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
83,765	US	So bone dry and acidic, the tastebuds start whistling at the first sip. Defines the racy personality of Sauvignon Blanc, with a palate-stimulating tang and lime, lemongrass and mineral flavors. The best Wattle Creek Sauvignon Blanc ever.	91	19	California	Sauvignon Blanc
95,096	US	Delicate whiffs of black cherry and berry intensify on the palate of this vibrant, delicately concentrated Pinot Noir. It's fresh and fruity yet elegantly structured offering fine lingering tannins and bright cranberry acidity. Extensive aging in new French oak lends a lavish spicy character that reverberates through the finish.	89	28	New York	Pinot Noir
99,340	Australia	This rich, opulent wine carries its massive oak load easily, marrying vanilla and toasted coconut notes with ripe plum and black cherry flavors. It's full bodied and plush, with supple tannins supported by the wood. Give it a few years to knit together and drink it 2020–2030.	95	185	South Australia	Grenache
83,969	Argentina	This is forward and oaky, almost bulky in the nose, but not overdone. The palate offers some nice orange flavors, along with a dose of ripe tropical fruit. The mouthfeel isright on, with proper acids providing necessary balance. The finish is clean and smooth, although a little sweet.	87	15	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
31,670	Italy	Underbrush, woodland berry, pressed rose, tobacco leaf, savory herb and menthol aromas mingle in the glass. The palate delivers raw red cherry, anise, white pepper and a note of grilled sage alongside tightly knit tannins and brisk acidity.	89	60	Tuscany	Sangiovese
34,403	US	A juicy, delicious Sangio, whose bright acidity underscores a lush mix of raspberries, blackberries, boysenberries and plum. The alcohol is a substantial 14.8%. The wine benefits from an extra year of bottle age, and is now beginning to hint at grace notes of leaf and tobacco.	91	20	Washington	Sangiovese
54,507	Italy	Full bodied and juicy, this forward, friendly version of Nebbiolo offers aromas of ripe berry, exotic spice, Alpine herb and a floral note. The chewy, no-frills palate delivers crushed raspberry, black cherry and licorice alongside solid tannins. Drink 2017–2024.	90	30	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
124,364	Argentina	Grapy aromas of black plum and blackberry are balsamic and a bit herbal. This blend of mostly Malbec and Syrah is medium in body and somewhat juicy. Blackberry, plum and peppery flavors finish chocolaty and lightly herbal.	88	23	Mendoza Province	Red Blend
125,846	Italy	A tiny percentage of Barbera grapes accounts for why this famous wine is not labeled as a Barolo. The Nebbiolo is sourced from the Cerequio Cru and offers long aromas of dried fruit, licorice, tar, tobacco, bitter chocolate and cola. The finish is extremely fine and polished. Drink after 2025.	95	240	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
28,844	US	Smashed black rocks and turned earth meet with black plum and pasilla chile on the nose of this bottling. The palate is relatively thin in body but full of blueberry and pepper-spice flavors.	86	24	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
12,028	US	Fresh and vibrant aromas of dark cherry and purple flowers get serious weight from a touch of tar on this very balanced, tighter Cabernet. Dark red fruits, sweet plums (and their more tart skins) and even blueberry show on the palate, which is equally acidic and tannic. It's neither lean nor lush, but right down the middle.	90	75	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
8,334	US	This is a blend of wines from their 2011 and 2012 vintages, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Merlot, as well. Spicy cherry fruit combines with herbal notes and a hint of balsamic. It has an earthy undertone, but overall the fruit shines.	87	26	Washington	Red Blend
124,439	US	Exotic richness defines this lovely young wine. It displays the tannin-acid balance you expect from Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, plus the exceptional intensity of fruit characteristic of the vintage. Floods the mouth with concentrated cherries, raspberries, red currants and cola that, influenced by smoky oak, turn to white chocolate on the finish. But it's totally dry.	94	40	California	Pinot Noir
44,959	US	This is a bit thin on the palate, with flavors of sour black-cherry candy and spice. It earns a few extra points for its elegance and fine tannins.	85	38	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
103,584	US	High-toned acidity complements the generous, brambly black fruit and brown sugar notes in this wine, its savory undertone recalling leather and coffee.	88	42	California	Zinfandel
128,463	US	A pleasantly rich Chardonnay, brimming with white peach, pineapple, lemon tart and buttered toast flavors. Gets better as it breathes in the glass. Drink now.	88	49	California	Chardonnay
21,531	US	Blended from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Syrah, this is a complex wine. Very dry and marked by young, aggressive tannins, it strikes you as dramatic, offering waves of fruit, mineral, spice and oak flavors that carry onto the long, sweet finish. With its tannins, give it until 2015.	92	37	California	Red Blend
52,735	US	Dry, tannic and acidic, with proper flavors of blackberries and cherries. Perfectly fine for drinking at parties.	84	10	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
110,011	US	This lovely effort shows both finesse and generous ripe fruit. A soft smudge of mocha—or maybe halvah—lingers gracefully through a lengthy finish. The complexity and supple integration of fruit and barrel mark this as the best of an excellent lineup from Dominio IV.	92	55	Oregon	Pinot Noir
100,898	Italy	A bright and easy blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this would taste great with grilled sausage or barbecued chicken. A vein of fresh acidity is followed by notes of black cherry, dried raspberry and mild spice.	87	15	Tuscany	Red Blend
5,292	US	Shows jammy but somewhat simple cherry candy and mint flavors, the kind that come from young vines. Plenty of tart acidity scours the mouth, creating balance to the fruit. Ultimately, this is a Pinot Noir for drinking soon.	88	42	California	Pinot Noir
107,588	US	Wente continues to impress with fine wines at fair price points, and this 2007 is a case in point, a high-end offering at a still reasonable price. A rich, red Cabernet Sauvignon, with Petite Verdot and Petite Sirah in here, too, it delivers intense flavors of dark, ripe plums and brown sugar, a very agreeable Cabernet that will pair well with rich red meats.	88	25	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
26,667	US	A very fine Cabernet, although it's tough and young and wants time in the cellar. Strikes you immediately as lush and important, with a fine structure framing ripe flavors of blackberries, black cherries, currants, anise, dark chocolate and sandalwood. Yet there's a juvenile character that, good as it is, promises even better things down the road. Give it until 2013, at least.	93	70	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
119,577	Italy	Le Rime is made as both a Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio blend and as a pure expression of Pinot Grigio for the U.S. market. Easy and fresh, this wine has touches of pear and citrus.	85	9	Tuscany	Pinot Grigio
