index
int64
1
130k
country
stringclasses
8 values
description
stringlengths
34
829
points
int64
80
100
price
float64
4
3.3k
province
stringclasses
21 values
variety
stringlengths
4
26
73,058
US
At the bottom end of our range, this stalwart is tightly wound and fairly driven. Plum and cassis on the palate offer just the slightest nuance of cured Italian meat. Coffee is dominant on the long, linear finish. Now it's pretty dark and unevolved. Patience will be rewarded.
90
29
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
4,050
Argentina
Aromas of oak, mint and cola accent earthy black-fruit scents in front of a palate that's tannic and raw but firm and structured. Berry and salty, oaky flavors finish with grabby, drying tannins and peppery spice.
88
20
Mendoza Province
Malbec
33,645
US
Slightly sour Meyer-lemon-pith aromas meet with honeysuckle and yellow pear on the nose of this bottling by veteran Bob Lindquist. There is a strong sizzle of acidity on the sip, where green-apple flavors meet with tart nectarine and lime-peel zip. It's very fresh and food-friendly.
89
20
California
Chardonnay
8,801
Italy
This wine opens with aromas of leafy underbrush, meat juices and stewed prunes. The palate initially reveals rich black plum combined with extremely sweet sensations of cherry syrup. But the fruit doesn't stand up to the assertive and astringent tannins that generate a hollow midpalate and an abrupt, bitter finish.
87
60
Tuscany
Sangiovese
2,353
US
There's lots of rich Chardonnay character in this affordable wine. It's rich with vanilla, buttered toast, honey, orange and pineapple-jam flavors, with brisk acidity providing balance. Great price for a Chard this good.
88
13
California
Chardonnay
29,692
US
Cranberry, blueberry, vanilla and milk chocolate aromas are at the fore. It's silky in feel with a reserved styling.
88
30
Washington
Syrah
59,901
US
Quite young and firm, this is packed with bright purple and black fruits, balanced against stiff but smooth tannins. Black olive and blueberry come through, with a light suggestion of caramel.
92
65
Washington
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
81,099
France
There is no doubting the pink color of this off-dry rosé. It is crisp with attractive acidity as well as bright line of sweet strawberries. Light, with a fresh aftertaste, the wine is ready to drink.
84
15
Loire Valley
Rosé
21,716
France
A sumptuous wine, rich in bright red fruits, with a structure and depth of flavor to match. The wine is gorgeously ripe, opening its heart quickly. Acidity, bitter chocolate and dark cherries go with the tannic core to promise long aging.
96
510
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
34,571
Spain
A delicious wine and very much the model for value in Spanish Garnacha. That this has 25% Tempranillo only seems to make it better; the nose is sweet but full and plummy. The palate is pure, flavorful and sweet, with baked cherry, earthiness and a hint of chocolate. A wine to buy in quantity, i.e. by the case.
89
8
Northern Spain
Red Blend
115,394
US
A tart austere red wine blended with 13% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec, there's a tangy element of currant and pomegranate that provides freshness here if not complexity. A food friendly wine, its texture is just the right kind of leathery.
88
30
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
40,615
France
The wine is tight with tannins and a dense texture. It has plenty of fruit underneath to allow this blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot to balance out. Perfumed and with fine acidity, the wine should be ready from 2019.
89
89
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
74,421
Italy
Made in a crisp, zesty style, this vibrant white delivers tart green apple, Bartlett pear and lemon zest. Bright acidity gives it a clean finish.
87
23
Northeastern Italy
Pinot Grigio
57,972
US
Sourced from a range of vineyards across the Napa Valley, including Atlas Peak, Rutherford and Oakville, this intense wine is informed by thick-grained tannins and pronounced oak. Dark blackberry fruit and clove season it well, along with a finish steep in mocha. The blend includes a small amount of Merlot.
87
40
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
52,580
France
This fresh, crisp wine has a light salmon-pink color. It bursts with attractive red and citrus fruits to give a bright character plus tight acidity. Drink now.
86
10
Bordeaux
Rosé
33,698
France
Very mineral in character, the wine has grapefruit and orange peel characters. It's taut, linear in style, with a lively acidity that cuts through the citrus and green apple fruits.
91
92
Burgundy
Chardonnay
22,396
US
A vibrantly aromatic wine with notes of dried apricot and fresh flowers. It's full bodied, weighty in feel with the flavor concentration dissipating toward the warm finish.
