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int64
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100
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float64
4
2.01k
67,738
us
this textural wine offers berry, plum, black pepper, mushroom and baking spices. the time spent resting in barrels has put a pleasing hint of toast around polished tannins.
Rocheux
89
50
53,684
us
the cargasacchis, whose santa rita hills vineyard is one of the most brilliant in the appellation, have this new one. the wine shows crisp, fog-inspired acidity, but is very ripe, with pie-filling cherry and blackberry flavors.
Cargasacchi Jalama Vineyard
88
48
46,518
us
this tiny production is marked by strong aromas of barbecue smoke and campfire, before unfurling an unfussy, soft and full-bodied burst of red fruit.
Amoenus Vineyard
86
80
128,158
italy
this late harvest dessert wine from sardinia is made with native grape nasco and a small amount of malvasia di cagliari. it has intense aromas of tangerine, honey and spice that carry over to the palate along with hazelnut. velvety smooth yet fresh, it makes a perfect after dinner drink, or pair it with aged cheeses or fruit tarts.
Angialis
90
55
114,091
spain
this feels good in a regular sense, with apple-driven acidity and leesy notes of vanilla. a standard, zesty, pithy palate offers briny, slightly bitter flavors of peach and pulpy citrus, while the finish feels citric and tastes briny.
Monasterio de Palazuelos
85
15
105,215
us
75% syrah and 25% cinsault from the oldest continually cultivated vinifera vineyard in the walla walla valley. the spicy, intensely aromatic nose mixes black cherry, concentrated cassis, coffee, bacon, leather and roasted nuts. it unfolds in layer upon layer of rich fruit, tannin, leather and smoke. dense, deep and rhône-like, it finishes with a montage of meaty, peppery, bacon-smoke flavors.
Basket Press Reserve
93
55
86,249
us
here's a reserve that really does merit its special designation. made from 90-year-old vines that likely contain varieties other than zinfandel, the wine is rich and complex. delivers all the wild, brambly zin quality you want, with tiers of blackberries, cherries, cassis, cherry liqueur, tobacco, vanilla and peppery spice flavors that go on and on in the finish. this is an exceptionally well-balanced zin that's best in its flashy youth.
Private Reserve
91
23
98,911
us
there's a strong green-peppercorn tinge to the nose of this bottling, along with hints of ancho chile and cedar. the palate shows oregano, thyme and dill, proving quite old world in style, with only the slightest presence of blackberry fruit.
Flood Family Vineyard
87
22
34,216
portugal
from the south of vinho verde, close to the douro, this is a lively and fresh wine, bright with acidity and lifted by its prickle on the tongue. it is dry, although a soft touch of baked apple gives a gentle, fruity aftertaste.
Conde Vilar Branco
86
9
8,398
germany
while low in alcohol and austere in dryness, there's a remarkable richness of texture that lends an impression of volume and density on the palate. brisk notes of lemon and tart tangerine shine brightly, but are juxtaposed by an intensely stony, mineral finish. drink now through 2020.
Jacobus Trocken
92
22
63,475
us
smoky tar and oak meet baked huckleberry in this soft, textured and lengthy wine from this great family of grape growers. moderate acidity allows for a ripe, full-bodied expression of the variety.
Sangiacomo Vineyard
90
42
29,844
us
light dried orange peel, herb and candlewax aromas lead to broad, medium-bodied fruit flavors in this white. it's enjoyable despite the muted aromatic expression.
Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc-Muscadelle
88
25
75,805
bulgaria
this muscat ottonel has lemon zest and white floral aromas. a floral touch of violet colors the palate, as well as juicy orange pith. the finish is clean and crisp.
Riverside
87
16
78,197
chile
this extracted, dark-colored cabernet sauvignon opens with olive, herb and blackberry aromas. in the mouth, it's round as a ball but not overly dense or tannic. burnt, charred flavors of plum and berry come with a saucy, savory accent, while this finishes with herbal notes and unresolved tannins. drink through 2020.
