spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Austria	Ripe, juicy pear scents make for an inviting nose. The wine's concentrated palate presents ample citrus with those pear notes, as well as spicy grapefruit zestiness. This is lovely, dry, refreshing and focused.	L&T Cool Climate Falkenstein	90	14	Niederösterreich	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Dürnberg	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Dürnberg 2016 L&T Cool Climate Falkenstein Grüner Veltliner (Niederösterreich)
Italy	Raboso Frizzante (lightly sparkling) wine offers an intense ruby color and aromas of spice, ripe cherry and blackberry. This wine drinks like a red (including some mild tannins) with a touch of fizzy effervescence and a sweet, fruity finale. Try this wine with salami, cold cuts and cubed parmigiano cheese.	Raboso Frizzante	83	18	Veneto	Veneto Orientale	null	Raboso	Moletto	null	null	null
France	There is no mistaking the firm tannins of Saint-Estèphe in this wine. At the same time, these tannins are balanced with the generous ripe flavor of black fruit and almost-sweet acidity. The property was created by Joseph Laffitte in 1759, right in the center of the Saint-Estèphe plateau.	null	92	40	Bordeaux	Saint-Estèphe	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Laffitte Carcasset	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Laffitte Carcasset 2010 Saint-Estèphe
Italy	This offers bright cherry intensity, with raw spice and tobacco notes. The purity of those aromas gives the wine nice momentum on the palate.	null	87	17	Sicily & Sardinia	Noto	null	Nero d'Avola	Marabino	null	null	null
Chile	While the nose is pungent and true to the variety, there isn't much else positive to say about this cypher of a Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is plump yet fizzy, while the flavor profile offers citrus, bitterness and nothing more.	null	82	10	Bío Bío Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Llai Llai	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Llai Llai 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Bío Bío Valley)
US	Meditazione bursts out of the glass with a musky, vanilla-spice character that permeates the nose and palate. Fermented in oak with extended skin contact, this is an amber-hued wine that has bold, tea-leaf-like tannins and a gorgeous acidic edge. It's a fascinating effort to be enjoyed over the course of a long, meditative evening.	Meditazione	91	40	New York	Long Island	Long Island	White Blend	Channing Daughters	null	null	null
Italy	This is perfumed with enticing scents of fragrant blue flower, pressed powder, wild berry, chopped herb and an earthy whiff of leather. On the ripe, juicy palate, velvety, enveloping tannins support fleshy black cherry, crushed strawberry cinnamon and clove. Thanks to the fruit richness, you won't detect the hefty alcohol.	null	93	63	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Armilla	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Armilla 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Austria	Martin Mittelbach rolls out this intense, concentrated wine, which packs spice, ripe pineapple and apricots and a final floral character that fills the mouth. A wine to age for at least four years. Screwcap.	Höhereck	93	40	Wachau	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Tegernseerhof	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Tegernseerhof 2008 Höhereck Grüner Veltliner (Wachau)
US	This tastes very oaky, with notes of buttered toast and sweet, smoky butterscotch dominating the apricot and orange fruit.	Lafond Vineyard	85	38	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Lafond	null	null	Lafond 2009 Lafond Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)
France	Big, ripe and fruity, this has tannins that are well integrated into the complex, dense fruit texture. Wood flavors offer a counterpoint to the berry notes and final acidity.	null	86	22	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Supérieur	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Haut Mallet	null	null	null
US	There's a Porty overripeness all through this wine, like concentrated raisins and prunes. Although it's basically dry, it has a raisiny sweetness, especially toward the finish.	Weir Vineyard	84	42	California	Yorkville Highlands	North Coast	Pinot Noir	Drew	null	null	null
France	Very fresh, crisp and apply, this 100% Chardonnay Champagne also has a soft side from the relatively high dosage. That gives the wine some richness and adds touches of yellow fruits. This bottling could do with some more aging to add complexity, although it's delicious now.	Blanc de Blancs Brut	88	55	Champagne	Champagne	null	Chardonnay	H. Blin	null	null	null
Italy	Tobacco and herb accents play off cherry fruit on the slightly muted nose of this medium-weight wine. Plum, chocolate and wood flavors mark the slightly lean palate. Finishes dry, with cocoa and tea notes.	Riserva	87	16	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Banfi	null	null	null
Italy	Creamy, rich and sun-drenched Tuscan fruit always makes this Grigio stand out in a crowd. The differences between this and cooler-climate wines include generous summertime aromas such as yellow rose, ripe melon, tropical fruit, jasmine and a fuller body. But you forego that extra crispness of northern regions. Imported by Banfi Vintners.	San Angelo	87	18	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Pinot Grigio	Castello Banfi	null	null	null
US	Sour and lean, with stemmy green flavors and aromas that dominate. The mouth is herbal and chalky with a medium body.	Proprietor's Reserve	80	19	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Cabernet Franc	Palmer	null	null	null
US	This is a high-acid, minerality-driven wine from the wilds of Rockpile. Soft and integrated in terms of oak and tannin, it also possesses a savage touch of grip, a nod to its mountainous heritage and the perils and pleasures of a warm year. Black cherry and a vibrant squeeze of citrus stand out on the palate, providing juiciness and balance.	Rocky Ridge Vineyard	91	38	California	Rockpile	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Bruliam	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Bruliam 2013 Rocky Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel (Rockpile)
US	Tastes almost as sweet and fruity as a minor Port, with milk chocolate, raisin and molasses flavors. It's a bit soft and warm.	Bacigalupi Vineyards	84	48	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Graton Ridge	null	null	Graton Ridge 2010 Bacigalupi Vineyards Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
US	There's a respectably complex nose on this pink wine, with lemonade and pressed plums blending into a wet cement minerality. The palate is very tasty, with flavors of pomegranate, dried rose petals, hibiscus, night jasmine and even a clove-laced mocha element proving quite intriguing.	null	88	28	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Rosé	HammerSky	null	null	null
Italy	Ripe berry, sunbaked earth, cured meat and grilled herb are some of the aromas that meld together in the glass. The juicy, delicious palate offers layers of juicy Morelllo cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, licorice and tobacco. Hearty, velvety tannins provide the framework and lend a smooth texture. Drink 2018–2030.	Riserva	95	85	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Mocali	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Mocali 2010 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)
Italy	A Brunello on the bold and ripe side, with smoked bacon, blackberry, sweet spice, rum cake and black licorice. It shows impressive staying power. It's tannic, firm and ready for a long aging future ahead.	Riserva	92	null	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	La Fiorita	null	null	null
US	This distinctive biodynamic vineyard is near the Van Duzer Corridor, destined to become its own AVA soon. The fruit is a mix of berries and cherries, with a touch of Popsicle sweetness. There are notes of earth and barnyard also, well-integrated, and often found in such natural wines. Still pulling itself together, but complex and compelling already.	Momtazi Vineyard	89	55	Oregon	McMinnville	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Fullerton	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Fullerton 2014 Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir (McMinnville)
Chile	There's not much point in making a reserve-style wine if the barrels are subpar. Aggressive menthol and sappy green-barrel aromas and flavors dominate this wine. There's good weight and texture, just not much in the way of vinous flavor.	Prima Reserva	80	13	Maipo Valley	null	null	Merlot	De Martino	null	null	null
Italy	Here's an earthy wine that opens with aromas of leafy underbrush, porcini mushroom, game, mature black plum and dark berry. The palate delivers juicy dark berry, toast and allspice alongside assertive, drying tannins and a hint of licorice.	Pistus Rosso	87	24	Sicily & Sardinia	Etna	null	Red Blend	I Custodi	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	I Custodi 2013 Pistus Rosso (Etna)
US	Because he blends shortly after fermentation, Matt Loso's wines attain a seamless complexity early on; it's a hallmark of the winery. This beautifully crafted Claret has no rough edges; in fact, no edges at all. It is a supple, elegant wine, loaded with fruit flavors that run from berry to cherry to plum, while the oak gently adds spice and toast.	Claret	91	30	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Matthews	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Matthews 2004 Claret Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	This softly rich, smooth red wine is a blend of unidentified varieties. It's intricately layered in blackberries, bacon, tobacco, mocha, sandalwood and spice flavors, wrapped into firm and gentle tannins. Drink now, with rich fare.	Paramount	90	60	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Gamble Family Vineyards	null	null	null
