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2.01k
125,072
spain
there's nothing not to like about this affordable spanish bubbly. the nose is a little candied and shy, but it's pleasant overall. the palate foams a bit more than a stately cava might, but the flavors of pear, apple and grapefruit are honest. fresh yet soft, simple and easygoing.
Carta Nevada Brut
86
9
8,791
spain
concentrated, compact aromas of black fruits are generous but also monotonous and low on character. a big, bulky palate is round but offers enough acidic kick to keep everything above water. baked, flat flavors of black fruits and roasted meat finish smooth but low on pulse. drink through 2017.
Reserva
89
42
19,437
italy
here's a fresh and luminous wine from sicily to pair with fried finger foods and appetizers. the wine is crisp and bright and utterly easy-going on both the nose and palate.
Case Ibidini
85
13
7,075
argentina
from la rioja, this torrontés is quiet and neutral. it offers a little tangerine on the nose, and then acceptable but unexciting banana and pear flavors. overall it's decent but bland.
Perpetuum
83
14
72,923
us
vanilla, cedar and caramel abound on the nose of this opulent reserve cabernet franc. its unabashed oakiness integrates well into the palate though, adding a sexy, spicy tone to ripe black berry and plum flavors. it's bold, concentrated and a bit brawny, but irresistibly so, finishing with remarkable depth and persistence. hold till 2020 to allow its brawn to settle.
Reserve
91
50
128,628
chile
tight, pure blackberry and cassis aromas are composed. this is a better-balanced wine than the sticky, overly oaked 2012 version. leading toasty chocolate flavors go well with secondary spiced berry and cassis notes. a note of vanilla comes out on the finish.
La Finca Clos D'Angel
91
17
50,074
france
the rolle, or vermentino, has produced a warm, herbal, southern sun-touched wine. it is full of rich yellow fruits and laced with acidity. a light touch of honey from the ripe fruits gives a deliciously smooth aftertaste. drink now.
L'Esprit de Provence
90
19
124,304
us
rich, satisfying and full bodied, this wine is packed with delicious fruit and spice flavors while structured by good acidity and fine tannins that keep the texture lively. layers of cherry, currant, cedar and cinnamon fill the flavor profile, and a long finish completes the package.
Estate
93
55
1,465
portugal
from the historic herdade do mouchão in northern alentejo, this is a powerful wine, full of dense tannins and impressively ripe, juicy black fruits. syrah and alicante bouschet bring southern richness to touriga franca and touriga nacional. drink this wine now.
Ponte das Canas
93
20
123,895
us
soft and inviting on the plushly texture nose, this bottling by a napa winery sourcing from the iconic santa maria vineyard offers popcorn, butterscotch, fresh apple blossom and salted stone-fruit aromas. the flavors are classic and straightforward in the citrusy style, with meyer lemon, nectarine, pineapple and butter.
Bien Nacido Vineyard
91
38
122,228
italy
mature black-skinned fruit, raisin, leather and a hint of menthol come together on this structured wine. the firm palate delivers dried black cherry, blackberry extract, clove, espresso and a hint of dried herb. assertive, fine-grained tannins provide support but also an astringent finish.
Il Saggio Riserva
88
50
80,734
france
with only 30 cases imported, this might be a tough find, but it's a great terrasses du larzac at an attractive price. rich and concentrated dark fruit flavors of plum, cherry and boysenberry are infused with notes of chicory and herbal bark. the lush and creamy texture fills the palate, with a vanilla custard richness and a baking spice-flavored finish.
3 Naissances Terrasses du Larzac
90
29
26,137
us
this is the first grüner fruit from underwood mountain, and it promises good—maybe great—things to come. sleek and stony, the wine epitomizes the racy, slightly grassy, slightly peppery quality of classic austrian grüner, with a pacific northwest twist—a certain brilliant intensity to the fruit that reflects this northern latitude. clearly the best grüner from oregon or washington to date.
Underwood Mountain Vineyard
89
18
10,026
bulgaria
comprised of 60% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 5% rubin, and 5% mavrud, it offers aromas of blackberry, cherry vanilla and cinnamon. in the mouth are generous flavors of black cherry, black plum and tart cranberry. saddle leather and tobacco leaf linger in the persistent finish.
