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56,005 | us | this is a lovely, lilting and light version of the variety, so rarely found in this appellation. highly aromatic in white flowers and even a whiff of roses, it dances on the palate, the acidity tight and able to lift the texture to new heights of flavor and freshness. it shows best with food, preferably spicy. | Saralee's Vineyard | 92 | 22 |
56,043 | portugal | this is the latest release of portugal's most iconic wine. it's made only in selected years (the last vintage was 2000) from ferreira's quinta da leda in the douro superior. this new vintage is superb. it's a richly tarry wine laden with dark plum fruits and tannins that are just beginning to mature. it's a ripe and luscious, demanding attention, yet will still age for many years. drink now, or hold until 2020. | Barca Velha | 99 | 426 |
26,864 | france | known for its pink-metallic bottle cover and signature “ace of spades” logo, this fresh-faced wine is crisp and zesty. the wine, with a pale salmon-pink color and lively mousse, is light and full of red-currant fruit that keeps it bright. dry, young and fruity, it's made by the cattier house for entrepreneur and rapper jay z. drink now. | Brut Rosé | 89 | 450 |
120,342 | us | a lovely balance of red fruit and soft texture that's quite enjoyable over the length of a meal from napa-based elyse, which sources the red rhône varietals in this wine from a high-elevation vineyard in the sierra foothills. | C'est Si Bon | 89 | 28 |
22,305 | france | pale pink in the glass, this has a rather fragrant nose that combines strawberry and citrus. the palate is ultralight and very fizzy, exuberant and fresh while remaining dry and full-flavored. yeasty autolysis provides backbone and structure, while the creamy citrus elements make for complete refreshment. | Brut Rosé | 90 | 19 |
79,940 | italy | aromas of scorched earth, underbrush, grilled porcini and black plum emerge. the round, concentrated palate doles out dried black cherry, raspberry compote, anise and nutmeg alongside velvety tannins. thanks to the juicy fruit, you can barely detect the warmth of alcohol on the close. | Cultus Boni Riserva | 90 | 30 |
58,752 | england | lively, crisp apple notes on the nose immediately signal freshness. the palate follows with equally brisk green apple and citrus notes, mellowed fittingly with a very fine, soft and creamy mousse. this is lithe, dew-fresh and of great purity. it conjures up visions of clear brooks, green meadows and budding elderflower. the crisp green-apple notes echo long and make for a totally refreshing, brisk finish. | Blanc de Blancs | 91 | 52 |
102,624 | chile | this perenially mediocre wine is a little worse in 2012. it smells blowsy, floral and strange, while in the mouth it's like oaky apple cider. flavors of cider and faux oak are less than impressive, as is the overall balance. | Sepia Reserva | 81 | 12 |
69,075 | us | chalky and thick, this varietal wine offers a wealth of herbal, vegetative qualities while remaining medium-bodied in the glass, supplemented in violet and cassis. | Estate Grown | 86 | 28 |
15,471 | us | this blend of merlot (40%), cabernet franc (29%), petit verdot (18%) and cabernet sauvignon opens with quite pure aromas of fresh herbs, flowers, anise and red fruit that are followed by sumptuous red-fruit flavors that show vitality. | Exhibition | 90 | 22 |
34,365 | italy | morellino di scansano is a soft, approachable expression of sangiovese from southern tuscany that pairs with grilled sausage and onions, baked beans or baby back ribs. this expression opens with bright cherry and subtle shadings of spice and tobacco. | Tenuta Belguardo Bronzone | 88 | 30 |
79,410 | italy | this barbaresco riserva offers classic rose, leather and truffle aromas. the palate has a core of wild cherry fruit and spice undertones, but it finishes with drying wood tannins. | Campo Quadro Riserva | 89 | 40 |
33,516 | france | this deliciously fruity wine is all about citrus, pear and crisp apple. lively and ready to drink, it will improve through 2016 as the intense acidity softens. | Les Tortues | 86 | 13 |
75,345 | us | this is the least costly of baldacci's '06 cabs, and is quite close in quality to the more expensive bottlings. it's classic napa, showing beautiful tannins framing ripe, juicy flavors of blackberries, black currants, plums and smoky cedar. combines power with elegance, and should develop over the next six years. | IV Sons | 91 | 35 |
