more fruit, without the bracing minerality. The finish is clean and medium in length.	87	20	Washington	Sauvignon Blanc
87,825	Spain	Earthy and subtle on the nose, with mellow leafy notes, spice and fresh red-fruit aromas. Feels lively and layered, with integrated flavors of berry fruit, oak and mocha. Creamy and long on the finish, with just enough acidity to maintain length and feel.	88	15	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
20,456	US	Made from a majority of Merlot rounded out by other red Bordeaux varieties, this wine leans savory, featuring mushroom and leather within a suggestion of Martini olive water. The fruit is more shy, revealing black currant at best, with a flat, ghost-like finish.	85	30	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
114,878	Italy	Made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine leads with aromas of violet and red berry. The juicy palate delivers layers of sour cherry, cinnamon and white pepper alongside firm but polished tannins. It has both structure and finesse and while it already has depth, it will develop more complexity over the next few years. Drink 2014–2019.	92	50	Tuscany	Red Blend
80,612	Australia	This is nearly equal parts Shiraz, Mataro and Grenache, full bodied and creamy in texture. Black cherries and peppery spice show up on the nose, while the palate adds brighter red raspberries, bass notes of ripe plums, sweet hints of brown sugar and savory, meaty complexity. Drink now–2020.	92	20	South Australia	Red Blend
28,323	Italy	Native Italian grape Garganega and Sauvignon Blanc are blended to produce a layered white wine with fresh tones of stone fruit, kiwi, melon and lemon zest. This interesting combination offers good, fresh acidity and vibrant fruit flavors.	87	15	Veneto	White Blend
72,833	Spain	Minerally red-berry aromas suggest vitamins and latex. Like most RDD jovens, this is raw and rubbery in feel, with high-intensity plum and berry flavors. A loud, acidic finish is fresh as can be but entirely simple in terms of complexity.	86	9	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
45,893	Argentina	Stone-fruit and melon aromas are a touch gritty and sulfuric. This light-colored racy Chardonnay is citrusy on the palate, with acidic grip and grab. Tangy citrusy buttercup flavors finish sturdy and steady.	86	12	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
103,721	US	Bottle age has served this wine well, a blend of mostly Cabernet with smaller amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, sourced from the family's three ranches within the appellation. Inviting in cassis and clove, it reveals lithe, soft and juicy layers of blueberry and blackberry before finishing in a plume of acidity.	91	48	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
82,792	US	Sourced from a smorgasbord of AVAs, this well-crafted Cabernet includes small percentages of Merlot and Cab Franc. Hard, tight and firmly grounded in cassis and black fruits, it melds in streaks of mineral, graphite and a hint of herb.	91	32	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
50,330	US	This is a great price for a single-vineyard Syrah from the Napa Valley region of Yountville. The wine is bone dry, acidic and tannic, with deep, impressive blackberry, black currant, green tea, charred meat and black pepper flavors. It improves a lot with decanting, and overall is impressive.	91	18	California	Syrah
11,676	Italy	A blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 30% Syrah, this has aromas of red currant, cedar and a whiff of white pepper. The straightforward, easy-drinking palate offers black cherry, clove, coffee and licorice alongside polished tannins. Drink now.	87	15	Tuscany	Red Blend
114,552	US	Merlot from the family's vineyard in Lovall Valley informs the majority of this blend at 44%, with 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc in the wine as well. Dry and herbal, it sings in bold notes of red currant, cedar and anise, offering elegance around integrated tannins and a mouthcoating finish. Drink now through 2022.	92	80	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
18,939	France	Despite the high alcohol level, this is classic Bordeaux, with style, elegance and fine balance between tannin and ripe black-currant fruit. It demonstrates the concentration and rich structure of the vintage, yet the finish has a light, bright, fruity touch.	91	70	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
109,522	US	Cherry-vanilla surrounds a flank of big oak, while classic notes of baked strawberry also come into play. A brawny, full-bodied expression of the variety, given 6% Mourvèdre and 6% Syrah, it has good bones and acidity lurking beneath the power.	88	34	California	Grenache
85,854	US	This young, brash Cabernet is filled with adolescent power and angst. It's all sinew and potency now, in the grip of strong, masculine tannins that overshadow the blackberry fruit. It's clearly a cellar candidate, and should emerge, in eight years or so, with authority.	91	75	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
58,236	Italy	Mount Etna's Don Peppino vineyard is responsible for some of the volcano's most precious and highest quality fruit. This wine opens with a light hue and delicate aromas of violets, white almonds, cranberries and fresh plums. The nose is polished and refined. It's hard to believe that sucha violent volcano can produce such a feminine wine.	93	96	Sicily & Sardinia	Red Blend
98,088	Germany	Crushed slate and smoke notes mingle with zesty lime and lemon in this spine-tingling Riesling. It's a touch off-dry, with juicy white grapefruit flavor sweetening the midpalate. A Margarita-like ring of salt lingers on the finish.	89	25	Mosel	Riesling
39,615	US	Concentrated, delicious fruit flavors and subtle spiciness make a great combination in this harmonious and full-bodied wine. There is no obvious oak character, but it tastes like a gently barrel-fermented wine that developed hints of cream, nutmeg and honey along with a river of ripe pear and peach.	92	42	California	Chardonnay
21,040	France	This is hard and tough, all tannins and extraction.	83	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
105,482	Argentina	Oak-based aromas of coffee, mocha, lemon peel, graphite and vanilla set up a wide-bodied, resiny palate with toasty, baked flavors of blueberry, cassis, blackberry and pepper. This midnight-black Malbec feels ripe, pure and consistent on the finish. Drink through 2018.	90	31	Mendoza Province	Malbec
2,224	Italy	Opens with dark concentration and extra flesh and density in terms of texture. There's an extra padding of softness that helps buffer the vintage's high acidity and natural firmness. Not ready to drink for another 10 years at least.	94	92	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
59,559	France	This attractive and fruity wine is ready to drink now. It is bright with acidity, citrus and lively fresh-sliced apples. It's a delicious wine, all fruit with only the lightest texture. Ghislain Boutemy is the winemaker at the family estate.	87	30	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
125,386	US	Quite restrained on the nose, this nicely priced bottling slowly unleashes sea salt, apple peel, key lime pith and chalk aromas. It's tightly wound on the palate with lemon skin and pear skin tartness, proving very racy in style.	88	23	California	Chardonnay