France	This wine is soft and round, with attractive acidity as well as a light sense of structure from tannins. It features considerable acidity along with wild strawberry flavors that keep it lifted and aromatic. Drink from 2017.	Vignes Franches Premier Cru	91	90	Burgundy	Beaune	null	Pinot Noir	Louis Latour	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Louis Latour 2012 Vignes Franches Premier Cru (Beaune)
Argentina	Aromas of black fruit carry a light oak accent, and overall this is the type of Malbec that will earn more friends than detractors. Kind of hard and tannic in the mouth, with crisp black cherry and raspberry flavors. Clean but tough mouthfeel. Needs a burger or a slice of pizza to cut the tannins.	null	85	12	Mendoza Province	Uco Valley	null	Malbec	Mil Piedras	null	null	null
Italy	Dark-skinned berry, menthol toast and tilled soil aromas come together in the glass. Full-bodied, ripe, velvety tannins underscore flavors of mature black cherry, licorice, tobacco and clove. Drink 2018–2028.	Riserva	92	52	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Fattoria La Lecciaia	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Fattoria La Lecciaia 2010 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)
France	A blend of Grenache and Rolle, this easy-drinking rosé features peach and canteloupe aromas, simple ripe strawberry and grapefruit flavors and a fruit-driven finish.	Whispering Angel	86	20	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Château d'Esclans	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Château d'Esclans 2006 Whispering Angel Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
US	As always, Beringer's Alluvium blend is a complex white wine, meant to pair with good food. The '08 is comprised of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Chardonnay and Viognier. It's fruity, crisp and dry.	Alluvium Blanc	88	17	California	Knights Valley	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon	Beringer	null	null	Beringer 2008 Alluvium Blanc Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon (Knights Valley)
Italy	This bright Barolo with fruit sourced from two of the most important crus in the Langhe area of Piedmont opens with ripe red fruit aromas with toasted almond, cola and exotic spice. The long finish shows elegant accents of mesquite and cedar wood.	Preda Sarmassa	91	75	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Virna Borgogno	null	null	Virna Borgogno 2007 Preda Sarmassa (Barolo)
Spain	Starts out sharp and funky, and then quickly you realize that it's showing signs of age. The wine blends sweet and sour notes on both the bouquet and palate, issuing primary grapefruit flavors and some mustard greens on the finish. But the feel is chunky and it's losing its zest day by the day.	null	86	15	Northern Spain	Rueda	null	Verdejo	Vega de la Reina	null	null	null
Austria	Roter Veltliner is a late-ripening variety found mainly in the southern portion of Niederösterreich, near the Danube Valley. Here, it has produced a green-yellow colored wine, smooth and creamy. Flavors are of spice and a fruit salad of green plum, yellow cherry and lychee.	Lage Kreimelberg	90	28	Niederösterreich	null	null	Roter Veltliner	Setzer	null	null	null
France	With 15 months in French oak, this blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache starts off rich and lavish, as creamy mocha notes infuse the deep plum, blueberry and black cherry fruit core. Iris florals add lightness to the otherwise dark and concentrated mouth, as the crushed velvet texture transitions into a long finish loaded with roasted espresso and toasted fennel seed flavors. Drink now–2015.	Clot de l'Amandier La Clape	91	63	Languedoc-Roussillon	Coteaux du Languedoc	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Mas du Soleilla	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Mas du Soleilla 2008 Clot de l'Amandier La Clape Red (Coteaux du Languedoc)
US	The wine is quiet at first, but with patience, some red apple and pear skin shine through. The flavors surround yellow fruits, between citrus and melon, presented with a bright, nearly biting acidity.	null	87	18	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Pinot Grigio	Avelina	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Avelina 2012 Pinot Grigio (Santa Barbara County)
Germany	Slightly closed at first, but slowly opens to reveal ripe stone fruits, hints of white flowers and an earthy minerality. Dry, with racy acidity that is balanced by lots of lively stone-fruit and citrus flavors. Palate is nicely taut and elegant. Moderately long, juicy finish.	Trocken	89	25	Rheinhessen	null	null	Riesling	Wittmann	null	null	null
Italy	Scents of Spanish broom, pineapple, orchard fruit and a saline note meld together in the glass. The focused palate offers mature apple, peach, botanical herb and mineral alongside firm acidity.	Chianta Bianco	90	45	Sicily & Sardinia	Etna	null	White Blend	Biondi	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Biondi 2014 Chianta Bianco (Etna)
US	A big, bold, exuberantly rich wine, classic Williams Selyem Chard. The underlying wine is all pineapples, peaches, pears and exotic tropical fruits, while oak adds elaborate layers of buttered toast, caramel, nougat and vanilla. Acidity is high, which will help the wine age through 2013.	Heintz Vineyard	95	50	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Williams Selyem	null	null	null
France	There's a strong, nutty character to this bubbly, with accents of Granny Smith apple, toast and lemon rind citrus on the nose and mouth. The rich mouth is full and satisfying, but the alcohol is a bit warming on the close.	Cuvée Berlène Brut	85	12	Languedoc-Roussillon	Blanquette de Limoux	null	Sparkling Blend	Delmas	null	null	null
France	This has plenty of very ripe red fruits, but at the same time the tannins push through, firm and dry, and, at this young stage, tough. It promises some good aging, with the wood element coming into balance.	Domaine de la Croix Jacquelet	90	23	Burgundy	Mercurey	null	Pinot Noir	Faiveley	null	null	null
US	Overripe and unbalanced, with a Porty aroma and raisiny flavors that turn harsh and dry in the mouth.	null	81	24	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Sangiovese	Orchid Hill	null	null	null
New Zealand	This relatively lightweight Pinot Noir features an array of meaty, earthy notes and a modest pie-cherry flavor before drying out and turning even more tart on the finish. Drink now.	null	82	28	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Martin's Rake	null	null	null
Italy	This hits all high marks thanks to the integrity and intensity of its beautifully aromatic bouquet. The wine is creamy and smooth with exciting dashes of mint, candied fruit, honey and apricot that appear at various, random points.	Acinatium	92	null	Veneto	Recioto di Soave	null	Garganega	Suavia	null	null	null
US	Opens with pretty aromas of honeysuckle, vanilla custard, honey and tangerines that make you think it's sweet, but this is a bone-dry wine. Crisp acidity brightens the modest orange flavors; an appropriate apéritif-style wine.	Del Arroyo Vineyard	87	11	California	Livermore Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Grigio	Cedar Mountain	null	null	null
Chile	Concentrated scents of iodine, olive and herbal blackberry set up a loud palate supported by noticeable acidity. This tastes briny and a bit salty, with herbal black plum and blackberry flavors. A note of prune on the finish is offset by vivid acidity.	Reserva Privada	87	15	Maule Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Viña Casas Patronales	null	null	null
France	This is the entry-level wine from this fine producer. It is soft, laced with acidity and grapefruit. Sliced apples add a further texture and bring out the steely edge of the wine. It has ripe fruit and a tangy aftertaste. It's ready to drink now.	null	90	28	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Daniel Chotard	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Daniel Chotard 2015 Sancerre
France	A well-structured wine, it offers ripe, creamy fruits and attractive acidity. With mouth-watering citrus flavors, yellow fruits and smooth aftertaste, it represents great value from a lesser-known appellation.	La Grande Roche Premier Cru	88	27	Burgundy	Montagny	null	Chardonnay	Louis Latour	null	null	null
US	Fruity and oaky, a blend of Syrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot of some charm. Shows soft, jammy flavors of cherries, blackberries, mocha, cola and cedar. Ready now.	Concierto del Rioja	85	19	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Red Blend	Vihuela	null	null	null
US	Frankly sweet, with candied raspberry and cherry flavors. Feels soft and cloying.	Winemakers Reserve	81	12	California	California	California Other	Zinfandel	Dancing Bull	null	null	null
US	Dusty and toasty, with plenty of spice and just a hint of composty barnyard, this biodynamically farmed fruit brings in subtle notes of dried leaf and herb. Cranberry fruit flavors roll into fine-grained tannins and a medium-long finish.	Momtazi Vineyard	90	40	Oregon	McMinnville	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Panther Creek	null	null	null
Australia	In keeping with the winemaking philosophy here, this is not a big, ripe, Aussie fruit bomb. Instead, it's an earthier style, with coffee and black olive notes backed by ripe blackberries. An olive-crusted rack of lamb would be a top-notch food pairing.	Estate Grown	86	30	Victoria	Yarra Valley	null	Shiraz-Viognier	De Bortoli	null	null	null
