spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

country stringclasses 49 values	description stringlengths 18 829	designation stringlengths 1 95 ⌀	points int64 80 100	price float64 4 2.5k ⌀	province stringclasses 478 values	region_1 stringlengths 3 50 ⌀	region_2 stringclasses 18 values	variety stringclasses 726 values	winery stringlengths 1 54	taster_name stringclasses 19 values	taster_twitter_handle stringclasses 15 values	title stringlengths 12 135 ⌀
Chile	An oily and thick style of SB. It captures Leyda's coastal climate almost too much, resulting in green, lightly vegetal aromas and flavors. There's some pickle and bell pepper, and it seems underdeveloped throughout.	null	84	16	Leyda Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Arboleda	null	null	null
Italy	A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, this robust wine shows the heat of the vintage. It opens with aromas that recall scorched earth, espresso, French oak, dark spice and a balsamic note while the warm palate offers dried black cherry, raisin, licorice and menthol framed in bracing tannins. The finish is dominated by evident alcohol that throws it somewhat off-balance.	Don Tommaso Gran Selezione	87	45	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Red Blend	Principe Corsini	null	null	null
US	Opens with sweet cherry and raspberry fruit but turns noticeably crisp in the mouth while some nice gamy notes appear on the silky finish. An ideal pairing for roast suckling pig.	null	83	24	Virginia	Virginia	null	Cabernet Franc	Rappahannock Cellars	null	null	Rappahannock Cellars 2006 Cabernet Franc (Virginia)
Italy	Ripasso offers the easy crispness of a Valpolicella and the austerity of an Amarone. This expression of the wine is focused on mature fruit flavors and chewy succulence. Pair it with stewed meat or spicy fried chicken. Imported by Victoire Imports.	null	87	23	Veneto	Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso	null	Red Blend	Monte del Frá	null	null	null
Spain	Woodsy at first, then more foresty and stretched. The nose is peppery and light on fruit, while the palate shows tight cherry and raspberry flavors alongside edgy, invigorating tannins and acidity. A lively wine with bite and modest offsetting sweetness to the overriding snap.	Reserva	85	18	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Valserrano	null	null	null
US	Turning old, tired and funky, with dried leaf flavors and a tart, rasping finish. This Chard is just too old.	null	81	10	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Buehler	null	null	null
US	Rich and elegant aromas of black cherry, blueberry, vanilla, lilacs and Concord grape show on the nose of this wine. The palate is complex, with pencil lead, black pepper, elderberry, milk chocolate and bloody meat flavors, bound by a strong tannic structure.	Bates Ranch Vineyard	89	42	California	Santa Cruz Mountains	Central Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Byington	null	null	null
Italy	There are impressive aromas here of stone and passion fruits, dried herbs and thick, nutty overtones at the back. The acidity is refreshing and cool but the wine also boasts solid, firm structure. Try this sparkler with smoked salmon canapés.	Gran Cuvée Satèn	92	null	Lombardy	Franciacorta	null	Chardonnay	Bellavista	null	null	null
Italy	This blend of Friulano, Malvasia Istriana and Pinot Bianco has ripe pear, fragrant yellow flower, herb and graphite aromas. The elegant, medium-bodied palate doles out yellow apple, candied lemon drop and bitter almond hints, with fresh acidity.	Fosarin	90	21	Northeastern Italy	Collio	null	White Blend	Ronco dei Tassi	null	null	null
US	Good price for a clean, zesty Sauvignon Blanc. Shows sweet and sour candy flavors of pineapples, lemons and limes, with a touch of vanilla.	null	86	14	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	Lake Sonoma	null	null	null
US	A worthy followup to the 2008, showing crisp acidity and rich flavors of citrus fruits, New Zealand-style gooseberries, and vanilla spice, with a honey sweet finish. Drink now with Vietnamese food or sushi.	Denmark Street Vineyard Tribute	88	20	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Fumé Blanc	Atmosphere	null	null	null
US	This Bordeaux-style blend offers reserved aromas of cedar, dried herbs and cranberries, vanilla and woodspice. The dark-fruit and spice flavors are retrained and elegant, possessing a sense of balance.	Damn Straight	89	36	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Plumb Cellars	null	null	null
France	Made only from grand cru vineyards, this latest release from Taittinger is in a crisp and dry style, profiting from ripe fruit, lifted with citrus and kiwi fruit flavors, a pure line of acidity and a hint of soft toast.	Prélude Grands Crus Brut	91	75	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Taittinger	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Taittinger NV Prélude Grands Crus Brut (Champagne)
Italy	Aromas of Mediterranean herb, balsam, eucalyptus and dark berry lead the nose. The firm, elegant palate delivers juicy black cherry, dried blackberry, black pepper, clove, thyme, orange peel and anisette alongside youthfully austere but fine-grained tannins. Let this wine develop. Drink 2017–2022.	Bruciagna Gran Selezione	92	40	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Castello La Leccia	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Castello La Leccia 2010 Bruciagna Gran Selezione (Chianti Classico)
US	The addition of 15% Petite Sirah takes this bottling to a compelling place, showing barely ripe blackberries, animal fat, smoke, black pepper and a wild clove element on the nose. It's rich and layered on the palate, where chalky tannins support black cherry, grilled beef and mint flavors. This has the bones to last awhile.	null	91	28	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Cabernet Franc	Dracaena	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Dracaena 2013 Cabernet Franc (Paso Robles)
France	Gentle notes of rose and grapefruit peel on the nose also have a touch of honey. The palate is full of juicy rounded peach aromas—very fruity, very easy. A light dollop of sweetness makes for an off-dry but very balanced and fruity finish. Drink while aromas are at their peak.	null	89	19	Alsace	Alsace	null	Gewürztraminer	Wolfberger	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Wolfberger 2016 Gewurztraminer (Alsace)
Spain	Sophisticated aromas of blackberry, dried cherry, shoe polish and crushed leaves set up a grabby palate with ripe, bullish tannins. This wine offers black-fruit flavors along with spice, chocolate and herbal notes. On the finish, ripe berry and chocolaty oak flavors are generous. Drink through 2019.	Parada de Atauta	91	25	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tinto Fino	Dominio de Atauta	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Dominio de Atauta 2012 Parada de Atauta (Ribera del Duero)
Italy	Made of 60% Malvasia, 30% Trebbiano and 10% Sangiovese, this opens with apricot and orange jam aromas. The warm, structured palate delivers toasted almond, chestnut honey and dried fig flavors. Drink through 2025.	null	90	37	Tuscany	Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina	null	White Blend	I Veroni	null	null	null
Italy	This savory red boasts star anise, blue flower, new leather, red berry and eucalyptus aromas. On the palate, expect Marasca cherry, cranberry, cinnamon and clove flavors set against firm tannins and racy acidity.	null	90	55	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Salvano	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Salvano 2014 Barbaresco
US	Tight and precise, with sharply defined edges, this needs hours of breathing time. Dense black fruit, pretty herbal grace notes, supple, slightly grainy tannins. Built for the long term.	Clos de Betz	94	48	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Betz Family	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Betz Family 2008 Clos de Betz Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
Australia	This is a jammy, fruit-forward rendition of sparkling Shiraz, with plenty of blueberry and blackberry flavors and a touch of sugar on the finish. Imported by Pernod Ricard, USA.	Bin 555	85	17	Australia Other	South Eastern Australia	null	Shiraz	Wyndham Estate	null	null	null
Spain	Start packing your cellar with 2010 Ribera gems like this wine, which is offering graphite and minerally plum and berry aromas in front of a full-bodied, hard-driving palate. Ripe, extracted blackberry and lightly herbal flavors finish with tons of residual weight and tannins. This is loud, burly and delicious; drink from 2016–2030.	Alconte Crianza	93	30	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Montecastro	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Montecastro 2010 Alconte Crianza (Ribera del Duero)
Italy	Sansonina offers this unique Merlot with warm and complex characteristics of the territory that shaped it. The Verona winegrowing area is influenced by Lake Garda and the Dolomites; Consequently, this wine shows pristine aromas of cherry, spice and leather backed by a soft, silky texture.	null	91	40	Veneto	Rosso del Veronese	null	Merlot	Sansonina	null	null	null
France	Firm and dark wine, its solid tannins very much to the fore. There is also a strong toasty wood element that needs time to blend in what will be ripe, sweet fruits, freshened with pungent acidity. For aging.	Gravières Premier Cru	90	40	Burgundy	Santenay	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Jessiaume	null	null	null
