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
88,683	US	The winery named after one of California's prominent pioneers continues a strong legacy with aromas of red cherries, orange rinds, dried violets and dark red rose petals. The palate shows a decent amount of tannic grip, with flavors of pomegranate, black tea and graphite.	94	50	California	Pinot Noir
61,902	US	Bergström's lineup of Pinot Noir begins where many other wineries finish. This complex, earthy wine shows its fair share of herb and even a hint of stem, but those are offset by crisp, well-defined flavors of cranberry, cherry and spice. A fine example of this winery's house style.	90	42	Oregon	Pinot Noir
67,635	Italy	This is dark and brooding, showing earthy aromas of tilled earth, leather and farmyard. The palate is big and ripe, with black fruit, nutmeg and white pepper flavors.	87	15	Veneto	Red Blend
108,052	Italy	Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a light, fragrant red wine that pairs with creamy shrimp risotto or white meat. Measured and elegant in terms of intensity, it offers pleasing freshness.	88	23	Sicily & Sardinia	Red Blend
12,250	US	A bit on the lean side, with apple and citrus flavors, which are typical of the appellation. Acidity is also sharp and mouth-watering. This is not a big, fat Chardonnay but it is a well-structured, foodworthy wine, with oaky influences. This tight structure is very clean.	90	38	California	Chardonnay
38,769	US	This wine shows everything that Chardonnay lovers want. It's enormously rich and ripe in mango, pineapple, orange and peach flavors, enriched with sweet new oak and creamy lees. Drink now.	91	41	California	Chardonnay
106,740	US	Very floral aromatics mark this distinctive effort; it's positively overflowing with rose petals. Turns more musky and spicy in the mouth, before fading away a little abruptly.	84	15	New York	Gewürztraminer
60,659	US	Rosés are an extreme rarity from this blazing hot appellation. This blend of Cabernet Franc (80%) and Mourvèdre is pale peach in color and offers notes of herb, cereal and strawberry. The palate drinks off dry with weighty somewhat ponderous fruit flavors that seem to get bogged down but still provide enjoyment.	86	20	Washington	Rosé
52,467	Italy	Bright fruit tones of cherry, pomegranate and red currant give this Brunello a pristine and youthful personality. The quality of those red fruit aromas is remarkable and the wine shows well-integrated spice, leather and tobacco notes. A very welcome splash of sweet-fruit flavor helps smooth out Sangiovese's natural acidity.	91	44	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
120,674	Italy	Here's a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that opens with aromas of cedar, ripe black-skinned fruit, grilled herbs and a whiff of mocha. The savory palate doles out fleshy plums, blackberries, chocolate, ground black pepper and licorice. Polished, ripe tannins support the juicy fruit flavors.	90	57	Tuscany	Red Blend
73,791	Italy	A blend of Grillo, Cataratto and Chardonnay, this opens with aromas of tropical fruit and apricot. The rich palate is loaded with golden apple and yellow peach flavors that are accented by notes of vanilla and lemon drop.	87	13	Sicily & Sardinia	White Blend
55,490	Italy	A perfect collaboration between two celebrated Tuscan estates, this plush wine is stacked tall with pretty aromas of cola, sweet spice, root beer, clove, toast and forest fruit. There's harmony and elegance here and the wine takes on marvelous shape in the mouth where it builds in intensity.	92	155	Tuscany	Red Blend
108,371	France	Dense and richly smooth, this displays all the fruit and generous texture of a 2009. It's now maturing well with its blackberry fruitiness, sweet tannins and light acidity. Drink now and until 2020.	86	40	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
1,258	Italy	This special selezione Brunello delivers big ripe fruit flavors—almost too ripe—of blueberry, strawberry and red currants. The wine has power and heft with more flavors of spice, leather, tobacco and gritty tannins.	88	90	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
20,377	France	This is a very fine wine with sweetness tempered with a great sense of structure and concentration. Lychees dominate the fruit profile but are supplemented with pineapple and pomelo flavors that are sprinkled with pepper. It is rich and full in the mouth. It needs some more time to age, so drink from 2016.	93	50	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
110,893	US	This is a very good, reserved and light-bodied wine with mostly tangy citrus and a bit of riper apple flavor, but it's not at all oaky. It will make an excellent wine before or during a meal, and should be versatile in pairings.	87	60	California	Chardonnay
96,848	France	Produced from organic grapes from the plateau above the prestigious slopes of Chablis, this is a cool and fresh wine with plenty of citrus as well as acidity. Drink now.	85	27	Burgundy	Chardonnay
118,657	US	Drenched with dark and rich fruit flavors as well as velvety and thick tannins, this is a bold and mouth-coating wine that still carries off a bit of polish. A hint of sweetness helps the immense structure soften around the edges and lets dark chocolate and cassis liqueur flavors come through. Drink now through 2020.	91	23	California	Petite Sirah
53,421	France	Developing well already, this is a textured, steely, very mineral wine that has also has rich stone fruits that give the wine weight and flavor density. Apples and fennel lend freshness and spice. It should age longer, so wait to drink until 2015.	91	27	Alsace	Riesling
85,831	US	Consistently one of the best of Sparkling Pointe's many excellent offerings, this elegant wine shows classic expressions of apple and lemon juxtaposed with complex notes of fresh-baked brioche, nuts and cream. High-toned acidity and fine, delicate mousse fill the palate with intensity and harmony. The finish lingers exceptionally long.	90	42	New York	Chardonnay
14,855	Italy	Made with 100% native grape Carricante, this offers delicate aromas of honeysuckle, broom, brimstone and a note of stone fruit. The vertical palate offers green apple, citrus peel, mineral and rosemary, while aging in casks adds a layer of complexity. It's impeccably balanced with bright acidity.	90	40	Sicily & Sardinia	White Blend
59,036	US	This red-label cuvée is made exclusively from estate-grown fruit. Lively and aromatic, it carries a streak of beetroot threaded through blackberry fruit. It's tight and tense, like a coiled spring, suggesting that some additional bottle age will help to open it up. The concentration is impressive, and the flavors continue on through a lengthy finish, with a suggestion of gunmetal as it subsides.	91	38	Oregon	Pinot Noir
6,641	Italy	Costebianche refers to the calcium-rich soils in the vineyards of this estate in Piedmont, northern Italy. On those soils, this elegant Chardonnay delivers dusty notes of crushed mineral, white peach, almond skin and honey. In the mouth, the wine is fine and silky.	88	20	Piedmont	Chardonnay
20,500	US	This bottling's slightly dank nose recalls the front lawn being cut on a hot summer day, but a warmer, more inviting peach and nectarine fruit component awaits in the background. The palate is tangy with sharp lime peels and a bit tarry.	85	12	California	Sauvignon Blanc
