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null | Red | France | One of the properties under the same family ownership as Haut-Brion, La Tour Haut-Brion is a tiny 12-acre parcel. The 2004 has a smooth richness, coupled with a restrained delicacy that belies that the power of the dense tannins at the core. The aftertaste, though, is more soft and seductive. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Pessac-Léognan | null | Château La Tour Haut-Brion 2004 Pessac-Léognan | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-tour-haut-brion-2004-red-pessac-leognan/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château La Tour Haut-Brion |
null | Red | France | Managed by André Lurton, this property has been revitalized in the past decade. The 2004 shows smooth blackberry fruit and ripe tannins, underpinned by the spice of finely balanced new wood. This suggests it is not a wine for long-term aging, but will be ready to drink in five years. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Margaux | null | Chateau Dauzac 2004 Margaux | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-dauzac-2004-red-margaux/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Chateau Dauzac |
null | Red | France | From almost nowhere, in 10 years Agassac has shot to stardom, thanks to big investments by insurance company Groupama. Under the management of Jean-Luc Zell, new wood has become a dominant item in vinification. In 2004, this is verging on too much, but ripe blackberry flavors should assert themselves in 2–3 years. A wine for modern Bordeaux lovers. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Haut-Médoc | null | Château d'Agassac 2004 Haut-Médoc | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-dagassac-2004-red-haut-medoc/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château d'Agassac |
null | Red | France | Latour's second wine is, as so often, on a level with many classed growths. In 2004, it is also a very faithful reflection of the vintage: fresh, lively and vital, with acidity and vibrant blackberry fruits very much up front. If not big, it is deliciously fresh and will develop well over five years. | Les Forts de Latour | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Pauillac | null | Château Latour 2004 Les Forts de Latour (Pauillac) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-latour-2004-forts-red-pauillac/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Latour |
null | Red | France | Under the same management as Château Chasse-Spleen in neighboring Moulis, la Gurgue's 2004 is in a bigger, richer style than many Margaux. It is about structure, dense tannins and firm fruits. It's impressive and likely to age well. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Margaux | null | Château la Gurgue 2004 Margaux | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-gurgue-2004-red-margaux/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château la Gurgue |
null | Red | France | Owned by the Peyronie family, and run by Pascale, this is one of the few estates in Pauillac not classified as a growth in 1855. That makes it a good value for the appellation, and this 2004, with its dense, solid fruit, packed with cassis and ripeness, is a good buy. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Pauillac | null | Château Fonbadet 2004 Pauillac | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-fonbadet-2004-red-pauillac/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Fonbadet |
null | Red | France | Often outshone alongside its stablemate, Lafite, Duhart-Milon seems to be coming into its own. It is rich and polished, dominated by new wood and soft, ripe fruit. The flavors are black currant, more jelly than fruit, but the power is also here, coming with the tannins and the intense, fresh acidity. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Pauillac | null | Château Duhart-Milon 2004 Pauillac | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-duhart-milon-2004-red-pauillac/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Duhart-Milon |
14 | Red | Spain | If the name doesn't say it clearly enough, then the excellent color, ripeness and well-toasted nose indicate that Neo is a modern-style wine. It's from old vines, and the cherry, cassis and cola flavors are the real deal as far as Tempranillo goes. A really well-made wine that's not too complicated or tannic to drink now. Best by mid 2008. | null | 58 | 91 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | null | Neo 2003 Ribera del Duero | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/neo-2003-tempranillo-ribera-duero/ | Tempranillo | 2,003 | Neo |