Spain	Chunky aromas are lacking in fruit. The palate feels pithy and citric, while pyrazines and bland citrus drive the flavor profile on this Verdejo-Viura blend that's past its prime.	Fuente Milano	82	11	Central Spain	Vino de la Tierra de Castilla	null	Verdejo-Viura	Pedro Escudero	null	null	null
Germany	This spätlese from the huge Moselland cooperative does a decent job at balancing hints of softly ripe peaches with taut grapefruity elements, all reinforced by a rather sinewy palate feel. Drink now.	Spätlese	85	18	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Moselland	null	null	null
France	This is a yeasty wine, with the fruit less evident. It has acidity and a touch of apple, although a bitter edge cuts into the rounded texture.	null	81	null	Burgundy	Bourgogne	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Luquet	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Luquet 2010 Bourgogne
Austria	Still closed, this will take a little time to come out of its shell. But it's worth the wait: there's pepper, zestiness and a streamlined, structured body. One word comes to mind: sleekness.	Klaus Federspiel	90	30	Wachau	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Jäger	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Jäger 2013 Klaus Federspiel Grüner Veltliner (Wachau)
Chile	This wine's bouquet is peppery, meaty, spicy and altogether honest. The palate feels frisky and juicy, not heavy or flat, then tastes of char, black coffee, cola and spiced, herb-tinged berry. The finish is long, toasty and snappy.	Sibaris Reserva Especial	88	16	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Undurraga	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Undurraga 2010 Sibaris Reserva Especial Carmenère (Colchagua Valley)
US	A first-class Zin that shows classic mountain character, at a very nice price. Dry and rich in tannins, it's explosive in briary, brambly wild berries, currants, dark chocolate and pepper, with a touch of raisins. Just delicious.	null	90	16	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Easton	null	null	Easton 2007 Zinfandel (Amador County)
US	A streak of confectionary nougat and lemony acidity combine for a smooth, well-integrated wine, full bodied in style, that's lip-smacking in apple-cider juiciness on the finish.	null	92	25	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Conn Creek	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Conn Creek 2014 Chardonnay (Carneros)
France	The oak aging, implicit in the name of the wine, is present in its smooth character. This bottling is in the elegant style typical of Famaey wines and also has weight and firm, concentrated black fruit with acidity and a dry core. Drink from 2019.	Fût de Chêne	91	20	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Château Famaey	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Famaey 2011 Fût de Chêne Malbec (Cahors)
Chile	Spicy, peppery, herbal aromas are meaty, a bit leafy and blackened. Prickly, lively acidity creates tension and tightness on the palate, while blackened plum and berry flavors end dry, dark and toasty.	null	87	11	Maipo Valley	null	null	Syrah	Cousiño-Macul	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Cousiño-Macul 2014 Syrah (Maipo Valley)
US	There are some Chard elements in this rustic, countrified wine. The apple and peach flavors, with oaky vanilla overtones, are familiar. But itÕs a rough wine, with some odd, vegetal qualities. Satisfactory, if youÕre not very fussy.	null	83	9	California	California	California Other	Chardonnay	Woodbridge	null	null	Woodbridge 2000 Chardonnay (California)
France	A smooth and velvet-textured wine, where the tannins are a cushion for the ripe plum juice fruit. Herbs and wood spice contribute to this rich and full-bodied wine.	null	90	null	Bordeaux	Montagne-Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Fonguillon	null	null	null
US	This wine is a blend of Grenache (53%), Syrah (22%), Mourvèdre (17%), Counoise (5%) and Cinsault. Smoke, char and black pepper aromas are predominant along with notes of tire rubber, white pepper and red fruit. The red-fruit flavors are lighter in style, showing a pretty sense of styling.	Byzance	89	38	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Rhône-style Red Blend	Brian Carter Cellars	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Brian Carter Cellars 2013 Byzance Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	This is a firm wine—one with generous tannins and fruit. It has spice and touches of pepper as well as fine acidity and bold red fruits. The combination has produced a wine that will be ripe and ready to drink from 2019. The property has a history dating back to the 14th century.	null	90	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Supérieur	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Maison Noble Saint Martin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Maison Noble Saint Martin 2015 Bordeaux Supérieur
France	Initially, this is a richly ripe wine with tropical fruit flavors. It also has an immense sense of structure that supports the fruit impressively. It's dense, concentrated, exuding power and solidity, while always keeping a sense of elegance. Drink from 2018.	null	96	315	Burgundy	Chevalier-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Bouchard Père & Fils	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Bouchard Père & Fils 2011 Chevalier-Montrachet
US	Crisp and on the sweet side, this PG has flavors of honey, lemons, limes, green apples, figs and peppery spices. Nice as a cocktail sipper. Try with Chinese food for something different.	null	85	14	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Gris	Balletto	null	null	null
France	Accents of cola spice and cardamom lend a spicy overlay to the black plum and berry core of this wine. It's surprisingly light in weight, with soft tannins and plush, sweet oak-spice tones that dominate the finish.	Hills Reserve	84	15	Languedoc-Roussillon	Pays d'Oc	null	Malbec	Fortant	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Fortant 2015 Hills Reserve Malbec (Pays d'Oc)
France	Oxidative, with unusual aromas but a more typical profile in the mouth, with rose, lanolin and lychee flavor. Off-dry but balanced. Drink up.	Réserve	82	22	Alsace	Alsace	null	Gewürztraminer	Jean-Baptiste Adam	null	null	null
US	This is a curious but successful blend of basically equal parts Zinfandel, Malbec and Tannat. Rich aromas of blackberry and blueberry meet with pine, cigar box and wet rocks on the nose. The berry fruit that shows first on the sip is elevated by a woody backbone and lifted with crushed clove.	Gemini Reserve	91	48	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Red Blend	Midnight	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Midnight 2013 Gemini Reserve Red (Paso Robles)
Spain	Oily and pungent, as if the cat were not let out of the house. But airing reveals a wide spectrum of green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. There's passion fruit, green pastures and some citrus in this varietally typical Rueda SB.	Montesol	85	19	Northern Spain	Rueda	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Vinos Sanz	null	null	null
Italy	Made from 100% Chardonnay, this has unusual medicinal aromas that recall Band Aids. The palate shows the same medicinal sensations, along with restrained citrus notes and hints of oak.	Satèn	84	25	Lombardy	Franciacorta	null	Chardonnay	Lo Sparviere	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Lo Sparviere NV Satèn Chardonnay (Franciacorta)
Austria	Rich notes of yeast on the nose promise a rounded wine, while on the palate they become even more pronounced and deliver a big hit of lasting umami flavors. Here and there white pepper pokes through with its freshness supported by leavening citrus notes. This is powerful stuff: Handle with care and pair with food that is both subtle and robust—just like the wine.	Bürsting	93	27	Niederösterreich	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Ebner-Ebenauer	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Ebner-Ebenauer 2015 Bürsting Grüner Veltliner (Niederösterreich)
US	From a blending of two barrels—one new and one neutral—this is a snappy, sappy, tangy wine with ripe, forward red and purple fruits. These notes are framed with pretty barrel toast, and the tannins are firm, ripe and balanced. Drink now with pleasure or tuck it away until 2020.	Antiquum Vineyard	91	48	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Trathen Hall	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Trathen Hall 2012 Antiquum Vineyard Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
Italy	Dark-skinned berry, baking spice and floral aromas float from the glass while the taut palate delivers crushed raspberry, licorice and chopped herb. Firm refined tannins provide the backbone. Drink 2020–2027.	null	92	43	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Paolo Scavino	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Paolo Scavino 2012 Barolo
US	A simple white, this has slightly sweet apricot and orange flavors that are brightened by crisp acidity.	Woodstock Collection Honey Pie	83	24	California	Napa Valley	Napa	White Blend	Cielo Malibu Estate Vineyards	null	null	null
Austria	This is a firm blend that brings out more the black currant flavor and tannic structure of the Cabernet, more so than the spice of Blaufränkisch. The wine has an austere edge, with a mineral character and a taut aftertaste. Screwcap.	null	89	15	Burgenland	null	null	Austrian Red Blend	Gunter Triebaumer	null	null	null