787

US

Robust black fruit forms around a dense, leathery core of concentration and richness before allowing room for softer, intertwined tannins to add structure and more depth. Chocolate marks the finish of this big, bold wine.

90

125

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

14,222

US

This aromatic rosé is a lovely shade of pale salmon, and has mashed apple and yeasty, almost hoppy notes. Flavors are bracing and lively, hinting at pretty cherry fruit.

88

15

Oregon

Grenache

92,974

Italy

Chopped herb, wild berry, spice and truffle aromas slowly take shape in the glass. The palate shows both concentration and elegance, offering fleshy raspberry, crushed cherry, licorice and crushed mint flavors, bolstered by firm but refined tannins. Drink 2019–2027.

93

55

Tuscany

Sangiovese

5,973

US

Aromas like cedar and heavily toasted bread meet very ripe black cherry and plum flavors, for a full-bodied wine that's not shy about the oak influence. While the wine is big, the texture is rather soft and smooth.

87

13

California

Merlot

60,349

US

The blend is 81% Merlot, and includes small amounts of four other Bordeaux grapes as well. It's aromatic with dried herbs and tart berries and plums bringing fresh flavors and juicy acidity. It's well-built for another few years of cellaring.

89

17

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

77,455

US

Very light in color in the glass, this appellation blend shows cut nectarine, lemon juice and apple skins on the easy, restrained but energetic nose. The palate offers touches of Pink Lady apple, nectarine and squeezed tangerine. It's altogether crisp and refreshing while retaining the grape's familiar notes.

89

45

California

Chardonnay

75,185

US

Quite yellow in color, this wine opts for a deeper rather than fresher style of the grape, offering aromas of iodine, orange extract and concentrated apples. The palate presents dried-apple flavors.