Conforme
90
35
111,095
italy
this riserva shows initial prune and tobacco aromas followed by dark cherry, blackberry and coffee flavors. the palate is lean and restrained, with smooth tannins and mineral notes. showing the forward nature of the vintage, this is already drinking well and should be enjoyed soon.
Riserva
88
32
63,990
italy
here's an informal off-dry sparkler offering suggestions of apple and pear. it's fresh and simple, with crisp acidity.
Extra Dry
85
15
35,912
portugal
the wine is rich and spicy with layers of dried raisin and prune flavors along with a light touch of acidity. its ripe fruit is tempered by the bite of spirit that gives the wine a lift as well as adding extra richness. on the dry side of ports, it is made to be drunk now.
Late Bottled Vintage
91
28
38,084
germany
there's subdued elegance to this dry, lushly textured riesling. the nose is delicately aromatic with whiffs of stonefruit and smoke that build on the palate. intensely minerally and bright with lime acidity, it finishes long with a rich, slightly viscous mouthfeel.
Liebfrauenstift-Kirchenstück Trocken
89
63
114,614
france
marrenon's luxury cuvée aged in oak is 90% grenache and 10% syrah and is full-bodied without being tough or overly muscular. cherry preserves are wrapped in a coat of coffee- and chocolate-tinged oak. drink now and over the next couple of years.
Orca
87
19
19,951
us
this is one of lynmar's most expensive chardonnays, of their six 2011s. it's also one of the most forward and oakiest. your first impression is of sweet buttered toast, sprinkled with brown sugar and drizzled with melted butterscotch. then the tropical fruits kick in, brightened with citrusy acids. it's an impressive feat, but the wine feels overworked, and lacks the sustaining interest of lynmar's other bottlings.
Monastery
88
70
114,762
spain
gritty, tarry aromas are front and center on a hard bouquet. this crianza feels brutally tannic. gritty flavors of burnt berry and road tar reflect the nose, while this tastes like blackened creosote on a rough finish.
Crianza
85
20
110,604
france
the heavy bottle signals this is statement rosé. it's certainly rich, full in the mouth with spice, acidity and tangerine flavors mingling well together. the wine is deliciously textured and could do with some more aging. drink from the end of 2015.
Ikon
90
35
85,760
france
ripe rounded aspects of ripe pear and yellow apple play on the nose. the palate has an earthy touch and frothy lively fizz that boosts the fruit notes of the nose. the body is light and dry with a mouth-watering, refreshing finish that echoes long with lovely apple notes.
Blanc de Noirs
90
17
24,619
us
true to past vintages, this is a peppery syrah from a cooler site, putting the accent on very tart and tight fruit flavors of wild berries and aromatic herbs. it's well balanced and the tannins are reasonably ripe, with good grip.
Lonesome Spring Ranch
87
28
75,400
us
slightly unripe, with an herbaceousness that interferes with the blackberries and currants, making the oak stick out uncomfortably. sharp, too. but it's good and richly tannic, and dry. made from all five traditional bordeaux varieties.
Double T
86
25
19,982
us
exciting, fresh and full of spicy, toasted undertones, this wine immediately calls for a food pairing of a richer seafood (think oysters, crab) or poultry. the flavors are balanced and buoyed by crispness, but the wine still offers complexity and a lingering finish.
Estate Bottled Reserve
87
20
40,271
us
produced from a single clone—dijon 777—this late release has a hint of leather around candied cherry fruit, mixed with sweetened cranberry. it's concentrated and rounded off, with brown spice highlights. drink now to 2020.
Estate 777 Block
91
50
81,356
spain
earthy berry, spice, leather and vanilla aromas are textbook for the region. this crianza feels fresh but sturdy, with meaty tannins. briar, cherry and medicinal plum and berry flavors finish with sweeping chocolate and brambly spice notes.
