spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

country stringclasses 49 values	description stringlengths 18 829	designation stringlengths 1 95 ⌀	points int64 80 100	price float64 4 2.5k ⌀	province stringclasses 478 values	region_1 stringlengths 3 50 ⌀	region_2 stringclasses 18 values	variety stringclasses 726 values	winery stringlengths 1 54	taster_name stringclasses 19 values	taster_twitter_handle stringclasses 15 values	title stringlengths 12 135 ⌀
Spain	Aromas of cherry and leather come with burnt earth and smoke, but overall the nose is inviting. The palate is solid in feel, with good weight and drive that supports a smoky flavor profile of red berries and controlled bitterness. Finishes toasty, with a lick of bitter chocolate.	Elyssia Pinot Noir Brut	87	18	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Freixenet	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Freixenet NV Elyssia Pinot Noir Brut Sparkling (Cava)
New Zealand	The Pioneer Block series from Saint Clair remains a reference point for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This year, I had a slight preference for Block 3 from the low-lying Dillons Point subregion. It's grassy yet ripe, with flamboyant nectarine and gooseberry notes, plenty of weight and textural interest and a long, mouth coating finish.	Pioneer Block 3 43 Degrees Dillons Point	92	27	Marlborough	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Saint Clair	null	null	null
Chile	Chunky aromas of peach and melon are briny and pickled. With high acidity maintaining shape, there's pinch to the palate. Typical Elqui Valley flavors of mustard and briny apple finish full, viscous and muscular, with a pickled citrus aftertaste.	1865 Single Vineyard	88	18	Elqui Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	San Pedro	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	San Pedro 2015 1865 Single Vineyard Chardonnay (Elqui Valley)
Italy	Aromas of violet and red currant waft from the glass. The fresh, juicy palate delivers wild cherry, strawberry and an herbal note alongside bright acidity and soft tannins. It finishes with an almond accent.	Campaner	88	18	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Schiava	Caldaro	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Caldaro 2013 Campaner Schiava (Alto Adige)
Italy	This Moscato is a great value, a perfect opening for a big party. Made in a subtle, lightly sweet style, with sophisticated gardenia and white flower scents on the nose. A jazzy midpalate mineral note contributes some edge, while the elegant finish trails off into intriguing notes of fresh ginger and roasted pineapple. Drink up, no reason to age.	Pitulé	86	13	Piedmont	Moscato d'Asti	null	Moscato	Neirano	null	null	null
Italy	This Prosecco Extra Dry definitely boasts sweet, fruity tones of peach, melon and honey and backs those aromas with a creamy, frothy texture. It has piquant, lively effervescence and a crisp, citrusy finish. Col Vetoraz is located at the heart of Valdobbiadene's most celebrated cru.	Extra Dry	87	18	Veneto	Prosecco di Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Col Vetoraz Spumanti	null	null	Col Vetoraz Spumanti NV Extra Dry (Prosecco di Valdobbiadene)
US	This is a full-bodied, simple wine, made from 70% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 10% “other” red grapes. It's soft in texture, with candied berry, cola and spice flavors and a short finish.	The Grass Cutter	82	12	California	California	California Other	Red Blend	Cambridge & Sunset	null	null	Cambridge & Sunset 2012 The Grass Cutter Red (California)
South Africa	This blend of 38% Sauvignon Blanc, 44% Sémillon and 13% Viognier is ripe but balanced with brisk acidity and lively citrus flavors against the tropical fruit and melon backbone. Prickly grapefruit flavors dominate the mouthwatering finish. Drink now.	The Honey Pot	87	15	Stellenbosch	null	null	White Blend	Edgebaston	null	null	null
US	A bit hot in alcohol, but rich and peppery, with flavors of roasted blackberries, cherry liqueur, chocolate and anise. Good with barbecue.	null	84	20	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Cline	null	null	null
Italy	Il Tarabuso is a rich and spicy expression of Cabernet Sauvignon (blended with 10% Syrah for extra spice and softness on the finish) that would pair with a hearty plate of grilled sausage and white beans. Aromas here include black fruit, spice, cola and sweet cherry.	Il Tarabuso	91	null	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Terre del Marchesato	null	null	null
Spain	Attractive and fruity on the front end, this has pure berry aromas but not a lot of nuance or complexity. It narrows a bit on the palate, with tight tannins that support the black fruit and coffee flavors. Juicy, bright and solid on the finish.	Secreto Reserva	89	null	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Viña Mayor	null	null	null
US	Aromatically muted at first, the bouquet opens up with time to reveal steely, finessed notes of pear and fresh citrus that continue through to the palate. The oak is subtle and well-managed, and the minerality alive and fresh.	null	91	28	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Anaba	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Anaba 2011 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
US	Swanson has a great track record with this wine, which is always in need of time on release. The 2005 shows classic Napa structure, with hard but near-perfect tannins and lush, oak-sweetened black currant, cherry and dark chocolate flavors. Brilliant, but will benefit from a good three or four years in the cellar. Should evolve well beyond 2012.	Alexis	92	75	California	Oakville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Swanson	null	null	null
France	Citrus and red-fruit aromas make for an attractive, perfumed wine. On the palate, a fresh character comes from the red currant and raspberry fruits. It is light and bright with a tight, mineral aftertaste.	null	88	11	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Rosé	null	Rosé	Quai de la Lune	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quai de la Lune 2015 Rosé (Bordeaux Rosé)
Italy	Here's an interesting Sauvignon from central Italy with distinctive notes of chopped herbs and honey on the fringe of crisp, zesty fruit. There's good dimension and balance here and a thin mouthfeel is capped by vibrant spice on the close.	Ocumare	87	15	Central Italy	Colline Teatine	null	Sauvignon	Il Feuduccio Di S. Maria D'Orni	null	null	null
US	A captivating Pinot Noir, soft, lush and sensual. It seduces the palate with appealing raspberry, cherry, currant, chocolate, anise and spice flavors that are so delicious. Equally likeable for the silky, easy texture. Drink now.	Clone 777	92	32	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	William Knuttel	null	null	null
Italy	Great depth of fruit characterizes this wine from its beautiful bouquet of ripe sour cherries, tar, taragon, earth and tobacco right through its solid palate where the rich dry cherry flavors open up and show some mineral accents. Long and elegant, the finish has even, ripe tannins and a fine chalky note. Deserves cellaring for two to four more years.	null	92	50	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Marchesi di Barolo	null	null	Marchesi di Barolo 1995 Barolo
Portugal	This is a wood-aged Touriga Nacional that is smooth and rich. It shows some extraction offering dark chocolate flavors that cover the fruit, yet happen to provide a ripe, rounded feel. Drink from 2017.	null	86	22	Tejo	null	null	Touriga Nacional	Casa Cadaval	null	null	null
US	Dense olallieberry and asphalt show on the nose of this bottling, as does a tart black-plum-skin scent. There is grape-like sweetness to the palate, and touches of cola, but not much else.	Paso Tombstone	83	20	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Red Blend	Graveyard	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Graveyard NV Paso Tombstone Red (Paso Robles)
Austria	The sun-ripened skin of yellow mirabelle plums and their ripe flesh suggest both texture and fruitiness. This burgeons with gloriously ripe fruit, which attains an apricot touch on the palate, but is held firmly and with beautiful poise by lemon zestiness and citrus freshness. A wonderful combination of generosity and tang with lovely concentration, brilliant fruit and a long finish.	Pfeningberg Reserve	94	42	Kremstal	null	null	Riesling	Proidl	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Proidl 2015 Pfeningberg Reserve Riesling (Kremstal)
Austria	Properly rustic, this has firm and dry tannins, a powerful structure to go with the wood aging and black plum flavor. It has pepper, spice and toast notes, with layers of acidity. The finish is very dry and firm. Screwcap.	Reserve	90	43	Burgenland	null	null	Blaufränkisch	Gunter Triebaumer	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Gunter Triebaumer 2009 Reserve Blaufränkisch (Burgenland)
US	This is the winery's eighth vintage working with this block of this vineyard. Aromas of spice, herb and dark fruit lead to sleek pure sweet fruit flavors. It shows a lot of delicacy.	McKinley Springs Vineyard	89	35	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Mourvèdre	Robert Ramsay	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Robert Ramsay 2014 McKinley Springs Vineyard Mourvèdre (Horse Heaven Hills)
US	Once again the Spofford Station fruit shines; this is muscular, fully ripe, textural and dense with a seamless mix of red, blue and black fruits that sails effortlessly into the ripe tannins. The underpinning of firm acid and the hints of dill-flavored spice (from a percentage of American oak) serve to expand the wine in the mouth, adding breadth and depth. It finishes a bit chalky and sour, but otherwise has a lot of positives.	Spofford Station	89	25	Oregon	Walla Walla Valley (OR)	Oregon Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Lujon	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Lujon 2005 Spofford Station Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (OR))
