wine_id
int64 1
130k
| country
stringclasses 41
values | description
stringlengths 20
764
| designation
stringlengths 1
85
| points
int64 80
100
| price
float64 4
1.1k
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
57,930 | france | with its extra touch of richness and a feeling of maturity, this remains a benchmark nonvintage champagne. it has flavors of ripe white fruits, balancing acidity with just a touch of final softness. | Extra Cuvée de Réserve White Foil Brut | 90 | 50 |
77,844 | us | olallieberry, black pepper and asphalt show on the nose of this dense bottling by eastside santa barbara-based matthias pippig. the palate is dynamic and lavish with mouth-watering depth, showing dried blueberry and herbs crusted on grilled prime rib. | Pilgrim | 91 | 74 |
10,596 | us | tart and brambly, this carries well-integrated streaks of earth and bark along with the light berry flavors. at first the tannins feel a bit rough, but the wine smoothes out and lightens up into a fresh, fruity finish. | Sugarloaf Vineyard | 87 | 35 |
81,789 | italy | aromas of espresso, tar, oak extract, grilled red pepper and spiced plum lead the nose. the extracted palate offers dried black cherry, anisette and graphite alongside astringent tannins and the evident warmth of alcohol. | Riserva | 87 | 30 |
106,198 | us | a tremendous petite sirah, among the finest from paso robles. it's a big wine, with massive flavors of blackberries, currants, leather, mocha and smoky oak, with an ultralong, spicy finish. yet the wine is totally dry, with refined, silky tannins. yes, the alcohol's high, but it's completely balanced. best now and through the next decade. | Jardine | 93 | 26 |
118,735 | us | sourced from old-vine wädenswil clones, this effort carries the new elkton ava designation. pretty raspberry and strawberry fruit is set in lightly toasty tannins. this is a lovely everyday pinot noir with some density. | Bradley Vineyard | 88 | 23 |
127,718 | germany | smoky, herbal aromas add complexity to pretty floral notes on this elegantly composed semisweet riesling. the palate is rich with peach and nectarine flavors, along with a shock of citrus acidity, but maintains a subtle line of smoky, dusty earthiness through the finish. | Brauneberger Kabinett | 89 | 32 |
19,700 | france | honey and fresh orange zest aromas and flavors drive this nicely balanced fortified muscat. there's a pleasing weightiness to it on the palate, and a slightly creamy texture to go with the pristine flavors. try with blue cheeses or foie gras. | Vigne Lo Clavell | 88 | 16 |
9,123 | france | made from old vines, this complex and structured wine brings out the richness and ripe tannins of 2010. it's firm although the fruit concentration is what shows most strongly. it's an impressive, juicy, red-fruited wine that will age. drink from 2017. | Grand Vin | 90 | 29 |
67,409 | us | a lovely counterpoint to phelps creek's estate reserve chardonnay, this comes from just across the river, sourced from a vineyard on the washington side of this two-state ava. it got the full malolactic, fermented in french oak treatment, and shows plenty of pleasing barrel toast and spice. the fruit mixes hints of peach and melon with a lemon drop core, and finishes with a lick of butterscotch. | Celilo Vineyard | 90 | 24 |
80,122 | us | fruity and a little one-dimensional, this blend of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and viognier has citrus, apple, floral, spice and honey flavors that are balanced with good acidity. | Bianco Spettro | 84 | 26 |
100,953 | france | old vines, at least 40-years-old, are behind this ripely structured wine. it was wood aged to give the extra richness this producer looks for. with concentration and tannins, this cru will age. drink from 2018. | Vieilles Vignes | 90 | 19 |
63,526 | spain | basic peach and melon aromas come with lettuce and white pepper accents. the palate runs a little soft and low on acid and bubbles, while the flavor profile is sweet, with lime and apple at the core. a standard, basic cava. | Brut Reserva | 86 | 15 |
38,153 | italy | classic varietal aromas of tomato leaf, exotic fruit and citrus practically jump out of the glass. the bright palate doles out juicy peach, nectarine, grapefruit, celery and sage while a mineral vein lends energy. | Piere | 91 | 44 |
