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26
68,815
US
With a tropical nose of guava and fleshy texture on the palate, this wine is unfussy and straightforward in approach and style.
86
40
California
Chardonnay
33,243
US
Slightly sour orange-cranberry aromas meet with a touch of sagebrush on this wine from an increasingly popular vineyard at the eastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills. The even-keeled, very drinkable flavors surround tongue-tantalizing spice, light red fruit and a little caramel on the finish.
92
50
California
Pinot Noir
31,803
US
Shows distinct cool-climate acidity framing streamlined flavors of pineapples, lemons and limes, minerals and spices. It's an elegantly structured, clean wine that will satisfy Chardonnay lovers.
86
25
California
Chardonnay
126,162
US
The nose of this Pinot Noir rosé is enticing with hints of ripe raspberry and violet. Subtle yet elegant on the palate, it's brisk and tonic with delicate berry flavors accented by a refreshing mineral tone that lingers on the finish.
88
18
New York
Rosé
46,843
US
Made with 19% Merlot, this Cabernet's tannins are quite hard and firm, giving it a tight astringency. Even so, the underlying fruit is so powerful, it breaks through in a mouthburst of blackberries, black cherries, black raspberries and an oaky, smoky richness that's almost chocolaty. A very fine, intense and ageworthy wine that should develop bottle complexity over the next decade or more.
92
75
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
90,399
Italy
Here's a crisp, no-frills sparkler that offers yellow apple and pear flavors. It's invigorating, with brisk acidity and vivacious bubbles.
86
17
Veneto
Glera
14,144
US
This wine begins with a clean and cool nose featuring green banana and other subdued tropical notes as well as salty seaspray. Once sipped, the tropical side emerges more, with papaya and guava, as well as overripe peach. Altogether, the alcohol feels a bit high.
87
18
California
Chardonnay
84,561
France
This delicious, ripe and juicy wine is full of rich yellow fruits and refreshing balancing acidity. It has a crisp, mineral side to it, with a tangy lemon zest flavor. It's an attractive wine that's just ready to drink now.
89
39
Burgundy
Chardonnay
45,778
US
Not close to ripe at 12% alcohol, this thin, woody wine has no trace of varietal character.
82
24
Oregon
Tempranillo
85,919
France
This warm, ripe wine has spice notes, layers of wood and vivid blackberry fruit. Still young, it will be ready to drink from 2019.
88
18
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
80,519
US
Mellow, smooth and lightly spicy, this wine is well balanced and polished. It shows lots of berry flavors plus a bit of cedar and cinnamon while cleansing the palate with good fruit acidity and light tannins.
89
19
California
Barbera
64,389
Spain
Hailing from the very hot 2003 vintage, this wine is baked and full, with mature yet rich aromas. It feels thorough and weighty, with sweet berry flavors that are at their peak along with a chocolate note. This is warm, full and under control on the finish. Drink now.
89
45
Northern Spain
Tempranillo
109,538
US
So rich, ripe and succulent, you can hardly keep from drinking it now. But don't. This is one for the cellar. The alcohol is a refreshingly balanced. The wine is already throwing some sediment, and more than four years of bottle age are mellowing the wine's edges, with the primary blackberry and cherry flavors developing secondary characteristics. Should begin to peak around 2016 and drink well for another decade.
94
75
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
4,676
US
Farmed by the vineyard manager who owns Small Vines, another small Pinot Noir producer, this is a complex, well-crafted wine, high in acidity and high-toned red fruit, like cranberry, pomegranate and cherry, with a wisp of orange peel on their heels. Light-bodied, it finishes with black tea and mushrooms fighting for attention.
91
50
California
Pinot Noir
2,676
US
Leaner and tighter than this bottling has been the previous few vintages, this wine is showing hard tannins obscure in plum, black cherry pie and mocha flavors. Yet it's a balanced wine, which should develop bottle complexity after 2016.
90
45
California
Pinot Noir
26,880
US
Dilute and slightly bitter, this does not reflect the warm near-perfect 2014 vintage. Thin generic red fruit comes and goes quickly, with earthy, stemmy tannins left to finish.
82
25
Oregon
Pinot Noir
3,362
US
This is a rich, peppery and generously tannic and full-bodied expression of the grape, both powerful and brimming in grace. Soft and mellow on the midpalate, it builds up ripeness and texture toward the finish, ending with a satisfying bite of graham cracker and chocolate.
92
260
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
124,093
France
Light and dilute, this is a pleasant wine, soft with hints of pineapple and a fresh aftertaste. Screw cap.