US	Stylish and fruity, this medium-bodied, rather soft-edged blend mixes cherries with streaks of ripe peach flavors. Open and smooth, with soft tannins, it's a fine drink-now bottle.	Claret	88	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Cuillin Hills	null	null	null
Spain	A little heavy at first, but airing reveals a robust and stirring bouquet of plum and berry aromas mixed with coffee and leather. The palate is pure and deep, with a lush set of blackberry, ripe plum and berry syrup flavors. Shows a fine structure, a long and warm finish, and the potential to age another 5–8 years.	Sentius	92	33	Catalonia	Priorat	null	Red Blend	Joan Simó	null	null	null
US	Syrah dominates the blend on this dry, complex red wine. It brings tannins and deep flavors of blackberries and charred meat. One-third of Grenache adds lightness and cherries, while oak contributes the perfect note of toast. The alcohol is high, but it never feels hot, just mouth-filling and warming. It's a polished and complex wine that brings to mind a perfect steak.	Cuvée Alis	91	48	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Rhône-style Red Blend	Amapola Creek	null	null	null
Israel	A fresh and easy-drinking white made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, the Blanc boasts scents of soft talcum powder, pink peony and orange blossom against a gooseberry and white strawberry fruit backbone. Zippy and prickly in the mouth with a mouthwatering, grassy finish.	Unoaked Blanc	86	30	Judean Hills	null	null	White Blend	Flam	null	null	null
South Africa	Warming spices of cinnamon and clove with a touch of orange give this Chardonnay a unique appeal. Full of depth and dimension, the wine still has a light, deft touch. Pair with earthier, more complex dishes or enjoy alone.	Finlayson Family Vineyards	87	20	Stellenbosch	null	null	Chardonnay	Edgebaston	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Edgebaston 2006 Finlayson Family Vineyards Chardonnay (Stellenbosch)
France	This soft, ripe Pinot Noir manages to balance the fragrant red fruits with a gentle massage of wood aging. A firm layer of tannins gives structure and it is ready to drink.	Trois Châteaux	88	42	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Noir	Kuentz-Bas	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Kuentz-Bas 2011 Trois Châteaux Pinot Noir (Alsace)
US	Direct and easy drinking, this is full of ripe blueberry aromas and flavors, framed by hints of toast and a dusting of cinnamon. Drink now.	Estate Grown	89	10	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	StoneCap	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	StoneCap 2012 Estate Grown Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	The new release from this old (1972) vineyard boosts the alcohol to 13.9%, dropping the residual sugar to just over 1%. Deep, concentrated, and driven by a dense minerality, this exceptional single-vineyard Riesling has raw fruit flavors of green apple, white peach and citrus rind. Sure to evolve, perhaps over decades, it has the vivid acidity and penetrating finish to improve significantly.	Solstice Vineyard	93	22	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Riesling	Pacific Rim	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Pacific Rim 2009 Solstice Vineyard Riesling (Yakima Valley)
Italy	This is a lovely Chianti Classico that shows balanced aromas of cherry and raspberry that match up very nicely with the natural acidity you feel in the mouth. This is a great wine to pair with chicken in creamy mushroom sauce or buttered baked potato.	null	88	25	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Querciavalle	null	null	null
Portugal	Lightly prickly on the tongue, this is a refreshing, almost dry wine. It is bright, lively and fruity with citrus and crisp apple flavors. The wine is light and bright with plenty of acidity at the end.	Aveleda	86	9	Vinho Verde	null	null	Portuguese White	Aveleda	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Aveleda 2015 Aveleda White (Vinho Verde)
Argentina	Smoky aromas of fresh-cut wood blend with berry and cassis form a welcoming, generous bouquet. This feels lively on the palate, albeit tartaric. Oaky plum, cassis and vanilla flavors finish full and agreeable. Drink through 2019.	Alegoría Gran Reserva	91	25	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Navarro Correas	null	null	null
France	Like most Tardieu Laurent wines, this is lushly textured stuff. Honey and peach notes mingle easily on the nose and in the mouth, fading out just a little too quickly on the finish. Drink now.	Vieilles Vignes	89	59	Rhône Valley	Châteauneuf-du-Pape	null	Rhône-style White Blend	Tardieu-Laurent	null	null	null
US	Quince and apple juice notes lead to a tart, medium-bodied palate. The elevated acidity makes for a rigid finish.	null	81	14	Virginia	Virginia	null	Traminette	Virginia Mountain Vineyards	null	null	null
Argentina	Starts with sweaty leather and peanut aromas before moving on to linear, sour flavors. Pure acid on the finish does nothing to make it chummier.	null	80	7	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Merlot	San Telmo	null	null	null
US	Even by De Loach's standards of enormously ripe Zinfandels, this one stands out. It's a hydrogen bomb of a wine, fantastically rich in berries and fruits that have a slightly dried quality to them. The tannins are thick, and the alcohol seems higher and hotter than the stated 14.5% by volume.	Riebli Valley Vineyard	88	34	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Zinfandel	De Loach	null	null	De Loach 2009 Riebli Valley Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma County)
France	A lovely example of mature Ventoux, revealing the sunny nature of the 2007 vintage in its velvety tannins and hints of chocolate and warmth. Raspberry and plum fruit carry a faintly peppery-herbal edge. Drink now–2016.	Les Fées	89	17	Rhône Valley	Côtes-du-Ventoux	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Mas du Fadan	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Mas du Fadan 2007 Les Fées Red (Côtes-du-Ventoux)
New Zealand	A nice Pinot at a nice price, kicking off with lifted cherry fruit and a tinge of minty greenness. It's medium in body, with delicate and supple tannins framing clean, fresh cherry flavors. Finishes soft, easy and with decent length and intensity, making it a pleasant quaff for spring and into summer.	null	88	20	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Hunter's	null	null	null
US	This is just the kind of white wine California needs more of. It's crisp in acidity, with a brilliant, unoaky focus of fruit. Best of all, the alcohol is a low 12.5%. There may be some residual sugar, but the tangerine flavors are so crisp, the wine feels dry. What a great sommelier wine.	Ca' del Solo Vineyard	88	17	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Muscat	Ca' del Solo	null	null	null
Portugal	The high vineyards of inland eastern Portugal gives a wine that is initially austere, tasting very much of its rock terroir, cool and elegant. The fruit is very direct, fresh and juicy, with the tannins a strong presence. The final acidity is a cool burst.	Quinta do Cardo	89	14	Beira Interior	null	null	Portuguese Red	Companhia das Quintas	null	null	null
US	Tart and dry, with acidic flavors of cherries, currants, cola, mocha and spices. That sharp texture won't go away with aging, so drink up.	null	86	38	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Paradise Ridge	null	null	Paradise Ridge 2007 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
France	Butter, pain grillé and roasted nut aromas expand on the palate into honey, peach and tangerine flavors, accented by citrus and mineral notes. Spicy (white peppery) on the finish.	Morgeot	89	50	Burgundy	Chassagne-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Louis Latour	null	null	Louis Latour 2000 Morgeot (Chassagne-Montrachet)
Portugal	Fresh and perfumed, this wine has fine acidity along with bright berry flavors. The freshness suggests it is still young and needs to broaden out with its juicy, black currant aftertaste. In style it is dry, balance by a bright final acidity.	Late Bottled Vintage	87	25	Port	null	null	Port	Cockburn's	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Cockburn's 2009 Late Bottled Vintage (Port)
US	This is a thickly tannic wine, cloaking its mix of mulberry, plum and cassis fruit in a robe of dark chocolate. The tannins are textured and grainy, but ripe enough, with plenty of supporting acidity that cuts through.	null	88	28	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Merlot	J Bell Cellars	null	null	null
US	This is comprised of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Syrah, 5% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, with much of the fruit sourced from Mendocino and Lake counties. While its aromatically strong in Syrah, the wine's flavors lean more toward Cabernet, with cola, spice and black fruit notes atop layers of softened tannins. The finish is Rhône-like: meaty, with a strong dash of pepper.	null	88	18	California	California	California Other	Red Blend	Open Range	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Open Range 2008 Red (California)
France	A delightful, light, strawberry wine. It has a bright, bubbly character and acidity that gives extra life to this classic apéritif wine. There is just a hint of softness from the fruit to finish.	Rosé Brut	87	24	Burgundy	Crémant de Bourgogne	null	Sparkling Blend	Bailly-Lapierre	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Bailly-Lapierre NV Rosé Brut (Crémant de Bourgogne)
