spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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US	Terre Rouge's classic GSM is earthy, like a silken Pinot Noir, wafting with damp, earthy moss and mushroom aromas. It's very savory but has enough flavors of cranberry, bramble fruit and peppery spice on the finish.	L'Autre	90	30	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	G-S-M	Terre Rouge	null	null	null
US	This is one of the winery's last takes on this vineyard, as they move their focus to Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. The nose is blackberry liqueur lifted with chopped black sage, fennel stalk and tobacco leaf. Flavors run from dark red fruit to black spices to tartness on the finish, like a balsamic reduction sauce.	Paderewski Vineyard	93	55	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	G-S-M	Big Basin	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Big Basin 2012 Paderewski Vineyard G-S-M (Paso Robles)
France	Lightly amylic-pear drop, resin, mineral, stone-fruit and peach-skin aromas dominate the youthful nose of this wine. Very clean and mineral-focused. The medium body and vibrant acidity give the palate a firm texture. Given its short, crisp finish, it is best consumed between now and through 2013. Good by the glass or with light fare.	null	88	null	Languedoc-Roussillon	Picpoul de Pinet	null	Picpoul	Domaine la Croix Gratiot	null	null	null
US	Gloria Ferrer's 2005 dry Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were both really good, so why shouldn't this bubbly blend of them be? And so it is. Rich in raspberry, lime, vanilla cream, yeast and cinnamon spice flavors, it has a complex, silky texture, with very fine bubbles. Drink now.	Brut Rosé	91	42	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Sparkling Blend	Gloria Ferrer	null	null	Gloria Ferrer 2005 Brut Rosé Sparkling (Carneros)
Portugal	Big and rich, this is a round and structured wine. It has great layers of ripe herbs, full black fruits and exotic spice to go over the dry tannins. The final flavors are rich, tarry, juicy as well as powerful.	Bridão Reserva	90	13	Ribatejo	null	null	Portuguese Red	Adega Cooperativa do Cartaxo	null	null	null
US	Shows the crisp acidity and bright minerality that characterize so many whites from this coastal Mendocino appellation. The Gewürz varietal personality kicks in with loads of spices, along with garden flowers, citrus fruits and green apples. A nice, bone-dry white wine to drink with tempura, Vietnamese fare, or crostini with goat cheese and grilled peppers.	Ferrington Vineyards	87	15	California	Mendocino	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Gewürztraminer	Philo Ridge	null	null	null
US	Structured and fully developed, this showcases the strong 2009 vintage, the Oppenlander Vineyard and the brilliance that is Baxter. Marked by bright black-cherry fruit and a heady perfume of rose, this carries itself with elegance and a light touch. This is Pinot Noir purposely made to pair with food.	Oppenlander Vineyard	93	45	California	Mendocino	null	Pinot Noir	Baxter	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Baxter 2009 Oppenlander Vineyard Pinot Noir (Mendocino)
France	A dark and brooding wine, it's very much a Malbec that needs to age. Solid tannins, berry fruits and concentrated structure all promise a serious wine that needs time to mature. Drink from 2017.	Cuvée Prestige	90	44	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Château de Cénac	null	null	null
South Africa	A minerally, grassy nose leads on this white blend of 51% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Chenin and 23% Chardonnay. Intense flavors of honey, almond and spice blend well with a citric, zingy edge. Some tropical fruit curviness rounds the whole thing out. A unique and stylish sip.	Lyric	86	10	Western Cape	null	null	White Blend	Nederburg	null	null	null
US	A beautiful Zinfandel, and quite a bit better than the '06. Shows great concentration of varietal flavors of briary, freshly picked wild black, blue and red berries, bacon, cola and black pepper, with a sweetness from high alcohol that actually works in the wine's favor. Drink now with very rich grilled meats, stews and hard cheeses.	Estate	92	28	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Zichichi Family Vineyard	null	null	null
US	Simple and soft, this is one to drink now. It rewards for the wealth of cherry, blackberry, licorice and cocoa flavors that finish dry and clean.	null	84	20	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Merlot	Beringer	null	null	Beringer 2005 Merlot (Napa Valley)
US	Chards are tight, acidic and minerally in youth, showing a lees-infused structure but offering waves of complexity. With toasty oak, the base flavors are of nectarines, mangoes, peaches, zesty green apples and dustings of Asian spice.	Don Miguel Vineyard	92	28	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Marimar Estate	null	null	null
US	Pure, sappy wine juice is the impression this wine leaves. Although it's a 2010, it is so fresh and tangy it might have come straight from the tank. Pomegranate and raspberry are the fruit highlights, with hints of pepper and herb.	Cabernet Frank	88	30	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Franc	J Bell Cellars	null	null	null
US	The price is right, but the wine is ordinary. It's a modest little Pinot Noir, silky and dry, with suggestions of cherries, tangerine peel and cola.	null	84	14	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Angeline	null	null	null
Italy	This is an elegant and streamlined Cabernet Sauvignon, with dark chocolate, rosemary, black fruit and spice. It has a thick structure, with lovely intensity and length.	Lafòa	94	92	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Colterenzio	null	null	Colterenzio 2007 Lafòa Cabernet Sauvignon (Alto Adige)
US	This is the winery's unoaked Chardonnay. It shows how well this cool-climate valley ripens Chardonnay, with deep, long tangerine, apricot and pear flavors, accompanied by brisk acidity. It's quite good, but would actually be better with a little oak to fatten and complicate it.	Bedrock	87	24	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Riverbench	null	null	null
Italy	Fattoria Scopone's 2004 Riserva opens with charred aromas of campfire, liquid smoke and barbecue sauce. The fresh fruit notes tend to be on the ripe side: think mature cherry and strawberry. In the mouth, however, this well-crafted wine is smooth, silky and long lasting.	Riserva	90	55	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Fattoria Scopone	null	null	null
US	A beautifully rich, elaborate, almost sweet Cabernet, so ripe and delicious you can drink it now. Wrapped into soft, complex tannins, it shows tiers of blackberries, cassis, plums, minerals and spices, with a strong, cedary coating of oak that's in keeping with the size of the wine.	Estate Reserve	92	85	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Amizetta	null	null	null
Spain	Blueberry and blackberry aromas fold in earthy notes, herbal spice and a pinch of Cabernet-related green. This feels full but crisp, with level acidity and minty, oaky flavors of carob and herbal raspberry. A short finish is fresh and lively.	null	88	13	Levante	Valencia	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Casa L'Angel	null	null	null
South Africa	Soft foliage notes lead on the nose of this wine, with supporting aromas of strawberry, raspberry and stewed rhubarb. The medium-weight mouth offers moderate tannins and a good streak of lifting acidity, resulting in a texture like crushed satin. Fruit-skin flavors linger on the medium-length close alongside accents of pepper and sweet spice.	null	91	30	Stellenbosch	null	null	Syrah	Rudi Schultz	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Rudi Schultz 2009 Syrah (Stellenbosch)
Italy	Aromas suggesting ripe berry, exotic spice, Alpine herb and a whiff of blue flower come together in the glass. The dense, round palate offers black raspberry, fleshy cherry, licorice and espresso alongside velvety tannins. It's already surprisingly accessible. Drink through 2022.	Tortoniano	91	55	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Michele Chiarlo	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Michele Chiarlo 2012 Tortoniano (Barolo)
US	Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton's shared vision for this popular grape is distinctive and rather unfamiliar for those seeking a buttery style. This shows chamomile, dandelion greens, Japanese pear and petrol on the nose, with bittery flavors of grapefruit pith, lemon juice and nectarine skins showing first. Patience allows wet wool, stone, sliced apples and white peach elements to emerge. Drink 2017–2027.	Gnesa	92	54	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Brewer-Clifton	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Brewer-Clifton 2012 Gnesa Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)
US	Decadent in coffee, toffee and caramel tones, the leathery mouthfeel of this wine is met head-to-head by a juiciness of ripe, dense blackberry fruit. An approachable Petite Sirah that will also please lovers of the variety's chewiness and concentration.	Seven Sinners	88	19	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Petite Sirah	Nine North Wine Company	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Nine North Wine Company 2010 Seven Sinners Petite Sirah (Lodi)
South Africa	Ripe and fruit forward. Strong notes of berry preserves and juicy black plum are laced with notes of purple flowers and sweet smoked meat. Medium weight with soft tannins and a clean finish. Drink now.	null	86	17	Wellington	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Eventide Cellar	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Eventide Cellar 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Wellington)