Imperial
89
14
108,976
argentina
light, lemony aromas work for the most part. this feels full, even creamy. flavors of papaya, melon and apple finish with a note of pineapple. the longer this sits, the more soft and tropical it becomes.
Estate Selection
85
18
127,278
france
this prestige cuvée from jacquart is a blend of grand and premier crus, giving a wine that is rich, round and approaching maturity with a dense, deep series of fruit and creamy toast flavors. it's a beautiful champagne at this stage, poised between youth and maturity. the aftertaste leaves a crisper, fruitier end.
Cuvée Alpha
92
130
97,797
chile
give it air time and it'll give back floral raspberry and cherry aromas in front of a racy, forward-style palate that's got cherry and red plum flavors and integrated spice. not overbearing; clean and dry on the finish. atypical for a carmenère-led prestige wine; it's more streamlined and red in character.
Amplus One
87
24
88,892
us
fresh and appealing, this unusual blend of 80% barbera and 20% sangiovese really works. it's crisp and delicate, with obvious vanilla and mocha notes from 10 months aging in oak barrels and a medium, very berry finish. try with grilled meat.
Portfolio Collection Due Rossi Barbera-Sangiovese
85
25
116,852
italy
menthol, new leather, white pepper, fig and forest floor are just some of the aromas you'll find on this fantastic wine. smooth and structured, the full-bodied palate evokes dried cherry, licorice, baking spice, raspberry compote and a salty mineral note. firm polished tannins provide smooth seamless support. drink through 2031.
Leon Riserva
94
75
118,805
france
the multi-dimensional, hedonistic nose of honey and exotic spices promises big things to come. the palate could have a bit more complexity but overall we have few complaints. a crisp finish keeps the slight residual sugar from seeming cloying.
Im Berg
89
23
76,860
us
hints of savory herbs, lime skins and crushed stones balance the exuberant notes of jasmine and tropical fruit. dry, yet delightfully fruity, it's elegantly structured with a lemon-pith astringency that lingers.
Davis Vineyard Dry
88
22
78,200
spain
dry, leathery, slightly nutty aromas are more earthy than fruity. this mature rioja is fresh and light on the palate, with leafy, spicy flavors of plum, tobacco and wood grain. spicy berry and cocoa flavors grace a fading finish. drink now.
Viña Ardanza Reserva
90
30
23,990
us
the loner title seems to refer to an absence of oak, although it's not entirely unoaked. the wine spent time in what the winemaker calls “seasoned barriques” that lent no overt oak influence, but let the wine breathe and mellow. marked by intense lemon, lime and mineral flavors, this bone-dry wine is elegant and eccentric.
Loner W10-a
92
60
29,401
france
from a half-acre parcel, this is a delicately structured wine. delicious, forward red-cherry fruits are juicy and provide lift to the the firm tannins. the combination and balance of the fruit and the texture result in a wine that will age well. drink from 2018.
Les Grèves Premier Cru
93
100
17,088
us
this big-boy, 100% varietal cab is reflective of both its vintage and provenance, a celebration of black pepper, blackberry and tar around an intensely full-bodied, bittersweet palate. tobacco leaf and leather saddle interweave themselves through the wine's middle and end. drink now through 2020.
Walther River Block
92
150
85,190
us
mouthcoating, this is a full-bodied wine with small amounts of merlot and cabernet franc. tar, leather, cedar and black cherry stand out as characteristics, with added weight from the heavier, darker elements of chocolate and oak. drink now through 2022.
Salvestrin Estate Vineyard
90
64
117,925
france
beautifully evocative notes of apricot and peach compote appear first. they are joined by blossom honey and a floral touch that fully flourishes on the palate. they are joined by fresh, lively and spicy pink grapefruit and spice. this is full-on bursting with fruit flavors but still manages to balance its exuberance with lovely, illuminating freshness.