109,182	US	Full bodied and well balanced, this wine has a broad, mouthfilling texture and enough concentration to carry its rich fruit notes into the finish. Cedar and black currant aromas meet black cherry and blackberry flavors, while a layer of fine-grained tannins frames the whole picture.	90	25	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
99,031	US	The oaky smoke is quite powerful on the nose, which also shows vanilla dust and lime juice. The palate is anything but austere, full of toast, caramelized apples and smoked fruits. A line of citrus acidity stops it from becoming flabby, but this is definitely for the oak lovers crowd.	87	17	California	Chardonnay
52,607	Italy	A big, bold expression of Gewürztraminer that opens with bright aromas of natural rubber, passion fruit and candied fruit. It shows huge intensity and a touch of silky sweetness on the close.	90	60	Northeastern Italy	Gewürztraminer
79,598	France	Now blossoming, this wine from a generally fruity vintage is delicious to drink. Poised and stylish, it shows integrated black fruit and wood, feeling balanced and almost ready. Drink from 2018.	89	35	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
26,789	France	A silky ripe wine that has great yellow and white stone fruits. That is contrasted with a strongly mineral character, touches of honey and intense acidity. The wine is still young but it has a delicious future. Drink starting from 2019.	92	45	Burgundy	Chardonnay
101,439	US	Intensely smoky aromas seep through the palate of this unusual Chardonnay. Fresh apple and lemon flavors are pleasant, but overwhelmed by savory nut and smoke tones.	83	18	New York	Chardonnay
59,026	US	Vibrant aromas of cherry, black currant, green herb and barrel spice are followed by polished fruit flavors that show depth and detail. It's expressive on the finish.	91	38	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
21,579	US	Hard and tough in tannins now, with a dry astringency. It's a good, balanced Cabernet, with very rich blackberry, currant and chocolate flavors, but those gritty tannins are difficult. Give it a few years in the cellar.	87	30	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
2,768	France	This is a strawberry-pink-colored wine with candied flavors balanced by acidity. It is fruity, crisp and light in character.	84	11	Bordeaux	Rosé
116,414	Argentina	Dark spicy aromas of black plum and black currant are solid. In the mouth, this is saturated and hard, with heavy overall density and strong tannins. A dark, spicy, blackened set of dark-berry flavors finishes with more spice and mint than fruit.	88	22	Mendoza Province	Malbec
48,990	US	A standout in the portfolio, this is a sleek, strong effort with tart purple fruits and mineral underpinnings. There's an ample whiff of smoke and a general earthiness around the tannins, with a hint of iron ore. The chalky finish is the only distraction.	89	25	Oregon	Syrah
94,973	US	Refreshing acidity brightens this lean, light-bodied Chardonnay. Fresh tangerine and lemon notes are pleasant but demure, shaded by more savory, rustic tones. Finishes briskly.	85	18	New York	Chardonnay
47,444	US	This rich but bracing dry wine is blended from Italian grape varieties. It has plenty of ripe plum and cherry shaded by black olive and savory herb nuances backed by moderate tannins. Unlike Noceto's other more elegant reds, this one is full bodied and ripe in flavor.	89	18	California	Red Blend
18,824	US	Zucca has made a fragrant and floral Sangiovese Rosato here, dry like cherry jam on toast and a nutty finish. Pair it with tropically seasoned seafood.	87	18	California	Rosé
7,789	US	Light golden brown in color, this richly aromatic wine offers notes of brown sugar, dried pineapple, papaya and lychee. A whopping 270.8g/L residual sugar, it's thick, honeyed and sugary sweet with cinnamon, honey and granulated brown sugar flavors that linger on the finish.	92	35	Washington	Gewürztraminer
97,025	US	This small-production wine from the Lake County-based producer is made mostly of Petit Verdot, with 32% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its concentrated blackberry fruit is accented with smoky oak and dusty tannin.	88	150	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
128,250	US	While a bit restrained in style, this dry easy-going Riesling offers delicate shades of tangerine and yellow-apple flavor augmented by zesty lime and lemon acidity. Crisp texture and a soft bristle of lime zest lend a vibe to the finish.	87	25	New York	Riesling
25,843	US	A fine, vivid, crystal-clear Pinot Gris, this offers cool cucumber and melon flavors first and foremost. It's a refreshing addition to the white wine lineup at H3.	88	15	Washington	Pinot Gris
113,475	Italy	This opens with blue flower, new leather, crushed mint and underbrush aromas. On the taut, racy palate, white pepper and tobacco notes underscore sour cherry and cranberry fruit alongside austere, fine-grained tannins.	89	35	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
129,639	US	Generous and aromatic, this flavorful Merlot is a showcase for ripe black cherry fruit, accented with strong streaks of vanilla and tobacco. The plush, dark fruit leads into a tasty, toasty finish, with notes of licorice and smoke.	90	12	Washington	Merlot
128,431	France	This is a big wine in its breadth of flavors and structure. Powerful tannins give hints of the wood aging. The ripe black fruit is given a crisp edge by the acidity that is typical of the vintage. The wine will certainly age well. Drink from 2023.	94	120	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
93,301	Spain	Scratchy, herbal aromas settle on tar, asphalt, tart red fruits and leather. The palate on this cutting Rioja is pushy and full of bold acidity, while oak and herbal berry flavors finish minty and spicy, with a ringing, acid-driven feel.	86	17	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
56,582	Italy	Delicately scented, this offers aromas of white stone fruit and spring field flowers. On the bright palate, green pear, lemon-lime and chopped herbs emerge alongside racy acidity and a persistent perlage. A mineral note leaves a clean, crisp finish.	89	23	Veneto	Glera
61,284	Spain	Starts out with roasted, stewy, beefy aromas and not much brightness. The palate is measured and healthy, with dry raspberry, currant and medicinal plum flavors. It shows oak, earth, leather, acidity and some burn. In a nutshell, it's a good, standard, respectable Rioja that will complement almost any food.	87	26	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
73,080	US	Barrel flavors of toast and chocolate cover light strawberry fruit. It's pleasant enough, but the flavors have not yet jelled. Give it until 2016 to age.	86	25	Washington	Merlot
39,557	France	Big, fat Pinot Gris, with the typical spice and ripe fruit. The wine is full and round, attractively filled with peach fruits and a hint of fine acidity. Screw cap.	87	24	Alsace	Pinot Gris
