spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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France	This impressive wine is full of potential. Powerful wood flavors are currently masking the fruitiness of the wine. However the weight of fruit and the rich texture promise good long-term aging.	null	92	65	Bordeaux	Pessac-Léognan	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Smith Haut Lafitte	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2013 Pessac-Léognan
Australia	Full-bodied, lush and velvety, the 2006 Ben Schild Reserve is ready to drink now and over the next 8 years. Hints of espresso and black olive impart complexity to the plum and blueberry fruit, and a licorice note chimes in on the softly textured finish.	Ben Schild Reserve	92	35	South Australia	Barossa	null	Shiraz	Schild Estate	null	null	null
Italy	Apple and fresh celery aromas define the nose. The palate offers equal doses of apple, lees and mineral notes, while the finish is a touch chalky and very slightly bitter. Not flawed but a bit less than generous in Prosecco's normal zest and clarity.	Extra Dry	86	15	Veneto	Prosecco del Veneto	null	Prosecco	Casalnova	null	null	null
France	This is a perfumed, stalky wine. It suggests fragrant red fruits and crushed raspberry flavors that contrast with the smoky flavor and strong acidity. At the end, red currants dominate.	Grande Côte de la Vallée	87	null	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Matthias et Emile Roblin	null	null	null
US	Give this wine credit for sheer exuberance. It's a mélange of cherries, root beer, sweet mushu plum sauce and smoky sandalwood, folded into soft, smooth tannins, and brightened with acidity. Textbook coastal Pinot Noir for drinking now.	Estate	89	34	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Melville	null	null	Melville 2011 Estate Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
US	This needs oxygen to open up past its slightly reductive nose; then it blossoms into a full-bodied, flavorful wine with a broad array of mixed black fruits. Hints of leaf and herb are nicely styled and not intrusive.	Freedom Hill Vineyard	90	60	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Lange	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Lange 2009 Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)
US	Pungent in classic varietal aromas, this is a floral, slightly off-dry, zingy wine with a touch of honeyed vanilla on the otherwise spicy finish. It'll pair well with spicy fare.	null	87	16	California	Mendocino County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Gewürztraminer	McNab Ridge	null	null	null
Mexico	Roasted berry, dry oak, bacon, leather, graphite and spice aromas come together on the nose. It feels jammy, thick and chewy, with full tannins setting up flavors of baked berry and molasses. It finishes similarly, with a rich, full texture and a candied flavor. This is a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 10% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.	Singular	88	40	Valle de Guadalupe	null	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	La Lomita	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	La Lomita 2009 Singular Red (Valle de Guadalupe)
US	Fruit from moe than 20 vineyards went into this three-county blend. The result is a beautiful wine. Dry and spicy, it has lush pineapple, vanilla custard, tapioca, peaches and cream and gingerbread flavors, and a lush, creamy texture. Notable also for the crisp, brisk mouthfeel.	Overlook	90	26	California	Sonoma County-Monterey County-Santa Barbara County	California Other	Chardonnay	Landmark	null	null	null
US	An ambitious and successful rosé made from 50% Gamay Noir and 50% Grenache, this light yellow-pink wine offers inviting pink grapefruit skin, Gala apple and green pear on the nose. The palate shows the tiniest bit of sweetness, which makes the Pink Lady apple and tangerine-led citrus notes all the more delicious. Beware: this goes down all too easy.	null	90	22	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Rosé	Joyce	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Joyce 2015 Rosé (Monterey)
France	Fresh and fruity, this wine has lively strawberry flavors and acidity shining through the red currant fruits. The tannins are a light counterpoint to the dominating fresh fruit.	null	86	null	Burgundy	Auxey-Duresses	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Jessiaume	null	null	null
US	A little rustic in texture, but nice and fruity, with upfront blackberries, cherries, blueberries and chocolate, framed in a scour of fine tannins. Drink now.	null	85	18	California	California	California Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	F.J. Serra	null	null	null
US	Deeply flavored in raspberries, cherries, red licorice and exotic dusty spices, this Pinot Noir has a tannin-acid tightness that makes it aloof and hard. Although it's dry, it's so rich in fruit, it tastes sweet. A very fine wine, but needs some time to come around. Give it four or five years to mellow.	Reserve Nunes Vineyard	92	56	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Matrix	null	null	Matrix 2009 Reserve Nunes Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Germany	Whiffs of candlestick and honeycomb lend subtlety to zesty white-grapefruit and honeydew flavors in this dry Riesling. While rich, round and supple in mouthfeel, it's balanced squarely by acidity and a pleasant bite of lemon zest.	Dry Mineral	91	20	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler 2015 Dry Mineral Riesling (Mosel)
France	A wine from a selected parcel of vines; attractive, crisply balanced, the fresh green fruits backed by yeasty toast and a creamy, full texture. There is also a layer of minerality that turns this into a fine food wine.	Coing de Sèvre	89	10	Loire Valley	Muscadet Sèvre et Maine	null	Melon	Château du Coing de Saint-Fiacre	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château du Coing de Saint-Fiacre 2006 Coing de Sèvre (Muscadet Sèvre et Maine)
US	From Delicato, a Merlot that shows the soft texture of Paso Robles reds with well-ripened blackberry, cherry and carob flavors that last into a long finish. Could use greater structure at this price, though.	null	84	24	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Merlot	San Simeon	null	null	null
France	This pale-colored rosé is dominated by Chardonnay. It tastes drier than previous bottlings, with a tight mineral texture and intense acidity. At the same time, the fruit is all there—red currant and citrus. The wine is delicious now for its crispness, although it will certainly age, and this bottling (disgorged in 3/16) will be at its best from 2018.	Noble Cuvée Brut Rosé	92	130	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Lanson	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Lanson NV Noble Cuvée Brut Rosé (Champagne)
Spain	Alidis is not the most consistent winery in Ribera del Duero, but this gran reserva gets it mostly right. Earthy, slightly mulchy and rubbery berry aromas lead to a saturated bulky palate. Saucy earthy flavors of black fruits finish gritty and a bit leathery, with a jammy weight and a lasting note of black coffee.	Gran Reserva	90	60	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Alidis	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Alidis 2011 Gran Reserva (Ribera del Duero)
France	The mineral expression has the upper hand in this dry, full-bodied white, with tones of apple and nuts playing second fiddle to cinnamon and wet stone flavors. The long finish winds up on a nutmeg note. Drink now.	Les Alouettes Lerchenberg	88	35	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Gris	Marc Kreydenweiss	null	null	null
Argentina	Rooty, spicy aromas of cola and herbal plum are slightly smoky and leafy. This is fleshy and open on the palate, with spicy, herbal flavors of tomato, tea and black plum. A similar herbal, meaty quality lasts onto the finish.	Reserva	87	19	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Ruca Malen	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Ruca Malen 2012 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)
US	First bottle corked. Second bottle sound, but rather one dimensional. The fruit is simple green apple and green berry; but there is a distinct earthy undertone that carries into the finish. If new oak barrels were used, they are not evident.	Estate	85	20	Washington	Wahluke Slope	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Gilbert Cellars	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a gorgeous Brunello that achieves that ever-so delicate balance of fruit versus menthol notes versus toast to render an unforgettable drinking experience. This is why they say Brunello can't be made in any other part of the world outside this tiny corner of Tuscany: Intense notes of chewy cherry, carob, licorice, almonds, chopped herbs ride over dusty tannins and a long finish.	Vigna del Fiore	92	120	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Fattoria dei Barbi	null	null	null
Italy	Alastro is a food-friendly blend of Grecanico and Chardonnay. Grecanico adds fresh, floral aromas and the Chardonnay gives the wine its creamy, smooth texture. A percentage of the wine is aged in oak and this process lends aromas of spice and vanilla.	Alastro	88	21	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	White Blend	Planeta	null	null	null
France	90-92 Firm, concentrated, dry wine. It seems to be all structure, until the sweet juicy plum fruits show through.	Barrel sample	91	null	Bordeaux	Listrac-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Fourcas Dupré	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Fourcas Dupré 2010 Barrel sample (Listrac-Médoc)
Australia	A satisfying steak house red, Oliverhill's 2008 Red Silk doesn't have the intensity or complexity of the Jimmy Section or Mount Benson Shirazes, but still offers plums and vanilla, plenty of weight and richness and a delicate dustiness on the finish. Drink now-2016.	Red Silk	89	37	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Shiraz	Oliverhill	null	null	null