83
12
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style White Blend
20,580
US
This wine has a light color and appealing notes of candied strawberries, herbs, brown stems and forest floor. It's light and airy—surprising given the general power of the vintage—with delicate, mouthwatering fruit flavors.
86
16
Oregon
Pinot Noir
91,927
US
North Carolina-based Biltmore turns to Dry Creek for Cabernet, with good results. The wine is dry, full-bodied and tannic, with briary, brambly flavors of sweet, wild blackberries, cherries, chamomile tea, cola and anise. It's a sophisticated wine to drink now, at a fair price.
89
25
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
105,203
US
Unfortunately this wine just hangs on the cusp of quality. The nose is somewhat muddy and grassy. Plummy fruit with tangy acids carry the unrefined palate. Cola nut is noticeable on the dry finish. The effort seems to be there, but the result is not stellar.
82
18
Oregon
Pinot Noir
16,930
US
There's something rustic about this Cab. Partly it's the tannins, which are fierce. Partly it's the alcohol, which sticks out and gives the wine a burn. Yet it's extraordinarily ripe and opulent in black currants, with the liqueur headiness of crème de cassis. The hot alcohol suggests it will not age.
86
125
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
63,992
France
This dry rosé is perfumed with red-currant fruits. On the palate, the theme of crisp red fruits continues, with acidity, a touch of pepper and smokiness from the Cabernet Franc in the blend. Drink the wine, with its tight acidity at the end, now.
85
13
Loire Valley
Rosé
104,080
France
Grapefruit and quince make for an exciting opening amidst some yeasty notes. On the palate, aromatic quince and plum notes reflect the generosity of the vintage while remaining dry and light-bodied. There is an ease here, of drinking and thinking, of sipping and being refreshed. This goes down far too easily on deceptively light feet. The finish is of refreshing lemon zest.
92
26
Alsace
Riesling
40,475
US
This wine explores the variety's savory side, with aromas of fresh herbs, green pepper and dried tobacco followed by flowers and cherry. It brings suppleness and richness of flavor but also exceptionally well-balanced acidity with length to match, with cedar notes on the finish.
91
25
Washington
Cabernet Franc
95,393
US
Soft and approachable, this Petite Sirah has easy tannins and rich blackberry, funky meat, cola and cedar flavors. Ready now.
86
30
California
Petite Sirah
85,768
Italy
Loaded with finesse, this bright creamy wine hits all the right buttons. It opens with lovely scents of acacia flower and white stone fruit while the polished silky palate delivers yellow apple, ripe pear and lemon zest alongside fresh acidity. An elegant mousse lends suppleness.
90
17
Veneto
Glera
110,809
US
This wine from the top of the Santa Cruz Mountains has a distinctively intriguing nose, with sweet chive, yellow onion, lemon shaved ice, wet cement and pink grapefruit blossom aromas. Iodine and a quinine character greets the palate, with slight hints of balanced almond, lime pith and citrus-blossom flavors.
90
30
California
Chardonnay
30,120
France
Named after the ruined abbey which the vineyard surrounds, this is a smooth, generous and beautifully opulent wine. The vines, owned by the Leflaive family, give a bold, spicy wine, rich in white stone fruits, intense acidity and a firm mineral texture. There is just enough toasty flavor to give the wine extra complexity. Drink this impressive wine from 2021.
95
113
Burgundy
Chardonnay
66,156
US
Crisp nectarine and apricot aromas meet hints of butter and lime in this clean and easy appellation blend from seven vineyards and four counties. The flavors are also familiar and pleasant, with key lime and lemon peel and a building acidity that carries those flavors deep into the finish.
88
20
California
Chardonnay
9,396
France
Always aged for a year before it is released, this iconic wine is impressive. It is superrich without losing freshness. Light wood toast, red fruits and balanced acidity meld together in a ripe, spicy whole. The wine could even age for another few months, so drink it this summer or keep until the end of 2016.
93
100
Provence
Rosé
72,881
US
This extroverted dry wine has big rose-petal and honeysuckle aromas. Powerful floral and grapefruit flavors flood the palate and linger long on the finish. It's full bodied and very concentrated, with a mouthfilling viscosity that leaves a lasting impression.
91
30
California
Gewürztraminer
112,004
US
Among the numerous 2009 single-vineyard bottlings from Erath, the Battle Creek seems especially youthful. At first a bit disjointed, it breathes itself into focus, with excellent component flavors—black cherry, cola, and clean earth.