France	Some bright black currant flavors are found on a wine that feels light and fresh, with some spice and a high acid content.	Cuvée Carolle	84	20	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Red Blend	Domaine de la Sauveuse	null	null	null
US	This is not a successful Sleepy Hollow Vineyard bottling. The cold vintage took its toll, resulting in a wine whose cherry and tart cranberry flavors are cut through with a streak of green veggies. Drink up.	Sleepy Hollow Vineyard	82	42	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Talbott	null	null	Talbott 2011 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Italy	White spring flower and citrus fruit aromas lead the way while the bright palate offers juicy nectarine and a hint of papaya. Zesty acidity gives it a tangy finish.	null	87	25	Piedmont	Gavi	null	Cortese	La Bollina	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	La Bollina 2015 Gavi
France	A finely structured wine, this has a rich, juicy black-currant flavor and a solid, tannic core. It has weight and a dark, firm presence, and a smooth herbal character that highlights the wood aging. This should age for five years or more.	null	88	40	Bordeaux	Côtes de Bourg	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château de Reynaud	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Reynaud 2010 Côtes de Bourg
Argentina	Brambly, hot and rubbery fruit aromas lead to a palate of lean, herbal, strawberry flavors. Herbal and snappy on the finish, with decent structure and balance. Flavorwise it's on shaky ground.	null	82	6	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Shiraz	Funky Llama	null	null	null
Italy	Campo Magri is a bright and lively Valpolicella Superiore with crisp tones of cherry and wild berry backed by slight smoke and spice. The natural acidity will cut through the density or ossobuco or beef stew.	Campi Magri	88	null	Veneto	Valpolicella Superiore	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Corte Sant' Alda	null	null	Corte Sant' Alda 2007 Campi Magri (Valpolicella Superiore)
Australia	Leather and dark plum aromas carry with them a bit of barnyard, and while the flavors are pleasantly dark and earthy, the finish turns slightly metallic. It's a reasonably full-bodied wine, but one that probably should be consumed soon.	null	84	11	South Australia	South Australia	null	Shiraz	Paringa	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Paringa 2013 Shiraz (South Australia)
US	Curious tones of red berry and grapefruit mark this intensely fruit-forward, semi-sweet Riesling. It's concentrated on the palate, but balanced with hints of smoky minerality and delicate dried herb notes.	Semi-Sweet	87	14	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Heron Hill	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Heron Hill 2011 Semi-Sweet Riesling (Finger Lakes)
Canada	Smells oily, with a diesel-fuel note that some may find offputting. Rich and earthy on the palate, this bottling emphasizes spice, mineral and loam flavors, not the bright fruit of so many other Ontario products.	Select Late Harvest	86	18	Ontario	Lake Erie North Shore	null	Riesling	Colio	null	null	null
Argentina	This is tan in color, with a flat, murky nose of stone-fruit aromas and chemical harshness. A round, oily textured palate tastes of briny nectarine and pithy bitterness. In many ways, this is like sucking on a peach pit.	The Angel Oak	83	25	Mendoza Province	Valle de Uco	null	Rosé	SignoSeis	null	null	null
Austria	Structured tannins dominate this blend of Blaufränkisch, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon right now, but dense yet sleeping plummy fruit and oaky spice are waiting in the background for their time to shine. This will relax into something slinky and fruitful if you have the patience to wait a year or two; drink after 2016.	Estoras	91	20	Burgenland	null	null	Red Blend	Esterházy	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Esterházy 2011 Estoras Red (Burgenland)
US	This is one of the best Mourvèdres in recent memory. It has the silky texture of Pinot Noir, yet is full bodied in fruity tannins, and most importantly feels clean and vibrant throughout. Shows exciting flavors of cherries and raspberries, with a meaty note of grilled beef splashed with soy sauce. Lovely now with a great grilled steak.	Bendicion	92	40	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Mourvèdre	Oso Libre	null	null	null
France	Exquisite lightness and weightless charm are the two obvious hallmarks of this wine. The merest touch of citrus appears on the nose. The palate has the same restraint and lemony fruit, pitched against a light froth of tiny bubbles. It's lithe and bright, with a dry, brisk finish.	1904 Cuvée Spéciale Brut	91	40	Alsace	Crémant d'Alsace	null	Sparkling Blend	Arthur Metz	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Arthur Metz NV 1904 Cuvée Spéciale Brut Sparkling (Crémant d'Alsace)
France	Opening notes of Swiss cheese are more appealing than they sound. There are apple undertones, mineral notes and a dry, medium finish that's shot through with notes of wet stones. Try with light fish dishes. Drink now or keep several years.	Bergheim	87	22	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Blanc	Domaine Marcel Deiss	null	null	null
France	Seemingly at its peak of maturity, although it should stay there for several years, this is a masterful Saint-Joseph, showing great complexity (flowers, pepper, smoke, cherries), ripe fruit and satin-textured tannins. Drink now-2012.	Les Granits	92	95	Rhône Valley	Saint-Joseph	null	Syrah	M. Chapoutier	null	null	null
Portugal	Nuts, sweet figs and spice come together in this delicious wine. It has great freshness as well as the concentrated wood character of a 20-year-old. A great final balance.	20-Year-Old Tawny	91	66	Port	null	null	Port	Ramos-Pinto	null	null	null
France	This fruity wine has a refreshing citrus flavor. Lightly textured, it is lively and crisp. A mineral edge gives it tight structure, putting the wine into the food category.	null	88	14	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Rosé	null	Rosé	Château des Antonins	null	null	null
Italy	The wine opens with a thick, black and dense appearance and segues to raw aromas of blackberry, cherry, tobacco, spice and natural rubber. There's a vinous, chewy quality here that needs more time in the bottle to unwind.	Porlapà	88	28	Piedmont	Barbera d'Asti Superiore	null	Barbera	Alfonso Boeri	null	null	null
US	Big, oaky and extremely bright, with refreshing acids and crisply defined fruit. As is usually the case with this spectacular vineyard, the flavors carry extra intensity; they seem to drill down into the heart of the palate. Though released young, this is a wine that could certainly benefit from another 6–12 months in the bottle.	Cold Creek	90	22	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Chateau Ste. Michelle	null	null	null
France	This domaine, which sprawls across several appellations, is now being farmed organically. More importantly, this wine is a terrific value. Thyme and bay leaf notes add vibrance to the ripe raspberry flavors in this blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. It's weighty without being heavy, with a velvety finish that makes it easy to drink now.	Cuvée Empire	92	33	Rhône Valley	Châteauneuf-du-Pape	null	Grenache-Syrah	Domaine de Fontavin	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Domaine de Fontavin 2012 Cuvée Empire Grenache-Syrah (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Spain	Modern and bulky, this has a lot of great things going on. It opens with aromas of mineral, graphite, sage and bold berry, with chewy, roasted black-fruit flavors. It's long, compact, chocolaty and spicy on the finish. Still not mature but it's drinkable—best from 2014 and on.	Clássic	93	89	Catalonia	Priorat	null	Carignan	Cims de Porrera	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Cims de Porrera 2005 Clássic Carignan (Priorat)
Italy	Dark berry and black cooking spice aromas lead the nose on this straightforward red. The dense, simple palate offers blackberry jam and a note of anise alongside compact, rounded tannins. Drink through 2016.	null	86	14	Sicily & Sardinia	Terre Siciliane	null	Nero d'Avola	Cusumano	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Cusumano 2014 Nero d'Avola (Terre Siciliane)
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	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Chateau Ste. Michelle	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Chateau Ste. Michelle 2005 Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))
South Africa	Initial brambly berry aromas are partnered with hints of smoky bacon and caramel sauce. The flavors are solid and ripe but not overdone, with attractive notes of blackberry and wild cherry. The medium tannins and ample acidity lend good balance and texture to the wine, while a pleasant astringency lingers on the finish.	Primo	88	29	Paarl	null	null	Pinotage	Fairview	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Fairview 2010 Primo Pinotage (Paarl)
US	Notes of cinnamon and peppercorns adds complexity to the cranberry-pomegranate fruit and slate minerality on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. It's more reserved in its palate, which offers cranberry tang with an herbal sagebrush quality, proving a reliable, straightforward take on the grape.	Erwin Vineyard	88	50	California	Santa Cruz Mountains	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Clos La Chance	null	null	null
US	A delicious, balanced Pinot Noir. Shows dry, pure flavors of raspberries, cherries, cola and sandalwood, with a delicious, drink-me-now appeal.	Radog	87	28	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Radog	null	null	null
Spain	A simple and snappy style of Rioja with just enough weight and ripeness along with light berry aromas. The palate is perky and fresh, with young, medicinal, semisharp flavors of cherry and plum. More than competent, with verve and acidic scour.	Ursa Maior	85	10	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Bodegas Ondarre	null	null	null