14.5 | Red | Australia | This wine shows the same intensity as the Gumprs' Shiraz but with a softer, more approachable structure, making it a great value for consumers who don't wish to delay their gratification. Notes of chocolate, blueberry, leather, black pepper and licorice are mouthfilling without being either heavy or overly soft, while the finish is long and lush. It's layered, balanced and complex—all for under $20. | Colton's GSM | 18 | 91 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | null | Richard Hamilton 2004 Colton's GSM Red (McLaren Vale) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/richard-hamilton-2004-coltons-gsm-red-mclaren-vale/ | Rhône-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Richard Hamilton |
null | Red | France | The estate, under the same ownership as Léoville-las-Cases in Saint-Julien, shows what can be achieved in the Médoc when care is taken. It is big, round, solid and structured, with complexity coming from dark, sweet fruits and new wood. It is rich and powerful, the aging potential showing from a core of dry tannin. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Médoc | null | Château Potensac 2004 Médoc | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-potensac-2004-red-medoc/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Potensac |
7.5 | White | Germany | Broad, mouthfilling and weighty, this is an atypically rich spätlese, but one that delivers a dizzying array of aromas and flavors. Diesel and mineral oil notes provide gravitas, while lime zest adds spark. Ripe melon, baked apple and powdered cinnamon round out the chassis of this low-rider. Imported by Schmitt-Sohne Inc. | Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Spätlese | 26 | 91 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | null | null | Markus Molitor 2005 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Spätlese Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/markus-molitor-2005-zeltinger-sonnenuhr-spatlese-riesling-mosel-saar-ruwer/ | Riesling | 2,005 | Markus Molitor |
15 | Red | Australia | For years this was Orlando's top Shiraz, but it has been rebranded Jacob's Creek for its greater name recognition. It's still a very fine wine, a big step up from what you might expect under the JC label, featuring oaky notes of toasted coconut, caramel and vanilla layered over blueberry and plum fruit. It's mouthfilling, with velvety-textured tannins and mouthwatering acids. Drink now–2015. Imported by Pernod Ricard, USA. | Centenary Hill | 33 | 91 | South Australia | Barossa Valley | null | Jacob's Creek 2002 Centenary Hill Shiraz (Barossa Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/jacobs-creek-2002-centenary-hill-shiraz-syrah-shiraz-barossa-valley/ | Shiraz | 2,002 | Jacob's Creek |
14.5 | White | US | This is a great expression of what winemaker Randy Ullom calls the Santa Maria Bench. Full malolactic fermentation has softened the wine, while barrel fermentation adds to the honeyed, creamy texture. Yet there's enough acidity to balance the lush tropical fruit-pie filling, kumquat, pineapple, apricot, vanilla custard and buttered toast richness. | Camelot Highlands Estate | 25 | 91 | California | Central Coast | Santa Maria Valley | Kendall-Jackson 2005 Camelot Highlands Estate Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/kendall-jackson-2005-camelot-highlands-estate-chardonnay-central-coast-santa-maria-valley/ | Chardonnay | 2,005 | Kendall-Jackson |
14.5 | Red | US | I don't think this is the greatest Rincon because the fruit was so ripe that it makes the resulting wine lose some finesse. Having said that, this is a delicious Pinot Noir. It's so juicy in cherry, raspberry, cola and root beer flavors, with a gorgeous edge of vanilla-infused oak, and a classically silky texture. As good as it is, it just misses greatness. | Rincon Vineyard | 68 | 91 | California | Central Coast | Arroyo Grande Valley | Talley 2004 Rincon Vineyard Pinot Noir (Arroyo Grande Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/talley-2004-rincon-vineyard-pinot-noir-central-coast-arroyo-grande-valley/ | Pinot Noir | 2,004 | Talley |
14 | Red | Spain | Deep and ripe, with smooth black-fruit aromas in front of a generous palate that deals cherry, tobacco and vanilla flavors. In terms of feel, this wine isn't overly dense or tannic; in fact, it's modest at the core and getting very close to peak drinkability. Best now through 2009. | Tomás Esteban | 105 | 91 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | null | Valderiz 2001 Tomás Esteban (Ribera del Duero) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/valderiz-2001-tomas-esteban-tempranillo-ribera-duero/ | Tempranillo | 2,001 | Valderiz |
14.5 | Red | US | A serious Merlot. Well-oaked, it shows lots of crowd-pleasing caramel, toast, vanilla and sweet woody flavors, but the fruit, acids and tannins are fully supportive of all that oak. Cherries, black raspberries and mocha flavors are pure and refined, leading to a dry finish. Drink this elegant wine now through 2010. | Grand Reserve | 26 | 91 | California | Napa-Sonoma | Napa-Sonoma | Kendall-Jackson 2004 Grand Reserve Merlot (Napa-Sonoma) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/kendall-jackson-2004-grand-reserve-merlot-north-coast-napa-sonoma/ | Merlot | 2,004 | Kendall-Jackson |
