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89,751 | us | smashed concord grapes, lavender and more purple flower aromas make for a very purple-leaning nose on this bottling from the hot stretches of southern monterey county. the flavors are also quite violet-like, with lavender, jasmine, black plum, olallieberry, plum blossoms, and dill, altogether quite elegant with a relatively light touch. | pierce ranch | 89 | 20 |
6,482 | argentina | aromas of oak and orange peel include a strong whiff of clove. this is creamy and resiny in feel, while oaky flavors—clove in particular—sit on top of red-fruit notes. dry barrel-related flavors are hot on the finish. | año cero | 83 | 17 |
71,163 | france | very fruity and soft, this wine blends tropical pineapple aromas with a crisper, lemon zest palate. it's a gentle wine, its acidity tamed by the ripe fruits. screwcap, | cuvée jeanne | 85 | 12 |
46,106 | germany | bold, ripe black-cherry and berry flavors pulsate from the core of this voluptuous pinot noir. it's a densely concentrated, full-bodied wine but neatly integrated, nuanced by subtle shades of spice, dark toast and bramble. crisp cranberry acidity freshens the finish. drink now through 2030. | cuvée max trocken | 93 | 116 |
111,667 | us | demure in stature yet brooding with power, this late-release 2012 riesling is compelling evidence of winemaker steve shaw's soft-spoken dynamism. semidry in style, it's light as a feather, yet richly layered with shades of grapefruit, spice and smoke. while delicious now, it's rigidly structured still, and likely to continue to improve for many years to come. | road block reserve | 92 | 25 |
120,968 | italy | aromas of sun-baked earth, pressed iris, wild berry, underbrush and a whiff of game lead the nose. the round, open palate delivers fleshy black cherry, ripe plum, ground pepper, leather and anise alongside velvety tannins. it's already accessible but will hold up well for the next few years. drink through 2018. | riserva | 90 | 19 |
45,584 | us | the winery's first reserve-level cabernet, this is pure cabernet from the phinny hill (60%) and bacchus vineyards. it offers heady aromas of dried herbs, black currant, cherry, tobacco and graphite. the flavors are tightly wound, immediately accessible but fleshing out and ramping up in intensity after several days open. it shows impeccable acid and tannin balance and has a long life ahead of it. best from 2020–2032. | reserve | 95 | 85 |
66,242 | us | the producer is elevating its game with this deliciously constructed wine, much of it from the schug estate. light bodied and integrated in terms of oak, it's exuberant in pear, apple and fennel, finishing clean and lean. | heritage reserve | 91 | 40 |
116,426 | us | there are lots of rich, satisfying orange, pear and vanilla flavors in this dryish bubbly. it's clean, vibrant in acidity and a touch rough. the blend is pinot blanc, riesling and muscat. | sofia blanc de blancs | 87 | 19 |
691 | us | this deep-colored, full-bodied red gets a little swagger in its step from enticing smoky oak aromas and powerful black-fruit flavors that also carry that spicy oak streak. this is brash enough for slow-cooked barbecue but sophisticated enough for osso buco. the texture is fine-grained from supportive tannin, and the finish lingers. best now through 2018. | ghielmetti vineyard micro-lot reserve | 91 | 50 |
120,003 | portugal | the stately hillside line of cypress trees gives its name to this estate on the south bank of the douro. this complex, rich and dark wine is densely textured. the tannins are still young, while the black berry fruits pack into the solid structure. this is a wine to age, so drink from 2018. | quinta dos aciprestes reserva | 92 | 22 |
45,229 | us | new oak dominates this wine, giving it aromas of toast and vanilla. after decanting, the air brings out interesting notes of dried herbs and blackberries. tastes very rich and flamboyant, almost sweet, like a chocolate berry pastry, and should develop over the next few years. mainly cabernet sauvignon, with sangiovese, cabernet franc and petit verdot. | meritaggio | 90 | 55 |
106,005 | france | starts off a touch funky, but that subsides after a couple of minutes in the glass. black plum and cassis are strong on the nose and mouth, backed by accents of vanilla, black pepper spice and roasted coffee granules. the finish is long and evolving, moving from black fruit flavors to cherry pits and ending on sweet oak flavors. | cariñu | 87 | 15 |