US	Shows deep, concentrated flavors of blackberries and black currants, with classically fine, complex Napa tannins. It's 100% Cabernet, with 50% new oak, and although the label doesn't say so, the grapes come from a Howell Mountain vineyard. Beautiful now, and will develop over the next 6–8 years. Decant for hours if you open it now.	Reserve	93	40	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Johndrow Vineyards	null	null	null
Chile	Just like the prior vintage, this wine may be organic but it's not all that good. The color is opaque purple and the nose is jammy like Jungle Juice. That overconcentrated attitude is persistent, thus the feel is tannic, the flavors jumbled and the finish heavy and grabby.	Organic	82	18	Maipo Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon-Malbec	De Martino	null	null	null
France	This rich, wood-aged wine has become smooth after three years of aging. It's rich, with fine, juicy black fruit, acidity and a core of tannins. It's balanced, ripe and ready to drink.	Elevé en Fût de Chêne	88	23	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Domaine de Maison Neuve	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine de Maison Neuve 2014 Elevé en Fût de Chêne Malbec (Cahors)
Portugal	Fresh and perfumed, this wine offers great citric flavors, a lively crispness rare in white wines from central Portugal. Pear and some yellow fruits give roundness.	null	87	10	Ribatejo	null	null	Portuguese White	Quinta da Alorna	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta da Alorna 2006 White (Ribatejo)
US	A proportion of the grapes in this wine, accented with 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, comes from the Lewis Vineyard, a respected site in the heart of the appellation. It contributes to the magic, putting forward red currant, sage and crisp red fruit around a strong body, texture and tang of tannin.	null	91	80	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Robert John	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Robert John 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Argentina	Creamy dark-berry aromas carry a floral, blueberry hint, while the thick palate teeters on syrupy as it delivers gummy, mildly baked black fruit flavors. Lactic and full on the finish, with a touch of crusty bitterness along with milk chocolate and/or carob.	null	85	12	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Septima	null	null	null
US	Made up of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Tempranillo, this wine offers an intensity of leather and dark plum, a whiff of smoky tobacco hanging in the background, too. With a pronounced tannic structure and big finish, it's a burly wine made for burly barbecue-inspired meals.	Diamond Mine Cuvée	87	18	California	Lake County	null	Cabernet Sauvignon-Tempranillo	Six Sigma Ranch	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Six Sigma Ranch 2011 Diamond Mine Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon-Tempranillo (Lake County)
Italy	Nebbiolo, the grape, and Nubiola, the designate name, stem from the same Italian word: nebbia, or “fog” that regularly blankets the Langhe. This bright Barbaresco is defined by a distinctive aroma of tar or freshly applied street asphalt that is typical of the variety. Additional aromas include back fruit, prune and plum. The mouthfeel is streamlined, tight and elegant.	Nubiola	92	38	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Pelissero	null	null	null
France	Very fruity Champagne, well balanced with ripe pear and golden plum flavors, laced with kiwi. It has refreshing acidity, giving a bright, tight texture and a soft finish.	Authentic Brut	87	null	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Canard-Duchêne	null	null	null
France	For a wine from this appellation, this is soft, bringing out ripe fruit rather than structure. It means the wine will develop quickly and with charm as well as richness. The red fruits are already showing well, as is crisp acidity. Drink from 2018.	null	88	65	Burgundy	Nuits-St.-Georges	null	Pinot Noir	Château de Santenay	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Santenay 2014 Nuits-St.-Georges
US	Good depth of flavor and a nicely tannic texture make this hearty wine interesting and appetizing. Earth, oak and chocolate waft from the glass and turn to substantive red cherry and red-currant flavors on the palate, while firm tannins and good acidity give grip to the mouthfeel.	Estate	90	26	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	Sangiovese	Naggiar	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Naggiar 2014 Estate Sangiovese (Sierra Foothills)
South Africa	Citrus, spice and minerals give this balanced, refreshing Chardonnay a fun start. Though it has rotund fruit flavors and complexity, it's also easydrinking and food friendly. A mouthwatering wine with a lingering spice finish.	null	88	16	Paarl	null	null	Chardonnay	Glen Carlou	null	null	null
France	Crémant de Loire is the Loire-wide sparkling wine appellation. This wine, with its blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, shows a crisp character, its acidity given brightness by lemon and green-plum fruit flavors. There's an attractive edge of minerality to add some tautness to the wine.	Brut Excellence	88	14	Loire Valley	Crémant de Loire	null	Chenin Blanc-Chardonnay	Bouvet-Ladubay	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Bouvet-Ladubay NV Brut Excellence Chenin Blanc-Chardonnay (Crémant de Loire)
New Zealand	Not that expressive on the nose, giving up little more than some faintly nutty-leesy scents. But this is nicely weighty on the palate without being heavy, with custardy accents to its complex citrus and tropical flavors. Long on the finish, where it picks up hints of dried spices. Imported by DC Imports LLC.	null	91	20	Waipara	null	null	Chardonnay	Mount Cass	null	null	null
US	At first impression, this wine seems a bit less ripe than its single-vineyard siblings. A hint of tomato in the nose gives an herbal edge, and there is more than enough tart acidity under the light red fruits. It's clean and refreshing, with tasty raspberry fruit, but does not show the density and detail of the other 2012 vineyard designates.	Bryan Creek Vineyard	89	80	Oregon	Chehalem Mountains	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Adelsheim	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Adelsheim 2012 Bryan Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains)
US	This is cool-climate fruit, from a vintage the winery describes as “the coolest year we have ever seen.” Nonetheless they have made a good wine, with balanced scents and flavors. It's definitely herbal, but also brings some cured meat and tart, wild cherry flavors into play.	null	86	35	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Syrah	Amalie Robert	null	null	null
Spain	Tired and oxidized on the nose, this offers just-adequate freshness on the palate, but the wine is losing steam. Flavors of oxidized white fruits and bitter citrus finish dully.	null	83	20	Galicia	Rías Baixas	null	Albariño	Bouza de Carril	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bouza de Carril 2013 Albariño (Rías Baixas)
US	Cat pee, a drop of grapefruit juice and a clean, spicy finish. That's pretty much it.	null	83	15	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Bernardus	null	null	null
US	An awkward wine whose chief problem is the mouthfeel. It's bone dry and sharp, with unripe green flavors and harsh acidity. Not going anywhere, so drink up.	Olive Hill	82	40	California	Carmel Valley	Central Coast	Petite Sirah	Galante	null	null	null
Italy	This is a thin wine with light color and aromas of tealeaf, red berries and cranberries. It's a tight and simple wine that could pair with take-out dinners or pizza.	null	84	null	Veneto	Valpolicella Classico	null	Red Blend	San Rustico	null	null	null
US	Rex Hill's 2003 reserve is beautifully crafted, soft, smooth and complete. Flavors of classic Oregon Pinot suggest wild berries, spice, leaf and herb; the tannins have been subdued and the wine just lolls around in your mouth and delivers the goods.	Reserve	88	39	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Pinot Noir	Rex Hill	null	null	null
Portugal	This fruity, soft wine is ready to drink. With apple and pear flavors, just the right amount of crisp acidity and a bright aftertaste, it's made for this summer.	null	85	null	Tejo	null	null	Portuguese White	Moura Basto	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Moura Basto 2013 White (Tejo)
Spain	Jammy, herbal aromas come with a note of orange peel. The palate feels choppy and rough, while flavors of medicinal red berry and herbal influences end in a light, candied, green-tasting finish.	Tempranillo-Garnacha-Syrah	82	9	Northern Spain	Cariñena	null	Tempranillo Blend	Las Valles	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Las Valles 2011 Tempranillo-Garnacha-Syrah Red (Cariñena)
Australia	Dried herb and tobacco accent a mix of red and black fruit in this silky-textured wine. Vanilla and menthol notes add more nuance on the nose, while the red fruit lingers elegantly on the long, velvety finish. Drink now–2025.	St. Andrews Single Vineyard Release	93	60	South Australia	Clare Valley	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Wakefield	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Wakefield 2010 St. Andrews Single Vineyard Release Cabernet Sauvignon (Clare Valley)
France	Fragrant, fresh and fruity, this light and bright wine offers an herbal character to go with its citrus and green apple fruits. It is lively and crisp—a fine apéritif. Screwcap.	Domaine de Lamothe	84	13	Southwest France	Côtes de Gascogne	null	Colombard-Sauvignon Blanc	Cheval Quancard	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Cheval Quancard 2011 Domaine de Lamothe Colombard-Sauvignon Blanc (Côtes de Gascogne)
US	Dried leaf, cherry, woodspice and medicinal aromas are followed by supple, sweet cherry flavors backed by lightly grainy tannins and a tart lick of acid. It's an intriguing wine that keeps you coming back for more.	null	90	32	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Franc	Mosquito Fleet	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Mosquito Fleet 2012 Cabernet Franc (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	This wine has a good, deep color, lots of fruity aromas and flavors, and a smooth mouthfeel. It tastes grapy and jammy but dry, with light spicy accents to add interest.	null	86	7	California	California	California Other	Merlot	Domino	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Domino 2013 Merlot (California)