33,545	Spain	Smooth and inviting from the start, with floral aromas, popping cherry and ripe plum on the bouquet. Feels fresh and forward, with black cherry, cola, baked plum and spice flavors. Gets it right all the way through, with smoothness and chocolaty oak on the finish. Drink now through 2015.	92	41	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
83,434	US	A light floral nose carries inviting scents of honeysuckle and clover, with just a hint of cut grass. The fruit is clean and apple-flavored, and carries a touch of cinnamon, perhaps from the neutral barrel fermentation.	88	25	Oregon	Chardonnay
85,079	France	Named after David Moreau's mother, Simone, this old-vine wine is concentrated, with sweet-tasting fruit and spicy tannins. The tight acidity gives a delicious lift to the red berry flavors.	89	30	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
37,965	France	This is tight, with acidity that cuts through the red fruits and perfumed raspberry flavors. It is light and bright, with minimal tannin and just a hint of structure.	85	40	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
100,260	Italy	Aromas of tilled earth, leather, violet, alpine herbs and forest floor lead the nose. The vibrant palate doles out crushed red cherry, menthol, thyme, grilled sage and black pepper alongside firm but fine tannins. Drink 2018–2038.	93	50	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
53,335	Portugal	This relies on its ripe fruit to convey the rich flavors of the Douro. Its black fruit flavors dominate the broad tannic structure, with a light hint of wood aging. It's bold, chunky and ready to drink.	87	15	Douro	Portuguese Red
92,278	US	Half Viognier with the rest equal parts Marsanne and Roussanne, this is aromatic with notes of pear, apples and apricot with surprisingly tart fruit flavors. The warmth of the vintage shows with the alcohol bleeding through, especially on the finish.	84	22	Oregon	White Blend
104,965	France	With good concentration, this still-young Riesling has potential. It's aromatic, with hedgerow aromas, summer fruits and bright acidity. There is a juicy background along with a more textured character that is ready for that aging. Drink from 2016.	88	14	Alsace	Riesling
127,595	Argentina	Simple aromas of fruit and wheat are touched up by toasted oak. Lemon, citrus and pear flavors vie for attention here, but nothing really stands out. It finishes on the spicy side, but with a sweetness that seems to come from residual sugar.	83	13	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
36,869	France	This blend of Grolleau and Gamay has an attractive onion-skin-pink color. Fruity and with red-currant flavors, it is soft and lively. There is a nutty character that adds to the pleasure of this easygoing ready-to-drink wine.	87	12	Loire Valley	Sparkling Blend
111,045	US	A beautiful, elegant and dramatic blend for drinking now and over the next 6–10 years. Based on Cabernet, and sourced from vineyards including Beckstoffer ToKalon and Showket, it's flashy in blackberry, blueberry and cassis flavors, with gorgeous, refined tannins. It's throwing some tannins, so you might want to give it a proper decant.	93	75	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
56,890	US	A brand new vineyard designation for the winery, Bedrock dates to the 1800s and is being made famous by proprietor Joel Peterson of Ravenswood and his son, Morgan Twain Peterson. This wine does the site justice, a smooth concoction of cherry pit and allspice, elegant and yet plenty generous in fruit and structure, measured by natural acidity.	92	50	California	Zinfandel
19,731	US	Though not designated, the grapes for this white come from the Dutton Sullivan Vineyard, outside of Graton, planted to a heritage selection of Wente. Wet stone and salty apple make for an inviting beginning, followed by a length of complex Mandarin orange specked in spice. Andrew Berge is the winemaker.	92	38	California	Chardonnay
25,042	US	Modeled on a Right Bank, Bordeaux-style blend, this is 75% Merlot. It's supple and fruity, with ripe, balanced tannins. The wine does not have as much weight and depth as many Red Mountain reds, but it's well-balanced and suitable for drinking over the next few years.	88	45	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
99,490	Italy	Aromas of tropical fruit, yellow flower and a hint of nut lead the nose. On the informal palate, brisk acidity brightens banana, white peach and pear.	85	16	Veneto	Pinot Grigio
68,151	US	From another vintage of Billy Wathen home runs comes this bottling from friend Rick Longoria's vineyard. It shows bramble berries, elderberries, sagebrush juniper and roasting herbs on the nose. Layers of thyme and dried oregano decorate the raspberry juice and pencil-lead palate.	94	66	California	Pinot Noir
57,965	US	A heavy bottle holds a wine that's dark gold in color and exuberant in lemon curd and vanilla. Surprisingly light on the palate, given the color, it has a relatively low oak presence and layered, caramel-apple finish.	87	48	California	Chardonnay
55,729	Argentina	Smoky plum aromas give way to a crisp palate with sheer acidity. Flavors of tomato, plum and cherry are more raw than voluptuous. On the finish, this racy Cab displays enamel-peeling acidity and a can't-miss sense of freshness.	86	13	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Sauvignon
83,796	Germany	Bright tangerine and honey notes lend a sunny demeanor to this voluptuously dry Riesling. Ripe grapefruit and lemon flavors penetrate through the palate, finishing on a steely tang of acid and minerals.	89	16	Mosel	Riesling
24,055	US	Shows some Riesling character in the petrol, honeysuckle and citrus fruit aromas and flavors, and that crisp Central Coast acidity makes it very bright and clean. It's a bit thin, but nice enough as an apéritif sipper.	85	18	California	Riesling
128,660	Italy	Dense and full-bodied, this opens with aromas of oak, roasted coffee beans, leafy forest floor, baked plum and licorice. The chewy, concentrated palate doles out fleshy raspberry, black cherry, orange peel and star anise alongside polished, fine-grained tannins.	90	23	Piedmont	Barbera
90,907	Argentina	Herbaceous red-fruit and forced fiery oak aromas give this a spicy, almost Pinot Noir-like nose. Raw as nails on the palate, this tastes like herbal green strawberry and chemicals. Weedy on the finish.	80	10	Mendoza Province	Malbec
109,142	US	A distinctive, fruit forward wine with notes of blueberry and ash. It's fresh with tannins adding gruffness.	86	20	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
101,415	US	Made in an exotic style, this Zin is ultra-concentrated in fruit and rich in tannins, in the way of a Howell Mountain red wine. It's complex in spicy currants, Dr. Pepper, Tabasco, chocolate and anise. A little soft in acidity, but should mellow out for years.	88	29	California	Zinfandel
38,189	US	Creamy brie rind aromas mesh with scratched yellow grapefruit skin and a steely minerality on the nose of this small-batch bottling from a winery atop the appellation's ridgeline. Light and focused flavors of kumquat juice, iodine and lime skin satisfy the palate, and would be a perfect match for shellfish.	94	70	California	Chardonnay
101,420	US	A blend of Zinfandel and Syrah, this wine is softly rich and jammy, with very ripe, forward black and red currant, chocolate, licorice and black pepper flavors. Fundamentally dry, though it leaves behind the impression of glyceriney sweetness.	87	78	California	Red Blend
