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57,099 | austria | clean-cut zesty freshness pervades nose and palate with lively, ripe and toothsome citrus zest: mandarin and lemon dominate. the palate is sleek and slender with focus and verve. wonderfully bracing. | Zöbing | 90 | 30 |
31,999 | spain | brawny but lovely, with monster black fruit, balsam wood, tobacco and cola nut aromas. the palate is ultra rich and modern in style, with deep, brandied flavors of cola, black cherry and spice. driven, modern and properly tannic, with a fair amount of mocha and creaminess on the finish. drink from late 2010 thru 2014. | Amancio | 95 | 167 |
30,010 | us | an earthiness permeates this wine, from a wild site near the pacific ocean. black tea, olive and crushed rock-influenced minerality keep it interesting as it goes, the tannins velvety though pronounced, especially on the finish. | Campbell Ranch | 91 | 65 |
43,996 | spain | there's a reason airén is used as a base grape for brandy and sherry wines, and it's because it's not up to table-wine quality, even at the value price point. this wine is corny and lacks freshness. it's dull, wayward and offers little to no structure. barely drinkable. | Airén | 80 | 9 |
29,438 | italy | here's an unusual white from sicily made with red nero d'avola grapes. it has a subdued floral fragrance and a linear palate showing citrus notes, white pepper and bracing acidity. | Bianco di Morgante | 85 | 18 |
102,118 | us | an inviting and fragrant nose of blackberry, soy, vanilla and pine opens this medium-weight offering. tangy, with tart berry, brown sugar and tobacco, it has a bracing mouthfeel with firm acidity, reading almost like a tuscan red on the palate. tart and sweet, the finish is brisk. | Reserve Bella Vista Vineyard | 88 | 41 |
87,302 | france | a tightly delineated wine, ripe, but with a great swathe of tangy balancing acidity. the structure shows the immense possibility of aging in a wine that is not yet getting into its stride. | Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec | 93 | 35 |
72,498 | us | this wine is dry, with a hint of oaky vanilla and buttered toast. rich orange, peach and honey flavors are brightened by a burst of citrusy acidity. | Calling All Angels | 86 | 11 |
62,351 | south africa | a blend of 45% malbec, 34% merlot and 21% cabernet sauvignon, there are some upfront notes of game, leather and cured meat that add interest to the black plum and cherry core. the palate is plush and broad, but not flat, with soft, approachable tannins and pleasant dark berry and plum flavors that are lifted by ample acidity. drink now–2020. | Series M | 90 | 79 |
10,494 | france | a complex blend of 23 varieties, from a languedoc vineyard originally planted in 1905. this has firm, rustic character, with dry tannins, dense black fruit and fresh, juicy acidity. there is a softness at the end, giving black currant acidity to finish. | Plantation 1905 | 88 | 13 |
122,268 | israel | deep garnet to the eye, this wine offers fragrances of black cherry, cranberry and espresso. a net of soft tannins plays host to flavors of strawberry, cherry, white chocolate and thai basil. the finish is a balancing act between smooth and bright sensations on the palate. | Gilgal | 90 | 15 |
124,270 | us | tightly-defined raspberry fruit, with sharp and vivid acidity against a backdrop of wet rock, characterizes this young pinot noir. the brightness and delicate definition suggests that there are unseen layers of flavor lurking beneath the youthful shell. give this at least a half decade in the cellar. | Olenik Vineyard | 90 | 45 |
24,419 | us | this wine from the personal vineyard of the winery's co-founder has assertive woodsmoke, toasted oak and forest aromas, its bright black cherry and pomegranate flavors accented by tamarind and black pepper. while strongly oaky and firmly tannic in texture, it has a sleek and nervy aspect that's very appealing. | Burt Williams' Morning Dew Ranch | 92 | 82 |
19,594 | spain | starts out rustic and leathery, with hints of smoke, leafiness and earth along with baked berry and spice. this four-grape wine has good density and mouthfeel that frames leather, earth and slightly baked berry fruit flavors. finishes chocolaty and sweet, with just enough acidity to maintain balance. | Selección 12 Crianza | 89 | 15 |
66,423 | australia | beyond a hint of stuck flint on the nose, this offers clean, varietally correct aromas and flavors of white nectarine, grapefruit and gooseberry. it's nicely balanced in the middle of the spectrum, offering a harmonious mix of stone fruit and citrus. | Beacon Hill | 88 | 13 |
67,957 | spain | minerality and raw citrus aromas create a true verdejo bouquet. this is properly acidic and fresh, but a touch round and pulpy as well. briny, borderline bitter flavors of grapefruit, lime, tarragon and scallion finish pithy. drink now. | Pie Franco | 89 | 30 |
81,678 | us | touches of earth, new leather and sweet vermouth fill the aromas and flavors of this edgy but very enjoyable wine. it has a seeming-sweet blend of maraschino cherries, baking spices and spicy, barnyard accents. | Estate Bottled | 88 | 40 |
