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135
Italy
Ferrero's Rosso di Montalcino offers an interesting layer of smoked ham or beef jerky that sits over a core of juicy berry fruit. Smoke flavors also appear in the mouth and although the wine's consistency is not too thick or dense, those buoyant aromas and flavors do last a long time.
null
88
21
Tuscany
Rosso di Montalcino
null
Sangiovese Grosso
Ferrero
null
null
Ferrero 2007 Rosso di Montalcino
US
Biodynamically-farmed, old vine fruit from the Eola Hills vineyard is the source. The wine is forward and tangy, with a Vouvray-like sweet/sour character. It could be Chenin Blanc, only just a bit lighter, but with the same tart and tasty mix of acid and sugar, with lemony fruit and floral highlights. Really tasty.
null
91
18
Oregon
Willamette Valley
Willamette Valley
Riesling
Love & Squalor
Paul Gregutt
@paulgwine 
Love & Squalor 2009 Riesling (Willamette Valley)
Portugal
This blend of Loureiro and Sauvignon Blanc brings out a tropical element in both grapes. It has bright acidity but also a richer, fuller character, bright with lime and ginger. At the end, a green herbal character shows through.
Aphros Aether
88
null
Minho
null
null
Portuguese White
Casal Paço Padreiro
null
null
null
France
Top of the range from Eugénie, this pure Malbec is huge, firm and very concentrated. Wood aging has added spice and emphasized the dryness that comes from the fruit and wood tannins. But the fruit is all there, a juicy background that will come out as the wine ages.Drink this impressive wine from 2020.
Haute Collection
94
40
Southwest France
Cahors
null
Malbec
Château Eugénie
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château Eugénie 2012 Haute Collection Malbec (Cahors)
France
Richly structured this wine, from well-exposed vines (hence the land of light in the name) is fruity with black cherry and some firm tannins. It is going to develop into a serious, complex wine. Drink from 2018.
Cuvée Terre de Lumière
90
24
Beaujolais
Moulin-à-Vent
null
Gamay
Château de Chatelard
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château de Chatelard 2015 Cuvée Terre de Lumière (Moulin-à-Vent)
US
Dark in color and plushly scented, this shows fruit and earth. Upon opening it remains quite tight and slightly hot in the finish; it needs to be decanted early. As it opens up it begins to show some pretty rose petal/floral aromas; the cherry and cassis fruit is wrapped in licorice and smoke, and the tannins are substantial but ripe and rounded off, with soft, chocolatey finish.
Bel Canto Red Wine
91
55
Washington
Red Mountain
Columbia Valley
Red Blend
Cadence
null
null
null
US
A blend of Marsanne and Roussanne, this Rhone white blend offers explosive flavors of baked peaches, pears and spicy mangoes, with even richer, more exotic nuances of litchi, butterscotch, toasted marshmallow, vanilla bean and coconut macaroon. As this description suggests, it's a big wine, but it's dry and balanced.
Saralee's Vineyard
89
32
California
Russian River Valley
Sonoma
Rhône-style White Blend
Luko
null
null
null
France
A classic and fun Nouveau, this has an extra side of firm tannin that adds weight to an otherwise bold, fruity and food-friendly wine.
Nouveau
87
13
Beaujolais
Beaujolais
null
Gamay
Thorin
null
null
null
France
Full, ripe and spicy, this has flavors of meat and wild strawberry. It is dense, with bright acidity and enough tannin for structure.
Le Renard
86
null
Burgundy
Givry
null
Pinot Noir
Domaines Devillard
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Domaines Devillard 2009 Le Renard (Givry)
France
Full, fat and fleshy, this wine has some weight, ripe fruit and green plum acidity. There's a light structure of fruit skins, giving a crisp aftertaste. Thirst-quenching acidity to finish.
Mouton Cadet Réserve
86
null
Bordeaux
Graves
null
Bordeaux-style White Blend
Baron Philippe de Rothschild
null
null
null
US
Heavy, tannic and dense now, but clearly well-grown, this Bordeaux blend wants a little time in the cellar to knit together. An unusual blend of Malbec and Petit Verdot, it's rich and captivating in black currants and cassis, with a long, spicy finish. Shows masterful blending talent, combining grapes from the Alexander and Dry Creek valleys. Hold until after 2012.
Le Petit Malin
90
28
California
Sonoma County
Sonoma
Red Blend
William Knuttel
null
null
null
US
Ripe honeydew melon and grapefruit flavors are edged with lime acidity in this sunny, dry wine. It's refreshing and crisp, with a hint of dusty mineral on the finish.
null
87
14
New York
New York
New York Other
Pinot Grigio
Thousand Islands Winery
Anna Lee C. Iijima
null
Thousand Islands Winery 2015 Pinot Grigio (New York)
US
Sourced from a top vineyard in the Eola Hills, this offers ripe strawberry fruit set with ample acidity and proportionate tannins. It's plump, forward and nicely finished with a streak of mocha.