France	This is one of the classics among Provence rosés. Produced from organically grown grapes and coming from an impressive red-wine producing estate east of Aix-en-Provence, the wine is structured and ageworthy with its blend that includes Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich and full of red fruits, the wine should be drunk from late 2017.	null	94	20	Provence	Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence	null	Rosé	Château Vignelaure	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Vignelaure 2016 Rosé (Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence)
Spain	This is your quintessential simple quaff among brut cavas. It's clean, lime-tinged and soda-like on the nose, with a correct, no-issues palate that pushes zesty apple along with sweet papaya, mango and banana flavors. It's slightly sweet and tropical, but still it holds onto its crisp qualities and dryness. No complaints for the money.	Cordon Negro Brut	87	12	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Freixenet	null	null	null
US	Coming from a warm region in a hot vintage, this wine leans into the tropical with aromas of kiwi and mango, with herb and citrus notes providing accents. The flavors are lean and tart, with the concentration light.	null	86	15	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Sauvignon Blanc	Mercer	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Mercer 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Horse Heaven Hills)
US	Richly aromatic, on the strength of the nose alone this could pass for something from Napa's Rutherford Bench. The blue and purple fruit notes and dusty tannins all say California, but the laser-like definition, minerality and natural acidity prove it's Washington fruit all the way. Strikingly dense and complex, with decades of life ahead.	Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Reserve	93	50	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Tamarack Cellars	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Tamarack Cellars 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Reserve Red (Red Mountain)
US	This is the kind of PG that makes the variety such a perfect all-purpose white. It's bone dry, with a great crunch of acidity that brightens slightly herbal grapefruit zest, white peach, Meyer lemon and wildflower flavors. Interestingly, the wine did not undergo malolactic, and while it was fermented in stainless steel, it was sur lies aged.	null	88	21	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Pinot Grigio	Swanson	null	null	null
US	This treads the line between slightly rustic and refined. The tannins are sandpapery, and it has lots of zingy acidity, making the wine feel a little rough. But the core of blackberry fruit is rich and dynamic. Probably not an ager, so give it a good decanting, and drink it over the next 2–3 years.	Idyll Times	87	35	California	San Benito County	Central Coast	Syrah	Pessagno	null	null	null
France	Attractive mint aromas lead to a wine that is now mature. It's black currant fruit is layered with spice, herb and a dry structure that is not going to soften. Ready to drink now in a firm, austere way.	null	86	90	Bordeaux	Pauillac	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Haut de la Bécade	null	null	null
Spain	Sturdy black plum aromas feed into a dense, juicy, secure palate, with deep flavors of blackberry and loamy plum. The finish is smooth, mature and pure, with lasting berry flavors and integrated oak. Drink now.	Reserva	90	20	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Viña Herminia	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viña Herminia 2006 Reserva (Rioja)
US	Merlot is usually the best wine in any budget lineup of Washington reds, and this excellent entry from the new regime (Gallo) at Columbia is no exception. Polished and flavorful, it has textural, detailed flavors built upon black cherry, plum and cassis fruit. There is a light dusting of fresh herbs, and the wine has real grip and presence in the mouth.	null	89	14	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Columbia Winery	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Columbia Winery 2012 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	A young, freshly fruity wine, with a gassy berry-cherry liveliness and silky texture similar to Beaujolais. The finish on this Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon blend is dry and spicy.	Bandolero	86	32	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Red Blend	Daniel Gehrs	null	null	null
US	There are some good things going on here but it feels like they are struggling to get to the surface with lees notes and alcoholic warmth overwhelming the palate's appealing, creamy texture.	null	84	23	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Telaya	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Telaya 2012 Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	The spice of this wine shows most. Add that to its good acidity and lively texture, and the wine will be delicious and rounded in a few months time. Drink from late 2017.	null	86	16	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château des Arras	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château des Arras 2016 Bordeaux Blanc
Italy	Here's a wine from Central Italy (the Adriatic flank of the peninsula) that rivals the intensity and sophistication of Bordeaux. There are deep and luscious layers here of spice, black fruit, espresso and leather. What will really surprise and delight you is the focused and sharp clarity of this wine.	Montepirolo	92	60	Central Italy	Colli di Rimini	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	San Patrignano	null	null	null
US	A fine companion to the winery's Lumière Chardonnay, this takes the grape in a much different direction. Here old vine grapes fall under the influence of barrel fermentation with wild yeast. Aged in 40% new French oak, and (presumably) put through malolactic fermentation, it's a buttery bonbon of a wine, tasting of brioche and baked apples, with a silky smooth finish.	Enlightenment	91	50	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Sparkman	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Sparkman 2011 Enlightenment Chardonnay (Yakima Valley)
Germany	There's a zesty, invigorating feel to this lime-kissed spätlese, calibrated by layers of sweet, juicy peach and pear that fill out the palate. It's effortlessly breezy yet nuanced, with hints of saffron, fennel and spice.	Grünlock Spätlese	93	55	Rheingau	null	null	Riesling	Schloss Johannisberger	null	null	null
US	Made with 82% Cabernet, this interesting wine is showing all kinds of possibilities. It's a good red now, sturdily dry and tannic, with red cherry, pomegranate, sweet tobacco and allspice flavors. But it's a little juvenile. I would decant it as long as possible, and it should enjoy a cellar life of up to 10 years.	Chairman's Club	91	85	California	Chalk Hill	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenère	Chalk Hill	null	null	null
France	This wine represents a round, soft style of Crozes-Hermitage and is for immediate pleasure. Rich black cherry fruit is accented by subtle wood spice and anise notes chime in on the almost lush finish. Drink now–2012.	Les Fées Brunes	88	25	Rhône Valley	Crozes-Hermitage	null	Syrah	Jean-Luc Colombo	null	null	null
Spain	Opens with sweet fruit aromas, a whiff of oak and red candy, while the mouthfeeel is juicy and mostly fresh, with clean fruit flavors and more than adequate ripeness and sweetness. Fresh, composed and pleasant in the scheme of things.	Envite Crianza	87	22	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Red Blend	Bodegas San Prudencio	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas San Prudencio 2007 Envite Crianza (Rioja)
Portugal	While it's fresh and creamy, as any Vinho Verde should be, there's something extra to this smooth wine. The tangy acidity is balanced by melon and apple flavors to give the wine some richness. Drink now.	Hera Grande Escolha	86	10	Vinho Verde	null	null	Loureiro	Adega Cooperativa Ponte de Barca	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Adega Cooperativa Ponte de Barca 2013 Hera Grande Escolha Loureiro (Vinho Verde)
France	This blend of Grenache and Syrah is spicy and bold on the nose, yet medium-bodied and surprisingly fresh on the palate. The flavors of plum and garrigue persist on the finish, picking up a touch of cracked pepper.	null	89	11	Rhône Valley	Costières de Nîmes	null	Rosé	Château Guiot	null	null	null
Spain	Clear and light in color, this dusty smelling Cava offers aromas of briny peach and citrus fruits. The palate is solid, with a round texture and flavors of sulfur, lemon-lime, tangerine and nectarine. A tight, lean finish feels minerally but tastes a bit gaseous.	Hoya de Cadenas Brut	86	11	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Vicente Gandia	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Vicente Gandia NV Hoya de Cadenas Brut Sparkling (Cava)
US	This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Zinfandel shows aromas of green olive, lemongrass, herb and woodspice. The style is elegant with sweet fruit flavors backed by lightly astringent tannins.	Vineyard Selection The Fresh Market	87	12	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Firebrix	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Firebrix 2013 Vineyard Selection The Fresh Market Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Aromas of tire rubber mix with herb, graphite and candied raspberries. The flavors are light and they paint around the edges, with lightly chalky tannins supporting them.	Falcon Series Estate	87	25	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Sangiovese	Kestrel	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Kestrel 2012 Falcon Series Estate Sangiovese (Yakima Valley)
France	94-96 Barrel sample. A immensely powerful wine, heaving with fresh fruit and dark tannins. It is full of spiced plums, dark cherries and berries. These lie over wood and a powerful structure.	Barrel sample	95	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Angélus	null	null	null
South Africa	Plum skin and mesclun greens sharpen the palate, but the oak holds sway with warm, toasty char and molasses notes. An oak lover's cocktail pour.	Reserve	84	17	Stellenbosch	null	null	Pinotage	Clos Malverne	null	null	null
