spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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US	This robust concentrated red is made from an unusual field blend of Sereksiya Charni and Saperavi, two grape varieties more known in Eastern Europe than the United States. It's lush in black-cherry flavor, accented with chocolate, black pepper, vanilla and spice, but also densely tannic and searing in acidity. While unwieldy in its youth, it's a wine that consistently shows excellence with maturity. Hold till 2025.	Black Russian	90	60	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Red Blend	McGregor	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	McGregor 2012 Black Russian Red (Finger Lakes)
Portugal	Bual is the grape that creates the medium-sweet style of Madeira, and this wine fits the bill perfectly. It is a great wine, with its honey, its citrus to balance, its dark, nutty flavors, its merest hint of sweetness. To finish, there is a long, ripe caramel taste, balanced with layers of acidity.	Colheita	93	null	Madeira	null	null	Bual	Cossart Gordon	null	null	null
US	Here's a pretty good white that you can have as an alternative to Chardonnay. It's creamy and full-bodied, with tangerine, peach custard and honeysuckle flavors. Could use greater acidity, because it's a little on the soft side.	null	85	15	California	Paicines	Central Coast	Pinot Blanc	Donati	null	null	null
US	A beautiful young Rutherford Cabernet, showing the dusty elegance and complexity of a top estate. There's a rich herbality to the cherry, cassis and blackberry fruit, suggesting fresh green chervil, sage and thyme. Oak adds harmonious notes of vanilla, cedar and char. The tannins are thick and juvenile, but very finely ground. With 8% Cabernet Franc, this lush wine needs time. Hold until after 2008, and it should improve for another six years, conservatively.	Rutherford	94	75	California	Rutherford	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Frog's Leap	null	null	null
US	Semiaromatic, with notes of grapefruit peel, white pepper and peach. Not that intense but full bodied, with traces of vanilla, spice and bitterness. Finishes soft, with only a whimper of zest. Tasted twice with fairly consistent results.	null	85	22	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Cakebread	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a simple and slightly tart expression of Barbera that should pair well with cheesy pizza or pasta with cream sauce. The wine's natural acidity and bright berry flavor should cut through the fat in those foods.	Antica Casa	86	14	Piedmont	Barbera d'Asti	null	Barbera	Ricossa	null	null	null
Italy	This lovely brut offers a fragrance of white peach, almond and acacia flower. The palate delivers apple and citrus flavors, along with a note of bread crust. The wine is fresh and creamy with a dry finish of roasted walnut.	Brut	90	32	Lombardy	Franciacorta	null	Sparkling Blend	Le Marchesine	null	null	null
Australia	Medium, almost full, in weight but mildly flavored for its heft. Offers up delicate talc and lemondrop aromas, with pear skin flavors dominating on the palate. After a few sips, limey-citrus flavors step in and take over. 1,500 cases produced.	Beau Sea	87	20	South Australia	Adelaide Hills	null	Viognier	Longview	null	null	null
US	Pale peach in color, this softly sparkling blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay smells sweetly of red apples and a hint of lanolin. There's a gentle sweetness upon entry that carries through the finish with a bright acidity and pleasant apple and pear notes.	Topaz Impérial	86	33	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Sparkling Blend	Sparkling Pointe	null	null	null
Spain	Pale and low on bead, but if you like a Moscato-style wine, this isn't bad at all. The palate is sweet, fleshy and smooth, with lychee and melon flavors. Lively but easy on the finish, with a final wave of lychee fruit and Malvasia-driven sweetness. Unusual but pretty good.	Spumante	85	9	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Freixenet	null	null	null
Italy	This Sangiovese and Merlot blend features delicate acidity and high aromatic intensity. The wine is redolent of spicebox, bramble, forest berry and almond and makes for a beautiful presentation overall. Silky tannins and more fruit flavors render a bright, vibrant mouthfeel.	Crognolo	92	35	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Tenuta Sette Ponti	null	null	null
Italy	Ruggeri & C. is one of Prosecco's most important ambassadors both in terms of quality and image. This “Gold Label” wine is delicate and light with a generous floral bouquet that is backed by fresh fruit and peach.	Giall'Oro Extra Dry	87	18	Veneto	Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore	null	Glera	Ruggeri & C.	null	null	null
Italy	This Cesanese (a native Italian grape) from Lazio offers medium intensity and measured aromas of blackberry and spice. There's more going on in the mouth, where the wine delivers a smooth, easygoing and informal experience.	Ponte Loreto	85	null	Central Italy	Lazio	null	Cesanese d'Affile	Solonio	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a bright, informal red that opens with aromas of candied berry, white pepper and savory herb that carry over to the palate. It's balanced with fresh acidity and soft tannins.	Belsito	87	16	Sicily & Sardinia	Vittoria	null	Frappato	Terre di Giurfo	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Terre di Giurfo 2013 Belsito Frappato (Vittoria)
France	Lifted aromas of both tart and ripe green and yellow apples appear, alongside hints of wet pebble and faint notions of quince. On the palate, these flavors are wrapped in citrus freshness on a sprightly, lively, concentrated and wonderfully dry palate. This is full of life and finishes on a pervasive, all-encompassing zesty lemon freshness. Lovely now but will evolve majestically. Drink now through 2035.	Schlossberg Grand Cru	94	44	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Domaine Bott-Geyl	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of roasted walnut and toasted bread crust lead the nose on this blend of Pinot Nero, Chardonnay and just a touch of Pinot Meunier. The palate delivers candied lemon zest, apple skin and a ginger note alongside tangy acidity and a persistent perlage. The fruit richness has evolved into tertiary sensations although it retains fresh acidity.	Madame Martis Brut Riserva	88	170	Northeastern Italy	Trento	null	Sparkling Blend	Maso Martis	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Maso Martis 2004 Madame Martis Brut Riserva Sparkling (Trento)
Chile	Veramonte's first high-end Ritual Sauvignon is a big success. The nose is mellow, refined and minerally as opposed to pungent and feline. The feel is fresh, clean as a razor, and easygoing, with lime, nectarine and passion fruit flavors. Long and lightly green on the classy finish.	Ritual	90	20	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Veramonte	null	null	null
US	Defines a certain style of Sauvignon Blanc, namely the bone-dry, ultracrisp version whose firm structure frames a bright, zesty taste. The flavors are of lemons, limes, grapefruits, figs, white pepper and minerals, with a rich grassiness. This Loire-like wine is so versatile, you can have it with almost anything.	null	89	9	California	California	California Other	Sauvignon Blanc	Redwood Creek	null	null	Redwood Creek 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (California)
Italy	This has typical ripasso aromas of black fruit, raisin and baking spice. The palate reveals hints of cherry and black pepper, but it doesn't have much intensity. The fruit is already fading, so drink soon.	null	86	25	Veneto	Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso	null	Red Blend	Antica Corte	null	null	null
Israel	A little coarse and rugged on the nose, there's a meaty and earthy cedar streak to the otherwise black plum and berry fruit core of this Merlot. The concentrated fruit carries through to the medium-weight mouth, with a softly chewy texture of dusty tannins and powdery mocha flavors.	Yarden	88	22	Galilee	null	null	Merlot	Golan Heights Winery	null	null	null
US	A tough, common wine, gritty in tannins, with superripe blackberry flavors that veer into bitter raisinskins and dark, unsweetened baker's chocolate. Not going anywhere.	Long Valley Red Limited Estate Reserve	82	50	California	Temecula Valley	South Coast	Meritage	Stuart Cellars	null	null	null
Italy	Ripassá is a wine that has been refermented on the skins to produce extra richness and intensity of aromas. This distinctive wine offers tones of blackberry jam, currant, clove and curry powder. It's a luscious and slightly sweet tasting wine with chewy tannins.	Ripassá	88	18	Veneto	Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso	null	Red Blend	Stefano Accordini	null	null	Stefano Accordini 2005 Ripassá (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)
Australia	This young, fruit-driven sparkling red delivers the party in a bottle. Currants and black cherries abound, accented by touches of cigar box and vanilla, while the palate is ripe and creamy-textured. Drink now.	Sparkling	89	18	South Australia	South Australia	null	Shiraz	Paringa	null	null	null
US	Sourced from the Hightower vineyard on Red Mountain, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is firm, full, tannic and dense. It compares favorably with wines from the iconic Klipsun vineyard just down the road. A thick mix of smoke, coffee, cassis, herb and dark chocolate swirls up from the glass and on through the palate.	Acquisition	92	52	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Market Vineyards	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Market Vineyards 2010 Acquisition Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain)