Chile	A strong-willed wine, with mint, leather and oak aromas in front of a juicy flavor profile that emphasizes plum and raspberry. Nice color and zest, with some snap and tartness to the palate. Not an overweight wine but solid. Perfect for ribs or burgers. Imported by GWFC-Gourmet Wine & Food Co.	Oak Aged Reserve	87	12	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Malbec	Viu Manent	null	null	null
Argentina	Citrusy in style, with aromas of orange, passion fruit and grapefruit. Feels flush and full-bodied, with basic tangerine and navel orange flavors. Fresh on the finish but hollow in terms of depth, with a light fade.	Dedicación Personal	87	18	Mendoza Province	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Alfredo Roca	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Alfredo Roca 2011 Dedicación Personal Sauvignon Blanc
Germany	Tangerine and apple notes are almost ruddy with ripeness in this concentrated spätlese. While off dry in style, vibrant acidity offsets sweeter notes of caramel and honey for a remarkably dry finish. Drink now through 2018.	Alsheimer Frühmesse Spätlese	88	14	Rheinhessen	null	null	Riesling	Fritz Windisch	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Fritz Windisch 2014 Alsheimer Frühmesse Spätlese Riesling (Rheinhessen)
US	Carneros seems too cool to ripen Zin, and so it is with this wine, which is rather green and minty. But it's streamlined and clean, with pleasant sour cherry, anise and cinnamon spice flavors.	null	85	25	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Zinfandel	Truchard	null	null	Truchard 2006 Zinfandel (Carneros)
Spain	Concentrated, smoky aromas of dark fruits, graphite and toast are direct and potent. A grabby mouthfeel is defined by elastic, staunch tannins. Blackberry, cassis and a hint of lemony oak create a fine flavor profile, while the finish is loamy and tastes of licorice and peppery spices. Drink through 2018.	null	92	25	Northern Spain	Bierzo	null	Mencía	Losada	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Losada 2011 Mencía (Bierzo)
Italy	Here's a Petit Verdot from Lazio (the mighty region of the Italian capital) that shows some sulfur notes at the start that blow off quickly enough. The wine delivers raw, penetrating red fruit and bright but slightly sour cherry notes on the close.	null	87	23	Central Italy	Lazio	null	Petite Verdot	Casale del Giglio	null	null	null
Turkey	Made of Kalecik Karasi, an indigenous Turkish grape, this wine has aromas of strawberry and orange rind that are a pleasant prelude to flavors of tart and ripe summer cherry, pomegranate, vanilla and a whisper of salinity. Tongue-coating tannins fade into the smooth, bright finish.	Denizli-Güney Plateau	89	18	Aegean	null	null	Kalecik Karasi	Sevilen	Mike DeSimone	@worldwineguys	Sevilen 2011 Denizli-Güney Plateau Kalecik Karasi (Aegean)
Chile	Starts with creamy, oak-based aromas of milk chocolate and mocha, yet the fruit notes below are kind of short and briary. Flavors of strawberry also come with sharper hints of rhubarb, while the finish is medium in length, balanced and tastes of chocolate. Not a bad effort for Chile. 2,500 cases made.	Reserva Especial	86	19	Limarí Valley	null	null	Pinot Noir	Viña Tabalí	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viña Tabalí 2007 Reserva Especial Pinot Noir (Limarí Valley)
US	Aromas of green herbs, flowers and soil lead to rich purple-fruit flavors and chalky tannins. It doesn't quite come together but provides intrigue.	null	88	30	Idaho	null	null	Petit Verdot	Colter's Creek	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Colter's Creek 2013 Petit Verdot
Argentina	Light, fresh aromas of lychee and melon are typical of the variety. A bright palate is comfortable in feel and offers pithy flavors of orange and nectarine. This turns more pithy and slightly bitter on the finish.	Urban Uco	86	12	Other	Cafayate	null	Torrontés	O. Fournier	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	O. Fournier 2013 Urban Uco Torrontés (Cafayate)
Italy	Amarone Corte Giara offers an informal but very approachable alternative to more austere and muscular interpretations of the wine. This is a smooth, food-friendly blend from Verona with bright aromas of cherry, dried cassis and spice.	Corte Giara	89	55	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Allegrini	null	null	null
Spain	This modern-style Tempranillo is registering at max ripeness. Aromas of black fruits, raisin, tire rubber and toasty French oak project a dark outlook. In the mouth, this is tight and gripping. Flavors of blackened oak, cassis and blackberry finish firm and closed, with manageable tannins. Drink through 2025.	null	93	61	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	San Vicente	null	null	null
New Zealand	Rather flinty on opening, although that subsides somehat to reveal green, leafy aromas. This is a lighter-bodied Sauvignon Blanc that's refreshingly brisk and dry, raspingly fresh and green, with a crisply acidic, lingering finish.	ranga.ranga	89	12	Marlborough	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Barker's Marque	null	null	null
US	Red cherry, caramelized black cherry, roasted pork and wet slate show on the rich, smoky nose of this bottling by Doug Margerum. Tight pomegranate, strawberry and hibiscus touches appear once sipped, and the palate packs lots of earthy flavors. It's acid-rich and dynamically layered, so drink from 2018–2024.	null	93	68	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Barden	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Barden 2014 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
US	This dry, spicy wine shows the rustic, rugged quality that often accompanies Dry Creek Cabs. It has the briary texture of a Zinfandel, but with Cabernet's classic blackberry and black currant profile. Drink now–2012.	Rebecca's Vineyard	87	38	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Forth	null	null	null
US	Co-fermented with a small quantity of Viognier, this Syrah was aged in 100% new oak. It's flashy and completely satisfying to drink now. Starts a little soft and dry, then explodes midpalate into a burst of cherry and raspberry fruit, with creamy, caramelized notes. The finish is long-lasting and elegant.	Über	93	50	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Syrah	Margerum	null	null	null
US	Tar and smashed berries show on the nose, which seems dense yet remains a bit hidden. The palate clings to tar and tart elderberry flavors, with a slight show of lilac and lavender.	Cross Country	87	28	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Rhône-style Red Blend	Cholame	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Cholame 2012 Cross Country Red (Monterey County)
France	Another promising 2005. This has a beautiful forward bouquet of flowers and red berries, a supple, creamy texture and satisfying raspberry and chocolate flavors. Long and ripe on the finish.	Clos Paradis Premier Cru	89	23	Burgundy	Mercurey	null	Pinot Noir	Prosper Maufoux	null	null	null
Portugal	This is a bright lemon and grapefruit flavored wine that has lively acidity and the lightest touch of mineral texture. It's crisp, refreshing and will be ready to drink from mid-2016.	Duas Quintas Branco	85	12	Douro	null	null	Portuguese White	Ramos-Pinto	null	null	null
US	Sometimes Pinot Blanc resembles Chardonnay, but this crisp, minerally, citrusy wine strikes a different pose. It does have a rich, creamy mouthfeel, which gives it a full-bodied mouthfeel, but it has a dry, steely character that makes it far friendlier with food than a fat, buttery Chard.	null	88	20	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Blanc	Trinitas	null	null	null
Germany	Intense note of caramel and smoke add complexity to fresh apple and tangerine flavors in this dry, mineral-rich wine. It's delicate in alcohol, yet remarkably round and clingy on the palate, cut by a stream of high-toned acidity on the finish.	Nik Weis Leiwener Laurentiuslay Feinherb Grosse Lage	92	55	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	St. Urbans-Hof	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	St. Urbans-Hof 2012 Nik Weis Leiwener Laurentiuslay Feinherb Grosse Lage Riesling (Mosel)
US	This Syrah-Petite Sirah is starting to show some bottle age. It's still high in tannins, but the primary red and black stone fruits and berries are mellowing into dried fruits, with funkier notes of bacon, leather and tamari-splashed sautéed wild mushrooms. An interesting wine to drink now, and should continue to evolve for another 5–6 years.	Megandina Vineyard Vintner's Cuvée	88	75	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Red Blend	Brady Family	null	null	null
US	Mouthfilling, mouthcoating and full bodied, this dark-colored wine blends ripe but not sweet blackberry and black-cherry flavors with dark chocolate and baking-spice nuances for a complex and delicious taste profile. It's rich enough in flavor and viscous enough in texture that the abundant tannins seem to be absorbed, and the mouthfeel is soothing. Best from 2018–2023.	Estate Allie Key's Vineyard	91	40	California	Mendocino	null	Petite Sirah	Jaxon Keys	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Jaxon Keys 2013 Estate Allie Key's Vineyard Petite Sirah (Mendocino)
US	Absolutely delicious now, this barrel selection of Tandem's different vineyard designates dazzles with flashy flavors of raspberry and cherry tart, cola, persimmon, pomegranate and cinnamon-pepper, elaborated with the bubbling brown sugar accents of oak. Should last for quite a long time without gaining complexity, so best now–2012 with things like grilled salmon, lamb or a fine steak.	Auction Block	92	60	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Tandem	null	null	null