49,172 | south africa | aromas of cocoa, applesauce, red plum and mild toast travel to the palate. the acidity gives the wine an overall feel of cleanliness and juiciness. | estate | 86 | 22 |
45,369 | greece | grapefruit and orange peel aromas are followed by a balance of white peach and lemon on the palate. brisk but fuller-bodied, the wine has a viscous mouthfeel that finishes clean. this is a food-friendly wine to pair with fresh fish and poultry. | areti | 88 | 23 |
19,374 | chile | this medium-weight chard is fresh and mildly dusty smelling, with aromas of pear and apple. the palate is lifted, fresh in feel and offers punchy acidity in front of lime, gooseberry and herb flavors. for under $20, this is nicely made and hints at elegance. | sibaris reserva especial | 88 | 16 |
112,254 | us | though still very young, this bottling is already compelling. black currant, black plum, fig, rosemary and game aromas arise on the concentrated nose. the layered palate offers fennel, cracked rainbow peppercorn, black currant jam and hoisin sauce flavors, cut by a vibrant acidity that penetrates into the finish. | alondra de los prados | 93 | 48 |
69,784 | israel | deep black cherry in the glass, this wine has a fruit-forward nose of raspberry and watermelon. flavors of tart cherry and cranberry are quickly overcome by tannins that are a little too stiff for their own good. | reserve manara vineyard | 86 | 30 |
73,672 | france | grown on chalk soil, this has a steely core that cuts through the more rounded, ripe tropical fruits. it's full and rich, balancing acidity and the full fruits. the aftertaste combines toast and freshness. | les cloux premier cru | 89 | 39 |
62,661 | us | brick in color, this single-vineyard wine is vibrant in acidity and a taste of fresh strawberry seasoned in earth, cola spice and forest. balanced despite a full-bodied imprint, it's an impressive offering sure to please fans of a bigger style of the variety. | estate | 90 | 40 |
76,979 | us | jet-black aromatics of creosote, charred meats, pepper and plum-blackberry jam make an excellent entry point for this wine from a vineyard in the new ballard canyon appellation. blackberry sauce leads the palate, with espresso bitterness and strong acidity throughout. a powerful but beautiful syrah. | tierra alta vineyard | 92 | 35 |
54,623 | italy | ser gioveto (sangiovese with some cabernet and merlot) delivers thick notes of fruit, herbs and earth and has a textured nose and great depth and dimension. the wine's structure is thick and solid and those fresh fruit flavors last a long time on the finish. | ser gioveto | 90 | 48 |
59,855 | france | there is a savory touch of salt and herb amidst the fruity mirabelle plum notes on the nose. the palate shows a lovely background of autolytic richness, akin to sponge and rye bread and also has a piquant salty accent that entices all the way to the lemony bright finish. the mousse is fine and elegant, the finish is long and dry. | cuvée prestige brut | 92 | 25 |
12,031 | spain | traditional rioja aromas of leather, vanilla, dried red fruits, spice and dill turn earthy with airing. this is healthy but mature on the palate, with oaky flavors of vanilla accenting core pie cherry, red plum and raspberry. oak spice and acidity reverberate on the finish. drink now. | don jacobo reserva | 90 | 23 |
75,377 | us | a very rich pinot noir, this tastes almost as heavy as pie filling. it's delicious, tasting of brown sugar, ripe black cherry and pie spice, with a buttery toast note from oak barrels. it's a little soft, so drink up. | estate | 87 | 22 |
96,761 | chile | straightforward apple and melon aromas are lightly oaky, but mostly clean and elegant. this chardonnay delivers a fresh, clean palate, with a mix of oak, vanilla, banana and melon flavors. a round, properly sized and balanced finish is the final piece of framework. | gran reserva de los andes | 88 | 15 |
93,539 | us | made with organically grown grapes, this tawny-colored chardonnay is ready to go. it shows well-evolved flavors of ripe apple and pear, with a cidery finish. despite the columbia valley labeling, it is from horse heaven hills. | naked | 87 | 12 |
43,372 | us | nutty and lush with layers of peach, pear and lime fruit, this is a medium-bodied and well-balanced white. it's refreshing while offering both length and breadth on the palate. | cuvée renee | 91 | 31 |