Argentina	In the past this was a Bordeaux blend but now it's all or almost all Malbec. And because it hails from cooler Tupungato it features floral aromas more than heavy berry scents, and in the mouth it's all about red fruit as opposed to beefy black fruit. If it's a bit short on the finish, chalk that up to its racier, more streamlined frame.	Synthesis	89	25	Mendoza Province	Tupungato	null	Malbec	Finca Sophenia	null	null	null
Spain	Aromas of raw oak, eucalyptus and gritty berry fruits are hot and leafy. This Tempranillo-based blend feels choppy with aggressive grating tannins. Flavors of baked roasted berry fruits are also herbal, green and leafy, while this finishes crisp, raw and tomatoey in flavor.	Reserva Privada	85	80	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Marqués de Vargas	null	null	null
Italy	This pink sweet sparkling wine opens with sweet notes of raspberry, vanilla cream, cinnamon and a touch of white pepper. The smooth mouthfeel is supported by fizzy effervescence. Incrocio Manzoni 13.0.25 was created in the 1930's by Italian professor Luigi Mazoni and is a cross between Raboso del Piave and Moscato d'Amburgo grapes.	Manzoni Moscato Rosé	85	12	Veneto	Veneto	null	Sparkling Blend	Bonotto delle Tezze	null	null	Bonotto delle Tezze NV Manzoni Moscato Rosé Sparkling (Veneto)
US	All Roussanne from the Gunkel vineyard, this is a fine expression of pure varietal fruit. A fresh and delicious blend of flavors, it touches on peach, apricot, lemon curd and pineapple, with impressive concentration through a long, clean finish.	null	91	20	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Roussanne	Barnard Griffin	null	null	null
US	This wine is clean, good and tasty. It's not especially complex, but shows berry, cherry, spice and oak flavors that are wrapped in a soft, balanced package.	null	86	28	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Merlot	Paradise Ridge	null	null	null
Italy	The nose is a bit thorny and not particularly generous in fruit or other identifying characteristics. You'll get hints of cherry, almond, bramble and white mushroom over the wine's medium body and tight tannins. It does, however, end on a bright, crisp note.	Riserva Misciano	85	null	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Borgo Scopeto	null	null	null
France	A solid wine at a rock-bottom price, this Côtes du Rhône Villages was put together by the well-known négociant Patrick LeSec. The full-bodied, amply textured wine delivers bright and cheery cherry and cinnamon flavors with a hint of chocolate. Only a slightly sharp, acidic tang kept the score from rising higher.	null	85	7	Rhône Valley	Côtes du Rhône Villages	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Kirkland Signature	null	null	null
US	This oozes with sweet oak, honey and buttered toast flavors, with added notes of pineapple cream and peach jam. Few Chardonnays are this opulent; it will have its fans among those who love this style.	Estate Reserve	87	30	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Artesa	null	null	null
US	Way too strong in feline emissions, that disagreeable scent due to green, unripe pyrazines. If you can get past that, the wine is slightly sweet and citrusy.	Estate Grown	81	20	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	St. Supéry	null	null	null
US	A wildly flavored, tannic and exuberant Zinfandel that showcases the variety's exotic personality. Dry and full-bodied, it has brambly flavors of blackberries, black currants, licorice, mocha and smoky cedar, liberally sprinkled with dusty Asian spices. Drink now–2013.	Rancho Bello Vineyard	90	26	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Ottimino Vineyards	null	null	Ottimino Vineyards 2006 Rancho Bello Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
US	A to Z has almost doubled production of this wine, without a hitch in quality. Floral and citrus components gather strength and roll into ripe tropical flavors: juicy Fruit gum, papaya and melon. It's absolutely yummy and a can't miss value.	null	92	15	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Riesling	A to Z	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	A to Z 2016 Riesling (Oregon)
Portugal	A wine whose real quality lies in its great fruitiness and open, soft tannins. With just a touch of wood, its stalky black-fruit flavors are all ready to drink. Screwcap.	Cape Roca Fish	84	15	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Casca Wines	null	null	null
South Africa	This limited-production Syrah (3,200 bottles produced) spends 18 months in French and American oak, providing a sweet spice and chocolate backdrop to the wine's bright red berry aromas and flavors. Accents of foresty foliage and black pepper add additional complexity to the lush mouth. Drink now–2014.	Estalét	90	26	Western Cape	null	null	Syrah	Bizoe	null	null	null
France	Already well balanced, this firm, concentrated wine allows its fruit to show strongly. Dominated by juicy, black-currant-flavored Cabernet Sauvignon, it is solid while also fresh, layering tannins and acidity. The wine will develop quickly; drink from 2020.	null	93	45	Bordeaux	Saint-Julien	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Clos du Marquis	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Clos du Marquis 2013 Saint-Julien
US	Starr Ridge is a two-block site originally planted by winemaker Gary Farrell and farmed by Ulises Valdez. This Cooper Block is incredibly structured and lengthy on the palate, a rich expression of strawberry, high-toned citrus and anise. Playing supporting roles are earth and forest floor.	Cooper Block Starr Ridge	91	58	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Stuhlmuller Vineyards	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Stuhlmuller Vineyards 2012 Cooper Block Starr Ridge Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Canada	Grassy and pungent, this Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc blend shows excellent structure and vivid fruit character. The grapefruit and pineapple flavors are accented with diesel highlights and a whiff of barrel toast.	Alibi	90	25	British Columbia	Okanagan Valley	null	Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc	Black Hills	null	null	null
US	This is the second label of Bond, a blend of various vineyards. As such, it's one of the best buys in the Harlan stable, retaining the lyrical balance of all its wines. Superrich in chocolate and cassis flavors, the wine is distinguished and refined despite its size. Hard to exaggerrate the richness and beauty of this classic claret.	null	94	80	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Blend	The Matriarch	null	null	null
Italy	Quite fruit driven, even a touch candied, there's still much appeal in this wine's fruitcake and plum aromas and the palate's sweet-and-sour fruit with mild oak shadings. The balanced mouthfeel and easy tannins on the finish wrap up this ready-to-drink package.	null	87	12	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Castellani	null	null	null
Chile	Aromatically, this is a very nice offering with solid berry fruit, cassis, spice and smoke. The palate feel is excellent, while the flavors of cherry and cassis are classic New World, deep and accented by tobacco on the finish. Lush and tannic; drink now through 2012.	Limited Edition	91	null	Central Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Echeverria	null	null	null
US	The attack on this light-bodied sipper is unabashedly fruity, with loads of ripe peach and nectarine flavors. It balances out quite nicely with zippy acidity and a dry, steely finish. This is a noteworthy addition to the growing line up of Finger Lakes Grüner Veltliner.	Estate Reserve	87	16	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Grüner Veltliner	Stony Lonesome	null	null	null
Italy	This blend of Sangiovese and 10% Merlot opens with delicate aromas of violet, berry and baking spices. The palate delivers black cherry, toast and clove alongside close-grained tannins that grip the finish.	Crognolo	87	35	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Tenuta Sette Ponti	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Tenuta Sette Ponti 2014 Crognolo Red (Toscana)
US	Iron and rose petals mix with hot gravel and olallieberry on the nose of this concentrated bottling by the Fess Parker family's Rhône-variety-focused brand. Dried black cherries and heady anise power the palate, with violet in the background.	null	91	30	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Grenache	Epiphany	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Epiphany 2012 Grenache (Santa Barbara County)
Spain	Warm and smelling of menthol, cough syrup and sweet, jammy berry fruit. The palate is also fairly medicinal in terms of flavor, while the feel is a bit hard and underdeveloped. Turns more tart and herbal the more you get to know it.	Roble	83	14	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Legón	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Legón 2008 Roble (Ribera del Duero)
France	94-96 Barrel sample. Firm and solid, but also full of charm and elegance, the fruit ripe and sweet, delicious. That gives already a wine with balance, tremendous juiciness as well as structure.	Barrel sample	95	null	Bordeaux	Pauillac	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Lynch-Moussas	null	null	null