39,359	France	This is a cool Pinot Noir with flavors both of red fruits and the wood aging. It is smooth with red-cherry fruit and gentle tannins and acidity. The wine, from vineyards on the slopes of Puy de Dôme mountains, is ripe and ready to drink.	87	20	Loire Valley	Pinot Noir
73,686	US	Eyrie is back in stride with this benchmark pinot gris after a sub-par '99 bottling. Fresh flavors of lemon zest and pear highlight a subtle wine whose subtle spice and zesty complexity promise a long, pleasing life ahead.	91	15	Oregon	Pinot Gris
39,777	US	This is a good, sound Cabernet. The blackberry and cherry fruit is candy-jammy, with an oaky overlay.	84	25	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
69,139	US	The aromas bring plenty of appeal, with notes of coffee, herbs, vanilla and woodspice. However the concentration of the cherry flavors doesn't seem entirely there, tapering toward the finish where the oak takes over.	88	36	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
48,317	US	Soft and approachable, with little evidence (in the mouth) of the 15.6% alcohol listed on the label, this is a pleasant, rather generically flavored red. Don't look for California-style jam; this is rather delicate, with strawberry and wild cherry fruit, light pepper, a hint of mint and light tannins.	85	38	Oregon	Zinfandel
72,116	US	Superextracted in jammy fruit, this Bordeaux blend has flavors of cherries, blackberries, licorice, mocha and peppery spices. It's very rich, and probably at its best now and for a couple of years.	86	50	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
22,373	France	The nose is slightly subdued with a faint touch of lemon balm and orange. The palate unpacks this with notes of both citrus and earth. There is something textured about that earthy feel, while all the freshness of lemon and orange zest dazzles the senses. This has purity and precision which lend a sense of weightlessness despite the undoubted power of the wine. The finish is wonderfully dry, refreshing and absolutely lip-smacking. Drink 2017–2030.	94	39	Alsace	Riesling
673	US	This is a full-bodied and full-flavored wine with rich and deep aromas, ripe fruit flavors and a texture that feels substantial but polished. It starts with black cherry and woodsy aromas, then goes to lively but broad cherry, plum and nutmeg notes. The finish stays flavorful and dry.	90	44	California	Pinot Noir
125,980	US	A scene of mushroom-filled forest is set aromatically in this estate-grown wine, rich in red fruit complemented in dried herb. Lean, with extracted tannins, it continues the thread of classic flavor in its grasp of pencil lead and tobacco.	90	79	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
76,087	US	Assembled from dozens of individual lots, this sumptuous brut is an example of the art of blending. Based on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it's really as delicious and refined a sparkling wine as you could want for drinking now. Shows lush citrus, strawberry, honey, melon, fig and spice flavors that are wrapped into a smooth, silky bubbling mouthfeel.	92	20	California	Sparkling Blend
31,656	Italy	Underbrush, plum, blue flower and coffee aromas lead the nose on this concentrated blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. The dense, one-dimensional palate doles out blackberry, prune, licorice, grilled pepper and milk chocolate alongside velvety tannins.	89	35	Tuscany	Red Blend
5,854	France	This dusty wine has weight and concentration. Fruit lies behind its firm facade, giving the potential for juiciness. Drink from 2019.	88	25	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
14,907	US	Aromas of baking spice, herb, vanilla, wood spice and cherry lead to lightly sweet fruit flavors. The oak is overwhelming, making the variety hard to find.	86	14	Washington	Malbec
100,941	US	Measured oak cradles spicy pepper and a richness of vanilla-kissed black cherry and blackberry in this bold, full-bodied wine, that yes, would pair deliciously with wild boar.	90	45	California	Zinfandel
29,455	Argentina	Mild plum and berry aromas are smell a bit like aromatized soap. With cherry, raspberry and brown sugar flavors, this is a friendly wine without much Pinot character.	85	15	Mendoza Province	Pinot Noir
21,826	Argentina	With aromas of blueberry and Kool-Aid, this feels raw and pointy, with basic plum and dry red-fruit flavors. An abrupt finish is as expected.	81	9	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Sauvignon
105,678	US	Too ripe, with prune, chocolate and raisin flavors that taste hot and sweet in high alcohol. With hard tannins, it could almost be a minor Port.	83	35	California	Malbec
64,899	Argentina	After an opening of tomato, red plum and berry aromas, this shows a smooth texture and a full body. Berry, ripe plum and cocoa flavors finish with medium tannins and good length.	88	15	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Sauvignon
109,865	Italy	Kue is a floral blend of Insolia (70%) and Viognier, with subtle notes of peach blossom and jasmine that would pair with basil pesto or fresh tomato bruschetta. The wine presents a thin, simple but crisp feel on the finish.	86	20	Sicily & Sardinia	White Blend
51,814	US	This is the winery's first bottling of Malbec from this up-and-coming vineyard. Woodspice, cedar and mushroom aromas are followed by seemingly dried-out cherry flavors that trail toward the finish.	86	25	Washington	Malbec
15,398	US	This is a simple wine with a touch of menthol and astringency, a mix of dried herb and grapes picked at an early stage of ripeness.	85	18	California	Merlot
59,814	Italy	Proprietor Maurizio Fuselli's 100% Syrah from coastal Tuscany—his debut vintage—could not be more encouraging. The wine exhibits pure berry fruit: Blackberry and cherry is backed by leather, spice and cigar box. The wine has tight, solid tannins, good length and a long, cherry-driven finish.	93	60	Tuscany	Syrah
124,697	US	Black cherry and black raspberry notes meet crushed mint, wet slate, Mediterranean spice, blistered tomato and Kalamata olive on the nose of this estate bottling. Lively herbs including marjoram and thyme mark the palate, then the wine warms toward tarter cherry, cranberry and turned earth on the midpalate. It finishes with aromatically lifting menthol notes.	92	60	California	Pinot Noir
82,422	US	Melon and jasmine aromas abound in this light, refreshing Riesling offering glimpses of white peach, lime and slate on the palate. A hint of bitter almond adds complexity to the finish.	86	13	New York	Riesling
53,936	US	From a great vineyard, this Pinot is earthy and fairly robust in style, dry and balanced in acidity with a thick texture. Cherry and cranberry dominate in flavor and aroma, the wine aged 16 months in French oak, 25% new.	88	40	California	Pinot Noir
41,885	US	Tart, tangy lemon flavor meets green apple and quince in this lush, oaky wine. Its texture is robust.	85	26	California	Sauvignon Blanc
6,999	Italy	Straightforward and easy-drinking, this starts off with aromas of red rose, violet and red berry. The bright palate offers up wild cherry layered with notes of cinnamon and white pepper balanced with zesty acidity and chewy tannins.	89	35	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