87
17
Washington
Viognier
114,565
US
Aromas of fresh-baked bread greet the nose on entry into this wine, an unusual find in the appellation that's blended with small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Toast topped in plum jam accompanies a strong presence of blackberry, leather and tobacco, dusted in cinnamon. Drink now through 2023.
92
30
California
Malbec
81,645
Germany
This is an intensely minerally, dry Riesling that showcases an array of crushed stone and earth elements against a backdrop of heather floral and yellow stonefruit flavors. It's richly textured and finishes long with a feathery touch on the palate.
92
47
Mosel
Riesling
38,213
US
Rich red cherries, raspberries, red currants, concentrated rose petals and hibiscus are cut with an edge of eucalyptus oil, chipped slate and purple sage on this stellar bottling from this producer's 25th vintage. Dark fruits of blueberry, blackberry and black cherry emerge across a deeply layered palate, which is boosted by violet and lavender florality.
94
90
California
Pinot Noir
56,502
US
Sugary flavors of orange and apricot jam mark this simple wine. It's oaky and creamy, with good acidity.
83
29
California
Chardonnay
4,353
US
A steal for its price, this wine is refreshingly quaffable, with a sublimely textured palate of preserved lemon and nectarine. It's both lush and surprisingly complex.
90
15
California
Sauvignon Blanc
63,069
Italy
Made with organically farmed grapes, this opens with pretty aromas of crushed rose, violet, perfumed berry, leather, truffle and a balsamic note. The warm palate doles out fleshy wild cherry, stewed plum, cake spice, anisette and savory herb alongside velvety tannins. It closes on a licorice note and the heat of evident alcohol. Drink 2018–2025.
91
90
Tuscany
Sangiovese
32,660
US
Vivid and snappy, this was fermented in stainless steel, with a small percentage aged in neutral barrels to soften the mouthfeel. It's spicy and fresh, with a mix of fruit flavors including grapefruit and pineapple. A touch of vanilla enlivens the aromas.
87
15
Washington
Pinot Gris
14,704
US
Aromas of dark plum, blue fruit and spice lead to full fruit flavors that show intensity, with vanilla flavors on the finish. The tannins show a slight grittiness that softens over time.
89
13
Washington
Syrah
115,078
US
Reddish-orange in color, this nonvintage reserve sparkler combines 76% Pinot Noir and 24% Chardonnay expertly into exuberant flavors of raspberry and grenadine. Ripe, it's full of life and decadent, finishing in balance.
91
35
California
Sparkling Blend
92,129
US
This light but vibrant and dry wine smells like fresh peaches, tastes like white raspberries and wakes up the mouth with crisp acidity. A floral character comes out with the second sip, and the mouthfeel seems to broaden and smooth on the finish.
90
20
California
Rosé
38,192
US
Voluptuously tropical in shaved coconut and silky layers of peach and pear, this is a complex, age-worthy white from a stellar vineyard site, a knockout version of the variety. Smooth and round, it maintains a core of acidity that buoys the experience, finishing with a flourish. Drink now through 2022.
94
70
California
Chardonnay
76,184
Spain
The aromas here suggest something artificial, either candle wax or air freshener combined with red fruits. The palate has a narrow feel with ample acidity and a light body for Ribera del Duero. Flavors run in the direction of stewed plum, while the finish feels rough and tastes a bit raisiny.
84
27
Northern Spain
Tempranillo
106,582
France
Confusingly, the wine has no connection with Château Magnol, also owned by Barton & Guestier. It's a soft Médoc wine, light and gentle in character, the tannins soft, merging with the red berry fruits.
85
12
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
86,970
France
A full, rounded wine, very much a rosé for food. It is bone dry in character, although the berry fruitiness gives the wine an attractive open feel. With its firm texture, it could age a year.
90
14
Provence
Rosé
119,710
Italy
Fresh and savory, this delivers crushed strawberry, red cherry, graphite and cinnamon flavors alongside brisk acidity and supple tannins. Bright and delicate, it offers easy-drinking enjoyment now through 2016.
88
25
Piedmont
Nebbiolo
33,279
US
Rich cherry blossoms and dried strawberry-cherry paste aromas make for a very fruit-forward bottling. The palate is grippy with tannins that long hold attention, with dark red fruit and cinnamon flavors.
