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135
New Zealand
Representative Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc: melon, grapefruit and passion fruit in abundance, followed by a finish that's marked by green herbs and bell pepper.
null
88
null
Marlborough
null
null
Sauvignon Blanc
Nobilo
null
null
null
US
Overripe and pruny, this has a Porty richness and a heavy feeling. It's unlikely to improve with age, so drink up.
Purple Mountain
85
175
California
Saddle Rock-Malibu
South Coast
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cielo Malibu Estate Vineyards
null
null
Cielo Malibu Estate Vineyards 2008 Purple Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (Saddle Rock-Malibu)
Italy
Earthy notes of underbrush, truffle, tilled soil and ripe plum lead the nose on this solid Vino Nobile. The straightforward palate offers crushed black cherry, raspberry, white pepper and a hint of licorice alongside fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Riserva
89
28
Tuscany
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
null
Red Blend
Fanetti - Tenuta S. Agnese
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Fanetti - Tenuta S. Agnese 2010 Riserva (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano)
Italy
Piccini offers a great opportunity to experience Brunello di Montalcino to those who may not already be familiar with this storied Tuscan wine. Available at a more attractive price, the wine is lean and compact with bright notes of cherry, blackberry and exotic spice.
Villa al Cortile
89
45
Tuscany
Brunello di Montalcino
null
Sangiovese Grosso
Piccini
null
null
null
Italy
Montevetrano is an impressive blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot and Aglianico that shows the enormous potential of red wines from southern Italy. It will age 10 years or more, and it already shows deeply sophisticated flavors of tobacco, dry fruit and spice.
Montevetrano
92
80
Southern Italy
Campania
null
Red Blend
Montevetrano
null
null
null
Spain
Fresh, crisp and oceanic in style, with green apple and lime on the nose. This is a juicy, sheer style of white wine from northern Spain that's all about freshness, high acidity, citrus and green notes. It's not complicated but it will go well with seafood and salads.
null
87
20
Northern Spain
Bizkaiko Txakolina
null
Hondarrabi Zuri
Itsas Mendi
null
null
null
US
Light and nicely lean, this is an appetizing wine with red-cherry aromas, moderate fruit flavors and a little tannic grip in the texture. Made from 70% Sanviovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, it makes a nice change from the “big” red blends.
Uber Tuscan Style Hopland Ranches Estate Bottled
89
26
California
Mendocino
null
Red Blend
Brutocao
Jim Gordon
@gordone_cellars
Brutocao 2012 Uber Tuscan Style Hopland Ranches Estate Bottled Red (Mendocino)
Italy
Aged in large casks, this Nebbiolo opens with classic varietal aromas of dried rose petal, underbrush, red berry and a balsamic note. The elegant palate delivers sour cherries, crushed raspberries, anise and a touch of baking spice alongside fine-grained tannins and bright acidity.
Sassella
89
24
Lombardy
Valtellina Superiore
null
Nebbiolo
Rainoldi
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Rainoldi 2010 Sassella (Valtellina Superiore)
Argentina
Rich, warm and possessing a ton of dry oak, this is one serious Argentine Cabernet. The palate is grippy as a rubber glove, with snappy berry flavors and pointed acidity. It's ripe, racy and edgy, with substance to the fruit, feel and finish. Drink now through 2010.
null
90
27
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Cabernet Sauvignon
Susana Balbo
null
null
null
US
This is a softly sophisticated Cabernet that will please fans of the variety who want a wine that's a little earthier than your riper Napa Valley versions. It has herb and tobacco flavors, but there's also a delicious sunburst of sweetly ripe cherries right in the middle that lasts through the finish. Should develop over the next 7–8 years.
Five Sisters Blend
89
34
California
Alexander Valley
Sonoma
Cabernet Sauvignon
J. Rickards
null
null
J. Rickards 2008 Five Sisters Blend Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
Italy
There's a meaty or slightly burned quality here with ripe notes of black fruit plus exotic spice, smoke and coals. A black mineral element or graphite note is also very prominent and the wine tastes, big, firm, chewy and sophisticated.
Passo del Lupo
88
30
Central Italy
Conero Riserva
null
Montepulciano
Fazi Battaglia
null
null
null
Portugal
This is a ripe, full wine that has firm tannins and a smooth texture from the Aragon (Tempranillo) in the blend. It is full of ripe berry fruits, along with attractive acidity. Spice and toast finish this attractive wine. Drink starting now.