114,056	US	This is the culty Santa Cruz Mountains-based winery's entry level blend of 35% Mourvèdre, 27% Grenache, 19% Carignane, 16% Syrah and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it'll put hooks in newbies, with elegant, soft and silky aromas of violet. The palate combines the purple flowers with acai fruit flavors, making for an addictive sip.	90	36	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
51,353	France	This displays a particularly rich style of Sancerre, full bodied and opulent. It has the purest white and citrus fruits, with plenty of crisp acidity. But it is the intensity of the wine and its generosity that marks it. The wine is young and could age—although why wait when it is so good now?	94	55	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
59,946	US	What a beautiful Zinfandel this is. It has punchy, ripe raspberry and black cherry, red currant, red licorice, white pepper and vanilla oak flavors that are dry, smoothly tannic and brisk in acidity. Despite the brown sugar richness the finish is totally dry. Great with barbecue.	90	28	California	Zinfandel
121,317	US	A rich, brisk and complex Chardonnay that shows cool-climate structure and the ripe fruit that comes from a good vintage and great viticulture, in a difficult growing region. The pineapple, pear and golden mango flavors are enriched with lots of smoky, buttery oak, and offset with crisp acidity. Decadent and delicious.	92	40	California	Chardonnay
91,619	US	This is an invitingly floral, textural and rich white wine that's full bodied and lush on the palate. Tropical pineapple, guava and mango are highlighted in deeper, darker tones of honey and caramel, with a foundation of present, integrated oak.	92	65	California	Chardonnay
34,108	US	Among the impressive single-vineyard Adelsheim Pinots, this is the only one from this tiny AVA. It's loaded with bright, sparky cranberry and raspberry fruit, whose juicy flavors hit the palate's bullseye. The penetrating power is underscored with minerally acidity. Drink now through 2030.	93	75	Oregon	Pinot Noir
29,246	Spain	This blend of Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo opens with leathery, earthy aromas that suggest coffee grinds, black olive and stalky berry fruits. In the mouth, it comes through with a dense, layered feel and spicy flavors of baked berry fruits and black cherry. Overall this is a ripe, chewy, spicy wine with some rusticity. Drink through 2022.	91	30	Catalonia	Red Blend
3,248	Italy	Aromas of toast, milk chocolate and black-skinned fruit lead the way. The soft, low-acid palate doles out crushed plum, fleshy cherry and mocha alongside drying, angular tannins that create an abrupt finish.	86	18	Tuscany	Sangiovese
91,875	US	This wine is mostly Syrah, which gives juicy blackberry, plum and chocolate-covered raisin flavors. The slight percent of Viognier brings acidity and an uplifted floral note to this easy-drinking wine.	85	39	California	Syrah
89,737	France	A touch of flinty reduction still hangs over the nose, subduing the varietal aromas. But this is only a sign of youth, as is the residual carbon dioxide on the palate. While very young, this holds all it needs for a promising future: A bright core of juicy fruit—think tangerine, tart red apple and ripe yellow pear—as well as the vividly clean and racy freshness of bright lemon. This is concentrated and rather powerful, rapier-like in its cleansing, dry finish but also generous on its fruity midpalate. This is confident and self-assured and stands tall with its powerful structure and body. Leave this to calm down and become itself. Drink 2018–2037.	96	100	Alsace	Riesling
96,993	France	This is a tight, textured wine, with plenty of acidity to balance the ripe fruit. It has the generous texture typical of the vintage and ripe yellow fruits, with an attractive crisp aftertaste. Drink now.	87	38	Burgundy	Chardonnay
97,137	Italy	Charred-earth, espresso, French oak and menthol aromas unfold on this full-bodied red while a plum note lingers in the background. The subdued palate is rather evolved, showing raisin, toast, spirits and licorice but not much fruit richness. Assertive, close grained tannins provide the bracing framework.	87	30	Tuscany	Red Blend
34,782	Italy	Aromas of wood shop and anisette dominate the nose. The palate is evolved, offering prune, pomegranate, vanilla, oak extract and roasted coffee bean but no fruit richness.	86	40	Sicily & Sardinia	Red Blend
111,424	US	Marked by sweet, jammy fruit and oak, this wine is quite good, but doesn't show much complexity. It's smooth and silky, with pie-filling flavors of blackberries, raspberries and cherries, wrapped into firm but fine tannins. Could develop bottle complexity down the road, but it's a gamble.	87	70	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
78,885	US	Raisin cake and dried cherry are highlighted in this fairly light expression of what can otherwise be a hearty variety, buoyed by a brightness of acidity. Vanilla and plum add to the mix, as soft, supple tannins support the weight and breadth of an approachable wine.	90	32	California	Petite Sirah
86,696	US	A pronounced jolt of backyard compost jumps out first in this wine, followed by thin layers of cranberry, quickly wrapped up before there's much to say about a finish.	82	20	California	Zinfandel
17,950	US	This aromatic wine carries notes of movie theater buttered popcorn, peach and lees. It's full bodied with buttery stone fruit flavors that show a considerable amount of creaminess and elegance.	88	25	Washington	Chardonnay
51,785	US	Tannins and acids make for a hard, resistant mouthfeel on this three-year-old Merlot. But the flavors are very rich, suggesting black and red cherries, red currants, violets and milk chocolate. Drink it with a well-marbled steak to break through the astringency.	87	28	California	Merlot
129,555	US	From the historic vineyard site surrounded by Pinot Noir, this wine makes the case for variety and heritage, coaxing bright acidity and floral aromatics out of the grapes. Full bodied, its flavors combine plum, raisin cake, dried cranberry and dust into a leathery whole, finishing in chocolate cinnamon.	93	65	California	Zinfandel
119,300	US	There's a lot to like in this affordable Syrah. It's rich and smoky, with blackberry and bacon flavors wrapped in a smooth texture. With 17,000 cases produced, this should be relatively easy to find.	87	13	California	Syrah
65,203	Italy	All the elements of this Brunello work beautifully together. The bouquet is redolent of soft black fruit, plum cake, leather, spice and tobacco and the wine shows thick, velvety concentration in the mouth. The tannins are supple and firm and there's a touch of bright acidity that is not too sharp or in any way unbalanced.	93	56	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
128,059	Italy	Aromas of scorched earth, coffee, plum and clove lead the nose on this full-bodied red. The round, soft palate doles out blackberry, black raspberry, licorice and a bitter note of walnut skin alongside velvety tannins. Drink soon to capture the fruit richness.	88	35	Piedmont	Barbera
104,639	US	Alcohol and superripe fruit give this wine a Port-like taste, although it's totally dry. Bold tannins give it a tough astringency, and blackberry and currant flavors finish with hints of raisin and bitterness.	86	65	California	Syrah