Austria

Ripe, juicy pear scents make for an inviting nose. The wine's concentrated palate presents ample citrus with those pear notes, as well as spicy grapefruit zestiness. This is lovely, dry, refreshing and focused.

L&T Cool Climate Falkenstein

90

14

Niederösterreich

null

Grüner Veltliner

Dürnberg

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Dürnberg 2016 L&T Cool Climate Falkenstein Grüner Veltliner (Niederösterreich)

Italy

Raboso Frizzante (lightly sparkling) wine offers an intense ruby color and aromas of spice, ripe cherry and blackberry. This wine drinks like a red (including some mild tannins) with a touch of fizzy effervescence and a sweet, fruity finale. Try this wine with salami, cold cuts and cubed parmigiano cheese.

Raboso Frizzante

83

18

Veneto

Veneto Orientale

null

Raboso

Moletto

null

France

There is no mistaking the firm tannins of Saint-Estèphe in this wine. At the same time, these tannins are balanced with the generous ripe flavor of black fruit and almost-sweet acidity. The property was created by Joseph Laffitte in 1759, right in the center of the Saint-Estèphe plateau.

null

92

40

Bordeaux

Saint-Estèphe

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Laffitte Carcasset

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Laffitte Carcasset 2010 Saint-Estèphe

Italy

This offers bright cherry intensity, with raw spice and tobacco notes. The purity of those aromas gives the wine nice momentum on the palate.

null

87

17

Sicily & Sardinia

Noto

null

Nero d'Avola

Marabino

null

Chile

While the nose is pungent and true to the variety, there isn't much else positive to say about this cypher of a Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is plump yet fizzy, while the flavor profile offers citrus, bitterness and nothing more.

null

82

10

Bío Bío Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Llai Llai

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Llai Llai 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Bío Bío Valley)

US

Meditazione bursts out of the glass with a musky, vanilla-spice character that permeates the nose and palate. Fermented in oak with extended skin contact, this is an amber-hued wine that has bold, tea-leaf-like tannins and a gorgeous acidic edge. It's a fascinating effort to be enjoyed over the course of a long, meditative evening.

Meditazione

91

40

New York

Long Island

White Blend

Channing Daughters

null

Italy

This is perfumed with enticing scents of fragrant blue flower, pressed powder, wild berry, chopped herb and an earthy whiff of leather. On the ripe, juicy palate, velvety, enveloping tannins support fleshy black cherry, crushed strawberry cinnamon and clove. Thanks to the fruit richness, you won't detect the hefty alcohol.

null

93

63

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Armilla

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Armilla 2011 Brunello di Montalcino

Austria

Martin Mittelbach rolls out this intense, concentrated wine, which packs spice, ripe pineapple and apricots and a final floral character that fills the mouth. A wine to age for at least four years. Screwcap.

Höhereck

93

40

Wachau

null

Grüner Veltliner

Tegernseerhof

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Tegernseerhof 2008 Höhereck Grüner Veltliner (Wachau)

US

This tastes very oaky, with notes of buttered toast and sweet, smoky butterscotch dominating the apricot and orange fruit.

Lafond Vineyard

85

38

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Lafond

null

Lafond 2009 Lafond Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)

France

Big, ripe and fruity, this has tannins that are well integrated into the complex, dense fruit texture. Wood flavors offer a counterpoint to the berry notes and final acidity.

null

86

22

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Supérieur

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Haut Mallet

null

US

There's a Porty overripeness all through this wine, like concentrated raisins and prunes. Although it's basically dry, it has a raisiny sweetness, especially toward the finish.

Weir Vineyard

84

42

California

Yorkville Highlands

North Coast

Pinot Noir

Drew

null

France

Very fresh, crisp and apply, this 100% Chardonnay Champagne also has a soft side from the relatively high dosage. That gives the wine some richness and adds touches of yellow fruits. This bottling could do with some more aging to add complexity, although it's delicious now.

Blanc de Blancs Brut

88

55

Champagne

null

Chardonnay

H. Blin

null

Italy

Tobacco and herb accents play off cherry fruit on the slightly muted nose of this medium-weight wine. Plum, chocolate and wood flavors mark the slightly lean palate. Finishes dry, with cocoa and tea notes.

Riserva

87

16

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Banfi

null

Italy

Creamy, rich and sun-drenched Tuscan fruit always makes this Grigio stand out in a crowd. The differences between this and cooler-climate wines include generous summertime aromas such as yellow rose, ripe melon, tropical fruit, jasmine and a fuller body. But you forego that extra crispness of northern regions. Imported by Banfi Vintners.

San Angelo

87

18

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Pinot Grigio

Castello Banfi

null

US

Sour and lean, with stemmy green flavors and aromas that dominate. The mouth is herbal and chalky with a medium body.

Proprietor's Reserve

80

19

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Cabernet Franc

Palmer

null

US

This is a high-acid, minerality-driven wine from the wilds of Rockpile. Soft and integrated in terms of oak and tannin, it also possesses a savage touch of grip, a nod to its mountainous heritage and the perils and pleasures of a warm year. Black cherry and a vibrant squeeze of citrus stand out on the palate, providing juiciness and balance.

Rocky Ridge Vineyard

91

38

California

Rockpile

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Bruliam

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Bruliam 2013 Rocky Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel (Rockpile)

US

Tastes almost as sweet and fruity as a minor Port, with milk chocolate, raisin and molasses flavors. It's a bit soft and warm.

Bacigalupi Vineyards

84

48

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Graton Ridge

null

Graton Ridge 2010 Bacigalupi Vineyards Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)

US

There's a respectably complex nose on this pink wine, with lemonade and pressed plums blending into a wet cement minerality. The palate is very tasty, with flavors of pomegranate, dried rose petals, hibiscus, night jasmine and even a clove-laced mocha element proving quite intriguing.

null

88

28

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Rosé

HammerSky

null

Italy

Ripe berry, sunbaked earth, cured meat and grilled herb are some of the aromas that meld together in the glass. The juicy, delicious palate offers layers of juicy Morelllo cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, licorice and tobacco. Hearty, velvety tannins provide the framework and lend a smooth texture. Drink 2018–2030.

Riserva

95

85

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Mocali

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Mocali 2010 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)

Italy

A Brunello on the bold and ripe side, with smoked bacon, blackberry, sweet spice, rum cake and black licorice. It shows impressive staying power. It's tannic, firm and ready for a long aging future ahead.

Riserva

92

null

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

La Fiorita

null

US

This distinctive biodynamic vineyard is near the Van Duzer Corridor, destined to become its own AVA soon. The fruit is a mix of berries and cherries, with a touch of Popsicle sweetness. There are notes of earth and barnyard also, well-integrated, and often found in such natural wines. Still pulling itself together, but complex and compelling already.

Momtazi Vineyard

89

55

Oregon

McMinnville

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Fullerton

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Fullerton 2014 Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir (McMinnville)

Chile

There's not much point in making a reserve-style wine if the barrels are subpar. Aggressive menthol and sappy green-barrel aromas and flavors dominate this wine. There's good weight and texture, just not much in the way of vinous flavor.

Prima Reserva

80

13

Maipo Valley

null

Merlot

De Martino

null

Italy

Here's an earthy wine that opens with aromas of leafy underbrush, porcini mushroom, game, mature black plum and dark berry. The palate delivers juicy dark berry, toast and allspice alongside assertive, drying tannins and a hint of licorice.

Pistus Rosso

87

24

Sicily & Sardinia

Etna

null

Red Blend

I Custodi

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

I Custodi 2013 Pistus Rosso (Etna)

US

Because he blends shortly after fermentation, Matt Loso's wines attain a seamless complexity early on; it's a hallmark of the winery. This beautifully crafted Claret has no rough edges; in fact, no edges at all. It is a supple, elegant wine, loaded with fruit flavors that run from berry to cherry to plum, while the oak gently adds spice and toast.

Claret

91

30

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Matthews

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Matthews 2004 Claret Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

This softly rich, smooth red wine is a blend of unidentified varieties. It's intricately layered in blackberries, bacon, tobacco, mocha, sandalwood and spice flavors, wrapped into firm and gentle tannins. Drink now, with rich fare.