86

25

California

Sauvignon Blanc

115,764

US

Quite tart, this mixes a core of cherry fruit with acidic citrus flavors adding lift. It's a lifted, high-tone wine, and the tannins carry a hint of green herbs.

88

28

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

66,062

US

With no oak, this features straightforward lime, orange, nectarine and white pepper flavors. The acidity is bright and zesty, making it a versatile table wine.

86

20

California

Pinot Gris

88,755

France

Smooth, velvet-textured wine. It tastes like munching into mouthwatering black cherries. The acidity is important but not overwhelming. Ready to drink now.

87

22

Loire Valley

Pinot Noir

26,876

France

While the wood flavors are prominent, they don't mask the ripe berry fruits in this Merlot-dominant blend. Blaye sister-brother team of Marie-Pierre et Pierre-Charles Dartier produced a wine with a rich character. It is full of wood spice, hints of mint and acidity. Drink from 2019.

89

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

40,535

US

Half of the fruit was sourced from the outstanding Lewis Vineyard, and the dense, dark, purple berry flavors are compelling. Highlights of black olive, smoke, and a bit of stem and earth add complexity. Give this one some breathing time, or cellar it for a few more years to soften the muscular tannins.

89

40

Washington

Syrah

93,738

US

This is a restrained and structured wine, light in tart cranberry, rhubarb and an overwhelming attraction of baked plum. Lush and plush on the palate without ever pushing too far, it lingers in cardamom.

91

50

California

Pinot Noir

48,958

Italy

Aromas of crushed plum, asphalt, oak, toast, exotic spice and forest floor lead the nose. The palate delivers black cherry, mocha, licorice and mineral alongside bracing, tightly woven tannins that need time to unwind. Drink 2017–2031.

92

500

Piedmont

Red Blend

108,882

US

A reserve selection from the winery's Jordan Block, this brings similar flavors with slightly more intensity. Black fruits, black pepper and some spice from barrel aging combine in a medium-bodied effort with moderate aging potential.

88

50

Oregon

Pinot Noir

19,030

US

This blend of Grenache (53%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%) and Syrah (13%) explodes with potpourri, peat, white pepper, smoke and earth aromas. The palate is loaded with fruit and savory flavors that glide into the extended finish. The texture is absolutely dazzling.

93

75

Washington

Red Blend

47,355

US

A tiny-production Pinot by a new producer, it makes a stunning debut. Owners James Hahn and Mila Chanamé are childhood friends with longtime Anderson Valley vineyard manager Norman Kobler and the shared roots have clearly put them in sync. The wine is perfumey in lilac and violet with a lightly textured and seductive mouthfeel that's exotic in just-ripe cherry and raspberry.

94

45

California

Pinot Noir

60,892

Italy

The subtle, subdued nose is of perfumed spice, dried red rose and currant. But there is chewy softness here and enough extraction to hold the wine firm on the palate. The structure is there but the fruit definition is less apparent.

89

60

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

53,876

France

Four parcels in the Clos du Roi Premier Cru go into this wine. It is structured and firm—a wine for aging. It has a strongly mineral character, concentrated tannins as well as black-cherry fruit and freshening acidity. Drink the wine from 2018.

90

50

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

123,231

Italy

You'll find aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, espresso, brown spice and sun-baked earth on this medium-bodied red. The palate delivers dried black cherry, blackberry licorice, coffee and ground black pepper set in a framework of packed, fine-grained tannins.

90

33

Tuscany

Sangiovese

2,942

Argentina

Aromas of white grapefruit, celery and other prickly fruits lose steam with airing, while the green apple and lime flavors are solid and offer some sweetness. Wet in the mouth, which is what you want, but standard fare as a whole.

84

10

Mendoza Province

Sauvignon Blanc

12,397

Italy

This opens with intense floral aromas and a whiff of candied citrus. The slightly sweet palate offers lemon drops, exotic fruit and notes of honey and almond.

87

18

Veneto

White Blend

92,292

France

This is a fresh wine with caramel as well as ripe red-berry flavors. With its textured acidity and crisp, clean aftertaste, it's a wine to drink as an apéritif.