Terras de Pias Reserva
88
14
Alentejo
null
null
Portuguese Red
Herdade da Capela
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Herdade da Capela 2013 Terras de Pias Reserva Red (Alentejo)
France
This is rich and surprisingly warm for the normally cool appellation of Pernand Vergelesses. It makes for an attractive, ripe and creamy wine that's been given a wood aging. But it doesn't have a sense of place.
null
85
54
Burgundy
Pernand-Vergelesses
null
Chardonnay
Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter 2012 Pernand-Vergelesses
Italy
A meaty note of bresaola or smoked bacon opens the nose of this hearty Aglianico. The wine offers black concentration and rich aromas of sweet spice, blackberry jam, crushed pepper, milky chocolate and sour cherry.
null
86
16
Southern Italy
Campania
null
Aglianico
Donnachiara
null
null
Donnachiara 2007 Aglianico (Campania)
US
A dry, well structured Bordeaux blend. Speaks volumes for the winery's efforts to wrest real complexity and style from these rugged, hot Foothills. Shows proper blackberry, black currant and herb flavors, with a balanced touch of oak. Ready now.
null
87
25
California
El Dorado
Sierra Foothills
Meritage
Miraflores
null
null
null
Italy
Santomè is a pretty expression of Raboso (a native grape of northeast Italy) with mouth-coating tannins and bright aromas of black cherry, old leather, spice and clove. That firm structure suggests a pairing with succulent red meat.
Santomè
88
35
Veneto
Piave
null
Raboso
Tenuta Santomè
null
null
null
Spain
Not too refined, but still pretty tasty. The palate offers chewy cherry and raspberry fruit, while the finish is spicy and zesty to the point that it creates a tingle. Somewhat sugary, but definitely an easy one to drink.
Crianza
84
10
Central Spain
La Mancha
null
Red Blend
Finca Antigua
null
null
null
France
Fresh, fruity, relatively lightweight, this offers immediately pleasurable drinking. Tannins give a counterpoint, but only play a minor role. For drinking over the next 2–3 years.
null
88
85
Bordeaux
Pauillac
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Château d'Armailhac
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château d'Armailhac 2006 Pauillac
France
One of many excellent values to be found among the 2012 Southern Rhône wines, this is supple in style, with ripe cherry and chocolate accented by vanilla and sandalwood. Drink now–2016.
Esprít Barville
87
12
Rhône Valley
Côtes du Rhône
null
Rhône-style Red Blend
Brotte
Joe Czerwinski
@JoeCz
Brotte 2012 Esprít Barville Red (Côtes du Rhône)
Spain
Not a lot of glaring aromas of a sweet wine here; in fact, it's showing fresh tomato, cherry and more dryness on the nose than candy or syrup. The palate is tight and a little clipped, with sweet cassis and reduced black plum flavors. Short on the finish, but good and grabby overall.
Ètim Varema Tardana Negre
88
27
Catalonia
Montsant
null
Grenache
Agricola Falset-Marca
null
null
null
Portugal
This is a rich style of Vinho Verde, smooth and ripe. Apricots and marmalade oranges dominate the flavor profile, while the citrus character pushes through strongly at the end. It's very fresh and could probably age until mid-2015.
Colheita Seleccionada
88
12
Vinho Verde
null
null
Avesso
Casa de Vilacetinho
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Casa de Vilacetinho 2013 Colheita Seleccionada Avesso (Vinho Verde)
US
Heavy and full-bodied, a dense, soft Pinot Noir that seems too ripe for comfort. The cherry and currant flavors veer into raisins. The vineyard is from the warmest part of Russian River Valley, almost into Dry Creek Valley.
Bacigalupi Vineyards
85
42
California
Russian River Valley
Sonoma
Pinot Noir
John Tyler
null
null
null
Portugal
Ramos-Pinto's two estates of Bons Aires and Ervamoira provide the grapes for this fruity, smooth-textured white wine. While this selection reflects the warmth of the Douro, it also shows great citrusy freshness and a crisp finish. Ready to drink.
Duas Quintas Reserva Branco
88
null
Douro
null
null
Portuguese White
Ramos-Pinto
null
null
null
US
A solid, all-purpose wine, this has some toast and vanilla components, along with straightforward fruit that hints at green apple. There's a little spice and butter in the aromas also.
Quail Series
84
9
Washington
Columbia Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Chardonnay
Covey Run
null
null
null
France
This is a fat wine with light, juicy acidity. Honey and spice notes add interest to its broad melon and apple flavors.
null
84
12
Bordeaux
Bordeaux Blanc
null
Sauvignon Blanc
Château Haut Maurin
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château Haut Maurin 2016 Bordeaux Blanc
Italy
This displays ripe black-skinned fruit, Mediterranean herb and baking spice aromas. The dense palate delivers blackberry, clove and tobacco flavors, with close-grained tannins that leave a grippy finish.
null
88
36
Tuscany
Brunello di Montalcino
null
Sangiovese
Cava d'Onice
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Cava d'Onice 2012 Brunello di Montalcino
Austria
Bold blueberry notes are bolstered by aromatic hints of cinnamon and make for a juicy, fleshy nose and palate. It seems like this wine has juicy, berry-ish fun written all over its smooth, easy body. Drink now.