39,992	US	How's this for exotic: this red blend is made from the vinifera grapes Saperavi (from the former Soviet Georgia) and Sereksiya Charni (generally from Moldova). On the nose, the wine displays clove, tart berry, raspberry and black pepper, and on the palate, like flavors and solid tannins. There's a touch of dried tea to the blend and a decent finish, but the wine needs time to age--consider holding it for 5-10 years for the complexity to unfold. Overall, an appealing and interesting choice.	84	60	New York	Red Blend
74,392	US	Well made, well rounded and well balanced, this medium-bodied wine has tasty fruit aromas and flavors. Spicy accents accompany a firm, layered texture and lasting finish.	88	28	California	Zinfandel
106,228	France	Fruity and juicy, this is an attractive blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, giving a tight, mineral-driven wine. With its pink grapefruit and crisp green apple fruits, it is young and can age, although not for long. Drink from 2016.	85	14	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
97,965	Argentina	Oily citrus and barrel-based smoke aromas set up a palate that's deep and powerful. Flavors of spiced apple, citrus and butterscotch are solid and don't fade over the course of a long, slightly pithy tasting finish.	88	26	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
126,569	US	Exuberantly fruit-forward and richly layered, this medium- to full-bodied white is tangy with rocky minerality and bursts of citrus in between ginger and nutmeg spice over apple crisp. It lingers luxuriously on the palate.	91	30	California	Chardonnay
121,200	Italy	Tight and focused, this opens with aromas of wild berry, red rose, culinary spice and a whisper of menthol. Chiseled and austere, the palate offers sour cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and a hint of anise. Youthfully assertive fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide the framework. Give it time to soften and fully develop. Drink 2023–2033.	90	107	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
48,838	US	This wine packs a punch and overdelivers quality for the price. This is a crowd-pleaser in its lush, soft and fruity combination of grilled meat, bacon and smoky tannin. Those big bold elements are complemented by plenty of black-cherry jam.	90	43	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
72,828	US	Mauve in color, this cold-fermented pink wine shows crystallized watermelon, effervescent pink lemonade and berry-lime sangria elements on the nose. It's very flavorful once sipped, with pomegranate and rose petal notes, proving ripe and tasty yet not overdone.	89	18	California	Pinot Noir
15,268	Germany	While initially a bit earthy and savory on the nose, this ethereal kabinett abounds in fruity, floral complexities. Cutting and spry, its sweet, tangy citrus and stone-fruit flavors seem to dance nervously on the palate. It's nuanced and minerally, with a deliciously salty finish.	92	22	Mosel	Riesling
91,238	US	As with most Del Rio wines, this is 100% varietal. Fruity and forward, it's a bowl full of peaches and apples. Flavors are light and fresh, without much substance. Drink up.	85	20	Oregon	Viognier
7,559	US	This is a rich, flamboyant Chardonnay, built on a foundation of superripe pineapple, lime and golden mango fruit and elaborated with sweet, caramelized oak. Bright, zesty Edna Valley acidity balances the opulence.	90	24	California	Chardonnay
42,790	Argentina	This red-tinted, full-bodied rosé is strained on the nose, with a strong, distinct whiff of wet animal fur. The palate feels heavy and unfocused, while flavors of plum skins and nectarine finish bitter and without any crispness or cleansing properties.	82	15	Mendoza Province	Rosé
40,220	US	Bone dry and firmly tannic, this Syrah has a peppery edge to the blackberry, currant and tamari flavors. It could be more focused and concentrated. Drink now.	86	39	California	Syrah
48,764	US	Slightly reductive on the nose, this bottling from a very coastal vineyard outside of Cambria shows mossy forest floor, jerked meat, dried cranberries, turned earth, sesame oil and salt on the nose. The palate combines concentrated, lush raspberry with bay leaf, lots of turned earth and chaparral seasonings.	92	32	California	Pinot Noir
98,640	Italy	Tanca Farra is the name of the soil; the grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and the Sardinian workhorse, Cannonau (50%). They work well together in this wine, which opens nicely to reveal black-fruit notes. The palate experience is ripe tannins, adequate acidity and a good mouthfeel. The finish is long, with cherry and plum notes.	88	16	Sicily & Sardinia	Red Blend
102,873	US	This off-dry blend of Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris and Muscat shows the last grape first and foremost. The Muscat shines and shimmers with scents of orange blossoms and sweet, lively fruit. The wine is aromatic as promised, delicate and tilting toward the floral, though with good, solid fruit structure.	89	14	Washington	White Blend
78,793	Portugal	The Reserve version of this brand, this young wine is ripe and firm, with great potential. The Duas Quintas (two estates) are Ervamoira and Bons Ares, both in the Douro Superior. With attractive smoky flavors and ripe red-berry fruits it will become a rich wine. Drink from 2020.	92	31	Douro	Portuguese Red
87,009	Italy	This Syrah opens with black-skinned fruit, tilled soil and cooking spice aromas. It's soft and dense on the palate, offering ripe black currant, vanilla and black pepper flavors hemmed in with velvety tannins. Drink through 2021.	89	69	Sicily & Sardinia	Syrah
76,301	Spain	Dry, spicy, elegant aromas of cinnamon stick, minerals, plum and raspberry are more fresh and feminine than most RDD wines. A frisky palate is lean by comparison, while flavors of mixed red berries, mocha, spice and chocolate finish with cocoa and toast notes. Drink through 2022.	92	35	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
44,894	France	Pear drop and strawberry make for a fresh inviting nose. The palate is slightly dilute but very fresh and lively with some residual carbon dioxide. This is light and dry. Drink while aromas are fresh.	86	19	Alsace	Rosé
42,624	France	This is a soft, ripe wine, with juicy acidity to keep it fresh. Flavors of lemon, tangy spice and baked apples are balanced by the taut texture of this still-young wine. Drink from 2017.	89	50	Burgundy	Chardonnay
74,603	US	Definitely dry, this wine conveys precise rose petal, lychee fruit and Gravenstein apple aromas and flavors and a lively texture. Because it's rich in body, flavors linger on the finish. It will make a great apéritif with such appetizers as goat cheese toasts and roasted almonds.	90	16	California	Gewürztraminer
51,980	Germany	Sunny tangerine acidity highlights the rounded, slightly creamy mouthfeel of this light-bodied dry Riesling. Bright grapefruit and quince flavors are forward and fresh, offset by stony mineral tones that linger on the finish. It's a delicate yet richly balanced wine to enjoy now though 2025.	92	42	Mosel	Riesling
46,130	France	With its initial toast flavors, this is a wine that is made for aging. It has weight and opulence to go with the structure and sweet fruits. The peaches combine with citrus in a delicious counterpoint to the structure. Age for 3–4 years.	92	96	Burgundy	Chardonnay
4,575	Portugal	This wine is ripe, fruity and balanced. It has red-berry flavors along with acidity and a bright aftertaste. Drink from 2019	85	10	Douro	Portuguese Red