107,101 | germany | dusty mineral and savory herb complexities are layered amidst honeyed swathes of sweet grapefruit. this wine is ethereally light on the palate, but richly concentrated, finishing long with a dusting of sugar cookies and hazelnut. | herrenberg kabinett | 91 | 34 |
76,729 | italy | floral aromas of acacia and spanish broom mingle with yellow stone fruit and toasted nut. on the medium-bodied palate, a note of bitter almond underscores ripe apricot and tangerine zest. fresh acidity lifts the rich flavors. | arlùs | 89 | 15 |
107,778 | us | a new bottling from the winery. the vineyard is in the petaluma gap, a cool area south of the russian river valley, toward san francisco. the vintage was cool, too, so the wine is brisk in acidity and low in alcohol, but it still tastes amazingly ripe and complex. the wine dazzles with waves of black raspberry jam, sweet olive tapenade, sautéed brown mushroom, root beer, moo-shu plum sauce and mocha. if those flavors sound like they don't go together, just try the wine. it's seamless and compelling. drink now–2020. | terra de promissio vineyard | 96 | 55 |
8,606 | portugal | this is a soft wine with open fruits and gentle tannins. a blend of local varieties along with syrah, the wine is smoothly textured, generous and ready to drink. | terra brava | 86 | 15 |
52,937 | us | this wine comes from one of washington's top vineyards, best known for cabernet sauvignon, however this malbec seems to shine as well. almost 100% varietal, it boasts vibrant plum, coffee, clove, vanilla and herb aromas. the palate is loaded with plump, creamy fruit and an oak note of lingering espresso. | champoux vineyard | 92 | 40 |
114,783 | italy | wood and toasted oak greet the nose at first, but are followed by soft chocolate, spice and cherry. creamy and soft in consistency, with a bright, acidic close, this cabernet sauvignon would pair well with a long list of foods, from wild mushroom risotto to stewed meat. | vigneto ai palazzi riserva | 89 | 40 |
30,964 | us | weir has never been my favorite williams selyem pinot, although it has its fans. the ‘05, as with previous vintages, is dry and tannic, showing a toughness that's almost rustic. the flavors are of cherries, cassis, cola, balsamic-splashed sautéed wild mushrooms and dusty spices. could do interesting things over the years. | weir vineyard | 87 | 56 |
77,424 | us | a very engaging rhône blend made for immediate enjoyment. doesn't try to hide its warm-climate terroir, with a soft texture framing jammy-sweet black raspberry, cherry, red currant, root beer and mocha flavors. drink now. | cotes de tablas | 87 | 25 |
107,000 | us | brilliantly ripe pineapple, tangerine and lemon fruit flavors mark this savory young chardonnay. it shows the citrusy acidity of the cool-climate edna valley, with a long, spicy finish. clean and mouthwatering, it offers a lot for the price. | reserve | 89 | 18 |
104,251 | us | a classic zinfandel with its unmistakable spice aroma and wild berry flavor, this is dry and tannic enough to provide balance. medium bodied, it packs plenty of flavor and an appetizing mouthfeel. | bliss vineyard estate bottled | 90 | 25 |
88,601 | argentina | jammy, soft blueberry aromas are a touch green. this is syrupy, heavy and sticky on the palate, with chocolate, prune and peppery flavors. tannic and heavy on the finish, this is an overweight malbec that's lush to the point of being fat. | premium | 87 | 38 |
125,374 | france | produced from vines in the hills above the côte de nuits, this is an attractively cool wine. it has lively acidity and a crisp mineral texture. with its white-fruit flavors, it is a wine with weight as well as crispness. drink now. | domaine des perdrix | 88 | 40 |
109,773 | france | this wine comes from a single-parcel, walled vineyard on the north bank of the river vienne. it is a ripe wine, with delicious cherry and spice flavors balanced with acidity and a firmly tannic core. the wine will age well, so drink now for the attractive fruit or wait until 2018. | clos du noyer | 92 | 50 |
13,410 | us | fresh, appley and floral with a touch of tangy yogurt cream, this is an approachable yet elegant virginia pick. delicate apple and pear flavors shine through on this full-bodied wine with fresh acidity, supple texture and balanced alcohol. | reserve | 86 | 27 |