Portugal	Violets and aromatic herbs give character to the wine, while the palate is dry, with good tannins to go with the cherry and plum fruits. There is a good balance, the spice and chocolate richness adding interest.	Junior Tinto	86	25	Port	null	null	Port	Niepoort	null	null	null
US	Simple and a bit watery, this Virginia Vidal blanc nonetheless offers up some pleasant notes of lemon, peach and almond over a base note of caramel. Drink soon.	null	82	10	Virginia	Virginia	null	Vidal Blanc	Chateau Morrisette	null	null	null
France	This fresh, juicy wine is full of red fruits and has light tannins. A dry core supports the perfumed red-berry flavors. With acidity, the wine is likely to develop quickly. Drink from 2019.	Les Echezots	88	null	Burgundy	Marsannay	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Jean Fournier	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Jean Fournier 2014 Les Echezots (Marsannay)
US	This big, bold red in a leopard-spotted bottle is made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, and it's powerfully concentrated with tobacco aromas, boulder-sized tannins and cherry-like fruitiness. Ancillary sparks of cedar and sage contribute intrigue.	Leopard	91	125	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	JCB	Virginie Boone	@vboone	JCB 2014 Leopard Red (Napa Valley)
US	From a 10-year-old Wahluke Slope vineyard comes this impressive Sangio. The blend includes 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted along with a Sangiovese selling for almost four times the price, it stood up quite well. The wine is a beautiful plummy color, fragrant and fruity, lovely in the mouth, tasting of fresh plums and strawberries. There is good concentration and a tangy snap to the finish.	null	88	15	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sangiovese	RiverAerie	null	null	null
US	Quite light in color, this wine starts out reduced initially, followed by aromas of red fruit and herb. The tangy cranberry flavors are light and elegant, with the oak seemingly dialed back.	Abracadabra	87	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Brian Carter Cellars	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Brian Carter Cellars 2014 Abracadabra Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
Portugal	Big, bold and ripe, it has concentrated fruit flavors that give black plum juice and acidity, while the tannins still show strength and power. The blend of Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Aragonez is coming together richly and with density. It needs to age, so don't drink before 2016.	Portas da Herdade Reserva	90	17	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Companhia das Quintas	null	null	null
France	Pommard suits the Bouchard Aîné style. The tannins and the power, forced by the dry core, are a house signature. That said, the ripeness of 2005 also plays a part in this opulent wine. The dryness comes through more obviously, but that suggests some aging ability.	Les Charmots Premier Cru	90	66	Burgundy	Pommard	null	Pinot Noir	Bouchard Aîné & Fils	null	null	null
US	This is a Cab-based Bordeaux blend, and it shows Paso's ability to produce a ripe, gentle red wine that's immediately appealing. There's a nice earthiness to the cassis flavors, and a rich, tannic structure that makes you dream of a perfectly broiled steak or chop, brushed with brown butter sauce with a touch of garlic.	Nikiara	87	30	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Sylvester	null	null	Sylvester 2005 Nikiara Red (Paso Robles)
France	This dark-colored rosé comes from a single vineyard in the village of Dizy. It is certainly dry as its Extra Brut description indicates, but it offers so much ripe red fruitiness that it is also rich and concentrated. There is bright acidity at the end. Drink now.	Dizy Terres Rouges Extra Brut Rosé	90	200	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Jacquesson et Fils	null	null	null
Italy	Meaty, thick and grainy in texture, Quercegobbe (“crooked oaks”) is a brawny, well-extracted Merlot that tastes more like a California Syrah. It's an immediate and generous wine with thick layers of plump prune and plum, barbecue sauce, black peppercorn, molasses, maple syrup and spice.	Quercegobbe	89	70	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Merlot	Petra	null	null	null
US	A ripe, almost sweet aroma and flavors recalling blackberry syrup and raisins make this wine rich and tempting. Firm tannins and full body clamp down on the finish.	High Elevation Collection	88	20	California	Lake County	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Shannon Ridge	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Shannon Ridge 2014 High Elevation Collection Cabernet Sauvignon (Lake County)
France	Hard and unyielding for Viognier, with lemon and mineral elements that seem a bit out of character for the variety. Nevertheless, it's a crisp refreshing white for the summer.	Le Viognier	85	30	France Other	Vin de Pays des Portes de Méditerranée	null	Viognier	Domaine Juliette Avril	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Domaine Juliette Avril 2007 Le Viognier Viognier (Vin de Pays des Portes de Méditerranée)
US	This bright and fruity Beaujolais-style wine is as light and refreshing as a young wine can possibly be. It delivers a smile-inducing burst of strawberry and cherry fruit—round, ripe and juicy. You absolutely want to drink this sometime in 2016 while all that youthful energy remains.	Whole Cluster	90	22	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Willamette Valley Vineyards	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Willamette Valley Vineyards 2015 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
US	Soft and sweet in cherry cola and spice flavors, this displays Pinot's lovely silkiness. It's a nice wine, yet lacks that extra complexity and nuance you want in the variety. Drink now.	Estate Grown	86	28	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Riverbench	null	null	null
France	The blend of Cabernet Franc and Tannat allows this wine to be released young and for the tannins to be accessible. It's young and fresh, Nouveau in its style, going for bright berry fruits and lively acidity.	Magenta	86	11	Southwest France	Madiran	null	Tannat-Cabernet	Château Peyros	null	null	null
US	Give this tough, young Cabernet a good long decant before serving. At first, it's dominated by sharp acidity and mouth-numbing tannins. But after some airing, it offers black currant flavors. This is likely not an ager.	null	86	50	California	Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara	Central Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Vogelzang	null	null	null
US	Strong mint and menthol aromatics give way to intense fresh-cut cedar flavors. There's just too much wood for this woodchuck to chuck.	Hargrave Vineyard	82	18	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Merlot	Castello di Borghese	null	null	null
US	More of that mountain intensity, with very ripe fruit buttressed with spicy, mineral elements. Brambly, briary, and spicy, leading into a fleshy, round, ripe, soft middle and a long, fruity finish. Good right now.	null	90	25	California	Mendocino Ridge	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Zinfandel	Edmeades	null	null	null
France	From the ripe 2015 vintage, this is a smooth opulent wine. With its citrus and pear fruits, rich acidity and tangy aftertaste, this concentrated wine is balanced and ready to drink.	Les Belles Côtes	89	46	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Roger et Didier Raimbault	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Roger et Didier Raimbault 2015 Les Belles Côtes (Sancerre)
France	The Domaine Houchart is everything a Provence rosé should be: effusively fresh, vibrantly fruity and dry, dry, dry. With a crisp, mouthwatering palate, it would make a great companion for flavorful fish dishes. Pick this one up to enjoy a bit of the South of France with dinner tonight.	null	88	12	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Domaine Houchart	null	null	null
Spain	An organic wine with brushy aromas of tobacco, bramble and berry. Fairly true and full in the mouth, with a note of raisin to the black cherry and plum flavors. Gets better with time but always seems a bit grassy.	Crianza Organic	85	17	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Mutuo	null	null	null
US	As this wine ages, a touch of vegetal unripeness slowly emerges. It's not too strong, but it does detract from the cherry and cola flavors. The mouthfeel is just beautiful, soft, silky and dry. Drink up.	Hillside Cuvée	86	50	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Halleck	null	null	null
Austria	Fresh, juicy and fruity with a light tannic structure, this is pure blackberry juice, with just some of that cranberry tannin and dryness, finished with licorice. Ready to drink.	St. Laurent Classic	87	22	Thermenregion	null	null	St. Laurent	Fischer	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Fischer 2005 St. Laurent Classic St. Laurent (Thermenregion)
US	Another fine Chardonnay from this producer. It's typical of the vineyard, showing intensely concentrated tropical and citrus fruit and green apple flavors, enhanced with mouthwatering acidity. Vertical tastings of this bottling show its ability to slowly evolve in the bottle over as much as eight years.	Sleepy Hollow Vineyard	90	42	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Talbott	null	null	null