75,803 | france | a blend of two local grapes, niellucciu and sciaccerellu, this wine is pale—almost white in color. it has delicious crisp acidity, a light texture and a fine, perfumed aftertaste. drink now. | Alivetto | 87 | 16 |
23,591 | france | the softness of the 2000 vintage is reflected in this delicious, gentle, ripe wine. it is full of soft red fruits, lifted easily by the fresh red currant acidity and cranberry texture. it is showing signs of maturity, but still has several years to develop. | Rosé Brut | 93 | 95 |
15,013 | us | this very fresh and lively wine shows tart black currant, black plum and candied black cherry aromas, as well as elegant hints of lilac and potpourri. that purple flower note fuels the palate, with more lilac and lavender, and the structure is quite firm for its relatively light weight. | Estate | 91 | 36 |
57,160 | us | from the estate vineyard, this is thick with spicy flavors of fresh-cut pear. there's a hint of butter and a slightly minty aspect. all in all it's complex, rich and inviting, with penetrating acidity. | Oregon Hawks View Vineyard | 91 | 26 |
2,296 | italy | bold and modern, fonterutoli delivers the goods year after year. the wine is rich and plush with deep concentration and excellent intensity. you'll get aromas of bright cherry and some spice but what makes the wine stand apart is the clarity and purity of its aromas. | Fonterutoli | 90 | 28 |
14,318 | us | this reserve begins as a vineyard-block selection, and spends nine months in 100% french oak. it's bright and brambly, melding citrus skins and oils, fresh raspberries and cherries, and a touch of chocolate. there's a hint of dustiness as well, and it's drinking quite well already: no need to wait. | Reserve | 92 | 45 |
32,082 | spain | look for the blue bottle and you'll get a solid albariño. this is typically light and fresh, with aromas of stream water, wild flowers, fresh herbs and leesy stone fruits. crisp and citric on the palate, with proper cut, this tastes of orange, peach, nectarine and lemon. minerally, cleansing and steady on the finish. | Val do Salnés | 89 | 25 |
22,183 | spain | nice and familiar, and very much in the sweet, creamy style. there's almond candy and caramel on the palate and then maple syrup on the finish. soft and sweet throughout, with just enough acidity and complexity to save it from being boring. | Oloroso Dulce Cream | 87 | 11 |
92,364 | chile | clean but modest raspberry aromas set up a wiry palate. this tastes of tart plum, tomato and herbs. a minty green note rises up on a snappy palate that includes a touch of oak. | Reserva Estate Bottled | 84 | 10 |
14,108 | us | though billed as a red blend, this is made from 98% merlot and does justice to the variety. complete on the entry in ripe fruit, it offers dusty cedar, graphite and oak elements within a cool-climate sensibility of savory grace and balance. | Cunat Reserve | 92 | 110 |
4,159 | us | this blend of 70% syrah, 25% grenache and 5% mourvèdre is a beautiful shade of purple in the glass, and offers aromas of black plum and milk chocolate. the mouthfeel is silky, with zesty acidity that rises through blueberry and boysenberry flavors toward the caramel-layered finish. | Square Root Heart Hill Vineyard Estate Grown | 92 | 50 |
98,300 | us | a pulsing core of dried plum and black-cherry flavors marks this buxom petit verdot. while bold and brawny, a balsamic edge and fine tannins lend subtlety. its rich, mouth-filling silkiness clings pleasantly on the finish. | Spotlight | 88 | 50 |
5,049 | us | this is a delicious chardonay. it dances in pear, peach and lemon notes. balanced and addictive, it's easy to love and not overly complicated at all. encased in just enough oak to provide texture and weight, this is a great wine for parties or casual dinners, pairable with just about anything. | Complicated | 91 | 18 |
72,255 | argentina | horsey berry aromas join forces with molasses, vanilla and graphite. ripped with power, this malbec's tartaric acidity is amplified and scratchy. baked plum, blackberry and vanilla flavors end with abrasive residual acidity that creates length but also edginess. drink through 2021. | The Angel Oak Celestial Barrel Fermented | 91 | 75 |