Greece	A curiosity, this Assyrtico-Sémillon blend has a smooth, creamy feel that fills the mouth, and a pleasant nose of grapefruit and baked apple. Muted at first, flavors of citrus, baked apple and vanilla toast are nicely integrated, picking up steam towards a firm, zesty finish.	Ovilos	87	40	Pangeon	null	null	White Blend	Estate Biblia Chora	null	null	null
US	A “kitchen sink” blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot, the Wild Z shows far more flavors of vanilla and black tea than fruit. A popular style to be sure, fine for everyday drinking.	Wild Z	86	20	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Zerba Cellars	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Zerba Cellars 2008 Wild Z Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
US	Hard to believe this Sauvignon Blanc never saw oak, because it has a vanilla bean flavor that must come from the grapes alone, although lees aging surely contributes to the creaminess. The underlying flavors are complex, ranging from Meyer lemons and sweet limes to exotic tropical quince, kiwi and guava and just a touch of gooseberry. Best of all is the acidity, which brightens everything. A great Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc.	null	92	28	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	Stephen & Walker	null	null	null
Italy	This opens with a pretty floral fragrance of acacia, Spanish broom and chamomile. The palate doles out white peach and tangerine zest alongside fresh acidity.	null	87	20	Tuscany	Bolgheri	null	White Blend	Campo al Mare	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Campo al Mare 2013 White (Bolgheri)
US	A mild undertone of funky earth and rustic leather provides intrigue and individuality to this release, one of the larger offerings by the winery. Cherry, pomegranate and cranberry all make appearances on a palate that is lush and expansively fruity, finishing in memorable minerality.	Cuvée de Trois	91	35	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Joseph Swan Vineyards	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Joseph Swan Vineyards 2012 Cuvée de Trois Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Portugal	This is a fine wine, dominated by Alicante Bouschet and packed with black fruits and juicy acidity. It is rich, full while still keeping a great sense of balance and style. The wine can be drunk now, although it will be better from 2017.	Monte Cascas Grande Reserva	91	39	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Casca Wines	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Casca Wines 2011 Monte Cascas Grande Reserva Red (Alentejano)
Germany	Penetrating tones of stone, lemon and wax lend a stately feel to this dry, intensely mineral Riesling. It's full-bodied in style with a rich, rounded mouthfeel, but invigorated with acidity on the finish.	Rotschiefer Trocken	90	41	Nahe	null	null	Riesling	Prinz Salm	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Prinz Salm 2012 Rotschiefer Trocken Riesling (Nahe)
Italy	This wine is not as bulky or dense as others from Bolgheri and boasts a more austere, yet elegant nose. But there's character and depth here thanks to its chewy tannins and long cherry finish.	Impronte	91	50	Tuscany	Bolgheri	null	Red Blend	Giorgio Meletti Cavallari	null	null	null
US	The best effort in the Palouse lineup, the Dineen designate has a bit more going on than the rest—a mix of prunes and cherry candy, falling off into a light finish with cocoa and baking spices.	Dineen Vineyard	86	50	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Palouse	null	null	null
France	Soft, ripe fruit flavors of apple, peach and melon crispened with acidity. The wine is smooth and rounded, with a fine, fresh aftertaste.	null	85	17	Burgundy	Bourgogne	null	Chardonnay	Louis Jadot	null	null	null
Spain	Grapefruit, lime and leesy aromas feed into a healthy palate with adequate acidity and raciness. Pithy, briny citrus flavors of lime and orange finish with notes of grapefruit and scallion. Drink now.	null	87	14	Northern Spain	Rueda	null	Verdejo	Palma Real	null	null	null
Italy	This flagship Prosecco Superiore offers rich smoothness accented by fresh notes of apricot, honey and white flower. It ends with a playful endnote of succulent sweetness.	Giall'Oro Extra Dry	89	19	Veneto	Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore	null	Glera	Ruggeri & C.	null	null	null
US	This is a good, everyday Merlot with some additional qualities of elegance. It's soft and mellow, with nice flavors of blackberries, cherries, red currants, chocolate and licorice.	null	86	15	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Merlot	Angeline	null	null	null
Slovenia	This wine is garnet in color, with aromas of cherry, vanilla, red plum and cassis. Flavors of tart cherry, red raspberry and blackberry drive the palate and lead to a lingering finish.	null	89	35	Vipavska Dolina	null	null	Cabernet Franc	Batič	null	null	null
Austria	A wonderful, fresh wine, packed with ripe green fruits and pepper. The mineral character is very evident, a product of the gneiss soil of the Achleiten vineyard. On the finish there is a great, balanced fusion of fruit and structure.	Achleiten Smaragd	93	54	Wachau	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Prager	null	null	null
France	Honeyed and caramel aromas are followed on the palate by a ripe, rich creamy texture. Yellow fruits are further smoothed by buttery flavors. This is a rounded wine, ready to drink.	null	85	18	Burgundy	Mâcon-Villages	null	Chardonnay	Louis Max	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Louis Max 2013 Mâcon-Villages
France	With just a touch of tannin, this big-selling Beaujolais-Villages has both weight and richness. Most of all, it has bright red fruits, a hint of spice and crisp acidity.	null	84	null	Beaujolais	Beaujolais-Villages	null	Gamay	Georges Duboeuf	null	null	null
Italy	Here is a ripe but well-balanced wine with aromas of cherry, spice, dark chocolate and minerals. The wine boasts a modern edge that is identified by its soft, forthcoming personality and its jammy fruit characteristics. It tastes smooth and rich and would pair with any hearty winter meal.	null	87	16	Central Italy	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane	null	Montepulciano	Farnese	null	null	Farnese 2004 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane
Spain	Having never tried this producer's wines, we can only heap praise on this medium-bodied, more modern style of Rioja. Bacon, rubber and raspberry work the bouquet, while the palate is ripe and full as it pumps forth with pure red-fruit flavors. Firm and mildly tannic, with ample new oak leaving lasting flavors of vanilla, coffee and pepper. Hold for another year or so, if possible; 900 cases produced.	Deóbriga Selección Familiar	91	22	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	R. de Ayala Lete E Hijos	null	null	null
US	Sweet vanilla mingles with ripe cherries and plums on the nose and palate of this supple, soft Long Island Merlot. Bright acidity and a hint of green, leafy herbs add freshness on the palate. Finishes on a slightly grippy, tannic note.	null	85	20	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Merlot	Castello di Borghese	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Castello di Borghese 2006 Merlot (North Fork of Long Island)
Portugal	This smooth, rich and ripe wine conveys a strong feeling of power. Weight and concentration from black plum fruit and dark tannins are freshened by acidity. Solidly textured, this big, beefy number will be ready to drink by the end of 2015.	Dalva Grande Reserva	89	21	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	C. da Silva	Roger Voss	@vossroger	C. da Silva 2011 Dalva Grande Reserva Red (Douro)
US	This easy-to-drink Pinot has enormously ripe flavors of cherries, black raspberries and red currants. There's a cutting edge of acidity, and an aroma of what is sometimes called sweaty leather. The silky texture and richness make it worth a second sip, or a third.	Spring Grove Vineyards	87	27	California	San Benito County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Pessagno	null	null	null
US	This is the most affordable Pinot from Archery Summit, a blend of multiple clones and vineyards, and it's a gem. Full and fruity from the moment you pull the cork, it hits you with flavors of ripe strawberry, blackberry and black cherry, a big mouthful of lush fruit flavor. The finish brings on hints of truffle, licorice and dark chocolate.	Premier Cuvée	91	48	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Archery Summit	null	null	null
Spain	Berry fruit, vanilla and violet aromas are friendlier than the rugged, ultrafirm palate on this Syrah-Graciano blend. With food, the wine will be a strong counterpoint and will hold its own. By itself it may slip in pleasure points; the Graciano is tight as nails and adds astringency. Imported by Möet Hennessy USA, Inc.	Caliza	85	22	Central Spain	Dominio de Valdepusa	null	Red Blend	Marques de Griñon	null	null	null
France	90-92 Barrel sample. Dry, intense tannins dominate this wine. The fruit is going to come through later, but together the two will give it a powerful, heavy structure .	Barrel sample	91	null	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château de Lamarque	null	null	null
New Zealand	A rather delicate style, with bits of smoke, dried herbs and spice accenting cherry fruit. Light-bodied, but with pretty aromatics and good flavor intensity. Drink now–2008. Imported by DC Imports LLC.	null	87	27	Waipara	null	null	Pinot Noir	Mount Cass	null	null	null
France	Silex is the French name for the flint over limestone soil that occurs in the Sancerre and Pouilly regions. There is a definite character of tight texture in this wine, very mineral while it also has ripe fruit. This is a new wine from Fournier, an impressive addition to the range.	Cuvée Silex	92	40	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Fournier Père et Fils	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Fournier Père et Fils 2008 Cuvée Silex (Sancerre)