Australia	Toasty and nutty, this shows less obvious, more understated fruit than the regular bottling, but more richness and texture. Despite the oak upfront, the finish shines with crisp, citrusy fruit. Drink now–2010, maybe longer.	Reserve	90	24	Victoria	Yarra Valley	null	Chardonnay	Green Point	null	null	null
US	Hard to beat the delicious flavors in this mountain Merlot. It explodes in the mouth with blackberry jam, cherry liqueur, melted milk chocolate, licorice and sweet oak flavors. Pretty good in the modern style, with a minor quibble that there's some sharpness throughout.	null	87	22	California	Calaveras County	Sierra Foothills	Merlot	Albeno Munari	null	null	null
US	Fruity, smooth and showing plenty of acid.	null	84	20	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Two Mountain	null	null	null
US	This blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Syrah is rustic and sturdy. It shows oaky flavors of blackberries, tobacco, mocha and spice, and finishes a bit soft and sweet. Good with a rich, slow food dish like braised short ribs.	Scout's Honor	86	38	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Red Blend	Venge	null	null	null
US	Here's a nice Sauvignon Blanc for drinking now. It shows how well this variety grows in the warmer parts of the county, with citrus, apricot, peach and spice flavors. Crisp acidity provides zesty balance to this deliciously drinkable young wine.	null	88	19	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Straight Line	null	null	null
Italy	This finessed and delicious blend of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio delivers creamy strawberry, Morello cherry, white pepper and clove sensations, with hints of Mediterranean herbs. The silky palate is balanced by bright acidity.	Rossodiverzella	90	25	Sicily & Sardinia	Etna	null	Red Blend	Benanti	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Benanti 2012 Rossodiverzella (Etna)
US	Subtle aromatics of earthy rose petal surround this silky, light wine, steeped in acidity and a damp-forested quality. Spicy throughout in cinnamon, cardamom and grated nutmeg, the wine picks up a girth of thickness on the finish, a knot of tannin that gives it a swath of complexity and cellaring possibilities, through 2018.	Whistler Vineyard	92	52	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Failla	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Failla 2013 Whistler Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
US	If you like your Rieslings on the sweet side, this pretty wine is for you. It's brisk in Central Coast acidity, with citrus, peach, honeysuckle and spice flavors that finish clean and long.	null	87	10	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Riesling	Loredona	null	null	null
France	Round, ripe and lemony, it's more like a very good California sparkler than fine Champagne. Tasty, fruity and approachable, but missing the refinement and the texture that elevates the very top Champagnes.	Brut	88	50	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin	null	null	null
US	A light salmon color, aromas like sliced peaches and watermelon, flavors like canteloupe and a smooth texture combine for a substantive rosé that's not just a light thirst quencher. It is more rich and less tart than many others.	Sun Tusque Dry	86	22	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Rosé	Sanglier Cellars	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Sanglier Cellars 2014 Sun Tusque Dry Rosé (Sonoma County)
France	A big, ripe and juicy wine packed with black fruit notes and laced with acidity. The tannins offer a contrast to the fruitiness, bringing balance and structure. This is an impressive wine, the smoky aftertaste bringing out the wood aging.	null	91	25	Bordeaux	Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Manon la Lagune	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Manon la Lagune 2010 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
US	Intensely concentrated, this wine offers minerally petrol and hazelnut, particularly on the nose. A salinity marks it on the medium-bodied palate, giving it an intriguing edge before finishing in a squeeze of lemon.	Hoot Owl Creek Vineyard	87	30	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Hawley	null	null	null
France	Perfumed spice aromas give this wine its toasty character. The wood aging dominates the fruit. The fruit is ripe and will develop. Give this wine until 2024.	Clos de l'Ecu Premier Cru	89	77	Burgundy	Beaune	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Faiveley	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Faiveley 2015 Clos de l'Ecu Premier Cru (Beaune)
Spain	Apple and melon aromas are mild, straightforward and devoid of oak. A chunky melony palate doesn't have much stuffing, while this tastes of mild peach, papaya and other tropical fruits. Overall, this is inoffensive but hollow.	3055	84	15	Catalonia	Penedès	null	Chardonnay	Jean León	null	null	null
US	Although it's a fairly direct wine, this Pinot shows the Central Coast character that makes this cool-climate region so friendly to the variety. Translucent ruby in color, dry and silky in texture, it has crisp flavors of cherries, cola, licorice and Asian spices.	null	86	20	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	MacMurray Ranch	null	null	MacMurray Ranch 2005 Pinot Noir (Central Coast)
Austria	Intensely herbal, this is classic Sauvignon Blanc. It is packed with green fruit and herb flavors, with lively acidity. It is crisp, full bodied and fruity. Drink now.	Steirische Klassik	89	null	Südsteiermark	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Manfred Tement	null	null	null
Italy	Grecanico, Fiano, Chardonnay and Viognier comprise the blend, offering pretty floral aromas that are wrapped with tones of lemon and peach.	La Segreta	87	15	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	White Blend	Planeta	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of crushed plum, asphalt, oak, toast, exotic spice and forest floor lead the nose. The palate delivers black cherry, mocha, licorice and mineral alongside bracing, tightly woven tannins that need time to unwind. Drink 2017–2031.	Sorì Tildin	92	500	Piedmont	Langhe	null	Red Blend	Gaja	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Gaja 2011 Sorì Tildin Red (Langhe)
Spain	Ripe blackberry aromas are a touch malty and jammy, with a note of buttered pastry thrown in for good measure. This emphasizes the rich ripe extracted side of Priorat, but balance is not sacrificed. Lush dark toasty black-fruit flavors come with notes of oaky spice and bitter chocolate, while the finish is toasty blackened, deep and chunky. Drink through 2023.	Idus	94	50	Catalonia	Priorat	null	Red Blend	Vall Llach	null	null	null
US	A classic Concannon Petite with plum and meat that's nicely integrated, smooth going down and resplendent in aromatics, topped off with a cherry finish. Captain Joe was the founder of Concannon's son, a member of the first American calvary.	Captain Joe's	87	30	California	Livermore Valley	Central Coast	Petite Sirah	Concannon	null	null	null
US	High-toned and sharp, this Cabernet features sleek berry and cassis fruit. On the palate it feels both slightly hot and acidic; it needs decanting. If you like some spice and plenty of new oak, this is a good choice.	null	87	30	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Apex	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Apex 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Yakima Valley)
Italy	Sàgana shows its best qualities in the 2008 vintage. It opens with a dark, inky appearance and thick aromas of red cherry, chocolate, espresso bean and dark spice. It's a bold and concentrated wine, with savory endnotes of soy and Teriyaki sauce.	Sàgana	91	35	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Nero d'Avola	Cusumano	null	null	null
Italy	This is a friendly and inviting expression of Bardolino with pure fruit integrity and layers of wild berries and raspberries. It also shows a nice, smooth consistency on the palate with a touch of spice and more berry freshness on the close. Pair with lasagna or other baked pasta.	Val dei Molini	86	null	Veneto	Bardolino Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Cantina di Custoza	null	null	null
Italy	This hearty Rosso opens with spicy aromas of candied fruit, clove, dark spice and cured meat. The wine has a warm, earthy note that is characteristic of Tuscany's Sangiovese. The mouthfeel is tart, bright and fresh on the finish.	null	87	22	Tuscany	Rosso di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Fattoi	null	null	Fattoi 2010 Rosso di Montalcino
US	The vintage was a very good one for Calera, offering the heat needed for ripeness but the cool nights for acidity. Mills is a ripe, delicious wine with blackberry, cherry, cola, mint and spice flavors resting on a complex, multi-layered palate that finishes firm and dry. Supple now, it should drink well for ten years.	Mills Vineyard	92	43	California	Mt. Harlan	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Calera	null	null	null
Austria	“M” stands for Monumental, and at 15% this is definitely a powered wine. The Pichlers wait to get the ripest healthy grapes, and the result is a big, opulent wine, with pineapple and mango flavors. Some acidity remains in all this rococo extravaganza.	M Smaragd	90	82	Wachau	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	F X Pichler	Roger Voss	@vossroger	F X Pichler 2006 M Smaragd Grüner Veltliner (Wachau)