88
50
Oregon
Pinot Noir
70,804
US
Complex and compelling in dark plum and dusty dark chocolate, this Cabernet has under 3% Petit Verdot and under 3% Cabernet Franc blended in, providing the wine with elegance and concentration. Soft on the palate, it suggests vanilla oak with subtlety, bringing all the components together on the lingering finish.
93
65
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
123,834
France
With grapes from long contracted growers, this wine represents the structure as well as the ripe fruit of the appellation. It imparts a smoky character from wood aging as well as a tense layer of tannins that give it a dry edge. Drink from 2021.
91
67
Burgundy
Pinot Noir
102,997
US
This bubbly delivers plenty of pleasure for the price. It's crisp in acidity, with sour lees, vanilla, honey, lemon and lime flavors. The bubbles are a little tart.
85
10
California
Sparkling Blend
9,766
Argentina
A studly Malbec sourced from the Altamira section of the Uco Valley, then aged 18 months in new French oak. Much of this wine is fermented in plastic bins (not tanks), and the affiliated intensity grabs your attention. The blackberry flavors are potent and backed by heavy chocolate and toast. Lots of mouthfeel and power, with tannic grab. This wine can age several more years.
92
110
Mendoza Province
Malbec
122,948
France
This is a rich, finely structured wine. It is highly perfumed, packed with black fruits and has a dark, firm texture. At the same time, the acidity is intense and the structure tight, suggesting a wine to age. Beautifully endowed with great fruit, it will take time to develop. Drink from 2026.
97
130
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
119,374
Italy
This has aromas suggesting leafy underbrush, menthol and dark spice. The robust one-dimensional palate offers dried fig, raisin, clove and a green note of powdered sage. Raspy tannins and the heat of evident alcohol dominate the astringent finish.
86
55
Veneto
Red Blend
67,315
Italy
Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes team up to produce this firmly structured but accessible red. The palate delivers ripe black cherry, red currants and tobacco lightly accented with oak-driven spice. It's balanced with firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2016.
89
20
Tuscany
Red Blend
105,162
US
Savory aromas of roasting meat and beef jerky are enhanced by pretty touches of lilacs, violet and chocolate syrup on the nose of this bottling. The slightest kiss of strawberry shows on the sip, followed by riper blackberry, purple flowers, rosemary and pepper. The firm tannic structure ensures ageability.
92
48
California
Syrah
100,907
US
With vibrant acidity and a keen taste of mineral—like a lick of cold steel—this Sauvignon Blanc is also rich in citrus and tropical fruit flavors. A touch of oak and lees aging imparts a creamy, smoky yeastiness. More importantly, it has a seemingly sweet finish, so pair accordingly with appropriate fare.
87
29
California
Sauvignon Blanc
57,849
US
Plummy aromas, peachy flavors and a bright mouthfeel lend a lot of appeal to this medium-bodied wine. It tastes smooth and rounded in texture, ripe and somewhat rich but not overdone.
86
12
California
Pinot Noir
94,537
US
This bottling, sourced from the popular Tondre's Grapefield, is imbued with the scents and tastes of passionfruit. Fleeting spearmint and picked pear characters also arise on the nose, while apple tart flavors emerge midpalate. But passionfruit rules the day, and that's not a bad thing at all.
91
27
California
Chardonnay
35,944
France
This ripe, full wine has layers of green fruits over the acidity and mineral texture. It is structured and shows plenty of tight texture. But the fruitiness dominates, giving a refreshing edge and a crisp aftertaste.
91
24
Loire Valley
Sauvignon Blanc
42,417
Italy
Aromas of spiced plum, coffee, toast and vanilla lead the nose on this blend of Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate delivers dried black cherry, roasted coffee bean, black pepper and licorice alongside brooding, tongue-drying tannins. Drink 2016–2021.
88
24
Tuscany
Red Blend
81,586
US
This is a Merlot-based, Bordeaux-style blend, with a leafy, herbal aspect that reflects the cooler vintage. It plays out broadly across the palate, with scents of violets and vanilla, and flavors of wild berry and light herb.
89
48
Washington
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
68,034
Italy
Exotic spice, raspberry jam, menthol and leather aromas lead the way. On the solid palate, a licorice note adds interest to black cherry extract. Robust tannins provide the framework while a hint of raisin marks the close.
88
30
Piedmont
Nebbiolo
128,212
France
A large (for Saint-Émilion) estate of 93 acres has produced a dark wine that is layered with tight, dry tannins. The fruit is still buried under this tough exterior, although there are strong hints of the juicy black currant future. Drink from 2018.