40,271 | us | produced from a single clone—dijon 777—this late release has a hint of leather around candied cherry fruit, mixed with sweetened cranberry. it's concentrated and rounded off, with brown spice highlights. drink now to 2020. | Estate 777 Block | 91 | 50 |
2,152 | us | this light-colored and light-bodied wine combines an earthy, metallic aroma with mildly fruity, candied flavors. its texture is mild and smooth. | Lot 6 | 84 | 11 |
107,537 | argentina | earthy aromas of stewed plum and burnt leaves come in front of a drawing, raw palate with fresh acidity. roasted, savory plum and berry flavors are fairly standard. this wine is dense but still lively on the finish. | Estate | 86 | 13 |
86,396 | portugal | made from organically grown grapes, this is a ripe wine, very balanced and integrated. it conveys yellow fruits along with tangerine and juicy pear. the wine is ready to drink, although it will be better from mid-2017. | Lybra Viognier-Arinto-Marsanne | 90 | 20 |
117,375 | portugal | this off-dry sparkling wine has ripe cherry fruits as well as a touch of tannin for texture. it is crisp, clean, delicately fruity, and ready to drink at any time. | Casal Garcia Rosé | 86 | 12 |
125,680 | austria | earthy notes join faint white currant fruit on the nose. the palate is slender and shows lots of the 2014 acidity. this will gain from a little bottle age and will work well with grilled white river fish. | Am Zaum | 86 | 24 |
93,384 | france | another tiny cuvée from amoureuses (80 cases produced), this one blends 40% syrah, 35% grenache and 25% merlot. toasted-coconut oak scents lead the way, followed by oodles of black plums and cherries, a splash of vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon. it's full bodied and velvety textured; rich, like dessert without sugar. drink now–2025. | Terres des Amoureuses Sublime | 92 | 30 |
76,964 | argentina | this blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot is powerful, with a blueberry flavor, a mild green note, a balsamic hint and a molasses tinge. it's saturated and clampy in feel, with aggressive flavors of lemony oak, balsamic fruit and baked berry. warm, oaky and full of licorice flavor on the finish. drink 2014–2019. | Kinien de Don Raúl | 91 | 65 |
72,892 | france | a big, rich wine, this is bold with black fruits and some firm tannins. the concentration comes from vines planted in 1935, giving a great, dense texture. as it develops, the wine will become ripe, jammy, delicious and impressive. drink from 2018. | Vieilles Vignes de 1935 | 91 | 22 |
64,345 | germany | fresh apple and white floral aromas are dusted with caramelized sugar and smoke on this dry, mineral-tinged wine. edgy and lean on the palate but supple in grapefruit flavor, it's a honed, steely white with polish and elegance. | Silberlack Trocken GG | 91 | 75 |
26,442 | us | extremely delicate on the nose, this wine from the historic vineyard shows bruised yellow grapefruit, sliced nectarine and crushed chalk aromas. the evolving palate starts daintily with cut apple and nectarine, then warms into seared peach, buttered popcorn and ripe pear flavors. a chalky, seashell-like structure and pithy texture ensure a long, interesting life. drink 2018 through 2034. | Sanford & Benedict Vineyard | 94 | 45 |
24,897 | france | this is an earthy wine that shows a rustic character. still youthful, its fruit is obscured behind a dry, tannic, burnt-toast character. there is a future for this wine, as it should integrate with age, so don't try to drink until 2016. | La Brigadière Vieilles Vignes | 85 | 27 |
97,101 | germany | ripe sweet peach and nectarine flavors are slightly caramelized in this semidry riesling. its spry zesty demeanor is deeply refreshing though, finishing on a revitalizing citrus note. drink now through 2018. | Piesporter Michelsberg | 88 | 12 |
26,825 | us | this intensely aromatic, off-dry riesling jumps from the glass with a heady bouquet of flowers and tropical fruit. on the palate, flavors of peach and blossom are highlighted with brisk lemon-lime acidity. pretty and pleasing, it finishes with a lacy sweetness and just a hint of fresh herbs. | Estate Bottled | 87 | 17 |
24,380 | portugal | with bright lemon freshness, this wine positively zings through its ripe melon and pineapple flavors. the balance here between the acidity and richness gives a delicious tension. | Branco | 88 | 20 |
