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63,464 | new zealand | cloudy bay's latest vintage is the first from their own vineyards in central otago and reflects a step up in quality despite a challenging vintage. plummy fruit dominates the rather chunky wine, framed by hints of toast and dried herbs, while moderately dusty tannins and bright acids mark the finish. drink 2018–2025. | Te Wahi | 90 | 75 |
124,401 | spain | round and welcoming up front, with toffee, caramel and mocha aromas that are not too sharp. feels smooth, with pure flavors of toasted nuts, caramel, cocoa dust, dried apricot and underripe peach. complex and nutty on the finish, with a sweet aftertaste of chocolate and toffee. | Élite Oloroso | 90 | 15 |
23,890 | argentina | this has an oily gritty nose and a palate with lemony acidity. flavors of lemon and green currant fall off and turn a touch bitter on the finish, something you could probably predict given the gritty start. | Altosur | 85 | 12 |
33,992 | us | at first the aroma is sharp, even clumsy, showing herbs, peanuts and even bacon fat. the fruit is in the big-plum range. a heavy dose of oak has been thrown at this wine, so it’s buttery on the palate and coffee-tinged on the finish. | Reserve | 84 | 30 |
59,387 | us | bruce mcguire makes a strong case for the potential of petit verdot—a variety not often bottled on its own—in the santa ynez valley. baked blackberry, licorice and cocoa scents show on the playful nose, while black cherry, cocoa dust, cardamom and anise flavors light up the palate. | Curtis Vineyards | 91 | 30 |
79,672 | us | a fresh, fruity nose with hints of spice lend an alluring start to this chardonnay, but on the palate, flavors run a little thin. that said, an appealing toasted oak spice character adds dimension. | Reserve | 83 | 17 |
45,472 | australia | the art series' little brother is all grown up and ready to stand on its own as a terrific wine. toasted hazelnuts accent bold pineapple and ripe citrus flavors in this full-bodied, slightly creamy bottling. it's complete and complex, with a long, zesty finish. drink now–2020. | Prelude Vineyards | 93 | 36 |
22,619 | us | a well-balanced mix of highlights: dried herbs, dusty cherry fruit, and a streak of citrus come together in this estate-grown wine. it finishes with a lick of caramel, from aging in 22% new oak. | Nicholas Vineyard | 89 | 37 |
123,584 | france | while this wine has the crispness of chablis, it also has weight and concentration. the bright green-apple flavor is underpinned by a sense of minerality. nervy, tense yet fruity, this can age for 2–3 years. | Fourchaume Premier Cru | 91 | 45 |
112,004 | us | among the numerous 2009 single-vineyard bottlings from erath, the battle creek seems especially youthful. at first a bit disjointed, it breathes itself into focus, with excellent component flavors—black cherry, cola, and clean earth. | Battle Creek | 88 | 50 |
108,310 | portugal | this wine is all about fruit. it is dry and so fresh and crisp with apple and green pear flavors. there is a light prickle there that adds a dancing lightness to this refreshing wine. | QM Terra Antiga | 87 | 10 |
62,531 | new zealand | this is vm's big single-vineyard pinot, but it's already very approachable. savory overtones of damp earth, outline modest pie-cherry notes that seem somewhat delicate. enjoy this medium-bodied wine over the next few years for its silky texture. | Taylor's Pass Vineyard | 90 | 40 |
90,915 | france | big and bold with great strawberry and red cherry flavors, this wine has all the elements of dense fruit, intense acidity and rich tannins. the structure is dark and full of potential. with acidity at the end to give a lift of freshness, this is a wine for the long-term. drink from 2020. | Petit Monts Premier Cru | 95 | 357 |
37,189 | us | this wine has just enough residual sugar to take it to the upper threshhold of dry. it's quite full flavored with a thirst quenching mix of citrus, apple and pineapple. crisp acidity enhances the freshness and contributes a tangy, lemony kick to the finish. | Dry | 90 | 19 |
113,818 | australia | a strong effort for this penfolds bottling, the 2004 bin 128 features powerful aromas of chocolate and cassis, then follows up with slightly more nuanced flavors that add brighter berry notes to the mix. tannins are silky-smooth, suggesting early drinkability, although it should age well until at least 2015. | Bin 128 | 90 | 23 |