11,489 | us | the trick to getting a cabernet sauvignon this ripe and oaky is to provide balance, and in this, écluse has succeeded. made from 100% cabernet, it's enormously rich in blackberries and black currants, with dark chocolate, licorice and spice adding complexity. the tannins are, in a word, gorgeous. with high alcohol, the mouthfeel has a cognac-like warmth, but doesn't feel uncomfortably hot. drink now for fresh fruitiness. | Reserve Lock Vineyard | 92 | 69 |
3,604 | us | the new oak barrel flavors stick out aggressively, and help to create a strong impression of drying tannins. the fruit is light and chalky, with young vine flavors of generic red berries. | Spice Cabinet Vineyard | 86 | 33 |
51,307 | us | the aromas on this wine are surprisingly blue fruited for a cabernet, followed by notes of herb, green pepper and spice. the flavors are lightly sweet, followed by a spice-filled finish. it's a straightforward quaffer that doesn't quite show its variety. | ECO | 85 | 13 |
31,248 | us | the dominant aromas are smoke, toast, and cinnamon, which ride over tart-cherry fruit. turns quite stemmy and tough on the finish. drink young--with a piece of rare beef to help tame the tannins. | Hargrave Vineyard | 84 | 35 |
68,526 | argentina | a high-end malbec experience at a reasonable price, this boasts rich aromas of cola, graphite and boysenberry that leap from the glass. the palate is bright and just thick enough, with wild berry, cherry, plum and oak-based flavors. another whack of oak, along with vanilla, chocolate and tobacco flavors, graces the finish. drink now–2015. | Finca Las Palmas | 91 | 25 |
91,897 | us | deep gold in color, this vineyard designate is oaky, with gingerbread, caramel and canned pineapple flavors. it's full, unctuous and creamy on the palate. | Sangiacomo Vineyard | 86 | 30 |
73,499 | france | earth, apple and citrus align on the nose. the palate brings out more earthiness but also pits the notions of mellow baked apple against absolutely tart lemon freshness. stone and earth cling constantly to these flavors and draw you in. the palate is pure and slender, totally dry and taut. the finish is of lasting lemon zest. this needs time but is full of promise. drink 2020–2035. | Altenberg de Bergbieten Grand Cru | 94 | 33 |
81,717 | us | hints of caramelized sugar lend warmth to this fresh fruity wine full of nectarine and grapefruit flavors. it's rich in body with a luscious, mouthfilling cling off set by sunny tangerine acidity. enjoy now through 2018. | Island Series | 87 | 22 |
110,852 | us | with a pale straw color, this brut is properly dry and crisp, although it does have a honey-sweet richness. it shows citrus and pear flavors, with the yeasty, doughy earthiness of a good sparkling wine. a little scoury and fairly priced, it's a fine bubbly to drink now. | Brut Made With Organically Grown Grapes | 87 | 13 |
73,422 | spain | aromas of tomato, spiced cherry, leather and fresh herbs are clean and appealing. a standard, balanced mouthfeel is medium in body, with dry, woody flavors of peppery plum and berry fruits. minty and darker on the finish. | Pergolas Old Vines Crianza | 86 | 14 |
128,326 | argentina | weinert holds its wines back longer than almost any other argentine winery, hence when you get a blend like this it's mature and ready. this is maderized, with aromas of earth, citrus, tobacco and mushroom. the palate is tight and houses tobacco, mocha, citrus and dried raspberry flavors. if you like aged rioja, this is for you. the blend is malbec, cabernet and merlot. | Carrascal | 90 | 16 |
280 | austria | a strongly spicy, rich wine, this has great concentration and an intense, dense texture.there is weight with plenty of ripe tropical fruits to contrast pronounced black pepper and bitter almond character. it's still young, so don't drink before 2015. screwcap. | Schiefer Reserve | 92 | 24 |
66,108 | italy | young and fruit-driven, this straightforward wine opens with aromas of ripe black and red-skinned fruit accompanied by a whiff of spice rack. the chewy palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry, star anise and orange zest alongside vibrant acidity. enjoy through 2016. | Madama | 87 | 17 |