Zenith
89
30
Oregon
Willamette Valley
Willamette Valley
Pinot Noir
Broadley
null
null
null
Argentina
Nervy plum and wet-dog aromas set up a firm palate that's herbal tasting. Licorice, medicinal berry and green notes surface on the finish.
Reserva
82
13
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Malbec
Finca Flichman
null
null
null
US
There's a funky note of old leather permeating this Pinot Noir. It's dry and silky and quite rich, as you'd expect from this vineyard, showing black and red cherry purée, pomegranate, cola, orange zest and sandalwood flavors that are wrapped into rich tannins. Complex now, and should develop over the next 2–4 years.
Sleepy Hollow Vineyard
90
52
California
Santa Lucia Highlands
Central Coast
Pinot Noir
George IV
null
null
null
Argentina
Lightly baked and sweet on the nose, which draws you in. The palate is brighter and more austere, with sheer, slightly bland cherry and raspberry flavors. Fresh, clean and bouncy on the finish, but never does it turn the corner toward greater complexity or quality. Good to average overall.
null
85
13
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Malbec
Dante Robino
null
null
null
Italy
Bold and savory aromas of smoked jerky, teriyaki, blackberry and exotic spice. Those savory tones become sweet in the mouth: Pair this with plum cake or chocolate pudding.
null
90
45
Veneto
Recioto della Valpolicella
null
Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
Roccolo Grassi
null
null
null
France
One of Bouchard's signature wines, this is beautifully textured, a series of bright fruits, strawberries and sweet acidity. There are tannins, but this is lighter than in some vintages, a wine for short-term aging.
Beaune Grèves Premier Cru Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus
91
118
Burgundy
Beaune
null
Pinot Noir
Bouchard Père & Fils
null
null
null
France
This wine has ripe berry fruits and balanced tannins. Fresh acidity marks the vintage and the wine is lightly textured, with an attractive smoky aftertaste. This is the first vintage for Thierry and Odile Bazin, with help from Jacques Chardat, her twin and owner of other Blaye properties.
null
86
null
Bordeaux
Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Château La Roche Bazin
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château La Roche Bazin 2013 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
Italy
Smells like vanilla extract alongside liquid smoke, yet has enough fruit to get by. Flavors of tobacco and cedar are wrapped around a bright core of lemony acids.
La Ladra
86
18
Piedmont
Barbera d'Asti
null
Barbera
Tenute dei Vallarino
null
null
null
Italy
Aromas of tilled soil, blue flower, new saddle leather, underbrush and woodland berry waft from the glass after pouring this savory wine. The spicy palate offers creamy black cherry and raspberry layered with white pepper, clove and cinnamon. The juicy palate is supported by firm, polished tannins and fresh acidity. Drink after 2016.
Cisterna Fuori
93
60
Sicily & Sardinia
Etna
null
Red Blend
Biondi
null
null
null
France
Fruity, ripe and round, this is simple Chardonnay that gives pleasure from its warm texture and softness. The apple flavor leads to a gentle finish.
null
83
15
Burgundy
Bourgogne
null
Chardonnay
Lupé-Cholet
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Lupé-Cholet 2010 Bourgogne
France
The most famous hillside in Morgon gives a satisfyingly structured wine, dominated by a warm character of well-exposed vines, but also with a more serious edge of acidity and fresh juiciness. The wine has a good dense final texture and could age for a year or two.
Côte de Py
91
null
Beaujolais
Morgon
null
Gamay
Georges Duboeuf
null
null
null
US
Sweet, soft and simple, with medicinal flavors of cherries and oak.
null
81
14
California
Monterey
Central Coast
Merlot
Hahn
null
null
null
US
Pretty fierce in acidity, but flavorful enough, with plenty of raspberry and cherry jam, accented with cola and spices. Drink now, after decanting.
null
85
30
California
Arroyo Grande Valley
Central Coast
Pinot Noir
Perbacco Cellars
null
null
null
US
Made from head-trained vines planted where California winemaking pioneer Agoston Haraszthy first grew the variety 150 years ago, this lush wine offers intense aromatics of tar, brick and smoke, with briary blackberry secondary on the nose. The finish is topped by flavors of cocoa and a sprinkling of black pepper.