Celeste Crianza
91
21
110,577
france
this full-bodied blend of viognier, clairette and grenache blanc is a pretty typical white from the southern rhône. it's largely neutral in aroma and flavor save for a modest melon note, with a weighty mouthfeel. drink soon.
Cuvée Marie Vieilles Vignes
86
15
127,502
chile
at first this wine is a touch skunky and strange, but they say time heals all wounds, and such is the case here. as it unfolds in the glass the wine offers sweet berry fruit and some wood notes. the finish is a little like beets and spice, but in that there's intrigue and appeal. good tannins and acids ensure a proper mouthfeel.
Jardin
85
9
18,511
us
a strong cabernet, even an aggressive one, with very ripe, punchy blackberry and dried currant flavors that are deep and long lasting. the tannins are powerful, too. end result is a tough young wine that wants some time in the cellar. stash until 2015.
Reserve
90
40
60,440
chile
medicinal cherry aromas are a touch herbal and green, but also floral. this red-tinted malbec is jammy on the palate, with lightly herbal plum and currant flavors. the zesty finish brings a cool-vintage green character into play.
Tama Vineyard Selection
86
16
119,923
us
this is a mouthfilling, plush-textured, copper colored bubbly with hints of cherry and raspberry in the ripe flavors, firm acidity to balance them and tiny bubbles to keep it all lively. made with 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, it finishes with a slightly sweet sensation.
Brut Rosé
90
29
117,347
us
quite yellow in the glass, this twist-top bottling shows a slight hint of reduction, with aromas of beeswax, lemon peel and yellow grapefruit pith. there's a good sizzle of acidity to the palate and a steely texture, but it's a tad ripe with lemon candy and spun-sugar flavors.
Rancho Vinedo
87
32
38,022
spain
starts with aromas of beef jerky, licorice and berry syrup. it's a brawny, dark wine with jammy blackberry flavors along with chocolate cake and thick, grabbing tannins. finishes sweet and syrupy, with heavy saturation and big tannins. not in perfect balance and by no means a great wine from mauro. but it's still good for an off year. a europvin, christopher cannan selection, imported by multiple importers, including michael skurnik wines.
Vendimia Seleccionada
87
45
4,562
portugal
this soft wine has muted red fruits and light acidity. drink now.
Reserva
85
21
2,015
france
this wine is soft, rounded and smooth. with just enough acidity to give a fresh character, it is ripe with pear and quince flavors. it's ready to drink, light and fragrant.
Prestige
84
16
79,161
spain
mulchy aromas lack fruit and freshness. in the mouth, this shrieks of high acidity and hard tannins. oaky flavors of vanilla and cream blend with spicy herbal green-leaning berry notes, while this shows an earthy essence on a muddled finish.
Reserva
85
18
56,455
argentina
this wine is much better than most in its class. the blackberry, graham cracker and exotic spice notes are particular to bosca, while additional notes of bacon, chocolate and nutmeg add to the pleasure. for anyone looking for quintessential argentine malbec at a good price, we say start here.
Reserva
91
18
58,261
us
this is a moderately aromatic, cabernet sauvignon-dominant, bordeaux-style blend, with notes of cedar, char and cherry. it's lighter in style, with tart cranberry and cherry flavors.
Reserve Arena Valley Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Malbec-Cabernet Franc
86
25
91,028
us
this is a dry gewurz that's delightful to drink now. the lychee, asian pear and citrus flavors feel elegant and refined. chinese, thai, vietnamese and burmese fare are all natural companions.
Floodgate Vineyard
88
24
30,304
italy
scurati is a balanced and firm wine with a bright, almost crunchy quality to the fruit and easy notes of leather and spice on the close. pair it with barbecued grilled sausages or hamburgers.
Scurati
87
19
52,485
us
low in alcohol by california standards, but offers plenty of flavor by way of grapefruit, meyer lemon and fresh, green grass. rich notes of ripe orange, lees and oak are balanced by brisk, bright acidity. a very nice expression of a white bordeaux-style wine.