13.5 | Red | US | Here's a lush, soft Bordeaux blend, based on Cabernet and blended from vineyards around the county. Showing beautifully now, the wine opens with ripe cherry, blackberry, raspberry and coffee notes, surrounded by elegantly refined tannins. Drink now through 2010 for freshness. | Grand Reserve Meritage | 35 | 91 | California | Sonoma | Sonoma County | Kendall-Jackson 2004 Grand Reserve Meritage Red (Sonoma County) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/kendall-jackson-2004-grand-reserve-meritage-red-sonoma-county/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Kendall-Jackson |
null | Red | Australia | Made from partially dried grapes—“moda amarone”—this is a lush, creamy Cabernet (85%) with bold chocolate and cassis flavors. Soft and elegant on the finish. | Moda | 48 | 91 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | null | Joseph 2003 Moda Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot (McLaren Vale) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/joseph-2003-moda-bordeaux-style-red-blend-cabernet-sauvignon-merlot-mclaren-vale/ | Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot | 2,003 | Joseph |
14.5 | Red | US | There's a rich, earthy grounding to the intensely ripe cherry, cola, vanilla, cinnamon, clove and brine flavors that makes this savory wine balanced and interesting. At nearly four years of age, it tastes fresh and young, and has a good eight years ahead of complexity. | Rio Vista Vineyard | 65 | 91 | California | Central Coast | Sta. Rita Hills | Arcadian 2003 Rio Vista Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/arcadian-2003-rio-vista-vineyard-pinot-noir-central-coast-sta-rita-hills/ | Pinot Noir | 2,003 | Arcadian |
14.2 | Red | US | This little family winery, which grows its grapes high in the Vaca Mountains outside St. Helena, is getting better with each passing vintage. Their Cabs are showing that ripeness isn't enough, but balance and structure count, especially at this price. The '03 is still a young wine, but a dramatically fruity, well-oaked one. It has all the drama of a fine Napa Cab, with the stuffing to last through 2009 before the fruit starts to fade. | null | 47 | 91 | California | Napa | Napa Valley | Amizetta 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/amizetta-2003-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley/ | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2,003 | Amizetta |
14.3 | Red | US | I've never tasted a Testarossa Pinot from this vineyard, and in fact this is only the second Russian River Pinot I've had from the winery, which favors Central and South Coast vineyards. Made from very young vines, the wine shows great promise. It's rich in primary fruit cherries, raspberries and spicy cola, with a Dijon-clone directness, and enormously balanced in acids and tannins. This is certainly a wine to follow. | Graham Family Vineyard | 54 | 92 | California | Sonoma | Russian River Valley | Testarossa 2005 Graham Family Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/testarossa-2005-graham-family-vineyard-pinot-noir-sonoma-russian-river-valley/ | Pinot Noir | 2,005 | Testarossa |
9.5 | White | Germany | A top-notch effort, this wine blends fruit and minerality almost inseparably. Stone fruit and honey notes provide the weight, while apple and pineapple are the muscle and a powerful slaty minerality is the spine. This is rich, even a little bit heavy, but luscious, and surprisingly clean and fresh on the finish. | Berncasteler Doctor Spätlese | 50 | 92 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | null | null | Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef) 2005 Berncasteler Doctor Spätlese Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/dr-h-thanisch-erben-muller-burggraef-2005-berncasteler-doctor-spatlese-riesling-mosel-saar-ruwer/ | Riesling | 2,005 | Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef) |
null | Red | Australia | Creamy and intense, with layers of smoke and vanilla over blackberry fruit. Long, with soft tannins. | Command | 77 | 92 | South Australia | Barossa Valley | null | Elderton 2002 Command Shiraz (Barossa Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/clonakilla-2002-command-shiraz-syrah-shiraz-barossa-valley/ | Shiraz | 2,002 | Elderton |
15.3 | Red | US | I like this wine even though it has overripe raisin flavors, which usually turn me off. In this case, it's like the raisins are part of a rum-soaked Christmas fruit cake, a piquant flavor along with blackberries, cherries, tangerines, pineapples and apricots. Soft and intricate, this is a special wine that's best now and for a couple more years. | Estate Bottled | 30 | 92 | California | Sierra Foothills | Shenandoah Valley (CA) | Easton 2004 Estate Bottled Zinfandel (Shenandoah Valley (CA)) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/easton-2004-estate-bottled-zinfandel-sierra-foothills-shenandoah-valley-ca/ | Zinfandel | 2,004 | Easton |