Estate Vineyard
90
45
California
Sonoma Valley
Sonoma
Zinfandel
Bartholomew Park
null
null
null
France
Smooth and rounded, this has light acidity, with citrus and pear flavors and a crisp finish. It needs to age for a year longer to allow its textured character a chance to smooth out even more.
null
85
13
Southwest France
Bergerac Sec
null
Bordeaux-style White Blend
Château Bélingard
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château Bélingard 2011 White (Bergerac Sec)
US
Rich and oaky, this has bigtime flavors of blackberry and blueberry jam, milk chocolate and exotic spice. Made in the modern cult style, it's certainly sweet and flashy, yet lacks structural integrity.
Estate Alpha Wolf Ranch
86
55
California
Napa Valley
Napa
Cabernet Franc
Eagle Eye
null
null
null
Spain
Good wines sometimes come out of the woodwork, such as this Tempranillo rosé from the Granada area. It presents as candy apple, both in color and bouquet. But the palate shows nicely with raspberry and cherry flavors. Gets the job done and stirs some interest. Just 350 cases made.
Veleta Rosé
87
9
Andalucia
Vino de la Tierra Contraviesa Alpujarra
null
Tempranillo
Dominio Buenavista
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Dominio Buenavista 2007 Veleta Rosé Tempranillo (Vino de la Tierra Contraviesa Alpujarra)
Spain
Powdery citrus aromas are mild yet friendly. In the mouth, this is both acidic and a touch sticky. Nutty, almondy flavors of stone fruits and bitterness finish with stalky notes of hay and stems.
null
83
11
Northern Spain
Rueda
null
Verdejo
Maitea
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Maitea 2012 Verdejo (Rueda)
Portugal
This is an unusual view of the red Castelão grape, here vinified as a white wine with no skin color at all. Some wood aging adds spice and roundness to what is a smooth, while toasty, wine. Its white fruit and acidity are joined by some tannins. So this wine needs a few more months. Drink from early 2018.
Pegos Claros Branco
86
30
Península de Setúbal
null
null
Castelão
Wines & Winemakers
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Wines & Winemakers 2016 Pegos Claros Branco Castelão (Península de Setúbal)
Germany
Violet and raspberry perfume persist in this pristinely fruity yet deeply complex wine. Morello cherries and cranberries pulsate deeply in the core, but the periphery is shaded by savory tones of underbrush and black-tea leaves. While voluptuous in body, it's crisp and structured by soft tannins that linger dramatically on the finish.
Klingenberger
95
80
Franken
null
null
Spätburgunder
Rudolf Fürst
Anna Lee C. Iijima
null
Rudolf Fürst 2013 Klingenberger Spätburgunder (Franken)
Austria
Juicy yellow peaches are invitingly soft on nose and palate, where the zesty acidity of lime and lemon rind lightens the fruit, leading to a lifted and refreshing finish.
Seeberg Reserve
92
null
Kamptal
null
null
Riesling
Loimer
Anne Krebiehl MW
@AnneInVino
Loimer 2012 Seeberg Reserve Riesling (Kamptal)
Italy
Vintner Gianni Zonin was instrumental in pushing for the enlargement of the Prosecco production zone and this wine is made under the terms of those new rules. It's an easy, informal apéritif wine with aromas of dried hay and citrus.
Cuvèe 1821
85
15
Veneto
Prosecco
null
Glera
Zonin
null
null
null
Chile
Dark spicy herbal aromas blend nicely with cola, berry and black-currant scents. A huge fleshy palate expands as it delivers grapy blackberry flavors and herbal shadings. A jammy finish is dense and meaty, but a bit light on acidity. Drink this big burly red blend through 2020.
Escalera
91
49
Curicó Valley
null
null
Red Blend
Junta
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Junta 2010 Escalera Red (Curicó Valley)
Italy
This earthy wine has almost overripe fruit sensations alongside rustic notes that eventually blow off in the glass. The palate shows very ripe plum, black cherry and spice notes. Drink soon.
null
86
15
Veneto
Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso
null
Red Blend
Le Bertarole
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Le Bertarole 2010 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso
France
This is a structured, still young and extracted wine, with dark tannins and spice from the wood aging. In the background, the red-berry fruits are developing and filling out to give a balance to the wine. Drink from 2017.
Les Papilles
87
18
Provence
Côtes de Provence
null
Provence red blend
Les Vignobles Gueissard
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Les Vignobles Gueissard 2013 Les Papilles Red (Côtes de Provence)
Spain
Despite showing jammy, raisiny aromas, this wide and thick Tempranillo shows just enough acidity to maintain balance. Dense flavors of prune and berry lead to a chewy, medium-length finish.