Chile

An oily and thick style of SB. It captures Leyda's coastal climate almost too much, resulting in green, lightly vegetal aromas and flavors. There's some pickle and bell pepper, and it seems underdeveloped throughout.

null

84

16

Leyda Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Arboleda

null

Italy

A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, this robust wine shows the heat of the vintage. It opens with aromas that recall scorched earth, espresso, French oak, dark spice and a balsamic note while the warm palate offers dried black cherry, raisin, licorice and menthol framed in bracing tannins. The finish is dominated by evident alcohol that throws it somewhat off-balance.

Don Tommaso Gran Selezione

87

45

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Red Blend

Principe Corsini

null

US

Opens with sweet cherry and raspberry fruit but turns noticeably crisp in the mouth while some nice gamy notes appear on the silky finish. An ideal pairing for roast suckling pig.

null

83

24

Virginia

null

Cabernet Franc

Rappahannock Cellars

null

Rappahannock Cellars 2006 Cabernet Franc (Virginia)

Italy

Ripasso offers the easy crispness of a Valpolicella and the austerity of an Amarone. This expression of the wine is focused on mature fruit flavors and chewy succulence. Pair it with stewed meat or spicy fried chicken. Imported by Victoire Imports.

null

87

23

Veneto

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso

null

Red Blend

Monte del Frá

null

Spain

Woodsy at first, then more foresty and stretched. The nose is peppery and light on fruit, while the palate shows tight cherry and raspberry flavors alongside edgy, invigorating tannins and acidity. A lively wine with bite and modest offsetting sweetness to the overriding snap.

Reserva

85

18

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Valserrano

null

US

Turning old, tired and funky, with dried leaf flavors and a tart, rasping finish. This Chard is just too old.

null

81

10

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Buehler

null

US

Rich and elegant aromas of black cherry, blueberry, vanilla, lilacs and Concord grape show on the nose of this wine. The palate is complex, with pencil lead, black pepper, elderberry, milk chocolate and bloody meat flavors, bound by a strong tannic structure.

Bates Ranch Vineyard

89

42

California

Santa Cruz Mountains

Central Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Byington

null

Italy

There are impressive aromas here of stone and passion fruits, dried herbs and thick, nutty overtones at the back. The acidity is refreshing and cool but the wine also boasts solid, firm structure. Try this sparkler with smoked salmon canapés.

Gran Cuvée Satèn

92

null

Lombardy

Franciacorta

null

Chardonnay

Bellavista

null

Italy

This blend of Friulano, Malvasia Istriana and Pinot Bianco has ripe pear, fragrant yellow flower, herb and graphite aromas. The elegant, medium-bodied palate doles out yellow apple, candied lemon drop and bitter almond hints, with fresh acidity.

Fosarin

90

21

Northeastern Italy

Collio

null

White Blend

Ronco dei Tassi

null

US

Good price for a clean, zesty Sauvignon Blanc. Shows sweet and sour candy flavors of pineapples, lemons and limes, with a touch of vanilla.

null

86

14

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

Lake Sonoma

null

US

A worthy followup to the 2008, showing crisp acidity and rich flavors of citrus fruits, New Zealand-style gooseberries, and vanilla spice, with a honey sweet finish. Drink now with Vietnamese food or sushi.

Denmark Street Vineyard Tribute

88

20

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Fumé Blanc

Atmosphere

null

US

This Bordeaux-style blend offers reserved aromas of cedar, dried herbs and cranberries, vanilla and woodspice. The dark-fruit and spice flavors are retrained and elegant, possessing a sense of balance.

Damn Straight

89

36

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Plumb Cellars

null

France

Made only from grand cru vineyards, this latest release from Taittinger is in a crisp and dry style, profiting from ripe fruit, lifted with citrus and kiwi fruit flavors, a pure line of acidity and a hint of soft toast.

Prélude Grands Crus Brut

91

75

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Taittinger

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Taittinger NV Prélude Grands Crus Brut (Champagne)

Italy

Aromas of Mediterranean herb, balsam, eucalyptus and dark berry lead the nose. The firm, elegant palate delivers juicy black cherry, dried blackberry, black pepper, clove, thyme, orange peel and anisette alongside youthfully austere but fine-grained tannins. Let this wine develop. Drink 2017–2022.

Bruciagna Gran Selezione

92

40

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Castello La Leccia

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Castello La Leccia 2010 Bruciagna Gran Selezione (Chianti Classico)

US

The addition of 15% Petite Sirah takes this bottling to a compelling place, showing barely ripe blackberries, animal fat, smoke, black pepper and a wild clove element on the nose. It's rich and layered on the palate, where chalky tannins support black cherry, grilled beef and mint flavors. This has the bones to last awhile.

null

91

28

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Cabernet Franc

Dracaena

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Dracaena 2013 Cabernet Franc (Paso Robles)

France

Gentle notes of rose and grapefruit peel on the nose also have a touch of honey. The palate is full of juicy rounded peach aromas—very fruity, very easy. A light dollop of sweetness makes for an off-dry but very balanced and fruity finish. Drink while aromas are at their peak.

null

89

19

Alsace

null

Gewürztraminer

Wolfberger

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Wolfberger 2016 Gewurztraminer (Alsace)

Spain

Sophisticated aromas of blackberry, dried cherry, shoe polish and crushed leaves set up a grabby palate with ripe, bullish tannins. This wine offers black-fruit flavors along with spice, chocolate and herbal notes. On the finish, ripe berry and chocolaty oak flavors are generous. Drink through 2019.

Parada de Atauta

91

25

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tinto Fino

Dominio de Atauta

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Dominio de Atauta 2012 Parada de Atauta (Ribera del Duero)

Italy

Made of 60% Malvasia, 30% Trebbiano and 10% Sangiovese, this opens with apricot and orange jam aromas. The warm, structured palate delivers toasted almond, chestnut honey and dried fig flavors. Drink through 2025.

null

90

37

Tuscany

Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina

null

White Blend

I Veroni

null

Italy

This savory red boasts star anise, blue flower, new leather, red berry and eucalyptus aromas. On the palate, expect Marasca cherry, cranberry, cinnamon and clove flavors set against firm tannins and racy acidity.

null

90

55

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Salvano

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Salvano 2014 Barbaresco

US

Tight and precise, with sharply defined edges, this needs hours of breathing time. Dense black fruit, pretty herbal grace notes, supple, slightly grainy tannins. Built for the long term.

Clos de Betz

94

48

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Betz Family

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Betz Family 2008 Clos de Betz Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

Australia

This is a jammy, fruit-forward rendition of sparkling Shiraz, with plenty of blueberry and blackberry flavors and a touch of sugar on the finish. Imported by Pernod Ricard, USA.

Bin 555

85

17

Australia Other

South Eastern Australia

null

Shiraz

Wyndham Estate

null

Spain

Start packing your cellar with 2010 Ribera gems like this wine, which is offering graphite and minerally plum and berry aromas in front of a full-bodied, hard-driving palate. Ripe, extracted blackberry and lightly herbal flavors finish with tons of residual weight and tannins. This is loud, burly and delicious; drink from 2016–2030.

Alconte Crianza

93

30

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Montecastro

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Montecastro 2010 Alconte Crianza (Ribera del Duero)

Italy

Sansonina offers this unique Merlot with warm and complex characteristics of the territory that shaped it. The Verona winegrowing area is influenced by Lake Garda and the Dolomites; Consequently, this wine shows pristine aromas of cherry, spice and leather backed by a soft, silky texture.

null

91

40

Veneto

Rosso del Veronese

null

Merlot

Sansonina

null

France

Firm and dark wine, its solid tannins very much to the fore. There is also a strong toasty wood element that needs time to blend in what will be ripe, sweet fruits, freshened with pungent acidity. For aging.