Cuvée Particulière
92
20
74,349
us
strongly aromatic of black pepper, this blend of syrah, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cab franc is herbal like cab and slightly sour-sweet on the finish.
Synergy 65 Estate Grown
83
33
111,357
us
aggressive in tannins and concentrated in fruit, this cab is a little rustic, but fine for drinking now. it's sweet in raisin, cassis, black pepper and oak flavors. give it some time in the decanter.
J.D. Hurley
85
27
33,969
spain
gritty and raisiny up front, this has notes of tar and jammy blackberry. it feels resiny and tough, with carob, chocolate, baked berry and roasted plum flavors. the chocolate element persists on the finish, which is big, tannic and lasting.
La Conreria
88
24
27,101
argentina
if you're looking for a pedestrian but true sparkling wine for under $10, this chenin blanc-based bubbly from argentina is solid, a touch yeasty and dry. it tastes much like a loire valley sparkler, with baked apple, apricot and peach pit flavors. on the negative side, it's fairly foamy across the tongue and doesn't have a top-grade mouthfeel.
South Extrême Extra Brut
84
8
52,691
us
the nose on this bottling is a tad fruit-punchy at first, with light red cherry and candied pomegranate aromas, but then picks up complexity with a leather note. the palate also offers that leather alongside tobacco and light elderberry fruit.
Margarita Vineyard
86
18
86,393
us
young and tightly wound, this compact cuvée marries cranberry and raspberry fruit to proportionate tannins and a touch of acidity. there is a hint of clean earth as well.
Louise Vineyard
90
60
76,182
argentina
here's a basic malbec with ripe plum aromas topped off by milk chocolate and vanilla notes. it's hard but bold in the mouth, with decent acidity and a forced set of oaky, chocolaty, berry flavors.
Lote 44
84
12
95,446
us
densely delicious, this is earthy in a forest floor kind of way—it's explosive in black cherry, plum and compelling, exotic spice. medium bodied and lushly layered, it's persistent on the palate, brooding in ripe fruit yet buoyed by ample acidity.
Karmen Isabella Dutton Ranch
94
40
58,921
spain
easy berry and plum aromas come across clean and pure. this has a staunch mouthfeel with rubbery, pinching tannins. earthy, ripe berry and plum flavors turn even riper on the back palate and finish, which lingers in a solid state.
Castillo de Albai Crianza
88
15
99,810
spain
with each vintage this estate improves, but at the top of the albariño price tier it should be at least this good. there are lemon, almond and creamy aromas preceding apple, pear and melon flavors. the finish is clean, a little dusty and shows a hint of cider. intricate enough, with fine overall balance.
Esencia Diviña
89
22
41,404
spain
this burly tempranillo opens with an alluring blend of graphite, stony mineral, marzipan and ripe black-fruit aromas. the palate is lusty, giant and tannic, but not mean or fierce. blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors end with café mocha and licorice notes, while tannic grab suggests aging this until 2015–16 and drinking through 2023.
San Román
94
70
118,836
france
lovely notes of crisp apples make for a very friendly nose. the palate comes in with immense freshness that is nonetheless tempered by a balm-like rounded texture that couches riesling's freshness in seamless fluidity. the palate remains dry and is colored with red and green apple, lemon and tangerine. the finish is dry and wonderfully lip smacking.
Wineck-Schlossberg Grand Cru
91
36
41,253
spain
an excellent wine for an off vintage, with licorice, balsam, black fruit galore and coconut aromas. the feel is plush, layered and smooth for toro, with blackberry, mocha, lemon peel and coconutty flavors. toasty on the finish, with a final wave of vanilla and chocolate. drink now through 2014.
Termes
91
30
22,784
italy
smoke, flint, mature stone fruit, dried sage and honey aromas come together in the glass. the delineated palate shows nice depth, offering yellow apple, candied citrus zest, apricot and mineral balanced by bright acidity.
Vintage
90
35
28,535
france
soft, creamy and fruity, this is instantly attractive. apples and bright acidity work well together to give a lively wine that's fresh and a great apéritif style.