null | Red | France | From the Pomerol estate under the same ownership as Léoville-las-Cases in Saint-Julien. A big wine, with generous, opulent fruit. Bitter chocolate as well as ripe black skins and big firm fruits and tannins. To finish, there is a lift of freshness, but this is more about sweet fruits. | null | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Pomerol | null | Château Nenin 2004 Pomerol | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-nenin-2004-red-pomerol/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Nenin |
null | Red | France | A hugely rich, concentrated wine for 2004, packed with ripe black plums and berries. This is a great success, with dry tannins balanced by delicious sweet fruit, finishing with a fresh, currant fruit aftertaste. | null | 69 | 92 | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion | null | Château Magdelaine 2004 Saint-Émilion | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-magdelaine-2004-red-saint-emilion/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Magdelaine |
null | Red | France | Dense and solid, relying on rich tannins to give it structure and richness. The flavor is deep and concentrated, with dark black fruits piling in under the dry tannins. A wine that will develop slowly. | null | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Saint-Julien | null | Château Talbot 2004 Saint-Julien | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-talbot-2004-red-saint-julien/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Talbot |
14 | Red | Spain | Full and bold on the bouquet, where grilled meat and leather blend with ripe fruit to create an alluring, inviting whole. Black cherry and raspberry flavors are smooth and serious, while at the core there's a jammy, syrupy richness that conveys total ripeness. Best from 2008 through 2011. | Reserva | 21 | 92 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | null | Bodegas Fuentespina 2001 Reserva (Ribera del Duero) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/bodegas-fuentespina-2001-reserva-tempranillo-ribera-duero/ | Tempranillo | 2,001 | Bodegas Fuentespina |
14.5 | Red | US | With some firm tannins, this is a wine to decant for a few hours or age for up to eight years before it starts to lose its luscious fruit. The flavors are expansive, ranging from cherries and raspberries to cola, tamari and cinnamon spice. With its silky texture and long, spicy finish, this is a top-notch Pinot. Best now–2010. | Mills | 45 | 92 | California | Central Coast | Mt. Harlan | Calera 2003 Mills Pinot Noir (Mt. Harlan) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/calera-2003-mills-pinot-noir-central-coast-mt-harlan/ | Pinot Noir | 2,003 | Calera |
null | White | US | This is the white equivalent to Bonny Doon's successful red Rhône blend, Cigare Volant. A blend of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Marsanne, it shows Randall Grahm's touch in the way the richness has balance and complexity, going well beyond well-ripened peach, melon and spicy apricot fruit. There's a stony minerality, a tangy taste of stone, that makes this wine distinctive and compelling. | Le Cigare Blanc | 20 | 92 | California | California Other | California | Bonny Doon 2004 Le Cigare Blanc White (California) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/bonny-doon-2004-le-cigare-blanc-white-other/ | Rhône-style White Blend | 2,004 | Bonny Doon |
14.5 | White | US | What a great Chard. Just delicious in palate-filling tropical fruit, buttercream, pineapple jam, honeysuckle, vanilla custard and spice flavors that are so rich and refined. For all the opulence, the wine is dry, with the firm acidity the Arroyo Seco is known for. | Seco Highlands Estate | 30 | 92 | California | Central Coast | Arroyo Seco | Kendall-Jackson 2005 Seco Highlands Estate Chardonnay (Arroyo Seco) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/kendall-jackson-2005-seco-highlands-estate-chardonnay-central-coast-arroyo-seco/ | Chardonnay | 2,005 | Kendall-Jackson |
null | Red | France | This is one of the top two wines of Moulis (the other is Chasse-Spleen), and the 2004 maintains the Poujeaux's reputation for making wines beyond their class. This is a big wine, exuding power and authority, packed with ripe, but firm tannins and peppered black cherry fruits. With its structure, it will definitely age. | null | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Moulis-en-Médoc | null | Château Poujeaux 2004 Moulis-en-Médoc | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-poujeaux-2004-red-moulis-en-medoc/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Poujeaux |