26,344 | us | a bright pinkish-orange color makes this light-bodied wine stand out from the beginning, fresh watermelon and cherry flavors carry on the rounded palate, with a slight sweetness giving softness. | Summit Ridge White | 86 | 8 |
46,212 | australia | there is 8g/l of residual sugar, so some tasters might object to a hint of sweetness, but others will just find it helps to accentuate the wine's fruit-forward nature. pear and fig flavors pick up some honeyed stone fruit notes on the palate but this is nicely balanced and easy to drink. | Poacher's Blend | 87 | 12 |
26,417 | italy | here's a bright wine that offers sensations of yellow and green apples accented with notes of ginger and citrus alongside lively acidity. the crisp palate ends on a clean, refreshing note. pair with grilled vegetables or lightly seasoned seafood. | Punggl | 88 | 17 |
46,380 | us | this blend of 42% petit verdot, 36% sangiovese and 22% merlot shows strawberry, light caramel and expressive baking-spice aromas on the nose. a powerful burst of acidity starts the palate, which combines red currant and purple-flower flavors into a very interesting and lively wine. | Tre Vini Flood Family Vineyards | 91 | 22 |
105,986 | us | a fresh, crisp, clean young pinot noir that shows the silkiness and relative transparency of many carneros pinots. it's a bit thin, compared to more full-bodied versions, but elegant and dry, with flavors of cherryskins, cola and sandalwood. now–2012. | Vero | 87 | 28 |
121,061 | spain | a clear shot of oak hits first on the nose, followed by melon and mild citrus notes. despite its age, this is still fresh and in balance due to good core acidity. yeasty, lightly resiny flavors come with notes of briny citrus, while an oaky-tasting finish is steady due to the aforementioned acidity. drink now. | Navia | 90 | 32 |
74,488 | portugal | aged for 18 months in oak, this richly structured wine is powerful and concentrated. bitter chocolate vies with ripe, juicy berry fruits to give a wine that is both firm and extracted, but also generous. the wine is ready to drink. | Grande Reserva Tinto | 89 | 30 |
28,234 | us | from 41-year-old vines on just over five estate acres, this is resiny and briny on the nose. a honey-laced creaminess at the core is tensely accentuated by vibrant acidity. balanced and elegant, with a sunny bite of ripeness, it revels in nuances of fresh and dried apricot while lighter notes of lemon, lime and grapefruit play backup. | Estate Bottled | 93 | 27 |
88,568 | us | once known as nugent vineyard, winside is a blend of dijon and pommard clones that's on the more robust side, especially in this climatically perfect vintage. offering exuberant red cherry fruit and layers of cola and milk chocolate, it's ready to enjoy with pork tenderloin and similarly hearty fare. | Winside Vineyard | 90 | 44 |
26,479 | chile | opens like a full-bore barrel buster with heavy char and leather. with time it settles on coffee, toast, chocolate and fig aromas. the palate is big and chewy, with peppery, toasty blackberry fruit and then more toast and coffee on the finish. seems as much about the barrel as the fruit. | Reserva | 88 | 14 |
112,043 | us | herb, anise, baking-spice, smoke and dark-fruit aromas are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors surrounded by velvety tannins. the balance is just about spot on. | Fidelitas Estate Vineyard | 89 | 75 |
127,045 | portugal | a blend of aragonez, syrah and touriga nacional, this is a crisp wine, full of raspberry fruits and a soft texture. it is attractive with its balance of acidity and fruit, and is very ready to drink. | Ciconia | 85 | 12 |
98,026 | france | this wine is soft and rounded with attractive red-cherry fruits, ripe strawberries and touches of wood and tannin. acidity comes along behind this richness. it is going to develop quickly and will give great pleasure. drink from 2018. | Les Charmes Premier Cru | 91 | 153 |
15,042 | us | no one will ever complain that this napa valley-sonoma county blend isn't fruity enough. it's deliciously explosive in jammy blackberries, cassis, cherries and milk chocolate. oak adds notes of caramel. but flavor isn't everything, and this wine would benefit from greater restraint and structural integrity. | Encomium | 88 | 70 |