France	92-94 Barrel sample. A shiny, ripe and fresh wine, its tannins neatly merged into the blackcurrant fruits. Delicious and fresh, but also sweet.	Barrel sample	93	null	Bordeaux	Margaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Prieuré-Lichine	null	null	null
New Zealand	Aromas of cherries and vanilla, with berry-zinger tea accents. The mixed red fruits are bright enough to carry this light but zippy wine. Would make a good picnic quaff.	null	85	15	Marlborough	null	null	Merlot	Omaka Springs	null	null	null
South Africa	Herbal and spicy, here's an easygoing Merlot that's perfect for entertaining. Pepper and anise add character to the black fruit core, and the pronounced acidity keeps things lively and clean on the finish.	null	85	11	Western Cape	null	null	Merlot	KWV	null	null	null
France	88-90 Barrel sample. Attractive peppermint aromas, almost eucalyptus, give this wine an Australian character. To taste it is soft, rich, dark and New World .	Barrel sample	89	null	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Belgrave	null	null	null
Argentina	The soapy, flowery nose is not uncommon for this variety. The palate, meanwhile, is pointed and direct, with extracted citrus and white-grape flavors. Similar citric sharpness carries onto the finish.	Padrillos	85	12	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Torrontés	Ernesto Catena	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Ernesto Catena 2013 Padrillos Torrontés (Mendoza)
Australia	Unusual nectarine and tangerine flavors are accented by some ginger, but make no mistake—there's still lots of wood-derived cream and butter here, particularly on the nose and on the finish.	null	84	17	South Australia	Coonawarra	null	Chardonnay	Katnook Estate	null	null	Katnook Estate 2000 Chardonnay (Coonawarra)
Italy	This is a well-built Catarratto and Insolia blend from the Alcamo zone in Western Sicily that delivers toasted nut, stone fruit, mineral and some soapy aromas. It has good balance and a zesty, fresh finish. Imported by Laird & Company.	null	86	18	Sicily & Sardinia	Alcamo	null	White Blend	Principe di Corleone	null	null	null
Austria	Furmint is essentially an Hungarian grape, but the Hungarian line is not far from Heidi Schröck's winery in Rust, and there is a long historical connection between the two countries. With ripe fruit, this is smooth, rounded, spicy, hinting at exotic fruits, with the lightest of acidity. Screwcap.	null	88	17	Burgenland	null	null	Furmint	Heidi Schröck	null	null	null
Italy	A blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers ripe, plump layers of black fruit, chocolate and spice. The palate is soft, luscious and velvety.	Cantodoro	89	null	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Red Blend	Feudo Arancio	null	null	null
Italy	Although this wine opens with a lively ruby color, it segues into tired, somewhat lifeless aromas of resin, tar, cherry liquor, earth and deep toasted notes. The wine seems to be very influenced by the wood it aged in.	null	87	130	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Monte Faustino	null	null	Monte Faustino 2001 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
France	This is the top wine from Fabien Jouves's estate. There is some new wood aging here and it shows in the polished edges of the very firm tannins. Burnt coffee and plum skin flavors add to the considerable power, the fruit just beginning to push through the tannins. Age for several more years.	La Pièce	93	85	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Mas del Périé	null	null	null
US	Candied apricot dominates on the nose and palate of this vineyard-designated wine that is fleshy and reflective of its five months in new French oak. Creamy and round, it finishes ripe and rich.	Wildwood Vineyard	86	26	California	Rutherford	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Provenance Vineyards	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Provenance Vineyards 2014 Wildwood Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Rutherford)
US	It would be hard to find a better $8 Merlot anywhere. This is soft and full-bodied, quite flavorful and fruity, with pretty black cherry fruit. Drinking especially nicely with a bit of bottle age, it finishes with well-proportioned notes of tobacco and clove.	Two Vines	88	8	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Merlot	Columbia Crest	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Columbia Crest 2010 Two Vines Merlot (Washington)
US	This substantial wine will age beautifully through 2023, so structured and elegant it is behind its layers and layers of coconut fritter, vanilla and strawberry-raspberry jam. Beguiling in floral violets and lavender, it has streaks of black pepper too, ending in a dream-like trance of earthy dust.	Monte Rosso Vineyard	95	47	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Carlisle	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Carlisle 2013 Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)
France	A fruity Cahors, showing off black berry fruits and light acidity within an easy structure. The style is bright and ready to drink.	null	86	null	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Château Bovila	null	null	null
US	A 100% varietal wine, this is dusty and dense, concentrated in a pillowy tannin structure that grips the palate with force. Toasted oak plays strongman to quieter aspects of currant and berry.	Estate	86	65	California	Rutherford	Napa	Cabernet Franc	Wm. Harrison	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Wm. Harrison 2013 Estate Cabernet Franc (Rutherford)
Spain	Good, pure, dark and teetering on powerful, with strong, rich black plum aromas. The mouth is staunch and balanced, with full dark fruit flavors of blackberry along with bitter chocolate. Solid and clean throughout. A winner in its price range.	Capitoso	88	16	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Altanza	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Altanza 2007 Capitoso (Rioja)
France	The wine is all about fresh apples and pears, with just a hint of smokiness and mineral texture. Crisp, with great acidity, it's ready to drink now, bright, full in the mouth and very fruity.	null	85	22	Beaujolais	Beaujolais Blanc	null	Chardonnay	Château de Chatelard	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Chatelard 2013 Beaujolais Blanc
France	Corton-Charlemagne expresses the power of Chardonnay, rather than the subtlety. Given that, Olivier Leflaive's version is finely nuanced, and its weight comes as much from the rich white- and yellow-fruit flavors as the tight structure. Like most grand crus, this needs to age, so give it 5–6 years.	Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru	95	170	Burgundy	Corton-Charlemagne	null	Chardonnay	Olivier Leflaive	null	null	null
US	Packs as much flavor as you can fit in a glass. Ultraripe pineapples and peaches, caramelized oak, toasty meringue, vanilla, the works. Plus, it's creamy, smooth and crisp.	null	90	13	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Chardonnay	Aquinas	null	null	null
Italy	Elegant and austere, this opens with thick layers of chocolate fudge, toasted espresso bean, Christmas spice and overripe berry fruit. It boasts huge flavor intensity and big alcohol. This is a bold Amarone that's perfect for long weekends at a ski lodge or cozy nights at home..	null	92	null	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Prà	null	null	null
US	A blend of three quarters Chenin Blanc and one quarter Viognier, this fragrant and lively young white wine is loaded with pretty green and yellow fruits, nuances of citrus rind, and a textural freshness that keeps resonating through the finish.	Confluence White	89	12	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	White Blend	McKinley Springs	null	null	null
Italy	Moris Farms offers a very generous and intense interpretation of Morellino with remarkable integrity of fruit and a big, plump, juicy style. The wine could pair with roast pork or fried chicken. A small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah is added to the wine.	null	87	15	Tuscany	Morellino di Scansano	null	Sangiovese	Morisfarms	null	null	null
US	This bold, mouthfilling wine was aged in large-format barrels, helping make it polished and relaxed in texture. Aromas and flavors are ripe and inviting, like blackberries and black cherries, while the mouthfeel is well supported by fine-grained tannins.	Piedra Roja Block 22	91	28	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	Tempranillo	Irwin Family Vineyards	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Irwin Family Vineyards 2012 Piedra Roja Block 22 Tempranillo (Sierra Foothills)
Germany	This is a thoroughly enjoyable sipper with moderate intensity, pretty tiger lily and baby's breath scents and a finish that's all apricot fruit, but with a faint mineral note. Drink now.	null	86	19	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Studert-Prüm	null	null	null
US	Made from all five classic Bordeaux varieties, this is a rich, softly tannic and delicious wine. It brims with jammy blackberry, dark chocolate and sweet cedar flavors, in a sweetly chewy texture that hints at further ageability. Drink now–2015.	Reserve Tapestry	92	50	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Beaulieu Vineyard	null	null	null
US	Only in California's warmer regions will you find the enormously ripe cherries and blackberries this Cabernet offers. It's as sweet as jam. Likeable, even opulent, but would benefit from greater dryness and structure.	null	86	36	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Joseph Family	null	null	null