93,540 | chile | when people talk about good value cabs from chile, this is what they should be referring to. the nose is balanced and offers plenty of clean berry aromas, while the palate is fresh, light in weight and mildly citrusy, with flavors of cassis, plum and raspberry. more snappy and fresh than weighty. | pionero | 87 | 9 |
6,426 | france | a blend of 66% pinot noir and 34% chardonnay, this is opulent and full bodied, with toast and wood flavors. rich and ripe, this beautiful wine is generous and still young, with just a touch of bitterness at the end. | la grande année brut | 96 | 155 |
12,334 | italy | this barrel fermented and aged blend of fiano and greco opens with attractive floral aromas that recall spanish broom and acacia with a whiff of beeswax. the austere palate offers green pear, citrus and mineral alongside fresh acidity. | campanaro | 88 | 34 |
78,661 | us | lutum is a project from santa barbara vintner gavin chanin. the brand sources fruit from well-known vineyards, in this case rinconada, situated in a favorable terroir in the southern part of the appellation. the wine is quite pale and the alcohol level is low, giving it great delicacy. but it's potent in raspberry, red currant, spicy red licorice and softened cola flavors. delicious now, it will age well until at least 2022. | la rinconada vineyard | 92 | 50 |
128,121 | france | this blend of half gros manseng and half sauvignon blanc is crisp, lightly herbal and with a touch of honeyed pear to give it a ripe taste. it has a refreshing, cool character that's bright and tangy at the end. | brumont | 85 | 10 |
59,048 | us | this mild-flavored wine delivers light apple, floral, almond and maraschino-cherry flavors, a smooth, soft texture and medium body. although subtle, it does develop more complexity in the glass. | buttner vineyard | 85 | 28 |
80,102 | france | bright and fruity, this crisp wine also has a rich undercurrent. toast and vanilla flavors give a round character to this tangy, fresh and ripe wine. drink now. | terres noires | 87 | 20 |
69,991 | italy | this straightforward barbera offers a ripe berry and spice fragrance punctuated with undertones of toasted oak. the palate delivers succulent black cherry, white pepper, hints of well-integrated oak and a touch of vanilla. pair this with pasta topped with ragù or seasoned cheeses. imported by saranty imports, pleasure elite. | santa rosalia | 87 | 22 |
87,740 | france | dense, dusty tannins show the concentration of this wine from the southwest region of armagnac. the wine has power and a solid, chunky character. dark plum, cranberry and wood flavors combine well. | l'empreinte de saint-mont | 90 | 25 |
114,350 | france | this bottling is a blend comprised of wines from the 2011–2013 vintages, hence the nonvintage vin de france labeling. aromas of leather, clove and cinnamon come with a hint of adhesive bandage. the tannins are firm, so pair this with rare beef or lamb to bring forward the long, mouthwatering finish. | plan pégau | 89 | 25 |
22,972 | france | this intensely crisp selection shows its red-currant-driven acidity immediately. it is a fragrant, refreshing wine, very food-oriented with its dry character. it has touch of toast and a taut, minerally finish. | rosé de saignée brut | 87 | 59 |
110,208 | us | a good, ripely extracted cabernet, and while it's a little one-dimensional, it has enough heft to accompany a good steak. shows tannic flavors of blackberries, black currants and dark chocolate. drink now. | alexander school reserve | 87 | 40 |
103,481 | us | a delicious grenache sourced from mendocino's eaglepoint vineyards, a high-elevation, cool-climate site with a peppery opening note that extends itself through dense chewy tannins and the bright fruitiness and inviting aromatics we all love about grenache. a very nice bottle of wine with great backbone and depth that should age another 5–10 years. | terroir select | 90 | 26 |
27,122 | us | iron, pomegranate and dust aromas show on the nose of this entry-level bottling from the los gatos producer. bright red fruits and solid brown spice show on the palate that proves light, airy and easy as it dances across the tongue with energy. | cuvee los gatos | 87 | 27 |
35,671 | austria | very ripe yellow pear mixed with punchy arugula create a contrast that makes this wine hard to put down. partly aged in large, used acacia barrels, partly in stainless steel, the slender but ripe body is accentuated by the peppery edge. very moreish with a lovely and long finish. | alte setzen reserve | 92 | 43 |