BAU Crianza
87
15
Northern Spain
Rioja
null
Tempranillo
Bodega Antigua Usanza
null
null
null
Italy
Aromas of mature black fruit, tobacco, allspice and mocha unfold in the glass along with a note of tilled earth. The opulent palate offers blackberry extract, dried plum, licorice and chocolate while velvety tannins provide support and give it a smooth texture. Drink through 2019.
Bramasole
91
53
Tuscany
Cortona
null
Syrah
La Braccesca
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
La Braccesca 2009 Bramasole Syrah (Cortona)
Australia
Considered on their own, d'Arenberg's 2011 single-vineyard Shirazes are successful, although they lack some of the pizzazz of the 2010s. This was one of my favorites, teeming with pepper-tinged blueberries and accented by hints of roasted meat and espresso. It's full bodied and richly textured, with a long, velvety finish.
The Other Side Single Vineyard
91
85
South Australia
McLaren Vale
null
Shiraz
D'Arenberg
Joe Czerwinski
@JoeCz
D'Arenberg 2011 The Other Side Single Vineyard Shiraz (McLaren Vale)
France
For the moment, this Chenin is at the young, fresh stage in its evolution. There are green and yellow fruits, a supple structure, and just a touch of vanilla and toast to finish. The acidity is here, so drink this with a great fish dish.
null
87
13
Loire Valley
Anjou
null
Chenin Blanc
Château de la Roulerie
null
null
null
South Africa
This rich, savory Shiraz starts with a nose of cherry, sweet spice, pepper and plum and on the palate, offers elegance and balance with big flavors. Structured tannins and a spicy overall character give the wine heft. A treat with class.
null
87
15
Robertson
null
null
Shiraz
Rietvallei Estate Wine
Susan Kostrzewa
@suskostrzewa
Rietvallei Estate Wine 2007 Shiraz (Robertson)
Chile
Jammy and lush smelling, yet more racy, acidic and flashy in the mouth. Flavors of cherry and raspberry are saturated and dense, but the feel is kind of hard and narrow. Minty and a little warm on the finish. 70% Malbec and 30% Petit Verdot.
Altos
87
18
Central Valley
null
null
Red Blend
Terra Andina
null
null
null
Argentina
Dry, leafy, herbal aromas open this wine. The palate is full and ripe in feel, with amplified extraction and herbal, leafy flavors of spiced plum and mild acidity. Things wane on the finish, which is heavy in feel but mostly just ripe and rich.
Una Selección de Ricardo Santos
84
16
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Cabernet Sauvignon
Ricardo Santos
null
null
null
US
Pretty and polished, an elegant, lighter style Pinot Noir to drink now with rich pork, lamb and beef dishes or grilled salmon. It's silky and satiny, with pleasant wild strawberry, cherry, red currant, licorice, cola and cedar flavors.
null
87
35
California
Russian River Valley
Sonoma
Pinot Noir
J Vineyards & Winery
null
null
J Vineyards & Winery 2008 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Italy
Thin and low in aromatic impact, this luminous white blend of Falanghina, Greco and Fiano delivers measured tones of exotic fruit, pear and honeysuckle. The wine has a broad, fat feel in the mouth and ends with flavors that recall mature nectarine and apricot.
Campo di Fiori
84
32
Southern Italy
Beneventano
null
White Blend
De Lucia
null
null
De Lucia 2007 Campo di Fiori White (Beneventano)
Italy
Made entirely with Sangiovese, this opens with aromas of wet leaves, underbrush, leather and prune. The palate offers dried red and black cherry, grilled sage and a confectionary note alongside lithe tannins. Drink soon to capture the remaining fruit.
Poggio ai Grilli
86
13
Tuscany
Chianti
null
Sangiovese
Tenuta San Jacopo
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Tenuta San Jacopo 2010 Poggio ai Grilli (Chianti)
US
Dedicated to the memory of a family founder, Vernon Rhodes, this one-time release is packed with barrel flavors of chocolate, espresso and smoke. The fruit holds its own, dense cassis and black cherry, dappled with pepper and fresh herbs. Tight and balanced, this needs decanting and can certainly be cellared for a decade or longer.
V.R. Special
92
45
Washington
Columbia Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
Dusted Valley
null
null
null
US
Brilliant Chardonnay, compulsively drinkable. You'll find a fabulous array of flavors, ranging from pineapples, mangoes and limes to lees- and oak-influenced smoke and creamy vanilla. There's also a juicy streak of crisp acidity and a flinty tang of minerals in the finish. Very fine.
null
93
25
California
Mount Harlan
Central Coast
Chardonnay
Calera
null
null
Calera 2006 Chardonnay (Mount Harlan)
Italy
Allegrini presents a very likable and smooth Valpolicella with bright berry tones and lively shadings of spice and white almond that appear in the background. Pair this wine wine with grilled sausage or lamb shish kabob.
null
86
15
Veneto
Valpolicella Classico
null
Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
Allegrini
null
null
Allegrini 2008 Valpolicella Classico
US
This Rhône-inspired blend of Viognier and Roussanne certainly has a lot of fruit, filling the mouth with white peaches, sweet green apples and honeyed spearmint flavors, yet it's quite dry and crisp, and finishes with a lively, clean aftertaste.