null | Red | France | How Olivier has progressed. The ancient moated castle property is now making delicious wine. Fresh and balanced, this is sweet, soft, layered with red cherry flavors and structured with dark tannins. | null | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Pessac-Léognan | null | Château Olivier 2004 Pessac-Léognan | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-olivier-2004-red-pessac-leognan/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Olivier |
null | Red | France | A wine that balances its freshness with deep layers of black fruits. Acidity and black currants work well together. Lagrange is over-performing at the moment: an estate that once made correct wines now offers excitement as well. | null | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Saint-Julien | null | Château Lagrange 2004 Saint-Julien | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-lagrange-2004-red-saint-julien/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Lagrange |
null | Red | US | On a par with the excellent '02, the '03 Reed is warmly ripe and delicious. It's drinkable now for the softness and forward cherry, pomegranate, rhubarb and root beer flavors, with a vanilla and toasted oak edge, but has the balance and complexity to age for a good 10 years. This is seriously fine, white tablecloth Pinot Noir. | Reed | 50 | 92 | California | Central Coast | Mt. Harlan | Calera 2003 Reed Pinot Noir (Mt. Harlan) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/calera-2003-reed-pinot-noir-central-coast-mt-harlan/ | Pinot Noir | 2,003 | Calera |
11.5 | White | Germany | A stunning, close to dry Riesling from Von Schubert, this boasts a powerful, assertively mineral bouquet laced with smoke, diesel fuel and honey that will startle tasters expecting a light, blossomy Riesling. It's broad and mouthfilling, with spicy, minerally flavors that just hint at baked fruit and honey, finishing long and intense. | Herrenberg Superior QbA (Auslese?) | 37 | 92 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | null | null | Maximin Grünhäuser 2005 Herrenberg Superior QbA (Auslese?) Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/maximin-grunhauser-2005-herrenberg-superior-qba-auslese-riesling-mosel-saar-ruwer/ | Riesling | 2,005 | Maximin Grünhäuser |
14.7 | Red | US | How effortless it was to get the grapes ripe in this long, dry vintage, when the weather so favored coastal Pinot Noir. This wine strikes the perfect balance of ripe, sweet cherry, raspberry, cola and pomegranate fruit balanced by fine acidity and tannins. The oak is just right. Best now and for a year or two for its flamboyant, adolescent deliciousness. | Sleepy Hollow Vineyard | 59 | 92 | California | Central Coast | Santa Lucia Highlands | Testarossa 2005 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/testarossa-2005-sleepy-hollow-vineyard-pinot-noir-central-coast-santa-lucia-highlands/ | Pinot Noir | 2,005 | Testarossa |
14.7 | Red | Australia | This is a lavishly oaked wine, filled with scents of caramel, nuts, chocolate, toasted coconut, vanilla and coffee. It completely fills the mouth with creamy, lush flavor—a combination of vanilla and fruit syrup, with complexity added by touches of cracked pepper and meat. So easy to drink now; the only question is its future evolution. | Moorooroo Limited Release | 78 | 92 | South Australia | Barossa Valley | null | Schild Estate 2002 Moorooroo Limited Release Shiraz (Barossa Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/schild-estate-2002-moorooroo-limited-release-shiraz-syrah-shiraz-barossa-valley/ | Shiraz | 2,002 | Schild Estate |
14.5 | Red | US | This is almost always the winery's richest, ripest, oakiest Syrah, and usually the best. The '04 is definitely a ripe wine, with huge blackberry, cherry and raspberry jam flavors complexed with coffee, cola, milk chocolate, macaroon and rhubarb flavors. But it's very young, dominated by juicy, juvenile tannins and fresh, tart acidity. If you drink it now, decant. Otherwise, hold for at least five years. | Ascent | 80 | 92 | California | Sierra Foothills | Sierra Foothills | Domaine de la Terre Rouge 2004 Ascent Syrah (Sierra Foothills) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/domaine-terre-rouge-2004-ascent-shiraz-syrah-syrah-sierra-foothills/ | Syrah | 2,004 | Domaine de la Terre Rouge |
7.5 | White | Germany | Light and vivacious, this has loads of tropical fruit aromas and flavors, but also vivid slate notes. The acidity is ripe and rounded rather than crisp, but the wine still comes across as refreshingly balanced. Drink now–2025. Imported by Schmitt-Sohne Inc. | Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese | 25 | 92 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | null | null | Markus Molitor 2005 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/markus-molitor-2005-wehlener-sonnenuhr-spatlese-riesling-mosel-saar-ruwer/ | Riesling | 2,005 | Markus Molitor |