Heideboden
88
19
Burgenland
null
null
Red Blend
Hannes Reeh
Anne Krebiehl MW
@AnneInVino
Hannes Reeh 2014 Heideboden Red (Burgenland)
US
Crisp and dry, a minerally wine with earthy, citrus flavors and a firm structure. For a little richness, there's a streak of peach on the finish.
null
85
35
California
Napa Valley
Napa
Chardonnay
Grgich Hills
null
null
null
France
Crisp and cool, this shows a vanilla flavor that softens the attractive tight, acidic fruit. It's light in texture, with a prominent tang of citrus.
Clos Philippe-le-Hardi
86
24
Burgundy
Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune
null
Chardonnay
Château Philippe-le-Hardi
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château Philippe-le-Hardi 2010 Clos Philippe-le-Hardi (Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune)
US
A bit rough and undisciplined now, with some sharp tannins and unintegrated oak framing blackberry and currant flavors. Seems almost rustic, but could come together after a few years.
null
86
50
California
Napa Valley
Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon
Stephanie
null
null
null
US
Lean and austere in style, this dry Riesling offers steely notes, savory herbs and crisp pears combined with a shot of intense, lemon-lime acidity.
Dry
83
16
New York
Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes
Riesling
Billsboro
null
null
null
US
This estate-grown Chardonnay opens with lots of new oak aromas, excellent fruit material, with Meyer lemon, yellow apple, hints of white peach. The phenolics give the wine some excellent texture, and it has a long and smooth finish.
DuBrul Vineyard
91
50
Washington
Yakima Valley
Columbia Valley
Chardonnay
Côte Bonneville
null
null
null
Argentina
Of all the large-format White Pearl varietals, this Torrontes tastes and feels the best. It has the grape's pungent aromas of acacia and talc, and the flavors are solid and persistent as the palate yields green melon and honey. Finishes tangy and fresh, meaning it hasn't yet started to fade.
White Pearl
85
13
Other
Salta
null
Torrontés
Antonio Cesar Cavalli
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Antonio Cesar Cavalli 2006 White Pearl Torrontés (Salta)
Italy
This gorgeous 70-30 blend of Friulano and Ribolla Gialla is dense and well-concentrated with aromas of mature peach, apricot, honey, toasted almond and exotic fruit. The wine has a soft and supple feel in the mouth and ends with a hint of bitter almond on the close: It's complex and harmonious overall.
Sacrisassi Bianco
90
55
Northeastern Italy
Colli Orientali del Friuli
null
White Blend
Le Due Terre
null
null
null
Spain
Burnt rubber and a certain stemmy, roasted character is draped over the nose and palate. It has a decent, normal feel to it but the flavors of strawberry and raspberry are herbal and burnt. Tastes and smells rubbery and not fully clean.
Rojo Granrojo
82
9
Central Spain
Vino de la Tierra de Castilla
null
Tempranillo
Bodegas Navarro López
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Bodegas Navarro López 2009 Rojo Granrojo Tempranillo (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla)
Argentina
Opens with a full punch bowl of light, flowery, fruity aromas and backs that up with mixed fruit flavors along with touches of mineral, green herbs and fresh lettuce. With 20% Chardonnay stiffening 80% Torrontès, this wine shows a little something different. Imported by Appellation Imports.
Torrontes-Chardonnay
86
9
Other
Calchaquí Valley
null
White Blend
Inca
null
null
null
France
There's an attractive richness to the ripe stone and tropical fruit core of this wine, laced with hints of citrus peel and saline that shine on the finish. The medium-weight body is balanced by ample acidity, helping to preserve the wine's fresh and lively feel. Drink now.
null
88
17
Languedoc-Roussillon
Picpoul de Pinet
null
Picpoul
Gérard Bertrand
Lauren Buzzeo
@laurbuzz
Gérard Bertrand 2015 Picpoul de Pinet
US
Crisp and dry, this bright pink wine is classically styled, showing apple skin aromas and lively grapefruit flavors. Made from Pinot Noir, it's light and appetizing and has a solid, mildly grippy mouthfeel.
null
88
13
California
California
California Other
Rosé
Angeline
null
null
null
Chile
Heat, spice, oregano and earthy black fruit aromas are granular and raisiny. The palate is thick like berry syrup, with creamy, sweet, gummy flavors that suggest blackberry candy and molasses. Roasted and herbal; strange on the finish.