Spain	Reddish in color, with raspberry and other high-toned aromas. The palate is fleshy but clean, with good acidity pushing slightly sweet cherry and raspberry flavors. Finishes with sugar and a good mouthfeel. Gets the job done.	Rosado	85	10	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Rosé	Ilurce	null	null	null
US	Fruit stars front and center in this crisply clean, young Pinot Grigio. The mouth is flooded with ripe pineapples, Meyer lemons, kiwis, white peaches and honey.	null	85	17	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Grigio	Ferrari-Carano	null	null	null
Italy	This Barolo with fruit sourced from the Rocche cru in Castiglione Falletto offers slightly aged aromas of old spice, candied fruit, smoked ham and cured beef. The wine is elegant and very drying on the finish. Hold until 2015.	Rocche	91	null	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Monchiero	null	null	null
Italy	The wine opens with a hint of sulphur or matchstick that doesn't seem to blow off completely. Once you get past that little glitch, this sparkling wine does offer zesty crispness and refreshing lightness that kicks in at the rear.	Brut	83	12	Veneto	Colli Asolani Prosecco	null	Glera	Conte Loredan Gasparini	null	null	null
US	While the nose on this medium-bodied Cab is eminently fruit forward with scents of lush black cherry jam and spice, the palate is remarkably fresh with herbs, bramble and bright sour cherry. Supple tannins and a tart midpalate lead to a long finish.	null	86	20	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Cabernet Sauvignon	Shaw	null	null	null
US	Smooth and oaky, with a soft and accessible appeal, this is a more limited production offering than the Chateau's regular Columbia Valley Chardonnay. Though undeniably charming, it thins out quickly and does not have the vivid complexity of its sibling.	Indian Wells	86	18	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Chateau Ste. Michelle	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Indian Wells Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	This is a firmly structured wine, but its black cherry flavor is marred by banana sweetness. Otherwise the wine is solid and tannic, with light acidity on the finish. Age for a year.	Domaine Javernière	88	null	Beaujolais	Morgon	null	Gamay	Georges Duboeuf	null	null	null
Spain	An Albariño with some body and complexity, Nora's single-vineyard, barrel-aged wine is definitely an oaky one. It has lots of wood dust, vanilla and lemon curd on the nose. The flavor profile is led by apples and cinnamon (from the oak), and it flows well. Not a sticky, overoaked load; instead it has balance and quasi-Burgundian feel.	null	89	28	Galicia	Rías Baixas	null	Albariño	Nora da Neve	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Nora da Neve 2006 Albariño (Rías Baixas)
Australia	You get the better parts of both worlds here: It's both classy and casual. If it's slightly austere on its own, with sharpness and palate-scrubbing acids, just place some spicy food alongside it and you're home free. Ginger chicken is a particularly good match. The lemon-lime fruit is accented by slate and petrol. It's more of a food wine than a simple sipper.	Gold Label	86	12	South Australia	South Australia	null	Riesling	Wolf Blass	null	null	null
US	Very primary aromas of lime zest and mineral are followed by lightly spritzy, just a hair off-dry citrus flavors backed by bright, tart acidity.	The Magician Evergreen Vineyard	89	18	Washington	Ancient Lakes	Columbia Valley	Riesling	Sleight of Hand	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Sleight of Hand 2015 The Magician Evergreen Vineyard Riesling (Ancient Lakes)
US	Oak notes are pervasive on the nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat blend, with roasted coffee, cinnamon toast and party shell aromas leading the way. The medium-bodied palate offers a bit more in the way of fruit, with dark cherry and cranberry flavors that lead to a green-herb finish.	Tranquility	84	40	Virginia	Middleburg	null	Red Blend	Tarara	Alexander Peartree	null	Tarara 2012 Tranquility Red (Middleburg)
US	Barbecue is your best bet with this rustic Zin. It's lusty in jammy blackberry, mulberry and vanilla spice flavors that finish with a definite sugariness.	Maverick	82	24	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Four Vines	null	null	Four Vines 2005 Maverick Zinfandel (Amador County)
US	There's a vegetal underripeness to this Grenache-based blend. The asparagus flavor is matched to the sweet cherry and pickle relish notes, accented by sour acidity.	Rhondezvous	81	37	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Rhône-style Red Blend	Four Brix	null	null	null
France	Wild barnyard notes dance among the rich dark fruit and berry core. Garrigue and bramble accents add more character to the smooth and silky mouth, while the medium finish lands on a softly oak-kissed flavor. Drink now.	Tradition	87	14	Languedoc-Roussillon	Saint-Chinian	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	G. Moulinier	null	null	null
US	This very limited (600 cases) companion to the winery's Ethos Chardonnay marks a turnaround for Ste. Michelle's red wine program, as Bob Bertheau came on board just before the 2003 crush. The style is seductive, sharp and spicy; the tart fruits tumble out in a pile of mixed berry and cherry. Chocolate and baking spices add more flavors; the wine is seamless, smooth and long; the oak beautifully integrated.	Ethos	94	29	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Chateau Ste. Michelle	null	null	null
US	Here is yet another Washington Riesling that shows how good these wines can be. This is well beyond the sweet and fruity style of the tasting room wines; here are layers of stone fruits, density and weight, length and detail. Once in the mouth this explodes with flavor and keeps bringing the oranges, peaches, apricots, nectarines and apples to the table.	null	90	16	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Riesling	DaMa	null	null	null
US	Grown in the Happy Canyon section of eastern Santa Ynez, an area that one of these days will be an official appellation. It's warm back in that canyon, and this Sangiovese is sugary in sweet berries and cherries. Has nothing in common at all with Italian Sangiovese.	null	84	22	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Sangiovese	Carr	null	null	null
US	Decent everyday Chard, but disappointingly thin, especially for a reserve. All the parts are here, from the creamy mouthfeel and oak to the pineapple and nectarine flavors, but it's like a photocopy of a photocopy.	Reserve	84	17	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Clos du Bois	null	null	null
Portugal	Named after the local vineyards, this wine is a firm and structured blend of two French grapes. It still has a Portuguese character with its rich, juicy black fruits and dense structure. With good acidity on the finish, it is ready to drink.	Terras do Pó Syrah-Petit Verdot	87	9	Península de Setúbal	null	null	Portuguese Red	Casa Ermelinda Freitas	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Casa Ermelinda Freitas 2013 Terras do Pó Syrah-Petit Verdot Red (Península de Setúbal)
US	Shows the brilliantly etched fruit and brisk acidity that mark an Edna Valley white wine. Tremendous in citrus and wintergreen flavors, its mouth-cleansing quality makes it ideal for an appetizer. Or try with Asian-style poultry and pork dishes.	null	88	13	California	Edna Valley	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Tangent	null	null	Tangent 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Edna Valley)
US	This wine, from the Parker vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, shows the voluptuous mouthfeel that's made Syrah so popular. The flavors are of the ripest blackberries cooked into a tart, and then sprinkled with butter, vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon. How good is that? A pointed reminder that high alcohol does not necessarily equal heat.	The Big Easy	93	35	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Syrah	Fess Parker	null	null	null
US	Easy and uncomplicated, this is dry, light-bodied and fine in acidity, with flavors of sour cherry candy, cola and smoky oak.	null	85	26	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Sebastiani	null	null	null
Spain	The leathery red-berry aromas are a tad stretched and tight but still good. This feels zesty, snappy and alert in the mouth, with lightly herbal flavors of red plum and tangy cherry tomato. The hickory spice imparted from 24 months of oak aging shows up on the finish along with licorice.	Señorío del Águila Gran Reserva	88	22	Northern Spain	Cariñena	null	Red Blend	Bodegas Virgen del Águila	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas Virgen del Águila 2004 Señorío del Águila Gran Reserva Red (Cariñena)
Italy	Made with Friulano, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, this offers scents of wildflower, beeswax and ripe orchard fruit. The structured palate offers bitter almond, yellow apple skin, acacia honey and mineral. It still has fresh acidity but drink soon to capture the remaining fruit richness.	Torre Butria Riserva	88	null	Northeastern Italy	Friuli Colli Orientali	null	White Blend	Castello di Buttrio	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Castello di Buttrio 2011 Torre Butria Riserva White (Friuli Colli Orientali)
Italy	Here's a less formal expression of Garganega that would pair with eggplant curry and fragrant basmati rice. Aromatically speaking, the wine is extremely floral with layers of lemon blossom and jasmine.	Corte del Sole	86	12	Veneto	Soave	null	Garganega	Monte Tondo	null	null	Monte Tondo 2010 Corte del Sole (Soave)