16,216 | spain | dense black cherry and stewed plum aromas introduce this round, jammy and ultraripe syrah. in the mouth, the wine is rich and chunky, with brandied cherry and baked berry and plum flavors topped with sprinkles of nutmeg and cumin. nothing evaporates on the ripe finish. drink through 2018. | selecció | 90 | 45 |
50,361 | us | candied black cherry aromas meet loam and fluffy chocolate cake scents on the nose of this bottling from rick grimm and winemaker paul lato, from a brand new vineyard above the santa ynez river. black plum, black spice and more black cherry flavors show on the lush and intriguing palate, where the texture is grippy and the results promising. | estate | 92 | 48 |
97,559 | argentina | aromas of cedar, vanilla and cassis are the best part of this hard, clampy, ultratannic cabernet. flavors of vanilla and coconut soften and enrich screechy plum and red-berry fruit, while this finishes with a dominating narrow, tartaric feel. | reserva | 86 | 19 |
41,440 | us | from an appellation that thrived in this vintage comes a wine with aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg and licorice shavings atop fresh hibiscus and pomegranate flavors. there's bountiful energy on the palate, with flavors of dried-cherry and a densely packed array of chopped dill, roasted fennel and dried mint. | rincon vineyard | 94 | 64 |
21,601 | france | one of the two luxury wines from château d'esclans, les clans is rich, wood-aged and full of ripe and rounded fruit flavors. with the extra year of aging, it has lost some initial freshness but has gained complexity and structure. the wine is full-bodied while remaining very stylish. drink now. | les clans | 91 | 70 |
14,830 | us | assorted aromas of blue, red and black fruit and dried herbs lead to ripe, full-bodied fruit flavors with a lingering finish. chewy tannins back it, with the volatiles amped up. | cuvée | 88 | 25 |
93,197 | france | full in the mouth, this is a ripe, currant- and gooseberry-flavored wine. it has a bright, forward, fruity feel that makes it delicious to drink. very refreshing in character. screwcap. | mouton cadet | 86 | 10 |
5,757 | us | intoxicating aromas of plum jelly, violets, blueberry, chocolate and cinnamon are cut with a pencil-lead focus on this bottling by a family in the paso wine game since 1908. flavors of blackberry jelly are lifted by lavender and anise spice. | osso balenda vineyard | 92 | 40 |
118,383 | france | dominated by intensely herbaceous colombard, this is a light, fresh and aromatic wine. acidity combines with a fruit drop character that suggests some sweetness in the blend. screwcap. | blanc sec | 83 | 12 |
102,876 | spain | this opens with barrel-based aromas of resin and spice. it's round, creamy and burgundian on the palate, with flavors of spiced apple, walnut and a hint of oxidation. things flatten on the finish, which tastes yeasty and like toffee. | ultreia la claudina | 89 | 62 |
73,872 | france | the nose is dominated by the attractive scents of new french oak, with some hints of pipe tobacco and just a whiff of volatile acidity. it is tight and tannic, a bit "lifted" with the va, and at this point not showing much fruit or complexity, given the price. | les charmes | 87 | 65 |
6,558 | chile | a pink-meets-tan color is the greeting on this peachy pinot grigio that smells like fresh applesauce. a spunky palate of stone fruit and moderate acidity deals additional notes of waxy melon. | reserva | 85 | 12 |
61,635 | us | if you think you don't like merlot, try this one. it shows classic napa valley structure, with smooth, firm tannins and seductive flavors of sweet cherries, plums and currants. delicious now with a good steak. | estate | 91 | 32 |
126,840 | us | blended from cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc, and aged for two years in french oak, this ripe, juicy wine is filled with flavor. blackberries, cherries, currants, licorice, cola and sweet toast fill the mouth. the tannins are substantial, but nothing that barbecue can't deal with. | hawley vineyard estate | 88 | 52 |