88,683

US

The winery named after one of California's prominent pioneers continues a strong legacy with aromas of red cherries, orange rinds, dried violets and dark red rose petals. The palate shows a decent amount of tannic grip, with flavors of pomegranate, black tea and graphite.

94

50

California

Pinot Noir

61,902

US

Bergström's lineup of Pinot Noir begins where many other wineries finish. This complex, earthy wine shows its fair share of herb and even a hint of stem, but those are offset by crisp, well-defined flavors of cranberry, cherry and spice. A fine example of this winery's house style.

90

42

Oregon

Pinot Noir

67,635

Italy

This is dark and brooding, showing earthy aromas of tilled earth, leather and farmyard. The palate is big and ripe, with black fruit, nutmeg and white pepper flavors.

87

15

Veneto

Red Blend

108,052

Italy

Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a light, fragrant red wine that pairs with creamy shrimp risotto or white meat. Measured and elegant in terms of intensity, it offers pleasing freshness.

88

23

Sicily & Sardinia

Red Blend

12,250

US

A bit on the lean side, with apple and citrus flavors, which are typical of the appellation. Acidity is also sharp and mouth-watering. This is not a big, fat Chardonnay but it is a well-structured, foodworthy wine, with oaky influences. This tight structure is very clean.

90

38

California

Chardonnay

38,769

US

This wine shows everything that Chardonnay lovers want. It's enormously rich and ripe in mango, pineapple, orange and peach flavors, enriched with sweet new oak and creamy lees. Drink now.

91

41

California

Chardonnay

106,740

US

Very floral aromatics mark this distinctive effort; it's positively overflowing with rose petals. Turns more musky and spicy in the mouth, before fading away a little abruptly.

84

15

New York

Gewürztraminer

60,659

US

Rosés are an extreme rarity from this blazing hot appellation. This blend of Cabernet Franc (80%) and Mourvèdre is pale peach in color and offers notes of herb, cereal and strawberry. The palate drinks off dry with weighty somewhat ponderous fruit flavors that seem to get bogged down but still provide enjoyment.

86

20

Washington

Rosé

52,467

Italy

Bright fruit tones of cherry, pomegranate and red currant give this Brunello a pristine and youthful personality. The quality of those red fruit aromas is remarkable and the wine shows well-integrated spice, leather and tobacco notes. A very welcome splash of sweet-fruit flavor helps smooth out Sangiovese's natural acidity.

91

44

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

120,674

Italy

Here's a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that opens with aromas of cedar, ripe black-skinned fruit, grilled herbs and a whiff of mocha. The savory palate doles out fleshy plums, blackberries, chocolate, ground black pepper and licorice. Polished, ripe tannins support the juicy fruit flavors.

90

57

Tuscany

Red Blend

73,791

Italy

A blend of Grillo, Cataratto and Chardonnay, this opens with aromas of tropical fruit and apricot. The rich palate is loaded with golden apple and yellow peach flavors that are accented by notes of vanilla and lemon drop.

87

13

Sicily & Sardinia

White Blend

55,490

Italy

A perfect collaboration between two celebrated Tuscan estates, this plush wine is stacked tall with pretty aromas of cola, sweet spice, root beer, clove, toast and forest fruit. There's harmony and elegance here and the wine takes on marvelous shape in the mouth where it builds in intensity.

92

155

Tuscany

Red Blend

108,371

France

Dense and richly smooth, this displays all the fruit and generous texture of a 2009. It's now maturing well with its blackberry fruitiness, sweet tannins and light acidity. Drink now and until 2020.

86

40

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

1,258

Italy

This special selezione Brunello delivers big ripe fruit flavors—almost too ripe—of blueberry, strawberry and red currants. The wine has power and heft with more flavors of spice, leather, tobacco and gritty tannins.

88

90

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

20,377

France

This is a very fine wine with sweetness tempered with a great sense of structure and concentration. Lychees dominate the fruit profile but are supplemented with pineapple and pomelo flavors that are sprinkled with pepper. It is rich and full in the mouth. It needs some more time to age, so drink from 2016.

93

50

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

110,893

US

This is a very good, reserved and light-bodied wine with mostly tangy citrus and a bit of riper apple flavor, but it's not at all oaky. It will make an excellent wine before or during a meal, and should be versatile in pairings.

87

60

California

Chardonnay

96,848

France

Produced from organic grapes from the plateau above the prestigious slopes of Chablis, this is a cool and fresh wine with plenty of citrus as well as acidity. Drink now.

85

27

Burgundy

Chardonnay

118,657

US

Drenched with dark and rich fruit flavors as well as velvety and thick tannins, this is a bold and mouth-coating wine that still carries off a bit of polish. A hint of sweetness helps the immense structure soften around the edges and lets dark chocolate and cassis liqueur flavors come through. Drink now through 2020.

91

23

California

Petite Sirah

53,421

France

Developing well already, this is a textured, steely, very mineral wine that has also has rich stone fruits that give the wine weight and flavor density. Apples and fennel lend freshness and spice. It should age longer, so wait to drink until 2015.

91

27

Alsace

Riesling

85,831

US

Consistently one of the best of Sparkling Pointe's many excellent offerings, this elegant wine shows classic expressions of apple and lemon juxtaposed with complex notes of fresh-baked brioche, nuts and cream. High-toned acidity and fine, delicate mousse fill the palate with intensity and harmony. The finish lingers exceptionally long.

90

42

New York

Chardonnay

14,855

Italy

Made with 100% native grape Carricante, this offers delicate aromas of honeysuckle, broom, brimstone and a note of stone fruit. The vertical palate offers green apple, citrus peel, mineral and rosemary, while aging in casks adds a layer of complexity. It's impeccably balanced with bright acidity.

90

40

Sicily & Sardinia

White Blend

59,036

US

This red-label cuvée is made exclusively from estate-grown fruit. Lively and aromatic, it carries a streak of beetroot threaded through blackberry fruit. It's tight and tense, like a coiled spring, suggesting that some additional bottle age will help to open it up. The concentration is impressive, and the flavors continue on through a lengthy finish, with a suggestion of gunmetal as it subsides.

91

38

Oregon

Pinot Noir

6,641

Italy

Costebianche refers to the calcium-rich soils in the vineyards of this estate in Piedmont, northern Italy. On those soils, this elegant Chardonnay delivers dusty notes of crushed mineral, white peach, almond skin and honey. In the mouth, the wine is fine and silky.

88

20

Piedmont

Chardonnay

20,500

US

This bottling's slightly dank nose recalls the front lawn being cut on a hot summer day, but a warmer, more inviting peach and nectarine fruit component awaits in the background. The palate is tangy with sharp lime peels and a bit tarry.