84

22

Loire Valley

Rosé

32,064

US

Lynmar has released this, the first of their 2012 Chardonnays, early, in order to let the fruit star. It's flashy, like a conga line of pineapples, oranges, mangoes, limes and papayas. Tasty, direct and appealing, it would be amazing with bacon-wrapped shrimp.

88

20

California

Chardonnay

118,630

US

Fresh, bright aromas including raspberry and strawberry tag rich baking spices, and oak-induced maple syrup flavors for an appealing, jammy personality.

86

16

California

Barbera

93,223

US

Firm tannins and a dry finish mark this wine. It has a wealth of blackberry, currant and sandalwood flavors as well as a salty, smoky umami taste that suggests grilled bacon. Drink now.

90

28

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

82,862

US

A penetrating whiff of wintergreen is the first impression of this aromatic young wine. The tightly-wound fruit brings cranberry and tart plum flavors into focus, followed by a lick of dark chocolate running through stiff tannins.

88

30

Oregon

Pinot Noir

108,103

US

Honeyed in apple, pear and mango, this is a tightly wound, full-bodied wine, voluptuous and quite ripe in style.

86

29

California

Chardonnay

42,528

Spain

Rusty and mature in color, with earthy, lightly leafy aromas that come with notes of maple and brown sugar. This feels elegant and fit, with classic Rioja flavors of dried red fruit, cocoa and malt. The finish is long and tasting lightly baked. Drink now.

90

45

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

43,938

Argentina

Floral red-fruit aromas are modest but clean. The palate is a bit chunky but overall it's in good shape. Flavors of berry and cassis are ordinary, but the flavor profile is perfectly good. A touch of chocolate and oak rise up on the finish.

88

15

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Sauvignon

79,134

US

A little on the sweet, jammy side, but shows plenty of Chard character, with a rich vein of creamy, smoky oak. Peaches, pears, pineapples and green apples are the flavors.

84

8

California

Chardonnay

86,582

France

Blending Cabernet and Merlot, this is a caramel-flavored dry rosé, with good berry fruitiness. There's a fine final burst of acidity.

85

15

Bordeaux

Rosé

102,991

Argentina

This loud, feral Cab Franc starts with medicinal, earthy aromas. Next up is a tannic, hard, grabby palate with roasted berry, salt, char and savory flavors. An amplified roasted character carries onto the finish, which is broad and bulky.

85

34

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Franc

34,937

Portugal

This is the latest vintage of the second wine produced by the joint venture between the Symington Family and Bruno Prats from Bordeaux. While the wine has plenty of wood, it also has the potential of ripe blackberry fruits. It is rich, full of ripe tannins and toast from the wood. Nutmeg and cinnamon add interest. Drink from 2019.

91

28

Douro

Portuguese Red

128,535

Italy

Here's a sassy and bright Brunello that shows a lean consistency and sharp aromas of white cherry, cassis, ginger and cola. The wine's natural acidity makes for a nervous and edgy personality overall.

89

50

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

114,080

US

The nose is a little subdued on this wine, offering leather, red fruits and dust. Pomegranate, plum and raspberry elements arise on the palate, with some roasted game and the faintest hint of chopped herbs.

85

35

California

Cabernet Franc

106,616

US

A little rough around the edges, with some green tannins and minty, herbal flavors. You get some candied cherries and currants, but the wine is pretty rustic.

82

15

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

89,786

US

This is certified organic, from one of Oregon's leading vineyards. Somewhat muted in this cool, wet vintage, it's nonetheless a sturdy effort with a potent herbal component. The stiff red fruits conjure up a tart cranberry and cherry mix.

89

45

Oregon

Pinot Noir

66,095

France

A textured, tight wine, this offers some firm fruits. Berry flavors, plenty of acidity and a touch of minerality add to a wine that will need time to develop. Drink from 2018.

87

48

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

50,130

US

A bit rough and edgy, but for the price, you get a pretty nice glassful of wine. This dry Cab offers rich black currant, blackberry, mulberry and cedar flavors.