Portugal	A juicy, spicy wine, packed with open, generous black fruits. The blend of Castelão and Trincadeira gives blackberries, some raisins and a smooth chocolate underlay.	Falcoaria	88	16	Ribatejo	null	null	Portuguese Red	Quinta do Casal Branco	null	null	null
US	With sugary, jellied flavors of cherry and berry, along with abundant oak-derived notes of sweet buttered toast and vanilla-cream, this is easy to drink.	null	84	32	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Deep Sea	null	null	Deep Sea 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	This is a blend of Sonoma, Santa Clara and Santa Barbara counties. The vineyards are not specified, but they're clearly of high quality, for the wine is balanced, elegant and delicious. It shows classic Syrah flavors of blackberries, cassis and chocolate, with a spicy edge of white pepper and cinnamon, and is just about as good as Testarossa's more expensive Syrahs.	Subasio	90	34	California	California	California Other	Syrah	Testarossa	null	null	null
South Africa	A big, exuberant nose leads on this impressive Syrah. On the palate, it's a muscular red, with balance, strength and elegant tannins. Mouthfilling but minerally enough to maintain poise, it will age well or pair now with roasted meat.	null	89	37	Stellenbosch	null	null	Syrah	Rudi Schultz	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Rudi Schultz 2005 Syrah (Stellenbosch)
France	This huge, rich wine has weight and density. What make it still recognizably Bordeaux are the black currant fruits, acidity and the stylish tannins. Everything else is larger than life, with power and concentration. Drink from 2018. Owners Mallet Frères use parcel selection for this 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon blend.	Cuvée Jean Bernard	91	30	Bordeaux	Côtes de Bourg	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Haut-Macô	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Haut-Macô 2010 Cuvée Jean Bernard (Côtes de Bourg)
Italy	This offers subdued aromas suggesting pear, acacia, sage and hazelnut that carry onto the ripe palate along with yellow peach. Bitter almond marks the finish.	Sette Note Secco	87	13	Central Italy	Romagna	null	Albana	Morini	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Morini 2015 Sette Note Secco Albana (Romagna)
US	Smoky cranberry and pomegranate feature prominently in this medium-bodied, delicately crafted wine. It shows a hint of burnt orange spiked with clove.	Moore Vineyard	91	48	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Kobler	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Kobler 2014 Moore Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
US	Aged in 45% new French oak, aromas of cocoa, vanilla and barrel spice are at the fore followed by full-bodied but still tart raspberry and cranberry flavors. It brings a bit of heat along with it.	Elephant Mountain Vineyards	87	34	Washington	Rattlesnake Hills	Columbia Valley	Sangiovese	Maryhill	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Maryhill 2014 Elephant Mountain Vineyards Sangiovese (Rattlesnake Hills)
Italy	Fresh and easygoing, this opens with scents of berry, blue flower and a whiff of baking spice. The light-bodied, simple palate offers tart cherry, black currant and a hint of espresso alongside soft, not very persistent tannins.	Poggio al Leone Riserva	89	35	Tuscany	Morellino di Scansano	null	Red Blend	Val delle Rose	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Val delle Rose 2013 Poggio al Leone Riserva (Morellino di Scansano)
US	The fruit comes from Weinbau, DuBrul and Destiny Ridge. The Weinbau is old vine, and is the main component. This is a solid, meaty, deep purple and blue, with hints of smoked meat in the nose. Fruit flavors are tight, tart and run to the black cherry and blackberry flavors. Clearly varietal, with stiff tannins, a bit chalky, but plenty of varietal character and a long finish with streaks of coffee and light herb. This is winemaker Ron Coleman's favorite red, and he gives it plenty of TLC that shines through in the bottle.	null	90	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Franc	Tamarack Cellars	null	null	null
Italy	Light and cheerful, this ruby-colored Rosso delivers a mixed bag of aromas. You'll detect red fruit, barbecue spice, smoked meat, leather and prune. It shows very nice intensity and persistency on the close with a playful touch of refreshing acidity.	null	87	25	Tuscany	Rosso di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Fanti	null	null	Fanti 2007 Rosso di Montalcino
US	Tart cherry and cranberry flavors form a core of richly round fruit and texture in this late-released wine, which exudes both power and finesse.	Estate Vineyard	87	30	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Wellington	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Wellington 2012 Estate Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma County)
Italy	A food-friendly blend of Schiava and Lagrein (two native grapes of northern Italy) this ruby-colored wine opens with a lean consistency and medium build. It shows cool-climate aromas of small forest fruit and blue flowers with a touch of white almond on the close.	Santa Maddalena	87	17	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Red Blend	Andriano	null	null	null
Spain	This Rioja reserva hits all the standard checkpoints with aplomb. Earthy loamy mossy aromas of plum and berry fruits feature a hint of tobacco and vanilla. In the mouth, this is full, with round but serious tannins. Tea, wild herb, black plum and berry flavors finish with savory soupy notes and prodding tannins. Drink through 2022.	Cerro Añon Reserva	91	26	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Bodegas Olarra	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas Olarra 2012 Cerro Añon Reserva (Rioja)
US	Light in structure and made for early drinking, this Pinot is crisp and dry, with cherry, cola and minty flavors. High acidity gives it a searing taste that calls for rich fare, like ahi tuna tartare.	Central Avenue Vineyard	87	21	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Pessagno	null	null	Pessagno 2006 Central Avenue Vineyard Pinot Noir (Monterey County)
France	As we brace ourselves for the crush of this year's Beaujolais Nouveau, it's worth remembering that last year was the year that the region's most famous négociant described as “the vintage [that] may turn out to be the greatest vintage of my career.” It's not the nouveau that turns the “may” into a “will”—it's cru wines like this fragrant, intensely concentrated Juliénas. Here, sweet berry fruit fleshes out into a long, vibrant and persistent wine, one that lingers on the palate for an impossibly long time.	null	90	12	Beaujolais	Juliénas	null	Gamay	Georges Duboeuf	null	null	null
Portugal	This wine is firmly tannic, while promising fine fruitiness as it develops. The acidity and black fruits are about to break through the imposing tannic edifice. This wine will be best from 2017.	Follies Nossa Senhora da Vandoma	90	11	Bairrada	null	null	Touriga Nacional-Cabernet Sauvignon	Aveleda	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Aveleda 2013 Follies Nossa Senhora da Vandoma Touriga Nacional-Cabernet Sauvignon (Bairrada)
France	This wine is still young, reveling in its bright fruit and mineral texture. Drawn from Côte des Blancs vineyards, it's tight, tense and loaded with citrus fruit. With its finely crisp aftertaste, it's delicious now for its fruit but will also be great from 2020, once its toasty character develops more fully.	Blanc de Blancs Brut	93	80	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Deutz	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Deutz 2010 Blanc de Blancs Brut (Champagne)
US	There's some sweaty, funky stuff going on with this Petite Sirah, along with massive blackberry, currant and tobacco flavors. The tannins are big, furry and strong, and the finish is bone dry. Shows that slightly rustic “Pet” quality, but in an upscale Napa way. Now–2020.	null	90	35	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Petite Sirah	Flying Horse	null	null	null
Spain	Dry berry, leather and spice aromas lead to a juicy, high-acid palate, with red cherry, tart plum and pepper accents. It remains zesty, clean, simple and sharp on the finish.	Reserva	83	25	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Sonsierra	null	null	null
Portugal	Mendes specializes in Alvarinho in the far north of Portugal. With this powerful, intense wine he shows how good the grape can be and how good the 2005 vintage was. It's full-bodied and intense, with just a touch of mineral and spritz. Imported by Aidil Wines & Liquor Inc.	Muros Antigos	91	16	Vinho Verde	null	null	Alvarinho	Anselmo Mendes	null	null	null
US	Named after the traditional boat used on the Douro River, this dessert wine, made from 50% Tempranillo, 34% Touriga Nacional and 16% Tinta Cao, is a muddy brown-red color and shows aromas of concentrated raisin and turned earth. Pipe smoke, prunes, kirsch and caramel flavors combine for a very lasting finish, allowing this to function much like Scotch and work well with cigars.	Rabelo Pierce Ranch	88	30	California	San Antonio Valley	Central Coast	Port	Quinta Cruz	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Quinta Cruz 2008 Rabelo Pierce Ranch Port (San Antonio Valley)
Italy	Here's a boutique winery that has pushed forward over the generations to offer beautiful expressions of Nebbiolo. Of its three Barolos, we especially love this wine from the Cannubi cru: it embodies delicate harmony and lingering flavors of wild berries, mineral and spice. The wine is dry and firm on the palate and leaves a lasting impression of freshness.	Cannubi	93	149	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Gianni Gagliardo	null	null	null