Paramount

90

60

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Gamble Family Vineyards

null

France

This wine is soft and round, with attractive acidity as well as a light sense of structure from tannins. It features considerable acidity along with wild strawberry flavors that keep it lifted and aromatic. Drink from 2017.

Vignes Franches Premier Cru

91

90

Burgundy

Beaune

null

Pinot Noir

Louis Latour

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Louis Latour 2012 Vignes Franches Premier Cru (Beaune)

Argentina

Aromas of black fruit carry a light oak accent, and overall this is the type of Malbec that will earn more friends than detractors. Kind of hard and tannic in the mouth, with crisp black cherry and raspberry flavors. Clean but tough mouthfeel. Needs a burger or a slice of pizza to cut the tannins.

null

85

12

Mendoza Province

Uco Valley

null

Malbec

Mil Piedras

null

Italy

Dark-skinned berry, menthol toast and tilled soil aromas come together in the glass. Full-bodied, ripe, velvety tannins underscore flavors of mature black cherry, licorice, tobacco and clove. Drink 2018–2028.

Riserva

92

52

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Fattoria La Lecciaia

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Fattoria La Lecciaia 2010 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)

France

A blend of Grenache and Rolle, this easy-drinking rosé features peach and canteloupe aromas, simple ripe strawberry and grapefruit flavors and a fruit-driven finish.

Whispering Angel

86

20

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Château d'Esclans

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Château d'Esclans 2006 Whispering Angel Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

US

As always, Beringer's Alluvium blend is a complex white wine, meant to pair with good food. The '08 is comprised of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Chardonnay and Viognier. It's fruity, crisp and dry.

Alluvium Blanc

88

17

California

Knights Valley

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon

Beringer

null

Beringer 2008 Alluvium Blanc Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon (Knights Valley)

Italy

This bright Barolo with fruit sourced from two of the most important crus in the Langhe area of Piedmont opens with ripe red fruit aromas with toasted almond, cola and exotic spice. The long finish shows elegant accents of mesquite and cedar wood.

Preda Sarmassa

91

75

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Virna Borgogno

null

Virna Borgogno 2007 Preda Sarmassa (Barolo)

Spain

Starts out sharp and funky, and then quickly you realize that it's showing signs of age. The wine blends sweet and sour notes on both the bouquet and palate, issuing primary grapefruit flavors and some mustard greens on the finish. But the feel is chunky and it's losing its zest day by the day.

null

86

15

Northern Spain

Rueda

null

Verdejo

Vega de la Reina

null

Austria

Roter Veltliner is a late-ripening variety found mainly in the southern portion of Niederösterreich, near the Danube Valley. Here, it has produced a green-yellow colored wine, smooth and creamy. Flavors are of spice and a fruit salad of green plum, yellow cherry and lychee.

Lage Kreimelberg

90

28

Niederösterreich

null

Roter Veltliner

Setzer

null

France

With 15 months in French oak, this blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache starts off rich and lavish, as creamy mocha notes infuse the deep plum, blueberry and black cherry fruit core. Iris florals add lightness to the otherwise dark and concentrated mouth, as the crushed velvet texture transitions into a long finish loaded with roasted espresso and toasted fennel seed flavors. Drink now–2015.

Clot de l'Amandier La Clape

91

63

Languedoc-Roussillon

Coteaux du Languedoc

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Mas du Soleilla

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Mas du Soleilla 2008 Clot de l'Amandier La Clape Red (Coteaux du Languedoc)

US

The wine is quiet at first, but with patience, some red apple and pear skin shine through. The flavors surround yellow fruits, between citrus and melon, presented with a bright, nearly biting acidity.

null

87

18

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Pinot Grigio

Avelina

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Avelina 2012 Pinot Grigio (Santa Barbara County)

Germany

Slightly closed at first, but slowly opens to reveal ripe stone fruits, hints of white flowers and an earthy minerality. Dry, with racy acidity that is balanced by lots of lively stone-fruit and citrus flavors. Palate is nicely taut and elegant. Moderately long, juicy finish.

Trocken

89

25

Rheinhessen

null

Riesling

Wittmann

null

Italy

Scents of Spanish broom, pineapple, orchard fruit and a saline note meld together in the glass. The focused palate offers mature apple, peach, botanical herb and mineral alongside firm acidity.

Chianta Bianco

90

45

Sicily & Sardinia

Etna

null

White Blend

Biondi

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Biondi 2014 Chianta Bianco (Etna)

US

A big, bold, exuberantly rich wine, classic Williams Selyem Chard. The underlying wine is all pineapples, peaches, pears and exotic tropical fruits, while oak adds elaborate layers of buttered toast, caramel, nougat and vanilla. Acidity is high, which will help the wine age through 2013.

Heintz Vineyard

95

50

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Williams Selyem

null

France

There's a strong, nutty character to this bubbly, with accents of Granny Smith apple, toast and lemon rind citrus on the nose and mouth. The rich mouth is full and satisfying, but the alcohol is a bit warming on the close.

Cuvée Berlène Brut

85

12

Languedoc-Roussillon

Blanquette de Limoux

null

Sparkling Blend

Delmas

null

France

This has plenty of very ripe red fruits, but at the same time the tannins push through, firm and dry, and, at this young stage, tough. It promises some good aging, with the wood element coming into balance.

Domaine de la Croix Jacquelet

90

23

Burgundy

Mercurey

null

Pinot Noir

Faiveley

null

US

Overripe and unbalanced, with a Porty aroma and raisiny flavors that turn harsh and dry in the mouth.

null

81

24

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Sangiovese

Orchid Hill

null

New Zealand

This relatively lightweight Pinot Noir features an array of meaty, earthy notes and a modest pie-cherry flavor before drying out and turning even more tart on the finish. Drink now.

null

82

28

Marlborough

null

Pinot Noir

Martin's Rake

null

Italy

This hits all high marks thanks to the integrity and intensity of its beautifully aromatic bouquet. The wine is creamy and smooth with exciting dashes of mint, candied fruit, honey and apricot that appear at various, random points.

Acinatium

92

null

Veneto

Recioto di Soave

null

Garganega

Suavia

null

US

Opens with pretty aromas of honeysuckle, vanilla custard, honey and tangerines that make you think it's sweet, but this is a bone-dry wine. Crisp acidity brightens the modest orange flavors; an appropriate apéritif-style wine.

Del Arroyo Vineyard

87

11

California

Livermore Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Grigio

Cedar Mountain

null

Chile

Concentrated scents of iodine, olive and herbal blackberry set up a loud palate supported by noticeable acidity. This tastes briny and a bit salty, with herbal black plum and blackberry flavors. A note of prune on the finish is offset by vivid acidity.

Reserva Privada

87

15

Maule Valley

null

Carmenère

Viña Casas Patronales

null

France

This is the entry-level wine from this fine producer. It is soft, laced with acidity and grapefruit. Sliced apples add a further texture and bring out the steely edge of the wine. It has ripe fruit and a tangy aftertaste. It's ready to drink now.

null

90

28

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Daniel Chotard

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Daniel Chotard 2015 Sancerre

France

A well-structured wine, it offers ripe, creamy fruits and attractive acidity. With mouth-watering citrus flavors, yellow fruits and smooth aftertaste, it represents great value from a lesser-known appellation.

La Grande Roche Premier Cru

88

27

Burgundy

Montagny

null

Chardonnay

Louis Latour

null

US

Fruity and oaky, a blend of Syrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot of some charm. Shows soft, jammy flavors of cherries, blackberries, mocha, cola and cedar. Ready now.

Concierto del Rioja

85

19

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Red Blend

Vihuela

null

US

Frankly sweet, with candied raspberry and cherry flavors. Feels soft and cloying.

Winemakers Reserve

81

12

California

California Other

Zinfandel

Dancing Bull

null

US

Dusty and toasty, with plenty of spice and just a hint of composty barnyard, this biodynamically farmed fruit brings in subtle notes of dried leaf and herb. Cranberry fruit flavors roll into fine-grained tannins and a medium-long finish.

Momtazi Vineyard

90

40

Oregon

McMinnville

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Panther Creek

null

Australia

In keeping with the winemaking philosophy here, this is not a big, ripe, Aussie fruit bomb. Instead, it's an earthier style, with coffee and black olive notes backed by ripe blackberries. An olive-crusted rack of lamb would be a top-notch food pairing.

Estate Grown

86

30

Victoria

Yarra Valley

null

Shiraz-Viognier

De Bortoli

null

US

Stylish and fruity, this medium-bodied, rather soft-edged blend mixes cherries with streaks of ripe peach flavors. Open and smooth, with soft tannins, it's a fine drink-now bottle.