US	Mostly Malbec (34%) and Petit Verdot (32%), this nonvintage blend offers up-front oak notes of vanilla and dill. These are followed by cherry cola, green herbs and a whiff of volatility, along with sweet flavors and grippy tannins.	Due Anni	86	18	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Patterson	null	null	null
US	The winemaker aged a majority of this wine on the lees in new French oak, and the rest in stainless steel. This combination is easygoing and very fruity in aroma and flavor. The body is medium while the texture is soft and agreeable.	null	87	16	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Chardonnay	Michael David	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Michael David 2014 Chardonnay (Lodi)
Cyprus	This blend of Mavro and Xinisteri is made in-style that dates back to the Crusades and will appeal to fans of tawny Port. The nose, thick with spicebox and orange peel aromas, is followed by viscous but spicy flavors of caramel, orange and honey on the palate. Balanced but robust, it's a dessert wine with a masculine edge.	null	85	13	Commandaria	null	null	Red Blend	Loel	null	null	null
France	Under the same ownership as Giscours, and benefiting from big investment in recent years, this is an estate at the top of its form. The wine has aromas of sweet, new wood, while the palate is packed with tarry fruits and spicy wood and herbs. Flavors of ripe black currants give a rich, satisfying feel. This is a wine that is well structured, dense and, given another five years, will be delicious.	null	92	31	Bordeaux	Margaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château du Tertre	null	null	null
US	This blend of 53% Grenache Blanc, 34% Viognier, 10% Roussanne and 3% Marsanne, which features a painting by Santa Barbara artist Chris Potter, shows interesting touches of honey and orgeat with a macadamia nut backbone. The tinge of honey extends to the sip, where it joins baked apple, nectarine and peach flavors, along with a chalky texture and decent acidity.	Marcella's	88	20	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Rhône-style White Blend	Fess Parker	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Fess Parker 2015 Marcella's White (Santa Barbara County)
US	A very fine effort, with classic cassis and black cherry in the fruit core, but also offering interesting details of bark, earth and herb. The wine lingers, perhaps due to excellent natural acidity, and without overpowering the palate it keeps tantalizing it with nuances of moist earth and wet rock.	Reserve	90	22	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Waterbrook	null	null	null
France	Using fruit sourced from old vines, this is concentrated, with some richness and weight. Ripe red-cherry fruit mingles with balanced, dry tannins.	Vignes de 1940	86	13	Beaujolais	Beaujolais-Villages	null	Gamay	Domaine Dupré	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Dupré 2011 Vignes de 1940 (Beaujolais-Villages)
US	While blackberry and cherry notes are lush and ripe on the nose, this Finger Lakes Zweigelt is surprisingly elegant on the palate. Sour cherry and tart plum flavors are concentrated and juicy, but lively in feel. The finish is extended by a fringe of fine, polished tannins.	William Vigne	89	18	New York	Seneca Lake	Finger Lakes	Zweigelt	Fulkerson	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Fulkerson 2013 William Vigne Zweigelt (Seneca Lake)
US	A structured proprietary red blend from Temecula Valley. The tannins remain a tad chewy, leathery even, though the wine's got some hints of fig, cherry and cinnamon that keep it interesting.	Synergy 65, Estate Grown	87	33	California	Temecula Valley	South Coast	Red Blend	Monte De Oro	null	null	null
Italy	The ripe fruit element is perfectly contained and just short of seeming overdone or jammy. It's soft and round, with loads of oak-driven spice, like cinnamon and ground clove, and plump tones of red cherry, blackberry and plum. What's really nice is the freshness and overall supple texture.	null	94	70	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Máté	null	null	null
France	Burnt brown sugar, caramel sauce, baked plum, fig and milk chocolate abound on the nose of this rich, decadent selection. Well balanced and incredibly easy to like, lush dark-fruit flavors lead the medium-weight palate, while notes of milk chocolate and baking spice linger on the close.	Tuilé	89	18	Languedoc-Roussillon	Rivesaltes	null	Red Blend	Diví Elegància	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Diví Elegància NV Tuilé Red (Rivesaltes)
US	Floral and pretty on the nose, this coastal Pinot offers soft layers of wild strawberry and tangy acidity while pushing the boundaries of lower ripeness. Lean, it finishes with a suggestion of earthy mushroom and savory tea.	Campbell Ranch	90	56	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Papapietro Perry	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Papapietro Perry 2012 Campbell Ranch Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
US	This Bordeaux blend, made from the five classic varieties, is tough and resilient, compared to the standard Napa bottling. It's dry, tannic and herbal, yet with enough cherry-berry flavors to establish varietal character. The challenge for the vintner is greater richness.	Mon Amour	86	45	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Coquelicot	null	null	Coquelicot 2006 Mon Amour Red (Santa Ynez Valley)
Argentina	One of the most untouched, terroir-driven Malbecs made in Argentina is Achaval-Ferrer's Altamira. It's harvested about three weeks earlier than most high-end fruit, resulting in core raspberry flavors and a certain redness of character. The wine is unfined and cloudy but still very clear on the palate, with length, power and class. Best from 2009–2012.	Finca Altamira	92	112	Mendoza Province	La Consulta	null	Malbec	Achaval-Ferrer	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Achaval-Ferrer 2006 Finca Altamira Malbec (La Consulta)
France	With Merlot softening the power of Brau-col, this is a full-bodied while rounded wine. Juicy acidity gives a fresh character, and red berry fruits dominate the firm tannins. Balanced and concentrated, it will repay some good aging. Drink from 2017.	Vieilles Vignes	88	20	Southwest France	Gaillac	null	Red Blend	Domaine du Moulin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine du Moulin 2012 Vieilles Vignes Red (Gaillac)
Italy	Nail polish and other sweet, somewhat artificial aromas lead to raspberry flavors. It's a tight, lean wine with more acidity than flesh. A little bit sour but drinkable. Blends Sangiovese, Uva de Troia, Cabernet and Merlot with modest results.	Niró	83	10	Southern Italy	Murgia	null	Red Blend	Torre Mascoli	null	null	null
France	Owned by Xavier Chassagnoux, who also has vineyards in Fronsac, this estate has produced a rich wine. It has the typical fruity character of the vintage with its soft tannins and juicy acidity. Red berries are lightly supported by the open structure. Drink the wine now.	Cuvée Pillebourse	86	17	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Supérieur	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château de Virecourt	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Virecourt 2014 Cuvée Pillebourse (Bordeaux Supérieur)
France	This Moueix-owned premier grand cru classé property quietly goes about producing great wines. The 2000 is a complete success, with its aromas of red berry fruits and sweet wood, its flavors cedar and truffles alongside the fine, elegant tannins. It will age slowly and reveal layers of complexity over the years.	null	93	87	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Magdelaine	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Magdelaine 2000 Saint-Émilion
US	Orange blossoms and toasted brioche tempt on the nose of this elegantly oaked Chardonnay. The palate is concentrated with pristine melon and floral flavors, and just a hint of dusty minerality in the backdrop.	Reserve Barrel Fermented	86	17	New York	Cayuga Lake	Finger Lakes	Chardonnay	Treleaven	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Treleaven 2009 Reserve Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Cayuga Lake)
Moldova	This is the best of Cricova's Collection series, which consists of wines that age in the winery for years. It has an evolved nose of aged cheese, earth, stem and tobacco, with some fruit to spare. Fairly light for a Cabernet, it maintains healthy, yet dusty, tannins supporting barnyard, leather, brown spice and chewing tobacco flavors. The fruit has gone, but what remains is an interesting, complex wine with good intensity.	Collection Cabernet	86	23	Moldova	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Cricova	null	null	null
Portugal	This is a ripe powerful wine. It has layers of wood aging adding spice to the rich black-plum fruit. Smoky, rich and concentrated, it is an impressive wine that is going to need some long-term aging. Drink from 2019.	Ikon	92	45	Tejo	null	null	Touriga Nacional	Fiuza	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Fiuza 2013 Ikon Touriga Nacional (Tejo)
US	Soft, round and lengthy, there's a lot to admire and enjoy in this wine. Licorice, leather and undulating ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit combine on the palate. It's medium bodied, intense and complex, with dark chocolate accents on the finish.	Gamma	90	35	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Syrah	Ampelos	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Ampelos 2012 Gamma Syrah (Sta. Rita Hills)
Argentina	Baked berry, savory bacon and coconut aromas give this Cab a modern, sweet outlook. In the mouth, it's more raw and abrasive, with firm tannins and lemony acids. Flavors of baked berry fruits and resiny oak finish chewy and tannic, with a touch of heat.	Reserve	88	17	Mendoza Province	Tupungato	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Finca Sophenia	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Finca Sophenia 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Tupungato)