Spain

Aromas of cherry and leather come with burnt earth and smoke, but overall the nose is inviting. The palate is solid in feel, with good weight and drive that supports a smoky flavor profile of red berries and controlled bitterness. Finishes toasty, with a lick of bitter chocolate.

Elyssia Pinot Noir Brut

87

18

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Freixenet

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Freixenet NV Elyssia Pinot Noir Brut Sparkling (Cava)

New Zealand

The Pioneer Block series from Saint Clair remains a reference point for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This year, I had a slight preference for Block 3 from the low-lying Dillons Point subregion. It's grassy yet ripe, with flamboyant nectarine and gooseberry notes, plenty of weight and textural interest and a long, mouth coating finish.

Pioneer Block 3 43 Degrees Dillons Point

92

27

Marlborough

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Saint Clair

null

Chile

Chunky aromas of peach and melon are briny and pickled. With high acidity maintaining shape, there's pinch to the palate. Typical Elqui Valley flavors of mustard and briny apple finish full, viscous and muscular, with a pickled citrus aftertaste.

1865 Single Vineyard

88

18

Elqui Valley

null

Chardonnay

San Pedro

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

San Pedro 2015 1865 Single Vineyard Chardonnay (Elqui Valley)

Italy

Aromas of violet and red currant waft from the glass. The fresh, juicy palate delivers wild cherry, strawberry and an herbal note alongside bright acidity and soft tannins. It finishes with an almond accent.

Campaner

88

18

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Schiava

Caldaro

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Caldaro 2013 Campaner Schiava (Alto Adige)

Italy

This Moscato is a great value, a perfect opening for a big party. Made in a subtle, lightly sweet style, with sophisticated gardenia and white flower scents on the nose. A jazzy midpalate mineral note contributes some edge, while the elegant finish trails off into intriguing notes of fresh ginger and roasted pineapple. Drink up, no reason to age.

Pitulé

86

13

Piedmont

Moscato d'Asti

null

Moscato

Neirano

null

Italy

This Prosecco Extra Dry definitely boasts sweet, fruity tones of peach, melon and honey and backs those aromas with a creamy, frothy texture. It has piquant, lively effervescence and a crisp, citrusy finish. Col Vetoraz is located at the heart of Valdobbiadene's most celebrated cru.

Extra Dry

87

18

Veneto

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Col Vetoraz Spumanti

null

Col Vetoraz Spumanti NV Extra Dry (Prosecco di Valdobbiadene)

US

This is a full-bodied, simple wine, made from 70% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 10% “other” red grapes. It's soft in texture, with candied berry, cola and spice flavors and a short finish.

The Grass Cutter

82

12

California

California Other

Red Blend

Cambridge & Sunset

null

Cambridge & Sunset 2012 The Grass Cutter Red (California)

South Africa

This blend of 38% Sauvignon Blanc, 44% Sémillon and 13% Viognier is ripe but balanced with brisk acidity and lively citrus flavors against the tropical fruit and melon backbone. Prickly grapefruit flavors dominate the mouthwatering finish. Drink now.

The Honey Pot

87

15

Stellenbosch

null

White Blend

Edgebaston

null

US

A bit hot in alcohol, but rich and peppery, with flavors of roasted blackberries, cherry liqueur, chocolate and anise. Good with barbecue.

null

84

20

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Cline

null

Italy

Il Tarabuso is a rich and spicy expression of Cabernet Sauvignon (blended with 10% Syrah for extra spice and softness on the finish) that would pair with a hearty plate of grilled sausage and white beans. Aromas here include black fruit, spice, cola and sweet cherry.

Il Tarabuso

91

null

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Terre del Marchesato

null

Spain

Attractive and fruity on the front end, this has pure berry aromas but not a lot of nuance or complexity. It narrows a bit on the palate, with tight tannins that support the black fruit and coffee flavors. Juicy, bright and solid on the finish.

Secreto Reserva

89

null

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Viña Mayor

null

US

Aromatically muted at first, the bouquet opens up with time to reveal steely, finessed notes of pear and fresh citrus that continue through to the palate. The oak is subtle and well-managed, and the minerality alive and fresh.

null

91

28

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Anaba

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Anaba 2011 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)

US

Swanson has a great track record with this wine, which is always in need of time on release. The 2005 shows classic Napa structure, with hard but near-perfect tannins and lush, oak-sweetened black currant, cherry and dark chocolate flavors. Brilliant, but will benefit from a good three or four years in the cellar. Should evolve well beyond 2012.

Alexis

92

75

California

Oakville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Swanson

null

France

Citrus and red-fruit aromas make for an attractive, perfumed wine. On the palate, a fresh character comes from the red currant and raspberry fruits. It is light and bright with a tight, mineral aftertaste.

null

88

11

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Rosé

null

Rosé

Quai de la Lune

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quai de la Lune 2015 Rosé (Bordeaux Rosé)

Italy

Here's an interesting Sauvignon from central Italy with distinctive notes of chopped herbs and honey on the fringe of crisp, zesty fruit. There's good dimension and balance here and a thin mouthfeel is capped by vibrant spice on the close.

Ocumare

87

15

Central Italy

Colline Teatine

null

Sauvignon

Il Feuduccio Di S. Maria D'Orni

null

US

A captivating Pinot Noir, soft, lush and sensual. It seduces the palate with appealing raspberry, cherry, currant, chocolate, anise and spice flavors that are so delicious. Equally likeable for the silky, easy texture. Drink now.

Clone 777

92

32

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

William Knuttel

null

Italy

Great depth of fruit characterizes this wine from its beautiful bouquet of ripe sour cherries, tar, taragon, earth and tobacco right through its solid palate where the rich dry cherry flavors open up and show some mineral accents. Long and elegant, the finish has even, ripe tannins and a fine chalky note. Deserves cellaring for two to four more years.

null

92

50

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Marchesi di Barolo

null

Marchesi di Barolo 1995 Barolo

Portugal

This is a wood-aged Touriga Nacional that is smooth and rich. It shows some extraction offering dark chocolate flavors that cover the fruit, yet happen to provide a ripe, rounded feel. Drink from 2017.

null

86

22

Tejo

null

Touriga Nacional

Casa Cadaval

null

US

Dense olallieberry and asphalt show on the nose of this bottling, as does a tart black-plum-skin scent. There is grape-like sweetness to the palate, and touches of cola, but not much else.

Paso Tombstone

83

20

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Red Blend

Graveyard

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Graveyard NV Paso Tombstone Red (Paso Robles)

Austria

The sun-ripened skin of yellow mirabelle plums and their ripe flesh suggest both texture and fruitiness. This burgeons with gloriously ripe fruit, which attains an apricot touch on the palate, but is held firmly and with beautiful poise by lemon zestiness and citrus freshness. A wonderful combination of generosity and tang with lovely concentration, brilliant fruit and a long finish.

Pfeningberg Reserve

94

42

Kremstal

null

Riesling

Proidl

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Proidl 2015 Pfeningberg Reserve Riesling (Kremstal)

Austria

Properly rustic, this has firm and dry tannins, a powerful structure to go with the wood aging and black plum flavor. It has pepper, spice and toast notes, with layers of acidity. The finish is very dry and firm. Screwcap.

Reserve

90

43

Burgenland

null

Blaufränkisch

Gunter Triebaumer

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Gunter Triebaumer 2009 Reserve Blaufränkisch (Burgenland)

US

This is the winery's eighth vintage working with this block of this vineyard. Aromas of spice, herb and dark fruit lead to sleek pure sweet fruit flavors. It shows a lot of delicacy.

McKinley Springs Vineyard

89

35

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Mourvèdre

Robert Ramsay

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Robert Ramsay 2014 McKinley Springs Vineyard Mourvèdre (Horse Heaven Hills)

US

Once again the Spofford Station fruit shines; this is muscular, fully ripe, textural and dense with a seamless mix of red, blue and black fruits that sails effortlessly into the ripe tannins. The underpinning of firm acid and the hints of dill-flavored spice (from a percentage of American oak) serve to expand the wine in the mouth, adding breadth and depth. It finishes a bit chalky and sour, but otherwise has a lot of positives.