36,900 | portugal | this is a ripe structured wine. with red fruits, some firm well integrated tannins, it is rich with a strong mineral edge and final acidity. the wine, full of fruit, is ready to drink. | Tinto | 88 | 15 |
116,181 | us | whispers of smoke and fresh herb are a counterpoint to the heady notes of white flower, sweet peach and melon on this gorgeous bordeaux-style. it's elegantly composed, with a rich, creamy texture, a bristle of acidity and a crushed-stone minerality. this is undeniably a top pick from long island. | Haven | 90 | 35 |
124,264 | us | fresh and tart in acidity, this is a clean, savory evocation of a variety that few californians manage to produce this well. it's rich in apple, citrus, peach and floral flavors, with a lychee, spicy complexity that makes it a natural for asian fare. | Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard Old Vines | 88 | 20 |
102,069 | france | the cru wine is soft, full of cherry fruits and with a light touch of tannin. with its fruit, it is open and generous with a crisp aftertaste. drink now. | Domaine Du Riaz | 87 | 20 |
56,431 | us | broadley offers well-ripened, estate-grown willamette valley pinot noir at affordable prices. this juicy, concentrated cuvée brings a lively mix of boysenberry, blackberry and black cherry. it was aged for one year in one-year-old french oak. the focus, concentration and sheer pleasure cannot by overstated. | Estate | 91 | 25 |
50,892 | us | a light, bright, affordable quaffer, this youthful wine is flinty with a juicy core of fresh-pressed grapefruit and lemon peel. it retains varietal character and a buoyancy throughout, finishing with grace and persistence. | Rosé of | 90 | 22 |
112,021 | chile | smells strange, with aromas that are hard to identify or label. the palate is tangy, with pickled, resiny flavors and a dead-end finish. suggestive of sauerkraut; not very good chardonnay. | Classic Series | 82 | 12 |
43,512 | us | aromas of black and white pepper and raw meat are redolent on this wine. the palate is all about feel, freshness and texture, without a trace of new wood in sight and a finish that lingers. it's a unique example of the variety that focuses on subtlety and nuance. | Lonesome Springs Ranch | 90 | 40 |
108,890 | portugal | herbal, almost medicinal aromas set a complex scene for this densely structured wine. the flavors throughout, while rich, are also severe, a wrinkle on the otherwise ripe façade. that certainly suggests aging, and the dry tannins support this. in the meantime, it is a winter wine, its concentration needing rich meat dishes. | Monte da Cal Reserva | 88 | 25 |
38,659 | us | from a historic vineyard in a region that rarely grows this grape, this wine features a nose with tangy red-fruit punch, concentrated pomegranate, crushed violets and a slightly sour shred of menthol. the palate shows lots of eucalyptus and dried mint along with cranberry fruit. | HMR Vineyard | 89 | 40 |
123,191 | us | made up of equal parts syrah and mourvèdre with the balance grenache, this has notes of burnt embers and smoked meat. though only 20% new oak, the wood still seems at the fore with notes of sawdust and toast that distract. | Misceo Syrah-Mourvèdre-Grenache Folin Vineyards | 85 | 34 |
94,467 | austria | this wine's tight nose gives little away. its light-bodied, dry and slightly spritzy palate delivers fresh lemon fruit, which lingers into the zesty finish. this easy, fresh and ready for immediate drinking. | Falkenstein | 87 | 16 |
99,762 | austria | this is a firmly structured blend of zweigelt and blaufränkisch that frames a core of attractive ripe fruits and red berry flavors. there is a fine smoky element here making this a wine that can be enjoyed now, but also age well. drink until 2019. | Blau & Red | 88 | 18 |
14,982 | us | made from estate-grown fruit sourced high in the sierra foothills, this is a black, true-to-type petite sirah. it's packed with dusty coffee, chocolate and tobacco. | Estate | 88 | 29 |
24,074 | us | a good effort in the rough-and-ready genre. aromas are straightforward plum shot through with earthy notes. the palate shows good cherry fruit and is quite gripping, with slightly rustic tannins that carry over to the short finish. give it a year in the cellar to smooth out, then try with hearty beef dishes. | V. by Vivác Single Vineyard | 85 | 22 |