36,582	US	Balanced and fairly light, this is nuanced in apple, pear and quince, with soft tannins and eager acidity that comes off as bright citrus. The texture has some creaminess that isn't overdone and the finish revisits the themes of lemon and lime.	90	34	California	Chardonnay
48,880	US	Baked pear and ripe tropical guava and papaya muddle their way between high-toned aspects of lemon and sheer acidity, which veers into sour territory on the finish. The dueling personalities give this wine a sense of imbalance.	83	13	California	Chardonnay
104,157	US	Watery and a little fizzy, with sugary flavors of oranges, lemons, limes and honey. Will appeal to those who like a slightly sweet wine.	83	11	California	Sauvignon Blanc
129,669	US	This producer impresses again with this vibrantly layered, fleshy coastal-grown white, which is golden in color and brooding in baked lemon and a length of spiced apple. Its nicely contoured acidity supports a tang of crisp citrus.	93	40	California	Chardonnay
1,584	US	A tremendous Chardonnay. As always, the winery's '09 is bone dry, crisply acidic and minerally. You might call it austere at this point, with its tart finish of grapefruit. But a great Hanzell Chardonnay will improve for at least a decade, possible two, and this is a great Hanzell Chardonnay. The score reflects what the wine likely will be approximately eight years down the road.	95	75	California	Chardonnay
114,543	US	The Malibu-based winery's take on this Miller family vineyard—which sits at the appellation's western edge—is intriguingly complex, with aromatic layers of clove, raspberry, vanilla bean and dried rose hips. Set against a tight but bright raspberry backdrop, the palate shows black tea, Indian spices and all manner of dried herbs and flowers, from oregano, rosemary and thyme to cardamom and coriander.	95	45	California	Pinot Noir
58,993	US	Two bottles were tasted, with significant variation. The better bottle showed moderately ripe cherry fruit framed in chocolate and orange peel. A 50/50 mix of Pommard and Dijon 777 clones, this is best enjoyed soon.	88	48	Oregon	Pinot Noir
71,125	Australia	Produced by the transfer method, with gas levels adjusted and a dosage the results in approximately 14g/L of sugar, this is a slightly mint and eucalypt-scented sparkler dominated by black cherries and coffee. Ends on a slightly dusty note. Multipe U.S. Importers.	86	15	South Australia	Merlot
91,408	US	There's some sweetness to the citrus and tropical fruts, with a good burst of refreshing acidity, and if there's any oak, it's minimal. At this price, this is a pretty house wine.	86	12	California	White Blend
124,043	France	The new wood and spice flavors still show in this wine. A dry, woody character is still keeping the fruit back. Black coffee flavors show that there was heavy extraction. This 20-acre property is one of four in the greater Saint-Émilion area owned by the Lannoye family.	82	20	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
31,479	France	Expanding on their fathers' legacies, the cousins Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron have a deserving reputation for their almost-Burgundian Sancerre. This latest vintage, packed with both fruit and structure, shows why. It is ripe with red cherries and dark plums laced with acidity. The wine is full of great ripe fruit and generous tannins. Drink from 2018.	92	40	Loire Valley	Pinot Noir
68,214	Italy	Aromas of ripe blackcurrant, grilled bell pepper and allspice mingle in the glass. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 10% Teroldego, the palate offers prune, dried blackberry, graphite, ground black pepper and cocoa alongside polished tannins. This has already reached its peak drinking window so enjoy soon.	90	120	Tuscany	Red Blend
90,770	US	This is a small, family-run estate situated in the heart of the appellation, with a bent for making elegantly styled wines. Here, in its fourth vintage, small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc are blended in to provide a concentration of high-toned raspberry, cherry and cassis atop soft layers of integrated tannin and oak. The wine remains rich and velvety through a long finish.	93	90	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
127,993	US	Like its companion Cabernet, the Lewis vineyard designate is still quite hard and unyielding when first opened. The dense, complex aromas suggest the power locked up within, and the wine slowly emerges, at first peppery and herbal, yet layered and complex; then showing some silk and satin, with a strong licorice streak.	92	75	Washington	Syrah
66,283	US	Aromas of apple, pear and lees lead to a medium-bodied palate with a rounded feel. It's a very varietal example.	87	18	Washington	Chardonnay
82,882	France	Just touching maturity, this is a wonderful wine. With intense acidity, yeast, minerality and a beautiful final citrus texture, this is ready to drink but will age for many years.	95	95	Champagne	Champagne Blend
72,630	US	A bouquet of dark red fruits and heavy cedar accents opens this even, well-balanced offering. Looks and tastes mature; the dry, cherry-chocolate flavors are forward, and it closes with handsome tobacco and cedar notes. Appealing and ready to go. Drink now to 2004.	90	75	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
104,946	US	Like Talisman's other 2008s, this is an easy, gentle wine, marked by ripe, candied raspberry and cherry fruit, enhanced with the sweet caramel and vanilla of oak barrels. Drink now.	86	40	California	Pinot Noir
110,961	US	A rustic, common wine, marked by some unripe aromas and a sweet, candied raspberry taste. It's okay for big parties.	82	20	California	Red Blend
66,241	US	Fresh dill, dewy herbs and a seared lemon-syrup scent makes for a dense but not treacly nose on this wine by a producer on the fringes of Gilroy. A chive accent holds attention once sipped, with a chalky minerality and a white-pepper finish, altogether proving brisk and elegant.	91	28	California	Chardonnay
40,802	US	Pear compote is lightly spiced in nutmeg in this full-bodied, creamy white, buzzy in acidity and a stony minerality that presents as tightly woven texture on the palate. Refreshingly balanced, it offers length and breadth as it nears the finish.	90	26	California	Chardonnay
11,367	France	This is an unfocused wine that has jammy fruit and soft tannins. It tastes overripe. Not for aging.	81	13	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
59,866	Spain	Compact, almost gritty aromas of tree bark and herbal berry fruits require time to breathe. After necessary airing, this is elegant and fresh on the palate, but full in body. Herbal plum and berry flavors are leathery, spicy and suggest tomato as this transitions to a firm, racy finish. Drink through 2020.	92	32	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
13,089	US	Sugary sweet and soft, with jammy raspberry, cherry, mocha, vanilla, cinnamon, clove and pepper flavors. It's a country-style Zin made for washing down barbecue.	85	18	California	Zinfandel
128,429	US	This best-of-barrels bottling is intended to impress with its weight and gravitas, and it succeeds despite exhibiting more restraint than in previous vintages. Plush red strawberry and plum fruit is spiced with star anise and clove on the nose. The palate combines a sanguine element with smoky oak notes. Vanilla bean and ginger snap flavors extend toward the finish, which proves rather refreshing.	94	65	California	Pinot Noir