Argentina	Fully roasted, leathery and meaty on the nose, but there's also coffee, mocha and late-coming berry fruit. The palate is saturated, oily and pure, with a good mouthfeel and flavors of dark berry fruit and chocolate. Toasty and lightly burnt on the finish.	null	88	16	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Tapiz	null	null	null
US	Straightforward, this offers thin, tart fruit with excessive vanilla and tobacco flavors. There's no residual sugar, but otherwise it's right out of the Australian playbook.	Two Vines	84	8	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Shiraz	Columbia Crest	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Columbia Crest 2005 Two Vines Shiraz (Columbia Valley (WA))
Argentina	The fresh berry aromas are solid, and the palate is plucky and lively, with plenty of acidity to push the ripe, standard Malbec flavors of blackberry and spice. It shows some tartaric crispness and bite on the finish, but tastes right.	Colección	85	10	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Alma del Sur	null	null	null
France	Big and ripe, this is structured with fine acids, rich berry fruits and firm tannins. The ensemble is full bodied, juicy and elegant, finishing with crisp flavors of red cherry and pepper.	Domaine de l'Institut Pasteur	90	null	Beaujolais	Côte de Brouilly	null	Gamay	Château des Ravatys	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château des Ravatys 2009 Domaine de l'Institut Pasteur (Côte de Brouilly)
France	While it does have a rounded texture, the dominant character here is a black currant and pink grapefruit herbaceousness. The wine has richness and good concentration along with tight acidity on the finish.	Les Deux Cailloux	87	27	Loire Valley	Pouilly-Fumé	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Fournier Père et Fils	null	null	null
Italy	This cooler climate Pinot Grigio is elegant and pristine with fine notes of citrus, stone fruit, peach and white stone. The mouthfeel is lean, watery and refreshing.	null	86	25	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Pinot Grigio	Santa Margherita	null	null	null
France	A blend of two parcels of vines in Meursault, this is an impressive wine that's equal in quality to a Premier Cru. Full and ripe, the palate boasts flavors of apples, peaches and green plums, but maintains an elegant character throughout. Age this fine wine and drink from 2016.	Cuvée Tête de Murger	93	null	Burgundy	Meursault	null	Chardonnay	Patrick Javillier	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Patrick Javillier 2011 Cuvée Tête de Murger (Meursault)
Chile	A well-done, affordable Cabernet with all the qualities it should have. There are flowery, lavender notes to the black-fruit bouquet, and ripeness, depth and solid tannins in the mouth. The flavor profile of cola, blackberry and chocolate works just fine, and the finish is long and hints at bitter chocolate and tobacco.	Puerto Viejo Reserve	89	10	Curicó Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Viña Requingua	null	null	null
France	Toasty aromas abound, and the acidity is well integrated with the fruit and biscuit flavors. Pure brioche and ripeness. Ready to drink.	Belle Epoque Brut	94	150	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Perrier Jouët	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Perrier Jouët 1998 Belle Epoque Brut (Champagne)
Italy	Soave Pianello Excelsa boasts an attractively luminous and transparent design and packaging concept. The no-fuss wine inside shows tart citrus aromas with cheerful peach and pear endnotes.	Pianello Excelsa	85	10	Veneto	Soave	null	Garganega	Riondo	null	null	null
US	Ripe, soft and forward in pie-filling blackberry, cherry, dark chocolate and spice flavors, this has rich, earthy tannins. Drink now–2010.	Mountain Cuvée	85	25	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Hans Fahden	null	null	Hans Fahden 2004 Mountain Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County)
Italy	Ripe dark-skinned berry, underbrush, new oak, vanilla leather, sage and cured meat aromas meld in the glass. The full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, raisin, fig, licorice and exotic spice alongside velvety tannins.	Il Moro Limited Edition	92	28	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Nero d'Avola	Valle dell'Acate	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Valle dell'Acate 2008 Il Moro Limited Edition Nero d'Avola (Sicilia)
US	Fans of the ripe, modern style of Chardonnay will fall in love with this bottling. It's strong in toast, buttered popcorn, vanilla cream and peach, pear and pineapple jam flavors that dazzle and wow the palate. Easy to find, with nearly 17,000 cases produced.	Suscol	87	22	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Chardonnay	Hess	null	null	null
France	This is from a sub-division of the Corton vineyard, at the northern end of the Grand Cru. It shows both depth of flavor and freshness, a ripe wine that brings in delicious, appetizing acidity and spicy toast. It will obviously age, the nuts and secondary flavors still waiting to show, but as a fruitier style it will be ready in a year.	null	94	235	Burgundy	Corton Vergennes	null	Chardonnay	Chanson Père et Fils	null	null	null
France	Flavors of high toast wood are very dominant in this wine, and mingle with green herb, ripe pineapple and spice. The acidity cuts through it all, a band of freshness that comes with the structure of green plum skins. It could well age, and will certainly integrate more in the next two years.	Les Caradeux Premier Cru	90	60	Burgundy	Pernand-Vergelesses	null	Chardonnay	Chanson Père et Fils	null	null	null
US	This is a light, well-balanced Yakima Valley take on Merlot, with fresh strawberry and raspberry fruit flavors lightly dusted with chocolate. A pleasant quaffing wine for sure, but nothing substantial about it.	null	85	23	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Steppe Cellars	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Steppe Cellars 2005 Merlot (Yakima Valley)
US	A Chateauneuf-style, ruby red blend of 52% Syrah 26% Mourvèdre and 22% Grenache. Lots of spice and black pepper to complement the bright red fruits. Still very young and not-quite resolved; the aromatics have a fresh cut lumber smell, though very little new oak was actually used in the wine. Give it some time to knit together, or decant well before drinking.	Devotion Red Wine	89	28	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Dowsett Family	null	null	null
US	Quite a nice Chardonnay at a great price. It's rich and creamy and plump, with deliciously ripe flavors of pineapples, Asian pears, buttered cinnamon toast and vanilla. The richness is balanced by crisp acidity and a firm minerality.	Sonoma Reserve	89	15	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Blackstone	null	null	Blackstone 2008 Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay (Sonoma County)
US	Simple and fruity, a slightly sweet sipper with peach and apricot flavors and tart acids. Inocuous enough, if you like white Zin.	null	83	7	California	California	California Other	Rosé	Redwood	null	null	null
US	True to the Clos du Val paradigm, this wine offers ripe California fruit rendered traditionally-in this case in a Burgundian manner. The fruit rides high on the bright acidity; full, meaty black cherry and earth aromas and flavors sport attractive licorice accents. Big on the palate but not heavy, the wine finishes dry with dark cherry and mineral notes, fairly full tannins. This very good California Pinot Noir should improve over the next two or three years. A fine candidate for the short to mid-term cellar.	Single Vineyard	89	26	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Clos du Val	null	null	Clos du Val 1998 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (Carneros)
US	Lots of toasty oak on this Pinot, but also plenty of rich, unctuous fruit to support it. Shows ample flavors of cloves, cinnamon, ripe wild cherries, and earthy, forest floor notes of balsam and dried pine needles. The texture is lightly delicate and silky, with crisp acidity. Really shows off the Clos Pepe terroir in a delightful way.	Clos Pepe	94	60	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Tyler	null	null	null
Chile	Earthy berry aromas are typical of good Carmenère, meaning they are lightly herbal, spicy and a touch savory. This is a ripe specimen from a hot year, so it's plump and creamy in weight. Flavors of blackberry, fig and chocolate are lightly herbal, while the finish is smooth and generous.	Gran Reserva	90	17	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Koyle	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Koyle 2012 Gran Reserva Carmenère (Colchagua Valley)
US	Clean and ripe, with young, grapy fruit taking center stage. The wine has the firm, tannic grip of the Cab Franc grape, but the tannins are well managed, smooth and unencumbered with new oak.	Alder Ridge Vineyard	88	20	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Franc	Chatter Creek	null	null	null
US	Sourced from a mix of vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, this dark, tannic, earthy wine has a dry, astringent mouthfeel. Cassis and black fruits are matched by a strong herbal element, and the quick finish suggests young vines.	Horse Heaven Hills	88	38	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Bunnell Family Cellar	null	null	null
France	Currant and green-plum fruits give this wine a rich character that is then cut with orange acidity. The result is a wine that is full bodied, lightly spicy and perfumed. It can be drunk now.	null	86	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Roc de Minvielle	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Roc de Minvielle 2015 Bordeaux Blanc
US	This is focused but soft in the mouth, making it approachable right now. It's balanced, forward, easy-drinking and mature-tasting, its red fruit highlighted with candied orange peel and toast.	null	88	20	Oregon	Umpqua Valley	Southern Oregon	Pinot Noir	Henry Estate	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Henry Estate 2015 Pinot Noir (Umpqua Valley)