Los Robles Viejos Rozet
87
24
California
Paso Robles
Central Coast
White Blend
Edmunds St John
null
null
null
Italy
Inviting aromas of dark-skinned fruit, blue flower, leather and a whiff of baking spice waft out of the glass. The firm juicy palate offers ripe wild cherry, licorice and hint of charcuterie while assertive, seasoned tannins provide support. Drink through 2021.
null
90
60
Tuscany
Brunello di Montalcino
null
Sangiovese
Cerbaia
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Cerbaia 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
US
Pleasant acidity and a tannic edge supports the oak-accented cherry, rhubarb, pomegranate and plum flavors. Rich and ripe, this Pinot Noir is for drinking now.
Winemaker's Block
87
60
California
Russian River Valley
Sonoma
Pinot Noir
MacMurray Ranch
null
null
null
Argentina
Lots of heavily toasted oak sits atop the bouquet, and thus it's no surprise that the flavor profile runs a bit lemony and sharp. But give the wine time to unfold and you'll find a layer of pure blackberry mixed with notes of chocolate and coffee. Arguably too oaky but with good core qualities.
Famiglia Bianchi
87
18
Mendoza Province
null
null
Malbec
Valentin Bianchi
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Valentin Bianchi 2006 Famiglia Bianchi Malbec
Italy
Clandestino is an oak-influenced Rosso di Montalcino with bright aromas of cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate that intermingle with cherry, blackberry and cassis syrup. Pair this wine with pork or poultry.
Clandestino
87
27
Tuscany
Rosso di Montalcino
null
Sangiovese Grosso
Pinino
null
null
null
US
This nose features much more nuance than a typical Sauvignon Blanc, with chalky minerality, bright stone fruit and barely ripe tropicality. It's a bit tight at first on the palate, but poached pear and papaya flavors emerge, then open to candied guava in the midpalate.
null
88
16
California
Central Coast
Central Coast
Sauvignon Blanc
Eight Sides
Matt Kettmann
@mattkettmann
Eight Sides 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Central Coast)
Italy
Straightforward and easygoing, with pure apple and pear aromas. Sort of jumpy and youthful, with a fresh but foamy mouthfeel that is as much Sprite/7-Up as it is classic-method spumante. Forward apple and citrus flavors are clean and light, and if complexity is a bit lacking there's enough forward, tasty fruit to more than make up for it. Imported by Empson (USA) Ltd.
Gran Cuvée Brut
89
54
Lombardy
Franciacorta
null
Sparkling Blend
Bellavista
null
null
null
France
A soft, mango-flavored wine, with just a touch of citrus. There's some good acidity, a nice citrus touch and freshness. Drink now.
null
85
null
Bordeaux
Bordeaux Blanc
null
Bordeaux-style White Blend
Château Loudenne
null
null
null
US
With this wine Iron Horse takes a giant step toward great Chablis. By that I mean the intense dryness and zesty acidity, and the tangy grip of iron and wet stone that undergirds the Meyer lemon, pineapple zest, honeysuckle, apricot, cinnamon spice and new oak flavors. This Chard is all about structural integrity. It should have a useful life of at least six years, gaining momentum and nuance.
Rued Clone
94
35
California
Green Valley
Sonoma
Chardonnay
Iron Horse
null
null
null
Spain
Rooty on the nose, with green herb, tea and raspberry aromas. Patience and airing only brings it to the acceptable level, which means the wine's reasonably good prune and dark-fruit flavors are scuttled by a disjointed, overly acidic mouthfeel.
Fill del Temps Gran Selecció
81
25
Catalonia
Terra Alta
null
Red Blend
Covilalba
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Covilalba 2004 Fill del Temps Gran Selecció Red (Terra Alta)
Italy
Made with 85% Carignano and 15% Syrah, this boasts aromas of mature black cherry, raspberry and Mediterranean herb. The soft palate doles out ripe black currant, licorice and black pepper alongside velvety tannins.