Spofford Station

89

25

Oregon

Walla Walla Valley (OR)

Oregon Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Lujon

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Lujon 2005 Spofford Station Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (OR))

France

Some bright black currant flavors are found on a wine that feels light and fresh, with some spice and a high acid content.

Cuvée Carolle

84

20

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Red Blend

Domaine de la Sauveuse

null

US

This is not a successful Sleepy Hollow Vineyard bottling. The cold vintage took its toll, resulting in a wine whose cherry and tart cranberry flavors are cut through with a streak of green veggies. Drink up.

Sleepy Hollow Vineyard

82

42

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Talbott

null

Talbott 2011 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)

Italy

White spring flower and citrus fruit aromas lead the way while the bright palate offers juicy nectarine and a hint of papaya. Zesty acidity gives it a tangy finish.

null

87

25

Piedmont

Gavi

null

Cortese

La Bollina

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

La Bollina 2015 Gavi

France

A finely structured wine, this has a rich, juicy black-currant flavor and a solid, tannic core. It has weight and a dark, firm presence, and a smooth herbal character that highlights the wood aging. This should age for five years or more.

null

88

40

Bordeaux

Côtes de Bourg

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château de Reynaud

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Reynaud 2010 Côtes de Bourg

Argentina

Brambly, hot and rubbery fruit aromas lead to a palate of lean, herbal, strawberry flavors. Herbal and snappy on the finish, with decent structure and balance. Flavorwise it's on shaky ground.

null

82

6

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Shiraz

Funky Llama

null

Italy

Campo Magri is a bright and lively Valpolicella Superiore with crisp tones of cherry and wild berry backed by slight smoke and spice. The natural acidity will cut through the density or ossobuco or beef stew.

Campi Magri

88

null

Veneto

Valpolicella Superiore

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Corte Sant' Alda

null

Corte Sant' Alda 2007 Campi Magri (Valpolicella Superiore)

Australia

Leather and dark plum aromas carry with them a bit of barnyard, and while the flavors are pleasantly dark and earthy, the finish turns slightly metallic. It's a reasonably full-bodied wine, but one that probably should be consumed soon.

null

84

11

South Australia

null

Shiraz

Paringa

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Paringa 2013 Shiraz (South Australia)

US

Curious tones of red berry and grapefruit mark this intensely fruit-forward, semi-sweet Riesling. It's concentrated on the palate, but balanced with hints of smoky minerality and delicate dried herb notes.

Semi-Sweet

87

14

New York

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Heron Hill

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Heron Hill 2011 Semi-Sweet Riesling (Finger Lakes)

Canada

Smells oily, with a diesel-fuel note that some may find offputting. Rich and earthy on the palate, this bottling emphasizes spice, mineral and loam flavors, not the bright fruit of so many other Ontario products.

Select Late Harvest

86

18

Ontario

Lake Erie North Shore

null

Riesling

Colio

null

Argentina

This is tan in color, with a flat, murky nose of stone-fruit aromas and chemical harshness. A round, oily textured palate tastes of briny nectarine and pithy bitterness. In many ways, this is like sucking on a peach pit.

The Angel Oak

83

25

Mendoza Province

Valle de Uco

null

Rosé

SignoSeis

null

Austria

Structured tannins dominate this blend of Blaufränkisch, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon right now, but dense yet sleeping plummy fruit and oaky spice are waiting in the background for their time to shine. This will relax into something slinky and fruitful if you have the patience to wait a year or two; drink after 2016.

Estoras

91

20

Burgenland

null

Red Blend

Esterházy

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Esterházy 2011 Estoras Red (Burgenland)

US

This is one of the best Mourvèdres in recent memory. It has the silky texture of Pinot Noir, yet is full bodied in fruity tannins, and most importantly feels clean and vibrant throughout. Shows exciting flavors of cherries and raspberries, with a meaty note of grilled beef splashed with soy sauce. Lovely now with a great grilled steak.

Bendicion

92

40

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Mourvèdre

Oso Libre

null

France

Exquisite lightness and weightless charm are the two obvious hallmarks of this wine. The merest touch of citrus appears on the nose. The palate has the same restraint and lemony fruit, pitched against a light froth of tiny bubbles. It's lithe and bright, with a dry, brisk finish.

1904 Cuvée Spéciale Brut

91

40

Alsace

Crémant d'Alsace

null

Sparkling Blend

Arthur Metz

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Arthur Metz NV 1904 Cuvée Spéciale Brut Sparkling (Crémant d'Alsace)

France

Opening notes of Swiss cheese are more appealing than they sound. There are apple undertones, mineral notes and a dry, medium finish that's shot through with notes of wet stones. Try with light fish dishes. Drink now or keep several years.

Bergheim

87

22

Alsace

null

Pinot Blanc

Domaine Marcel Deiss

null

France

Seemingly at its peak of maturity, although it should stay there for several years, this is a masterful Saint-Joseph, showing great complexity (flowers, pepper, smoke, cherries), ripe fruit and satin-textured tannins. Drink now-2012.

Les Granits

92

95

Rhône Valley

Saint-Joseph

null

Syrah

M. Chapoutier

null

Portugal

Nuts, sweet figs and spice come together in this delicious wine. It has great freshness as well as the concentrated wood character of a 20-year-old. A great final balance.

20-Year-Old Tawny

91

66

Port

null

Port

Ramos-Pinto

null

France

This fruity wine has a refreshing citrus flavor. Lightly textured, it is lively and crisp. A mineral edge gives it tight structure, putting the wine into the food category.

null

88

14

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Rosé

null

Rosé

Château des Antonins

null

Italy

The wine opens with a thick, black and dense appearance and segues to raw aromas of blackberry, cherry, tobacco, spice and natural rubber. There's a vinous, chewy quality here that needs more time in the bottle to unwind.

Porlapà

88

28

Piedmont

Barbera d'Asti Superiore

null

Barbera

Alfonso Boeri

null

US

Big, oaky and extremely bright, with refreshing acids and crisply defined fruit. As is usually the case with this spectacular vineyard, the flavors carry extra intensity; they seem to drill down into the heart of the palate. Though released young, this is a wine that could certainly benefit from another 6–12 months in the bottle.

Cold Creek

90

22

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Chateau Ste. Michelle

null

France

This domaine, which sprawls across several appellations, is now being farmed organically. More importantly, this wine is a terrific value. Thyme and bay leaf notes add vibrance to the ripe raspberry flavors in this blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. It's weighty without being heavy, with a velvety finish that makes it easy to drink now.

Cuvée Empire

92

33

Rhône Valley

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

null

Grenache-Syrah

Domaine de Fontavin

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Domaine de Fontavin 2012 Cuvée Empire Grenache-Syrah (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

Spain

Modern and bulky, this has a lot of great things going on. It opens with aromas of mineral, graphite, sage and bold berry, with chewy, roasted black-fruit flavors. It's long, compact, chocolaty and spicy on the finish. Still not mature but it's drinkable—best from 2014 and on.

Clássic

93

89

Catalonia

Priorat

null

Carignan

Cims de Porrera

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Cims de Porrera 2005 Clássic Carignan (Priorat)

Italy

Dark berry and black cooking spice aromas lead the nose on this straightforward red. The dense, simple palate offers blackberry jam and a note of anise alongside compact, rounded tannins. Drink through 2016.

null

86

14

Sicily & Sardinia

Terre Siciliane

null

Nero d'Avola

Cusumano

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Cusumano 2014 Nero d'Avola (Terre Siciliane)

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

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2005 Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))

South Africa

Initial brambly berry aromas are partnered with hints of smoky bacon and caramel sauce. The flavors are solid and ripe but not overdone, with attractive notes of blackberry and wild cherry. The medium tannins and ample acidity lend good balance and texture to the wine, while a pleasant astringency lingers on the finish.

Primo

88

29

Paarl

null

Pinotage

Fairview

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Fairview 2010 Primo Pinotage (Paarl)

US

Notes of cinnamon and peppercorns adds complexity to the cranberry-pomegranate fruit and slate minerality on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. It's more reserved in its palate, which offers cranberry tang with an herbal sagebrush quality, proving a reliable, straightforward take on the grape.

Erwin Vineyard

88

50

California

Santa Cruz Mountains

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Clos La Chance

null

US

A delicious, balanced Pinot Noir. Shows dry, pure flavors of raspberries, cherries, cola and sandalwood, with a delicious, drink-me-now appeal.

Radog

87

28

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Radog

null

Spain

A simple and snappy style of Rioja with just enough weight and ripeness along with light berry aromas. The palate is perky and fresh, with young, medicinal, semisharp flavors of cherry and plum. More than competent, with verve and acidic scour.