null | Red | France | Like the 2003, this is creamy and supple, but the fruit is fresher and livelier also. The result is a lovely blend of mocha, raspberry and spice accented by hints of vanilla and crushed herbs that linger elegantly on the finish. Drink now–2020. | null | 50 | 92 | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion | null | Lassègue 2004 Saint-Émilion | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/lassegue-2004-red-saint-emilion/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Lassègue |
7.5 | White | Germany | Despite being sweet, with a rounded, full mouthfeel, this isn't cloying at all; a testament to its fine balance. Smoky, leesy, fuel oil and slate scents lead off, followed by pristine flavors of apple, pineapple, lime and honey. Finishes long and clean; this should age 20 years or more. | Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese | 40 | 92 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | null | null | Dr. Loosen 2005 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/dr-loosen-2005-wehlener-sonnenuhr-auslese-riesling-mosel-saar-ruwer/ | Riesling | 2,005 | Dr. Loosen |
15.2 | White | US | This is a new winery for me, but one to watch. The grapes are from Santa Maria Valley, and the wine shows the ripe balance of this fine vintage, with a tremendous depth of tropical fruit, apricot jam and oak-inspired butterscotch flavors. Brisk acidity provides needed balance to the wealth of fruit. | Reserve | 29 | 92 | California | Central Coast | Santa Barbara County | Addamo 2005 Reserve Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/addamo-2005-reserve-chardonnay-central-coast-santa-barbara-county/ | Chardonnay | 2,005 | Addamo |
null | Red | France | A big, thrusting, modern style of wine, packed with ripe black plum skin and vanilla flavors. To balance this power and fruit forward character, the typical 2004 freshness is very apparent, lifting the wine and giving it a vibrant character. | null | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Margaux | null | Château Brane-Cantenac 2004 Margaux | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-brane-cantenac-2004-red-margaux/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Brane-Cantenac |
null | Red | France | Demoted in 1996, losing its classed growth status, the Despagne family set to work to get back on top, which was achieved in 2006. By 2004, they were on a roll, making a powerfully rich wine, with a good texture, spice from the Cabernet Franc, and some firm, dark tannins, layered with wood. | null | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion | null | Château Grand Corbin-Despagne 2004 Saint-Émilion | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-grand-corbin-despagne-2004-red-saint-emilion/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Grand Corbin-Despagne |
null | White | France | 91-93 Barrel Sample A finely balanced wine, bringing green, herbaceous fruits together with spice and wood. Not complex, but delicious. | Barrel Sample | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Pessac-Léognan | null | Château la Louvière 2006 Barrel Sample (Pessac-Léognan) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-louviere-2006-barrel-sample-white-pessac-leognan/ | Bordeaux-style White Blend | 2,006 | Château la Louvière |
14.8 | Red | Spain | Aalto is one of Ribera's high flyers, and this vintage exhibits coconut, toast and marinated beef aromas in front of bold, round berry flavors. With a lot of oak and the warmth of 2003 behind it, this is a softer, less exact rendition than the amazing 2001 Aalto PS. But it still shows that excellent rugged fruit character and power that define Ribera del Duero. | PS | 100 | 92 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | null | Aalto 2003 PS (Ribera del Duero) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/aalto-2003-ps-tempranillo-ribera-duero/ | Tempranillo | 2,003 | Aalto |
null | Red | France | A beautifully structured wine, with great ripe dark fruits, but also dense and complex. Faugères is showing great class at the moment, and with its balanced, but ripe fruit, this wine is impressive and well worth aging. | null | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion | null | Château Faugères 2004 Saint-Émilion | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-faugeres-2004-red-saint-emilion/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Faugères |
null | Red | France | One of the many properties in Margaux owned by the Lurton family (Bordeaux's largest landowners). Durfort-Vivens is an estate that has improved dramatically, as in this 2004, packed with new wood flavors but with great balancing ripe fruit. | null | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Margaux | null | Château Durfort-Vivens 2004 Margaux | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-durfort-vivens-2004-red-margaux/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Durfort-Vivens |