Reserva
83
12
Colchagua Valley
null
null
Cabernet Sauvignon
MontGras
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
MontGras 2009 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley)
Portugal
Perfumed and exotic, the wine has a touch of lychee as well as fresh acidity, both given lift by a lemon zest flavor. With a crisp aftertaste, it's a lively wine for drinking now.
Parcelas
86
13
Douro
null
null
Portuguese White
Quinta de Porrais
null
null
null
New Zealand
A clean, fresh Chardonnay, with less weight and body than most Central Otago examples. Green apple and lime flavors seem a bit tart, just balanced out by hints of ripe melon.
Blair Gunn Block
85
18
Central Otago
null
null
Chardonnay
Sleeping Dogs
Joe Czerwinski
@JoeCz
Sleeping Dogs 2006 Blair Gunn Block Chardonnay (Central Otago)
US
Smoky, creamy and ultrasmooth in vanilla bean sweetness, this is an absolutely delicious Chardonnay. It's so forward in pineapples, peaches, pears, green apples and honey, with lots of buttered toast, but is also crisply balanced in citrusy acidity. A real treat now.
Carneros Selection
93
32
California
Carneros
Napa-Sonoma
Chardonnay
Gary Farrell
null
null
null
US
An excellent Washington Chardonnay, whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, unfined and naturally stabilized. Minimum intervention winemaking, giving extra nuances of crisp citrus, rind, pear and blossoms. Fragrant and food friendly.
Conner Lee
89
25
Washington
Columbia Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Chardonnay
Buty
null
null
null
US
Principally Cabernet Sauvignon, this blends in small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Broad fruit flavors range from strawberry into red plum, with some stemmy earth leading into stiff tannins. The astringent, earthy character is well-managed and balanced against the pretty fruit.
null
90
30
Washington
Columbia Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
Januik
null
null
null
US
Strong scents of oak and butter come rushing out of the glass, with a medicinal edge. Though it has had some bottle age, this wine has not yet knit together. The ripe, soft, banana-flavored fruit and the forceful oak components are distinct and separate. Try it with pasta or poultry in a rich cream sauce that can pull everything together.
null
85
15
Washington
Columbia Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Chardonnay
Apex
Paul Gregutt
@paulgwine 
Apex 2008 Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))
Italy
This hearty red has aromas of scorched earth, dry forest floor, French oak and grilled herb. The robust palate shows the heat of the vintage, offering raisin, toasted oak, licorice and clove alongside dusty drying tannins and modest acidity.
Coste Bianche
87
52
Veneto
Amarone della Valpolicella
null
Corvina
Tenute Fiorebelli
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Tenute Fiorebelli 2011 Coste Bianche (Amarone della Valpolicella)
US
This is a dark, sappy, saturated wine, and the power and grip of the fruit belies its claim of 12.9% alcohol. The Malbec is plenty ripe without being over-ripe, and the fruit retains a certain muscularity, along with a mélange of cherries, plums, rum-soaked raisins and coffee liqueur. Thoroughly delicious and captivating.
Alice Vineyard
89
30
Washington
Wahluke Slope
Columbia Valley
Malbec
Tagaris
null
null
null
France
Quite funky indeed. Saturated with spice such as anise, clove and rotting apples on the orchard floor, the earthy, full-bodied and slightly viscous nature of this beast is overwhelming. We're not quite sure if this one warrants the hefty price tag attached to it.
Le Château Kastelberg Grand Cru
85
77
Alsace
Alsace
null
Riesling
Marc Kreydenweiss
null
null
null
Italy
A gorgeous wine with amazing texture and integration. The nose and feel are so soft and silky, and the fruit is as expressive as Sangiovese gets. Plush and royal, with perfect tannic structure, smiling acidity and smoky shadings. A dream in the glass, with meters of depth. Imported by Domaine Select Wine Estates.
Riserva
96
95
Tuscany
Brunello di Montalcino
null
Sangiovese
Il Palazzone
null
null
null
US
Very fruity in aroma, like raspberries, and generous in flavor, like boysenberries, this full-bodied wine is easy to drink. It's slightly sweet and has a smooth texture.
null
85
15
California
California
California Other
Red Blend
Red XS
null
null
null
US
Very pretty fruit, mostly from the young estate vineyard, sports flavors of fresh-squeezed grapes, plums and spicy cranberries. The oak is nicely applied, lending flavors of light cocoa and espresso bean to the well-balanced finish.
null
88
38
Washington
Columbia Valley-Walla Walla Valley
Columbia Valley
Syrah
Va Piano
null
null
null
US
Not quite ripe, with a vegetal, herbal edge to the cherry and raspberry fruit. The acidity is nice and brisk, and the texture is beautifully silky, but that tug of greenness distracts, and limits ageability.