Ursa Maior

85

10

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Bodegas Ondarre

null

US

Shows deep, concentrated flavors of blackberries and black currants, with classically fine, complex Napa tannins. It's 100% Cabernet, with 50% new oak, and although the label doesn't say so, the grapes come from a Howell Mountain vineyard. Beautiful now, and will develop over the next 6–8 years. Decant for hours if you open it now.

Reserve

93

40

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Johndrow Vineyards

null

Chile

Just like the prior vintage, this wine may be organic but it's not all that good. The color is opaque purple and the nose is jammy like Jungle Juice. That overconcentrated attitude is persistent, thus the feel is tannic, the flavors jumbled and the finish heavy and grabby.

Organic

82

18

Maipo Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon-Malbec

De Martino

null

France

This rich, wood-aged wine has become smooth after three years of aging. It's rich, with fine, juicy black fruit, acidity and a core of tannins. It's balanced, ripe and ready to drink.

Elevé en Fût de Chêne

88

23

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Domaine de Maison Neuve

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine de Maison Neuve 2014 Elevé en Fût de Chêne Malbec (Cahors)

Portugal

Fresh and perfumed, this wine offers great citric flavors, a lively crispness rare in white wines from central Portugal. Pear and some yellow fruits give roundness.

null

87

10

Ribatejo

null

Portuguese White

Quinta da Alorna

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta da Alorna 2006 White (Ribatejo)

US

A proportion of the grapes in this wine, accented with 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, comes from the Lewis Vineyard, a respected site in the heart of the appellation. It contributes to the magic, putting forward red currant, sage and crisp red fruit around a strong body, texture and tang of tannin.

null

91

80

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Robert John

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Robert John 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Argentina

Creamy dark-berry aromas carry a floral, blueberry hint, while the thick palate teeters on syrupy as it delivers gummy, mildly baked black fruit flavors. Lactic and full on the finish, with a touch of crusty bitterness along with milk chocolate and/or carob.

null

85

12

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Septima

null

US

Made up of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Tempranillo, this wine offers an intensity of leather and dark plum, a whiff of smoky tobacco hanging in the background, too. With a pronounced tannic structure and big finish, it's a burly wine made for burly barbecue-inspired meals.

Diamond Mine Cuvée

87

18

California

Lake County

null

Cabernet Sauvignon-Tempranillo

Six Sigma Ranch

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Six Sigma Ranch 2011 Diamond Mine Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon-Tempranillo (Lake County)

Italy

Nebbiolo, the grape, and Nubiola, the designate name, stem from the same Italian word: nebbia, or “fog” that regularly blankets the Langhe. This bright Barbaresco is defined by a distinctive aroma of tar or freshly applied street asphalt that is typical of the variety. Additional aromas include back fruit, prune and plum. The mouthfeel is streamlined, tight and elegant.

Nubiola

92

38

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Pelissero

null

France

Very fruity Champagne, well balanced with ripe pear and golden plum flavors, laced with kiwi. It has refreshing acidity, giving a bright, tight texture and a soft finish.

Authentic Brut

87

null

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Canard-Duchêne

null

France

For a wine from this appellation, this is soft, bringing out ripe fruit rather than structure. It means the wine will develop quickly and with charm as well as richness. The red fruits are already showing well, as is crisp acidity. Drink from 2018.

null

88

65

Burgundy

Nuits-St.-Georges

null

Pinot Noir

Château de Santenay

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Santenay 2014 Nuits-St.-Georges

US

Good depth of flavor and a nicely tannic texture make this hearty wine interesting and appetizing. Earth, oak and chocolate waft from the glass and turn to substantive red cherry and red-currant flavors on the palate, while firm tannins and good acidity give grip to the mouthfeel.

Estate

90

26

California

Sierra Foothills

Sangiovese

Naggiar

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Naggiar 2014 Estate Sangiovese (Sierra Foothills)

South Africa

Citrus, spice and minerals give this balanced, refreshing Chardonnay a fun start. Though it has rotund fruit flavors and complexity, it's also easydrinking and food friendly. A mouthwatering wine with a lingering spice finish.

null

88

16

Paarl

null

Chardonnay

Glen Carlou

null

France

Crémant de Loire is the Loire-wide sparkling wine appellation. This wine, with its blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, shows a crisp character, its acidity given brightness by lemon and green-plum fruit flavors. There's an attractive edge of minerality to add some tautness to the wine.

Brut Excellence

88

14

Loire Valley

Crémant de Loire

null

Chenin Blanc-Chardonnay

Bouvet-Ladubay

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Bouvet-Ladubay NV Brut Excellence Chenin Blanc-Chardonnay (Crémant de Loire)

New Zealand

Not that expressive on the nose, giving up little more than some faintly nutty-leesy scents. But this is nicely weighty on the palate without being heavy, with custardy accents to its complex citrus and tropical flavors. Long on the finish, where it picks up hints of dried spices. Imported by DC Imports LLC.

null

91

20

Waipara

null

Chardonnay

Mount Cass

null

US

At first impression, this wine seems a bit less ripe than its single-vineyard siblings. A hint of tomato in the nose gives an herbal edge, and there is more than enough tart acidity under the light red fruits. It's clean and refreshing, with tasty raspberry fruit, but does not show the density and detail of the other 2012 vineyard designates.

Bryan Creek Vineyard

89

80

Oregon

Chehalem Mountains

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Adelsheim

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Adelsheim 2012 Bryan Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains)

US

This is cool-climate fruit, from a vintage the winery describes as “the coolest year we have ever seen.” Nonetheless they have made a good wine, with balanced scents and flavors. It's definitely herbal, but also brings some cured meat and tart, wild cherry flavors into play.

null

86

35

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Syrah

Amalie Robert

null

Spain

Tired and oxidized on the nose, this offers just-adequate freshness on the palate, but the wine is losing steam. Flavors of oxidized white fruits and bitter citrus finish dully.

null

83

20

Galicia

Rías Baixas

null

Albariño

Bouza de Carril

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bouza de Carril 2013 Albariño (Rías Baixas)

US

Cat pee, a drop of grapefruit juice and a clean, spicy finish. That's pretty much it.

null

83

15

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Bernardus

null

US

An awkward wine whose chief problem is the mouthfeel. It's bone dry and sharp, with unripe green flavors and harsh acidity. Not going anywhere, so drink up.

Olive Hill

82

40

California

Carmel Valley

Central Coast

Petite Sirah

Galante

null

Italy

This is a thin wine with light color and aromas of tealeaf, red berries and cranberries. It's a tight and simple wine that could pair with take-out dinners or pizza.

null

84

null

Veneto

Valpolicella Classico

null

Red Blend

San Rustico

null

US

Rex Hill's 2003 reserve is beautifully crafted, soft, smooth and complete. Flavors of classic Oregon Pinot suggest wild berries, spice, leaf and herb; the tannins have been subdued and the wine just lolls around in your mouth and delivers the goods.

Reserve

88

39

Oregon

Oregon Other

Pinot Noir

Rex Hill

null

Portugal

This fruity, soft wine is ready to drink. With apple and pear flavors, just the right amount of crisp acidity and a bright aftertaste, it's made for this summer.

null

85

null

Tejo

null

Portuguese White

Moura Basto

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Moura Basto 2013 White (Tejo)

Spain

Jammy, herbal aromas come with a note of orange peel. The palate feels choppy and rough, while flavors of medicinal red berry and herbal influences end in a light, candied, green-tasting finish.

Tempranillo-Garnacha-Syrah

82

9

Northern Spain

Cariñena

null

Tempranillo Blend

Las Valles

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Las Valles 2011 Tempranillo-Garnacha-Syrah Red (Cariñena)

Australia

Dried herb and tobacco accent a mix of red and black fruit in this silky-textured wine. Vanilla and menthol notes add more nuance on the nose, while the red fruit lingers elegantly on the long, velvety finish. Drink now–2025.

St. Andrews Single Vineyard Release

93

60

South Australia

Clare Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wakefield

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Wakefield 2010 St. Andrews Single Vineyard Release Cabernet Sauvignon (Clare Valley)

France

Fragrant, fresh and fruity, this light and bright wine offers an herbal character to go with its citrus and green apple fruits. It is lively and crisp—a fine apéritif. Screwcap.

Domaine de Lamothe

84

13

Southwest France

Côtes de Gascogne

null

Colombard-Sauvignon Blanc

Cheval Quancard

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Cheval Quancard 2011 Domaine de Lamothe Colombard-Sauvignon Blanc (Côtes de Gascogne)

US

Dried leaf, cherry, woodspice and medicinal aromas are followed by supple, sweet cherry flavors backed by lightly grainy tannins and a tart lick of acid. It's an intriguing wine that keeps you coming back for more.

null

90

32

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Franc

Mosquito Fleet

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Mosquito Fleet 2012 Cabernet Franc (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

This wine has a good, deep color, lots of fruity aromas and flavors, and a smooth mouthfeel. It tastes grapy and jammy but dry, with light spicy accents to add interest.

null

86

7

California

California Other

Merlot

Domino

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Domino 2013 Merlot (California)

Portugal

A juicy, spicy wine, packed with open, generous black fruits. The blend of Castelão and Trincadeira gives blackberries, some raisins and a smooth chocolate underlay.