114,930 | australia | pronto red is 77% grenache, with the remainder a blend of touriga nacional (11%), syrah (7%) and monastrell (5%). it starts off with leather and spice, then folds in cherries and licorice. it's full-bodied, round and slightly warm, with a supple, spice-driven finish. drink now-2015. | Pronto | 90 | 69 |
73 | us | juicy plum, raspberry and pencil lead lead the way in this vineyard designate, a site that's 2,000 feet high. tobacco and cedar meet a full-bodied hit of oak and puckering tannin, the wine still youthfully wrapped in its full-bodied boldness. | Bella Vetta Vineyard | 86 | 75 |
52,511 | italy | made with 100% schiava gentile, this conveys subdued aromas of red berry and fragrant blue flower. the vibrant palate offers wild cherry, nectarine and a nutty note alongside bright acidity and sleek tannins. enjoy soon. | Bischofsleiten Lago di Caldaro Classico | 88 | 20 |
58,597 | us | this complex sparkling wine was held back on the lees in the bottle for nearly a decade, which is the meaning of late disgorged. tasted beside j's 2000 vintage brut, it's not as immediately luscious or delicate, having a more scoury edge, although the flavors are similar. the impression is one of ageability. try holding until after 2010. | Late Disgorged Vintage Brut | 93 | 115 |
118,395 | spain | waxy, honeyed aromas of melon and white flowers lead to a plump, leesy, creamy but balanced palate full of bready notes, stone-fruit flavors and vanilla. another wave of leesy vanilla, melon, tropical fruit and cream takes over the finish. this contains viognier, garnacha blanca and chenin blanc, a small portion of which was barrel fermented. | Font de la Figuera | 90 | 40 |
33,384 | us | this is beautifully lilting in preciously defined aromas of rose petal and wild strawberry. from there, it's all subtlety and ethereal elegance. the wine is restrained, nurtured in a basket of nutmeg and graham cracker, as well as freshly packed mushroomy earth. this wine is a stunner right out of the glass, but is sure to continue its fine course through 2022–2025. | Bucher Vineyard | 97 | 59 |
7,550 | us | the vineyard, high in the mayacamas mountains, is famous for the tannic quality of its red wines. you'll find this '08 cab tough and astringent. but you'll also easily discover the vast richness of chocolate, cherry, blackberry and currant fruit, so deep and impressive, and the finish is totally dry and balanced. this cabernet clearly needs time. give it until 2014 to begin to come around. | Bismark Mountain Vineyard | 91 | 60 |
68,924 | us | a flamboyant, crisp chardonnay made in the popular style of elaborately toasty oak and very ripe fruit, which combine to offer an almost pastry-like dessert taste. floods the mouth with pineapple tart, meyer lemondrop and vanilla flavors, with suggestions of kiwis, limes and green apples. delicious and appealing. | Hawk Hill Vineyard | 92 | 50 |
59,534 | us | pale in color, this wine offers fresh aromas of cranberry, herbs and red currant. the palate brings elegant flavors with a zing of cranberry-like acidity. it will be best at the dinner table. | Estate Wilridge Vineyard | 87 | 30 |
47,303 | austria | classically perfumed riesling, very floral, with white flower aromas and a star fruit and kiwi flavors. there is a definite texture here, an edge of fruit skins, with mandarin orange acidity to give a vibrant finish. | Innere Bergen | 91 | 23 |
97,704 | us | a pretty good chardonnay, especially at this price. delivers lots of bang for the buck, with ripe, honeyed flavors of pineapples, pears and buttered toast. | Proprietor's Reserve | 84 | 6 |
121,143 | us | rich in thick cherry liqueur-flavored texture, this sangiovese is dry and tannic with the best of its fruit and tobacco layers popping mid-palate before finishing flat as a straight line. | Thérèse Vineyards Dos Niñas Vineyards | 83 | 35 |
41,434 | us | matching tart red fruit to the vineyard's characteristic gun-metal minerality, the wine cloaks itself in a light coat of ash and stone. crisp acidity puts a tight focus on the stylish, resonant finish. delicious now, it's built to age. drink now–2030. | Brittan Vineyard | 94 | 48 |
38,211 | us | lavender and other purple flowers meld with graphite, concentrated strawberries and dried raspberries on this wine from a cherished block on a historic vineyard. it's snappy on the palate, with sharp pomegranate fruit and tongue-tingling acidity. a tad of brie, watermelon and shiitake mushroom pop up toward the finish. | Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N | 94 | 50 |