Gravières Premier Cru

90

40

Burgundy

Santenay

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Jessiaume

null

Spain

Chunky aromas are lacking in fruit. The palate feels pithy and citric, while pyrazines and bland citrus drive the flavor profile on this Verdejo-Viura blend that's past its prime.

Fuente Milano

82

11

Central Spain

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

null

Verdejo-Viura

Pedro Escudero

null

Germany

This spätlese from the huge Moselland cooperative does a decent job at balancing hints of softly ripe peaches with taut grapefruity elements, all reinforced by a rather sinewy palate feel. Drink now.

Spätlese

85

18

Mosel

null

Riesling

Moselland

null

France

This is a yeasty wine, with the fruit less evident. It has acidity and a touch of apple, although a bitter edge cuts into the rounded texture.

null

81

null

Burgundy

Bourgogne

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Luquet

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Luquet 2010 Bourgogne

Austria

Still closed, this will take a little time to come out of its shell. But it's worth the wait: there's pepper, zestiness and a streamlined, structured body. One word comes to mind: sleekness.

Klaus Federspiel

90

30

Wachau

null

Grüner Veltliner

Jäger

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Jäger 2013 Klaus Federspiel Grüner Veltliner (Wachau)

Chile

This wine's bouquet is peppery, meaty, spicy and altogether honest. The palate feels frisky and juicy, not heavy or flat, then tastes of char, black coffee, cola and spiced, herb-tinged berry. The finish is long, toasty and snappy.

Sibaris Reserva Especial

88

16

Colchagua Valley

null

Carmenère

Undurraga

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Undurraga 2010 Sibaris Reserva Especial Carmenère (Colchagua Valley)

US

A first-class Zin that shows classic mountain character, at a very nice price. Dry and rich in tannins, it's explosive in briary, brambly wild berries, currants, dark chocolate and pepper, with a touch of raisins. Just delicious.

null

90

16

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Easton

null

Easton 2007 Zinfandel (Amador County)

US

A streak of confectionary nougat and lemony acidity combine for a smooth, well-integrated wine, full bodied in style, that's lip-smacking in apple-cider juiciness on the finish.

null

92

25

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Conn Creek

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Conn Creek 2014 Chardonnay (Carneros)

France

The oak aging, implicit in the name of the wine, is present in its smooth character. This bottling is in the elegant style typical of Famaey wines and also has weight and firm, concentrated black fruit with acidity and a dry core. Drink from 2019.

Fût de Chêne

91

20

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Château Famaey

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Famaey 2011 Fût de Chêne Malbec (Cahors)

Chile

Spicy, peppery, herbal aromas are meaty, a bit leafy and blackened. Prickly, lively acidity creates tension and tightness on the palate, while blackened plum and berry flavors end dry, dark and toasty.

null

87

11

Maipo Valley

null

Syrah

Cousiño-Macul

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Cousiño-Macul 2014 Syrah (Maipo Valley)

US

There are some Chard elements in this rustic, countrified wine. The apple and peach flavors, with oaky vanilla overtones, are familiar. But itÕs a rough wine, with some odd, vegetal qualities. Satisfactory, if youÕre not very fussy.

null

83

9

California

California Other

Chardonnay

Woodbridge

null

Woodbridge 2000 Chardonnay (California)

France

A smooth and velvet-textured wine, where the tannins are a cushion for the ripe plum juice fruit. Herbs and wood spice contribute to this rich and full-bodied wine.

null

90

null

Bordeaux

Montagne-Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Fonguillon

null

US

This wine is a blend of Grenache (53%), Syrah (22%), Mourvèdre (17%), Counoise (5%) and Cinsault. Smoke, char and black pepper aromas are predominant along with notes of tire rubber, white pepper and red fruit. The red-fruit flavors are lighter in style, showing a pretty sense of styling.

Byzance

89

38

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Rhône-style Red Blend

Brian Carter Cellars

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Brian Carter Cellars 2013 Byzance Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

This is a firm wine—one with generous tannins and fruit. It has spice and touches of pepper as well as fine acidity and bold red fruits. The combination has produced a wine that will be ripe and ready to drink from 2019. The property has a history dating back to the 14th century.

null

90

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Supérieur

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Maison Noble Saint Martin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Maison Noble Saint Martin 2015 Bordeaux Supérieur

France

Initially, this is a richly ripe wine with tropical fruit flavors. It also has an immense sense of structure that supports the fruit impressively. It's dense, concentrated, exuding power and solidity, while always keeping a sense of elegance. Drink from 2018.

null

96

315

Burgundy

Chevalier-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Bouchard Père & Fils

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Bouchard Père & Fils 2011 Chevalier-Montrachet

US

Crisp and on the sweet side, this PG has flavors of honey, lemons, limes, green apples, figs and peppery spices. Nice as a cocktail sipper. Try with Chinese food for something different.

null

85

14

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Gris

Balletto

null

France

Accents of cola spice and cardamom lend a spicy overlay to the black plum and berry core of this wine. It's surprisingly light in weight, with soft tannins and plush, sweet oak-spice tones that dominate the finish.

Hills Reserve

84

15

Languedoc-Roussillon

Pays d'Oc

null

Malbec

Fortant

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Fortant 2015 Hills Reserve Malbec (Pays d'Oc)

France

Oxidative, with unusual aromas but a more typical profile in the mouth, with rose, lanolin and lychee flavor. Off-dry but balanced. Drink up.

Réserve

82

22

Alsace

null

Gewürztraminer

Jean-Baptiste Adam

null

US

This is a curious but successful blend of basically equal parts Zinfandel, Malbec and Tannat. Rich aromas of blackberry and blueberry meet with pine, cigar box and wet rocks on the nose. The berry fruit that shows first on the sip is elevated by a woody backbone and lifted with crushed clove.

Gemini Reserve

91

48

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Red Blend

Midnight

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Midnight 2013 Gemini Reserve Red (Paso Robles)

Spain

Oily and pungent, as if the cat were not let out of the house. But airing reveals a wide spectrum of green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. There's passion fruit, green pastures and some citrus in this varietally typical Rueda SB.

Montesol

85

19

Northern Spain

Rueda

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Vinos Sanz

null

Italy

Made from 100% Chardonnay, this has unusual medicinal aromas that recall Band Aids. The palate shows the same medicinal sensations, along with restrained citrus notes and hints of oak.

Satèn

84

25

Lombardy

Franciacorta

null

Chardonnay

Lo Sparviere

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Lo Sparviere NV Satèn Chardonnay (Franciacorta)

Austria

Rich notes of yeast on the nose promise a rounded wine, while on the palate they become even more pronounced and deliver a big hit of lasting umami flavors. Here and there white pepper pokes through with its freshness supported by leavening citrus notes. This is powerful stuff: Handle with care and pair with food that is both subtle and robust—just like the wine.

Bürsting

93

27

Niederösterreich

null

Grüner Veltliner

Ebner-Ebenauer

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Ebner-Ebenauer 2015 Bürsting Grüner Veltliner (Niederösterreich)

US

From a blending of two barrels—one new and one neutral—this is a snappy, sappy, tangy wine with ripe, forward red and purple fruits. These notes are framed with pretty barrel toast, and the tannins are firm, ripe and balanced. Drink now with pleasure or tuck it away until 2020.

Antiquum Vineyard

91

48

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Trathen Hall

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Trathen Hall 2012 Antiquum Vineyard Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

Italy

Dark-skinned berry, baking spice and floral aromas float from the glass while the taut palate delivers crushed raspberry, licorice and chopped herb. Firm refined tannins provide the backbone. Drink 2020–2027.

null

92

43

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Paolo Scavino

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Paolo Scavino 2012 Barolo

US

A simple white, this has slightly sweet apricot and orange flavors that are brightened by crisp acidity.