84

10

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

101,253

US

Light white peach and apple aromas show off this boutique bottling from one of the few commercial projects in Ventura County. There'a plenty of tension on the palate, with tangy citrus and buttery nut flavors, which ultimately feel a little soft.

86

18

California

Chardonnay

101,520

France

Chapuy is a négociant based in Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Chardonnay vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. This wine, made from grapes sourced exclusively from grand cru vineyards, is all citrus, mineral and apple skin flavors. It's a tight, taut effort with a crisp texture and a note of grapefruit on the finish. Worth aging for a few months.

90

39

Champagne

Chardonnay

16,630

Argentina

Black as night in color then lush, ripe and silky smooth on the nose, this heady Malbec offers aromas of marzipan, balsam, licorice and cassis. The palate is intense and tannic, with lusty flavors of blackberry, prune and chocolate. Finishing flavors of mocha, cocoa and toast are lush and long. Drink through 2018.

93

111

Mendoza Province

Malbec

37,373

US

Farrell's 2007 lineup of Chardonnays is a triumph, and this Starr Ridge is among their best. It's a big wine, rich in tropical fruit, peach, green apple, mineral and oak flavors that completely satisfy now. Yet there's an acidic urgency that suggests aging for up to six years, by which time the wine should achieve a honeyed creaminess.

94

50

California

Chardonnay

57,644

Spain

Ripe dark-fruit aromas come with ample oak, spice and balsamic notes. It's lush and deep in the mouth, with a shot of lemony acidity for mooring. Blackberry, loamy berry, baking spice and toast flavors finish plump, round and with a cedary note. Drink through 2022.

92

32

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

46,546

France

Structured and fruity, this is a wine that shows the delicate perfumed character of the Hautes Côtes. The wine has bright raspberry fruits, balanced acidity and just the right amount of structure for aging for a year.

87

20

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

123,702

US

Dusty leather, cedar and pencil shaving notes integrate seamlessly with the moderate oak and firm tannins of this wine from a vineyard originally planted by Robert Pepi. Its medium-bodied power makes it friendly for the table or as a before-dinner glass, the finish marked by a pronounced bittersweet chocolate flavor.

90

80

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

85,348

Portugal

An impressive wine, with spice, intense ripe black berry fruits and a solid core of tannins. It has power without being overwhelming, densely textured and ready to age for several years.

93

39

Douro

Portuguese Red

33,872

Italy

Ripe berry aromas arrive accented with baking spices, toasted notes and espresso. The soft, round palate delivers mature black plum, black cherry and vanilla alongside bracing tannins. Superior Wines, Quintessential Wines.

87

85

Tuscany

Sangiovese

119,778

Italy

Dried cherry, dark berry, tobacco and grilled herb sensations all come together in this fresh, straightforward red. Smooth but rather fleeting tannins support the bright, juicy flavors. Drink through 2016.

87

22

Tuscany

Red Blend

119,734

US

Bright acidity gives the tangerine and citron flavors of this Chardonnay a bite. It's very dry, clean and minerally, and finishes with a mouthwatering scour.

87

28

California

Chardonnay

55,132

Italy

Delicate aromas of honeysuckle, white stone fruit and citrus present themselves to the nose while the fun, simple palate shows green pear and a hint of lime. Zesty acidity gives it a tangy close.

85

14

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

34,415

US

Light tawny in color, this palate-pleasing effort boasts stone fruit, orange blossom and fresh herb flavors. It's elegant and food-friendly in style, with the sort of detail that usually comes with a higher price tag.

89

14

Oregon

Pinot Gris

118,481

Italy

Intense aromas recall forest floor, tobacco, dark berry and grilled herb. The structured palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, black pepper and balsamic notes alongside big, brooding tannins. The warmth of alcohol shows on the midpalate.

89

47

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

37,215

US

While initially a bit smoky and closed on the nose, time and aeration reveal the elegant briar and raspberry aromas of this wine. Made predominantly from Cabernet Franc and Merlot, along with smaller proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah, it's concentrated in red berry and plum flavors accented by savory herb and bramble.