43,730 | france | this medium-bodied wine combines grilled cherries with meaty, savory notes. it's not the biggest, baddest or boldest, but it is nicely harmonious and fruit-forward, with a long, mouthwatering finish. drink it over the next year or two. | Les Grès | 88 | 15 |
13,400 | australia | bursting with bold, fully ripe fruit notes of pear and peach, followed up with tropical notes, this is a lush fruit bomb of a chardonnay to drink over the near term (3–4 months). | Flying Piano Hand Select | 86 | 11 |
1,640 | portugal | tinta miúda, known as the rare graciano grape in spain, is not often found in portugal. here it makes a ripe, juicy and jammy wine that's soft, with only a minimum of tannins to keep it together. it has a typically warm character and is ready to drink. | Tinta Miúda | 85 | 12 |
75,817 | portugal | produced in the vineyards of estremoz, the marble capital of portugal, this wine is a ready-to-drink blend of red fruits and soft tannins. a juicy character gives it a crisp aftertaste. drink the wine now. | Album Lua Cheia em Vinhas Velhas | 87 | 9 |
123,176 | spain | berry aromas with a hint of pine and juniper form the opening on this fresh-style rioja. a quick wash of red plum and raspberry flavors comes with an herbal leaning and minty notes. this finishes firm but light in weight, with a minty aftertaste. | Tinto | 85 | 10 |
24,262 | spain | black-fruit aromas are forceful, toasty and gritty. it feels solid, fruity and full bodied, with black fruit flavors that come across ripe and generous. it's oaky but not overly so. | LZ | 87 | 18 |
35,939 | us | this vineyard is a premier site for this variety, taming the mean, green aromas and flavors it can be associated with. aromas of peppery spices, green herbs and cherry are followed by soft, sultry dark fruit flavors that show exquisite balance and length. | Seven Hills Vineyard | 91 | 36 |
10,599 | us | rich black-cherry pie, vanilla and spice notes mark this intensely aromatic bordeaux-style blend made of 60% cabernet franc augmented with equal proportions of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. the palate is bright with tart sour-cherry flavor wrapped in layers of velvety smooth tannins. finishes moderately long. | Rob Roy | 87 | 45 |
57,584 | france | wood and fruit balance in this rich and full wine. the yellow and citrus fruits give a good mix of ripeness and a fresher, more mineral character. the toast, just the right amount, gives the warmth and polish the wine needs. the result is a serious wine, still young, to be drunk from 2018. | Vaudésir Grand Cru | 93 | 93 |
73,229 | us | this is the inaugural release from this oregon-based winery, with the fruit coming from loess and seven hills vineyards. a blend of cabernet sauvignon (54%), merlot (38%) and petit verdot, it offers laromas of pencil box, high-toned flowers, bittersweet chocolate, herbs and barrel spices. the flavors show depth and intensity as well as exquisite balance and length. | Proprietary | 92 | 75 |
57,967 | italy | made entirely with sangiovese, this fresh wine opens with aromas of black cherry and freshly ground pepper that carry over to the palate along with notes of black raspberry and a hint of orange rind. racy acidity and supple tannins provide the framework. it's easy-drinking, so enjoy soon. | Locorosso | 87 | 15 |
61,699 | chile | even among value-priced cabs from chile, this one isn't offering much. the nose is sharp and brambly, with a hint of stem that takes a while to loosen its grip. the palate is made up of bitter-tinged raspberry flavors and short, choppy tannins. seems more short on substance than in the past. | Estate | 83 | 14 |
38,949 | us | concentrated and lively, this showcases luscious black cherry fruit that's perfectly framed with zippy acidity and ripe tannins. it's a full-bodied, new world style, but with a complex, layered finish that says oregon rather than california. | Estates Reserve | 94 | 75 |
75,852 | us | the chateau's reserve is not their best chardonnay (that honor belongs to the cold creek) but it's their most accessible, made in a powerful, lush style with softer fruit and more obvious new oak. fleshy, full-bodied and showing lively spice, it's a drink-me-now pleasure. | Reserve | 90 | 31 |
78,255 | us | for all the richness, and there's plenty of it in the pineapple, meyer lemondrop and vanilla notes, this chard has a gunmetal minerality that grounds it. the “nu” designation indicates that it's unoaked. | Estate Grown Nu | 87 | 18 |