87
18
California
Zinfandel
3,174
US
Toasty, caramelized oak dominates the aroma and flavor of this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. It tastes soft and a little short of power.
86
42
California
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
109,138
Italy
From Sardinia, this is a delightful rosé made with native grapes. It offers strawberry, crushed cherry and myrtle berry aromas that carry over to the palate along with a slightly sweet finish.
86
16
Sicily & Sardinia
Red Blend
113,815
US
Big, ripe and rich with gusto, this Zin, from century vines that probably contain other field varieties, shows a myriad of wild cherry, boysenberry, mulberry, licorice, black pepper and smoky oak flavors. Very refined and enjoyable for its depth and complexity.
90
36
California
Zinfandel
12,667
US
Thin and tart, with aggressively astringent tannins. There is a noticeable scent and flavor of rubber as well.
83
24
Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon
38,108
US
Always a fine value, Barnard Griffin's Merlot is a brightly fruit wine with tart red and purple berry flavors. Tannins are still a bit stiff, but proportionate and ripe enough, with hints of café mocha in the finish.
89
17
Washington
Merlot
100,680
France
The wine comes from the Grand Cru village of Chouilly in the Chardonnay vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. It is crisp, mineral textured and still developing. Bright acidity and lemon-zest flavors give this wine its lively and also full-bodied character. Drink from 2018.
92
54
Champagne
Chardonnay
104,436
US
The aromas are quite wound up at present, with notes of vanilla, Moroccan spice, woodspice, pencil lead and brooding dark fruit. The palate is full of concentrated black cherry and blackberry flavors along with well-integrated tannins. It shows some pleasing subtleties, so give it time to open up.
91
80
Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon
101,738
US
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this wine offers aromas of dried herbs, milk chocolate and raspberries. It's silky in feel with polished tannins and a spice-filled finish.
88
30
Washington
Red Blend
38,501
France
Very young, this firm, structured wine has dense tannins and a dry core. All of this will open up to bring in the red fruits waiting behind this formidable facade. It needs to age, so drink from 2019.
89
79
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
54,884
US
Rhubarb, cranberry and strawberry mix on the nose in this richly inviting wine that is textured and not overwhelming in weight. Featuring electric acidity, the wine finishes boldly in blackberry and licorice.
90
42
California
Pinot Noir
56,068
US
Blended from several of Happy Canyon's best vineyards, this Sauvignon Blanc expresses the appellation's essence. It's rich and fruity in citrus and tropical fruits, with a honeyed richness and brisk acidity.
88
21
California
Sauvignon Blanc
26,886
US
The leathery aromas and flavors all but obliterate the fruit, and turn the tannins chewy and bitter. There's a bare hint of cassis—that's about it.
81
38
Oregon
Cabernet Sauvignon
121,564
Italy
This full-bodied wine is loaded with sensations of fragrant white flowers, ripe tropical fruit, juicy yellow peach and tart green apple. The creamy palate is brightened by fresh acidity and energizing mineral notes. It's well balanced, with more depth than most other Pinot Grigios.
90
18
Northeastern Italy
Pinot Grigio
107,769
US
Overripe and syrupy, Gen7's 2008 Road to Zanzibar—part Zinfandel, part Cabernet Franc and part Carignane—is big and soft, with the fruit in decline.
81
34
California
Red Blend
66,896
Germany
Penetrating strikes of honey, peach and chamomile charge through this light-footed yet powerful Kabinett. It's blossomy and perfumed from start to finish, lifted by a dazzling spray of lemon-lime acidity and lacy filigreed sweetness. A lovely wine to drink now, but will hold nicely, if not improve, until 2020.
92
27
Mosel
Riesling
102,558
US
A little floral/grapey scent comes up from the glass, then the wine descends into darker, grippier, more tannic levels with boysenberries and smoke. There's lots of acid—maybe too much—and it gives a sense of something missing as the wine heads into the finish. Green, earthy, chewy tannins leave a slightly harsh impression.
86
25
Washington
Syrah
106,008
US
Very peppery and briary, with a slightly green, minty edge to the riper wild berries and tobacco. A good, gutsy Zinfandel of character and a sense of place.
87
25
California
Zinfandel
96,508
US
A hearty, bombastically high-in-alcohol wine, this offers a combination of grape, plum and leather flavors around a syrupy sweetness of chocolate.