White
90
38
95,128
austria
zestiness on nose and palate is reminiscent of freshly peeled lemon. there is a slender linearity that spells summer and joy, refreshment and verve. this is as clear and limpid as a mountain stream—and as deliciously bracing.
In der Schablau Reserve
90
29
103,778
italy
this blend of sangiovese, canaiolo, colorino and merlot opens with subdued but fruity aromas of red and black berries. the palate offers wild cherry, blackberry, vanilla and white pepper along with supple tannins. its soft, uncomplicated structure allows for easy drinking.
Torre di Ciardo
87
25
107,459
us
naggiar makes at least 15 wines from its estate vineyard, and really hit a home run with this classic that should have a long life ahead of it. the color is dark and intense right to the rim, while aromas blend a subtle spiciness with bold and complex fruit notes. flavors convey concentrated dark chocolate, black cherry and espresso. it's enjoyable now with big proteins, but will be best after 2020.
Estate
94
29
110,774
us
this grenache/syrah/tempranillo blend is already showing hints of oxidation. the toasty nose brings scents of sweet baking spices and orange liqueur as well, but the fruit is dried out and the finish astringent and attenuated.
Oso Grande
85
32
30,943
france
warm and rounded wine, with almond flavor and the ripe red fruits to go with the intense and balancing acidity. the wine is rich, while also well textured, giving fine final acidity.
Perle de Nuit Blanc de Noirs Brut
87
22
72,806
us
coming from a warmer slice of the upper santa ynez valley, this wine by the fess parker family shows black plums, hot gravel, dark chocolate and black peppercorns on the nose. the palate offers very dark blueberry fruits, along with turned earth, espresso beans and a bit of beef char.
Paradise Road Vineyard
89
37
2,130
france
one of the small sauvignon blanc areas close to sancerre, menetou-salon produces a light, crisp and herbal style of wine. this fits that bill well, its freshness contained within the flavors of hedgerow fruits and tangy acids.
Côtes de Morogues
88
22
8,494
spain
a bit unusual and confusing, but that's because it hails from the rioja region. the nose is herbal and mustardy, with green aromas leading to a cidery palate of apples and spice. there's also a bit of lemon and creaminess to this cava. hard to understand but not without its merits.
Casa Conde de Haro
86
27
73,995
portugal
ninety-year-old vines produce this ink-black wine, intensely powerful and concentrated. at this stage it is very young, its superb dense fruit still developing. but the power, the rich tannins and the smooth feel from open stone fermenters still make this a wine that needs considerable aging. give it 5–7 years and more.
Vinha Maria Teresa
95
145
113,781
italy
delicate aromas of hawthorn, white spring flower and a whiff of orchard fruit aromas lead the nose on this refined sparkler. the vibrant palate doles yellow apple, citrus zest and toasted breadcrumb accompanied by an elegant mousse.
Naturalis Extra Brut
90
55
75,276
austria
savory, peppery spice and plummy fruit turn up in equal measure. this is gutsy and fruity, and its bright acidity will make it a winner on the table, where the subtle but firm tannins will also come in handy. a vibrant and versatile wine.
Das Phantom
88
26
34,613
us
this delivers the best of both worlds for this aromatic grape. crispy cut-grass notes blossom into tropical pineapple guava and green papaya. a laser focus of lime on the palate subsequently opens toward green pears, freshly cut oregano and dill, and an apple skin-driven bitterness.
Tiradora
91
24
82,002
italy
cecchi, the historic estate in chianti classico, is doing beautiful work at their second property in maremma, southern tuscany. litorale vermentino really does conjure up images of sea, sand and heaping servings of seafood. the wine is light, fresh and very tasty.
Litorale
87
18
1,181
italy
aromas suggesting dried rose petal, woodland berry, chopped mint and kitchen spice come together on this. the tight palate isn't quite as expressive as the nose, offering sour cherry, tart cranberry and a hint of clove alongside bracing tannins that grip the finish.