France	Still tight and closed, this has the potential to be a very fine Grand Cru. It has a tight, steely character, a texture that brings out nervy minerality and the beginnings of rich citrus and white fruits. With the light touch of wood aging, this will age well. Drink from 2017.	Blanchot Grand Cru	93	75	Burgundy	Chablis	null	Chardonnay	La Chablisienne	Roger Voss	@vossroger	La Chablisienne 2011 Blanchot Grand Cru (Chablis)
US	Very clean, pure and elegant, this wine hails from one of the best vineyards in the appellation. It's savory in citrus, melon, figand spicy vanilla flavors, with a long, rich after-taste.	Purisima Mountain Vineyard	87	22	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Brander	null	null	null
France	Right next door to Mouton Rothschild, this small property is producing wines that are dominated by the rich, firm Cabernet Sauvignon of Pauillac. The weight and density are very present, a solid dry core surrounded by delicious black currant fruits. A wine that will mature relatively fast because of the vintage.	null	90	112	Bordeaux	Pauillac	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Béhèré Courtin	null	null	null
US	Meritage wines must be Bordeaux blends; otherwise, they can be all over the map. This is an all-purpose, affordable red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Black cherry and olive, smoke and some noticeable alcohol (14.4% is credited) define a sturdy red in wide distribution.	Genesis	87	16	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Meritage	Hogue	null	null	null
Germany	Spicy ginger and candied pineapple notes accent this easygoing, sunny Spätlese. It's juicy and sweet on the palate, offering loads of fruity, forward pineapple and gauva flavors. The finish is zesty and clean. Drink now.	Private Collection Estate Bottled Spätlese	89	16	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Thomas Schmitt	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Thomas Schmitt 2015 Private Collection Estate Bottled Spätlese Riesling (Mosel)
US	The blend is 70% Pinot Gris and 30% Viognier. The Gris provides the fruit base, with pear/apple flavors; the Viognier adds some light lemon and citrus blossom accents. This is a big wine, bone dry.	Pinot Gris-Viognier	86	13	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	White Blend	Thurston Wolfe	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Thurston Wolfe 2001 Pinot Gris-Viognier White (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	This is the second wine of Château de Chambert, one that's made to be drunk young. It has bright red fruits and soft tannins that are well integrated into aromatic fruits that burst from the glass. Drink this wine now for its delicious fruitiness or wait until 2018 for the exuberant fruit to calm down.	La Tour Chambert Cuvée des Hauts Coteaux	88	16	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec-Merlot	Château de Chambert	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Chambert 2014 La Tour Chambert Cuvée des Hauts Coteaux Malbec-Merlot (Cahors)
France	This tight, young wine has a steely, mineral texture as well as juicy fruits.Those fruits need to develop to give the full potential of this perfumed wine. Drink from 2017.	null	88	17	Loire Valley	Quincy	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Domaine de Chevilly	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine de Chevilly 2014 Quincy
US	You could teach an “Intro to Santa Barbara Pinot Noir” with this wine. It really defines the cool-climate coast, with its fine, silky texture, crisp acids, dryness and ripeness. It offers an array of cherry, raspberry, vanilla and cinnamon spice flavors.	null	87	25	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Martin Ray	null	null	null
Italy	Plum, vanilla, sunbaked earth and espresso aromas take shape in the glass. The structured palate offers dried red cherry, roasted coffee bean and vanilla alongside fine-grained tannins that clutch the finish.	null	89	45	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Castiglion del Bosco	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Castiglion del Bosco 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
US	Fermented in neutral wood, this simple, straightforward wine is enjoyably grapey and plummy, the tannins are ripe, and though it is not particularly complex it is a perfectly enjoyable pizza wine.	Fable	87	17	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Petite Sirah	Corvidae	null	null	null
US	The eagerly anticipated first release from Maison Louis Jadot's Oregon project does not disappoint. Long time Jadot winemaker Jacques Lardière has put all his heart and expertise into this wine, sourced from a much-loved vineyard recently acquired by the firm. Concentrated raspberry purée comes through in both aroma and flavor, with laser focus. It's a magical combination of finesse, silkiness and strident youth, with 20 years of aging potential. Drink now through 2035.	Résonance Vineyard	94	65	Oregon	Willamette Valley	null	Pinot Noir	Résonance	null	null	null
Chile	Crisp aromas of zesty citrus fold in touches of brine and bitterness. Fresh and peppery on the palate, it has pyrazinic flavors of bell pepper, arugula and passion fruit. A juicy, briny, mildly bitter finish is typical for Leyda SB.	Reserva	86	12	Leyda Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	MontGras	null	null	null
US	Soft and sweet in vanilla, buttered toast and honey flavors, this Chard also features plenty of pineapple and pear jam richness. Good price for the opulence.	Lot 11	84	10	California	California	California Other	Chardonnay	Grayson	null	null	null
France	This rounded wine is dense, with firm tannins that are well molded into its sweet-tasting structure. Packed with ripe fruit, this will age relatively quickly, giving pleasure in 5–6 years.	null	92	null	Bordeaux	Pomerol	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Rouget	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Rouget 2009 Pomerol
Spain	The aroma is stalky and leathery on the nose. The palate is grabby, with sulfuric, bitter flavors of uncomplicated berry fruits. This is 65% Bobal and 35% Tempranillo.	Ananto	80	9	Levante	Utiel-Requena	null	Red Blend	Sierra Norte	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Sierra Norte 2012 Ananto Red (Utiel-Requena)
France	This plump, dry rosé features hints of wet stone, strawberry and barely ripe melon. It's vibrant, refreshing and an ideal thirst-quencher for the warm months ahead.	Réserve	89	11	Rhône Valley	Côtes du Rhône	null	Rosé	Famille Perrin	null	null	null
Germany	Hints of bramble and mint meld into fresh black cherries and violets in this very pretty, profoundly aromatic Pinot Noir. It's elegantly composed yet richly concentrated, finishing amidst a lingering spray of lavender blossoms and herbs.	null	93	40	Mosel	null	null	Spätburgunder	Maximin Grünhäuser	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Maximin Grünhäuser 2011 Spätburgunder (Mosel)
Portugal	A smooth, creamy textured wine that has both citrus and richer tropical fruits. Pineapple and lemon mingle with a more zesty acidity to give a fruity wine that could age for a few months.	Marquês de Borba Branco	86	15	Alentejo	null	null	Portuguese White	J. Portugal Ramos	Roger Voss	@vossroger	J. Portugal Ramos 2012 Marquês de Borba Branco White (Alentejo)
Australia	This longtime favorite seems to have gotten sweeter over the years, and I think it's about reached its limit, as there's just enough acidity for a semblance of balance. Floral notes of roses and berries burst from the glass, while the flavors feature juicy summer berries and a hint of chocolate.	Moscato Rosé	88	14	Victoria	Victoria	null	Sparkling Blend	Innocent Bystander	null	null	null
US	Keenan is on Spring Mountain, and while it's not clear if the grapes are from there, this Cab tastes mountainy. It's young and tight in tannins, but with an enormously rich core of cassis and cherry fruit. The dry balance suggests ageability. Hold until 2007, and should drink well through this decade.	null	90	40	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Keenan	null	null	null
US	It's pretty chilly at Roche's Carneros vineyard, and this wine is not one of those superripe Syrahs. It shows a nice array of cherries and berries, but is also very peppery, with a fine note of grilled, charred beef on the bone. It's a complex, pleasing wine for drinking now with upscale fare.	null	90	26	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Syrah	Roche	null	null	Roche 2006 Syrah (Carneros)
US	The intensely dark color, tight aromas of black pepper and clove, deep and very ripe fruit flavors and thick tannins add up to a big, bold wine that tastes more full-bodied than its moderate alcohol would indicate. It has vivid flavors like espresso, dark chocolate and a hint of candied fruit, yet is decidedly dry. It should be best after 2018, or enjoy now with hearty meats.	Row Five	92	29	California	Mendocino	null	Syrah	Alder Springs	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Alder Springs 2011 Row Five Syrah (Mendocino)
US	Delicious in cola spice and earthy tannins, this medium-bodied Zinfandel remains tightly wound but obvious in its promise of years of enjoyably structured blackberry fruit, leather and spice. A fine choice among all of Easton's 2010 Zinfandels.	Rinaldi Vineyard	92	28	California	Fiddletown	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Easton	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Easton 2010 Rinaldi Vineyard Zinfandel (Fiddletown)
Italy	Enticing and earthy, this opens with compelling aromas of truffle, tobacco, black-skinned fruit, menthol and a whiff of blue flower. The palate is both structured and elegant, delivering dried morello cherry, prune and pipe tobacco framed in taut fine-grained tannins that give it a firm velvety texture. It's still tightly wound and needs time. Drink 2022–2032.	25 Anni	94	100	Central Italy	Montefalco Sagrantino	null	Sagrantino	Arnaldo Caprai	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Arnaldo Caprai 2012 25 Anni (Montefalco Sagrantino)