US	An elegant debut for this new Oregon winery, the Winemaker's Cuvée opens with lovely floral and herbal scents, moving into a detailed, precise and well-configured palate, with pretty raspberry and cherry candy fruit. It's set in a sturdy frame of acid and tannin, and seems to gain concentration through the long finish.	Winemaker's Cuvée	92	32	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Elizabeth Chambers	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Elizabeth Chambers 2011 Winemaker's Cuvée Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
France	Unlike many vintages of Coudoulet, this one is medium-bodied and fruit-forward, offering hints of cherries, mulberries and wild Provençal herbs. Those garrigue notes linger on the softly dusty finish. Drink now–2023.	Coudoulet de Beaucastel	91	34	Rhône Valley	Côtes du Rhône	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Famille Perrin	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Famille Perrin 2013 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Red (Côtes du Rhône)
Chile	A blend of old-vine Cariñena (60%), Syrah (25%) and Merlot (15%). The color is impressively dark and so is the fruit—mainly plums and blackberries. Toast and dried spices from new oak give an additional impression of opulence. But even more impressive is the balance. This is no low-acid, fruit-and-oak wonder; the natural acidity of the Carignane shines through, giving lift and definition to the flavors. Easy to drink now, but should easily hold a few years.	Cordillera	91	26	Curicó Valley	null	null	Red Blend	Miguel Torres	null	null	null
US	Something seems off here, or perhaps it is just a young wine throwing off some bottling aromas. In any event, it's thin, simple and sugary, without the complexity of the excellent 2010.	Estate Grown	84	10	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Riesling	StoneCap	null	null	null
France	94-96 Barrel sample. A wine with wonderful concentration, smooth, spiced fruit, the richness lifted by acidity. The wine is dense, compact, a great waft of sweet final fruits.	Barrel sample	95	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Trottevieille	null	null	null
Italy	Made with Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of toast, coffee, black currants and a whiff of cedar. The palate delivers dried black cherries, espresso, grilled sage and a leathery note alongside assertive, astringent tannins.	Coniale	89	55	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Castellare di Castellina	null	null	null
Germany	Hints of burnt sugar and spice accentuate honeyed peach, tangerine and melon in this deeply fruity auslese. It's lip-smacking sweet and ethereal in texture, filling the palate with crystalline shards of citrus, salt and mineral. Delicious and complex already, but sure to improve further through at least 2030.	Scharzhofberger Auslese #19 Grosse Lage	94	70	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2014 Scharzhofberger Auslese #19 Grosse Lage Riesling (Mosel)
France	This blend of two herbal grapes gives a tangy zesty wine. Lemon peel and crisp acidity are dominant, with tight fruitiness and a perfumed aftertaste. Drink now.	Les Hauts d'Arton	86	null	Southwest France	Côtes de Gascogne	null	Colombard-Sauvignon Blanc	Domaine d'Arton	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine d'Arton 2015 Les Hauts d'Arton Colombard-Sauvignon Blanc (Côtes de Gascogne)
France	A note of flinty reduction still hovers above the nose, signalling a wine still needing bottle age. Underneath, juicy peaches are enlivened with notes of fresh, tart passion fruit. The final picture is one of balanced poise and lasting, juicy aroma. Drink 2017–2025.	Altenbourg	92	53	Alsace	Alsace	null	Gewürztraminer	Domaine Weinbach	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Domaine Weinbach 2015 Altenbourg Gewurztraminer (Alsace)
Portugal	From the Quinta da Aguieira, this serious, concentrated wine has the violet perfume typical of Touriga Nacional. It is a rich, dense and tannic wine, full of black fruit, dark chocolate and bright acidity. Drink this wine from late 2018.	Follies Casa da Aguieira	92	14	Bairrada	null	null	Touriga Nacional	Aveleda	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Aveleda 2015 Follies Casa da Aguieira Touriga Nacional (Bairrada)
US	A pale, pretty coppery peach in color, this brings scents of mineral-tinged peach and apricot. Graceful and refreshing, the light stone fruit flavors continue into a firm midpalate, and show good concentration through the finish.	Syrah	88	20	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Rosé	K Vintners	null	null	null
Argentina	Generous, sizable aromas of cassis, blackberry and violet are inviting. This is juicy, with slightly wiry acidity creating a racy mouthfeel. Flavors of berry and cassis are loamy on their own but ride comfortably on a wave of tartaric acidity, while the finish is lifted and lively, with black-fruit flavors.	null	91	27	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Doña Silvina	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Doña Silvina 2011 Malbec (Mendoza)
France	This wood-aged wine is rich, full with tannins and great black fruits. The vineyard is in the heart of Cahors to the west of the city, able to produce classic Malbec, ripe and full of fruits and acidity. The wine is made to age, so drink from 2019.	null	89	21	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Clos d'Audhuy	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Clos d'Audhuy 2014 Malbec (Cahors)
France	A complex Champagne, with its apricot, green plum and pink grapefruit flavors, mixed with a rich, creamy texture and soft acidity. The final tastes are of lychees, with some toastiness.	Tête de Cuvée Fiacre Brut	92	null	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Chartogne-Taillet	null	null	null
Portugal	Tropical and citrus fruits complement each other in this soft and fruity wine. It has some richness and a tangy texture of orange peel, which give it a balanced character. Drink now, although the wine will be better in 2016.	Visconde de Garcez	87	null	Douro	null	null	Portuguese White	Casa de Vila Nova	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Casa de Vila Nova 2013 Visconde de Garcez White (Douro)
Spain	Sweet and fresh smelling, with aromas of lime, pear and peach. The palate is all about citrus, with some spice and mineral thrown in for good measure. Balanced and zesty, like Albariño should be.	null	87	15	Galicia	Rías Baixas	null	Albariño	Mar de Frades	null	null	null
Australia	This is full and richly textured without being overdone. Crushed stone and cracked pepper aromatics give it a nose that resembles some Northern Rhône examples, while the fruit is earthier and tinged with blackberries, then finishes with dusty tannins. Drink now–2020.	Mathilda	91	15	Victoria	Victoria	null	Shiraz	Tournon by Michel Chapoutier	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Tournon by Michel Chapoutier 2013 Mathilda Shiraz (Victoria)
Chile	Mild pungency with an oily edge describes the bouquet. It's lemony and slick in the mouth, with green papaya and lemon flavors. Dry and crisp on the back end, with white pepper notes and sharp lasting acidity.	Reserva	85	9	Maipo Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Santa Alicia	null	null	null
US	One of Dan Kessler's many Pinot bottlings, this shows tart but deep black plum skin aromas, with boysenberry, lavender, hibiscus and a touch of candied cherry. The palate shows both red cherry ripeness and fresh pomegranate tang, with a focus on floral elements of lavender and rose, presented like a bouquet on the tongue.	Synergy	91	42	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Kessler-Haak	null	null	null
US	A simple, proper Pinot Noir, dry and silky in the mouth. It shows modest raspberry and cherry flavors, with an edge of oak.	null	84	13	California	California	California Other	Pinot Noir	Chime	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a generous, opulent Barbaresco Riserva with aromas of black cherry and soft vanilla. The wine is not overdone, but elegant: You'll detect soft hints of coffee and roasted almond as well and the tannins are tight and firm on the close.	Basarin Riserva	92	null	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Adriano Marco & Vittorio	null	null	null
Spain	A little herbal and minty on the nose, but at this price one can't complain too mightily. The palate smacks down with bite and acidity, while the flavors run herbal and a little stemmy, with caramel as a backdrop. Roasted and herbal but not offensive, especially at $7 a bottle.	Tintico	84	7	Northern Spain	Navarra	null	Tempranillo	Castillo de Monjardin	null	null	null
Italy	Signorio is a surprisingly polished and elegant Nero d'Avola with a silky, fine texture and bright flavors of dried fruit, cassis, espresso and dark chocolate. Pair this pretty wine with saffron and shrimp risotto.	Signorio	90	null	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Nero d'Avola	Tenuta Barone Nicolò La Lumia	null	null	null
US	Shows the silky dryness and elegance you want in a Pinot Noir, with brisk acidity framing sour cherry, pomegranate and persimmon fruit flavors. Really grows on you as it sits in the glass, warming up and developing complexity. The vineyard has been quite a successful source of grapes to several wineries, including Blessing.	Split Rock Vineyard	90	40	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Blessing	null	null	Blessing 2009 Split Rock Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
US	Punchy hibiscus and pomegranate notes mix with crushed black rocks and rose petals on the nose of this very reliable every-day drinker. The palate is earthy and herbal in character, with flavors of bay leaf, camphor, dried mint, pine sap and tangy cranberry juice making it very food-friendly.	null	86	13	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Castle Rock	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Castle Rock 2014 Pinot Noir (Monterey County)