88

25

New York

Rosé

29,437

US

Using the all-too-confusing “extra dry” designation for a rather sweet sparkling wine seems unnecessary for this re-named wine with spiffy new packaging. The blend is 63% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Noir and 18% Pinot Gris; the flavors are a mix of citrus rind and crystalized sugar. The finish, despite the sweetness, is slightly bitter.

85

14

Washington

Sparkling Blend

102,530

US

Smooth and rich, this has pleasing flavors of blackberries, currants, dried herbs and cedar that are marked by firm tannins. Dry and full-bodied, it's a classic Cabernet to drink now and over the next four years or so while it's still fresh and fruity. This bottling routinely earns Editor's Choice awards.

88

17

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

127,278

France

This prestige cuvée from Jacquart is a blend of grand and premier crus, giving a wine that is rich, round and approaching maturity with a dense, deep series of fruit and creamy toast flavors. It's a beautiful Champagne at this stage, poised between youth and maturity. The aftertaste leaves a crisper, fruitier end.

92

130

Champagne

Champagne Blend

65,791

US

This wine immediately wows the palate, bursting into full flavor with an explosion of apple and pear fruit. There's a light yeastiness as well, just enough to suggest a young, fresh, exuberant wine, and it simply grabs hold of your taste buds and never lets go.

90

18

Oregon

Pinot Gris

7,520

France

To judge by the cork, this bottling has some age, giving it a toasty as well as fruity character that adds complexity to this baked-apple and citrus-flavored wine. It also means that it needs no further aging and is delicious to drink now.

92

54

Champagne

Champagne Blend

98,362

US

Harsh in the mouth, with tart acids giving a bite to thin raspberry and tea flavors.

82

12

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

9,385

US

Ripe, rich fruit and bold, mouth dampening tannins express the rugged muscularity of this wine. A blend of classic Bordeaux grape varieties, it highlights pristine black cherry and cassis against a backdrop of spice, cedar, barnyard and tobacco complexities. It needs a few years to ease off its brawniness, but should improve beautifully through at least 2023.

93

75

New York

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

9,473

US

Good price for a sophisticated Cab you can substitute for more expensive bottlings without apologizing. The wine is rich in black currants, blackberry jam and spicy oak, accented by savory herbs and spices.

87

15

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

14,347

US

Made from 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, with no Merlot or Cabernet Franc for the first time, the '05 Rubicon tastes bigger and more impenetrable than any previous vintage. It's thick and heavy at this time, with furry tannins and undeniably ripe flavors of blackberries, black currants, cherries, violets, chocolate and cedar, and a tang of melted minerals. Desperately needs time in the cellar. Nowhere near ready for at least four years, and that may be conservative. Tasted three times, and better each time, a seriously good sign, and potentially a perfect wine.

96

145

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

62,487

US

Made from Syrah and Grenache, this blend shows the strengths and weaknesses of its style. While it's forwardly delicious and complex in cherry, licorice, bacon, black pepper, mocha and sandalwood flavors, it's rather soft.

86

40

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

127,543

France

A firm wine from a cool vineyard. It is structured, dry and solid, the fruit dominated by tannins. There is an austere character here that obviously needs time to fill out. Give it five years.

92

135

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

6,296

US

A vegetal note and excessive softness compromise this Petite Sirah. High alcohol gives it heat, while the blackberry and cherry fruit flavors are simple.

84

45

California

Petite Sirah

96,434

US

This Chardonnay has flavors of jammy tangerine, peach, tropical fruit and white sugar.

84

20

California

Chardonnay

67,574

US

A dark-golden SB from the Sierra Foothills with a nose full of honeysuckle and mango, this wine's got significant depth and concentration but also a healthy dose of alcohol (14.7%) and is a tad sweet on the finish. A small amount of Sémillon is blended in for body and texture. Pair with seafood.

86

14

California

Sauvignon Blanc

94,212

Italy

Powerfully built with nice depth, this is loaded with succulent black cherry sensations layered with underbrush, tobacco, licorice, black pepper, clove and mocha accents. The palate is balanced by firm, velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Hold for complexity. Drink 2016–2026.