125,943 | germany | smoke and caramelized sugar notes lend a sultry tone to this racy, streamlined kabinett. it's vibrant and laced with fresh green and herbal notes, replacing more typical stone-fruit flavors. delicate honey sweetness lingers softly on the finish. | Scharzhofberger Kabinett | 90 | 23 |
33,123 | spain | herbal, earthy aromas tell the story. the wine has heft and stemmy qualities, with sweet berry and coffee flavors along with mounting warmth. turns more herbal and earthy as it airs out, with staunch acidity and a rubbery tannic grip. | Made With Organic Grapes | 84 | 9 |
126,523 | argentina | robust, deep and candied on the nose, with rooty richness, medicinal notes and complexity. the palate is smooth, meaty, healthy and suave, with lush black fruit, prune and earthy flavors. long, likable and showing a lot of depth and structure. drink now through 2014. | Gran Reserva | 92 | 50 |
25,290 | us | barbera topping 16% abv is a bit surprising, but despite this, the wine does not deliver much fruit power. it's chalky, hot and tannic, with the alcohol overpowering the simple red fruit. | Elerding Vineyard | 86 | 32 |
40,192 | us | aromatic with pepper and fresh-cut tobacco, well defined by herbal fruits and leafy tannins, this single-vineyard malbec is stylish and balanced. what is missing is depth, but the balance and length are just right, and the wine does not overreach. | Gamache Vineyards | 88 | 30 |
36,531 | portugal | this port was “rescued” from the darkest recesses of the graham cellars and bottled to commemorate queen elizabeth's 90th birthday. it is impressively youthful even hinting at fruit. of course, the concentration is intense and the richness is gorgeous. at the end, the acidity of a mature wine gives a shot of essential freshness. drink now. | 90-year Old Tawny | 97 | 1,000 |
40,819 | us | showy and rich, it features lots of tasty oak influence and ripe, generous fruit flavors, but it doesn't go over the top. this is full-bodied, broad in texture and not too tannic. made from mature, hillside vines, it's especially impressive in this challenging vintage. | Home Ranch Vineyard | 90 | 34 |
8,717 | us | shows the classic structure of a fine russian river pinot, and merry edwards' way of making everything elegant. dry and crisp, the wine displays cherry pulp and skin, cola, anise and spice flavors, wrapped into ultra-refined, velvety tannins. doesn't seem to have the fruity focus and concentration of recent vintages, though, so drink soon. | Olivet Lane | 88 | 60 |
19,307 | france | la forge is consistently one of bertrand's top wines, and the 2011 is simply stunning. the dense, heady perfume offers notes of raspberry, black plum, cherry, sweet spice and cocoa powder, which all carry through to the lush, full-weighted palate. the texture is like crushed velvet, with fine yet gripping tannins and ample acidity to keep the mouthfeel fresh. it's a complex and layered wine, with hints of licorice, tobacco leaf and black pepper that grace the finish. drink 2016–2022. | La Forge | 94 | 80 |
23,843 | us | rounded peach, cider apple, chalk and seltzer aromas mix with a touch of yeast on the nose of this bottling. there's a racy, tactile acidity on the palate, lending depth to its dried apple, pear and sea salt flavors. | Faith Vineyard | 88 | 23 |
77,422 | spain | gassy and funky out of the chute, with spice, licorice and aromas that hint at both richness and oak. the palate is ripe, roasted and tilts toward dark berry, plum and raisin, while the finish is round, medicinal and warming. very much like the basic cúa 2003 bierzo, with a little more precision. seems a little fat and hollow, but it makes its point. | Privilegio | 87 | 43 |
104,759 | portugal | this bold, firm wine strikes a fine balance between structure and ripe black plum fruit. it has dense tannins that indicate it needs time. a blend of touriga nacional, tinta roriz and touriga franca, it will be ready from 2018. | Tonel 22 | 88 | 12 |
4,896 | lebanon | violet red to the eye, this wine is a blend of 55% syrah, 35% cabernet sauvignon and 10% merlot. a nose of black cherry and violet prepares the palate for flavors of cassis, cherry conserves, orange zest, licorice and tobacco. fruit and spice flavors keep each other in check amid velvety tannins. the smooth cherry finish is highlighted by touches of orange zest. | El | 91 | 75 |