84
24
California
Zinfandel
23,386
US
A gorgeous wine, dense with flavor. Smooth and plummy, it's loaded with thick streaks of licorice, chocolate, baking spices and coffee liqueur. Long and flowing, it just seduces from the first sip to the last swallow.
92
20
Washington
Syrah
126,605
Italy
Aromas of toast, coconut, thyme, vanilla and sugared plum cake lead the nose. The round, accessible palate offers black-cherry-marinated in spirits, licorice and a confectionary note framed in mature tannins. Ripe and evolving quickly, this is best suited for near- to mid-term enjoyment.
88
44
Tuscany
Sangiovese
26,668
US
A beautiful Pinot Noir, although it's a bit brusque in acidity. Still, it's enormously rich and dry, with long-lasting flavors of raspberry tart and cherry-cinnamon granola. Give it a brief decant, and drink with rich, umami-inspired fare, like teriaki salmon or cured meats.
93
42
California
Pinot Noir
53,974
US
Smoky, oaky aromas and flavors make a big impact as this medium-bodied wine floods the mouth with ripe fruit, black pepper and grilled meat flavors. But it keeps its composure, not pouring on too much alcohol or tannin.
90
14
California
Red Blend
73,853
US
Sweet aromas of jasmine jump from the glass in this vineyard-designate, followed by palpable acidity that makes the wine fresh and refreshingly dry. A finish of grapefruit pith provides for a citrus-tinged end.
87
35
California
Sauvignon Blanc
116,598
US
Damp forest floor give this wine a strong character of earthiness and wintery, savory notes, surrounded by intense black cherry, oak and firm, sizable tannins. Enjoyable now, the wine also shows promise for the future, able to relax through 2020.
90
49
California
Pinot Noir
13,489
Italy
Dark-skinned berry, new leather, aromatic herb and a whiff of cake spice lead the nose. Delicious and approachable, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and clove alongside supple tannins and vibrant acidity.
93
28
Sicily & Sardinia
Red Blend
24,429
France
A small part of Château Peyrabon (Haut-Médoc) is in the Pauillac appellation and is vinified and bottled separately. The wine delivers great fruit and equal richness. It is spice, packed with black plum and berry flavors. It is a powerful dense wine to age for several years. Drink from 2023.
92
29
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
104,413
Italy
Green apple and ripe pear aromas follow over to the silky off-dry palate along with creamy white peach and a hint of candied nectarine peel. Fresh acidity enlivens the rich flavors.
87
16
Veneto
Glera
12,893
US
Bésoleil remains Grenache-dominated, but this new vintage includes 14% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and (for the first time) 9% Cinsault. Bright and penetrating, the brilliant raspberry fruit is the star here, tart and fresh, with the juiciness of a young Zinfandel.
91
45
Washington
Rhône-style Red Blend
89,044
Italy
Menthol, new leather, blue flower and sage aromas lead this wine's nose, along with a whiff of toast. Taut and savory, it offers crunchy red berry, star anise, ground clove and a hint of tobacco on the palate. Youthfully assertive, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity lend structure.
90
60
Piedmont
Nebbiolo
61,630
Spain
Hard and crusty on first impression, with smoky, leathery, meaty aromas along with hints of wild herbs and dark berry fruit. Feels racy and ultraslick, with cherry, plum and mineral flavors. Hits all the right notes while not pushing any buttons too hard or too often; long on the finish. Drink now through 2014.
91
68
Catalonia
Red Blend
82,421
US
A dry-style Riesling with fresh apple, pear and petrol aromas, and a persistent minerality throughout. It's simple and straightforward, but there's a refreshing lemonade acidity and a hint of lime zest at the finish.
86
13
New York
Riesling
5,166
US
A good, dry Cabernet whose fruit flavors are balanced with rich tannins. Offers upfront flavors of blackberries, cherries, raspberries and cocoa. Good price, considering the elegance
87
20
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
81,024
Argentina
After tasting a number of underwhelming San Huberto Malbecs, this high-end offering changes things up. It's piercing and serious up front, with rubber and black-fruit aromas. Although it clamps down due to hard tannins, there's enough body, oak, black-fruit flavor and vanilla to carry it through to a long finish. It's by far the best wine from this label I've tried. Drink through 2017.
90
40
Mendoza Province
Malbec
99,629
France
Ripe and soft, very creamy in the mouth, a wine that has attractive clean red fruit acidity and definite youthful vitality. There is some softness on the finish from the dosage.