France

This impressive wine is full of potential. Powerful wood flavors are currently masking the fruitiness of the wine. However the weight of fruit and the rich texture promise good long-term aging.

null

92

65

Bordeaux

Pessac-Léognan

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2013 Pessac-Léognan

Australia

Full-bodied, lush and velvety, the 2006 Ben Schild Reserve is ready to drink now and over the next 8 years. Hints of espresso and black olive impart complexity to the plum and blueberry fruit, and a licorice note chimes in on the softly textured finish.

Ben Schild Reserve

92

35

South Australia

Barossa

null

Shiraz

Schild Estate

null

Italy

Apple and fresh celery aromas define the nose. The palate offers equal doses of apple, lees and mineral notes, while the finish is a touch chalky and very slightly bitter. Not flawed but a bit less than generous in Prosecco's normal zest and clarity.

Extra Dry

86

15

Veneto

Prosecco del Veneto

null

Prosecco

Casalnova

null

France

This is a perfumed, stalky wine. It suggests fragrant red fruits and crushed raspberry flavors that contrast with the smoky flavor and strong acidity. At the end, red currants dominate.

Grande Côte de la Vallée

87

null

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Matthias et Emile Roblin

null

US

Give this wine credit for sheer exuberance. It's a mélange of cherries, root beer, sweet mushu plum sauce and smoky sandalwood, folded into soft, smooth tannins, and brightened with acidity. Textbook coastal Pinot Noir for drinking now.

Estate

89

34

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Melville

null

Melville 2011 Estate Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

US

This needs oxygen to open up past its slightly reductive nose; then it blossoms into a full-bodied, flavorful wine with a broad array of mixed black fruits. Hints of leaf and herb are nicely styled and not intrusive.

Freedom Hill Vineyard

90

60

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Lange

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Lange 2009 Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)

US

Pungent in classic varietal aromas, this is a floral, slightly off-dry, zingy wine with a touch of honeyed vanilla on the otherwise spicy finish. It'll pair well with spicy fare.

null

87

16

California

Mendocino County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Gewürztraminer

McNab Ridge

null

Mexico

Roasted berry, dry oak, bacon, leather, graphite and spice aromas come together on the nose. It feels jammy, thick and chewy, with full tannins setting up flavors of baked berry and molasses. It finishes similarly, with a rich, full texture and a candied flavor. This is a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 10% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Singular

88

40

Valle de Guadalupe

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

La Lomita

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

La Lomita 2009 Singular Red (Valle de Guadalupe)

US

Fruit from moe than 20 vineyards went into this three-county blend. The result is a beautiful wine. Dry and spicy, it has lush pineapple, vanilla custard, tapioca, peaches and cream and gingerbread flavors, and a lush, creamy texture. Notable also for the crisp, brisk mouthfeel.

Overlook

90

26

California

Sonoma County-Monterey County-Santa Barbara County

California Other

Chardonnay

Landmark

null

US

An ambitious and successful rosé made from 50% Gamay Noir and 50% Grenache, this light yellow-pink wine offers inviting pink grapefruit skin, Gala apple and green pear on the nose. The palate shows the tiniest bit of sweetness, which makes the Pink Lady apple and tangerine-led citrus notes all the more delicious. Beware: this goes down all too easy.

null

90

22

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Rosé

Joyce

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Joyce 2015 Rosé (Monterey)

France

Fresh and fruity, this wine has lively strawberry flavors and acidity shining through the red currant fruits. The tannins are a light counterpoint to the dominating fresh fruit.

null

86

null

Burgundy

Auxey-Duresses

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Jessiaume

null

US

A little rustic in texture, but nice and fruity, with upfront blackberries, cherries, blueberries and chocolate, framed in a scour of fine tannins. Drink now.

null

85

18

California

California Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

F.J. Serra

null

US

Deeply flavored in raspberries, cherries, red licorice and exotic dusty spices, this Pinot Noir has a tannin-acid tightness that makes it aloof and hard. Although it's dry, it's so rich in fruit, it tastes sweet. A very fine wine, but needs some time to come around. Give it four or five years to mellow.

Reserve Nunes Vineyard

92

56

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Matrix

null

Matrix 2009 Reserve Nunes Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Germany

Whiffs of candlestick and honeycomb lend subtlety to zesty white-grapefruit and honeydew flavors in this dry Riesling. While rich, round and supple in mouthfeel, it's balanced squarely by acidity and a pleasant bite of lemon zest.

Dry Mineral

91

20

Mosel

null

Riesling

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler 2015 Dry Mineral Riesling (Mosel)

France

A wine from a selected parcel of vines; attractive, crisply balanced, the fresh green fruits backed by yeasty toast and a creamy, full texture. There is also a layer of minerality that turns this into a fine food wine.

Coing de Sèvre

89

10

Loire Valley

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

null

Melon

Château du Coing de Saint-Fiacre

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château du Coing de Saint-Fiacre 2006 Coing de Sèvre (Muscadet Sèvre et Maine)

US

From Delicato, a Merlot that shows the soft texture of Paso Robles reds with well-ripened blackberry, cherry and carob flavors that last into a long finish. Could use greater structure at this price, though.

null

84

24

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Merlot

San Simeon

null

France

This pale-colored rosé is dominated by Chardonnay. It tastes drier than previous bottlings, with a tight mineral texture and intense acidity. At the same time, the fruit is all there—red currant and citrus. The wine is delicious now for its crispness, although it will certainly age, and this bottling (disgorged in 3/16) will be at its best from 2018.

Noble Cuvée Brut Rosé

92

130

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Lanson

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Lanson NV Noble Cuvée Brut Rosé (Champagne)

Spain

Alidis is not the most consistent winery in Ribera del Duero, but this gran reserva gets it mostly right. Earthy, slightly mulchy and rubbery berry aromas lead to a saturated bulky palate. Saucy earthy flavors of black fruits finish gritty and a bit leathery, with a jammy weight and a lasting note of black coffee.

Gran Reserva

90

60

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Alidis

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Alidis 2011 Gran Reserva (Ribera del Duero)

France

The mineral expression has the upper hand in this dry, full-bodied white, with tones of apple and nuts playing second fiddle to cinnamon and wet stone flavors. The long finish winds up on a nutmeg note. Drink now.

Les Alouettes Lerchenberg

88

35

Alsace

null

Pinot Gris

Marc Kreydenweiss

null

Argentina

Rooty, spicy aromas of cola and herbal plum are slightly smoky and leafy. This is fleshy and open on the palate, with spicy, herbal flavors of tomato, tea and black plum. A similar herbal, meaty quality lasts onto the finish.

Reserva

87

19

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Ruca Malen

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Ruca Malen 2012 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)

US

First bottle corked. Second bottle sound, but rather one dimensional. The fruit is simple green apple and green berry; but there is a distinct earthy undertone that carries into the finish. If new oak barrels were used, they are not evident.

Estate

85

20

Washington

Wahluke Slope

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Gilbert Cellars

null

Italy

Here's a gorgeous Brunello that achieves that ever-so delicate balance of fruit versus menthol notes versus toast to render an unforgettable drinking experience. This is why they say Brunello can't be made in any other part of the world outside this tiny corner of Tuscany: Intense notes of chewy cherry, carob, licorice, almonds, chopped herbs ride over dusty tannins and a long finish.

Vigna del Fiore

92

120

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Fattoria dei Barbi

null

Italy

Alastro is a food-friendly blend of Grecanico and Chardonnay. Grecanico adds fresh, floral aromas and the Chardonnay gives the wine its creamy, smooth texture. A percentage of the wine is aged in oak and this process lends aromas of spice and vanilla.

Alastro

88

21

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

White Blend

Planeta

null

France

90-92 Firm, concentrated, dry wine. It seems to be all structure, until the sweet juicy plum fruits show through.

Barrel sample

91

null

Bordeaux

Listrac-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Fourcas Dupré

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Fourcas Dupré 2010 Barrel sample (Listrac-Médoc)

Australia

A satisfying steak house red, Oliverhill's 2008 Red Silk doesn't have the intensity or complexity of the Jimmy Section or Mount Benson Shirazes, but still offers plums and vanilla, plenty of weight and richness and a delicate dustiness on the finish. Drink now-2016.