Anne de K
85
17
6,552
chile
this viognier from the outlands region of elqui is minerally but low on fruit aromas. a fresh, linear palate offers lettuce, lime and other limited green-leaning flavors, while the finish is lasting and firm, with zesty acidity.
Reserva
85
10
64,531
us
this tastes like it could be anything from chardonnay to sauvignon blanc to grenache blanc, but it's rich in honey, orange and buttered toastflavors. it's seems a little sweet, but it has a good cut of acidity.
Reserve
85
11
74,900
france
now mature, this smoky, wood-aged wine is rich and complex. it has firm and dry tannins that are typical of the tannat although these are a part of a solid, dark wine. the aftertaste brings out a perfumed, rich side that is attractive. the wine is ready to drink.
Terre à Terre
91
38
48,565
italy
here's a beautifully evolved brunello with notes of cherry, cola and spice backed by dark and penetrating notes of blackberry, plum and tar. this wine delivers thick, solid aromas and a bold, succulent style with smooth softness and intensity in the mouth. very nice.
Tradizione
93
83
32,193
us
this is made from the winery's estate vineyard, but from lots not included in the main blend, which costs twice as much. you'll find plenty of tannins in this darkly colored, impressively concentrated 100% cabernet. it's fresh, soft and juicy in blackberry and cherry jam flavors, with a rich earthiness. just delightful for drinking over the next four years, and a great value.
Counterpoint
93
30
7,784
italy
aromas suggest ripe blackberry, baking spice, mocha and a balsamic note of menthol. the brooding palate opens with mature black cherry, savory herb and black pepper alongside tightly knit but velvety tannins that still need to unwind. drink 2016–2021.
Sottocastello di Novello
92
47
128,206
us
this wine tends toward an orange coloration, and shows aromas of warm watermelon, a touch of cantaloupe and even some orange rind. the flavors are very lively, if a little sour, with tangerine peels laced across the cotton-candy warmth.
Purisima Mountain Vineyard Grenache
87
25
89,122
argentina
warm, rich aromas of wild berry carry a hint of dried cheese, while the rest of the bouquet is woodsy and spicy. the palate is juicy with fresh acidity, and the flavors of red plum and raspberry are solid. a structured wine with good dna. drink now through 2011.
Q
88
20
107,854
portugal
this rare survival comes from ramisco grapes planted on their own rootstock on sandy soil close to the atlantic ocean. considering its great age, the wine is remarkably fruity and fresh. with a tarry texture and firm tannins it also has layers of red-cherry fruit and acidity. the wine is impressive, and not just a relic. drink immediately after opening; it does fade quickly.
Reserva Velho
93
495
125,569
argentina
tarry blackberry aromas are piercing and a bit gritty. this feels ripe, plush and balanced, with blackberry, spice and herbal flavors. a moderate note of heat rises to the surface of a finish with herbal blackberry flavors.
Punto Final Reserva
89
21
113,404
argentina
this opens with red fruit aromas that are wrapped around earth and leather scents, yielding a rustic whole. it feels snappy, with red fruit acidity leading to a gritty, lively palate, with flavors of brown sugar, red pepper, plum and raspberry. long on the finish but short on texture.
Monteagrelo
87
25
6,568
chile
bell pepper and citrus aromas are limited in scope. the palate feels acidic, with quick-hitting flavors of green herbs, bell pepper and tropical fruits. pyrazine-based flavors of bell pepper and bitter herbs push the finish.
Estate Reserve
85
10
81,600
argentina
modest black cherry and berry aromas are earthy and a touch flat. this is a full-bodied malbec with baked blackberry as the lead flavor and oaky, savory, saucy side notes. residual dark-berry flavors and chewy tannins drive the finish.
La Espera
86
15
83,699
chile
starts with stemmy, burnt aromas but after time oak notes cover things up. apple, sweet pear, buttery oak and popcorn are the main flavors on this sweet, pithy wine that when stripped down is fairly hollow and simple.
Special Selection
84
15
17,718
italy
here's a zesty wine with attractive aromas of freshly picked roses, lychee and mineral. the palate offers juicy yellow grapefruit accented by spicy notes of white pepper and clove that add depth.