River Ranch
85
40
California
Russian River Valley
Sonoma
Pinot Noir
Renteria
null
null
null
Austria
Ripe blackberry notes dominate this wine's nose and palate. Their ripe, tart juiciness makes for an appetizing, fruit-driven palate. Smooth but pervaded by freshness, it's a vibrant, juicy blend full of refreshing, ripe fruit. Uncomplicated but delicious.
Burgenlandrot
90
15
Burgenland
null
null
Austrian Red Blend
Meinklang
Anne Krebiehl MW
@AnneInVino
Meinklang 2015 Burgenlandrot Red (Burgenland)
Italy
Le Origini delivers generous aromas of ripe fruit and blackberry jam followed by spice, leather and a touch of black road tar. It closes long, sweet and dense and would pair with spicy lamb stew or curried meat specialties.
Le Origini
90
64
Veneto
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
null
Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
Bolla
null
null
Bolla 2007 Le Origini (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico)
US
Made from 74% Flora, 16% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay, this is a light, semi-sweet and broadly structured sparkling wine, with subtle aromatics and flavors of citrus pith and stone fruit. Medium bodied, it's a good choice for spicy food, but may not work as well on its own.
Crémant Demi-Sec
86
40
California
Napa Valley
Napa
Sparkling Blend
Schramsberg
Virginie Boone
@vboone
Schramsberg 2012 Crémant Demi-Sec Sparkling (Napa Valley)
Italy
This shows slightly volatile aromas of bitter almond, apple skin and apricot.
Vi No SO2
83
25
Central Italy
Orvieto Classico Superiore
null
White Blend
Barberani
null
null
Barberani 2011 Vi No SO2 (Orvieto Classico Superiore)
France
This is a fresh, herbaceous wine, with green fruits, citrus and tangy, zesty acidity. A young, juicy character contrasts with a more textured aftertaste. Drink now.
null
85
20
Loire Valley
Sancerre
null
Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine Pierre Duret
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Domaine Pierre Duret 2014 Sancerre
France
This is light, fruity and gently crisp. It's a floral wine with southern warmth, bringing out tropical fruits and gentle acidity. The aftertaste is fresher with plenty of fruit. Screwcap.
Sauvignon Blanc de la Chevalière
85
null
Languedoc-Roussillon
Pays d'Oc
null
Sauvignon Blanc
Laroche
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Laroche 2012 Sauvignon Blanc de la Chevalière Sauvignon Blanc (Pays d'Oc)
US
Savory on the nose and palate, with persistent dill, coconut and vanilla notes, there's an abundance of American oak on this wine. Medium bodied, this is creamy and oaky on the palate, with a slightly-bitter herb finish.
null
85
12
New York
New York
New York Other
Chardonnay
Thousand Islands Winery
Anna Lee C. Iijima
null
Thousand Islands Winery 2010 Chardonnay (New York)
Austria
The Burggarten Vineyard is below the Falkenstein Castle, producing a Pinot Blanc that is rich and creamy, with a slight hint of wood aging. Fullbodied with pear and white peach flavors, it will mature for 3–4 years. Screwcap.
Burggarten
90
25
Niederösterreich
null
null
Weissburgunder
Dürnberg
null
null
null
US
This refreshing, well-structured wine offers vivid but light fruit flavors, a crisp balance and mouthwatering texture. It has lots of fresh citrus flavors that will pair well with salty meats and all kinds of seafood.
null
89
13
California
California
California Other
Rosé
Cupcake
Jim Gordon
@gordone_cellars
Cupcake 2016 Rosé (California)
Portugal
Dominated by juicy Castelão, this lightly structured wine has fine tannins to propel the berry fruits up to the front. It is rich and full-bodied with a touch of pepper from the alcohol. The aftertaste brings out fresh acidity and softness.
Azul Portugal
88
11
Tejo
null
null
Portuguese Red
Wines & Winemakers
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Wines & Winemakers 2011 Azul Portugal Red (Tejo)
France
93-95 Barrel sample. All the elements are there, piling the sweetness, intense richness on layers of botrytis and finishing a crisp top of acidity. Impressive.