124,940 | france | the nose suggests ripe, bruised apples and a touch of apple crumble, while the palate also has a mellow aspect, helped along by a little residual sugar to make this wine off dry. sufficient freshness balances things out but the overall impression is one of rounded mellowness. lemon becomes apparent on the finish. | Coup de Foudre | 89 | 19 |
45,955 | bulgaria | a heady aroma of cherry, coffee and clove with a whiff of mint paves the way for luscious flavors of raspberry, pomegranate and eucalyptus. this wine is silky in the mouth, with a fleeting impression of pomegranate and mint at the soft finish. | Enira | 90 | 15 |
128,636 | us | vanilla cream, marzipan and apple custard hit the nose on this creamy, dairy-inflected bottling, but a fine line of key-lime rind balances things. pan-seared apples in lemon juice mesh well with saffron and dandelion as well as buttered toast with lime marmalade on the dynamic palate. | Sierra Madre Vineyard | 91 | 30 |
41,497 | austria | smells nice enough, with rich custardy aromas, freshly baked sweetened piecrust, and peaches and vanilla. it tastes much drier than you'd think, given the opening. delicate peach and hazelnut flavors are offset by decent, not great, acidity. in fact, if the acids were higher, the wine would be better. —s.h. | Gelber | 86 | 23 |
7,621 | new zealand | unmistakably a kiwi pinot noir, with notes of dr. pepper, ripe bramble fruit, oaky spices and tree bark, it loses it's way a little on the palate, lacking the juicy fruit to stand up to all the oak. | Three Paddles | 87 | 20 |
51,536 | us | a bone-dry, slightly green sauvignon blanc, with lemongrass and gooseberry flavors, boosted with vibrant acidity. feels elegant and sleek, but won't appeal to everyone. the grapes for this unoaked wine came from sonoma and lake counties. | Tradition | 86 | 30 |
102,773 | france | with a sense of structure and balance between honey and fruit, this is an attractive, food-friendly wine. it is off dry although the spice core gives a drier edge. allow the wine a few more months in bottle; drink from late 2015. | Tradition | 86 | 25 |
26,307 | spain | scratchy, minty aromas are the opening on this rough and rugged blend of tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon. in the mouth, this is hard as nails, with extreme tannic bite. flavors of blackberry and chocolate are ripe and satisfying, while resiny oak, baking spice notes and rough tannnins define the finish. | Cala N. 2 | 87 | 22 |
62,734 | france | soft-fruited champagne, with pear and pink grapefruit flavors. it has a bitter almond edge that cuts through the acidity. the finish is soft, towards the sweet end of brut. | Blue Top Brut | 85 | 35 |
58,198 | us | this wine intrigues with its aromas of peppery spices, tobacco and purple fruit. the flavors are lush and focused, bringing a lot of hedonistic pleasure, though it trails a bit toward the finish. | Anderson Estate Vineyard | 88 | 20 |
126,876 | portugal | the wine is crisp and as light as a feather. the fruitiness brings with it apple and pink grapefruit as well as warmer golden plums and a perfumed aftertaste. drink the wine now. | Coreto Branco | 84 | 9 |
53,985 | us | tastes hot as a chile pepper, and no wonder. the alcohol is 15.8%. some red wines get away with it, but this one doesn't. the berry-cherry flavors are baked, and the wine is clumsy and inelegant. | Holystone | 82 | 27 |
73,566 | italy | vernaccia rondolino opens with fragrant aromas of citrus, green apple and passion fruit. the mouthfeel is lean and compact, but there's a nice touch of zesty freshness on the close. | Rondolino | 85 | 12 |
87,345 | us | this wine is a blend of tempranillo (63%), graciano (26%) and garnacha. appealing aromas of red fruit, spice, cocoa and toasty barrel accents give way to fruit and barrel flavors brightened by tart acidity and supported by lightly grainy tannins. it's an intriguing blend of these varieties that shows impeccable balance and impressive length. | Corrida | 91 | 34 |
45,320 | us | fermented in neutral oak barrels and aged sur lie for 7 months, this wine, which includes 6% viognier, brings herb, honeycomb, pear and orange peel aromas. it drinks dry, with sleek, citrusy flavors. | Stillwater Creek Vineyard | 88 | 23 |