83,765

US

So bone dry and acidic, the tastebuds start whistling at the first sip. Defines the racy personality of Sauvignon Blanc, with a palate-stimulating tang and lime, lemongrass and mineral flavors. The best Wattle Creek Sauvignon Blanc ever.

91

19

California

Sauvignon Blanc

95,096

US

Delicate whiffs of black cherry and berry intensify on the palate of this vibrant, delicately concentrated Pinot Noir. It's fresh and fruity yet elegantly structured offering fine lingering tannins and bright cranberry acidity. Extensive aging in new French oak lends a lavish spicy character that reverberates through the finish.

89

28

New York

Pinot Noir

99,340

Australia

This rich, opulent wine carries its massive oak load easily, marrying vanilla and toasted coconut notes with ripe plum and black cherry flavors. It's full bodied and plush, with supple tannins supported by the wood. Give it a few years to knit together and drink it 2020–2030.

95

185

South Australia

Grenache

83,969

Argentina

This is forward and oaky, almost bulky in the nose, but not overdone. The palate offers some nice orange flavors, along with a dose of ripe tropical fruit. The mouthfeel isright on, with proper acids providing necessary balance. The finish is clean and smooth, although a little sweet.

87

15

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

31,670

Italy

Underbrush, woodland berry, pressed rose, tobacco leaf, savory herb and menthol aromas mingle in the glass. The palate delivers raw red cherry, anise, white pepper and a note of grilled sage alongside tightly knit tannins and brisk acidity.

89

60

Tuscany

Sangiovese

34,403

US

A juicy, delicious Sangio, whose bright acidity underscores a lush mix of raspberries, blackberries, boysenberries and plum. The alcohol is a substantial 14.8%. The wine benefits from an extra year of bottle age, and is now beginning to hint at grace notes of leaf and tobacco.

91

20

Washington

Sangiovese

54,507

Italy

Full bodied and juicy, this forward, friendly version of Nebbiolo offers aromas of ripe berry, exotic spice, Alpine herb and a floral note. The chewy, no-frills palate delivers crushed raspberry, black cherry and licorice alongside solid tannins. Drink 2017–2024.

90

30

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

124,364

Argentina

Grapy aromas of black plum and blackberry are balsamic and a bit herbal. This blend of mostly Malbec and Syrah is medium in body and somewhat juicy. Blackberry, plum and peppery flavors finish chocolaty and lightly herbal.

88

23

Mendoza Province

Red Blend

125,846

Italy

A tiny percentage of Barbera grapes accounts for why this famous wine is not labeled as a Barolo. The Nebbiolo is sourced from the Cerequio Cru and offers long aromas of dried fruit, licorice, tar, tobacco, bitter chocolate and cola. The finish is extremely fine and polished. Drink after 2025.

95

240

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

28,844

US

Smashed black rocks and turned earth meet with black plum and pasilla chile on the nose of this bottling. The palate is relatively thin in body but full of blueberry and pepper-spice flavors.

86

24

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

12,028

US

Fresh and vibrant aromas of dark cherry and purple flowers get serious weight from a touch of tar on this very balanced, tighter Cabernet. Dark red fruits, sweet plums (and their more tart skins) and even blueberry show on the palate, which is equally acidic and tannic. It's neither lean nor lush, but right down the middle.

90

75

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

8,334

US

This is a blend of wines from their 2011 and 2012 vintages, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Merlot, as well. Spicy cherry fruit combines with herbal notes and a hint of balsamic. It has an earthy undertone, but overall the fruit shines.

87

26

Washington

Red Blend

124,439

US

Exotic richness defines this lovely young wine. It displays the tannin-acid balance you expect from Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, plus the exceptional intensity of fruit characteristic of the vintage. Floods the mouth with concentrated cherries, raspberries, red currants and cola that, influenced by smoky oak, turn to white chocolate on the finish. But it's totally dry.

94

40

California

Pinot Noir

44,959

US

This is a bit thin on the palate, with flavors of sour black-cherry candy and spice. It earns a few extra points for its elegance and fine tannins.

85

38

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

103,584

US

High-toned acidity complements the generous, brambly black fruit and brown sugar notes in this wine, its savory undertone recalling leather and coffee.

88

42

California

Zinfandel

128,463

US

A pleasantly rich Chardonnay, brimming with white peach, pineapple, lemon tart and buttered toast flavors. Gets better as it breathes in the glass. Drink now.

88

49

California

Chardonnay

21,531

US

Blended from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Syrah, this is a complex wine. Very dry and marked by young, aggressive tannins, it strikes you as dramatic, offering waves of fruit, mineral, spice and oak flavors that carry onto the long, sweet finish. With its tannins, give it until 2015.

92

37

California

Red Blend

52,735

US

Dry, tannic and acidic, with proper flavors of blackberries and cherries. Perfectly fine for drinking at parties.

84

10

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

110,011

US

This lovely effort shows both finesse and generous ripe fruit. A soft smudge of mocha—or maybe halvah—lingers gracefully through a lengthy finish. The complexity and supple integration of fruit and barrel mark this as the best of an excellent lineup from Dominio IV.

92

55

Oregon

Pinot Noir

100,898

Italy

A bright and easy blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this would taste great with grilled sausage or barbecued chicken. A vein of fresh acidity is followed by notes of black cherry, dried raspberry and mild spice.

87

15

Tuscany

Red Blend

5,292

US

Shows jammy but somewhat simple cherry candy and mint flavors, the kind that come from young vines. Plenty of tart acidity scours the mouth, creating balance to the fruit. Ultimately, this is a Pinot Noir for drinking soon.

88

42

California

Pinot Noir

107,588

US

Wente continues to impress with fine wines at fair price points, and this 2007 is a case in point, a high-end offering at a still reasonable price. A rich, red Cabernet Sauvignon, with Petite Verdot and Petite Sirah in here, too, it delivers intense flavors of dark, ripe plums and brown sugar, a very agreeable Cabernet that will pair well with rich red meats.

88

25

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

26,667

US

A very fine Cabernet, although it's tough and young and wants time in the cellar. Strikes you immediately as lush and important, with a fine structure framing ripe flavors of blackberries, black cherries, currants, anise, dark chocolate and sandalwood. Yet there's a juvenile character that, good as it is, promises even better things down the road. Give it until 2013, at least.

93

70

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

119,577

Italy

Le Rime is made as both a Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio blend and as a pure expression of Pinot Grigio for the U.S. market. Easy and fresh, this wine has touches of pear and citrus.

85

9

Tuscany

Pinot Grigio

33,545

Spain

Smooth and inviting from the start, with floral aromas, popping cherry and ripe plum on the bouquet. Feels fresh and forward, with black cherry, cola, baked plum and spice flavors. Gets it right all the way through, with smoothness and chocolaty oak on the finish. Drink now through 2015.