110,399 | france | the wine is stalky with tight tannins and just a touch of spicy wood. it has acidity, bitter cherry fruits and structure. drink now. | Les Belles Vignes | 87 | 27 |
67,539 | italy | bright and savory wine, it has a delicate floral fragrance of hawthorne and honeysuckle with a whiff of pear. the palate offers green apple, a hint of white peach and light mineral sensations. | Vigna delle Forche | 87 | 19 |
83,632 | switzerland | vanilla and lemon curd aromas bring nuance and depth to the the complex bouquet of this wine. full bodied with a silky texture, tones of green apple and mango show bright on the palate, leading to a splash of minerality on the finish. | Les Murettes | 90 | 28 |
16,024 | italy | this cool-climate expression shows exceptionally-beautiful tones of peach, melon and pear. a tiny percentage of the wine is aged in french barrel. this is a fantastic white wine to pair with fish, white meat or vegetables.. | Dellago | 88 | 22 |
96,766 | germany | while dry in style, this ripe, lushly textured riesling feels flush with peaches and nectarines glazed in caramelized sugar. it's bold in body, yet briskly acidic, finishing elegantly on a bitter lime-zest note. | Hattenheimer Schützenhaus Kabinett Trocken | 89 | 21 |
4,933 | us | the grape's fruit flavors of blackberry and black cherry are nicely focused and rounded, but the vanilla and tobacco components, perhaps from aggressive oak treatment, bring in a bit of bitterness to the tannins. it's a fight to the finish—fruit or tannin—and too soon to pick a winner. | The Estates | 86 | 25 |
113,724 | us | made from 86% cabernet sauvignon and 14% cabernet franc, this shows brooding aromas of spice and black and red fruit, followed by ripe, concentrated, plump fruit flavors. the tannins are grainy, calling for additional time in the cellar or a long decant to mellow. | Camerata Cara Mia Vineyard | 91 | 60 |
54,160 | us | too soft in acidity, so the blackberry, currant, cherry liqueur and spice flavors have a curious jamminess. the softness and high alcohol emphasize sweetness, affecting the finish. | Michael's Estate Vineyard | 82 | 28 |
46,658 | italy | this simple wine offers aromas of citrus, dried chamomile and a whiff of hay. the easy palate offers nectarine and lemon zest alongside brisk acidity. | Baglio del Sole | 85 | 12 |
83,222 | us | lush aromas of ripe black cherries, graham crackers and menthol are generous and inviting on this promising long island merlot. it's luscious and concentrated on the palate, but bracingly taut with acidity and a tart morello-cherry finish. | Reserve | 88 | 49 |
19,673 | france | this light, fruity wine is a perfect summer apéritif. with a crisp texture and attractive red fruit, it's lively and refreshing. drink now. | Terra Santa | 85 | 10 |
118,161 | spain | brandied cherry and cassis aromas are candied and gritty, but get better with airing. the wine is full in body and endowed with just enough acidity. flavors of baked berry are earthy at the core, with accents of chocolate and herbs. a mellow, not overpowering finish is dry and slightly complex. drink through 2017. | Reserva | 89 | 30 |
116,815 | chile | melon, pear and apple aromas are standard and sweet. the palate is soft, maybe a bit mushy, with banana, pear and tropical fruit flavors. finishes easy and flat, with lasting tropical sweetness. | 120 | 84 | 8 |
17,461 | chile | herbal, leathery aromas give way to a pretty strong blast of green that infiltrates the wine. alongside the herbal, green core character is spiced chocolate, dark berry fruit and blazing acidity. this is full, saturated and masculine, with raking tannins. cabernet sauvignon, syrah and petit verdot. | VSC | 88 | 30 |
9,825 | us | the hot climate of the cold creek vineyard sharpens up the contours of this chardonnay, which shows more of a classic washington character. bright fruit, a mix of apples and peaches and pears, is shot through with streaks of butterscotch from fermentation in new french oak. it's been through 100% malolactic, yet retains some crispness. polished and full-bodied. | Cold Creek Vineyard | 89 | 20 |
92,451 | us | the 2005 leonetti reserve is all estate vineyard fruit—63% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 20% petit verdot. it is saturated and dense. the fruit is dark, smoky, herbal, tight and loaded with licorice, tea leaf, black olive, hints of tar and graphite. tannins are in perfect proportion, polished and ripe, with extra texture and weight. the finish is granular and detailed, but delicious accent flavors of almond candy and nougat keep piling into the extraordinary finish. | Reserve Red Wine | 97 | 125 |