87
45
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
18,105
US
This is the first time a Cabernet Franc has been made at Spring Valley since 2003. It's rich and earthy, tannic and concentrated, with plum and black cherry dusted with light mocha. Smooth and supple in the mouth, it glides into a tasty finish with toasted almonds.
91
50
Washington
Cabernet Franc
108,502
US
Aromatic with soda pop scents of Dr. Pepper, cola and root beer, this is nonetheless a reasonably substantial wine, not a simple fruit bomb. It's lively and full of interesting flavors that suggest herb, root and spice; the wood remains a background flavor.
88
43
Oregon
Pinot Noir
107,963
Spain
A very good value-priced Rioja with rubber and hickory on the bouquet along with light touches of cassis and red plum. Feels smart, fresh and lively, with a good blend of tomato, herb and red berry flavors. Finishes spicy and crisp, with an herbal, peppery accent.
88
12
Northern Spain
Tempranillo
11,871
France
Now perfectly ready to drink, this wine from vines close to Pouilly-Fuissé is ripe with yellow fruit, juicy acidity and a smooth texture. It has plenty of minerality to keep it bright and lively. Drink now.
90
19
Burgundy
Chardonnay
50,238
Portugal
Concentrated tannins and rich black plum and currant flavors distinguish this serious, dense wine. It has structure and dry tannins resulting from both the old vine fruit and the barrel aging. This is a wine that deserves some good aging. Drink from 2020.
93
45
Douro
Portuguese Red
10,018
France
With vineyards in the southern vineyards of the Aube, Vincent Couche makes a rich style of Champagne. This 2002 vintage, now maturing well, is ripe—almost opulent—in character. Its peach and apricot flavors shine at the fore, extended on the palate with a brisk, nervy texture.
91
54
Champagne
Champagne Blend
48,440
US
Tart cherry meets with woody charred-cedar spice, dried earth and crushed rocks on the nose of this appellation blend. The lightly bodied sip offers flavors that are quite light, with evenly dispersed cherry and gravel.
88
45
California
Pinot Noir
124,067
Argentina
Inky oaky aromas of graphite and black fruits introduce a palate that's supremely saturated. Flavors of roasted plum and blackberry are savory and meaty, while this feels lush on the finish but also strapping and sinewy. Dos Mundos purports to represent both Portugal and Argentina, but this is all Argentina in character. Drink through 2023.
92
39
Mendoza Province
Red Blend
24,846
US
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc (42%), Merlot (41%) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of flowers, herb, pencil lead and red fruit lead to light, flavorful, reserved and lengthy fruit flavors. The tannins are tightly wound and need some time to uncoil. Best after 2022.
90
35
Washington
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
122,735
US
Half Wadenswil and half Pommard, from a 1989 planting, this single-vineyard selection is taut and juicy, a mix of citrus and raspberry, remaining sharply focused even after 48 hours of breathing time. The bright fruit, proportion and precision are impressive, though it needs a bit more bottle age to open up completely.
91
65
Oregon
Pinot Noir
114,168
Italy
You'll love this traditional expression of Barbaresco and its excellent balancing act between the elegance of its natural fruit aromas and the spicy oak-related tones that embellish it. There's a touch of raw fruit or citrus zest as well and the wine closes in a silky, smooth fashion.
90
52
Piedmont
Nebbiolo
49,738
US
Tasted in a group of wines considerably more expensive, including from Napa Valley, this Cab stood out for its purity, balance and restraint. Really impresses for its structure, so nicely tannic and firm, and the way the currant, blackberry and cherry fruit flavors marry seamlessly with smoky oak. Represents a real step forward in Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon.
92
30
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
63,974
Italy
This light simple sparkler offers aromas and flavors of apple, pear and candied citrus zest. Bright acidity refreshes the finish.
85
17
Veneto
Glera
50,398
Spain
Coarse on the nose, this has scratchy aromas of unripe red fruit, green herb and grass. It feels forward but choppy, with zesty acidity pushing its familiar flavors of red fruit and herb. A bit stalky and leathery on the finish, it ends with a vanilla streak.
86
17
Northern Spain
Tempranillo
109,826
US
Light in the glass, this bottling is quite funky on the nose with reductive red cherry and tar notes. Flavors are sour, full of tart cherry and composting earth tones.