53,756 | chile | plum, berry and raspberry aromas are light and elegant. this feels medium to full in body, with tannins that grab a little but don't clamp down. ripe black-fruit flavors of plum and currant finish with an herbal note of basil along with flavors of oak and tomato sauce. | Marques de Casa Concha | 90 | 25 |
69,526 | us | this dry moscato giallo from lodi is delicious, with an intensely perfumed nose that follows through in the taste, alongside meyer lemon, jasmine and cantaloupe. very unusual, incredibly well priced and modest in alcohol, this lush, ginger-tinged moscato is this taster's desert-island white. | Secco | 94 | 16 |
110,213 | italy | this bright wine opens with sweet tones of cherry, chocolate and a touch of cinnamon spice. that characteristic barbera acidity kicks in at the end and the wine offers smooth richness and plenty of fruit in the mouth. | Quattro Fratelli | 87 | 14 |
61,970 | france | produced from the estate's old-vine grenache, this is a silky, medium-bodied rosé. it's pale in color, but bold in flavor, offering hints of strawberries, peaches and brine that finish long and mouthwatering. | L'Irresistible | 91 | 15 |
78,302 | argentina | while the nose on this muscular malbec is lush, ripe and minty, there's also a grounding, complex scent of graphite. blazing with intensity, this tastes like a glorious blend of plum, prune, chocolate and caramel. dry spice, toasty oak and ripe berry flavors touch up against raisiny on the finish. drink through 2019. | Single Parcel Los Cerezos | 95 | 100 |
63,002 | germany | the nose is demure on this brisk semi-dry riesling, but the palate is ripe with sweet yellow peach and damson plum flavors. there's a dusty undertone throughout, but crisp lemon acidity makes it refreshing to the finish. | Kabinett | 85 | 12 |
89,973 | us | cocoa, nutmeg and cinnamon aromas, generous and broad fruit flavors like blackberry jam and dried black cherries fill up this full-bodied wine. the silky texture is backed with fine tannins, and a lingering finish that echoes the fruit and chocolaty spices. | Conoscenti | 89 | 65 |
104,743 | us | pepper, lavender, cranberry and iodine aromas lead the nose of this easy-drinking blend of 41% petit sirah, 40% syrah, 10% mourvèdre and 9% grenache. the palate is tense and tart, its dried red fruit melding with graphite, nori and black pepper flavors. | Red 4 | 88 | 17 |
82,040 | us | the first release annually from the estate vineyard, this is a solid effort, seemingly infused with scents and flavors of pine needle, pine tar, earth and bark. the fruit is in the background, and leans toward cranberry and brambly blackberry. | Lylee | 88 | 23 |
129,397 | us | marimar torres frankly calls the planting of these 2 varieties in her estate vineyard, which had previously been to pinot noir and chardonnay, experimental. much work needs to be done to perfect them. the wine, as it stands, is dry and acidic and one-dimensional in cherry and currant fruit. it requires greater levels of complexity and nuance. | Don Miguel Vineyard Syrah-Tempraillo | 85 | 32 |
115,026 | us | flavors of raspberry jam, pain grille, spice box and dark cherry are forward and succulent, thanks to the juicy acidity and flexible tannins. an herbal rose note surfaces on the midpalate, leading to a warm, persistent finish. enjoy this with grilled salmon with a soy-ginger glaze. | Pheasant Hill Single Vineyard Estate Bottled | 87 | 36 |
69,772 | portugal | this soft, ripe and fruity blend of local grapes is young and spicy. it has flavors of ripe red fruits that are cut with juicy acidity. it's a fresh wine that is ready to drink. | Monsaraz Tinto | 86 | 9 |
20,393 | france | rich and concentrated, this blend is mainly merlot, with a little cabernet sauvignon and malbec. the alcohol shows in the weight of the wine, but the freshness is still very present. powerful, dark and still young, the wine will be best from 2017. | Cuvée Trois Frères | 89 | 35 |
129,419 | italy | aromas of wild rose, chopped mint and an earthy whiff of grilled porcini mushroom slowly emerge. the taut, austere palate shows cranberry, raw sour cherry, star anise and clove framed in firm acidity and tightly wound, close-grained tannins that clench the finish. this needs time to unfurl and fully develop. drink after 2023. | Terlo | 89 | 78 |