Falcoaria

88

16

Ribatejo

null

Portuguese Red

Quinta do Casal Branco

null

US

With sugary, jellied flavors of cherry and berry, along with abundant oak-derived notes of sweet buttered toast and vanilla-cream, this is easy to drink.

null

84

32

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep Sea

null

Deep Sea 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

This is a blend of Sonoma, Santa Clara and Santa Barbara counties. The vineyards are not specified, but they're clearly of high quality, for the wine is balanced, elegant and delicious. It shows classic Syrah flavors of blackberries, cassis and chocolate, with a spicy edge of white pepper and cinnamon, and is just about as good as Testarossa's more expensive Syrahs.

Subasio

90

34

California

California Other

Syrah

Testarossa

null

South Africa

A big, exuberant nose leads on this impressive Syrah. On the palate, it's a muscular red, with balance, strength and elegant tannins. Mouthfilling but minerally enough to maintain poise, it will age well or pair now with roasted meat.

null

89

37

Stellenbosch

null

Syrah

Rudi Schultz

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Rudi Schultz 2005 Syrah (Stellenbosch)

France

This huge, rich wine has weight and density. What make it still recognizably Bordeaux are the black currant fruits, acidity and the stylish tannins. Everything else is larger than life, with power and concentration. Drink from 2018. Owners Mallet Frères use parcel selection for this 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon blend.

Cuvée Jean Bernard

91

30

Bordeaux

Côtes de Bourg

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Haut-Macô

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Haut-Macô 2010 Cuvée Jean Bernard (Côtes de Bourg)

Italy

This offers subdued aromas suggesting pear, acacia, sage and hazelnut that carry onto the ripe palate along with yellow peach. Bitter almond marks the finish.

Sette Note Secco

87

13

Central Italy

Romagna

null

Albana

Morini

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Morini 2015 Sette Note Secco Albana (Romagna)

US

Smoky cranberry and pomegranate feature prominently in this medium-bodied, delicately crafted wine. It shows a hint of burnt orange spiked with clove.

Moore Vineyard

91

48

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Kobler

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Kobler 2014 Moore Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

US

Aged in 45% new French oak, aromas of cocoa, vanilla and barrel spice are at the fore followed by full-bodied but still tart raspberry and cranberry flavors. It brings a bit of heat along with it.

Elephant Mountain Vineyards

87

34

Washington

Rattlesnake Hills

Columbia Valley

Sangiovese

Maryhill

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Maryhill 2014 Elephant Mountain Vineyards Sangiovese (Rattlesnake Hills)

Italy

Fresh and easygoing, this opens with scents of berry, blue flower and a whiff of baking spice. The light-bodied, simple palate offers tart cherry, black currant and a hint of espresso alongside soft, not very persistent tannins.

Poggio al Leone Riserva

89

35

Tuscany

Morellino di Scansano

null

Red Blend

Val delle Rose

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Val delle Rose 2013 Poggio al Leone Riserva (Morellino di Scansano)

US

The fruit comes from Weinbau, DuBrul and Destiny Ridge. The Weinbau is old vine, and is the main component. This is a solid, meaty, deep purple and blue, with hints of smoked meat in the nose. Fruit flavors are tight, tart and run to the black cherry and blackberry flavors. Clearly varietal, with stiff tannins, a bit chalky, but plenty of varietal character and a long finish with streaks of coffee and light herb. This is winemaker Ron Coleman's favorite red, and he gives it plenty of TLC that shines through in the bottle.

null

90

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Franc

Tamarack Cellars

null

Italy

Light and cheerful, this ruby-colored Rosso delivers a mixed bag of aromas. You'll detect red fruit, barbecue spice, smoked meat, leather and prune. It shows very nice intensity and persistency on the close with a playful touch of refreshing acidity.

null

87

25

Tuscany

Rosso di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Fanti

null

Fanti 2007 Rosso di Montalcino

US

Tart cherry and cranberry flavors form a core of richly round fruit and texture in this late-released wine, which exudes both power and finesse.

Estate Vineyard

87

30

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Wellington

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Wellington 2012 Estate Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma County)

Italy

A food-friendly blend of Schiava and Lagrein (two native grapes of northern Italy) this ruby-colored wine opens with a lean consistency and medium build. It shows cool-climate aromas of small forest fruit and blue flowers with a touch of white almond on the close.

Santa Maddalena

87

17

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Red Blend

Andriano

null

Spain

This Rioja reserva hits all the standard checkpoints with aplomb. Earthy loamy mossy aromas of plum and berry fruits feature a hint of tobacco and vanilla. In the mouth, this is full, with round but serious tannins. Tea, wild herb, black plum and berry flavors finish with savory soupy notes and prodding tannins. Drink through 2022.

Cerro Añon Reserva

91

26

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Bodegas Olarra

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas Olarra 2012 Cerro Añon Reserva (Rioja)

US

Light in structure and made for early drinking, this Pinot is crisp and dry, with cherry, cola and minty flavors. High acidity gives it a searing taste that calls for rich fare, like ahi tuna tartare.

Central Avenue Vineyard

87

21

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Pessagno

null

Pessagno 2006 Central Avenue Vineyard Pinot Noir (Monterey County)

France

As we brace ourselves for the crush of this year's Beaujolais Nouveau, it's worth remembering that last year was the year that the region's most famous négociant described as “the vintage [that] may turn out to be the greatest vintage of my career.” It's not the nouveau that turns the “may” into a “will”—it's cru wines like this fragrant, intensely concentrated Juliénas. Here, sweet berry fruit fleshes out into a long, vibrant and persistent wine, one that lingers on the palate for an impossibly long time.

null

90

12

Beaujolais

Juliénas

null

Gamay

Georges Duboeuf

null

Portugal

This wine is firmly tannic, while promising fine fruitiness as it develops. The acidity and black fruits are about to break through the imposing tannic edifice. This wine will be best from 2017.

Follies Nossa Senhora da Vandoma

90

11

Bairrada

null

Touriga Nacional-Cabernet Sauvignon

Aveleda

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Aveleda 2013 Follies Nossa Senhora da Vandoma Touriga Nacional-Cabernet Sauvignon (Bairrada)

France

This wine is still young, reveling in its bright fruit and mineral texture. Drawn from Côte des Blancs vineyards, it's tight, tense and loaded with citrus fruit. With its finely crisp aftertaste, it's delicious now for its fruit but will also be great from 2020, once its toasty character develops more fully.

Blanc de Blancs Brut

93

80

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Deutz

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Deutz 2010 Blanc de Blancs Brut (Champagne)

US

There's some sweaty, funky stuff going on with this Petite Sirah, along with massive blackberry, currant and tobacco flavors. The tannins are big, furry and strong, and the finish is bone dry. Shows that slightly rustic “Pet” quality, but in an upscale Napa way. Now–2020.

null

90

35

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Petite Sirah

Flying Horse

null

Spain

Dry berry, leather and spice aromas lead to a juicy, high-acid palate, with red cherry, tart plum and pepper accents. It remains zesty, clean, simple and sharp on the finish.

Reserva

83

25

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Sonsierra

null

Portugal

Mendes specializes in Alvarinho in the far north of Portugal. With this powerful, intense wine he shows how good the grape can be and how good the 2005 vintage was. It's full-bodied and intense, with just a touch of mineral and spritz. Imported by Aidil Wines & Liquor Inc.

Muros Antigos

91

16

Vinho Verde

null

Alvarinho

Anselmo Mendes

null

US

Named after the traditional boat used on the Douro River, this dessert wine, made from 50% Tempranillo, 34% Touriga Nacional and 16% Tinta Cao, is a muddy brown-red color and shows aromas of concentrated raisin and turned earth. Pipe smoke, prunes, kirsch and caramel flavors combine for a very lasting finish, allowing this to function much like Scotch and work well with cigars.

Rabelo Pierce Ranch

88

30

California

San Antonio Valley

Central Coast

Port

Quinta Cruz

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Quinta Cruz 2008 Rabelo Pierce Ranch Port (San Antonio Valley)

Italy

Here's a boutique winery that has pushed forward over the generations to offer beautiful expressions of Nebbiolo. Of its three Barolos, we especially love this wine from the Cannubi cru: it embodies delicate harmony and lingering flavors of wild berries, mineral and spice. The wine is dry and firm on the palate and leaves a lasting impression of freshness.

Cannubi

93

149

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Gianni Gagliardo

null