82
41
California
Sangiovese
58,781
US
This dry red blend is as sophisticated, structured and balanced as many high-end Cabernets. Made from old-vine Zin, with Syrah, Cabernet and Petite Sirah as well, it has a deep, exotic aroma of dark fruit plus cedar and cardamom. The flavor is richly fruity, the mouthfeel is firmly textured and the finish lingers nicely. It's medium bodied and full-flavored.
91
11
California
Red Blend
101,295
Spain
Aromas of canned peas and beans indicate this was probably fresher smelling nine months ago. Zesty and solid on the palate, this tastes oily, pyrazinic and briny, with stone fruit notes.
83
9
Northern Spain
Sauvignon Blanc
7,339
US
From a high-elevation vineyard on the eastern edge of Lake County, this Cabernet offers sensuously juicy, brambly fruit and a dusty backbone. Rich and chewy, it conveys intense cranberry, black cherry and woodsy cedar.
88
40
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
33,115
US
Soft and sweet, with jammy berry and currant flavors, and the glyceriney sugar of high alcohol. Will appeal to fans of this style, but it's really too sweet for a dry table wine.
84
26
California
Zinfandel
897
US
Dusty and tight, with a whiff of coffee and cocoa introducing an elegant wine with interesting streaks of metal and graphite. Young fruit and fine tannins are in perfect balance, and the wine has a lovely delicacy.
90
39
Washington
Syrah
66,813
France
A slightly funky lift precedes a very crunchy light palate. There is freshness and frank up-front red-cherry fruit along with ample juiciness. This picnic-style wine will benefit from being served chilled.
87
34
Alsace
Pinot Noir
126,736
Italy
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this has a polished, elegant side, and it offers bold fruit tones that are followed by barbecue sauce and stone accents. It feels zesty and perky on the finish thanks to the boldness of the fruit.
90
28
Tuscany
Red Blend
67,881
France
With some structure to go with the blackberry fruit, this is fruity and still light-bodied. With soft tannins and acidity, it is ready to drink.
85
12
Bordeaux
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
2,505
US
A tight nose of boysenberry and pepper shows on this wine from a boutique, artistically labeled SoCal wine project by Ian Sergy and Zach Jarosz. The palate is light and texturally intriguing, with flavors of squeezed berries and crushed oregano, showing bright energy on the sip.
88
40
California
Syrah
37,815
US
Fresh, clean and rather soft in balance, this shows easy-to-like aromas of pear and apple, slightly sweet flavors of honey and pear juice, and an almost syrupy, soft mouthfeel. It's agreeable and sweet.
84
12
California
Chardonnay
20,529
US
Aromas of wood smoke and grilled meat set up bold smoky, peppery flavors in this complex, spicy and full-bodied wine. The savory beefy aspects are a pleasure to taste and there is a good foundation of mild tannins and solid cherry flavors.
90
25
California
Zinfandel
22,567
US
This clean, thick, full-bodied expression of the grape balances into elegance as it goes. A splash of 9% Sémillon adds to its charm, the flavors a lush combination of pear and vanilla.
89
20
California
Sauvignon Blanc
115,126
US
Very light in the glass, this bottling from a very cool-climate vineyard shows a clean line of honeysuckle, crisp Asian pear and tart lime blossoms on the nose. There is great tension to the tight and tart lime-laced sip, with some nectarine ripeness in the midpalate, lots of chalky texture and a sizzle of acidity. Racy as can be, it's great now, but will last for years. Drink now through 2030.
92
35
California
Chardonnay
45,620
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.
87
30
California
Chardonnay
59,945
Argentina
Ripe aromas of dark berries blended with licorice and hard spices are attractive. In the mouth, this is round and blocky, with a friendly disposition. Flavors of blackberry, baked plum and black currant finish with licorice, chocolate, oak, mint and pepper notes. Overall, this is a fine Malbec to drink through 2016.
90
23
Mendoza Province
Malbec
79,050
US
Made in the popular style, with flavors of buttered popcorn, toast, honey, pineapple and vanilla. Tastes rather sweet, but brisk acidity helps maintain balance.
87
21
California
Chardonnay
38,497
US
Blackberry jam, cherry blossom and a touch of baking spice show on the nose of this wine from a Westside Paso property. Nicely tight and bright on the palate, it is structured with fine-grained tannins.It offers blueberries, clove spice and a rocky character throughout the sip, especially into the finish.
89
49
California
Zinfandel
19,008
US
This wine is an oak bomb, from the wood smoke and charcoal aromas to the heavily roasted toasted flavors and woody tannins that make for a drying finish.