87,490 | us | a dusty drink of blackberry, lean and structured with resolved tannins and a clean finish. | Estate | 87 | 32 |
61,599 | us | a complex wine that takes time to unveil itself, this offers muted dark cherry and exotic cardamom spice, light and layered through the midpalate before revealing a taste of toasty oak on the finish. | Lee Vineyard | 90 | 54 |
13,336 | portugal | this is a smooth and rich wine, with generous fruit alongside spice and ripe, black plum fruit accents. ready to drink, it shows surprising balance between a perfumed character and an unctuous palate. | Late Bottled Vintage | 90 | 23 |
18,051 | austria | an intense, creamy wine, showing fresh fruits as well as almonds, spice, yeast and toast flavors. it has been finely crafted to bring out a bouquet of spring flowers and a richer, warm feel. it should certainly be aged, at least for 4–5 years. | Loibenberg | 92 | 48 |
3,023 | us | styled after the great white wines of bordeaux, this is fresh and clean, with luscious mixed fruit flavors that emphasize apple and melon. a cooler vintage has produced a wine of low alcohol and real finesse, with a light dusting of toasty oak. given its impeccable balance, it could be cellared for another 6–8 years. | Chaleur Estate Blanc | 92 | 37 |
8,588 | australia | nearly a best buy, this riesling offers early drinkability relative to many of its clare cousins. mixed citrus and crushed-stone aromas mark the nose, while the medium-bodied palate finishes long, with what seems to be a touch of sweetness. drink now–2010. | Destinations | 89 | 15 |
48,931 | italy | umani ronchi makes some of the best verdicchio you will find in the united states today. there's a sweet candied quality to the bouquet that is followed by ripe fruit and pineapple. in the mouth, the wine is smooth and silky. | Casal di Serra | 87 | 17 |
8,109 | italy | wild berry, leather, tobacco, tilled earth, aromatic herb and floral aromas meld together on this impressive red. the full-bodied structured palate delivers black cherry marinated in spirits, dried plum, chocolate and licorice alongside a backbone of firm velvety tannins. drink 2018–2026. | Costasera Riserva | 93 | 77 |
124,565 | us | abundantly floral and fruity, with loads of lavender, peony and sweet grapefruit notes, this is a dry yet remarkably lush and concentrated riesling. vivid acidity and lingering hints of lime skin, wax and lanolin add structure and complexity. | Dry | 89 | 15 |
31,745 | us | fox run's geology series is a remarkable study of finger lakes terroir and winemaking, and the 11 riesling is a particularly fantastic result. inoculated using the pied de cuve method, this semisweet riesling shows apple and floral notes. a lush, textured palate is brimming with apricot and peach flavors. it's a complex wine layered with minerality, fruit and floral tones, and has an exceptionally long finish. | Riesling 11 Hanging Delta Vineyard | 91 | 40 |
51,468 | us | this wine is overwhelmingly smoky in char and bacon flavor, with a side note of herbal mint. extracted, the oak is intrusive. | Block 500 | 83 | 34 |
87,129 | france | subtle smoke hovers above earthy notes and the nose only holds the faintest suggestion of citrus. the palate comes forth with a vivid, leafy purity that suggests herbs, freshly turned earth and pure, lifted citrus. all we get right now are the flavors hovering above the core which is still firmly closed. a wealth of apple and citrus fruit is evoked which will awake with time, this is too young to be opened. don't touch before 2018 and then drink until 2030 or even beyond. this is dry, delicate and yet powerful with a supremely clean finish. | Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann Grand Cru | 96 | 120 |
119,493 | us | $14 is a pretty good price for a chardonnay that shows such ripe, succulent fruit. it's rich in oranges, pineapples, limes and mangoes, brightened with crisp acidity. entirely unoaked, the finish is dry, pure and clean. | Whiplash | 86 | 14 |
49,695 | us | a pleasing shade of pale pink, this is a very austere bottling, with just faint touches of raspberry and tangerine on the nose. there is more light-red fruit and a hint of bubblegum on the palate, which offers decent tannic tension. | Pas Doux | 86 | 28 |