92

41

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

83,434

US

A light floral nose carries inviting scents of honeysuckle and clover, with just a hint of cut grass. The fruit is clean and apple-flavored, and carries a touch of cinnamon, perhaps from the neutral barrel fermentation.

88

25

Oregon

Chardonnay

85,079

France

Named after David Moreau's mother, Simone, this old-vine wine is concentrated, with sweet-tasting fruit and spicy tannins. The tight acidity gives a delicious lift to the red berry flavors.

89

30

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

37,965

France

This is tight, with acidity that cuts through the red fruits and perfumed raspberry flavors. It is light and bright, with minimal tannin and just a hint of structure.

85

40

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

100,260

Italy

Aromas of tilled earth, leather, violet, alpine herbs and forest floor lead the nose. The vibrant palate doles out crushed red cherry, menthol, thyme, grilled sage and black pepper alongside firm but fine tannins. Drink 2018–2038.

93

50

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

53,335

Portugal

This relies on its ripe fruit to convey the rich flavors of the Douro. Its black fruit flavors dominate the broad tannic structure, with a light hint of wood aging. It's bold, chunky and ready to drink.

87

15

Douro

Portuguese Red

92,278

US

Half Viognier with the rest equal parts Marsanne and Roussanne, this is aromatic with notes of pear, apples and apricot with surprisingly tart fruit flavors. The warmth of the vintage shows with the alcohol bleeding through, especially on the finish.

84

22

Oregon

White Blend

104,965

France

With good concentration, this still-young Riesling has potential. It's aromatic, with hedgerow aromas, summer fruits and bright acidity. There is a juicy background along with a more textured character that is ready for that aging. Drink from 2016.

88

14

Alsace

Riesling

127,595

Argentina

Simple aromas of fruit and wheat are touched up by toasted oak. Lemon, citrus and pear flavors vie for attention here, but nothing really stands out. It finishes on the spicy side, but with a sweetness that seems to come from residual sugar.

83

13

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

36,869

France

This blend of Grolleau and Gamay has an attractive onion-skin-pink color. Fruity and with red-currant flavors, it is soft and lively. There is a nutty character that adds to the pleasure of this easygoing ready-to-drink wine.

87

12

Loire Valley

Sparkling Blend

111,045

US

A beautiful, elegant and dramatic blend for drinking now and over the next 6–10 years. Based on Cabernet, and sourced from vineyards including Beckstoffer ToKalon and Showket, it's flashy in blackberry, blueberry and cassis flavors, with gorgeous, refined tannins. It's throwing some tannins, so you might want to give it a proper decant.

93

75

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

56,890

US

A brand new vineyard designation for the winery, Bedrock dates to the 1800s and is being made famous by proprietor Joel Peterson of Ravenswood and his son, Morgan Twain Peterson. This wine does the site justice, a smooth concoction of cherry pit and allspice, elegant and yet plenty generous in fruit and structure, measured by natural acidity.

92

50

California

Zinfandel

19,731

US

Though not designated, the grapes for this white come from the Dutton Sullivan Vineyard, outside of Graton, planted to a heritage selection of Wente. Wet stone and salty apple make for an inviting beginning, followed by a length of complex Mandarin orange specked in spice. Andrew Berge is the winemaker.

92

38

California

Chardonnay

25,042

US

Modeled on a Right Bank, Bordeaux-style blend, this is 75% Merlot. It's supple and fruity, with ripe, balanced tannins. The wine does not have as much weight and depth as many Red Mountain reds, but it's well-balanced and suitable for drinking over the next few years.

88

45

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

99,490

Italy

Aromas of tropical fruit, yellow flower and a hint of nut lead the nose. On the informal palate, brisk acidity brightens banana, white peach and pear.

85

16

Veneto

Pinot Grigio

68,151

US

From another vintage of Billy Wathen home runs comes this bottling from friend Rick Longoria's vineyard. It shows bramble berries, elderberries, sagebrush juniper and roasting herbs on the nose. Layers of thyme and dried oregano decorate the raspberry juice and pencil-lead palate.

94

66

California

Pinot Noir

57,965

US

A heavy bottle holds a wine that's dark gold in color and exuberant in lemon curd and vanilla. Surprisingly light on the palate, given the color, it has a relatively low oak presence and layered, caramel-apple finish.

87

48

California

Chardonnay

55,729

Argentina

Smoky plum aromas give way to a crisp palate with sheer acidity. Flavors of tomato, plum and cherry are more raw than voluptuous. On the finish, this racy Cab displays enamel-peeling acidity and a can't-miss sense of freshness.

86

13

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Sauvignon

83,796

Germany

Bright tangerine and honey notes lend a sunny demeanor to this voluptuously dry Riesling. Ripe grapefruit and lemon flavors penetrate through the palate, finishing on a steely tang of acid and minerals.

89

16

Mosel

Riesling

24,055

US

Shows some Riesling character in the petrol, honeysuckle and citrus fruit aromas and flavors, and that crisp Central Coast acidity makes it very bright and clean. It's a bit thin, but nice enough as an apéritif sipper.

85

18

California

Riesling

128,660

Italy

Dense and full-bodied, this opens with aromas of oak, roasted coffee beans, leafy forest floor, baked plum and licorice. The chewy, concentrated palate doles out fleshy raspberry, black cherry, orange peel and star anise alongside polished, fine-grained tannins.

90

23

Piedmont

Barbera

90,907

Argentina

Herbaceous red-fruit and forced fiery oak aromas give this a spicy, almost Pinot Noir-like nose. Raw as nails on the palate, this tastes like herbal green strawberry and chemicals. Weedy on the finish.

80

10

Mendoza Province

Malbec

109,142

US

A distinctive, fruit forward wine with notes of blueberry and ash. It's fresh with tannins adding gruffness.

86

20

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

101,415

US

Made in an exotic style, this Zin is ultra-concentrated in fruit and rich in tannins, in the way of a Howell Mountain red wine. It's complex in spicy currants, Dr. Pepper, Tabasco, chocolate and anise. A little soft in acidity, but should mellow out for years.

88

29

California

Zinfandel

38,189

US

Creamy brie rind aromas mesh with scratched yellow grapefruit skin and a steely minerality on the nose of this small-batch bottling from a winery atop the appellation's ridgeline. Light and focused flavors of kumquat juice, iodine and lime skin satisfy the palate, and would be a perfect match for shellfish.

94

70

California

Chardonnay

101,420

US

A blend of Zinfandel and Syrah, this wine is softly rich and jammy, with very ripe, forward black and red currant, chocolate, licorice and black pepper flavors. Fundamentally dry, though it leaves behind the impression of glyceriney sweetness.