Woodstock Collection Honey Pie

83

24

California

Napa Valley

Napa

White Blend

Cielo Malibu Estate Vineyards

null

Austria

This is a firm blend that brings out more the black currant flavor and tannic structure of the Cabernet, more so than the spice of Blaufränkisch. The wine has an austere edge, with a mineral character and a taut aftertaste. Screwcap.

null

89

15

Burgenland

null

Austrian Red Blend

Gunter Triebaumer

null

Portugal

Violets and aromatic herbs give character to the wine, while the palate is dry, with good tannins to go with the cherry and plum fruits. There is a good balance, the spice and chocolate richness adding interest.

Junior Tinto

86

25

Port

null

Port

Niepoort

null

US

Simple and a bit watery, this Virginia Vidal blanc nonetheless offers up some pleasant notes of lemon, peach and almond over a base note of caramel. Drink soon.

null

82

10

Virginia

null

Vidal Blanc

Chateau Morrisette

null

France

This fresh, juicy wine is full of red fruits and has light tannins. A dry core supports the perfumed red-berry flavors. With acidity, the wine is likely to develop quickly. Drink from 2019.

Les Echezots

88

null

Burgundy

Marsannay

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Jean Fournier

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Jean Fournier 2014 Les Echezots (Marsannay)

US

This big, bold red in a leopard-spotted bottle is made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, and it's powerfully concentrated with tobacco aromas, boulder-sized tannins and cherry-like fruitiness. Ancillary sparks of cedar and sage contribute intrigue.

Leopard

91

125

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

JCB

Virginie Boone

@vboone

JCB 2014 Leopard Red (Napa Valley)

US

From a 10-year-old Wahluke Slope vineyard comes this impressive Sangio. The blend includes 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted along with a Sangiovese selling for almost four times the price, it stood up quite well. The wine is a beautiful plummy color, fragrant and fruity, lovely in the mouth, tasting of fresh plums and strawberries. There is good concentration and a tangy snap to the finish.

null

88

15

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sangiovese

RiverAerie

null

US

Quite light in color, this wine starts out reduced initially, followed by aromas of red fruit and herb. The tangy cranberry flavors are light and elegant, with the oak seemingly dialed back.

Abracadabra

87

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Brian Carter Cellars

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Brian Carter Cellars 2014 Abracadabra Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

Portugal

Big, bold and ripe, it has concentrated fruit flavors that give black plum juice and acidity, while the tannins still show strength and power. The blend of Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Aragonez is coming together richly and with density. It needs to age, so don't drink before 2016.

Portas da Herdade Reserva

90

17

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Companhia das Quintas

null

France

Pommard suits the Bouchard Aîné style. The tannins and the power, forced by the dry core, are a house signature. That said, the ripeness of 2005 also plays a part in this opulent wine. The dryness comes through more obviously, but that suggests some aging ability.

Les Charmots Premier Cru

90

66

Burgundy

Pommard

null

Pinot Noir

Bouchard Aîné & Fils

null

US

This is a Cab-based Bordeaux blend, and it shows Paso's ability to produce a ripe, gentle red wine that's immediately appealing. There's a nice earthiness to the cassis flavors, and a rich, tannic structure that makes you dream of a perfectly broiled steak or chop, brushed with brown butter sauce with a touch of garlic.

Nikiara

87

30

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Sylvester

null

Sylvester 2005 Nikiara Red (Paso Robles)

France

This dark-colored rosé comes from a single vineyard in the village of Dizy. It is certainly dry as its Extra Brut description indicates, but it offers so much ripe red fruitiness that it is also rich and concentrated. There is bright acidity at the end. Drink now.

Dizy Terres Rouges Extra Brut Rosé

90

200

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Jacquesson et Fils

null

Italy

Meaty, thick and grainy in texture, Quercegobbe (“crooked oaks”) is a brawny, well-extracted Merlot that tastes more like a California Syrah. It's an immediate and generous wine with thick layers of plump prune and plum, barbecue sauce, black peppercorn, molasses, maple syrup and spice.

Quercegobbe

89

70

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Merlot

Petra

null

US

A ripe, almost sweet aroma and flavors recalling blackberry syrup and raisins make this wine rich and tempting. Firm tannins and full body clamp down on the finish.

High Elevation Collection

88

20

California

Lake County

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Shannon Ridge

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Shannon Ridge 2014 High Elevation Collection Cabernet Sauvignon (Lake County)

France

Hard and unyielding for Viognier, with lemon and mineral elements that seem a bit out of character for the variety. Nevertheless, it's a crisp refreshing white for the summer.

Le Viognier

85

30

France Other

Vin de Pays des Portes de Méditerranée

null

Viognier

Domaine Juliette Avril

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Domaine Juliette Avril 2007 Le Viognier Viognier (Vin de Pays des Portes de Méditerranée)

US

This bright and fruity Beaujolais-style wine is as light and refreshing as a young wine can possibly be. It delivers a smile-inducing burst of strawberry and cherry fruit—round, ripe and juicy. You absolutely want to drink this sometime in 2016 while all that youthful energy remains.

Whole Cluster

90

22

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2015 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

US

Soft and sweet in cherry cola and spice flavors, this displays Pinot's lovely silkiness. It's a nice wine, yet lacks that extra complexity and nuance you want in the variety. Drink now.

Estate Grown

86

28

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Riverbench

null

France

The blend of Cabernet Franc and Tannat allows this wine to be released young and for the tannins to be accessible. It's young and fresh, Nouveau in its style, going for bright berry fruits and lively acidity.

Magenta

86

11

Southwest France

Madiran

null

Tannat-Cabernet

Château Peyros

null

US

Give this tough, young Cabernet a good long decant before serving. At first, it's dominated by sharp acidity and mouth-numbing tannins. But after some airing, it offers black currant flavors. This is likely not an ager.

null

86

50

California

Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara

Central Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Vogelzang

null

US

Strong mint and menthol aromatics give way to intense fresh-cut cedar flavors. There's just too much wood for this woodchuck to chuck.

Hargrave Vineyard

82

18

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Merlot

Castello di Borghese

null

US

More of that mountain intensity, with very ripe fruit buttressed with spicy, mineral elements. Brambly, briary, and spicy, leading into a fleshy, round, ripe, soft middle and a long, fruity finish. Good right now.

null

90

25

California

Mendocino Ridge

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Zinfandel

Edmeades

null

France

From the ripe 2015 vintage, this is a smooth opulent wine. With its citrus and pear fruits, rich acidity and tangy aftertaste, this concentrated wine is balanced and ready to drink.

Les Belles Côtes

89

46

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Roger et Didier Raimbault

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Roger et Didier Raimbault 2015 Les Belles Côtes (Sancerre)

France

The Domaine Houchart is everything a Provence rosé should be: effusively fresh, vibrantly fruity and dry, dry, dry. With a crisp, mouthwatering palate, it would make a great companion for flavorful fish dishes. Pick this one up to enjoy a bit of the South of France with dinner tonight.

null

88

12

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Domaine Houchart

null

Spain

An organic wine with brushy aromas of tobacco, bramble and berry. Fairly true and full in the mouth, with a note of raisin to the black cherry and plum flavors. Gets better with time but always seems a bit grassy.

Crianza Organic

85

17

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Mutuo

null

US

As this wine ages, a touch of vegetal unripeness slowly emerges. It's not too strong, but it does detract from the cherry and cola flavors. The mouthfeel is just beautiful, soft, silky and dry. Drink up.

Hillside Cuvée

86

50

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Halleck

null

Austria

Fresh, juicy and fruity with a light tannic structure, this is pure blackberry juice, with just some of that cranberry tannin and dryness, finished with licorice. Ready to drink.

St. Laurent Classic

87

22

Thermenregion

null

St. Laurent

Fischer

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Fischer 2005 St. Laurent Classic St. Laurent (Thermenregion)

US

Another fine Chardonnay from this producer. It's typical of the vineyard, showing intensely concentrated tropical and citrus fruit and green apple flavors, enhanced with mouthwatering acidity. Vertical tastings of this bottling show its ability to slowly evolve in the bottle over as much as eight years.