Barrel sample
94
null
Bordeaux
Sauternes
null
Bordeaux-style White Blend
Château de Malle
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château de Malle 2009 Barrel sample (Sauternes)
US
Heavy and dull, with candied flavors of cherries, cola, currants and chocolate. Gets the job done.
null
82
9
California
California
California Other
Merlot
Campus Oaks
null
null
null
Australia
The 2007 Astralis impresses for its combination of power and nuance. It's dark and almost tarry in concentration, but floral and bright at the same time. Layers of dark coffee and earth are balanced by red fruit, and although it's full bodied and rich in texture, the finish introduces delicately herbal, tea-like notes. Best from 2014–2025.
Astralis
95
225
South Australia
Clarendon
null
Syrah
Clarendon Hills
null
null
null
France
Notes of peach and ripe, yellow plum join a mix of citrus flavors that range from spiky lime to fruity clementine, making for a friendly, refreshing and dry Riesling. Its freshness brightens the palate and shows highlights of pineapple
Vieilles Vignes
89
22
Alsace
Alsace
null
Riesling
Sipp Mack
Anne Krebiehl MW
@AnneInVino
Sipp Mack 2013 Vieilles Vignes Riesling (Alsace)
France
The slightest hint of baking spice hovers over fresh, tart but ripe apple notes. Something juicy and textured at the core makes you want to drink more.
Renaissance
88
24
Alsace
Alsace
null
Sylvaner
Domaine Fernand Engel
Anne Krebiehl MW
@AnneInVino
Domaine Fernand Engel 2015 Renaissance Sylvaner (Alsace)
US
Shows the slight tug of herbaceousness that often marks Carneros/Napa Chardonnays. But it's very dry and crisp, and there's a minerality that helps this lemon- and lime-flavored wine pair cleanly with shellfish, salmon or just a good roast chicken.
ATS Selection
90
54
California
Carneros
Napa-Sonoma
Chardonnay
Cuvaison
null
null
null
Germany
This plump, medium-bodied kabinett seems destined for early maturity, as it relies on a touch of unreleased CO2 to give it liveliness. Drink it young while it's still fresh, and before the bold apple, pear and citrus flavors fade.
Scharzhofberger Kabinett
88
29
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
null
null
Riesling
Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt
null
null
null
Argentina
This ripe Malbec offers jammy blueberry aromas that hint at raisin but pull back in the nick of time. A round pulpy palate is home to black cherry, berry and plum flavors supported by loamy earthy notes. A fleshy finish isn't exact but it's friendly. Drink through 2019.
La Madras Vineyard
90
20
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Malbec
Ricardo Santos
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Ricardo Santos 2013 La Madras Vineyard Malbec (Mendoza)
Austria
Vanilla pervades the luscious palate of plum and berry. Everything here is at full volume: opulent fruit and ripe, structured tannin, alcoholic heat and oaky spice. This is unashamedly big and bold and will need a rare T-bone steak to tame it.
M1
89
85
Carnuntum
null
null
Red Blend
Markowitsch
Anne Krebiehl MW
@AnneInVino
Markowitsch 2012 M1 Red (Carnuntum)
Chile
Smells roasted and leathery, with a distinct earthy, baked bean-influenced set of aromas. Feels edgy but o.k., with generic boysenberry, chocolate and vanilla flavors. Shows buttery oak and carob on the finish.
null
85
12
Colchagua Valley
null
null
Cabernet Sauvignon
Root:1
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Root:1 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley)
Italy
This historic brand is the godfather of the massively successful Prosecco movement today. This DOC expression from the Treviso subzone offers pristine citrus, peach and talc powder aromas.
Brut
86
18
Veneto
Prosecco
null
Glera
Carpenè Malvolti
null
null
null
US
Ripe and balanced, a nice, clean Merlot to drink now with savory sausages. It's dry and tannic, with flavors of black cherries, black currants, cola and sandalwood, and a dusty, mouthwatering coating of Asian spices.
null
87
18
California
Sonoma Valley
Sonoma
Merlot
Wellington
null
null
null
France
Plenty of dry Malbec tannins here. In fact, this verges on the austere, piling high on to the fruit. There is density, those tannins going right through the wine, finishing with acidity. Tough at this stage: give it 2–3 years.
Le Prestige
88
15
Southwest France
Cahors
null
Malbec
Château la Reyne
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château la Reyne 2007 Le Prestige Malbec (Cahors)
Portugal
Still young and showing fresh fruitiness, this wine needs time to calm down and broaden out. Made of four classic varieties in the Esporão vineyard, it's dense, stalky and still full of tannins. Give this wine until 2016.