87

78

California

Red Blend

39,992

US

How's this for exotic: this red blend is made from the vinifera grapes Saperavi (from the former Soviet Georgia) and Sereksiya Charni (generally from Moldova). On the nose, the wine displays clove, tart berry, raspberry and black pepper, and on the palate, like flavors and solid tannins. There's a touch of dried tea to the blend and a decent finish, but the wine needs time to age--consider holding it for 5-10 years for the complexity to unfold. Overall, an appealing and interesting choice.

84

60

New York

Red Blend

74,392

US

Well made, well rounded and well balanced, this medium-bodied wine has tasty fruit aromas and flavors. Spicy accents accompany a firm, layered texture and lasting finish.

88

28

California

Zinfandel

106,228

France

Fruity and juicy, this is an attractive blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, giving a tight, mineral-driven wine. With its pink grapefruit and crisp green apple fruits, it is young and can age, although not for long. Drink from 2016.

85

14

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

97,965

Argentina

Oily citrus and barrel-based smoke aromas set up a palate that's deep and powerful. Flavors of spiced apple, citrus and butterscotch are solid and don't fade over the course of a long, slightly pithy tasting finish.

88

26

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

126,569

US

Exuberantly fruit-forward and richly layered, this medium- to full-bodied white is tangy with rocky minerality and bursts of citrus in between ginger and nutmeg spice over apple crisp. It lingers luxuriously on the palate.

91

30

California

Chardonnay

121,200

Italy

Tight and focused, this opens with aromas of wild berry, red rose, culinary spice and a whisper of menthol. Chiseled and austere, the palate offers sour cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and a hint of anise. Youthfully assertive fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide the framework. Give it time to soften and fully develop. Drink 2023–2033.

90

107

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

48,838

US

This wine packs a punch and overdelivers quality for the price. This is a crowd-pleaser in its lush, soft and fruity combination of grilled meat, bacon and smoky tannin. Those big bold elements are complemented by plenty of black-cherry jam.

90

43

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

72,828

US

Mauve in color, this cold-fermented pink wine shows crystallized watermelon, effervescent pink lemonade and berry-lime sangria elements on the nose. It's very flavorful once sipped, with pomegranate and rose petal notes, proving ripe and tasty yet not overdone.

89

18

California

Pinot Noir

15,268

Germany

While initially a bit earthy and savory on the nose, this ethereal kabinett abounds in fruity, floral complexities. Cutting and spry, its sweet, tangy citrus and stone-fruit flavors seem to dance nervously on the palate. It's nuanced and minerally, with a deliciously salty finish.

92

22

Mosel

Riesling

91,238

US

As with most Del Rio wines, this is 100% varietal. Fruity and forward, it's a bowl full of peaches and apples. Flavors are light and fresh, without much substance. Drink up.

85

20

Oregon

Viognier

7,559

US

This is a rich, flamboyant Chardonnay, built on a foundation of superripe pineapple, lime and golden mango fruit and elaborated with sweet, caramelized oak. Bright, zesty Edna Valley acidity balances the opulence.

90

24

California

Chardonnay

42,790

Argentina

This red-tinted, full-bodied rosé is strained on the nose, with a strong, distinct whiff of wet animal fur. The palate feels heavy and unfocused, while flavors of plum skins and nectarine finish bitter and without any crispness or cleansing properties.

82

15

Mendoza Province

Rosé

40,220

US

Bone dry and firmly tannic, this Syrah has a peppery edge to the blackberry, currant and tamari flavors. It could be more focused and concentrated. Drink now.

86

39

California

Syrah

48,764

US

Slightly reductive on the nose, this bottling from a very coastal vineyard outside of Cambria shows mossy forest floor, jerked meat, dried cranberries, turned earth, sesame oil and salt on the nose. The palate combines concentrated, lush raspberry with bay leaf, lots of turned earth and chaparral seasonings.

92

32

California

Pinot Noir

98,640

Italy

Tanca Farra is the name of the soil; the grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and the Sardinian workhorse, Cannonau (50%). They work well together in this wine, which opens nicely to reveal black-fruit notes. The palate experience is ripe tannins, adequate acidity and a good mouthfeel. The finish is long, with cherry and plum notes.

88

16

Sicily & Sardinia

Red Blend

102,873

US

This off-dry blend of Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris and Muscat shows the last grape first and foremost. The Muscat shines and shimmers with scents of orange blossoms and sweet, lively fruit. The wine is aromatic as promised, delicate and tilting toward the floral, though with good, solid fruit structure.

89

14

Washington

White Blend

78,793

Portugal

The Reserve version of this brand, this young wine is ripe and firm, with great potential. The Duas Quintas (two estates) are Ervamoira and Bons Ares, both in the Douro Superior. With attractive smoky flavors and ripe red-berry fruits it will become a rich wine. Drink from 2020.

92

31

Douro

Portuguese Red

87,009

Italy

This Syrah opens with black-skinned fruit, tilled soil and cooking spice aromas. It's soft and dense on the palate, offering ripe black currant, vanilla and black pepper flavors hemmed in with velvety tannins. Drink through 2021.

89

69

Sicily & Sardinia

Syrah

76,301

Spain

Dry, spicy, elegant aromas of cinnamon stick, minerals, plum and raspberry are more fresh and feminine than most RDD wines. A frisky palate is lean by comparison, while flavors of mixed red berries, mocha, spice and chocolate finish with cocoa and toast notes. Drink through 2022.

92

35

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

44,894

France

Pear drop and strawberry make for a fresh inviting nose. The palate is slightly dilute but very fresh and lively with some residual carbon dioxide. This is light and dry. Drink while aromas are fresh.

86

19

Alsace

Rosé

42,624

France

This is a soft, ripe wine, with juicy acidity to keep it fresh. Flavors of lemon, tangy spice and baked apples are balanced by the taut texture of this still-young wine. Drink from 2017.

89

50

Burgundy

Chardonnay

74,603

US

Definitely dry, this wine conveys precise rose petal, lychee fruit and Gravenstein apple aromas and flavors and a lively texture. Because it's rich in body, flavors linger on the finish. It will make a great apéritif with such appetizers as goat cheese toasts and roasted almonds.

90

16

California

Gewürztraminer

51,980

Germany

Sunny tangerine acidity highlights the rounded, slightly creamy mouthfeel of this light-bodied dry Riesling. Bright grapefruit and quince flavors are forward and fresh, offset by stony mineral tones that linger on the finish. It's a delicate yet richly balanced wine to enjoy now though 2025.

92

42

Mosel

Riesling

46,130

France

With its initial toast flavors, this is a wine that is made for aging. It has weight and opulence to go with the structure and sweet fruits. The peaches combine with citrus in a delicious counterpoint to the structure. Age for 3–4 years.