92

70

Tuscany

Sangiovese

30,099

US

A Cinsault-Counoise blend, this is grapey, tasting of just-ripe berries. The flavors turn a little slender on the midpalate, but it's a pleasant quaffer with balanced tannins.

86

36

Washington

Rhône-style Red Blend

55,622

US

The aromas are brooding, with notes of ash, raw meat, smoke, herb, stem, blood orange and mineral. The palate brings a sense of freshness to the generous savory flavors, showing a bit of tannic heft on the finish that should settle with additional time in the bottle.

93

85

Oregon

Syrah

81,258

US

Direct and easy drinking, this is full of ripe blueberry aromas and flavors, framed by hints of toast and a dusting of cinnamon. Drink now.

89

10

Washington

Syrah

92,414

Italy

This conveys aromas of mature dark fruit and leafy underbrush. The firm palate displays stewed plum, ground pepper and a hint of dried sage alongside extremely astringent tannins that cut short the finish. Tried twice with the same notes.

87

70

Tuscany

Sangiovese

110,861

US

This shows lots of blackberry and currant flavors, along with a polished jacket of smoky oak. It's bone dry but a little heavy. Perfect for easy drinking when you need a nice Cabernet and don't want to mortgage the house.

87

25

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

85,874

US

Richness and ripeness combine with just enough juicy acidity in this wine that smells lemony, figgy and buttery. Tastes recall ripe pears and fig bars without being sweet. It's an appealing wine with personality and good balance.

87

14

California

Chardonnay

110,294

US

Assertively grassy, this pungent Sauvignon Blanc also carries a fairly strong diesel scent. Call it Pouilly-Fumé in style, though as a New World wine, it has more fruit, without the bracing minerality. The finish is clean and medium in length.

87

20

Washington

Sauvignon Blanc

87,825

Spain

Earthy and subtle on the nose, with mellow leafy notes, spice and fresh red-fruit aromas. Feels lively and layered, with integrated flavors of berry fruit, oak and mocha. Creamy and long on the finish, with just enough acidity to maintain length and feel.

88

15

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

20,456

US

Made from a majority of Merlot rounded out by other red Bordeaux varieties, this wine leans savory, featuring mushroom and leather within a suggestion of Martini olive water. The fruit is more shy, revealing black currant at best, with a flat, ghost-like finish.

85

30

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

114,878

Italy

Made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine leads with aromas of violet and red berry. The juicy palate delivers layers of sour cherry, cinnamon and white pepper alongside firm but polished tannins. It has both structure and finesse and while it already has depth, it will develop more complexity over the next few years. Drink 2014–2019.

92

50

Tuscany

Red Blend

80,612

Australia

This is nearly equal parts Shiraz, Mataro and Grenache, full bodied and creamy in texture. Black cherries and peppery spice show up on the nose, while the palate adds brighter red raspberries, bass notes of ripe plums, sweet hints of brown sugar and savory, meaty complexity. Drink now–2020.

92

20

South Australia

Red Blend

28,323

Italy

Native Italian grape Garganega and Sauvignon Blanc are blended to produce a layered white wine with fresh tones of stone fruit, kiwi, melon and lemon zest. This interesting combination offers good, fresh acidity and vibrant fruit flavors.

87

15

Veneto

White Blend

72,833

Spain

Minerally red-berry aromas suggest vitamins and latex. Like most RDD jovens, this is raw and rubbery in feel, with high-intensity plum and berry flavors. A loud, acidic finish is fresh as can be but entirely simple in terms of complexity.

86

9

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

45,893

Argentina

Stone-fruit and melon aromas are a touch gritty and sulfuric. This light-colored racy Chardonnay is citrusy on the palate, with acidic grip and grab. Tangy citrusy buttercup flavors finish sturdy and steady.

86

12

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

103,721

US

Bottle age has served this wine well, a blend of mostly Cabernet with smaller amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, sourced from the family's three ranches within the appellation. Inviting in cassis and clove, it reveals lithe, soft and juicy layers of blueberry and blackberry before finishing in a plume of acidity.