Quatro Castas
90
17
Alentejano
null
null
Portuguese Red
Herdade do Esporão
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Herdade do Esporão 2013 Quatro Castas Red (Alentejano)
US
This Grenache-Syrah blend shows some real complexity in the cherry, leather, tobacco, cola, sandalwood and spice flavors. The tannins are quite refined and entirely ripe. Not an ager, but lovely and elegant now.
Slipstone
87
25
California
Paso Robles
Central Coast
Grenache-Syrah
Hearthstone
null
null
null
Italy
Here's an easy Sangiovese-based wine (with a small percent of Petit Verdot for extra darkness and color) that would pair wonderfully with stay-home pizza or pasta. The wine offers bright berry nuances of cherry and raspberry and a touch of distant spice and smoke on the fade.
Il Gregoriano
86
12
Tuscany
Sant'Antimo
null
Red Blend
Fattoria Scopone
null
null
null
Germany
Big and full-bodied, with just a touch of sugar in evidence, while the alcohol is up to 13%. Petrol and slate notes mark the nose, while the fruit features pineapple, nectarine and melon. Long, powerful and citrusy on the finish, with underlying minerality and spice that provides fascinating complexity. Great now, but there's no reason this shouldn't age well for five or more years.
Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg QbA
91
55
Rheingau
null
null
Riesling
Georg Breuer
null
null
null
US
This Merlot is dry, full-bodied and delicious in fruit and oak. Black cherries, currants, mocha, plums, vanilla and fragrant sandalwood all come together to provide a complex drink that's firm in tannins and fancy in the finish. Drink now.
Grand Reserve
90
28
California
Sonoma County
Sonoma
Merlot
Kendall-Jackson
null
null
null
Argentina
Brickish in color, and seemingly thin. Aromas of baked fruit, compost, tobacco, vanilla and burnt coffee are challenging, while the palate is earthy and tastes leafy as well as sweet. On the positive side, it's neither heavy nor overdone. On the negative side, it's thin and on the fade.
Trumpeter
84
13
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Merlot
Rutini
null
null
null
US
Likeable for its dryness and elegantly crisp structure, this wine will support comfort foods like beef fajitas or Chinese stir fried beef with soy sauce. It has flavors of mashed red cherries, sprinkled with black pepper and cinnamon.
Oleta Vineyard
85
26
California
Fiddletown
Sierra Foothills
Grenache
Martella
null
null
null
France
This wine has an earthy character, with some bitter flavors as well as more generous acidity and yellow fruits, The earthiness should blow off as it develops to give a ripe, richly fruity wine.
null
87
25
Burgundy
Viré-Clessé
null
Chardonnay
Chanson Père et Fils
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Chanson Père et Fils 2014 Viré-Clessé
France
The soft pear of the nose is also apparent on the palate, which is fruity but lacks a little precision. This wine is clean and soft. Drink soon.
Val St Gregoire
85
20
Alsace
Alsace
null
Pinot Auxerrois
Domaine Saint-Rémy
Anne Krebiehl MW
@AnneInVino
Domaine Saint-Rémy 2014 Val St Gregoire Pinot Auxerrois (Alsace)
France
Full and ripe, this is dominated by rich apple flavors that are cut with taut lemon zest. The wine is crisp, showing great acidity and a creamy aftertaste. It is ready to drink.
Brut
89
19
Alsace
Crémant d'Alsace
null
Sparkling Blend
Domaine Charles Baur
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Domaine Charles Baur NV Brut Sparkling (Crémant d'Alsace)
Argentina
Concentrated and jammy smelling, with a note of iodine to go with racy black fruit aromas. Dense as night in the mouth, with gamey, roasted berry flavors. Turns minty on the finish, with a hint of herbal green. Fruity and nice but lacks that final gear.
A Lisa
88
26
Other
Patagonia
null
Malbec
Bodega Noemía de Patagonia
null
null
null
US
Red apple, light pineapple and key lime cream show on the nose of this twist-top bottling from the regionally pioneering Smith family. The palate is tightly wound and full of intriguingly delicate depth, offering pencil lead, shiso leaf, daikon radish, lemon-lime, sea foam and oyster shells.
null
89
20
California
Monterey
Central Coast
Chardonnay
Paraiso Vineyards
Matt Kettmann
@mattkettmann
Paraiso Vineyards 2014 Chardonnay (Monterey)
Argentina
Despite showing somewhat volatile berry aromas, this is more than solid as a whole. Wiry angularity on the palate is offset by fleshy berry fruit, while flavors of plum, blackberry and salt are a touch grassy in front of a superficial finish that's slightly hot.
null
85
7
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Malbec
Torrevieja
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Torrevieja 2015 Malbec (Mendoza)
Chile
Ripe and lusty, this is earthy and foresty on the nose, with plenty of oak, olive, eucalyptus and graphite. The palate is saturated almost to the point of being too heavy, but that only means that lush, penetrating, herbal blackberry and cola flavors have a stout base to work with. A toasted finish with some bitterness closes this out. Drink through 2019.