Aristos
87
18
27,867
us
blackberries, anise, violets, lilacs, plum skin and vanilla show on the nose of this bottling. the palate shows lots of crushed peppercorns, tart elderberry and boysenberry fruit, and then a complex herbal array of tarragon, dried mint and bay leaf.
Rock Creek Vineyard
92
43
90,686
us
this wine is big in tannin, extracted and full bodied, with dense blueberry and maple syrup at its core. for fans of a rich style, it will impress for its ripe, dark fruit and sizable yet velvety mouthfeel.
Thornton Vineyard
90
50
27,341
france
it is lemon that constitutes the beginning, middle and end of this alluring wine. the first bright freshness flashes on the nose. the absolutely dry palate then becomes enveloped in the incisive, bright and invigorating fruit and zest of ripe lemon, providing direction and litheness. the finish is moreish and lip-smacking with the zesty freshness. you simply want more. drink 2017–2027.
Kirchberg de Barr Grand Cru
93
22
9,055
us
this is a crisp, dry, and very tangy wine blended from tocai friulano, pinot blanc and pinot grigio. it sizzles with lemon, lime and green-apple flavors. while barrel fermented, it's not obviously oaky and seems to get its energy from high acidity instead. it will be brilliant with simply prepared shellfish, fried chicken or as a palate charger before a meal.
Sesso
89
18
19,888
italy
this is an elegant, focused wine that shows balanced aromas of fruit and spice, with touches of espresso and tobacco in the background. its personality is austere and masculine, with natural heft and richness.
Vigneto di Campo delle Strie
89
40
35,714
us
this estate wine comes from vines planted two decades ago and was named for john drummond, who owned the land in the 1800s. with a touch of cabernet franc in the mix, it offers black licorice, buoyant acidity and a back beat of tannin that integrates well. bark, dark plum and chocolate round out the full-bodied picture.
Drummond
90
50
111,025
us
a beautiful cabernet, dry, smoothly tannic and impressive for its volume of flavor. shows a complex range of blackberries, black currants, minerals and oak, with a long, spicy finish. elegant and powerful at the same time, it should develop in the bottle over the next decade.
Unfiltered
93
60
99,418
italy
campo leòn has herbal or green aromas that are unusual in amarone. those leafy elements are backed by ripe fruit, spice and toasted almond. it's round and full on the close with lingering berry flavors.
Campo Leòn
88
50
20,859
france
bright and fruity, it's full of fresh acidity and has a strongly mineral texture. green fruits, apples and pears partner with a strong citrus element. wait until 2015.
La Roche
89
48
109,380
spain
from a good vintage like 2009, this modest tinta de toro has a lot to offer. it smells slightly rustic but full of fruit. the palate has a tannic but balanced feel, with dark, sweet flavors of cassis and blackberry. it's peppery and lightly herbal on the finish.
Tinta de Toro
89
15
118,295
france
this vintage is light in color with perfumed fruit and attractive red currant and orange fruit. it is floral, touched by raspberries as well as a strong streak of acidity. this refreshing wine is ready to drink.
Domaine Saint Ferréol Les Vaunières
89
12
60,203
austria
pervasive notes of red apple and red pear that are both intense and restrained rise from the glass. they persist freshly and beautifully on a fluid, rounded body that is given much direction and shape by taut, bright acidity. there is a beautiful balance and great concentration with a warm, alcoholic finish.
Muschelkalk
88
35
69,844
france
a warm blend mainly of grenache with carignan and cabernet sauvignon, this wine is typically pale in color, with just a touch of tannin from the cabernet. a spicy undertone balances with the deliciously crisp and fresh red-fruit character.
Baron Maxime
88
15
42,351
italy
this savory blend of 40% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 5% syrah opens with aromas of roasted coffee bean, leather, tobacco and dark woodland berry. the chewy palate offers juicy plum, cassis and clove alongside polished tannins. drink through 2019.
Poggio Bestiale
90
60
11,493
us
so delicious to drink now, it's easy to overlook the complexity and ageworthiness of this pinot. it's vastly rich in raspberry jam, butterscotch and vanilla flavors, housed in an airy, silky texture. good as it is, this wine should gain traction over the next 5–6 years.