US

This robust concentrated red is made from an unusual field blend of Sereksiya Charni and Saperavi, two grape varieties more known in Eastern Europe than the United States. It's lush in black-cherry flavor, accented with chocolate, black pepper, vanilla and spice, but also densely tannic and searing in acidity. While unwieldy in its youth, it's a wine that consistently shows excellence with maturity. Hold till 2025.

Black Russian

90

60

New York

Finger Lakes

Red Blend

McGregor

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

McGregor 2012 Black Russian Red (Finger Lakes)

Portugal

Bual is the grape that creates the medium-sweet style of Madeira, and this wine fits the bill perfectly. It is a great wine, with its honey, its citrus to balance, its dark, nutty flavors, its merest hint of sweetness. To finish, there is a long, ripe caramel taste, balanced with layers of acidity.

Colheita

93

null

Madeira

null

Bual

Cossart Gordon

null

US

Here's a pretty good white that you can have as an alternative to Chardonnay. It's creamy and full-bodied, with tangerine, peach custard and honeysuckle flavors. Could use greater acidity, because it's a little on the soft side.

null

85

15

California

Paicines

Central Coast

Pinot Blanc

Donati

null

US

A beautiful young Rutherford Cabernet, showing the dusty elegance and complexity of a top estate. There's a rich herbality to the cherry, cassis and blackberry fruit, suggesting fresh green chervil, sage and thyme. Oak adds harmonious notes of vanilla, cedar and char. The tannins are thick and juvenile, but very finely ground. With 8% Cabernet Franc, this lush wine needs time. Hold until after 2008, and it should improve for another six years, conservatively.

Rutherford

94

75

California

Rutherford

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Frog's Leap

null

US

Semiaromatic, with notes of grapefruit peel, white pepper and peach. Not that intense but full bodied, with traces of vanilla, spice and bitterness. Finishes soft, with only a whimper of zest. Tasted twice with fairly consistent results.

null

85

22

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Cakebread

null

Italy

Here's a simple and slightly tart expression of Barbera that should pair well with cheesy pizza or pasta with cream sauce. The wine's natural acidity and bright berry flavor should cut through the fat in those foods.

Antica Casa

86

14

Piedmont

Barbera d'Asti

null

Barbera

Ricossa

null

Italy

This lovely brut offers a fragrance of white peach, almond and acacia flower. The palate delivers apple and citrus flavors, along with a note of bread crust. The wine is fresh and creamy with a dry finish of roasted walnut.

Brut

90

32

Lombardy

Franciacorta

null

Sparkling Blend

Le Marchesine

null

Australia

Medium, almost full, in weight but mildly flavored for its heft. Offers up delicate talc and lemondrop aromas, with pear skin flavors dominating on the palate. After a few sips, limey-citrus flavors step in and take over. 1,500 cases produced.

Beau Sea

87

20

South Australia

Adelaide Hills

null

Viognier

Longview

null

US

Pale peach in color, this softly sparkling blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay smells sweetly of red apples and a hint of lanolin. There's a gentle sweetness upon entry that carries through the finish with a bright acidity and pleasant apple and pear notes.

Topaz Impérial

86

33

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Sparkling Blend

Sparkling Pointe

null

Spain

Pale and low on bead, but if you like a Moscato-style wine, this isn't bad at all. The palate is sweet, fleshy and smooth, with lychee and melon flavors. Lively but easy on the finish, with a final wave of lychee fruit and Malvasia-driven sweetness. Unusual but pretty good.

Spumante

85

9

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Freixenet

null

Italy

This Sangiovese and Merlot blend features delicate acidity and high aromatic intensity. The wine is redolent of spicebox, bramble, forest berry and almond and makes for a beautiful presentation overall. Silky tannins and more fruit flavors render a bright, vibrant mouthfeel.

Crognolo

92

35

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Tenuta Sette Ponti

null

Italy

Ruggeri & C. is one of Prosecco's most important ambassadors both in terms of quality and image. This “Gold Label” wine is delicate and light with a generous floral bouquet that is backed by fresh fruit and peach.

Giall'Oro Extra Dry

87

18

Veneto

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

null

Glera

Ruggeri & C.

null

Italy

This Cesanese (a native Italian grape) from Lazio offers medium intensity and measured aromas of blackberry and spice. There's more going on in the mouth, where the wine delivers a smooth, easygoing and informal experience.

Ponte Loreto

85

null

Central Italy

Lazio

null

Cesanese d'Affile

Solonio

null

Italy

Here's a bright, informal red that opens with aromas of candied berry, white pepper and savory herb that carry over to the palate. It's balanced with fresh acidity and soft tannins.

Belsito

87

16

Sicily & Sardinia

Vittoria

null

Frappato

Terre di Giurfo

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Terre di Giurfo 2013 Belsito Frappato (Vittoria)

France

Lifted aromas of both tart and ripe green and yellow apples appear, alongside hints of wet pebble and faint notions of quince. On the palate, these flavors are wrapped in citrus freshness on a sprightly, lively, concentrated and wonderfully dry palate. This is full of life and finishes on a pervasive, all-encompassing zesty lemon freshness. Lovely now but will evolve majestically. Drink now through 2035.

Schlossberg Grand Cru

94

44

Alsace

null

Riesling

Domaine Bott-Geyl

null

Italy

Aromas of roasted walnut and toasted bread crust lead the nose on this blend of Pinot Nero, Chardonnay and just a touch of Pinot Meunier. The palate delivers candied lemon zest, apple skin and a ginger note alongside tangy acidity and a persistent perlage. The fruit richness has evolved into tertiary sensations although it retains fresh acidity.

Madame Martis Brut Riserva

88

170

Northeastern Italy

Trento

null

Sparkling Blend

Maso Martis

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Maso Martis 2004 Madame Martis Brut Riserva Sparkling (Trento)

Chile

Veramonte's first high-end Ritual Sauvignon is a big success. The nose is mellow, refined and minerally as opposed to pungent and feline. The feel is fresh, clean as a razor, and easygoing, with lime, nectarine and passion fruit flavors. Long and lightly green on the classy finish.

Ritual

90

20

Casablanca Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Veramonte

null

US

Defines a certain style of Sauvignon Blanc, namely the bone-dry, ultracrisp version whose firm structure frames a bright, zesty taste. The flavors are of lemons, limes, grapefruits, figs, white pepper and minerals, with a rich grassiness. This Loire-like wine is so versatile, you can have it with almost anything.

null

89

9

California

California Other

Sauvignon Blanc

Redwood Creek

null

Redwood Creek 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (California)

Italy

This has typical ripasso aromas of black fruit, raisin and baking spice. The palate reveals hints of cherry and black pepper, but it doesn't have much intensity. The fruit is already fading, so drink soon.

null

86

25

Veneto

Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

null

Red Blend

Antica Corte

null

Israel

A little coarse and rugged on the nose, there's a meaty and earthy cedar streak to the otherwise black plum and berry fruit core of this Merlot. The concentrated fruit carries through to the medium-weight mouth, with a softly chewy texture of dusty tannins and powdery mocha flavors.

Yarden

88

22

Galilee

null

Merlot

Golan Heights Winery

null

US

A tough, common wine, gritty in tannins, with superripe blackberry flavors that veer into bitter raisinskins and dark, unsweetened baker's chocolate. Not going anywhere.

Long Valley Red Limited Estate Reserve

82

50

California

Temecula Valley

South Coast

Meritage

Stuart Cellars

null

Italy

Ripassá is a wine that has been refermented on the skins to produce extra richness and intensity of aromas. This distinctive wine offers tones of blackberry jam, currant, clove and curry powder. It's a luscious and slightly sweet tasting wine with chewy tannins.

Ripassá

88

18

Veneto

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso

null

Red Blend

Stefano Accordini

null

Stefano Accordini 2005 Ripassá (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)

Australia

This young, fruit-driven sparkling red delivers the party in a bottle. Currants and black cherries abound, accented by touches of cigar box and vanilla, while the palate is ripe and creamy-textured. Drink now.