86,012 | us | pretty in orange and pink, this sparkling rosé is 75% pinot noir and 25% chardonnay, creamy in texture with a pleasing taste of strawberries and cream atop a homemade biscuit. with solid acidity, it'll be both an attractive and effective addition to your springtime brunch or lunch table. | Sparkling Rosé | 88 | 22 |
29,925 | argentina | melon and citrus aromas are clean and easy, not pungent. this feels good, with limited but solid white-grapefruit and orange flavors. a dry juicy finish tastes mildly bitter but isn't too severe. | Reserva | 86 | 10 |
47,568 | spain | this big, jammy syrah is packed with spice, baked plum and blackberry aromas. in the mouth, it's wide and voluminous. flavors of blackberry are fully ripe, while blueberry and pepper flavors are long and lasting on the finish. | Venta la Ossa | 88 | 22 |
73,284 | us | the hot climate in which the grapes were grown shows in this wine's extreme softness and jammy ripeness. it's almost sweet, like a cherry and raspberry pastry. | Reserve | 84 | 18 |
38,638 | us | this is a blend of cabernet, pinot, sangiovese, zin and three other varieties, and it will please fruit-forward fans for its wealth of cherries, raspberries, cola and peppermint candy flavors. | Rosato | 84 | 17 |
37,651 | us | treana has enjoyed great success with this blend of viognier and marsanne, which is one of the best rhône-style white wines in california. the main reason is the source of the grapes. the vineyard, owned by the wagners of caymus, is stellar. the '06 is as rich and crisply acidic as ever, with fantastically complex, honeyed tropical fruit, apricot and floral flavors that taste like they have a touch of botrytis. | Mer Soleil Vineyard | 94 | 25 |
127,507 | chile | despite not being overly dense or powerful, the nose features ample berry aromas and a hint of herbal essence. the mouth delivers plum, cherry and berry fruit and then it goes spicy and oaky on the drying finish. though not big and fat, there's substance and plenty of taste here. | Grand Reserve Vitisterra | 85 | 13 |
37,713 | spain | this is floral on the nose, but also candied smelling. so don't be surprised that the palate, while friendly and fruity, is also sticky in feel with a syrupy core flavor that's suggestive of residual sugar. that said, this jellybean is an easy drinker. | Berry Smooth | 85 | 13 |
72,337 | italy | aged for one year in barriques, this is dominated by raw oak and butterscotch aromas that carry over to the palate alongside lemon and pineapple flavors. while it's an understandable effort to differentiate it from other wines made from pecorino, it doesn't possess enough fruit richness to support the wood sensations. | Io sono Gaia non sono Lucrezia | 86 | 29 |
79,461 | us | a one-of-a-kind 100% sangiovese from cadaretta, this pure and expressive wine shows concentrated strawberry fruit presented in a balanced style with acids and tannins in perfect proportion. there is no hint of new oak, just a softening from barrel aging, and a lovely presentation of the pretty young fruit. | Highclimber | 88 | 50 |
43,962 | us | a really nice sparkling wine from gloria ferrer. mostly pinot noir, with some chardonnay, it has a dark copper color and is full-bodied and rich in raspberry and strawberry flavors. feels crisp and satisfying. best over the next few years. | Brut Rosé | 91 | 42 |
58,316 | france | still in its first flush of youth, it shows great minerality as well as intense citrus and apple fruit flavors. a light touch of ripeness brings out a more yellow fruit character. drink now, but better to keep until 2015. | Sancerre le Rochoy | 91 | 30 |
129,102 | chile | roasted, balsamic aromas suggest tomato, coffee grinds and a pinch of herbal green in addition to standard berry and cassis notes. pulsing acidity creates a lively, dancing mouthfeel. flavors of herbal plum and light cherry finish scratchy and edgy, with a mild chocolate flavor. | Propuesta | 87 | 10 |
114,277 | italy | this wine definitely shows a ripe side in its cured meat, tobacco, sandalwood, smoked bacon and old spice. delivers a rich, plump feel in the mouth, backed by gritty tannins and bright acidity. despite the cooler vintage, this wine packs power, heat and a tiny touch of sweetness on the close. | Riserva | 91 | 79 |
12,416 | australia | a full, not overly extracted style of shiraz with deep aromas of licorice, earth, tar, prunes and a lovely creamy note. plum and blackberry flavors with soy and smoke accents fill the palate, and as the wine closes it displays good length with fruit and spice flavors. | Reserve | 88 | 46 |