91

48

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

82,792

US

Sourced from a smorgasbord of AVAs, this well-crafted Cabernet includes small percentages of Merlot and Cab Franc. Hard, tight and firmly grounded in cassis and black fruits, it melds in streaks of mineral, graphite and a hint of herb.

91

32

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

50,330

US

This is a great price for a single-vineyard Syrah from the Napa Valley region of Yountville. The wine is bone dry, acidic and tannic, with deep, impressive blackberry, black currant, green tea, charred meat and black pepper flavors. It improves a lot with decanting, and overall is impressive.

91

18

California

Syrah

11,676

Italy

A blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 30% Syrah, this has aromas of red currant, cedar and a whiff of white pepper. The straightforward, easy-drinking palate offers black cherry, clove, coffee and licorice alongside polished tannins. Drink now.

87

15

Tuscany

Red Blend

114,552

US

Merlot from the family's vineyard in Lovall Valley informs the majority of this blend at 44%, with 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc in the wine as well. Dry and herbal, it sings in bold notes of red currant, cedar and anise, offering elegance around integrated tannins and a mouthcoating finish. Drink now through 2022.

92

80

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

18,939

France

Despite the high alcohol level, this is classic Bordeaux, with style, elegance and fine balance between tannin and ripe black-currant fruit. It demonstrates the concentration and rich structure of the vintage, yet the finish has a light, bright, fruity touch.

91

70

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

109,522

US

Cherry-vanilla surrounds a flank of big oak, while classic notes of baked strawberry also come into play. A brawny, full-bodied expression of the variety, given 6% Mourvèdre and 6% Syrah, it has good bones and acidity lurking beneath the power.

88

34

California

Grenache

85,854

US

This young, brash Cabernet is filled with adolescent power and angst. It's all sinew and potency now, in the grip of strong, masculine tannins that overshadow the blackberry fruit. It's clearly a cellar candidate, and should emerge, in eight years or so, with authority.

91

75

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

58,236

Italy

Mount Etna's Don Peppino vineyard is responsible for some of the volcano's most precious and highest quality fruit. This wine opens with a light hue and delicate aromas of violets, white almonds, cranberries and fresh plums. The nose is polished and refined. It's hard to believe that sucha violent volcano can produce such a feminine wine.

93

96

Sicily & Sardinia

Red Blend

98,088

Germany

Crushed slate and smoke notes mingle with zesty lime and lemon in this spine-tingling Riesling. It's a touch off-dry, with juicy white grapefruit flavor sweetening the midpalate. A Margarita-like ring of salt lingers on the finish.

89

25

Mosel

Riesling

39,615

US

Concentrated, delicious fruit flavors and subtle spiciness make a great combination in this harmonious and full-bodied wine. There is no obvious oak character, but it tastes like a gently barrel-fermented wine that developed hints of cream, nutmeg and honey along with a river of ripe pear and peach.

92

42

California

Chardonnay

21,040

France

This is hard and tough, all tannins and extraction.

83

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

105,482

Argentina

Oak-based aromas of coffee, mocha, lemon peel, graphite and vanilla set up a wide-bodied, resiny palate with toasty, baked flavors of blueberry, cassis, blackberry and pepper. This midnight-black Malbec feels ripe, pure and consistent on the finish. Drink through 2018.

90

31

Mendoza Province

Malbec

2,224

Italy

Opens with dark concentration and extra flesh and density in terms of texture. There's an extra padding of softness that helps buffer the vintage's high acidity and natural firmness. Not ready to drink for another 10 years at least.

94

92

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

59,559

France

This attractive and fruity wine is ready to drink now. It is bright with acidity, citrus and lively fresh-sliced apples. It's a delicious wine, all fruit with only the lightest texture. Ghislain Boutemy is the winemaker at the family estate.

87

30

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

125,386

US

Quite restrained on the nose, this nicely priced bottling slowly unleashes sea salt, apple peel, key lime pith and chalk aromas. It's tightly wound on the palate with lemon skin and pear skin tartness, proving very racy in style.

88

23

California

Chardonnay