Montersino
88
50
2,073
us
tangy berry/black cherry fruit is backed with lots of acid and hints of earthy funk. it's not vegetal but it is definitely herbal, a complex and flavorful reserve that falls right between balboa's regular syrah and the sayulita.
Reserve
90
28
55,533
portugal
this is a really soft wine with the minimum of tannins and the lightest fruit. it has just a hint of crisp, clean red berry fruits. drink now.
Bons Ventos
83
10
98,995
us
medium ruby in color, with slight bricking, the nose shows spiced raspberry notes with shades of darker brambles while sawdust and sweet baking spice tones add a bit of flair. juicy rainier cherry shows ample concentration on a palate lifted by soft tannins.
Reserve
86
36
88,053
chile
a light chardonnnay showing pineapple and pear aromas, and similar flavors that turn quite lemony on the palate. turns slightly tart on the finish, but the bright feel and the light flavors make it a good candidate for a bar pour or party wine.
120
84
7
89,363
us
another fine brut from korbel, dry, yeasty and citrusy, just like a good bubbly should be. it's a little rough and scoury in the bubbles, but at this price, a good deal.
Brut
87
12
19,446
italy
this bright syrah-based rosé from sicily (this is the second vintage that the wine is produced) offers vibrant flavors of blueberry, raspberry and rose petal. the wine is easy and crisp in the mouth and would make a perfect pairing partner to fried fish.
Rosé
85
16
72,808
italy
densely concentrated, this plush wine opens with aromas of black currant, espresso and cedar. the robust, one-dimensional palate delivers raisin, chocolate and licorice alongside velvety tannins that hold the flavors together.
Cuculaia
89
65
47,380
italy
structured and elegant, it opens with a fruit fragrance of black plum, wild berries and prune accentuated with hints of leather, tilled soil and spice. the juicy palate delivers wild cherry layered with cinnamon, white pepper and carob alongside big, velvety tannins. delicious now, it will also develop complexity. drink now–2022.
Poggio Doria
93
148
80,782
us
coming from vines planted in 1935—some of the oldest vines in the state—this shows expressive but not entirely settled aromas of gardenia, orange peel and herb, followed by bone-dry broad-feeling fruit flavors. there's intrigue but it doesn't all come together.
Upland Vineyard
87
40
5,869
us
this is a fun, flavorful blend of 63% merlot, 14% syrah, 10% cabernet sauvignon, 9% petit verdot and 4% malbec. soft, juicy red fruit meets sizable tannin and leathery oak laced in vanilla.
SRB
88
19
96,104
us
a nice, brisk pinot noir to drink now. shows red currant, cola, crispy bacon and spice flavors wrapped up with smooth tannins and finished with spicy oak.
Estate
87
30
5,950
chile
kind of bland and regular, but on the plus side it's fresh, feline and green, with lightly pickled gooseberry flavors. fleshy and wan on the palate but with no glaring issues or off flavors. drink now.
Estate Bottled
84
7
118,040
us
a bit too soft and thus lacks structure. shows a good array of wild berry and briary, brambly flavors. dry and spicy, and ready now.
The Convict Rocky Ridge Vineyard
86
38
58,897
us
a superstar in this new vintage, this wonderfully concentrated and well-delineated wine offers precise fruit flavors of etched and sculpted peach, apricot and melon in perfect proportion. there is ample acidity under the 19 g/l residual sugar.
Wind Ridge Block
93
29
42,712
austria
aromatic hints of creamy stone fruit swirls about the nose. there are hints of mirabelle plums and yellow pear but on the palate very fine, smoky and exquisitely integrated notes of french oak appear. there is rich vanilla and cream but with a counterpoint of fresh, bright lemony acidity. while stylistically unusual this barrique-aged grüner certainly is a delicious, creamy and serious wine. you'd never even guess it's already four-years-old. ready now but will evolve. drink 2016–2022.
Four
92
60
104,005
us
nicely crisp in acidity, this has a minerally scour that cleans the mouth. the pineapple, lime and guava flavors are strong, and the finish seems just a little sweet.