Sparkling

89

18

South Australia

null

Shiraz

Paringa

null

US

Sourced from the Hightower vineyard on Red Mountain, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is firm, full, tannic and dense. It compares favorably with wines from the iconic Klipsun vineyard just down the road. A thick mix of smoke, coffee, cassis, herb and dark chocolate swirls up from the glass and on through the palate.

Acquisition

92

52

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Market Vineyards

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Market Vineyards 2010 Acquisition Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain)

Argentina

In the past this was a Bordeaux blend but now it's all or almost all Malbec. And because it hails from cooler Tupungato it features floral aromas more than heavy berry scents, and in the mouth it's all about red fruit as opposed to beefy black fruit. If it's a bit short on the finish, chalk that up to its racier, more streamlined frame.

Synthesis

89

25

Mendoza Province

Tupungato

null

Malbec

Finca Sophenia

null

Spain

Aromas of raw oak, eucalyptus and gritty berry fruits are hot and leafy. This Tempranillo-based blend feels choppy with aggressive grating tannins. Flavors of baked roasted berry fruits are also herbal, green and leafy, while this finishes crisp, raw and tomatoey in flavor.

Reserva Privada

85

80

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Marqués de Vargas

null

Italy

This pink sweet sparkling wine opens with sweet notes of raspberry, vanilla cream, cinnamon and a touch of white pepper. The smooth mouthfeel is supported by fizzy effervescence. Incrocio Manzoni 13.0.25 was created in the 1930's by Italian professor Luigi Mazoni and is a cross between Raboso del Piave and Moscato d'Amburgo grapes.

Manzoni Moscato Rosé

85

12

Veneto

null

Sparkling Blend

Bonotto delle Tezze

null

Bonotto delle Tezze NV Manzoni Moscato Rosé Sparkling (Veneto)

US

All Roussanne from the Gunkel vineyard, this is a fine expression of pure varietal fruit. A fresh and delicious blend of flavors, it touches on peach, apricot, lemon curd and pineapple, with impressive concentration through a long, clean finish.

null

91

20

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Roussanne

Barnard Griffin

null

US

This wine is clean, good and tasty. It's not especially complex, but shows berry, cherry, spice and oak flavors that are wrapped in a soft, balanced package.

null

86

28

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Merlot

Paradise Ridge

null

Italy

The nose is a bit thorny and not particularly generous in fruit or other identifying characteristics. You'll get hints of cherry, almond, bramble and white mushroom over the wine's medium body and tight tannins. It does, however, end on a bright, crisp note.

Riserva Misciano

85

null

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Borgo Scopeto

null

France

A solid wine at a rock-bottom price, this Côtes du Rhône Villages was put together by the well-known négociant Patrick LeSec. The full-bodied, amply textured wine delivers bright and cheery cherry and cinnamon flavors with a hint of chocolate. Only a slightly sharp, acidic tang kept the score from rising higher.

null

85

7

Rhône Valley

Côtes du Rhône Villages

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Kirkland Signature

null

US

This oozes with sweet oak, honey and buttered toast flavors, with added notes of pineapple cream and peach jam. Few Chardonnays are this opulent; it will have its fans among those who love this style.

Estate Reserve

87

30

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Artesa

null

US

Way too strong in feline emissions, that disagreeable scent due to green, unripe pyrazines. If you can get past that, the wine is slightly sweet and citrusy.

Estate Grown

81

20

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

St. Supéry

null

US

A wildly flavored, tannic and exuberant Zinfandel that showcases the variety's exotic personality. Dry and full-bodied, it has brambly flavors of blackberries, black currants, licorice, mocha and smoky cedar, liberally sprinkled with dusty Asian spices. Drink now–2013.

Rancho Bello Vineyard

90

26

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Ottimino Vineyards

null

Ottimino Vineyards 2006 Rancho Bello Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)

US

A to Z has almost doubled production of this wine, without a hitch in quality. Floral and citrus components gather strength and roll into ripe tropical flavors: juicy Fruit gum, papaya and melon. It's absolutely yummy and a can't miss value.

null

92

15

Oregon

Oregon Other

Riesling

A to Z

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

A to Z 2016 Riesling (Oregon)

Portugal

A wine whose real quality lies in its great fruitiness and open, soft tannins. With just a touch of wood, its stalky black-fruit flavors are all ready to drink. Screwcap.

Cape Roca Fish

84

15

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Casca Wines

null

South Africa

This limited-production Syrah (3,200 bottles produced) spends 18 months in French and American oak, providing a sweet spice and chocolate backdrop to the wine's bright red berry aromas and flavors. Accents of foresty foliage and black pepper add additional complexity to the lush mouth. Drink now–2014.

Estalét

90

26

Western Cape

null

Syrah

Bizoe

null

France

Already well balanced, this firm, concentrated wine allows its fruit to show strongly. Dominated by juicy, black-currant-flavored Cabernet Sauvignon, it is solid while also fresh, layering tannins and acidity. The wine will develop quickly; drink from 2020.

null

93

45

Bordeaux

Saint-Julien

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Clos du Marquis

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Clos du Marquis 2013 Saint-Julien

US

Starr Ridge is a two-block site originally planted by winemaker Gary Farrell and farmed by Ulises Valdez. This Cooper Block is incredibly structured and lengthy on the palate, a rich expression of strawberry, high-toned citrus and anise. Playing supporting roles are earth and forest floor.

Cooper Block Starr Ridge

91

58

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Stuhlmuller Vineyards

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Stuhlmuller Vineyards 2012 Cooper Block Starr Ridge Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Canada

Grassy and pungent, this Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc blend shows excellent structure and vivid fruit character. The grapefruit and pineapple flavors are accented with diesel highlights and a whiff of barrel toast.

Alibi

90

25

British Columbia

Okanagan Valley

null

Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc

Black Hills

null

US

This is the second label of Bond, a blend of various vineyards. As such, it's one of the best buys in the Harlan stable, retaining the lyrical balance of all its wines. Superrich in chocolate and cassis flavors, the wine is distinguished and refined despite its size. Hard to exaggerrate the richness and beauty of this classic claret.

null

94

80

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Blend

The Matriarch

null

Italy

Quite fruit driven, even a touch candied, there's still much appeal in this wine's fruitcake and plum aromas and the palate's sweet-and-sour fruit with mild oak shadings. The balanced mouthfeel and easy tannins on the finish wrap up this ready-to-drink package.

null

87

12

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Castellani

null

Chile

Aromatically, this is a very nice offering with solid berry fruit, cassis, spice and smoke. The palate feel is excellent, while the flavors of cherry and cassis are classic New World, deep and accented by tobacco on the finish. Lush and tannic; drink now through 2012.

Limited Edition

91

null

Central Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Echeverria

null

US

The attack on this light-bodied sipper is unabashedly fruity, with loads of ripe peach and nectarine flavors. It balances out quite nicely with zippy acidity and a dry, steely finish. This is a noteworthy addition to the growing line up of Finger Lakes Grüner Veltliner.

Estate Reserve

87

16

New York

Finger Lakes

Grüner Veltliner

Stony Lonesome

null

Italy

This blend of Sangiovese and 10% Merlot opens with delicate aromas of violet, berry and baking spices. The palate delivers black cherry, toast and clove alongside close-grained tannins that grip the finish.

Crognolo

87

35

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Tenuta Sette Ponti

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Tenuta Sette Ponti 2014 Crognolo Red (Toscana)

US

Iron and rose petals mix with hot gravel and olallieberry on the nose of this concentrated bottling by the Fess Parker family's Rhône-variety-focused brand. Dried black cherries and heady anise power the palate, with violet in the background.

null

91

30

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Grenache

Epiphany

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Epiphany 2012 Grenache (Santa Barbara County)

Spain

Warm and smelling of menthol, cough syrup and sweet, jammy berry fruit. The palate is also fairly medicinal in terms of flavor, while the feel is a bit hard and underdeveloped. Turns more tart and herbal the more you get to know it.

Roble

83

14

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Legón

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Legón 2008 Roble (Ribera del Duero)

France

94-96 Barrel sample. Firm and solid, but also full of charm and elegance, the fruit ripe and sweet, delicious. That gives already a wine with balance, tremendous juiciness as well as structure.