86
45
Champagne
Champagne Blend
114,750
Australia
A subtle smoke component adds nuance to the aromas of peach and pineapple. The flavors match up precisely, adding a touch of marshmallow to the mix. This is fairly full bodied, yet lacks a bit of depth and flesh in its midpalate and finishes warm. Drink now.
85
25
South Australia
Chardonnay
39,180
US
Beet juice, cinnamon, clove and turned earth show on the nose of this bottling from Malibu-based winemaker Jim Palmer. The palate offers dusty leather, raspberry fruit, dried herbs and a chalky texture, cut by moderate acidity.
88
65
California
Pinot Noir
83,448
US
Textured in bold cranberry and strawberry fruit, this older Pinot still offers plenty of fruit and weight, though neither will necessarily last much longer. It shows a softness, and streaks of herb and allspice, too. This wine offers a chance to travel back in time to a healthy vintage for Anderson Valley and see the intermingling of savory with sweet.
88
36
California
Pinot Noir
78,993
US
This young Chardonnay packs an overpowering array of scents and flavors, and it may get better if they mellow over time. The nose offers grapefruit, guava and vanilla, while the palate is dominated by canned pears.
85
22
California
Chardonnay
67,089
France
What a perfumed, elegant, structured wine, with all the elements of fruit, wood, tannins just in the right place. It shows great tannins, powerful black and red berry fruits, denseness, and a classic, fresh aftertaste.
94
48
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
111,384
US
Tastes sharp in acidity, dry and difficult now. The cherry candy, currant and oak flavors are rich, but the gritty mouthfeel is hard to like.
84
22
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
16,577
US
Smooth and textured, this is a supple, lightly earthy and aromatic Bordeaux-style blend. The principal components are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with smaller amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot. One gets the feeling that the winery was still finding its way during production; this was made by a winemaker no longer at Corliss. Berry, plum, fig, dried herb and cedar are all in the mix—it's more genteel than generous.
92
65
Washington
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
50,094
US
Crisp in acidity and fine in tannins, this Pinot Noir is good now with food. It's silky and dry, with nuanced flavors of wild raspberries and cherries, cola, dried herbs and oak. Has enough balance and acidity to develop bottle complexity over the next 4-6 years.
89
32
California
Pinot Noir
6,046
US
Dark in color, almost pure purple; the bouquet carries some heavy oak, with aromas of toast and vanilla. It’s also a little sauvage. Rich and chocolaty, but also quite sweet. It’s deep and woody overall—the vanilla and oak are very prominent, maybe too much so for many people.
88
39
Oregon
Pinot Noir
65,205
US
A rich, earthy Pinot bright in red and blue fruit and an herbal note in the distance, Londer's estate-grown Pinot is a marriage of site, style and vintage. Lightly textured with soft edges and complexity to spare, it should pair well with bacon and goat cheese quiche.
93
48
California
Pinot Noir
40,447
US
Heavy, soft and dense, like melted black cherry and raspberry marmalade, sprinkled with cinnamon, brown sugar and nutmeg. Rich, but lacks vitality. Drink now.
85
33
California
Pinot Noir
6,637
US
A light, lemony and crisp Chardonnay with a long, lemony finish begging for fresh seafood and spice—think fish tacos—Husch's Vine One has a hint of just-ripe pear layered in, too. Refreshing and aromatic, this is an all-around great value that'll pair well with a wide range of foods.
88
18
California
Chardonnay
44,425
US
This opens with a pleasing toasty aroma, following through on the palate. That deft touch of French oak (33% new) frames a solid core of strawberry preserves and Bing cherry fruit. It resonates on through a stylish, textural finish. Enjoy this immediately, and tuck away a few bottles to drink in five years.
90
33
Oregon
Pinot Noir
99,487
US
Hints of freshly pressed apple and pear are shaded in savory tones of dust and bramble in this full-bodied Chardonnay. Sunny lemon acidity brightens the midpalate but the finish extends on a slightly bitter note.
85
15
New York
Chardonnay
90,499
Italy
La Grola is an opulent and luscious blended wine from Verona and this particular expression offers extra aromas of cured beef, leather and earth over a generous base of black fruit and spice. It shows soft, fine tannins that would pair with smoked ham.