Van der Kamp Vineyard
92
50
36,552
italy
intense tutti fruity aromas recall grape-flavored chewing gum. the palate is less expressive but muddled, offering sensations of thyme and rock candy that finish abruptly.
Nausìca
84
29
7,053
argentina
grassy, herbal aromas rest on top of basic red-fruit notes. this feels choppy and hollow, with flavors of buttery oak, chemical and red currant. the raw hot finish doesn't have a lot of body or padding.
Valle Las Acequias
84
13
114,507
us
break out the pizza with tomato sauce and gooey, oily mozzarella. that's what this tough, gritty bordeaux-style blend with added sangiovese needs to soften and mellow. it's a good wine, ripe in berries and spices, but rustic.
The Tillerman
85
17
71,585
italy
this brut prosecco opens with dry, almost dusty aromas of talc powder and crushed mineral followed by white flower and stone fruit. that dryness continues to the mouth and thanks to this unique quality, you could imagine a pairing with salty appetizers.
26esimo I Brut
88
32
15,135
us
this is a hugely structured and concentrated wine, the double plusses marked on barrel selections meant to call out the best of the best. herbal, it offers complex characteristics of dried herb, cedar and leather, with a big grip of tannin tenacious on the palate and peppery finish.
Double Plus Estate Grown
93
500
126,119
us
a big, exuberant zinfandel, this is full bodied and soft, with ripe, briary blackberry, currant, dark chocolate, grilled meat and spice flavors. ready to drink now.
Los Chamizal Vineyard
85
36
116,630
us
purity and concentration are the hallmarks here, with the forward, instantly delicious character of the 2012 vintage. this has the intense purity of summer fruit, lightly spicy and perfectly balanced.
Durant Vineyard
92
45
125,380
chile
cool, crisp aromas of celery, bell pepper and sea brine introduce a citrusy palate with refreshing acidity. tangerine, grapefruit and cactus flavors finish tangy, lemony and alert.
Aliwen Reserva
88
14
79,444
spain
aromas of apple, fresh hay, pineapple and natural vanilla draw you in, while the palate is lively and fresh, with citrus, pineapple and pithy lemon flavors. juicy, clean and zesty on the finish, and chiseled in terms of structure and acidity. very nice albariño for the price.
Pionero Maccerato
89
15
81,972
us
smooth and full bodied, this wine smells like melted butter, tastes like butterscotch, and feels big and rich on the palate. apple and pear elements contribute a juicy quality, while the acidity is soft.
Hopland Ranches Estate Bottled
89
18
98,519
spain
fresh, composed aromas suggest a stick of fruit-flavored chewing gum. this wine has a pulpy palate and a hint of spritz that makes it tastes soda-like, with red-apple flavors and a touch of peppery bitterness.
Vergel
86
10
77,001
us
this is balanced and elegant in subtle pear, ginger and lemon. a fine food wine, it's ideal for roast chicken in herbes de provence or ratatouille. located in the petaluma gap and the source of grapes for several wines, sun chase was bought in 2013 by guarachi family wines.
Sun Chase Vineyard
92
40
14,812
us
a complex opening of leather, plum, vanilla and gingerbread leads to a crisp palate with intense cherry notes. lacks the multi-dimensionality of a top wine but the touches of youthful fruit on the medium finish are guaranteed to charm. drink now.
Reserve
87
20
14,113
us
blackberry ice cream, vanilla and licorice meet with fudge and espresso on the immensely rich nose of this blend of 55% petite sirah, 26% zinfandel and 19% syrah. blueberry and cassis dominate the palate, which is soft in texture and full of chocolate, cherry cordial and fig flavors.
Genoa Estate Grown
92
80
115,299
france
firm, full-bodied wine, the estate wine of domaine de la noblaie is rich in its dried fruit, red berry and solid structure. while it is still young, the wine has weight and the definite potential to age.