Vintner's Selection
86
18
129,756
us
in the blend are smaller percentages of cab franc, merlot and petit verdot. the red mountain ava is noted for thick, tannic wines, with superior aging potential. here the earthy, peppery red fruits are buttressed with vivid acids and somewhat chewy tannins. the wine was aged two years in 40% new french oak.
La Bestia
87
55
122,430
australia
these blends are traditional in australia—they're just rarely this good. the 26% cabernet gives great backbone and a sense of restraint to the wine, which might otherwise seem overdone or sloppy. instead, there's a blend of blueberry and cassis fruit, port-like spices and a long, dusty finish. drink 2015–2025, possibly beyond.
Anaperenna
95
80
76,650
us
an aromatically interesting wine with notes of cherry, cedar and nori. the palate is flavorful with dry, rustic tannins.
Naches Heights Vineyard
85
21
107,718
australia
a good wine at a good price, the 2006 jim-jim shiraz offers bouncy raspberry fruit, hints of cracked pepper and vanilla and a medium-bodied, reasonably lush mouthfeel. multiple u.s. importers.
Jim Jim
86
12
121,394
chile
oily aromas of petrol are almost akin to certain rieslings. this viognier-sauvignon blanc mix feels round and mildly citrusy. bready wheaty flavors of melon and papaya suggest that it's losing sizzle, so drink now.
Reserve Momentos Viogner Sauvignon Blanc
85
12
37,836
italy
the quality and persistency of the fruit is impressive. this riserva barolo is extremely generous in terms of its cherry, blackberry, cola and exotic spice aromas. the wine sports fine texture and smooth flavors of plum and leather on the close.
Vigna Rionda Riserva
93
134
64,178
france
pale lemon with green hints. subtle nose showing more savory herbal aromas, fresh cut nettles and a spicy balsamic note. opened up on the palate with lots of bright creamy lemon and grapefruit custard flavors, spice, flowers and a strong earthy minerality. medium-bodied with a smooth, creamy texture and a long taut citrussy finish.
Collection
90
29
60,048
us
terre rouge's ascent is, as intended, indeed its best of the best, from a selection of worship-worthy sites strewn across the sierra foothills. with deep layers of black pepper, roasted game, leather and a mouthful of dust, it's structured, balanced and intense, and full of concentrated fruit. give it 7–10 years or plenty of air before enjoying with a dish of herb-encrusted meat.
Ascent
93
85
101,816
chile
varietally and regionally correct, with green, grassy, punchy aromas of citrus, white pepper and jalapeño. this is prickly in the mouth, with lively acidity and flavors of lime, scallion, green apple and bell pepper. it finishes with cut and juicy acids.
Classic Series
87
12
121,017
us
a rustic swagger of leather and earth mark the entry of this wine, a densely packed, thickly tannic expression of tobacco and blackberry pie. it is darkly effected by the 15% addition of petit verdot, as well as smaller proportions of malbec and syrah.
Vittorio's Vineyard
88
75
42,639
france
a blend of 60% syrah and 40% grenache, this wine offers both beefy and herbal notes among the more standard black raspberry and plum fruit flavors. medium-full on the palate with a hint of sanguine character, this comes off a bit brighter and more balanced than one might anticipated from the bouquet.
Fernand Averoux
87
30
62,461
germany
this zesty, light-footed riesling is a showcase of puckery lime, lemon and yellow-plum flavors off set by a delicate haze of sweetness. just a shade off dry in style, it finishes moderately long with touches of herb and bramble on the finish. drink now through 2018.
Rüdesheim Bischofsberg Kabinett Feinherb
87
19
60,881
italy
always a standout among gaja's five single-vineyard wines, sorì san lorenzo benefits from an excellent vintage to produce what will surely become a must-have bottle for collectors of italian wine. there's enormous beauty and elegance here, backed by power and intensity with ripe fruit, spice, toasted nut and cola. it also shows impressive linearity and focus. hold for 10 years or more.