Claret

88

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Cuillin Hills

null

Spain

A little heavy at first, but airing reveals a robust and stirring bouquet of plum and berry aromas mixed with coffee and leather. The palate is pure and deep, with a lush set of blackberry, ripe plum and berry syrup flavors. Shows a fine structure, a long and warm finish, and the potential to age another 5–8 years.

Sentius

92

33

Catalonia

Priorat

null

Red Blend

Joan Simó

null

US

Syrah dominates the blend on this dry, complex red wine. It brings tannins and deep flavors of blackberries and charred meat. One-third of Grenache adds lightness and cherries, while oak contributes the perfect note of toast. The alcohol is high, but it never feels hot, just mouth-filling and warming. It's a polished and complex wine that brings to mind a perfect steak.

Cuvée Alis

91

48

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Rhône-style Red Blend

Amapola Creek

null

Israel

A fresh and easy-drinking white made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, the Blanc boasts scents of soft talcum powder, pink peony and orange blossom against a gooseberry and white strawberry fruit backbone. Zippy and prickly in the mouth with a mouthwatering, grassy finish.

Unoaked Blanc

86

30

Judean Hills

null

White Blend

Flam

null

South Africa

Warming spices of cinnamon and clove with a touch of orange give this Chardonnay a unique appeal. Full of depth and dimension, the wine still has a light, deft touch. Pair with earthier, more complex dishes or enjoy alone.

Finlayson Family Vineyards

87

20

Stellenbosch

null

Chardonnay

Edgebaston

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Edgebaston 2006 Finlayson Family Vineyards Chardonnay (Stellenbosch)

France

This soft, ripe Pinot Noir manages to balance the fragrant red fruits with a gentle massage of wood aging. A firm layer of tannins gives structure and it is ready to drink.

Trois Châteaux

88

42

Alsace

null

Pinot Noir

Kuentz-Bas

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Kuentz-Bas 2011 Trois Châteaux Pinot Noir (Alsace)

US

Direct and easy drinking, this is full of ripe blueberry aromas and flavors, framed by hints of toast and a dusting of cinnamon. Drink now.

Estate Grown

89

10

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

StoneCap

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

StoneCap 2012 Estate Grown Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

The new release from this old (1972) vineyard boosts the alcohol to 13.9%, dropping the residual sugar to just over 1%. Deep, concentrated, and driven by a dense minerality, this exceptional single-vineyard Riesling has raw fruit flavors of green apple, white peach and citrus rind. Sure to evolve, perhaps over decades, it has the vivid acidity and penetrating finish to improve significantly.

Solstice Vineyard

93

22

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Riesling

Pacific Rim

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Pacific Rim 2009 Solstice Vineyard Riesling (Yakima Valley)

Italy

This is a lovely Chianti Classico that shows balanced aromas of cherry and raspberry that match up very nicely with the natural acidity you feel in the mouth. This is a great wine to pair with chicken in creamy mushroom sauce or buttered baked potato.

null

88

25

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Querciavalle

null

Portugal

Lightly prickly on the tongue, this is a refreshing, almost dry wine. It is bright, lively and fruity with citrus and crisp apple flavors. The wine is light and bright with plenty of acidity at the end.

Aveleda

86

9

Vinho Verde

null

Portuguese White

Aveleda

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Aveleda 2015 Aveleda White (Vinho Verde)

Argentina

Smoky aromas of fresh-cut wood blend with berry and cassis form a welcoming, generous bouquet. This feels lively on the palate, albeit tartaric. Oaky plum, cassis and vanilla flavors finish full and agreeable. Drink through 2019.

Alegoría Gran Reserva

91

25

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Navarro Correas

null

France

Like most Tardieu Laurent wines, this is lushly textured stuff. Honey and peach notes mingle easily on the nose and in the mouth, fading out just a little too quickly on the finish. Drink now.

Vieilles Vignes

89

59

Rhône Valley

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

null

Rhône-style White Blend

Tardieu-Laurent

null

US

Quince and apple juice notes lead to a tart, medium-bodied palate. The elevated acidity makes for a rigid finish.

null

81

14

Virginia

null

Traminette

Virginia Mountain Vineyards

null

Argentina

Starts with sweaty leather and peanut aromas before moving on to linear, sour flavors. Pure acid on the finish does nothing to make it chummier.

null

80

7

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Merlot

San Telmo

null

US

Even by De Loach's standards of enormously ripe Zinfandels, this one stands out. It's a hydrogen bomb of a wine, fantastically rich in berries and fruits that have a slightly dried quality to them. The tannins are thick, and the alcohol seems higher and hotter than the stated 14.5% by volume.

Riebli Valley Vineyard

88

34

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Zinfandel

De Loach

null

De Loach 2009 Riebli Valley Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma County)

France

A lovely example of mature Ventoux, revealing the sunny nature of the 2007 vintage in its velvety tannins and hints of chocolate and warmth. Raspberry and plum fruit carry a faintly peppery-herbal edge. Drink now–2016.

Les Fées

89

17

Rhône Valley

Côtes-du-Ventoux

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Mas du Fadan

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Mas du Fadan 2007 Les Fées Red (Côtes-du-Ventoux)

New Zealand

A nice Pinot at a nice price, kicking off with lifted cherry fruit and a tinge of minty greenness. It's medium in body, with delicate and supple tannins framing clean, fresh cherry flavors. Finishes soft, easy and with decent length and intensity, making it a pleasant quaff for spring and into summer.

null

88

20

Marlborough

null

Pinot Noir

Hunter's

null

US

This is just the kind of white wine California needs more of. It's crisp in acidity, with a brilliant, unoaky focus of fruit. Best of all, the alcohol is a low 12.5%. There may be some residual sugar, but the tangerine flavors are so crisp, the wine feels dry. What a great sommelier wine.

Ca' del Solo Vineyard

88

17

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Muscat

Ca' del Solo

null

Portugal

The high vineyards of inland eastern Portugal gives a wine that is initially austere, tasting very much of its rock terroir, cool and elegant. The fruit is very direct, fresh and juicy, with the tannins a strong presence. The final acidity is a cool burst.

Quinta do Cardo

89

14

Beira Interior

null

Portuguese Red

Companhia das Quintas

null

US

Tart and dry, with acidic flavors of cherries, currants, cola, mocha and spices. That sharp texture won't go away with aging, so drink up.

null

86

38

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Paradise Ridge

null

Paradise Ridge 2007 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

France

Butter, pain grillé and roasted nut aromas expand on the palate into honey, peach and tangerine flavors, accented by citrus and mineral notes. Spicy (white peppery) on the finish.

Morgeot

89

50

Burgundy

Chassagne-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Louis Latour

null

Louis Latour 2000 Morgeot (Chassagne-Montrachet)

Portugal

Fresh and perfumed, this wine has fine acidity along with bright berry flavors. The freshness suggests it is still young and needs to broaden out with its juicy, black currant aftertaste. In style it is dry, balance by a bright final acidity.

Late Bottled Vintage

87

25

Port

null

Port

Cockburn's

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Cockburn's 2009 Late Bottled Vintage (Port)

US

This is a thickly tannic wine, cloaking its mix of mulberry, plum and cassis fruit in a robe of dark chocolate. The tannins are textured and grainy, but ripe enough, with plenty of supporting acidity that cuts through.

null

88

28

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Merlot

J Bell Cellars

null

US

This is comprised of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Syrah, 5% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, with much of the fruit sourced from Mendocino and Lake counties. While its aromatically strong in Syrah, the wine's flavors lean more toward Cabernet, with cola, spice and black fruit notes atop layers of softened tannins. The finish is Rhône-like: meaty, with a strong dash of pepper.

null

88

18

California

California Other

Red Blend

Open Range

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Open Range 2008 Red (California)

France

A delightful, light, strawberry wine. It has a bright, bubbly character and acidity that gives extra life to this classic apéritif wine. There is just a hint of softness from the fruit to finish.

Rosé Brut

87

24

Burgundy

Crémant de Bourgogne

null

Sparkling Blend

Bailly-Lapierre

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Bailly-Lapierre NV Rosé Brut (Crémant de Bourgogne)

Chile

A strong-willed wine, with mint, leather and oak aromas in front of a juicy flavor profile that emphasizes plum and raspberry. Nice color and zest, with some snap and tartness to the palate. Not an overweight wine but solid. Perfect for ribs or burgers. Imported by GWFC-Gourmet Wine & Food Co.