null | Red | France | Alain Raynaud's vineyard is situated in the city of Libourne, surrounded by housing. His wines have achieved almost cult status. This 2004, with its beautifully smooth, ripe fruit, is more serious than its surface veneer suggests. The tannins are dry, complex and structured, while the rich, juicy flavors are given an extra dimension by the ripe acidity. | null | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion | null | Château Quinault L'Enclos 2004 Saint-Émilion | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-quinault-lenclos-2004-red-saint-emilion/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Quinault L'Enclos |
null | Red | Australia | Dense, richly fruited and superripe, this is a chewy wine filled with chocolate and spice flavors. | Etranger | 33 | 92 | South Australia | Barossa Valley | null | The Colonial Estate 2004 Etranger Cabernet Sauvignon (Barossa Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/colonial-estate-2004-etranger-cabernet-sauvignon-barossa-valley/ | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2,004 | The Colonial Estate |
17 | White | US | The Stone Ranch Zins I've had over the years have generally been very good, but this is the best in many years. Probably the warm vintage was responsible. It coaxed fabulously rich flavors from the 80-year-old vines, from chocolate, blueberry pie and blackberry jam to espresso, sweet leather and cinnamon. The wine is soft, dry and warming, a perfect elaboration of ripe Alexander Valley Zin. | Stone Ranch | 24 | 92 | California | Sonoma | Alexander Valley | Mazzocco 2004 Stone Ranch Zinfandel (Alexander Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/mazzocco-2004-stone-ranch-zinfandel-sonoma-alexander-valley/ | Zinfandel | 2,004 | Mazzocco |
14.3 | White | US | A statewide blend of the winemakers' favorite barrels from their multiple vineyard sites, the Diana's Reserve is easily Testarossa's best '05 Chardonnay. Blending seems to have ironed out the difficult spots, and made for a complete wine. Rich in fruit and oak, it shows all the hallmarks of great coastal California Chard. | Diana's Reserve | 55 | 92 | California | California Other | California | Testarossa 2005 Diana's Reserve Chardonnay (California) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/testarossa-2005-dianas-reserve-chardonnay-other/ | Chardonnay | 2,005 | Testarossa |
14.9 | Red | US | This is a very good Petite Sirah. It's dark and inky and tannic, as you'd expect, and ultrajuicy in blackberries, plums, black cherries, moo shu pork sauce, dark chocolate truffle, balsamic and white pepper flavors. Sure is good now. | Machado Creek Vineyards | 30 | 92 | California | Central Coast | Central Coast | Fernwood 2005 Machado Creek Vineyards Petite Sirah (Central Coast) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/fernwood-2005-machado-creek-petite-sirah-central-coast/ | Petite Sirah | 2,005 | Fernwood |
null | White | France | 91-93 Barrel Sample A classic in a great white year. Even though the wine is full and generous, it also has vibrant green fruits and lively acidity. Already shows a great future. | Barrel Sample | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Pessac-Léognan | null | Château Malartic-Lagravière 2006 Barrel Sample (Pessac-Léognan) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-malartic-lagraviere-2006-barrel-sample-white-pessac-leognan/ | Bordeaux-style White Blend | 2,006 | Château Malartic-Lagravière |
null | Red | France | A big, ripe, fruity wine, backed up with firm tannins. The structure is impressive, giving smoky flavors and layers of new wood. It is rich and potentially long-lasting. Under the inspired control of Pascal Dalbeck, Belair is fully living up to its classed growth status. | null | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion | null | Château Belair 2004 Saint-Émilion | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-belair-2004-red-saint-emilion/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Belair |
null | Red | France | This château has seen a big investment in recent years and it has paid off. Despite its modern, polished style evidenced by a generous use of new wood, it retains the proper charm of a Margaux, with the fruit floating elegantly over the wood and the tannins. | null | null | 92 | Bordeaux | Margaux | null | Château Labégorce Margaux 2004 Margaux | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-labegorce-margaux-2004-red-margaux/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Labégorce Margaux |
8 | White | Germany | Can a wine be simultaneously light in weight yet dense and concentrated? This one is—then it adds complex flavors of apples, peaches and lemon to terroir-driven notes of slate and spice for a magical result. Finishes with lush, creamy citrus flavors that seem almost like lemon custard. | Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett | 22 | 92 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | null | null | Dr. Loosen 2005 Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/dr-loosen-2005-graacher-himmelreich-kabinett-riesling-mosel-saar-ruwer/ | Riesling | 2,005 | Dr. Loosen |