24,048 | argentina | a clean and easy style of chardonnay with peach and melon aromas followed by a melony palate with nectarine and a touch of sweetness. it flattens out and loses intensity on the finish, but overall it's totally drinkable and solid. | Unoaked | 85 | 8 |
7,540 | us | freshly acidic and jammy in blackberry, cherry and raspberry flavors, this is one of the fruitier napa cabs available. it's at its best now, so drink up with a nice steak. | Fin de Journée | 87 | 25 |
59,405 | france | wonderful old vines facing south and south-east give a powerfully tannic, structured wine. they also give great black fruits, spice and a toasty edge from the wood aging. this is a dense wine with a serious future. drink from 2020. | Vieilles Vignes | 94 | 20 |
18,640 | italy | here's a delicious blend of sangiovese, merlot and sagrantino. it delivers high-tone aromas of pressed violets, red berry and spice. the palate offers succulent black cherry and creamy raspberry flavors that are brightened by white pepper and cinnamon accents. | Riserva | 90 | 54 |
129,140 | us | shows all the hallmarks of a wine that will improve with mid-term aging. the flavors leap out now, and are all about ripe, crushed blackberries, red and black currants, anise and sweet, smoky cedar. yet there's a tannic interference that's a little hard and astringent. decant, if you have to open, but should hit its stride after 2009. | Estate | 92 | 50 |
101,817 | us | there are lots of delicious flavors in this smooth blend of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and syrah. it impresses for its voluptuous flavors of blackberries, cherries, chocolate and sweet oak. it could be a little firmer in structure; it's soft and melted, like pastry filling. | Tesoro | 87 | 46 |
97,620 | portugal | the top red from chocapalha, this comes from a single parcel. it has concentrated tannins, along with the minty flavors that come from new wood. balancing that combination are the rich fruits: blackberry, damson along with a touch of licorice. it's a powerful wine that needs aging. drink from 2018. | Vinha Mãe | 94 | 40 |
123,559 | us | as you might infer from the name, this tastes sweet. it appeals to consumers who enjoy the trend of sugary red wines. you could almost drink it as a dessert sipper, with its candied blackberry and cherry flavors. | Candy-Apple Red | 83 | 13 |
55,929 | us | surprising and delightful, this blend of syrah and merlot brings a complex mix of botanical highlights to a base of citrusy red-berry flavors. notes of black pepper and granite-like minerality add more interest. the depth and persistence are remarkable in a wine at this price. | Plumb Crazy | 91 | 18 |
66,530 | italy | aromas of orchard fruit, chopped herb and a whiff of toasted nut emerge on this medium-bodied white. on the bright palate, bitter almond adds interest to bartlett pear and lemon zest. | Riserva | 88 | 35 |
113,940 | us | this sleek clonal blend spent five months in neutral oak. skin flavors highlight the mix of apple, pear and peach fruit. the wine fades gracefully into a gentle finish. | Chaîné | 90 | 29 |
10,606 | france | this wood-aged blend of rolle and ugni blanc comes from selected parcels on the ancient estate hubert rouy began renovating in 2003. it is smooth, rich and full of toasty flavors as well as ripe, tropical fruits. it can be drunk now although it will be so much better from 2017. | Haut du Pigeonnier | 91 | 39 |
86,613 | us | planted in 1979, the wädenswil block brings raspberry, cherry and cola flavors together into a nicely textured wine with a wide streak of vanilla. round and forward, it gently resolves into a balanced finish with light highlights of herb, nutmeg and coffee. | Wädenswil | 92 | 60 |
90,319 | portugal | after five years, the baga is beginning to soften to create a structured while generously fruity wine. it has acidity and a solid tannic base which is topped by black currant and berry fruits and followed by a richly juicy aftertaste. the crisp, crunchy aftertaste is typical of the grape as it matures. drink now and until 2022. | Marquês de Marialva | 88 | 9 |