85

12

California

Sauvignon Blanc

109,182

US

Full bodied and well balanced, this wine has a broad, mouthfilling texture and enough concentration to carry its rich fruit notes into the finish. Cedar and black currant aromas meet black cherry and blackberry flavors, while a layer of fine-grained tannins frames the whole picture.

90

25

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

99,031

US

The oaky smoke is quite powerful on the nose, which also shows vanilla dust and lime juice. The palate is anything but austere, full of toast, caramelized apples and smoked fruits. A line of citrus acidity stops it from becoming flabby, but this is definitely for the oak lovers crowd.

87

17

California

Chardonnay

52,607

Italy

A big, bold expression of Gewürztraminer that opens with bright aromas of natural rubber, passion fruit and candied fruit. It shows huge intensity and a touch of silky sweetness on the close.

90

60

Northeastern Italy

Gewürztraminer

79,598

France

Now blossoming, this wine from a generally fruity vintage is delicious to drink. Poised and stylish, it shows integrated black fruit and wood, feeling balanced and almost ready. Drink from 2018.

89

35

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

26,789

France

A silky ripe wine that has great yellow and white stone fruits. That is contrasted with a strongly mineral character, touches of honey and intense acidity. The wine is still young but it has a delicious future. Drink starting from 2019.

92

45

Burgundy

Chardonnay

101,439

US

Intensely smoky aromas seep through the palate of this unusual Chardonnay. Fresh apple and lemon flavors are pleasant, but overwhelmed by savory nut and smoke tones.

83

18

New York

Chardonnay

59,026

US

Vibrant aromas of cherry, black currant, green herb and barrel spice are followed by polished fruit flavors that show depth and detail. It's expressive on the finish.

91

38

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

21,579

US

Hard and tough in tannins now, with a dry astringency. It's a good, balanced Cabernet, with very rich blackberry, currant and chocolate flavors, but those gritty tannins are difficult. Give it a few years in the cellar.

87

30

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

2,768

France

This is a strawberry-pink-colored wine with candied flavors balanced by acidity. It is fruity, crisp and light in character.

84

11

Bordeaux

Rosé

116,414

Argentina

Dark spicy aromas of black plum and black currant are solid. In the mouth, this is saturated and hard, with heavy overall density and strong tannins. A dark, spicy, blackened set of dark-berry flavors finishes with more spice and mint than fruit.

88

22

Mendoza Province

Malbec

48,990

US

A standout in the portfolio, this is a sleek, strong effort with tart purple fruits and mineral underpinnings. There's an ample whiff of smoke and a general earthiness around the tannins, with a hint of iron ore. The chalky finish is the only distraction.

89

25

Oregon

Syrah

94,973

US

Refreshing acidity brightens this lean, light-bodied Chardonnay. Fresh tangerine and lemon notes are pleasant but demure, shaded by more savory, rustic tones. Finishes briskly.

85

18

New York

Chardonnay

47,444

US

This rich but bracing dry wine is blended from Italian grape varieties. It has plenty of ripe plum and cherry shaded by black olive and savory herb nuances backed by moderate tannins. Unlike Noceto's other more elegant reds, this one is full bodied and ripe in flavor.

89

18

California

Red Blend

18,824

US

Zucca has made a fragrant and floral Sangiovese Rosato here, dry like cherry jam on toast and a nutty finish. Pair it with tropically seasoned seafood.

87

18

California

Rosé

7,789

US

Light golden brown in color, this richly aromatic wine offers notes of brown sugar, dried pineapple, papaya and lychee. A whopping 270.8g/L residual sugar, it's thick, honeyed and sugary sweet with cinnamon, honey and granulated brown sugar flavors that linger on the finish.

92

35

Washington

Gewürztraminer

97,025

US

This small-production wine from the Lake County-based producer is made mostly of Petit Verdot, with 32% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its concentrated blackberry fruit is accented with smoky oak and dusty tannin.

88

150

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

128,250

US

While a bit restrained in style, this dry easy-going Riesling offers delicate shades of tangerine and yellow-apple flavor augmented by zesty lime and lemon acidity. Crisp texture and a soft bristle of lime zest lend a vibe to the finish.

87

25

New York

Riesling

25,843

US

A fine, vivid, crystal-clear Pinot Gris, this offers cool cucumber and melon flavors first and foremost. It's a refreshing addition to the white wine lineup at H3.

88

15

Washington

Pinot Gris

113,475

Italy

This opens with blue flower, new leather, crushed mint and underbrush aromas. On the taut, racy palate, white pepper and tobacco notes underscore sour cherry and cranberry fruit alongside austere, fine-grained tannins.

89

35

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

129,639

US

Generous and aromatic, this flavorful Merlot is a showcase for ripe black cherry fruit, accented with strong streaks of vanilla and tobacco. The plush, dark fruit leads into a tasty, toasty finish, with notes of licorice and smoke.

90

12

Washington

Merlot

128,431

France

This is a big wine in its breadth of flavors and structure. Powerful tannins give hints of the wood aging. The ripe black fruit is given a crisp edge by the acidity that is typical of the vintage. The wine will certainly age well. Drink from 2023.

94

120

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

93,301

Spain

Scratchy, herbal aromas settle on tar, asphalt, tart red fruits and leather. The palate on this cutting Rioja is pushy and full of bold acidity, while oak and herbal berry flavors finish minty and spicy, with a ringing, acid-driven feel.

86

17

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

56,582

Italy

Delicately scented, this offers aromas of white stone fruit and spring field flowers. On the bright palate, green pear, lemon-lime and chopped herbs emerge alongside racy acidity and a persistent perlage. A mineral note leaves a clean, crisp finish.

89

23

Veneto

Glera

61,284

Spain

Starts out with roasted, stewy, beefy aromas and not much brightness. The palate is measured and healthy, with dry raspberry, currant and medicinal plum flavors. It shows oak, earth, leather, acidity and some burn. In a nutshell, it's a good, standard, respectable Rioja that will complement almost any food.

87

26

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

73,080

US

Barrel flavors of toast and chocolate cover light strawberry fruit. It's pleasant enough, but the flavors have not yet jelled. Give it until 2016 to age.

86

25

Washington

Merlot

39,557

France

Big, fat Pinot Gris, with the typical spice and ripe fruit. The wine is full and round, attractively filled with peach fruits and a hint of fine acidity. Screw cap.

87

24

Alsace

Pinot Gris

39,359

France

This is a cool Pinot Noir with flavors both of red fruits and the wood aging. It is smooth with red-cherry fruit and gentle tannins and acidity. The wine, from vineyards on the slopes of Puy de Dôme mountains, is ripe and ready to drink.