92

96

Burgundy

Chardonnay

4,575

Portugal

This wine is ripe, fruity and balanced. It has red-berry flavors along with acidity and a bright aftertaste. Drink from 2019

85

10

Douro

Portuguese Red

36,582

US

Balanced and fairly light, this is nuanced in apple, pear and quince, with soft tannins and eager acidity that comes off as bright citrus. The texture has some creaminess that isn't overdone and the finish revisits the themes of lemon and lime.

90

34

California

Chardonnay

48,880

US

Baked pear and ripe tropical guava and papaya muddle their way between high-toned aspects of lemon and sheer acidity, which veers into sour territory on the finish. The dueling personalities give this wine a sense of imbalance.

83

13

California

Chardonnay

104,157

US

Watery and a little fizzy, with sugary flavors of oranges, lemons, limes and honey. Will appeal to those who like a slightly sweet wine.

83

11

California

Sauvignon Blanc

129,669

US

This producer impresses again with this vibrantly layered, fleshy coastal-grown white, which is golden in color and brooding in baked lemon and a length of spiced apple. Its nicely contoured acidity supports a tang of crisp citrus.

93

40

California

Chardonnay

1,584

US

A tremendous Chardonnay. As always, the winery's '09 is bone dry, crisply acidic and minerally. You might call it austere at this point, with its tart finish of grapefruit. But a great Hanzell Chardonnay will improve for at least a decade, possible two, and this is a great Hanzell Chardonnay. The score reflects what the wine likely will be approximately eight years down the road.

95

75

California

Chardonnay

114,543

US

The Malibu-based winery's take on this Miller family vineyard—which sits at the appellation's western edge—is intriguingly complex, with aromatic layers of clove, raspberry, vanilla bean and dried rose hips. Set against a tight but bright raspberry backdrop, the palate shows black tea, Indian spices and all manner of dried herbs and flowers, from oregano, rosemary and thyme to cardamom and coriander.

95

45

California

Pinot Noir

58,993

US

Two bottles were tasted, with significant variation. The better bottle showed moderately ripe cherry fruit framed in chocolate and orange peel. A 50/50 mix of Pommard and Dijon 777 clones, this is best enjoyed soon.

88

48

Oregon

Pinot Noir

71,125

Australia

Produced by the transfer method, with gas levels adjusted and a dosage the results in approximately 14g/L of sugar, this is a slightly mint and eucalypt-scented sparkler dominated by black cherries and coffee. Ends on a slightly dusty note. Multipe U.S. Importers.

86

15

South Australia

Merlot

91,408

US

There's some sweetness to the citrus and tropical fruts, with a good burst of refreshing acidity, and if there's any oak, it's minimal. At this price, this is a pretty house wine.

86

12

California

White Blend

124,043

France

The new wood and spice flavors still show in this wine. A dry, woody character is still keeping the fruit back. Black coffee flavors show that there was heavy extraction. This 20-acre property is one of four in the greater Saint-Émilion area owned by the Lannoye family.

82

20

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

31,479

France

Expanding on their fathers' legacies, the cousins Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron have a deserving reputation for their almost-Burgundian Sancerre. This latest vintage, packed with both fruit and structure, shows why. It is ripe with red cherries and dark plums laced with acidity. The wine is full of great ripe fruit and generous tannins. Drink from 2018.

92

40

Loire Valley

Pinot Noir

68,214

Italy

Aromas of ripe blackcurrant, grilled bell pepper and allspice mingle in the glass. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 10% Teroldego, the palate offers prune, dried blackberry, graphite, ground black pepper and cocoa alongside polished tannins. This has already reached its peak drinking window so enjoy soon.

90

120

Tuscany

Red Blend

90,770

US

This is a small, family-run estate situated in the heart of the appellation, with a bent for making elegantly styled wines. Here, in its fourth vintage, small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc are blended in to provide a concentration of high-toned raspberry, cherry and cassis atop soft layers of integrated tannin and oak. The wine remains rich and velvety through a long finish.

93

90

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

127,993

US

Like its companion Cabernet, the Lewis vineyard designate is still quite hard and unyielding when first opened. The dense, complex aromas suggest the power locked up within, and the wine slowly emerges, at first peppery and herbal, yet layered and complex; then showing some silk and satin, with a strong licorice streak.

92

75

Washington

Syrah

66,283

US

Aromas of apple, pear and lees lead to a medium-bodied palate with a rounded feel. It's a very varietal example.

87

18

Washington

Chardonnay

82,882

France

Just touching maturity, this is a wonderful wine. With intense acidity, yeast, minerality and a beautiful final citrus texture, this is ready to drink but will age for many years.

95

Champagne

Champagne Blend

72,630

US

A bouquet of dark red fruits and heavy cedar accents opens this even, well-balanced offering. Looks and tastes mature; the dry, cherry-chocolate flavors are forward, and it closes with handsome tobacco and cedar notes. Appealing and ready to go. Drink now to 2004.

90

75

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

104,946

US

Like Talisman's other 2008s, this is an easy, gentle wine, marked by ripe, candied raspberry and cherry fruit, enhanced with the sweet caramel and vanilla of oak barrels. Drink now.

86

40

California

Pinot Noir

110,961

US

A rustic, common wine, marked by some unripe aromas and a sweet, candied raspberry taste. It's okay for big parties.

82

20

California

Red Blend

66,241

US

Fresh dill, dewy herbs and a seared lemon-syrup scent makes for a dense but not treacly nose on this wine by a producer on the fringes of Gilroy. A chive accent holds attention once sipped, with a chalky minerality and a white-pepper finish, altogether proving brisk and elegant.

91

28

California

Chardonnay

40,802

US

Pear compote is lightly spiced in nutmeg in this full-bodied, creamy white, buzzy in acidity and a stony minerality that presents as tightly woven texture on the palate. Refreshingly balanced, it offers length and breadth as it nears the finish.

90

26

California

Chardonnay

11,367

France

This is an unfocused wine that has jammy fruit and soft tannins. It tastes overripe. Not for aging.

81

13

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

59,866

Spain

Compact, almost gritty aromas of tree bark and herbal berry fruits require time to breathe. After necessary airing, this is elegant and fresh on the palate, but full in body. Herbal plum and berry flavors are leathery, spicy and suggest tomato as this transitions to a firm, racy finish. Drink through 2020.

92

32

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

13,089

US

Sugary sweet and soft, with jammy raspberry, cherry, mocha, vanilla, cinnamon, clove and pepper flavors. It's a country-style Zin made for washing down barbecue.

85

18

California

Zinfandel

128,429

US

This best-of-barrels bottling is intended to impress with its weight and gravitas, and it succeeds despite exhibiting more restraint than in previous vintages. Plush red strawberry and plum fruit is spiced with star anise and clove on the nose. The palate combines a sanguine element with smoky oak notes. Vanilla bean and ginger snap flavors extend toward the finish, which proves rather refreshing.

94

65

California

Pinot Noir