Royale Los Lingues Vineyard
91
26
Colchagua Valley
null
null
Carmenère
Koyle
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Koyle 2012 Royale Los Lingues Vineyard Carmenère (Colchagua Valley)
Italy
Made with 100% Sangiovese, this savory red delivers aromas of black cherry, scorched earth and chopped herb. The palate offers crushed blackberry, juicy cherry and black pepper. Fine-grained tannins provide support.
Sinarra
89
28
Tuscany
Maremma Toscana
null
Sangiovese
Fattoria di Magliano
null
null
null
Argentina
Rubbery and smoky at first, with leather and berry fruit running secondary to the wine's more reduced qualities. But if given ten minutes to unwind, it shows wide black-fruit flavors, creaminess and finally some barrel-based resin. Gets better the more you work with it, but will always register as “oaky.”
Reserve
87
46
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Malbec
Melipal
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Melipal 2006 Reserve Malbec (Mendoza)
US
A soft, fairly simple red wine. It has spicy, interesting flavors of berries, leather, tobacco and currants, and is nicely dry, with sturdy tannins that turn a bit coarse on the finish. Drink now.
Estate
85
32
California
Dry Creek Valley
Sonoma
Primitivo
Collier Falls
null
null
null
Italy
Botrytised Gewürztraminer produces a rich, intense, luscious wine with layers of complex spice. A touch of Sauvignon Blanc introduces some clean, crisp freshness to give the wine a fine sense of balance.
Cashmere
91
25
Northeastern Italy
Alto Adige
null
Gewürztraminer
Elena Walch
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Elena Walch 2001 Cashmere Gewürztraminer (Alto Adige)
France
While there are plenty of tannins in this wine, there is also great fruit. Blackberry and plum flavors explode in the mouth. They are backed by the serious tannins and dark texture that will allow the wine to age. Drink this bold wine from 2019.
Atrium
88
13
Southwest France
Cahors
null
Malbec
Georges Vigouroux
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Georges Vigouroux 2015 Atrium Malbec (Cahors)
Argentina
Rusty in color, this wine features aromas of compost, juniper and a touch of floral red fruit. It comes on strong in the mouth, with a leafy, rustic dried-cherry flavor, before feeling hard and tannic.
null
81
8
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Malbec
Region 1
null
null
null
Australia
Despite its moderate alcohol level, this wine offers plenty of weight and richness. Oak-derived elements of vanilla and toast frame exotic hints of mango, pineapple and citrus. With its ample weight and plush texture, this wine is a throwback of sorts, yet it manages to achieve that with great focus and citrusy length.
null
90
20
Western Australia
Margaret River
null
Chardonnay
Robert Oatley
Joe Czerwinski
@JoeCz
Robert Oatley 2014 Chardonnay (Margaret River)
US
This very rare, single-vineyard Chardonnay has distinct vanilla, golden delicious apple, banana and peach flavors—a nice mix of sweet and sour, but some tasters found searing acidity and a sharp metallic note. Finishes tart, dry and long with a bracing edge capable of cutting right through your fried calamari and spicy sauce. Only 132 cases produced.
Dierberg Vineyard
87
35
California
Santa Maria Valley
Central Coast
Chardonnay
Foley
null
null
null
France
With a high proportion of the local Rolle grape in the blend, this is a lightly perfumed wine with a strong herbal element. It is a ripe finely structured wine, with great acidity and orange flavors. A style of wine that will be better for a few more months, it should be drunk from late 2017.
Château des Muraires Séduction
91
29
Provence
Côtes de Provence
null
Rosé
Bernard Magrez
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Bernard Magrez 2016 Château des Muraires Séduction Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
US
Vanilla candle wax, pollen and peaches-and-cream aromas are inviting and warm. The luscious body of juicy stone fruit is overcome by soapy floral notes on the midpalate, yet the persistent acid manages to clean up the flavors on the finish.
Reserve
85
25
Texas
Texas
null
Viognier
Brennan
Alexander Peartree
null
Brennan 2014 Reserve Viognier (Texas)
Italy
Sweet jasmine and floral aromas make this Soave Classico Superiore (which sees three months in large oak casks) a perfect companion to Thai noodles with fragrant basil. The wine ends with a soft note of honey and peach.
Capitel al Pigno
87
12
Veneto
Soave Classico Superiore
null
Garganega
Bixio
null
null
null