Oak Aged Reserve

87

12

Colchagua Valley

null

Malbec

Viu Manent

null

Argentina

Citrusy in style, with aromas of orange, passion fruit and grapefruit. Feels flush and full-bodied, with basic tangerine and navel orange flavors. Fresh on the finish but hollow in terms of depth, with a light fade.

Dedicación Personal

87

18

Mendoza Province

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Alfredo Roca

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Alfredo Roca 2011 Dedicación Personal Sauvignon Blanc

Germany

Tangerine and apple notes are almost ruddy with ripeness in this concentrated spätlese. While off dry in style, vibrant acidity offsets sweeter notes of caramel and honey for a remarkably dry finish. Drink now through 2018.

Alsheimer Frühmesse Spätlese

88

14

Rheinhessen

null

Riesling

Fritz Windisch

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Fritz Windisch 2014 Alsheimer Frühmesse Spätlese Riesling (Rheinhessen)

US

Carneros seems too cool to ripen Zin, and so it is with this wine, which is rather green and minty. But it's streamlined and clean, with pleasant sour cherry, anise and cinnamon spice flavors.

null

85

25

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Zinfandel

Truchard

null

Truchard 2006 Zinfandel (Carneros)

Spain

Concentrated, smoky aromas of dark fruits, graphite and toast are direct and potent. A grabby mouthfeel is defined by elastic, staunch tannins. Blackberry, cassis and a hint of lemony oak create a fine flavor profile, while the finish is loamy and tastes of licorice and peppery spices. Drink through 2018.

null

92

25

Northern Spain

Bierzo

null

Mencía

Losada

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Losada 2011 Mencía (Bierzo)

Italy

Here's a Petit Verdot from Lazio (the mighty region of the Italian capital) that shows some sulfur notes at the start that blow off quickly enough. The wine delivers raw, penetrating red fruit and bright but slightly sour cherry notes on the close.

null

87

23

Central Italy

Lazio

null

Petite Verdot

Casale del Giglio

null

Turkey

Made of Kalecik Karasi, an indigenous Turkish grape, this wine has aromas of strawberry and orange rind that are a pleasant prelude to flavors of tart and ripe summer cherry, pomegranate, vanilla and a whisper of salinity. Tongue-coating tannins fade into the smooth, bright finish.

Denizli-Güney Plateau

89

18

Aegean

null

Kalecik Karasi

Sevilen

Mike DeSimone

@worldwineguys

Sevilen 2011 Denizli-Güney Plateau Kalecik Karasi (Aegean)

Chile

Starts with creamy, oak-based aromas of milk chocolate and mocha, yet the fruit notes below are kind of short and briary. Flavors of strawberry also come with sharper hints of rhubarb, while the finish is medium in length, balanced and tastes of chocolate. Not a bad effort for Chile. 2,500 cases made.

Reserva Especial

86

19

Limarí Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Viña Tabalí

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viña Tabalí 2007 Reserva Especial Pinot Noir (Limarí Valley)

US

Aromas of green herbs, flowers and soil lead to rich purple-fruit flavors and chalky tannins. It doesn't quite come together but provides intrigue.

null

88

30

Idaho

null

Petit Verdot

Colter's Creek

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Colter's Creek 2013 Petit Verdot

Argentina

Light, fresh aromas of lychee and melon are typical of the variety. A bright palate is comfortable in feel and offers pithy flavors of orange and nectarine. This turns more pithy and slightly bitter on the finish.

Urban Uco

86

12

Other

Cafayate

null

Torrontés

O. Fournier

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

O. Fournier 2013 Urban Uco Torrontés (Cafayate)

Italy

Amarone Corte Giara offers an informal but very approachable alternative to more austere and muscular interpretations of the wine. This is a smooth, food-friendly blend from Verona with bright aromas of cherry, dried cassis and spice.

Corte Giara

89

55

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Allegrini

null

Spain

This modern-style Tempranillo is registering at max ripeness. Aromas of black fruits, raisin, tire rubber and toasty French oak project a dark outlook. In the mouth, this is tight and gripping. Flavors of blackened oak, cassis and blackberry finish firm and closed, with manageable tannins. Drink through 2025.

null

93

61

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

San Vicente

null

New Zealand

Rather flinty on opening, although that subsides somehat to reveal green, leafy aromas. This is a lighter-bodied Sauvignon Blanc that's refreshingly brisk and dry, raspingly fresh and green, with a crisply acidic, lingering finish.

ranga.ranga

89

12

Marlborough

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Barker's Marque

null

US

Red cherry, caramelized black cherry, roasted pork and wet slate show on the rich, smoky nose of this bottling by Doug Margerum. Tight pomegranate, strawberry and hibiscus touches appear once sipped, and the palate packs lots of earthy flavors. It's acid-rich and dynamically layered, so drink from 2018–2024.

null

93

68

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Barden

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Barden 2014 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

US

This dry, spicy wine shows the rustic, rugged quality that often accompanies Dry Creek Cabs. It has the briary texture of a Zinfandel, but with Cabernet's classic blackberry and black currant profile. Drink now–2012.

Rebecca's Vineyard

87

38

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Forth

null

US

Co-fermented with a small quantity of Viognier, this Syrah was aged in 100% new oak. It's flashy and completely satisfying to drink now. Starts a little soft and dry, then explodes midpalate into a burst of cherry and raspberry fruit, with creamy, caramelized notes. The finish is long-lasting and elegant.

Über

93

50

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Syrah

Margerum

null

US

Tar and smashed berries show on the nose, which seems dense yet remains a bit hidden. The palate clings to tar and tart elderberry flavors, with a slight show of lilac and lavender.

Cross Country

87

28

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Rhône-style Red Blend

Cholame

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Cholame 2012 Cross Country Red (Monterey County)

France

Another promising 2005. This has a beautiful forward bouquet of flowers and red berries, a supple, creamy texture and satisfying raspberry and chocolate flavors. Long and ripe on the finish.

Clos Paradis Premier Cru

89

23

Burgundy

Mercurey

null

Pinot Noir

Prosper Maufoux

null

Portugal

This is a bright lemon and grapefruit flavored wine that has lively acidity and the lightest touch of mineral texture. It's crisp, refreshing and will be ready to drink from mid-2016.

Duas Quintas Branco

85

12

Douro

null

Portuguese White

Ramos-Pinto

null

US

Sometimes Pinot Blanc resembles Chardonnay, but this crisp, minerally, citrusy wine strikes a different pose. It does have a rich, creamy mouthfeel, which gives it a full-bodied mouthfeel, but it has a dry, steely character that makes it far friendlier with food than a fat, buttery Chard.

null

88

20

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Blanc

Trinitas

null

Germany

Intense note of caramel and smoke add complexity to fresh apple and tangerine flavors in this dry, mineral-rich wine. It's delicate in alcohol, yet remarkably round and clingy on the palate, cut by a stream of high-toned acidity on the finish.

Nik Weis Leiwener Laurentiuslay Feinherb Grosse Lage

92

55

Mosel

null

Riesling

St. Urbans-Hof

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

St. Urbans-Hof 2012 Nik Weis Leiwener Laurentiuslay Feinherb Grosse Lage Riesling (Mosel)

US

This Syrah-Petite Sirah is starting to show some bottle age. It's still high in tannins, but the primary red and black stone fruits and berries are mellowing into dried fruits, with funkier notes of bacon, leather and tamari-splashed sautéed wild mushrooms. An interesting wine to drink now, and should continue to evolve for another 5–6 years.

Megandina Vineyard Vintner's Cuvée

88

75

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Red Blend

Brady Family

null

US

Mouthfilling, mouthcoating and full bodied, this dark-colored wine blends ripe but not sweet blackberry and black-cherry flavors with dark chocolate and baking-spice nuances for a complex and delicious taste profile. It's rich enough in flavor and viscous enough in texture that the abundant tannins seem to be absorbed, and the mouthfeel is soothing. Best from 2018–2023.

Estate Allie Key's Vineyard

91

40

California

Mendocino

null

Petite Sirah

Jaxon Keys

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Jaxon Keys 2013 Estate Allie Key's Vineyard Petite Sirah (Mendocino)

US

Absolutely delicious now, this barrel selection of Tandem's different vineyard designates dazzles with flashy flavors of raspberry and cherry tart, cola, persimmon, pomegranate and cinnamon-pepper, elaborated with the bubbling brown sugar accents of oak. Should last for quite a long time without gaining complexity, so best now–2012 with things like grilled salmon, lamb or a fine steak.

Auction Block

92

60

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Tandem

null