US

Terre Rouge's classic GSM is earthy, like a silken Pinot Noir, wafting with damp, earthy moss and mushroom aromas. It's very savory but has enough flavors of cranberry, bramble fruit and peppery spice on the finish.

L'Autre

90

30

California

Sierra Foothills

G-S-M

Terre Rouge

null

US

This is one of the winery's last takes on this vineyard, as they move their focus to Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. The nose is blackberry liqueur lifted with chopped black sage, fennel stalk and tobacco leaf. Flavors run from dark red fruit to black spices to tartness on the finish, like a balsamic reduction sauce.

Paderewski Vineyard

93

55

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

G-S-M

Big Basin

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Big Basin 2012 Paderewski Vineyard G-S-M (Paso Robles)

France

Lightly amylic-pear drop, resin, mineral, stone-fruit and peach-skin aromas dominate the youthful nose of this wine. Very clean and mineral-focused. The medium body and vibrant acidity give the palate a firm texture. Given its short, crisp finish, it is best consumed between now and through 2013. Good by the glass or with light fare.

null

88

null

Languedoc-Roussillon

Picpoul de Pinet

null

Picpoul

Domaine la Croix Gratiot

null

US

Gloria Ferrer's 2005 dry Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were both really good, so why shouldn't this bubbly blend of them be? And so it is. Rich in raspberry, lime, vanilla cream, yeast and cinnamon spice flavors, it has a complex, silky texture, with very fine bubbles. Drink now.

Brut Rosé

91

42

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Sparkling Blend

Gloria Ferrer

null

Gloria Ferrer 2005 Brut Rosé Sparkling (Carneros)

Portugal

Big and rich, this is a round and structured wine. It has great layers of ripe herbs, full black fruits and exotic spice to go over the dry tannins. The final flavors are rich, tarry, juicy as well as powerful.

Bridão Reserva

90

13

Ribatejo

null

Portuguese Red

Adega Cooperativa do Cartaxo

null

US

Shows the crisp acidity and bright minerality that characterize so many whites from this coastal Mendocino appellation. The Gewürz varietal personality kicks in with loads of spices, along with garden flowers, citrus fruits and green apples. A nice, bone-dry white wine to drink with tempura, Vietnamese fare, or crostini with goat cheese and grilled peppers.

Ferrington Vineyards

87

15

California

Mendocino

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Gewürztraminer

Philo Ridge

null

US

Structured and fully developed, this showcases the strong 2009 vintage, the Oppenlander Vineyard and the brilliance that is Baxter. Marked by bright black-cherry fruit and a heady perfume of rose, this carries itself with elegance and a light touch. This is Pinot Noir purposely made to pair with food.

Oppenlander Vineyard

93

45

California

Mendocino

null

Pinot Noir

Baxter

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Baxter 2009 Oppenlander Vineyard Pinot Noir (Mendocino)

France

A dark and brooding wine, it's very much a Malbec that needs to age. Solid tannins, berry fruits and concentrated structure all promise a serious wine that needs time to mature. Drink from 2017.

Cuvée Prestige

90

44

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Château de Cénac

null

South Africa

A minerally, grassy nose leads on this white blend of 51% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Chenin and 23% Chardonnay. Intense flavors of honey, almond and spice blend well with a citric, zingy edge. Some tropical fruit curviness rounds the whole thing out. A unique and stylish sip.

Lyric

86

10

Western Cape

null

White Blend

Nederburg

null

US

A beautiful Zinfandel, and quite a bit better than the '06. Shows great concentration of varietal flavors of briary, freshly picked wild black, blue and red berries, bacon, cola and black pepper, with a sweetness from high alcohol that actually works in the wine's favor. Drink now with very rich grilled meats, stews and hard cheeses.

Estate

92

28

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Zichichi Family Vineyard

null

US

Simple and soft, this is one to drink now. It rewards for the wealth of cherry, blackberry, licorice and cocoa flavors that finish dry and clean.

null

84

20

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Merlot

Beringer

null

Beringer 2005 Merlot (Napa Valley)

US

Chards are tight, acidic and minerally in youth, showing a lees-infused structure but offering waves of complexity. With toasty oak, the base flavors are of nectarines, mangoes, peaches, zesty green apples and dustings of Asian spice.

Don Miguel Vineyard

92

28

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Marimar Estate

null

US

Pure, sappy wine juice is the impression this wine leaves. Although it's a 2010, it is so fresh and tangy it might have come straight from the tank. Pomegranate and raspberry are the fruit highlights, with hints of pepper and herb.

Cabernet Frank

88

30

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Franc

J Bell Cellars

null

US

The price is right, but the wine is ordinary. It's a modest little Pinot Noir, silky and dry, with suggestions of cherries, tangerine peel and cola.

null

84

14

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Angeline

null

Italy

This is an elegant and streamlined Cabernet Sauvignon, with dark chocolate, rosemary, black fruit and spice. It has a thick structure, with lovely intensity and length.

Lafòa

94

92

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Colterenzio

null

Colterenzio 2007 Lafòa Cabernet Sauvignon (Alto Adige)

US

This is the winery's unoaked Chardonnay. It shows how well this cool-climate valley ripens Chardonnay, with deep, long tangerine, apricot and pear flavors, accompanied by brisk acidity. It's quite good, but would actually be better with a little oak to fatten and complicate it.

Bedrock

87

24

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Riverbench

null

Italy

Fattoria Scopone's 2004 Riserva opens with charred aromas of campfire, liquid smoke and barbecue sauce. The fresh fruit notes tend to be on the ripe side: think mature cherry and strawberry. In the mouth, however, this well-crafted wine is smooth, silky and long lasting.

Riserva

90

55

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Fattoria Scopone

null

US

A beautifully rich, elaborate, almost sweet Cabernet, so ripe and delicious you can drink it now. Wrapped into soft, complex tannins, it shows tiers of blackberries, cassis, plums, minerals and spices, with a strong, cedary coating of oak that's in keeping with the size of the wine.

Estate Reserve

92

85

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Amizetta

null

Spain

Blueberry and blackberry aromas fold in earthy notes, herbal spice and a pinch of Cabernet-related green. This feels full but crisp, with level acidity and minty, oaky flavors of carob and herbal raspberry. A short finish is fresh and lively.

null

88

13

Levante

Valencia

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Casa L'Angel

null

South Africa

Soft foliage notes lead on the nose of this wine, with supporting aromas of strawberry, raspberry and stewed rhubarb. The medium-weight mouth offers moderate tannins and a good streak of lifting acidity, resulting in a texture like crushed satin. Fruit-skin flavors linger on the medium-length close alongside accents of pepper and sweet spice.

null

91

30

Stellenbosch

null

Syrah

Rudi Schultz

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Rudi Schultz 2009 Syrah (Stellenbosch)

Italy

Aromas suggesting ripe berry, exotic spice, Alpine herb and a whiff of blue flower come together in the glass. The dense, round palate offers black raspberry, fleshy cherry, licorice and espresso alongside velvety tannins. It's already surprisingly accessible. Drink through 2022.

Tortoniano

91

55

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Michele Chiarlo

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Michele Chiarlo 2012 Tortoniano (Barolo)

US

Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton's shared vision for this popular grape is distinctive and rather unfamiliar for those seeking a buttery style. This shows chamomile, dandelion greens, Japanese pear and petrol on the nose, with bittery flavors of grapefruit pith, lemon juice and nectarine skins showing first. Patience allows wet wool, stone, sliced apples and white peach elements to emerge. Drink 2017–2027.

Gnesa

92

54

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Brewer-Clifton

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Brewer-Clifton 2012 Gnesa Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)

US

Decadent in coffee, toffee and caramel tones, the leathery mouthfeel of this wine is met head-to-head by a juiciness of ripe, dense blackberry fruit. An approachable Petite Sirah that will also please lovers of the variety's chewiness and concentration.

