wine_id
int64 1
130k
| country
stringclasses 40
values | description
stringlengths 20
764
| designation
stringlengths 1
95
| points
int64 80
100
| price
float64 4
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 |