90
28
Veneto
Red Blend
18,298
Spain
Thick, raisiny berry aromas come with notes of licorice, mineral and black peppercorn. Feels tight and juicy, with zesty red fruit flavors, sweet black fruit flavors and shadings of schisty minerality and licorice. Smooth and sturdy on the finish.
91
27
Catalonia
Red Blend
70,980
US
Cabernet Sauvignon (88%) takes the lead on this wine, with the balance Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. Aromas of blackberry, blue fruit, flowers and barrel spice are followed by pitch-black-fruit flavors. Lightly chewy tannins provide some heft but have room to broaden.
92
75
Washington
Red Blend
96,003
Germany
While exuberantly floral and fruity on the nose, this dry, full-bodied Riesling is surprisingly lean on the palate. It's briskly structured, showing delicate flavors of tart apple and lemon, and a crisp, biting finish.
86
16
Mosel
Riesling
1,644
US
With ripe, generic fruit flavors, a soft texture and slight sweetness, this is a very easygoing, easy-drinking, light-bodied wine.
85
10
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
73,189
Portugal
The name of the wine comes from the huge horseshoe bend of the Douro River that surrounds the Meão vineyards on three sides. This is the second wine of the estate, ripe with tannins and packed with black fruits. It is developing quickly and is ready to drink now.
93
20
Douro
Portuguese Red
30,667
France
Rich, sweet and soft, with a strawberry jam character, and just the right balance of acidity.
85
30
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
104,838
US
A very good Cabernet for drinking now. It's dry and pretty tannic, with blackberry, cherry and tobacco flavors that finish spicy and seemingly sweet. It earns extra points for its chewy deliciousness.
89
30
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
11,718
US
Sourced from a 35-year-old vineyard with views of the San Francisco Bay, this wine offers aromas of toasted oak, marshmallow, green pear and wet rock. The wood is quickly wiped out by brisk acidity on the palate, but then emerges again on the creamy finish. Given the acid levels in this cool vintage, this wine will evolve through at least 2019, but it's fine now.
90
60
California
Chardonnay
61,646
Italy
Warm spice and dark fruit tones with cured meat, bresaola, licorice, black pepper, leather and tobacco define this expression. The wine is plush rich, structured and firm.
91
60
Tuscany
Sangiovese Grosso
3,461
US
This California-made Oregon Pinot captures a sense of the particular terroir of Chehalem Mountains fruit. Wild strawberries are laced with peppery spice and a streak of cola. Good penetration and texture.
88
39
Oregon
Pinot Noir
59,500
US
High in ripeness and intensity, this vineyard designate overpowers with astringency as it plows through a wall of blackberry jam and chocolate flavors.
83
38
California
Zinfandel
28,059
France
This is a wine with potential. It has weight and ripe berry fruits balanced with solid tannins and a dense texture. Behind the structure, the fruit and acidity promise good things. Drink from 2016.
90
10
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
30,725
US
An aromatic, fruit-forward wine with notes of black cherry cola and brambly berries. It's soft and sumptuous in feel, full of fruit flavors and loaded with appeal.
88
20
Oregon
Pinot Noir
17,968
US
The wine smells rich and opulent, like rose petals and bay leaves in a flood of blackberry jam, but tastes balanced and dry. It's an unusual table wine and a fun journey to take.
88
16
California
Red Blend
80,129
US
Despite officially low alcohol of just 14%, this Grenache tastes hot and prickly. The cherry and currant flavors aren't fleshy enough to prevent the acids, tannins and alcohol from dominating.
83
35
California
Grenache
20,779
US
Strong, slighlty overripe blackberry and currant flavors combine with high alcohol to give this Zin a raisined note and Port-like heat. WIth some glycerine sweetness, it's definitely a barbecue wine.
86
35
California
Zinfandel
48,220
US
Pure Cabernet, aged in the same Vicard barrels as winemaker Randy Dunn's Howell Mountain wines. About 90% is new oak, but it doesn't strangle the fruit in any way. Tart and vibrant, with black cherry/black currant fruit, this balanced effort shows a velvety character and a fine touch in the vineyard. Nuances of coffee, earth, leaf and dried herb are threaded through, in perfect harmony and balanced for medium-term aging.
93
60
Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon
106,537
US
A whiff of leather introduces this tight, interesting, southern Oregon Syrah. Black fruits, iron filings, and smooth tannins mark a wine made from grapes that were carefully selected (just three rows of vines) and given special consideration by winemaker Herb Quady.
88
50
Oregon
Syrah