82,102 | spain | ripe roasted black-plum and berry aromas are wild and a touch hot. this is jumpy, angular and pumped to the brim with acidity. foxy currant and red-plum flavors show a baking-spice element, while this is racy and rugged on the finish. best for burgers and pizza. | Joven | 85 | 10 |
37,410 | us | this is a screaming deal for such an admirably good wine, blended with smaller amounts of petite sirah and syrah. compressed black fruit meets fresh leather on the perfumed nose. the palate follows with thick tannins and mouthcoating flavors of licorice and cinnamon. | Old Vine | 90 | 10 |
13,915 | us | a formidable expression of a high-elevation vineyard atop what is now known as moon mountain, this wine opens with a definitive note of spicy cinnamon stick before venturing into cherry and vanilla. soft, likable and well-managed in terms of tannin and oak, it finishes rich and robust. | Limited Release Monte Rosso Vineyard | 91 | 45 |
103,848 | us | from the producer's estate vineyard on mount veeder, this 100% varietal vineyard designate is oaky, viscous and intensely flavored with green apple, melon and peach. delicious honeysuckle and grapefruit peel aromas make it all the more compelling, balancing its voluptuous weight and ripeness. | Sage Vineyard | 93 | 45 |
84,064 | italy | this is a plush and dense interpretation of barbera with loads of fruit intensity followed by blackberry plum and sweet tobacco. the wine is dense, clean and offers round texture with a crisp acidity finale that is typical of this italian grape variety. | La Marescialla | 90 | 32 |
21,886 | us | the grapes for this syrah come from the ballard canyon area, which is likely to be santa barbara's next official appellation. it's a big, full-bodied wine, tannic and dry, with blackberry, blueberry, smoked meat, black pepper and sandalwood flavors. feels fine and dramatic in the mouth, and should develop bottle interest through 2015. | Tierra Alta Vineyard | 92 | 39 |
49,740 | us | entirely off the estate, this polished young pinot offers a complex mélange of flavors, in a balanced structure. the tastes of root beer, red currants, licorice, gingersnap cookie and sweet oak are frankly delicious. fine now, and should peak by 2010, then hold for several more years. | Ocean's Ghost | 92 | 55 |
35,488 | us | this expansive wine is generous on the palate in dusty tannin, currant, pencil and tobacco, more savory than sweet. firm texture and structured acidity provide a classic edge to this 100% varietal wine that will do well at the table. | Benchland Series | 90 | 60 |
85,599 | us | this wine is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (58%), malbec (22%) and merlot. aromas of blue and red fruit and spice lead to tart, broad fruit flavors that winnow somewhat toward the finish. still, it brings a lot of enjoyment. | Mike's Reserve | 88 | 20 |
26,909 | us | a prime example of why pinot noir is great to release later in its life, this six-year-old wine is signing with concentrated strawberry, iron, dried rose petals, stewed black cherry and raw beef. the palate is quite earthy but also packs black plum, vanilla, pepper, thyme and marjoram into a wondrous and complete package. | Hillside Vineyard | 95 | 125 |
116,556 | italy | made entirely from tempranillo—a rarity in italy—this opens with aromas of blue flowers, plum and a whiff of leather. the smooth palate delivers dried cherry and prune, accented by ground pepper and oak-driven spices. bracing but fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity provide support. drink through 2018. | IXE | 88 | 22 |
79,468 | us | the blend is syrah and grenache. the wine is dry and pretty tannic, but ripe, with jammy cherry and blackberry flavors. it's also somewhat hot in alcohol. it suggests grilled beef, in the form of tacos or barbecue. | Proprietor's Blend | 86 | 32 |
91,517 | austria | fresh, crisp currant and melon flavors, with lively acidity and intense, fresh fruit. this is a delicious fruit salad of tastes, light and vibrant. | Hefeabzug Trocken | 88 | 28 |
57,310 | us | from the cooler oak knoll region of southern napa, a wine with berry-cherry flavors and silky tannins. yet it feels coarse and heavy, with a density and dullness pinot noir should not have. suggests once again the unsuitability of napa valley for pinot noir. | Rodgers Vineyard | 84 | 26 |