Seven Sinners

88

19

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Petite Sirah

Nine North Wine Company

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Nine North Wine Company 2010 Seven Sinners Petite Sirah (Lodi)

South Africa

Ripe and fruit forward. Strong notes of berry preserves and juicy black plum are laced with notes of purple flowers and sweet smoked meat. Medium weight with soft tannins and a clean finish. Drink now.

null

86

17

Wellington

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Eventide Cellar

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Eventide Cellar 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Wellington)

France

This is one of the classics among Provence rosés. Produced from organically grown grapes and coming from an impressive red-wine producing estate east of Aix-en-Provence, the wine is structured and ageworthy with its blend that includes Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich and full of red fruits, the wine should be drunk from late 2017.

null

94

20

Provence

Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence

null

Rosé

Château Vignelaure

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Vignelaure 2016 Rosé (Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence)

Spain

This is your quintessential simple quaff among brut cavas. It's clean, lime-tinged and soda-like on the nose, with a correct, no-issues palate that pushes zesty apple along with sweet papaya, mango and banana flavors. It's slightly sweet and tropical, but still it holds onto its crisp qualities and dryness. No complaints for the money.

Cordon Negro Brut

87

12

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Freixenet

null

US

Coming from a warm region in a hot vintage, this wine leans into the tropical with aromas of kiwi and mango, with herb and citrus notes providing accents. The flavors are lean and tart, with the concentration light.

null

86

15

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

Mercer

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Mercer 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Horse Heaven Hills)

US

Richly aromatic, on the strength of the nose alone this could pass for something from Napa's Rutherford Bench. The blue and purple fruit notes and dusty tannins all say California, but the laser-like definition, minerality and natural acidity prove it's Washington fruit all the way. Strikingly dense and complex, with decades of life ahead.

Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Reserve

93

50

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Tamarack Cellars

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Tamarack Cellars 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Reserve Red (Red Mountain)

US

This is the kind of PG that makes the variety such a perfect all-purpose white. It's bone dry, with a great crunch of acidity that brightens slightly herbal grapefruit zest, white peach, Meyer lemon and wildflower flavors. Interestingly, the wine did not undergo malolactic, and while it was fermented in stainless steel, it was sur lies aged.

null

88

21

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Pinot Grigio

Swanson

null

US

This treads the line between slightly rustic and refined. The tannins are sandpapery, and it has lots of zingy acidity, making the wine feel a little rough. But the core of blackberry fruit is rich and dynamic. Probably not an ager, so give it a good decanting, and drink it over the next 2–3 years.

Idyll Times

87

35

California

San Benito County

Central Coast

Syrah

Pessagno

null

France

Attractive mint aromas lead to a wine that is now mature. It's black currant fruit is layered with spice, herb and a dry structure that is not going to soften. Ready to drink now in a firm, austere way.

null

86

90

Bordeaux

Pauillac

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Haut de la Bécade

null

Spain

Sturdy black plum aromas feed into a dense, juicy, secure palate, with deep flavors of blackberry and loamy plum. The finish is smooth, mature and pure, with lasting berry flavors and integrated oak. Drink now.

Reserva

90

20

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Viña Herminia

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viña Herminia 2006 Reserva (Rioja)

US

Merlot is usually the best wine in any budget lineup of Washington reds, and this excellent entry from the new regime (Gallo) at Columbia is no exception. Polished and flavorful, it has textural, detailed flavors built upon black cherry, plum and cassis fruit. There is a light dusting of fresh herbs, and the wine has real grip and presence in the mouth.

null

89

14

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Columbia Winery

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Columbia Winery 2012 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

A young, freshly fruity wine, with a gassy berry-cherry liveliness and silky texture similar to Beaujolais. The finish on this Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon blend is dry and spicy.

Bandolero

86

32

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Red Blend

Daniel Gehrs

null

US

There are some good things going on here but it feels like they are struggling to get to the surface with lees notes and alcoholic warmth overwhelming the palate's appealing, creamy texture.

null

84

23

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Telaya

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Telaya 2012 Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

The spice of this wine shows most. Add that to its good acidity and lively texture, and the wine will be delicious and rounded in a few months time. Drink from late 2017.

null

86

16

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château des Arras

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château des Arras 2016 Bordeaux Blanc

Italy

Here's a wine from Central Italy (the Adriatic flank of the peninsula) that rivals the intensity and sophistication of Bordeaux. There are deep and luscious layers here of spice, black fruit, espresso and leather. What will really surprise and delight you is the focused and sharp clarity of this wine.

Montepirolo

92

60

Central Italy

Colli di Rimini

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

San Patrignano

null

US

A fine companion to the winery's Lumière Chardonnay, this takes the grape in a much different direction. Here old vine grapes fall under the influence of barrel fermentation with wild yeast. Aged in 40% new French oak, and (presumably) put through malolactic fermentation, it's a buttery bonbon of a wine, tasting of brioche and baked apples, with a silky smooth finish.

Enlightenment

91

50

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Sparkman

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Sparkman 2011 Enlightenment Chardonnay (Yakima Valley)

Germany

There's a zesty, invigorating feel to this lime-kissed spätlese, calibrated by layers of sweet, juicy peach and pear that fill out the palate. It's effortlessly breezy yet nuanced, with hints of saffron, fennel and spice.

Grünlock Spätlese

93

55

Rheingau

null

Riesling

Schloss Johannisberger

null

US

Made with 82% Cabernet, this interesting wine is showing all kinds of possibilities. It's a good red now, sturdily dry and tannic, with red cherry, pomegranate, sweet tobacco and allspice flavors. But it's a little juvenile. I would decant it as long as possible, and it should enjoy a cellar life of up to 10 years.

Chairman's Club

91

85

California

Chalk Hill

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenère

Chalk Hill

null

France

This wine represents a round, soft style of Crozes-Hermitage and is for immediate pleasure. Rich black cherry fruit is accented by subtle wood spice and anise notes chime in on the almost lush finish. Drink now–2012.

Les Fées Brunes

88

25

Rhône Valley

Crozes-Hermitage

null

Syrah

Jean-Luc Colombo

null

Spain

Opens with sweet fruit aromas, a whiff of oak and red candy, while the mouthfeeel is juicy and mostly fresh, with clean fruit flavors and more than adequate ripeness and sweetness. Fresh, composed and pleasant in the scheme of things.

Envite Crianza

87

22

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Red Blend

Bodegas San Prudencio

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas San Prudencio 2007 Envite Crianza (Rioja)

Portugal

While it's fresh and creamy, as any Vinho Verde should be, there's something extra to this smooth wine. The tangy acidity is balanced by melon and apple flavors to give the wine some richness. Drink now.

Hera Grande Escolha

86

10

Vinho Verde

null

Loureiro

Adega Cooperativa Ponte de Barca

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Adega Cooperativa Ponte de Barca 2013 Hera Grande Escolha Loureiro (Vinho Verde)

France

This blend of Grenache and Syrah is spicy and bold on the nose, yet medium-bodied and surprisingly fresh on the palate. The flavors of plum and garrigue persist on the finish, picking up a touch of cracked pepper.

null

89

11

Rhône Valley

Costières de Nîmes

null

Rosé

Château Guiot

null

Spain

Clear and light in color, this dusty smelling Cava offers aromas of briny peach and citrus fruits. The palate is solid, with a round texture and flavors of sulfur, lemon-lime, tangerine and nectarine. A tight, lean finish feels minerally but tastes a bit gaseous.

Hoya de Cadenas Brut

86

11

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Vicente Gandia

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Vicente Gandia NV Hoya de Cadenas Brut Sparkling (Cava)

US

This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Zinfandel shows aromas of green olive, lemongrass, herb and woodspice. The style is elegant with sweet fruit flavors backed by lightly astringent tannins.

Vineyard Selection The Fresh Market

87

12

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Firebrix

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Firebrix 2013 Vineyard Selection The Fresh Market Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Aromas of tire rubber mix with herb, graphite and candied raspberries. The flavors are light and they paint around the edges, with lightly chalky tannins supporting them.

Falcon Series Estate

87

25

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Sangiovese

Kestrel

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Kestrel 2012 Falcon Series Estate Sangiovese (Yakima Valley)

France

94-96 Barrel sample. A immensely powerful wine, heaving with fresh fruit and dark tannins. It is full of spiced plums, dark cherries and berries. These lie over wood and a powerful structure.

Barrel sample

95

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Angélus

null

South Africa

Plum skin and mesclun greens sharpen the palate, but the oak holds sway with warm, toasty char and molasses notes. An oak lover's cocktail pour.

Reserve

84

17

Stellenbosch

null

Pinotage

Clos Malverne

null

Argentina

Fully roasted, leathery and meaty on the nose, but there's also coffee, mocha and late-coming berry fruit. The palate is saturated, oily and pure, with a good mouthfeel and flavors of dark berry fruit and chocolate. Toasty and lightly burnt on the finish.

null

88

16

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Tapiz

null

US

Straightforward, this offers thin, tart fruit with excessive vanilla and tobacco flavors. There's no residual sugar, but otherwise it's right out of the Australian playbook.