Sorì San Lorenzo
99
440
115,935
spain
combine a warm year with too much time in bottle and this is what you get. this chunky, barrel-fermented verdejo smells and tastes of early oxidation; it's creamy on the palate and strained in terms of flavors. wheaty, leesy, faded melon and apple flavors have lost their verve.
Naiades
84
37
31,643
us
here's a bitter mouthfeel to this wine, like the dried skins from raisins that are so tannic. the flavors also suggest raisins, along with black cherries and licorice. it feels hotter than its official alcohol reading. call this wine rustic, and drink it now.
The Count
85
20
95,086
us
honeyed richness gives this wine its allure. it's fabulously sweet and unctuous, with apricot-and peach-infused flavors enriched with vanilla and crème brûlée. could be crisper in defining acidity, but it sure is decadent.
Finale
90
30
43,017
germany
faint whiffs of apple and fresh herb open this elegant and somewhat subdued riesling. dry and moderately full in body, the palate is delicate, with flavors of nectarine, white grapefruit and lemon, along with a hint of honeycomb for added complexity.
Dürkheimer Dry-Style
88
19
66,980
france
a refreshing rosé that's well worth the price. wild strawberry, bubble gum and cherry are supported by tangerine-tinged acidity. balanced and refreshing, an excellent summer quaffer.
Rosé
85
10
15,822
spain
a crusty smelling wine with aromas of crude oil, roasted nuts and modest berry fruit. feels acidic and scratchy, with balsamic flavors and a chalky finish. prickly and teetering on sour, with a lasting herbal impression.
Colección Vivanco Parcelas de Mazuelo
85
92
19,335
us
this wine offers very ripe and vivid fruit in the aromas and the flavors, like blackberries and dark plums picked when they're just beginning to shrivel. the texture is broad and the body full, but the tannins and acidity feel low, so the wine's personality is both big and soft.
Estate Bottled
88
50
38,612
us
very tannic and gritty now. shuts the fruit down with a dry, sandpapery astringency. but what great fruit. it's rich in blackberries, black cherries, currants, licorice and mocha, and is bone dry. could and should age, but there's a certain sharpness that makes you wonder.
Anthem
88
60
77,105
us
stiffly tannic, this is straight-on boysenberry juice, firm and full-bodied. it shows a little bit of earthiness, hints of herb and a citrusy zip to the acids. the alcohol, pushing 15%, does not intrude.
CWN
87
26
7,517
australia
phil sexton's wines under the giant steps label are becoming more consistent, and the 2014s may be his best yet. this is a medium- to full-bodied wine, with a supple, creamy texture and lingering notes of spring flowers and black cherries. subtle oaking adds brown sugar and mocha shadings to the crisp finish. drink now–2022.
Sexton Vineyard
92
42
6,275
us
this is a best-of-barrels blend from different vineyard sites. it's a very good wine that grabs your attention with sheer chardonnay dazzle. the tropical fruits are incredibly ripe and intense, with sweet, smoky oak adding supportive richness, brought into focus by crisp acidity. there's a core, like the nucleus of an atom, that holds everything together. might even age for half a dozen years.
La Serenité
94
70
45,026
argentina
pure, ripe blackberry aromas are heady, toasty and crisp like burnt bread crust. this malbec has a profound, drawing mouthfeel defined by full extraction and muscular tannins. savory flavors of blackberry and roasted plum end with depth, focus and welcome freshness. drink through 2023.
Black Tears
94
65
31,565
us
this wine's milk chocolate, herb, cherry, barrel spice and plum aromas lead to a plush, soft palate loaded with chocolate and plum flavors. it strikes a lovely balance.
Stillwater Creek Vineyard
90
28
94,670
spain
fleshy cherry and lightly green, herbal aromas lead to a crisp, tight palate. this tastes a little leafy and herbal, with raspberry notes. the finish is fresh, dry, and composed, but not overly intense or focused.
3
87
15