Barrel sample

95

null

Bordeaux

Pauillac

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Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Lynch-Moussas

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France

92-94 Barrel sample. A shiny, ripe and fresh wine, its tannins neatly merged into the blackcurrant fruits. Delicious and fresh, but also sweet.

Barrel sample

93

null

Bordeaux

Margaux

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Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Prieuré-Lichine

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New Zealand

Aromas of cherries and vanilla, with berry-zinger tea accents. The mixed red fruits are bright enough to carry this light but zippy wine. Would make a good picnic quaff.

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85

15

Marlborough

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Merlot

Omaka Springs

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South Africa

Herbal and spicy, here's an easygoing Merlot that's perfect for entertaining. Pepper and anise add character to the black fruit core, and the pronounced acidity keeps things lively and clean on the finish.

null

85

11

Western Cape

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Merlot

KWV

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France

88-90 Barrel sample. Attractive peppermint aromas, almost eucalyptus, give this wine an Australian character. To taste it is soft, rich, dark and New World .

Barrel sample

89

null

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

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Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Belgrave

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Argentina

The soapy, flowery nose is not uncommon for this variety. The palate, meanwhile, is pointed and direct, with extracted citrus and white-grape flavors. Similar citric sharpness carries onto the finish.

Padrillos

85

12

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

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Torrontés

Ernesto Catena

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Ernesto Catena 2013 Padrillos Torrontés (Mendoza)

Australia

Unusual nectarine and tangerine flavors are accented by some ginger, but make no mistake—there's still lots of wood-derived cream and butter here, particularly on the nose and on the finish.

null

84

17

South Australia

Coonawarra

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Chardonnay

Katnook Estate

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Katnook Estate 2000 Chardonnay (Coonawarra)

Italy

This is a well-built Catarratto and Insolia blend from the Alcamo zone in Western Sicily that delivers toasted nut, stone fruit, mineral and some soapy aromas. It has good balance and a zesty, fresh finish. Imported by Laird & Company.

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86

18

Sicily & Sardinia

Alcamo

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White Blend

Principe di Corleone

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Austria

Furmint is essentially an Hungarian grape, but the Hungarian line is not far from Heidi Schröck's winery in Rust, and there is a long historical connection between the two countries. With ripe fruit, this is smooth, rounded, spicy, hinting at exotic fruits, with the lightest of acidity. Screwcap.

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88

17

Burgenland

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Furmint

Heidi Schröck

null

Italy

A blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers ripe, plump layers of black fruit, chocolate and spice. The palate is soft, luscious and velvety.

Cantodoro

89

null

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

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Red Blend

Feudo Arancio

null

Italy

Although this wine opens with a lively ruby color, it segues into tired, somewhat lifeless aromas of resin, tar, cherry liquor, earth and deep toasted notes. The wine seems to be very influenced by the wood it aged in.

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87

130

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

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Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Monte Faustino

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Monte Faustino 2001 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

France

This is the top wine from Fabien Jouves's estate. There is some new wood aging here and it shows in the polished edges of the very firm tannins. Burnt coffee and plum skin flavors add to the considerable power, the fruit just beginning to push through the tannins. Age for several more years.

La Pièce

93

85

Southwest France

Cahors

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Malbec

Mas del Périé

null

US

Candied apricot dominates on the nose and palate of this vineyard-designated wine that is fleshy and reflective of its five months in new French oak. Creamy and round, it finishes ripe and rich.

Wildwood Vineyard

86

26

California

Rutherford

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Provenance Vineyards

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Provenance Vineyards 2014 Wildwood Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Rutherford)

US

It would be hard to find a better $8 Merlot anywhere. This is soft and full-bodied, quite flavorful and fruity, with pretty black cherry fruit. Drinking especially nicely with a bit of bottle age, it finishes with well-proportioned notes of tobacco and clove.

Two Vines

88

8

Washington

Washington Other

Merlot

Columbia Crest

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Columbia Crest 2010 Two Vines Merlot (Washington)

US

This substantial wine will age beautifully through 2023, so structured and elegant it is behind its layers and layers of coconut fritter, vanilla and strawberry-raspberry jam. Beguiling in floral violets and lavender, it has streaks of black pepper too, ending in a dream-like trance of earthy dust.

Monte Rosso Vineyard

95

47

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Carlisle

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Carlisle 2013 Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)

France

A fruity Cahors, showing off black berry fruits and light acidity within an easy structure. The style is bright and ready to drink.

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86

null

Southwest France

Cahors

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Malbec

Château Bovila

null

US

A 100% varietal wine, this is dusty and dense, concentrated in a pillowy tannin structure that grips the palate with force. Toasted oak plays strongman to quieter aspects of currant and berry.

Estate

86

65

California

Rutherford

Napa

Cabernet Franc

Wm. Harrison

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Wm. Harrison 2013 Estate Cabernet Franc (Rutherford)

Spain

Good, pure, dark and teetering on powerful, with strong, rich black plum aromas. The mouth is staunch and balanced, with full dark fruit flavors of blackberry along with bitter chocolate. Solid and clean throughout. A winner in its price range.

Capitoso

88

16

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Altanza

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Altanza 2007 Capitoso (Rioja)

France

The wine is all about fresh apples and pears, with just a hint of smokiness and mineral texture. Crisp, with great acidity, it's ready to drink now, bright, full in the mouth and very fruity.

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85

22

Beaujolais

Beaujolais Blanc

null

Chardonnay

Château de Chatelard

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Chatelard 2013 Beaujolais Blanc

France

Corton-Charlemagne expresses the power of Chardonnay, rather than the subtlety. Given that, Olivier Leflaive's version is finely nuanced, and its weight comes as much from the rich white- and yellow-fruit flavors as the tight structure. Like most grand crus, this needs to age, so give it 5–6 years.

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

95

170

Burgundy

Corton-Charlemagne

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Chardonnay

Olivier Leflaive

null

US

Packs as much flavor as you can fit in a glass. Ultraripe pineapples and peaches, caramelized oak, toasty meringue, vanilla, the works. Plus, it's creamy, smooth and crisp.

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90

13

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Chardonnay

Aquinas

null

Italy

Elegant and austere, this opens with thick layers of chocolate fudge, toasted espresso bean, Christmas spice and overripe berry fruit. It boasts huge flavor intensity and big alcohol. This is a bold Amarone that's perfect for long weekends at a ski lodge or cozy nights at home..

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92

null

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella

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Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Prà

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US

A blend of three quarters Chenin Blanc and one quarter Viognier, this fragrant and lively young white wine is loaded with pretty green and yellow fruits, nuances of citrus rind, and a textural freshness that keeps resonating through the finish.

Confluence White

89

12

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

White Blend

McKinley Springs

null

Italy

Moris Farms offers a very generous and intense interpretation of Morellino with remarkable integrity of fruit and a big, plump, juicy style. The wine could pair with roast pork or fried chicken. A small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah is added to the wine.

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87

15

Tuscany

Morellino di Scansano

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Sangiovese

Morisfarms

null

US

This bold, mouthfilling wine was aged in large-format barrels, helping make it polished and relaxed in texture. Aromas and flavors are ripe and inviting, like blackberries and black cherries, while the mouthfeel is well supported by fine-grained tannins.

Piedra Roja Block 22

91

28

California

Sierra Foothills

Tempranillo

Irwin Family Vineyards

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Irwin Family Vineyards 2012 Piedra Roja Block 22 Tempranillo (Sierra Foothills)

Germany

This is a thoroughly enjoyable sipper with moderate intensity, pretty tiger lily and baby's breath scents and a finish that's all apricot fruit, but with a faint mineral note. Drink now.

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86

19

Mosel

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Riesling

Studert-Prüm

null

US

Made from all five classic Bordeaux varieties, this is a rich, softly tannic and delicious wine. It brims with jammy blackberry, dark chocolate and sweet cedar flavors, in a sweetly chewy texture that hints at further ageability. Drink now–2015.

Reserve Tapestry

92

50

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Beaulieu Vineyard

null

US

Only in California's warmer regions will you find the enormously ripe cherries and blackberries this Cabernet offers. It's as sweet as jam. Likeable, even opulent, but would benefit from greater dryness and structure.

null

86

36

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Joseph Family

null

Spain

Reddish in color, with raspberry and other high-toned aromas. The palate is fleshy but clean, with good acidity pushing slightly sweet cherry and raspberry flavors. Finishes with sugar and a good mouthfeel. Gets the job done.