Red Silk

89

37

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Shiraz

Oliverhill

null

Greece

A curiosity, this Assyrtico-Sémillon blend has a smooth, creamy feel that fills the mouth, and a pleasant nose of grapefruit and baked apple. Muted at first, flavors of citrus, baked apple and vanilla toast are nicely integrated, picking up steam towards a firm, zesty finish.

Ovilos

87

40

Pangeon

null

White Blend

Estate Biblia Chora

null

US

A “kitchen sink” blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot, the Wild Z shows far more flavors of vanilla and black tea than fruit. A popular style to be sure, fine for everyday drinking.

Wild Z

86

20

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Zerba Cellars

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Zerba Cellars 2008 Wild Z Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

US

Hard to believe this Sauvignon Blanc never saw oak, because it has a vanilla bean flavor that must come from the grapes alone, although lees aging surely contributes to the creaminess. The underlying flavors are complex, ranging from Meyer lemons and sweet limes to exotic tropical quince, kiwi and guava and just a touch of gooseberry. Best of all is the acidity, which brightens everything. A great Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc.

null

92

28

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

Stephen & Walker

null

Italy

This opens with a pretty floral fragrance of acacia, Spanish broom and chamomile. The palate doles out white peach and tangerine zest alongside fresh acidity.

null

87

20

Tuscany

Bolgheri

null

White Blend

Campo al Mare

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Campo al Mare 2013 White (Bolgheri)

US

A mild undertone of funky earth and rustic leather provides intrigue and individuality to this release, one of the larger offerings by the winery. Cherry, pomegranate and cranberry all make appearances on a palate that is lush and expansively fruity, finishing in memorable minerality.

Cuvée de Trois

91

35

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Joseph Swan Vineyards

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Joseph Swan Vineyards 2012 Cuvée de Trois Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Portugal

This is a fine wine, dominated by Alicante Bouschet and packed with black fruits and juicy acidity. It is rich, full while still keeping a great sense of balance and style. The wine can be drunk now, although it will be better from 2017.

Monte Cascas Grande Reserva

91

39

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Casca Wines

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Casca Wines 2011 Monte Cascas Grande Reserva Red (Alentejano)

Germany

Penetrating tones of stone, lemon and wax lend a stately feel to this dry, intensely mineral Riesling. It's full-bodied in style with a rich, rounded mouthfeel, but invigorated with acidity on the finish.

Rotschiefer Trocken

90

41

Nahe

null

Riesling

Prinz Salm

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Prinz Salm 2012 Rotschiefer Trocken Riesling (Nahe)

Italy

This wine is not as bulky or dense as others from Bolgheri and boasts a more austere, yet elegant nose. But there's character and depth here thanks to its chewy tannins and long cherry finish.

Impronte

91

50

Tuscany

Bolgheri

null

Red Blend

Giorgio Meletti Cavallari

null

US

The best effort in the Palouse lineup, the Dineen designate has a bit more going on than the rest—a mix of prunes and cherry candy, falling off into a light finish with cocoa and baking spices.

Dineen Vineyard

86

50

Washington

Washington Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Palouse

null

France

Soft, ripe fruit flavors of apple, peach and melon crispened with acidity. The wine is smooth and rounded, with a fine, fresh aftertaste.

null

85

17

Burgundy

Bourgogne

null

Chardonnay

Louis Jadot

null

Spain

Grapefruit, lime and leesy aromas feed into a healthy palate with adequate acidity and raciness. Pithy, briny citrus flavors of lime and orange finish with notes of grapefruit and scallion. Drink now.

null

87

14

Northern Spain

Rueda

null

Verdejo

Palma Real

null

Italy

This flagship Prosecco Superiore offers rich smoothness accented by fresh notes of apricot, honey and white flower. It ends with a playful endnote of succulent sweetness.

Giall'Oro Extra Dry

89

19

Veneto

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

null

Glera

Ruggeri & C.

null

US

This is a good, everyday Merlot with some additional qualities of elegance. It's soft and mellow, with nice flavors of blackberries, cherries, red currants, chocolate and licorice.

null

86

15

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Merlot

Angeline

null

Slovenia

This wine is garnet in color, with aromas of cherry, vanilla, red plum and cassis. Flavors of tart cherry, red raspberry and blackberry drive the palate and lead to a lingering finish.

null

89

35

Vipavska Dolina

null

Cabernet Franc

Batič

null

Austria

A wonderful, fresh wine, packed with ripe green fruits and pepper. The mineral character is very evident, a product of the gneiss soil of the Achleiten vineyard. On the finish there is a great, balanced fusion of fruit and structure.

Achleiten Smaragd

93

54

Wachau

null

Grüner Veltliner

Prager

null

France

Honeyed and caramel aromas are followed on the palate by a ripe, rich creamy texture. Yellow fruits are further smoothed by buttery flavors. This is a rounded wine, ready to drink.

null

85

18

Burgundy

Mâcon-Villages

null

Chardonnay

Louis Max

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Louis Max 2013 Mâcon-Villages

France

With just a touch of tannin, this big-selling Beaujolais-Villages has both weight and richness. Most of all, it has bright red fruits, a hint of spice and crisp acidity.

null

84

null

Beaujolais

Beaujolais-Villages

null

Gamay

Georges Duboeuf

null

Italy

Here is a ripe but well-balanced wine with aromas of cherry, spice, dark chocolate and minerals. The wine boasts a modern edge that is identified by its soft, forthcoming personality and its jammy fruit characteristics. It tastes smooth and rich and would pair with any hearty winter meal.

null

87

16

Central Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane

null

Montepulciano

Farnese

null

Farnese 2004 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane

Spain

Having never tried this producer's wines, we can only heap praise on this medium-bodied, more modern style of Rioja. Bacon, rubber and raspberry work the bouquet, while the palate is ripe and full as it pumps forth with pure red-fruit flavors. Firm and mildly tannic, with ample new oak leaving lasting flavors of vanilla, coffee and pepper. Hold for another year or so, if possible; 900 cases produced.

Deóbriga Selección Familiar

91

22

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

R. de Ayala Lete E Hijos

null

US

Sweet vanilla mingles with ripe cherries and plums on the nose and palate of this supple, soft Long Island Merlot. Bright acidity and a hint of green, leafy herbs add freshness on the palate. Finishes on a slightly grippy, tannic note.

null

85

20

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Merlot

Castello di Borghese

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Castello di Borghese 2006 Merlot (North Fork of Long Island)

Portugal

This smooth, rich and ripe wine conveys a strong feeling of power. Weight and concentration from black plum fruit and dark tannins are freshened by acidity. Solidly textured, this big, beefy number will be ready to drink by the end of 2015.

Dalva Grande Reserva

89

21

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

C. da Silva

Roger Voss

@vossroger

C. da Silva 2011 Dalva Grande Reserva Red (Douro)

US

This easy-to-drink Pinot has enormously ripe flavors of cherries, black raspberries and red currants. There's a cutting edge of acidity, and an aroma of what is sometimes called sweaty leather. The silky texture and richness make it worth a second sip, or a third.

Spring Grove Vineyards

87

27

California

San Benito County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Pessagno

null

US

This is the most affordable Pinot from Archery Summit, a blend of multiple clones and vineyards, and it's a gem. Full and fruity from the moment you pull the cork, it hits you with flavors of ripe strawberry, blackberry and black cherry, a big mouthful of lush fruit flavor. The finish brings on hints of truffle, licorice and dark chocolate.

Premier Cuvée

91

48

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Archery Summit

null

Spain

Berry fruit, vanilla and violet aromas are friendlier than the rugged, ultrafirm palate on this Syrah-Graciano blend. With food, the wine will be a strong counterpoint and will hold its own. By itself it may slip in pleasure points; the Graciano is tight as nails and adds astringency. Imported by Möet Hennessy USA, Inc.

Caliza

85

22

Central Spain

Dominio de Valdepusa

null

Red Blend

Marques de Griñon

null

France

90-92 Barrel sample. Dry, intense tannins dominate this wine. The fruit is going to come through later, but together the two will give it a powerful, heavy structure .

Barrel sample

91

null

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château de Lamarque

null

New Zealand

A rather delicate style, with bits of smoke, dried herbs and spice accenting cherry fruit. Light-bodied, but with pretty aromatics and good flavor intensity. Drink now–2008. Imported by DC Imports LLC.

null

87

27

Waipara

null

Pinot Noir

Mount Cass

null

France

Silex is the French name for the flint over limestone soil that occurs in the Sancerre and Pouilly regions. There is a definite character of tight texture in this wine, very mineral while it also has ripe fruit. This is a new wine from Fournier, an impressive addition to the range.