102,672 | chile | briary, herbal berry aromas take on a wet-dog scent. this feels shear and shrill, with high acidity and not much body. sour black-plum flavors are highly herbal and borderline weedy, while a tart, scouring finish closes this out. | Natura | 83 | 12 |
89,738 | france | tender pure peach and fine spicy notions of grapefruit zest unite to create a very inviting nose. the leafiness of fragrant citrus foliage adds extra charm. all these notions continue to play on the very zesty, thoroughly aromatic palate. citrus flesh and peel shimmers and swirls across mind and palate, creating a dreamy, heightened cloud of fragrant freshness. the palate is just off dry and lip-smackingly bright and fresh. a triumphantly long finish adds the allure of blood orange to this seductive, aromatic wine and makes it utterly irresistible. drink 2017–2037. | Steingrubler Grand Cru | 96 | 38 |
10,242 | germany | this library release kabinett is a rare opportunity to experience the remarkable evolutionary properties of riesling at a relatively gentle price point. at 14 years of age, it's remarkably lush with stone fruit notes, but layered in swathes of caramel, saffron and dusty minerality. drink now. | Wallufer Walkenberg Kabinett | 91 | 38 |
12,711 | us | made from the spanish grape tempranillo, this is light salmon in color, restrained in style and just slightly sweet. fruit nuances do come out on the palate and finish, adding interest. | Estate Bottled Rosé of | 84 | 12 |
59,565 | italy | this riserva brunello shows sharp, brambly characteristics of forest berry and white cherry. although the nose is prickly and awkward, the wine wins points in the mouth thanks to its softness and plushness. | Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro Riserva | 87 | 65 |
93,263 | italy | sole dei padri is among the top three best syrahs from italy. the wine is impenetrable, deeply concentrated and packed full with intensity and charm. you'll get notes of black spice, leather, tobacco, blackberry and cola. the mouthfeel is fantastically caressing and velvety. | Sole dei Padri | 92 | 80 |
49,129 | spain | simple at best early on, with leathery, rustic aromas and a truly basic set of flavors. should you allow it to breathe, it rounds into a good (but still basic), semisoft and fruity red with solid cherry/berry flavors and nothing offputting. | Tinto | 84 | 8 |
50,543 | italy | beautiful and luminous, this amber-colored recioto di soave is generous and opulent. its many aromatic layers include apricot, honey, toasted almond and butterscotch. it has rich sweetness and enough tingling acidity to tickle your tongue and keep the palate refreshed. | Le Colombare | 92 | 55 |
67,121 | us | the flower and peach aromas are quite subdued for the variety. the stone-fruit flavors provide more generosity while still displaying elegance. | Barrel Select | 88 | 24 |
19,371 | italy | thick peach and apricot intensity opens the bouquet of this delightful friulano from northeast italy. those rich stone fruit qualities are well supported by the wine's overall density and its creamy texture. | Stabili della Rocca | 88 | 22 |
73,416 | france | a wine that smells so fruity, and with a soft, open texture, needs to be drunk young. this wine is all red berries coupled with acidity and some smoky tannins. it's a great idea to chill it slightly. | Esquisse | 86 | 15 |
60,365 | us | this viognier, marsanne and roussanne blend is the poster child for overoaked white wine. buttered toast, butterscotch and caramel dominate the underlying tropical fruit, orange and lime flavors. exceptionally high alcohol also adds to the impression of unbalanced sweetness. | Diosa Blanc | 84 | 45 |
90,774 | us | from a vineyard that overlooks the wild marin coast, with plenty of pacific ocean fog, this is an earthy, cool-climate and beguiling wine, speckled in clove, cinnamon and a brightness of wild cherry, raspberry and orange peel. light and refined, its finish is dusted in pine leaves. | English Hill Vineyard | 93 | 49 |
11,010 | france | pouilly-fumé is often the source of wines for the sancerre producers. this wine is ripe, full in the mouth with its yellow fruits. there is a spicy character from the oak aging. the wine could age a little longer so drink from 2018. | Grande Cuvée des Edvins | 90 | 30 |
6,572 | france | sumptuous and rich, a fully gorgeous chardonnay, with butter and citrus flavors combining with panache. the wine just fill the mouth, a succession of pineapple, soft toast, spice and mango flavors, finished with acidity. to drink now, but it is worth keeping for 2–3 years. | Les Charmes Premier Cru | 94 | 99 |