Two Vines

84

8

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Shiraz

Columbia Crest

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Columbia Crest 2005 Two Vines Shiraz (Columbia Valley (WA))

Argentina

The fresh berry aromas are solid, and the palate is plucky and lively, with plenty of acidity to push the ripe, standard Malbec flavors of blackberry and spice. It shows some tartaric crispness and bite on the finish, but tastes right.

Colección

85

10

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Alma del Sur

null

France

Big and ripe, this is structured with fine acids, rich berry fruits and firm tannins. The ensemble is full bodied, juicy and elegant, finishing with crisp flavors of red cherry and pepper.

Domaine de l'Institut Pasteur

90

null

Beaujolais

Côte de Brouilly

null

Gamay

Château des Ravatys

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château des Ravatys 2009 Domaine de l'Institut Pasteur (Côte de Brouilly)

France

While it does have a rounded texture, the dominant character here is a black currant and pink grapefruit herbaceousness. The wine has richness and good concentration along with tight acidity on the finish.

Les Deux Cailloux

87

27

Loire Valley

Pouilly-Fumé

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Fournier Père et Fils

null

Italy

This cooler climate Pinot Grigio is elegant and pristine with fine notes of citrus, stone fruit, peach and white stone. The mouthfeel is lean, watery and refreshing.

null

86

25

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Pinot Grigio

Santa Margherita

null

France

A blend of two parcels of vines in Meursault, this is an impressive wine that's equal in quality to a Premier Cru. Full and ripe, the palate boasts flavors of apples, peaches and green plums, but maintains an elegant character throughout. Age this fine wine and drink from 2016.

Cuvée Tête de Murger

93

null

Burgundy

Meursault

null

Chardonnay

Patrick Javillier

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Patrick Javillier 2011 Cuvée Tête de Murger (Meursault)

Chile

A well-done, affordable Cabernet with all the qualities it should have. There are flowery, lavender notes to the black-fruit bouquet, and ripeness, depth and solid tannins in the mouth. The flavor profile of cola, blackberry and chocolate works just fine, and the finish is long and hints at bitter chocolate and tobacco.

Puerto Viejo Reserve

89

10

Curicó Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Viña Requingua

null

France

Toasty aromas abound, and the acidity is well integrated with the fruit and biscuit flavors. Pure brioche and ripeness. Ready to drink.

Belle Epoque Brut

94

150

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Perrier Jouët

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Perrier Jouët 1998 Belle Epoque Brut (Champagne)

Italy

Soave Pianello Excelsa boasts an attractively luminous and transparent design and packaging concept. The no-fuss wine inside shows tart citrus aromas with cheerful peach and pear endnotes.

Pianello Excelsa

85

10

Veneto

Soave

null

Garganega

Riondo

null

US

Ripe, soft and forward in pie-filling blackberry, cherry, dark chocolate and spice flavors, this has rich, earthy tannins. Drink now–2010.

Mountain Cuvée

85

25

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Hans Fahden

null

Hans Fahden 2004 Mountain Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County)

Italy

Ripe dark-skinned berry, underbrush, new oak, vanilla leather, sage and cured meat aromas meld in the glass. The full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, raisin, fig, licorice and exotic spice alongside velvety tannins.

Il Moro Limited Edition

92

28

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Nero d'Avola

Valle dell'Acate

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Valle dell'Acate 2008 Il Moro Limited Edition Nero d'Avola (Sicilia)

US

Fans of the ripe, modern style of Chardonnay will fall in love with this bottling. It's strong in toast, buttered popcorn, vanilla cream and peach, pear and pineapple jam flavors that dazzle and wow the palate. Easy to find, with nearly 17,000 cases produced.

Suscol

87

22

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Chardonnay

Hess

null

France

This is from a sub-division of the Corton vineyard, at the northern end of the Grand Cru. It shows both depth of flavor and freshness, a ripe wine that brings in delicious, appetizing acidity and spicy toast. It will obviously age, the nuts and secondary flavors still waiting to show, but as a fruitier style it will be ready in a year.

null

94

235

Burgundy

Corton Vergennes

null

Chardonnay

Chanson Père et Fils

null

France

Flavors of high toast wood are very dominant in this wine, and mingle with green herb, ripe pineapple and spice. The acidity cuts through it all, a band of freshness that comes with the structure of green plum skins. It could well age, and will certainly integrate more in the next two years.

Les Caradeux Premier Cru

90

60

Burgundy

Pernand-Vergelesses

null

Chardonnay

Chanson Père et Fils

null

US

This is a light, well-balanced Yakima Valley take on Merlot, with fresh strawberry and raspberry fruit flavors lightly dusted with chocolate. A pleasant quaffing wine for sure, but nothing substantial about it.

null

85

23

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Steppe Cellars

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Steppe Cellars 2005 Merlot (Yakima Valley)

US

A Chateauneuf-style, ruby red blend of 52% Syrah 26% Mourvèdre and 22% Grenache. Lots of spice and black pepper to complement the bright red fruits. Still very young and not-quite resolved; the aromatics have a fresh cut lumber smell, though very little new oak was actually used in the wine. Give it some time to knit together, or decant well before drinking.

Devotion Red Wine

89

28

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Dowsett Family

null

US

Quite a nice Chardonnay at a great price. It's rich and creamy and plump, with deliciously ripe flavors of pineapples, Asian pears, buttered cinnamon toast and vanilla. The richness is balanced by crisp acidity and a firm minerality.

Sonoma Reserve

89

15

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Blackstone

null

Blackstone 2008 Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay (Sonoma County)

US

Simple and fruity, a slightly sweet sipper with peach and apricot flavors and tart acids. Inocuous enough, if you like white Zin.

null

83

7

California

California Other

Rosé

Redwood

null

US

True to the Clos du Val paradigm, this wine offers ripe California fruit rendered traditionally-in this case in a Burgundian manner. The fruit rides high on the bright acidity; full, meaty black cherry and earth aromas and flavors sport attractive licorice accents. Big on the palate but not heavy, the wine finishes dry with dark cherry and mineral notes, fairly full tannins. This very good California Pinot Noir should improve over the next two or three years. A fine candidate for the short to mid-term cellar.

Single Vineyard

89

26

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Clos du Val

null

Clos du Val 1998 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (Carneros)

US

Lots of toasty oak on this Pinot, but also plenty of rich, unctuous fruit to support it. Shows ample flavors of cloves, cinnamon, ripe wild cherries, and earthy, forest floor notes of balsam and dried pine needles. The texture is lightly delicate and silky, with crisp acidity. Really shows off the Clos Pepe terroir in a delightful way.

Clos Pepe

94

60

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Tyler

null

Chile

Earthy berry aromas are typical of good Carmenère, meaning they are lightly herbal, spicy and a touch savory. This is a ripe specimen from a hot year, so it's plump and creamy in weight. Flavors of blackberry, fig and chocolate are lightly herbal, while the finish is smooth and generous.

Gran Reserva

90

17

Colchagua Valley

null

Carmenère

Koyle

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Koyle 2012 Gran Reserva Carmenère (Colchagua Valley)

US

Clean and ripe, with young, grapy fruit taking center stage. The wine has the firm, tannic grip of the Cab Franc grape, but the tannins are well managed, smooth and unencumbered with new oak.

Alder Ridge Vineyard

88

20

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Franc

Chatter Creek

null

US

Sourced from a mix of vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, this dark, tannic, earthy wine has a dry, astringent mouthfeel. Cassis and black fruits are matched by a strong herbal element, and the quick finish suggests young vines.

Horse Heaven Hills

88

38

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Bunnell Family Cellar

null

France

Currant and green-plum fruits give this wine a rich character that is then cut with orange acidity. The result is a wine that is full bodied, lightly spicy and perfumed. It can be drunk now.

null

86

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Roc de Minvielle

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Roc de Minvielle 2015 Bordeaux Blanc

US

This is focused but soft in the mouth, making it approachable right now. It's balanced, forward, easy-drinking and mature-tasting, its red fruit highlighted with candied orange peel and toast.

null

88

20

Oregon

Umpqua Valley

Southern Oregon

Pinot Noir

Henry Estate

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Henry Estate 2015 Pinot Noir (Umpqua Valley)

France

Still tight and closed, this has the potential to be a very fine Grand Cru. It has a tight, steely character, a texture that brings out nervy minerality and the beginnings of rich citrus and white fruits. With the light touch of wood aging, this will age well. Drink from 2017.