82,491 | us | impressive from start to the very long finish, and even better than the splendid '06. rich and full-bodied, this bordeaux blend is marked by soft, sweet tannins and concentrated, oak-infused flavors of blackberries, black currants and chocolate, with complexing notes of olives and smoked meats. should develop for up to a decade. | alden perry reserve | 94 | 55 |
1,761 | us | apple and pear notes have a slightly savory tone in this brisk, lemony dry riesling. throughout a tasting of two samples, there are lingering tones of rubber and struck matches that blow off gradually with aeration. | randolph o'neill vineyard | 84 | 25 |
64,323 | germany | gorgeously aromatic, this racy, light-footed wine wafts of lavender, peach and honeycomb. the palate is juicy with sweet, ripe grapefruit and apricot, yet zesty with acidity and minerality. enamel-stripping acidity feels jagged on the finish now, but should meld out beautifully from 2019 on. | brauneberger juffer auslese goldkapsel | 92 | 42 |
91,161 | italy | this sicilian syrah shows ripe fruit aromas of red cherry, blueberry and succulent spice. it's a plush, chewy wine with mature flavors of blackberry jam. | terrale oro | 85 | 10 |
51,362 | us | a unique blend of several of the winery's vineyards, this wine brings brooding notes of smoked ham, raw meat, lilac, fire pit and peat, with a thread of minerality that runs throughout. the flavors are full but deft, showing abundant smoked meat and savory notes along with a finish that seems near endless. the balance is perfectly spot-on. | wallah wallah special #4 | 94 | 165 |
85,937 | australia | the french oak is prominent in this classic blend, but it's more or less balanced by ripe red fruit, sweet spice and hints of chocolate and smoke. the palate is medium to full bodied, red fruited, and finishes with charred, smokey flavors that last long. drink now–2022. | killerman's run grenache-shiraz-mataro | 88 | 20 |
67,886 | us | sourced from three great chardonnay vineyards (stanly ranch, hyde and silverado-suscol), this chard is enormously flavorful in fruit custard flavors and new oak. it's delicious, but a little obvious, especially on the oak side, and could have more complex nuances and angles. drink now. | silhouette | 88 | 48 |
71,289 | us | the winery names ribbon springs its “most important source” of pinot noir grapes. the ribbon ridge ava, a small subset of the northern willamette valley, is distinguishing itself for refined, focused pinots such as this. raspberries and rocks collide in midpalate, with a lick of milk chocolate as it fades into a gentle finish. the alcohol is listed at 13.2%. | ribbon springs vineyard | 89 | 68 |
37,194 | us | a milky aroma, creamy texture and nice butter, peach and vanilla flavors add up to a rich taste for this big, soft, mouthfilling wine. | buttner vineyard | 88 | 28 |
16,901 | us | an earthy, funky block-designated wine, this tastes thin despite its fuller-bodied alcohol level. a plethora of fresh-picked herb and forest characterizes this effort, which finishes in thick tannin. | hendry block 13 | 85 | 38 |
106,894 | us | here's a quite dense merlot, with plenty of grip and power. black cherry and cassis fruit is firm and compact, with a generous frame of barrel char and dark chocolate. a lush and seductive selection that's delicious now. | meek family estate vineyard | 92 | 36 |
100,625 | france | this is full of steely acidity as well as complex fruit. it is rich, full of toast and spice that show up the generous swathes of yellow fruits that are just beginning to show their glory. it will develop over many years. drink from 2017. | charmes premier cru | 93 | 113 |
83,088 | us | offers a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and a red plum-fruit core, with caramel and tobacco accents. aromas are of figs and indian spices; one reviewer found the fruit a bit candied. this is a very good cab, drinkable in the near term, though not one that necessarily merits such a lofty price tag. finishes with bitter chocolate. | stature | 88 | 100 |
62,259 | germany | manfred prüm's 2009 wehlener sonnenuhr kabinett is a bit bigger than usual, and perhaps a bit drier as well at 9% abv, but it still displays hallmark notes of slate, lime and apple. fruit, mineral and gingery spice notes linger on the finish. | wehlener sonnenuhr kabinett | 90 | 37 |
52,367 | portugal | while there is little varietal character in this pinot noir, it is still an attractive, light and fruity wine. red berries come through strongly sustaining acidity and some tight, mineral tannins. the wine is already well developed and ready to drink. | q de sant'ana | 88 | 19 |