Shardana
89
27
Sicily & Sardinia
Valli di Porto Pino
null
Red Blend
Cantina Santadi
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Cantina Santadi 2012 Shardana (Valli di Porto Pino)
Italy
From the Maremma (southern Tuscany) estate of the Corsini family, this darkly extracted red wine shows dark red fruit, spice, leather and espresso coffee. It's nicely evolved with tones of cola, cassis and wet river stone. Although the finish shows medium intensity, it does evoke bright fresh fruit.
null
88
null
Tuscany
Toscana
null
Red Blend
Marsiliana
null
null
Marsiliana 2004 Red (Toscana)
Italy
This wien is rich in balsam notes of eucalyptus, dried rosemary, ginger and cherry cola. The bouquet is distinctive, and the wine ends with a bright, fresh finish.
null
90
27
Tuscany
Rosso di Montalcino
null
Sangiovese Grosso
Castello Romitorio
null
null
Castello Romitorio 2010 Rosso di Montalcino
Italy
Youthful and bright, Oltremé gives a new perspective to the Susumaniello grape. This demonstrates an informal style, which emphasizes the integrity of the fresh fruit flavors—cherry, blackberry and plum—which are surrounded by a soft, velvety texture.
Oltremé
88
18
Southern Italy
Salento
null
Susumaniello
Tenute Rubino
null
null
null
US
Muddled at first, this wine comes around to reveal a strong, floral component of rose water and geranium, staying light and fresh on the palate, subtle yet flavorful. It finishes earthy in Asian spice.
null
90
40
California
Sonoma Coast
Sonoma
Pinot Noir
Glasshaus
Virginie Boone
@vboone
Glasshaus 2013 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Italy
Poggio Salvi delivers an easygoing Rosso di Montalcino with aromas of ripe raspberry, cherry and accents of exotic spice and black pepper. The wine is crisp and compact with a bright berry finale. Pair this Rosso with pot roast or meatloaf.
null
86
22
Tuscany
Rosso di Montalcino
null
Sangiovese Grosso
Villa Poggio Salvi
null
null
null
US
A meaty, gamy Syrah boasting aromas of bacon and duck-liver mousse, this wine delivers tremendous flavor and quality for the price. It offers plenty of body around a core of plush, savory tannins and a long finish of pepper and cinnamon spice. Start slicing the charcuterie.
Made With Organically Grown Grapes
92
20
California
Sierra Foothills
Sierra Foothills
Syrah
Chacewater
null
null
null
US
From the winery's vineyard at the foot of the Santa Lucia Highlands comes this ripe, pleasant wine. It's dry and crisp, even a little sharp, with full-bodied wintergreen mint, cherry, coffee and herb flavors. Drink now.
null
85
22
California
Monterey
Central Coast
Merlot
San Saba
null
null
null
Canada
A lush fruit bowl of a wine, this brings delicious flavors of melon, peach, apple and pear, along with a buttery finish. There are some pleasing spicy highlights, and a residual smack of butterscotch invites the next sip.
null
90
19
British Columbia
Okanagan Valley
null
Pinot Gris
Tinhorn Creek
Paul Gregutt
@paulgwine 
Tinhorn Creek 2013 Pinot Gris (Okanagan Valley)
US
This is the driest of Iron Horse's new releases, but it still has a honeyed richness even though the residual sugar is a comparatively low half a percent. It feels refined, fancy and elegant, with delicious raspberry, lime and toast flavors. The blend is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay.
Ultra Brut
93
50
California
Green Valley
Sonoma
Sparkling Blend
Iron Horse
null
null
null
US
Whatever the varieties are on this wine, and it's not disclosed, it's soft, ripe and simple, with orange, peach and lime flavors.
null
82
17
California
California
California Other
White Blend
Austerity
null
null
Austerity 2011 White (California)
France
A ripe full-bodied wine that has great structure and fine tannins. The bold red fruits are right to the front. It is a wine with great potential, generous tannins and the acidity of the vintage beautifully balanced. This wine will develop well. Drink from 2024.
null
91
22
Bordeaux
Moulis-en-Médoc
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Château Mauvesin Barton
null
null
null
France
This wine is fruity, with crisp, fresh lemon flavors. It is lightly textured and smooth, with green fruit acidity and a creamy aftertaste. Drink from 2016.
null
87
15
Burgundy
Mâcon-Villages
null
Chardonnay
Louis Jadot
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Louis Jadot 2014 Mâcon-Villages
Italy
This is a chewy, thick and -savory wine, with layers of smoked meat, cola, soy sauce, tobacco and black spice. The fruit here recalls jammy blackberries and dried cassis.