Cuvée Silex

92

40

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Fournier Père et Fils

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Fournier Père et Fils 2008 Cuvée Silex (Sancerre)

US

Mostly Malbec (34%) and Petit Verdot (32%), this nonvintage blend offers up-front oak notes of vanilla and dill. These are followed by cherry cola, green herbs and a whiff of volatility, along with sweet flavors and grippy tannins.

Due Anni

86

18

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Patterson

null

US

The winemaker aged a majority of this wine on the lees in new French oak, and the rest in stainless steel. This combination is easygoing and very fruity in aroma and flavor. The body is medium while the texture is soft and agreeable.

null

87

16

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Chardonnay

Michael David

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Michael David 2014 Chardonnay (Lodi)

Cyprus

This blend of Mavro and Xinisteri is made in-style that dates back to the Crusades and will appeal to fans of tawny Port. The nose, thick with spicebox and orange peel aromas, is followed by viscous but spicy flavors of caramel, orange and honey on the palate. Balanced but robust, it's a dessert wine with a masculine edge.

null

85

13

Commandaria

null

Red Blend

Loel

null

France

Under the same ownership as Giscours, and benefiting from big investment in recent years, this is an estate at the top of its form. The wine has aromas of sweet, new wood, while the palate is packed with tarry fruits and spicy wood and herbs. Flavors of ripe black currants give a rich, satisfying feel. This is a wine that is well structured, dense and, given another five years, will be delicious.

null

92

31

Bordeaux

Margaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château du Tertre

null

US

This blend of 53% Grenache Blanc, 34% Viognier, 10% Roussanne and 3% Marsanne, which features a painting by Santa Barbara artist Chris Potter, shows interesting touches of honey and orgeat with a macadamia nut backbone. The tinge of honey extends to the sip, where it joins baked apple, nectarine and peach flavors, along with a chalky texture and decent acidity.

Marcella's

88

20

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Rhône-style White Blend

Fess Parker

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Fess Parker 2015 Marcella's White (Santa Barbara County)

US

A very fine effort, with classic cassis and black cherry in the fruit core, but also offering interesting details of bark, earth and herb. The wine lingers, perhaps due to excellent natural acidity, and without overpowering the palate it keeps tantalizing it with nuances of moist earth and wet rock.

Reserve

90

22

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Waterbrook

null

France

Using fruit sourced from old vines, this is concentrated, with some richness and weight. Ripe red-cherry fruit mingles with balanced, dry tannins.

Vignes de 1940

86

13

Beaujolais

Beaujolais-Villages

null

Gamay

Domaine Dupré

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Dupré 2011 Vignes de 1940 (Beaujolais-Villages)

US

While blackberry and cherry notes are lush and ripe on the nose, this Finger Lakes Zweigelt is surprisingly elegant on the palate. Sour cherry and tart plum flavors are concentrated and juicy, but lively in feel. The finish is extended by a fringe of fine, polished tannins.

William Vigne

89

18

New York

Seneca Lake

Finger Lakes

Zweigelt

Fulkerson

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Fulkerson 2013 William Vigne Zweigelt (Seneca Lake)

US

A structured proprietary red blend from Temecula Valley. The tannins remain a tad chewy, leathery even, though the wine's got some hints of fig, cherry and cinnamon that keep it interesting.

Synergy 65, Estate Grown

87

33

California

Temecula Valley

South Coast

Red Blend

Monte De Oro

null

Italy

The ripe fruit element is perfectly contained and just short of seeming overdone or jammy. It's soft and round, with loads of oak-driven spice, like cinnamon and ground clove, and plump tones of red cherry, blackberry and plum. What's really nice is the freshness and overall supple texture.

null

94

70

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Máté

null

France

Burnt brown sugar, caramel sauce, baked plum, fig and milk chocolate abound on the nose of this rich, decadent selection. Well balanced and incredibly easy to like, lush dark-fruit flavors lead the medium-weight palate, while notes of milk chocolate and baking spice linger on the close.

Tuilé

89

18

Languedoc-Roussillon

Rivesaltes

null

Red Blend

Diví Elegància

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Diví Elegància NV Tuilé Red (Rivesaltes)

US

Floral and pretty on the nose, this coastal Pinot offers soft layers of wild strawberry and tangy acidity while pushing the boundaries of lower ripeness. Lean, it finishes with a suggestion of earthy mushroom and savory tea.

Campbell Ranch

90

56

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Papapietro Perry

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Papapietro Perry 2012 Campbell Ranch Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

US

This Bordeaux blend, made from the five classic varieties, is tough and resilient, compared to the standard Napa bottling. It's dry, tannic and herbal, yet with enough cherry-berry flavors to establish varietal character. The challenge for the vintner is greater richness.

Mon Amour

86

45

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Coquelicot

null

Coquelicot 2006 Mon Amour Red (Santa Ynez Valley)

Argentina

One of the most untouched, terroir-driven Malbecs made in Argentina is Achaval-Ferrer's Altamira. It's harvested about three weeks earlier than most high-end fruit, resulting in core raspberry flavors and a certain redness of character. The wine is unfined and cloudy but still very clear on the palate, with length, power and class. Best from 2009–2012.

Finca Altamira

92

112

Mendoza Province

La Consulta

null

Malbec

Achaval-Ferrer

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Achaval-Ferrer 2006 Finca Altamira Malbec (La Consulta)

France

With Merlot softening the power of Brau-col, this is a full-bodied while rounded wine. Juicy acidity gives a fresh character, and red berry fruits dominate the firm tannins. Balanced and concentrated, it will repay some good aging. Drink from 2017.

Vieilles Vignes

88

20

Southwest France

Gaillac

null

Red Blend

Domaine du Moulin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine du Moulin 2012 Vieilles Vignes Red (Gaillac)

Italy

Nail polish and other sweet, somewhat artificial aromas lead to raspberry flavors. It's a tight, lean wine with more acidity than flesh. A little bit sour but drinkable. Blends Sangiovese, Uva de Troia, Cabernet and Merlot with modest results.

Niró

83

10

Southern Italy

Murgia

null

Red Blend

Torre Mascoli

null

France

Owned by Xavier Chassagnoux, who also has vineyards in Fronsac, this estate has produced a rich wine. It has the typical fruity character of the vintage with its soft tannins and juicy acidity. Red berries are lightly supported by the open structure. Drink the wine now.

Cuvée Pillebourse

86

17

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Supérieur

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château de Virecourt

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Virecourt 2014 Cuvée Pillebourse (Bordeaux Supérieur)

France

This Moueix-owned premier grand cru classé property quietly goes about producing great wines. The 2000 is a complete success, with its aromas of red berry fruits and sweet wood, its flavors cedar and truffles alongside the fine, elegant tannins. It will age slowly and reveal layers of complexity over the years.

null

93

87

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Magdelaine

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Magdelaine 2000 Saint-Émilion

US

Orange blossoms and toasted brioche tempt on the nose of this elegantly oaked Chardonnay. The palate is concentrated with pristine melon and floral flavors, and just a hint of dusty minerality in the backdrop.

Reserve Barrel Fermented

86

17

New York

Cayuga Lake

Finger Lakes

Chardonnay

Treleaven

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Treleaven 2009 Reserve Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Cayuga Lake)

Moldova

This is the best of Cricova's Collection series, which consists of wines that age in the winery for years. It has an evolved nose of aged cheese, earth, stem and tobacco, with some fruit to spare. Fairly light for a Cabernet, it maintains healthy, yet dusty, tannins supporting barnyard, leather, brown spice and chewing tobacco flavors. The fruit has gone, but what remains is an interesting, complex wine with good intensity.

Collection Cabernet

86

23

Moldova

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cricova

null

Portugal

This is a ripe powerful wine. It has layers of wood aging adding spice to the rich black-plum fruit. Smoky, rich and concentrated, it is an impressive wine that is going to need some long-term aging. Drink from 2019.

Ikon

92

45

Tejo

null

Touriga Nacional

Fiuza

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Fiuza 2013 Ikon Touriga Nacional (Tejo)

US

Soft, round and lengthy, there's a lot to admire and enjoy in this wine. Licorice, leather and undulating ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit combine on the palate. It's medium bodied, intense and complex, with dark chocolate accents on the finish.

Gamma

90

35

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Syrah

Ampelos

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Ampelos 2012 Gamma Syrah (Sta. Rita Hills)

Argentina

Baked berry, savory bacon and coconut aromas give this Cab a modern, sweet outlook. In the mouth, it's more raw and abrasive, with firm tannins and lemony acids. Flavors of baked berry fruits and resiny oak finish chewy and tannic, with a touch of heat.