128,944 | us | hand harvested from block 15 of stonetree vineyard with a dollop of cabernet sauvignon from block 14 (10%), it brings notes of coffee, cocoa and plum. the fruit flavors are elegant in style accented by barrel notes and mouthwatering acids. it doesn't seem to have fully reached its potential yet, with the tannins bringing a slightly gritty feel. | Reserve StoneTree Vineyard | 89 | 30 |
56,991 | us | to call this wine huge is an understatement. blended from cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, petit verdot, syrah and carmenère, its most notable feature is tannins. it's hard, dry and astringent, making it difficult to appreciate now. but there's a gigantic core of blackberries and black currants. with richness like this, it should age and improve through 2020 at least. | Estate | 91 | 70 |
122,737 | us | massively rich and sweet in blackberries, cherries, cola and oak, this cabernet trades complexity and dryness for sheer razzle-dazzle. it's an impressive, show-offy wine, but if you want to cellar it, you're a gambler. | Stagecoach Vineyard Threshold | 90 | 55 |
112,070 | italy | this has intense forest-floor aromas, a hint of violet along and toasted oak and vanilla notes. the palate shows bright raspberry and espresso flavors, nervous acidity and firm tannins. it needs time, so drink after 2016. | Torriglione | 88 | 60 |
66,011 | france | the style of this young wine is for ripe fruit as well as really crisp acidity. bright lemon flavors are combined with yellow fruits and only the slightest hint of herbaceousness. this is already well balanced, although it will be even better from the end of 2015. | Thauvenay | 90 | 35 |
89,854 | france | organically grown grapes are the source of this wine that comes from selected parcels on the domaine de rochoy. flint soil gives a strongly mineral character that permeates the wine. the tight and steely texture contrasts happily with the sliced apple and lemon flavors. it needs to age for several more months. drink from late 2017. | Le Grand Rochoy | 93 | 40 |
113,020 | us | while the nose is exuberant and tropical with swirls of mango and pineapple, the palate of this dry riesling is surprisingly dainty. crisp pear and tangerine flavors are refreshing and easy drinking through a brisk finish. | Dry | 86 | 16 |
55,218 | italy | floral and fruit scents recall acacia flower, broom, dried apricot, beeswax and tropical fruit. made from 100-year-old garganega vines, this wine has an elegant, varied palate offering flavors such as juicy yellow peach, mature pear, clove and energizing mineral alongside fresh acidity. impeccably balanced and delicious, this will continue to develop for years. drink through 2027. | Contrada Salvarenza Vecchie Vigne | 92 | 38 |
106,214 | us | a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc, this offers aromas of raisinated cherries, herbs, bittersweet chocolate and a whiff of barnyard. medicinal flavors are backed by chalky tannins. | Ciel du Cheval | 86 | 40 |
47,676 | spain | rooty aromas of raisin and stewed plum are a touch hot as this tips the scale at 15.5%. high in acidity and low in body fat, the palate is linear. short berry and root beer flavors are mature. hollow on the finish. drink through 2019. | Gran Clos de J.M. Fuentes | 89 | 65 |
114,883 | us | if you're tired of zinfandels that are unabalanced and inelegant, try this one. yes, the alcohol is high, but it folds perfectly into everything else. the vineyard is in the olivet road part of the valley, which in many ways represents the ideal terroir of the russian river. you'll find brisk acidity and firm tannins in this wine, but also ripely appealing blackberry, cherry, cola and briary wild chamomile flavors. this seriously good wine will age until 2022. | Old Vine Jolene's Vineyard | 92 | 55 |
126,787 | portugal | pisca vineyard is a recent purchase by niepoort, although the company has bought fruit there for many years. this is a first as a single quinta wine, softer than the niepoort vintage, immediately attractive, finely balanced. it has structure and sweet fruit. | Pisca Vintage | 92 | 100 |
22,265 | italy | delicate spring flower and orchard fruit scents lift out of the glass. on the crisp palate, a bitter almond note underscores yellow peach, golden apple and nectarine flavors, with lively acidity. | Castel Cerino | 88 | 15 |