Rosado

85

10

Northern Spain

Rioja

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Rosé

Ilurce

null

US

Fruit stars front and center in this crisply clean, young Pinot Grigio. The mouth is flooded with ripe pineapples, Meyer lemons, kiwis, white peaches and honey.

null

85

17

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Grigio

Ferrari-Carano

null

Italy

This Barolo with fruit sourced from the Rocche cru in Castiglione Falletto offers slightly aged aromas of old spice, candied fruit, smoked ham and cured beef. The wine is elegant and very drying on the finish. Hold until 2015.

Rocche

91

null

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Monchiero

null

Italy

The wine opens with a hint of sulphur or matchstick that doesn't seem to blow off completely. Once you get past that little glitch, this sparkling wine does offer zesty crispness and refreshing lightness that kicks in at the rear.

Brut

83

12

Veneto

Colli Asolani Prosecco

null

Glera

Conte Loredan Gasparini

null

US

While the nose on this medium-bodied Cab is eminently fruit forward with scents of lush black cherry jam and spice, the palate is remarkably fresh with herbs, bramble and bright sour cherry. Supple tannins and a tart midpalate lead to a long finish.

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86

20

New York

Finger Lakes

Cabernet Sauvignon

Shaw

null

US

Smooth and oaky, with a soft and accessible appeal, this is a more limited production offering than the Chateau's regular Columbia Valley Chardonnay. Though undeniably charming, it thins out quickly and does not have the vivid complexity of its sibling.

Indian Wells

86

18

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Indian Wells Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

This is a firmly structured wine, but its black cherry flavor is marred by banana sweetness. Otherwise the wine is solid and tannic, with light acidity on the finish. Age for a year.

Domaine Javernière

88

null

Beaujolais

Morgon

null

Gamay

Georges Duboeuf

null

Spain

An Albariño with some body and complexity, Nora's single-vineyard, barrel-aged wine is definitely an oaky one. It has lots of wood dust, vanilla and lemon curd on the nose. The flavor profile is led by apples and cinnamon (from the oak), and it flows well. Not a sticky, overoaked load; instead it has balance and quasi-Burgundian feel.

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89

28

Galicia

Rías Baixas

null

Albariño

Nora da Neve

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Nora da Neve 2006 Albariño (Rías Baixas)

Australia

You get the better parts of both worlds here: It's both classy and casual. If it's slightly austere on its own, with sharpness and palate-scrubbing acids, just place some spicy food alongside it and you're home free. Ginger chicken is a particularly good match. The lemon-lime fruit is accented by slate and petrol. It's more of a food wine than a simple sipper.

Gold Label

86

12

South Australia

null

Riesling

Wolf Blass

null

US

Very primary aromas of lime zest and mineral are followed by lightly spritzy, just a hair off-dry citrus flavors backed by bright, tart acidity.

The Magician Evergreen Vineyard

89

18

Washington

Ancient Lakes

Columbia Valley

Riesling

Sleight of Hand

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Sleight of Hand 2015 The Magician Evergreen Vineyard Riesling (Ancient Lakes)

US

Oak notes are pervasive on the nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat blend, with roasted coffee, cinnamon toast and party shell aromas leading the way. The medium-bodied palate offers a bit more in the way of fruit, with dark cherry and cranberry flavors that lead to a green-herb finish.

Tranquility

84

40

Virginia

Middleburg

null

Red Blend

Tarara

Alexander Peartree

null

Tarara 2012 Tranquility Red (Middleburg)

US

Barbecue is your best bet with this rustic Zin. It's lusty in jammy blackberry, mulberry and vanilla spice flavors that finish with a definite sugariness.

Maverick

82

24

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Four Vines

null

Four Vines 2005 Maverick Zinfandel (Amador County)

US

There's a vegetal underripeness to this Grenache-based blend. The asparagus flavor is matched to the sweet cherry and pickle relish notes, accented by sour acidity.

Rhondezvous

81

37

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Rhône-style Red Blend

Four Brix

null

France

Wild barnyard notes dance among the rich dark fruit and berry core. Garrigue and bramble accents add more character to the smooth and silky mouth, while the medium finish lands on a softly oak-kissed flavor. Drink now.

Tradition

87

14

Languedoc-Roussillon

Saint-Chinian

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

G. Moulinier

null

US

This very limited (600 cases) companion to the winery's Ethos Chardonnay marks a turnaround for Ste. Michelle's red wine program, as Bob Bertheau came on board just before the 2003 crush. The style is seductive, sharp and spicy; the tart fruits tumble out in a pile of mixed berry and cherry. Chocolate and baking spices add more flavors; the wine is seamless, smooth and long; the oak beautifully integrated.

Ethos

94

29

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Chateau Ste. Michelle

null

US

Here is yet another Washington Riesling that shows how good these wines can be. This is well beyond the sweet and fruity style of the tasting room wines; here are layers of stone fruits, density and weight, length and detail. Once in the mouth this explodes with flavor and keeps bringing the oranges, peaches, apricots, nectarines and apples to the table.

null

90

16

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Riesling

DaMa

null

US

Grown in the Happy Canyon section of eastern Santa Ynez, an area that one of these days will be an official appellation. It's warm back in that canyon, and this Sangiovese is sugary in sweet berries and cherries. Has nothing in common at all with Italian Sangiovese.

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84

22

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Sangiovese

Carr

null

US

Decent everyday Chard, but disappointingly thin, especially for a reserve. All the parts are here, from the creamy mouthfeel and oak to the pineapple and nectarine flavors, but it's like a photocopy of a photocopy.

Reserve

84

17

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Clos du Bois

null

Portugal

Named after the local vineyards, this wine is a firm and structured blend of two French grapes. It still has a Portuguese character with its rich, juicy black fruits and dense structure. With good acidity on the finish, it is ready to drink.

Terras do Pó Syrah-Petit Verdot

87

9

Península de Setúbal

null

Portuguese Red

Casa Ermelinda Freitas

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Casa Ermelinda Freitas 2013 Terras do Pó Syrah-Petit Verdot Red (Península de Setúbal)

US

Shows the brilliantly etched fruit and brisk acidity that mark an Edna Valley white wine. Tremendous in citrus and wintergreen flavors, its mouth-cleansing quality makes it ideal for an appetizer. Or try with Asian-style poultry and pork dishes.

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88

13

California

Edna Valley

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Tangent

null

Tangent 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Edna Valley)

US

This wine, from the Parker vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, shows the voluptuous mouthfeel that's made Syrah so popular. The flavors are of the ripest blackberries cooked into a tart, and then sprinkled with butter, vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon. How good is that? A pointed reminder that high alcohol does not necessarily equal heat.

The Big Easy

93

35

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Syrah

Fess Parker

null

US

Easy and uncomplicated, this is dry, light-bodied and fine in acidity, with flavors of sour cherry candy, cola and smoky oak.

null

85

26

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Sebastiani

null

Spain

The leathery red-berry aromas are a tad stretched and tight but still good. This feels zesty, snappy and alert in the mouth, with lightly herbal flavors of red plum and tangy cherry tomato. The hickory spice imparted from 24 months of oak aging shows up on the finish along with licorice.

Señorío del Águila Gran Reserva

88

22

Northern Spain

Cariñena

null

Red Blend

Bodegas Virgen del Águila

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas Virgen del Águila 2004 Señorío del Águila Gran Reserva Red (Cariñena)

Italy

Made with Friulano, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, this offers scents of wildflower, beeswax and ripe orchard fruit. The structured palate offers bitter almond, yellow apple skin, acacia honey and mineral. It still has fresh acidity but drink soon to capture the remaining fruit richness.

Torre Butria Riserva

88

null

Northeastern Italy

Friuli Colli Orientali

null

White Blend

Castello di Buttrio

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Castello di Buttrio 2011 Torre Butria Riserva White (Friuli Colli Orientali)

Italy

Here's a less formal expression of Garganega that would pair with eggplant curry and fragrant basmati rice. Aromatically speaking, the wine is extremely floral with layers of lemon blossom and jasmine.

Corte del Sole

86

12

Veneto

Soave

null

Garganega

Monte Tondo

null

Monte Tondo 2010 Corte del Sole (Soave)