Reserve

88

17

Mendoza Province

Tupungato

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Finca Sophenia

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Finca Sophenia 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Tupungato)

US

An elegant debut for this new Oregon winery, the Winemaker's Cuvée opens with lovely floral and herbal scents, moving into a detailed, precise and well-configured palate, with pretty raspberry and cherry candy fruit. It's set in a sturdy frame of acid and tannin, and seems to gain concentration through the long finish.

Winemaker's Cuvée

92

32

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Elizabeth Chambers

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Elizabeth Chambers 2011 Winemaker's Cuvée Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

France

Unlike many vintages of Coudoulet, this one is medium-bodied and fruit-forward, offering hints of cherries, mulberries and wild Provençal herbs. Those garrigue notes linger on the softly dusty finish. Drink now–2023.

Coudoulet de Beaucastel

91

34

Rhône Valley

Côtes du Rhône

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Famille Perrin

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Famille Perrin 2013 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Red (Côtes du Rhône)

Chile

A blend of old-vine Cariñena (60%), Syrah (25%) and Merlot (15%). The color is impressively dark and so is the fruit—mainly plums and blackberries. Toast and dried spices from new oak give an additional impression of opulence. But even more impressive is the balance. This is no low-acid, fruit-and-oak wonder; the natural acidity of the Carignane shines through, giving lift and definition to the flavors. Easy to drink now, but should easily hold a few years.

Cordillera

91

26

Curicó Valley

null

Red Blend

Miguel Torres

null

US

Something seems off here, or perhaps it is just a young wine throwing off some bottling aromas. In any event, it's thin, simple and sugary, without the complexity of the excellent 2010.

Estate Grown

84

10

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Riesling

StoneCap

null

France

94-96 Barrel sample. A wine with wonderful concentration, smooth, spiced fruit, the richness lifted by acidity. The wine is dense, compact, a great waft of sweet final fruits.

Barrel sample

95

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Trottevieille

null

Italy

Made with Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of toast, coffee, black currants and a whiff of cedar. The palate delivers dried black cherries, espresso, grilled sage and a leathery note alongside assertive, astringent tannins.

Coniale

89

55

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Castellare di Castellina

null

Germany

Hints of burnt sugar and spice accentuate honeyed peach, tangerine and melon in this deeply fruity auslese. It's lip-smacking sweet and ethereal in texture, filling the palate with crystalline shards of citrus, salt and mineral. Delicious and complex already, but sure to improve further through at least 2030.

Scharzhofberger Auslese #19 Grosse Lage

94

70

Mosel

null

Riesling

Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2014 Scharzhofberger Auslese #19 Grosse Lage Riesling (Mosel)

France

This blend of two herbal grapes gives a tangy zesty wine. Lemon peel and crisp acidity are dominant, with tight fruitiness and a perfumed aftertaste. Drink now.

Les Hauts d'Arton

86

null

Southwest France

Côtes de Gascogne

null

Colombard-Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine d'Arton

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine d'Arton 2015 Les Hauts d'Arton Colombard-Sauvignon Blanc (Côtes de Gascogne)

France

A note of flinty reduction still hovers above the nose, signalling a wine still needing bottle age. Underneath, juicy peaches are enlivened with notes of fresh, tart passion fruit. The final picture is one of balanced poise and lasting, juicy aroma. Drink 2017–2025.

Altenbourg

92

53

Alsace

null

Gewürztraminer

Domaine Weinbach

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Domaine Weinbach 2015 Altenbourg Gewurztraminer (Alsace)

Portugal

From the Quinta da Aguieira, this serious, concentrated wine has the violet perfume typical of Touriga Nacional. It is a rich, dense and tannic wine, full of black fruit, dark chocolate and bright acidity. Drink this wine from late 2018.

Follies Casa da Aguieira

92

14

Bairrada

null

Touriga Nacional

Aveleda

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Aveleda 2015 Follies Casa da Aguieira Touriga Nacional (Bairrada)

US

A pale, pretty coppery peach in color, this brings scents of mineral-tinged peach and apricot. Graceful and refreshing, the light stone fruit flavors continue into a firm midpalate, and show good concentration through the finish.

Syrah

88

20

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Rosé

K Vintners

null

Argentina

Generous, sizable aromas of cassis, blackberry and violet are inviting. This is juicy, with slightly wiry acidity creating a racy mouthfeel. Flavors of berry and cassis are loamy on their own but ride comfortably on a wave of tartaric acidity, while the finish is lifted and lively, with black-fruit flavors.

null

91

27

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Doña Silvina

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Doña Silvina 2011 Malbec (Mendoza)

France

This wood-aged wine is rich, full with tannins and great black fruits. The vineyard is in the heart of Cahors to the west of the city, able to produce classic Malbec, ripe and full of fruits and acidity. The wine is made to age, so drink from 2019.

null

89

21

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Clos d'Audhuy

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Clos d'Audhuy 2014 Malbec (Cahors)

France

A complex Champagne, with its apricot, green plum and pink grapefruit flavors, mixed with a rich, creamy texture and soft acidity. The final tastes are of lychees, with some toastiness.

Tête de Cuvée Fiacre Brut

92

null

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Chartogne-Taillet

null

Portugal

Tropical and citrus fruits complement each other in this soft and fruity wine. It has some richness and a tangy texture of orange peel, which give it a balanced character. Drink now, although the wine will be better in 2016.

Visconde de Garcez

87

null

Douro

null

Portuguese White

Casa de Vila Nova

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Casa de Vila Nova 2013 Visconde de Garcez White (Douro)

Spain

Sweet and fresh smelling, with aromas of lime, pear and peach. The palate is all about citrus, with some spice and mineral thrown in for good measure. Balanced and zesty, like Albariño should be.

null

87

15

Galicia

Rías Baixas

null

Albariño

Mar de Frades

null

Australia

This is full and richly textured without being overdone. Crushed stone and cracked pepper aromatics give it a nose that resembles some Northern Rhône examples, while the fruit is earthier and tinged with blackberries, then finishes with dusty tannins. Drink now–2020.

Mathilda

91

15

Victoria

null

Shiraz

Tournon by Michel Chapoutier

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Tournon by Michel Chapoutier 2013 Mathilda Shiraz (Victoria)

Chile

Mild pungency with an oily edge describes the bouquet. It's lemony and slick in the mouth, with green papaya and lemon flavors. Dry and crisp on the back end, with white pepper notes and sharp lasting acidity.

Reserva

85

9

Maipo Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Santa Alicia

null

US

One of Dan Kessler's many Pinot bottlings, this shows tart but deep black plum skin aromas, with boysenberry, lavender, hibiscus and a touch of candied cherry. The palate shows both red cherry ripeness and fresh pomegranate tang, with a focus on floral elements of lavender and rose, presented like a bouquet on the tongue.

Synergy

91

42

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Kessler-Haak

null

US

A simple, proper Pinot Noir, dry and silky in the mouth. It shows modest raspberry and cherry flavors, with an edge of oak.

null

84

13

California

California Other

Pinot Noir

Chime

null

Italy

Here's a generous, opulent Barbaresco Riserva with aromas of black cherry and soft vanilla. The wine is not overdone, but elegant: You'll detect soft hints of coffee and roasted almond as well and the tannins are tight and firm on the close.

Basarin Riserva

92

null

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Adriano Marco & Vittorio

null

Spain

A little herbal and minty on the nose, but at this price one can't complain too mightily. The palate smacks down with bite and acidity, while the flavors run herbal and a little stemmy, with caramel as a backdrop. Roasted and herbal but not offensive, especially at $7 a bottle.

Tintico

84

7

Northern Spain

Navarra

null

Tempranillo

Castillo de Monjardin

null

Italy

Signorio is a surprisingly polished and elegant Nero d'Avola with a silky, fine texture and bright flavors of dried fruit, cassis, espresso and dark chocolate. Pair this pretty wine with saffron and shrimp risotto.

Signorio

90

null

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Nero d'Avola

Tenuta Barone Nicolò La Lumia

null

US

Shows the silky dryness and elegance you want in a Pinot Noir, with brisk acidity framing sour cherry, pomegranate and persimmon fruit flavors. Really grows on you as it sits in the glass, warming up and developing complexity. The vineyard has been quite a successful source of grapes to several wineries, including Blessing.

Split Rock Vineyard

90

40

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Blessing

null

Blessing 2009 Split Rock Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

US

Punchy hibiscus and pomegranate notes mix with crushed black rocks and rose petals on the nose of this very reliable every-day drinker. The palate is earthy and herbal in character, with flavors of bay leaf, camphor, dried mint, pine sap and tangy cranberry juice making it very food-friendly.

null

86

13

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Castle Rock

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Castle Rock 2014 Pinot Noir (Monterey County)