La Noblaie Rouge
89
17
81,333
us
this is the third bottling of this wine, which employs whole-cluster fermentation to provoke a slower ferment and mellowed tannin. it succeeds, though it doesn't hold back, showing plenty of firm tannin backbone seasoned by clove, black tea, sage and anise. the acidity tingles on the palate.
Doña Margarita Vineyard Método Antiguo Unfiltered
91
52
35,732
germany
delicate notes of waxy lemon peel and apple waft from this light-footed spätlese. its honeyed sweetness penetrates to the core, accenting flavors of pressed apple and pear. the finish is zesty and spry, leaving only a hint of black-tea tannins.
Bernkasteler Badstube Spätlese
91
26
75,250
us
the tannins give this wine a lockdown feeling, making it hard and astringent. but the fruit is strong and jammy, suggesting raspberries, cherries and blackberries. made from syrah, cabernet sauvignon and merlot, it's forward and one-dimensional now, but delicious, and unlikely to improve with age.
Voyage Vacation
88
40
46,755
us
very funky and confounding at first, but then it opens to reveal smoke, stone fruit and mineral aromas. the mouth is quite spicy, with green herbs accenting citrus and mineral. the tangy lemon finish has a chalky grip to it, which only adds to the overall complexity of this unique napa white.
Unfiltered
89
19
19,385
italy
aromas of ripe blackberry, brown spice and fragrant blue flower waft from the glass. a blend of 50% negroamaro, 25% primitivo and 25% malvasia nera, the savory, approachable palate delivers black cherry, cranberry, nutmeg and mineral alongside firm tannins.
Metiusco
89
22
73,485
us
planted in 2006 to heirloom clones, most of them pommard, this is a concentrated, tannic wine that needs time in bottle to develop. for now, expect rose and raspberry, with a depth of black cherry compote—flavors that are immediately inviting and richly layered. yet, it will tell more of its story down the road. allow it to open now or cellar through 2029.
Harper's Rest Estate Grown
94
90
21,400
argentina
a year or two ago when paul hobbs began consulting for toso things changed for the better. this is the rare best buy that can swim with the big fish and give them a run for the money. pop the cork and enjoy lusty dark aromas of turkish tobacco and berry compote. in the mouth, there's a riot of fruit flavors to ponder followed by a smooth, lusty finish.
Maipu Vineyards
91
12
42,086
italy
vigna fraschin has subdued aromas of rose petal and red berry with a tobacco note. the palate is a bit closed but reveals underbrush, mushroom, tobacco leaf and oak. it finishes on a note of espresso.
Vigna Fraschin
88
39
15,503
france
already beautiful, this comes from an estate that's managed by louis jadot in puligny-montrachet, always producing fine wines. it's smooth and toasty, although it is already showing ripe yellow fruits and fragrant acidity. although drinkable now, it really needs to age, so keep until 2018.
Domaine Duc de Magenta Clos de la Garenne Premier Cru
94
125
127,099
us
aromatic with streaks of truffle, cigar and black cherry, this lively six-grape blend is principally red mountain fruit, along with some from red willow. substantial and mouth-filling wine, it's nuanced with rich flavors of cassis, tar, graphite and chalk. it spent 18 months in barrel, 73% new.
The Dissident
92
32
215
israel
aromas of blackberry, fennel bulb and smoke set the scene for flavors of cherry, raspberry, chocolate and tobacco leaf. mellow but ever-apparent tannins ply the palate alongside a strong bolt of acidity that tapers off into a pomegranate-imbued finish.
French Blend
90
80
77,379
chile
if you know san pedro's elqui syrahs, then this should seem familiar. particular aromas of tea, herbs, grilled meat, stewed plum and horse are what we've come to expect from this wine. flavors of herbal stewy plum and cured meat finish heavy, creamy and warm.
1865 Limited Edition
87
25
110,120
italy
here is an organic merlot with well-integrated spice, fresh fruit nuances and natural rubber (a tiny touch of band-aid is present as well). soft tannins and a velvety mouthfeel give the wine a sophisticated edge, and its dusty tannins give it the structure to stand up to grilled meat.
Colle dei Mandorli
89
35