Blanchot Grand Cru

93

75

Burgundy

Chablis

null

Chardonnay

La Chablisienne

Roger Voss

@vossroger

La Chablisienne 2011 Blanchot Grand Cru (Chablis)

US

Very clean, pure and elegant, this wine hails from one of the best vineyards in the appellation. It's savory in citrus, melon, figand spicy vanilla flavors, with a long, rich after-taste.

Purisima Mountain Vineyard

87

22

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Brander

null

France

Right next door to Mouton Rothschild, this small property is producing wines that are dominated by the rich, firm Cabernet Sauvignon of Pauillac. The weight and density are very present, a solid dry core surrounded by delicious black currant fruits. A wine that will mature relatively fast because of the vintage.

null

90

112

Bordeaux

Pauillac

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Béhèré Courtin

null

US

Meritage wines must be Bordeaux blends; otherwise, they can be all over the map. This is an all-purpose, affordable red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Black cherry and olive, smoke and some noticeable alcohol (14.4% is credited) define a sturdy red in wide distribution.

Genesis

87

16

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Meritage

Hogue

null

Germany

Spicy ginger and candied pineapple notes accent this easygoing, sunny Spätlese. It's juicy and sweet on the palate, offering loads of fruity, forward pineapple and gauva flavors. The finish is zesty and clean. Drink now.

Private Collection Estate Bottled Spätlese

89

16

Mosel

null

Riesling

Thomas Schmitt

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Thomas Schmitt 2015 Private Collection Estate Bottled Spätlese Riesling (Mosel)

US

The blend is 70% Pinot Gris and 30% Viognier. The Gris provides the fruit base, with pear/apple flavors; the Viognier adds some light lemon and citrus blossom accents. This is a big wine, bone dry.

Pinot Gris-Viognier

86

13

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

White Blend

Thurston Wolfe

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Thurston Wolfe 2001 Pinot Gris-Viognier White (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

This is the second wine of Château de Chambert, one that's made to be drunk young. It has bright red fruits and soft tannins that are well integrated into aromatic fruits that burst from the glass. Drink this wine now for its delicious fruitiness or wait until 2018 for the exuberant fruit to calm down.

La Tour Chambert Cuvée des Hauts Coteaux

88

16

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec-Merlot

Château de Chambert

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Chambert 2014 La Tour Chambert Cuvée des Hauts Coteaux Malbec-Merlot (Cahors)

France

This tight, young wine has a steely, mineral texture as well as juicy fruits.Those fruits need to develop to give the full potential of this perfumed wine. Drink from 2017.

null

88

17

Loire Valley

Quincy

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine de Chevilly

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine de Chevilly 2014 Quincy

US

You could teach an “Intro to Santa Barbara Pinot Noir” with this wine. It really defines the cool-climate coast, with its fine, silky texture, crisp acids, dryness and ripeness. It offers an array of cherry, raspberry, vanilla and cinnamon spice flavors.

null

87

25

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Martin Ray

null

Italy

Plum, vanilla, sunbaked earth and espresso aromas take shape in the glass. The structured palate offers dried red cherry, roasted coffee bean and vanilla alongside fine-grained tannins that clutch the finish.

null

89

45

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Castiglion del Bosco

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Castiglion del Bosco 2011 Brunello di Montalcino

US

Fermented in neutral wood, this simple, straightforward wine is enjoyably grapey and plummy, the tannins are ripe, and though it is not particularly complex it is a perfectly enjoyable pizza wine.

Fable

87

17

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Petite Sirah

Corvidae

null

US

The eagerly anticipated first release from Maison Louis Jadot's Oregon project does not disappoint. Long time Jadot winemaker Jacques Lardière has put all his heart and expertise into this wine, sourced from a much-loved vineyard recently acquired by the firm. Concentrated raspberry purée comes through in both aroma and flavor, with laser focus. It's a magical combination of finesse, silkiness and strident youth, with 20 years of aging potential. Drink now through 2035.

Résonance Vineyard

94

65

Oregon

Willamette Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Résonance

null

Chile

Crisp aromas of zesty citrus fold in touches of brine and bitterness. Fresh and peppery on the palate, it has pyrazinic flavors of bell pepper, arugula and passion fruit. A juicy, briny, mildly bitter finish is typical for Leyda SB.

Reserva

86

12

Leyda Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

MontGras

null

US

Soft and sweet in vanilla, buttered toast and honey flavors, this Chard also features plenty of pineapple and pear jam richness. Good price for the opulence.

Lot 11

84

10

California

California Other

Chardonnay

Grayson

null

France

This rounded wine is dense, with firm tannins that are well molded into its sweet-tasting structure. Packed with ripe fruit, this will age relatively quickly, giving pleasure in 5–6 years.

null

92

null

Bordeaux

Pomerol

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Rouget

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Rouget 2009 Pomerol

Spain

The aroma is stalky and leathery on the nose. The palate is grabby, with sulfuric, bitter flavors of uncomplicated berry fruits. This is 65% Bobal and 35% Tempranillo.

Ananto

80

9

Levante

Utiel-Requena

null

Red Blend

Sierra Norte

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Sierra Norte 2012 Ananto Red (Utiel-Requena)

France

This plump, dry rosé features hints of wet stone, strawberry and barely ripe melon. It's vibrant, refreshing and an ideal thirst-quencher for the warm months ahead.

Réserve

89

11

Rhône Valley

Côtes du Rhône

null

Rosé

Famille Perrin

null

Germany

Hints of bramble and mint meld into fresh black cherries and violets in this very pretty, profoundly aromatic Pinot Noir. It's elegantly composed yet richly concentrated, finishing amidst a lingering spray of lavender blossoms and herbs.

null

93

40

Mosel

null

Spätburgunder

Maximin Grünhäuser

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Maximin Grünhäuser 2011 Spätburgunder (Mosel)

Portugal

A smooth, creamy textured wine that has both citrus and richer tropical fruits. Pineapple and lemon mingle with a more zesty acidity to give a fruity wine that could age for a few months.

Marquês de Borba Branco

86

15

Alentejo

null

Portuguese White

J. Portugal Ramos

Roger Voss

@vossroger

J. Portugal Ramos 2012 Marquês de Borba Branco White (Alentejo)

Australia

This longtime favorite seems to have gotten sweeter over the years, and I think it's about reached its limit, as there's just enough acidity for a semblance of balance. Floral notes of roses and berries burst from the glass, while the flavors feature juicy summer berries and a hint of chocolate.

Moscato Rosé

88

14

Victoria

null

Sparkling Blend

Innocent Bystander

null

US

Keenan is on Spring Mountain, and while it's not clear if the grapes are from there, this Cab tastes mountainy. It's young and tight in tannins, but with an enormously rich core of cassis and cherry fruit. The dry balance suggests ageability. Hold until 2007, and should drink well through this decade.

null

90

40

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Keenan

null

US

It's pretty chilly at Roche's Carneros vineyard, and this wine is not one of those superripe Syrahs. It shows a nice array of cherries and berries, but is also very peppery, with a fine note of grilled, charred beef on the bone. It's a complex, pleasing wine for drinking now with upscale fare.

null

90

26

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Syrah

Roche

null

Roche 2006 Syrah (Carneros)

US

The intensely dark color, tight aromas of black pepper and clove, deep and very ripe fruit flavors and thick tannins add up to a big, bold wine that tastes more full-bodied than its moderate alcohol would indicate. It has vivid flavors like espresso, dark chocolate and a hint of candied fruit, yet is decidedly dry. It should be best after 2018, or enjoy now with hearty meats.

Row Five

92

29

California

Mendocino

null

Syrah

Alder Springs

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Alder Springs 2011 Row Five Syrah (Mendocino)

US

Delicious in cola spice and earthy tannins, this medium-bodied Zinfandel remains tightly wound but obvious in its promise of years of enjoyably structured blackberry fruit, leather and spice. A fine choice among all of Easton's 2010 Zinfandels.

Rinaldi Vineyard

92

28

California

Fiddletown

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Easton

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Easton 2010 Rinaldi Vineyard Zinfandel (Fiddletown)

Italy

Enticing and earthy, this opens with compelling aromas of truffle, tobacco, black-skinned fruit, menthol and a whiff of blue flower. The palate is both structured and elegant, delivering dried morello cherry, prune and pipe tobacco framed in taut fine-grained tannins that give it a firm velvety texture. It's still tightly wound and needs time. Drink 2022–2032.

25 Anni

94

100

Central Italy

Montefalco Sagrantino

null

Sagrantino

Arnaldo Caprai

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Arnaldo Caprai 2012 25 Anni (Montefalco Sagrantino)