87

20

Loire Valley

Pinot Noir

73,686

US

Eyrie is back in stride with this benchmark pinot gris after a sub-par '99 bottling. Fresh flavors of lemon zest and pear highlight a subtle wine whose subtle spice and zesty complexity promise a long, pleasing life ahead.

91

15

Oregon

Pinot Gris

39,777

US

This is a good, sound Cabernet. The blackberry and cherry fruit is candy-jammy, with an oaky overlay.

84

25

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

69,139

US

The aromas bring plenty of appeal, with notes of coffee, herbs, vanilla and woodspice. However the concentration of the cherry flavors doesn't seem entirely there, tapering toward the finish where the oak takes over.

88

36

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

48,317

US

Soft and approachable, with little evidence (in the mouth) of the 15.6% alcohol listed on the label, this is a pleasant, rather generically flavored red. Don't look for California-style jam; this is rather delicate, with strawberry and wild cherry fruit, light pepper, a hint of mint and light tannins.

85

38

Oregon

Zinfandel

72,116

US

Superextracted in jammy fruit, this Bordeaux blend has flavors of cherries, blackberries, licorice, mocha and peppery spices. It's very rich, and probably at its best now and for a couple of years.

86

50

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

22,373

France

The nose is slightly subdued with a faint touch of lemon balm and orange. The palate unpacks this with notes of both citrus and earth. There is something textured about that earthy feel, while all the freshness of lemon and orange zest dazzles the senses. This has purity and precision which lend a sense of weightlessness despite the undoubted power of the wine. The finish is wonderfully dry, refreshing and absolutely lip-smacking. Drink 2017–2030.

94

39

Alsace

Riesling

673

US

This is a full-bodied and full-flavored wine with rich and deep aromas, ripe fruit flavors and a texture that feels substantial but polished. It starts with black cherry and woodsy aromas, then goes to lively but broad cherry, plum and nutmeg notes. The finish stays flavorful and dry.

90

44

California

Pinot Noir

125,980

US

A scene of mushroom-filled forest is set aromatically in this estate-grown wine, rich in red fruit complemented in dried herb. Lean, with extracted tannins, it continues the thread of classic flavor in its grasp of pencil lead and tobacco.

90

79

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

76,087

US

Assembled from dozens of individual lots, this sumptuous brut is an example of the art of blending. Based on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it's really as delicious and refined a sparkling wine as you could want for drinking now. Shows lush citrus, strawberry, honey, melon, fig and spice flavors that are wrapped into a smooth, silky bubbling mouthfeel.

92

20

California

Sparkling Blend

31,656

Italy

Underbrush, plum, blue flower and coffee aromas lead the nose on this concentrated blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. The dense, one-dimensional palate doles out blackberry, prune, licorice, grilled pepper and milk chocolate alongside velvety tannins.

89

35

Tuscany

Red Blend

5,854

France

This dusty wine has weight and concentration. Fruit lies behind its firm facade, giving the potential for juiciness. Drink from 2019.

88

25

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

14,907

US

Aromas of baking spice, herb, vanilla, wood spice and cherry lead to lightly sweet fruit flavors. The oak is overwhelming, making the variety hard to find.

86

14

Washington

Malbec

100,941

US

Measured oak cradles spicy pepper and a richness of vanilla-kissed black cherry and blackberry in this bold, full-bodied wine, that yes, would pair deliciously with wild boar.

90

45

California

Zinfandel

29,455

Argentina

Mild plum and berry aromas are smell a bit like aromatized soap. With cherry, raspberry and brown sugar flavors, this is a friendly wine without much Pinot character.

85

15

Mendoza Province

Pinot Noir

21,826

Argentina

With aromas of blueberry and Kool-Aid, this feels raw and pointy, with basic plum and dry red-fruit flavors. An abrupt finish is as expected.

81

9

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Sauvignon

105,678

US

Too ripe, with prune, chocolate and raisin flavors that taste hot and sweet in high alcohol. With hard tannins, it could almost be a minor Port.

83

35

California

Malbec

64,899

Argentina

After an opening of tomato, red plum and berry aromas, this shows a smooth texture and a full body. Berry, ripe plum and cocoa flavors finish with medium tannins and good length.

88

15

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Sauvignon

109,865

Italy

Kue is a floral blend of Insolia (70%) and Viognier, with subtle notes of peach blossom and jasmine that would pair with basil pesto or fresh tomato bruschetta. The wine presents a thin, simple but crisp feel on the finish.

86

20

Sicily & Sardinia

White Blend

51,814

US

This is the winery's first bottling of Malbec from this up-and-coming vineyard. Woodspice, cedar and mushroom aromas are followed by seemingly dried-out cherry flavors that trail toward the finish.

86

25

Washington

Malbec

15,398

US

This is a simple wine with a touch of menthol and astringency, a mix of dried herb and grapes picked at an early stage of ripeness.

85

18

California

Merlot

59,814

Italy

Proprietor Maurizio Fuselli's 100% Syrah from coastal Tuscany—his debut vintage—could not be more encouraging. The wine exhibits pure berry fruit: Blackberry and cherry is backed by leather, spice and cigar box. The wine has tight, solid tannins, good length and a long, cherry-driven finish.

93

60

Tuscany

Syrah

124,697

US

Black cherry and black raspberry notes meet crushed mint, wet slate, Mediterranean spice, blistered tomato and Kalamata olive on the nose of this estate bottling. Lively herbs including marjoram and thyme mark the palate, then the wine warms toward tarter cherry, cranberry and turned earth on the midpalate. It finishes with aromatically lifting menthol notes.

92

60

California

Pinot Noir

82,422

US

Melon and jasmine aromas abound in this light, refreshing Riesling offering glimpses of white peach, lime and slate on the palate. A hint of bitter almond adds complexity to the finish.

86

13

New York

Riesling

53,936

US

From a great vineyard, this Pinot is earthy and fairly robust in style, dry and balanced in acidity with a thick texture. Cherry and cranberry dominate in flavor and aroma, the wine aged 16 months in French oak, 25% new.

88

40

California

Pinot Noir

41,885

US

Tart, tangy lemon flavor meets green apple and quince in this lush, oaky wine. Its texture is robust.

85

26

California

Sauvignon Blanc

6,999

Italy

Straightforward and easy-drinking, this starts off with aromas of red rose, violet and red berry. The bright palate offers up wild cherry layered with notes of cinnamon and white pepper balanced with zesty acidity and chewy tannins.