Orciatico
85
null
Tuscany
Rosso di Toscana
null
Red Blend
Gualandi
null
null
null
US
One of the more successful Bordeaux-style blends from the Happy Canyon section of the valley, this Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine is complex and layered. The blackberry, black currant and spice flavors have a nice coating of oak, and turn chocolaty-rich on the finish. A bit sharp in acidity, but a real step forward.
Barrack Ten Goal
90
60
California
Santa Ynez Valley
Central Coast
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Happy Canyon Vineyard
null
null
null
France
Steeliness exemplified in wine. This is crisp and structured, complex with its green fruits, structured acidity and touch of caramel and kiwi. It's the acidity that shows at the moment; needs 4–5 years.
Montée de Tonnerre Premier Cru
92
34
Burgundy
Chablis
null
Chardonnay
La Chablisienne
Roger Voss
@vossroger
La Chablisienne 2005 Montée de Tonnerre Premier Cru (Chablis)
Italy
Made with dried Graganega grapes, this opens with aromas of pressed wild flower, white and yellow stone fruit. The palate doles out ripe peach, dried apricot and acacia honey. It closes on a toasted almond note.
Arzimo
89
22
Veneto
Recioto di Soave
null
Garganega
La Cappuccina
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
La Cappuccina 2011 Arzimo (Recioto di Soave)
US
Quite light in the glass, this wine leans a tad sweet on the nose, with exuberant apple blossoms, jasmine and banana-chip aromas. There is a chalky tension and pithy grip to the palate, where apple, pear and white-peach flavors trend toward ripe guava.
TMZ
88
30
California
Paso Robles
Central Coast
White Blend
MCV
Matt Kettmann
@mattkettmann
MCV 2015 TMZ White (Paso Robles)
France
A concentrated, rich wine, packed with peach and pear flavors, the freshness coming from ripe apples and green plums. While the fruit dominates, there is always a good edge of minerality, tightening the wine, giving it a taut, crisp aftertaste.
Grand'Chaille
91
null
Loire Valley
Sancerre
null
Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine Thomas & Fils
null
null
null
Chile
Tight, pure blackberry and cassis aromas are composed. This is a better-balanced wine than the sticky, overly oaked 2012 version. Leading toasty chocolate flavors go well with secondary spiced berry and cassis notes. A note of vanilla comes out on the finish.
La Finca Clos D'Angel
91
17
Colchagua Valley
null
null
Cabernet Sauvignon
Montes
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Montes 2013 La Finca Clos D'Angel Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley)
Portugal
The heavy bottle is probably a good proportion of the price of this wine—an unnecessary affectation. The wine itself is firm and structured, perfumed with typical Touriga Nacional violet aromas and rich. With its dense texture and juicy black plum fruits, it is still coming together, so don't drink before 2017.
Bridão
86
14
Tejo
null
null
Touriga Nacional
Adega Cooperativa do Cartaxo
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Adega Cooperativa do Cartaxo 2013 Bridão Touriga Nacional (Tejo)
France
Crisp, lightly herbaceous wine with a delicious creamy apple and pear character. This is finely balanced with a lively, crisp aftertaste. Screwcap.
null
87
12
Bordeaux
Bordeaux Blanc
null
Bordeaux-style White Blend
Château Briot
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château Briot 2012 Bordeaux Blanc
US
Made from 100% Cabernet, this is a great house wine for the price. It's dry, full-bodied and tannic, with proper black currant, blackberry, mocha and oak flavors. Easy to find, with 20,000 cases produced.
null
86
9
California
California
California Other
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alias
null
null
null
Australia
The nose of this Bordeaux-like Cabernet displays strong herb and earth tones. Cassis, earth, dried herb and licorice flavors ride the even, medium-weight palate. The finish is dry, with tart berry and a slight citrus note.
null
86
13
New South Wales
Hunter Valley
null
Cabernet Sauvignon
Hope Estate
null
null
null
France
A wine that shows perhaps too much tannin for a Nouveau, and will probably be more accessible next year. It has a tight side, with the acidity fitting well into the ripe plum flavors.
Beaujolais Villages Nouveau
85
13
Beaujolais
Beaujolais-Villages
null
Gamay
Albert Bichot
null
null
null
Italy
Leafy underbrush, scorched earth, tobacco, vanilla, toasted oak and spiced plum aromas lead the nose. The smooth palate offers crushed black cherry, game, grilled herb, espresso and cooking spice. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide support.
Riserva di Famiglia
90
35
Tuscany
Chianti Classico
null
Red Blend
Cecchi
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Cecchi 2011 Riserva di Famiglia (Chianti Classico)
Italy
Bright Cabernet aromas of blackberry and black pepper are followed by some bitter almond and cured meat tones. It has structure, firmness and intensity, with a medium build.