84
15
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
120,563
France
With wood aging and the rich flavors from lees stirring, this is a ripe wine, gently oxidative as well as full of yellow fruits. It is a broad wine, typical of the vintage, although happily with a crisper citrus aftertaste. Drink now.
88
35
Burgundy
Chardonnay
38,824
Italy
This Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany offers up aromas of bell peppers, cedar wood and black currants. On the palate, this shows black cherry, raspberry and black pepper notes mingled with espresso. It finishes on a bitter note of unroasted coffee bean.
88
45
Tuscany
Cabernet Sauvignon
40,171
US
Tight, sharp, and toasty, this thick and compact wine shows plenty of cherry fruit wrapped in chocolaty oak. It hints at toast and cracker, but never quite breaks through into the complexity that is promised by the first whiff or two.
89
25
Washington
Merlot
53,111
US
A smoky, charred oak aroma leads the nose of this full-bodied, high-octane and appropriately tannic wine, and vivid, peppery notes jazz up its solid fruit flavors.
88
55
California
Zinfandel
51,998
US
Floral, exciting and chocolaty, this is a dense, rich, well-crafted beauty. Yummy is one of the best ways to describe it. It has full but friendly tannins, all the length you could ask for, and in the final analysis it leaves an impression of heft and significance.
92
64
California
Cabernet Sauvignon
47,233
US
Aromas of mineral, burnt toast, talc and spice are lighter in style. Flavors show elegance and delicacy, with citrus notes lingering on the finish.
89
28
Washington
Chardonnay
96,129
Argentina
Buttercup and tropical fruit aromas are related to the 80% Torrontés in this blend (Viognier and Chardonnay are 10% each). This is plump but also high in acidity. Salty flavors of tropical fruits and pink grapefruit are retained on the finish.
87
15
Mendoza Province
White Blend
90,508
Argentina
Argento has found its calling with this wine, by far the best to date from this label. It's deep and pure, with raisin, blackberry, spice and vanilla on the nose. Super solid and lush, with layered flavors of jammy berry, coffee and chocolate. Holds all its form on the finish; excellent vino for the dollar.
90
16
Mendoza Province
Malbec
121,867
US
This is tart and also overripe, with a sharp, raisin taste that leads to a bitter finish. A blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.
81
26
California
Red Blend
35,350
France
A pale gold color leads into a wine that is mature and rich. The fruits have mellowed into almond and spice, with attractive acidity, while the ripe texture remains. The balance is just right in a wine that is generous and full in the mouth. Drink now.
92
93
Champagne
Pinot Noir
123,542
US
A cat-pee, grassy Sauvignon Blanc that's a little long in the tooth.
80
13
California
Sauvignon Blanc
88,451
US
There are so many unexpected joys in this 100% varietal wine, given the chance to shine in light-bodied wisps of tangerine, lemon and lime. Despite its delicate nature, it doesn't skimp on satisfaction nor complexity, delivering waves of flavor sip after sip.
93
19
California
Syrah
114,730
US
Though this bottling still needs a year or so of patience to truly shine, it's a great example of cool-climate low-alcohol Syrah. Dark in the glass, it shows tar and lavender, but the core is like a black and blue pepper-crusted steak, with charred beef, raw beef and strong spice converging. The palate is all about raw meat, fresh-ground black peppercorn and squeaky tannins.
93
60
California
Syrah
99,927
US
Lots of ripe blackberry, black cherry and cocoa flavors in this Merlot-based Bordeaux blend. But the tannins are a bit sharp and green, giving the wine a bite that won't age out.
84
28
California
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
25,737
US
Simple and sweet, showing cherry pie filling and cola flavors. The mouthfeel is soft, lacking vitality. An okay Pinot, but nothing special.
84
20
California
Pinot Noir
53,794
Italy
Underbrush, tilled earth, leather, ripe berry and a whiff of baking spice aromas meld together on this fragrant wine. The savory, refined palate offers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and a tobacco note framed in firm, polished tannins. Drink through 2020.
91
28
Tuscany
Sangiovese
100,024
Germany
Loosen's 2009 spätlese from the Wehlener Sonnenuhr is a lush, medium-bodied wine loaded with honey and peaches. It's superripe and succulent, with a long, fruity finish. Try it with Szechuan dishes, which will buffer the sweetness of the wine while the wine tames some of the heat.
90
30
Mosel
Riesling
97,130
Spain
This salmon-colored wine is powdery on the nose, with aromatic hints of apple skins and raspberry. The palate feels lean, pinched and rubbery, while flavors of pithy citrus fruits finish chalky, with some tang.
82
13
Northern Spain
Rosé