40,000 | portugal | this is a ripe and juicy blend of cabernet sauvignon and tinta roriz. the tannins are present although well integrated into the fine juicy red-fruit flavors. the wine is ready to drink. | pedras do monte | 87 | 9 |
10,984 | italy | this nero d'avola suggests mature black-skinned berry, carob and toast on the nose. concentrated and chewy on the palate, it offers ripe black cherry, raspberry jam, clove and cocoa flavors framed by velvety, polished tannins. thanks to its fruit richness, it's not overwhelmed by the warmth of evident alcohol. enjoy through 2021. | don antonio | 90 | 41 |
107,935 | spain | friendly but standard aromas of berry fruits and creamy oak set up a mature, earthy feeling plate, with berry and coffee flavors. a soft, aged, mature finish is earthy in character and ultimately a bit hollow. | crianza | 86 | 20 |
70,133 | us | this classic vineyard delivers the goodies—ripe, round and quite pretty flavors of raspberry and cherry fruit, with orange peel highlights. the tangy acidity keeps it lively and the length suggests that it will drink well through the mid-2020s. | knudsen vineyards | 92 | 65 |
11,650 | chile | pencil eraser, blueberry, olive and peppery notes are what you draw off the bouquet of this ripe yet basic cab. in the mouth, this feels rubbery and tannic. flavors of ultraripe black fruits taste sweet and come with licorice and espresso bitterness on the finish, which is mossy, heavy and choppy. | marques de casa concha | 87 | 26 |
10,202 | france | fragrant; dusty plum and rose aromas are followed on the palate by very fruity flavors of cherries and apple skins. the fine bead and rich mousse result in a creamy mouthfeel. it’s all a bit obvious and simple, but undeniably good. | brut rosé | 87 | 83 |
96,065 | us | this is a seriously huge wine, tightly wound in dry tannins, brooding dark fruit and savory pepper. decant or give this robust black juice some time to resolve itself in the cellar, 2019–2024 or more. | reserve | 87 | 106 |
13,421 | us | a picture perfect sauvignon blanc. really defines the variety in california, with rich, ripe tangerine, pear, green melon and vanilla spice flavors, brightened with brisk acidity. shows a lot of complexity and class, and look at that price. easy to find, with 15,000 cases produced. | pinnacles ranches | 90 | 12 |
107,779 | us | this is a 40-40 blend of cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot, with the balance consisting of merlot. it's a barrel selection of the winery's best lots, from its various vineyards, and has been aged in 100% new french oak. yet it's not oaky at all, with the wood bringing only additional sweet, smoky richness to the red currants, cherries, dark chocolate and spices. this is a superb wine, delicious right out of the bottle, but it should develop and, depending on your tastes, improve over the next 20 years. | reserve | 95 | 135 |
111,279 | us | this full-bodied wine brings a basket full of fruit to the table. it smells like grape juice and black cherries, and tastes plummy, almost jammy but not sweet. the tannins and acidity are lighter than usual, making it easy to enjoy. | temper tantrum | 86 | 26 |
69,387 | france | pinot gris makes a crémant that is not quite dry, with spicy intensity and delicious acidity. it's rich, with almond and buttery flavors that are followed by a crisp, fragrant aftertaste. | brut | 88 | 20 |
88,417 | france | this fresh, crisp wine has layers of lemon over a lively mousse. it offers a mineral texture allied to great fruitiness and youthful acidity. drink now, although this bottling will benefit from further aging. | carte d'or brut | 87 | 40 |
113,763 | spain | quite nice in the traditional rioja style, and from a benchmark vintage. pomal shows classic autumn leaf and wood aromas that highlight subdued cherry and molasses scents. the palate is properly acidic, so it places the lighter-weight cherry and tobacco notes in a proper frame. turns oakier and more smoky the longer it sits. | viña pomal reserva | 89 | 15 |
29,766 | spain | honeyed aromas of orange marmalade lead to a flat palate. bitter flavors of melon and almond skins confirm that this oddball blend of moscatel, doradilla and px from the mountains outside málaga is lackluster. | la encina del inglés | 83 | 18 |
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