40,661 | australia | the de bortoli family does a solid job with chardonnay—even this entry-level wine shows some complexity and finesse. hints of smoke and graphite frame bright pineapple and lime flavors, delivered without excessive weight or richness. | DB Family Selection | 85 | 9 |
33,033 | italy | here's a strongly mineral-driven expression of chardonnay with a polished, linear appeal in its clean aromas and crisp mouthfeel. the wine is luminous and light and would pair with seafood or a fresh caesar salad. | Libaio | 87 | 12 |
957 | us | the great ritchie vineyard, a renowned site for chardonnay, also possesses highly sought-after sauvignon blanc. here, it shows as grassy in pea shoots and thick, with a voluptuous texture and body weight. | Ritchie Vineyard | 87 | 24 |
123,282 | us | this wine shows smooth red fruit that is light and generic, with modest weight and an earthy flavor. the wine spent a bit of time in 25% new oak, though it doesn't show up in the flavors. | The Attaché | 87 | 40 |
92,190 | italy | this wine opens with stewed plum, used leather, vanilla and coconut aromas. the palate is evolved, offering prune, espresso and sage flavors, with close-grained tannins that leave an astringent finish. | Riserva dei Mandorli | 87 | 55 |
3,851 | us | spicy and assertive, this young, cellar-worthy pinot noir just hints at the complexity within. give it plenty of air time and it opens aromatically with allspice, sandalwood, perhaps some cola and pine needle. the tart and tangy berry fruit is still compact and primary, but fully ripe and nicely sculpted into a well-defined wine from start to finish. | Arcus Estate | 92 | 100 |
6,226 | portugal | adding syrah (shiraz as the producer calls it) to the blend with tinta roriz and touriga nacional gives a strongly perfumed character to this firm, still structured wine. it also has a fresh element from the black currant acidity that cuts through the wine. drink now. | Brigando | 85 | 10 |
106,876 | us | as usual, this was sourced entirely from a small block in the dineen vineyard. fragrant with a mélange of lemony aromas, the flavors carry the same theme—lemon gelato, lemon pie, limoncello, all buoyed with perfect acidity. it's a vivid, clean, long-lasting wine. | StevensDivio | 92 | 21 |
16,727 | us | this opens with juicy cranberry and cherry fruit, remaining concentrated through the core palate. good as it is, the wine fades more quickly than its reserve siblings, which would suggest drinking this one first while the others gain further time in bottle. | Tallulah's Run Reserve | 90 | 65 |
74,367 | portugal | this is open and generous, a soft wine that will be ready to drink soon. it still has some firm structure although that serves as a support to the blackberry fruit flavors. the aftertaste is juicy and fresh. | Coroa d'Ouro | 88 | 12 |
113,816 | austria | from one of the high vineyards on the slopes of the schrattenthal, this complex riesling has a fine initial raciness, then opens into perfumed white fruits touched by spice, apricots and a layer of tense minerality. age for 2–3 years. screwcap. | Innere Bergen | 90 | 23 |
69,505 | us | with an extra-deep color and smoky-sweet oak aromas, this wine doesn't taste like its peer group, but seems to be going for commercial appeal as a spiced-up generic red. it's full bodied, almost thick in texture and firmly tannic. | Misbehaved | 84 | 16 |
9,777 | germany | rich, viscous and sweet, this is a spätlese that punches above its weight. a bit of dried apricot hints at the inclusion of some botrytized grapes, while the rest of the fruit shows superripe flavors of peaches and honey. this is long on the finish, clinging to the palate. imported by chapin cellars, llc. | Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Spätlese | 92 | 28 |
23,969 | italy | here's an outstanding chianti classico made from 80% sangiovese, 10% pugnitello and 10% colorino that opens with earthy aromas of underbrush, leather, violet, dark spices and red berries. the structured palate delivers rich black cherry, black pepper, clove and balsamic herbs alongside bracing yet refined tannins. it still shows some youthful aggression, so give it time to soften and develop complexity. drink 2015–2025. | Poggio Rosso Riserva | 94 | 50 |