Aquilae
87
null
Sicily & Sardinia
Sicilia
null
Cabernet Sauvignon
Viticultori Associati Canicatti
null
null
null
US
Fogarty's basic Pinot Noir is very good, although it's not a wine for aging. With its soft dryness and rich tannins, it shows polished flavors of cherries, cola, herbs, cinnamon spice and subtle oak.
null
89
30
California
Santa Cruz Mountains
Central Coast
Pinot Noir
Thomas Fogarty
null
null
Thomas Fogarty 2009 Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains)
Italy
This special commemorative bottle celebrates the 60th anniversary (1947–2007) of one of Italy's flagship wines. The characteristic aromas of Sangiovese come through loud and clear in the form of bright pulses of wild berry, blue flower, light spice and dried tobacco. The wine is bright and tight on the finish. Hold this bottle in your cellar.
Riserva Ducale Oro
92
40
Tuscany
Chianti Classico
null
Sangiovese
Ruffino
null
null
Ruffino 2007 Riserva Ducale Oro (Chianti Classico)
Austria
Perfumed hints of mandarin and stone fruit are subtly expressed on the nose. The palate is more incisive with fresh lemon zest and a feather-light body which holds fresh sprays of lemony citrus. Light but pleasingly intense, notions of stone mingle with all the lime, lemon and mandarin peel. Beautifully long.
Singerriedl Smaragd
93
95
Wachau
null
null
Riesling
Franz Hirtzberger
Anne Krebiehl MW
@AnneInVino
Franz Hirtzberger 2014 Singerriedl Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)
France
Wood aging has imparted a slight bitterness to the ripe fruit. The juicy red-cherry flavor is melded into the firm tannins, and the finish is bright and round.
Les Morais
88
43
Burgundy
Aloxe-Corton
null
Pinot Noir
Domaine A. Machard de Gramont
null
null
null
US
Just 40 cases of half bottles were produced. Tasting more like a late harvest than a true ice wine, this soft, lush and creamy wine bring lots of mashed banana flavors, very smooth and rich, with butter, caramel and butterscotch. The flavors compound and surround the palate in a luscious blanket of sweets.
Ice Wine
90
40
Washington
Columbia Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Sémillon
Trust
Paul Gregutt
@paulgwine 
Trust 2006 Ice Wine Sémillon (Columbia Valley (WA))
US
So vegetal, it's barely drinkable. Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc.
Hawk Red
80
14
California
Santa Ynez Valley
Central Coast
Red Blend
Buttonwood Farm
null
null
null
US
This is a light Pinot Noir that tastes of barely ripe red cherries, and earthiness that almost veers into sauvage territory. The lightness carries through onto the finish, which is quick.
null
86
15
California
North Coast
North Coast
Pinot Noir
One Hope
null
null
null
US
A dull Rhône-style blend, this is soft and hot with alcohol. You'll find some green vegetable and mushroom notes that mar the ripe flavors of red cherry jam.
Dalliance
81
44
California
Paso Robles
Central Coast
G-S-M
Ascension Cellars
null
null
Ascension Cellars 2010 Dalliance G-S-M (Paso Robles)
France
The dosage level is 45g/l, which makes this wine a bit sweet, but not cloying. Toast and candied citron aromas and some honeyed apple and lemon flavors. Decanting reduces the apparent acidity, thereby raising the perception of sweetness.
Demi-Sec
87
50
Champagne
Champagne
null
Champagne Blend
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin
null
null
null
France
An attractively aromatic wine, full of open fruitiness. It has layers of black currant fruit that go with the fresh acidity, plus a touch of herbs that are followed by firm tannins. Juicy and ready to drink from 2015.
null
86
35
Bordeaux
Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Château Crusquet de Lagarcie
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château Crusquet de Lagarcie 2009 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
US
High-toned, with somewhat muted fruit – waxy comes to mind – yet with appealing softness and immediate drinkability. It's non-vintage, a blend of two Cabernets, Merlot and Syrah, streaked with vanilla.
WoodsLake Due Anni Red
87
16
Washington
Columbia Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Red Blend
Patterson
null
null
null
Argentina
A little buttery and wayward, but not without its good points, which include ripe apple, melon, citrus and papaya flavors. The body is fairly hefty and the finish carries heat, but overall offers decent fruit-salad flavors and pretty good balance.
Oak
84
8
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Chardonnay
Telteca
null
null
null
Argentina
Heavily vegetal and unclean on the nose, then pickled on the palate, as in sauerkraut. The only thing saving this from the flusher is decent body weight and mouthfeel.
null
80
15
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Sémillon
Ricardo Santos
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Ricardo Santos 2009 Sémillon (Mendoza)