89

35

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

114,056

US

This is the culty Santa Cruz Mountains-based winery's entry level blend of 35% Mourvèdre, 27% Grenache, 19% Carignane, 16% Syrah and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it'll put hooks in newbies, with elegant, soft and silky aromas of violet. The palate combines the purple flowers with acai fruit flavors, making for an addictive sip.

90

36

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

51,353

France

This displays a particularly rich style of Sancerre, full bodied and opulent. It has the purest white and citrus fruits, with plenty of crisp acidity. But it is the intensity of the wine and its generosity that marks it. The wine is young and could age—although why wait when it is so good now?

94

55

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

59,946

US

What a beautiful Zinfandel this is. It has punchy, ripe raspberry and black cherry, red currant, red licorice, white pepper and vanilla oak flavors that are dry, smoothly tannic and brisk in acidity. Despite the brown sugar richness the finish is totally dry. Great with barbecue.

90

28

California

Zinfandel

121,317

US

A rich, brisk and complex Chardonnay that shows cool-climate structure and the ripe fruit that comes from a good vintage and great viticulture, in a difficult growing region. The pineapple, pear and golden mango flavors are enriched with lots of smoky, buttery oak, and offset with crisp acidity. Decadent and delicious.

92

40

California

Chardonnay

91,619

US

This is an invitingly floral, textural and rich white wine that's full bodied and lush on the palate. Tropical pineapple, guava and mango are highlighted in deeper, darker tones of honey and caramel, with a foundation of present, integrated oak.

92

65

California

Chardonnay

34,108

US

Among the impressive single-vineyard Adelsheim Pinots, this is the only one from this tiny AVA. It's loaded with bright, sparky cranberry and raspberry fruit, whose juicy flavors hit the palate's bullseye. The penetrating power is underscored with minerally acidity. Drink now through 2030.

93

75

Oregon

Pinot Noir

29,246

Spain

This blend of Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo opens with leathery, earthy aromas that suggest coffee grinds, black olive and stalky berry fruits. In the mouth, it comes through with a dense, layered feel and spicy flavors of baked berry fruits and black cherry. Overall this is a ripe, chewy, spicy wine with some rusticity. Drink through 2022.

91

30

Catalonia

Red Blend

3,248

Italy

Aromas of toast, milk chocolate and black-skinned fruit lead the way. The soft, low-acid palate doles out crushed plum, fleshy cherry and mocha alongside drying, angular tannins that create an abrupt finish.

86

18

Tuscany

Sangiovese

91,875

US

This wine is mostly Syrah, which gives juicy blackberry, plum and chocolate-covered raisin flavors. The slight percent of Viognier brings acidity and an uplifted floral note to this easy-drinking wine.

85

39

California

Syrah

89,737

France

A touch of flinty reduction still hangs over the nose, subduing the varietal aromas. But this is only a sign of youth, as is the residual carbon dioxide on the palate. While very young, this holds all it needs for a promising future: A bright core of juicy fruit—think tangerine, tart red apple and ripe yellow pear—as well as the vividly clean and racy freshness of bright lemon. This is concentrated and rather powerful, rapier-like in its cleansing, dry finish but also generous on its fruity midpalate. This is confident and self-assured and stands tall with its powerful structure and body. Leave this to calm down and become itself. Drink 2018–2037.

96

100

Alsace

Riesling

96,993

France

This is a tight, textured wine, with plenty of acidity to balance the ripe fruit. It has the generous texture typical of the vintage and ripe yellow fruits, with an attractive crisp aftertaste. Drink now.

87

38

Burgundy

Chardonnay

97,137

Italy

Charred-earth, espresso, French oak and menthol aromas unfold on this full-bodied red while a plum note lingers in the background. The subdued palate is rather evolved, showing raisin, toast, spirits and licorice but not much fruit richness. Assertive, close grained tannins provide the bracing framework.

87

30

Tuscany

Red Blend

34,782

Italy

Aromas of wood shop and anisette dominate the nose. The palate is evolved, offering prune, pomegranate, vanilla, oak extract and roasted coffee bean but no fruit richness.

86

40

Sicily & Sardinia

Red Blend

111,424

US

Marked by sweet, jammy fruit and oak, this wine is quite good, but doesn't show much complexity. It's smooth and silky, with pie-filling flavors of blackberries, raspberries and cherries, wrapped into firm but fine tannins. Could develop bottle complexity down the road, but it's a gamble.

87

70

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

78,885

US

Raisin cake and dried cherry are highlighted in this fairly light expression of what can otherwise be a hearty variety, buoyed by a brightness of acidity. Vanilla and plum add to the mix, as soft, supple tannins support the weight and breadth of an approachable wine.

90

32

California

Petite Sirah

86,696

US

A pronounced jolt of backyard compost jumps out first in this wine, followed by thin layers of cranberry, quickly wrapped up before there's much to say about a finish.

82

20

California

Zinfandel

17,950

US

This aromatic wine carries notes of movie theater buttered popcorn, peach and lees. It's full bodied with buttery stone fruit flavors that show a considerable amount of creaminess and elegance.

88

25

Washington

Chardonnay

51,785

US

Tannins and acids make for a hard, resistant mouthfeel on this three-year-old Merlot. But the flavors are very rich, suggesting black and red cherries, red currants, violets and milk chocolate. Drink it with a well-marbled steak to break through the astringency.

87

28

California

Merlot

129,555

US

From the historic vineyard site surrounded by Pinot Noir, this wine makes the case for variety and heritage, coaxing bright acidity and floral aromatics out of the grapes. Full bodied, its flavors combine plum, raisin cake, dried cranberry and dust into a leathery whole, finishing in chocolate cinnamon.

93

65

California

Zinfandel

119,300

US

There's a lot to like in this affordable Syrah. It's rich and smoky, with blackberry and bacon flavors wrapped in a smooth texture. With 17,000 cases produced, this should be relatively easy to find.

87

13

California

Syrah

65,203

Italy

All the elements of this Brunello work beautifully together. The bouquet is redolent of soft black fruit, plum cake, leather, spice and tobacco and the wine shows thick, velvety concentration in the mouth. The tannins are supple and firm and there's a touch of bright acidity that is not too sharp or in any way unbalanced.

93

56

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

128,059

Italy

Aromas of scorched earth, coffee, plum and clove lead the nose on this full-bodied red. The round, soft palate doles out blackberry, black raspberry, licorice and a bitter note of walnut skin alongside velvety tannins. Drink soon to capture the fruit richness.

88

35

Piedmont

Barbera

104,639

US

Alcohol and superripe fruit give this wine a Port-like taste, although it's totally dry. Bold tannins give it a tough astringency, and blackberry and currant flavors finish with hints of raisin and bitterness.

86

65

California

Syrah