Sleepy Hollow Vineyard

90

42

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Talbott

null

Australia

Toasty and nutty, this shows less obvious, more understated fruit than the regular bottling, but more richness and texture. Despite the oak upfront, the finish shines with crisp, citrusy fruit. Drink now–2010, maybe longer.

Reserve

90

24

Victoria

Yarra Valley

null

Chardonnay

Green Point

null

US

Hard to beat the delicious flavors in this mountain Merlot. It explodes in the mouth with blackberry jam, cherry liqueur, melted milk chocolate, licorice and sweet oak flavors. Pretty good in the modern style, with a minor quibble that there's some sharpness throughout.

null

87

22

California

Calaveras County

Sierra Foothills

Merlot

Albeno Munari

null

US

Fruity, smooth and showing plenty of acid.

null

84

20

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Two Mountain

null

US

This blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Syrah is rustic and sturdy. It shows oaky flavors of blackberries, tobacco, mocha and spice, and finishes a bit soft and sweet. Good with a rich, slow food dish like braised short ribs.

Scout's Honor

86

38

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Red Blend

Venge

null

US

Here's a nice Sauvignon Blanc for drinking now. It shows how well this variety grows in the warmer parts of the county, with citrus, apricot, peach and spice flavors. Crisp acidity provides zesty balance to this deliciously drinkable young wine.

null

88

19

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Straight Line

null

Italy

This finessed and delicious blend of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio delivers creamy strawberry, Morello cherry, white pepper and clove sensations, with hints of Mediterranean herbs. The silky palate is balanced by bright acidity.

Rossodiverzella

90

25

Sicily & Sardinia

Etna

null

Red Blend

Benanti

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Benanti 2012 Rossodiverzella (Etna)

US

Subtle aromatics of earthy rose petal surround this silky, light wine, steeped in acidity and a damp-forested quality. Spicy throughout in cinnamon, cardamom and grated nutmeg, the wine picks up a girth of thickness on the finish, a knot of tannin that gives it a swath of complexity and cellaring possibilities, through 2018.

Whistler Vineyard

92

52

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Failla

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Failla 2013 Whistler Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

US

If you like your Rieslings on the sweet side, this pretty wine is for you. It's brisk in Central Coast acidity, with citrus, peach, honeysuckle and spice flavors that finish clean and long.

null

87

10

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Riesling

Loredona

null

France

Round, ripe and lemony, it's more like a very good California sparkler than fine Champagne. Tasty, fruity and approachable, but missing the refinement and the texture that elevates the very top Champagnes.

Brut

88

50

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

null

US

A light salmon color, aromas like sliced peaches and watermelon, flavors like canteloupe and a smooth texture combine for a substantive rosé that's not just a light thirst quencher. It is more rich and less tart than many others.

Sun Tusque Dry

86

22

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Rosé

Sanglier Cellars

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Sanglier Cellars 2014 Sun Tusque Dry Rosé (Sonoma County)

France

A big, ripe and juicy wine packed with black fruit notes and laced with acidity. The tannins offer a contrast to the fruitiness, bringing balance and structure. This is an impressive wine, the smoky aftertaste bringing out the wood aging.

null

91

25

Bordeaux

Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Manon la Lagune

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Manon la Lagune 2010 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

US

Intensely concentrated, this wine offers minerally petrol and hazelnut, particularly on the nose. A salinity marks it on the medium-bodied palate, giving it an intriguing edge before finishing in a squeeze of lemon.

Hoot Owl Creek Vineyard

87

30

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Hawley

null

France

Perfumed spice aromas give this wine its toasty character. The wood aging dominates the fruit. The fruit is ripe and will develop. Give this wine until 2024.

Clos de l'Ecu Premier Cru

89

77

Burgundy

Beaune

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Faiveley

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Faiveley 2015 Clos de l'Ecu Premier Cru (Beaune)

Spain

Apple and melon aromas are mild, straightforward and devoid of oak. A chunky melony palate doesn't have much stuffing, while this tastes of mild peach, papaya and other tropical fruits. Overall, this is inoffensive but hollow.

3055

84

15

Catalonia

Penedès

null

Chardonnay

Jean León

null

US

Although it's a fairly direct wine, this Pinot shows the Central Coast character that makes this cool-climate region so friendly to the variety. Translucent ruby in color, dry and silky in texture, it has crisp flavors of cherries, cola, licorice and Asian spices.

null

86

20

California

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

MacMurray Ranch

null

MacMurray Ranch 2005 Pinot Noir (Central Coast)

Austria

Intensely herbal, this is classic Sauvignon Blanc. It is packed with green fruit and herb flavors, with lively acidity. It is crisp, full bodied and fruity. Drink now.

Steirische Klassik

89

null

Südsteiermark

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Manfred Tement

null

Italy

Grecanico, Fiano, Chardonnay and Viognier comprise the blend, offering pretty floral aromas that are wrapped with tones of lemon and peach.

La Segreta

87

15

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

White Blend

Planeta

null

Italy

Aromas of crushed plum, asphalt, oak, toast, exotic spice and forest floor lead the nose. The palate delivers black cherry, mocha, licorice and mineral alongside bracing, tightly woven tannins that need time to unwind. Drink 2017–2031.

Sorì Tildin

92

500

Piedmont

Langhe

null

Red Blend

Gaja

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Gaja 2011 Sorì Tildin Red (Langhe)

Spain

Ripe blackberry aromas are a touch malty and jammy, with a note of buttered pastry thrown in for good measure. This emphasizes the rich ripe extracted side of Priorat, but balance is not sacrificed. Lush dark toasty black-fruit flavors come with notes of oaky spice and bitter chocolate, while the finish is toasty blackened, deep and chunky. Drink through 2023.

Idus

94

50

Catalonia

Priorat

null

Red Blend

Vall Llach

null

US

A classic Concannon Petite with plum and meat that's nicely integrated, smooth going down and resplendent in aromatics, topped off with a cherry finish. Captain Joe was the founder of Concannon's son, a member of the first American calvary.

Captain Joe's

87

30

California

Livermore Valley

Central Coast

Petite Sirah

Concannon

null

US

High-toned and sharp, this Cabernet features sleek berry and cassis fruit. On the palate it feels both slightly hot and acidic; it needs decanting. If you like some spice and plenty of new oak, this is a good choice.

null

87

30

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Apex

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Apex 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Yakima Valley)

Italy

Sàgana shows its best qualities in the 2008 vintage. It opens with a dark, inky appearance and thick aromas of red cherry, chocolate, espresso bean and dark spice. It's a bold and concentrated wine, with savory endnotes of soy and Teriyaki sauce.

Sàgana

91

35

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Nero d'Avola

Cusumano

null

Italy

This is a friendly and inviting expression of Bardolino with pure fruit integrity and layers of wild berries and raspberries. It also shows a nice, smooth consistency on the palate with a touch of spice and more berry freshness on the close. Pair with lasagna or other baked pasta.

Val dei Molini

86

null

Veneto

Bardolino Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Cantina di Custoza

null

Italy

This hearty Rosso opens with spicy aromas of candied fruit, clove, dark spice and cured meat. The wine has a warm, earthy note that is characteristic of Tuscany's Sangiovese. The mouthfeel is tart, bright and fresh on the finish.

null

87

22

Tuscany

Rosso di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Fattoi

null

Fattoi 2010 Rosso di Montalcino

US

The vintage was a very good one for Calera, offering the heat needed for ripeness but the cool nights for acidity. Mills is a ripe, delicious wine with blackberry, cherry, cola, mint and spice flavors resting on a complex, multi-layered palate that finishes firm and dry. Supple now, it should drink well for ten years.

Mills Vineyard

92

43

California

Mt. Harlan

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Calera

null

Austria

“M” stands for Monumental, and at 15% this is definitely a powered wine. The Pichlers wait to get the ripest healthy grapes, and the result is a big, opulent wine, with pineapple and mango flavors. Some acidity remains in all this rococo extravaganza.

M Smaragd

90

82

Wachau

null

Grüner Veltliner

F X Pichler

Roger Voss

@vossroger

F X Pichler 2006 M Smaragd Grüner Veltliner (Wachau)