25,204 | italy | always a knockout brunello, uccelliera's 2006 riserva seems on the ripe side, with jammy fruit aromas and savory beef jerky notes at the back. the firmness and natural acidity associated with sangiovese is present, but the aromas show hints of candied fruit and spicy plum cake. | Riserva | 92 | 65 |
86,120 | us | the nose of this blend of 46% roussanne, 24% picpoul, 21% viognier and 9% grenache blanc is quite lush at first, evoking pan-seared pear and pineapple, but a steely tension keeps it in check. on the palate, coconut and honey butter flavors are cut by searing acidity. | Points West | 90 | 35 |
9,508 | chile | dry and spicy up front, with aromas of herbed raspberry and sandalwood. the palate is juicy and structured, with toasty, spicy plum and berry flavors and good zest. finishes toasty, with a bit of chocolaty richness. fresh, ripe and well oaked. | Hacienda Araucano Reserva | 87 | 11 |
116,735 | italy | here's a structured red that opens with aromas of spiced plum, french oak, menthol and a floral note. the full-bodied straightforward palate offers raisin, espresso, licorice and a tobacco note alongside firm, fine-grained tannins and surprisingly fresh acidity. | Selezione Antonio Castagnedi | 89 | 45 |
110,838 | us | aromas of blackberries are set against freshly milled cedar, dried flowers, chopped herbs and a bit of iron. oregano and thyme lead the palate, with slightly sour boysenberry fruit as well as espresso, dark chocolate and camphor, leaning on herbs more than ripe fruit. | J.D. Hurley | 92 | 27 |
69,060 | portugal | on the western side of the lisboa region, this vineyard occupies a beautiful protected valley. the wine is made in an immediately accessible style with bright red fruits and light tannins. it is fruity, ready to drink now. | Castelo do Sulco Reserva | 86 | 10 |
19,171 | italy | bright and elegant, this opens with aromas of blue flower, woodland berry, baking spice and a whiff of toasted oak. the sleek, savory palate doles out sour cherry, crushed strawberry, cinnamon and a hint of thyme alongside polished tannins. | Carandelle | 90 | 25 |
87,174 | us | red plum, dark cranberry, composting rose petals, dried ginger and earthy mushrooms show on the slightly funky, slightly sweet nose of this bottling. the palate begins with a sour plum skin and tart raspberry kick, then leads into a core with hints of pine needle, juniper and turned loam. | Annie Dyer | 92 | 50 |
123,930 | france | this is a soft pretty wine with a light fruity character. it is gently fruity, finishing with a peppery edge and crisp acidity. drink now. | Cuvée des Princes | 84 | 10 |
119,570 | us | fresh mint and menthol notes lend a herbaceous tone to this dry, slightly grassy riesling. lemon and lime flavors are brisk and clean on the palate. | Dry | 85 | 11 |
35,397 | us | the vineyard is in a very cool, damp part of the valley, and this particular bottling always shows a dry finish, considerable tannins and an earthiness not found in warmer parts of the appellation. this 2008 follows those lines. it has a dense core of sour cherry candy fruit, with some superripe currants. will age interestingly over the decade. | Trenton Estate Vineyard | 92 | 52 |
23,291 | spain | this five-grape, garnacha-led blend captures the essence of terra alta with laser-focused aromas of blackberry, spice and stony minerality. a full, lively, acid-driven palate is balanced by creamy oak, while flavors of vanilla and coconut accent plum and berry fruit. lasting acidity creates definition and length on the finish. drink through 2020. | Portal Roble | 91 | 24 |
14,862 | france | the granite soil of the holder vineyard lends itself to pinot gris, allowing the grapes to keep freshness while adding a rich undertow. this wine is full in the mouth, medium sweet in style and generous. it will age over the short-term, so drink from 2016. | Holder | 89 | 25 |
41,823 | germany | a whiff of fennel lends spice to pristine, tart peach and yellow plum flavors in this pert off-dry wine. ideal as an apéritif, it's brisk, lean and refreshingly juicy. | Fritz Willi | 88 | 17 |
15,927 | germany | a delicate spray of violet lingers from start to finish on this lively pinot noir, melding into flavors of red cherries and berries, toast and granite. brisk in acidity yet supple in tannins and mouthfeel, it's an elegant, nuanced wine that may surprise pinot noir drinkers outside of germany. | Franz Anton Schwarzer Adler | 91 | 42 |
96,050 | us | this is a very solid wine for its price, with floral scents of apple blossom, key lime and honeysuckle on the nose. asian pear, apple and nectarine show on the palate, where touches of jasmine round out a decently tense sip. | Unoaked | 87 | 12 |
92,849 | germany | whiffs of spice accent aromas of orange blossom and fresh pears on this dry, richly textured wine. ripe pineapple and tangerine flavors are unabashedly mouthwatering, but elevated by a piercing mineral focus that drives the finish. effortless yet elegant in style. | Dry | 90 | 15 |
54,180 | us | perfumed with rose and lavender, this wine has robust tannins and dominant oak notes, both in support of its ripe, concentrated red fruit. woody, herbal components complement the lushness, framed by gravelly texture. | River Road Ranch | 90 | 39 |
82,501 | argentina | from familia bressia, this brut nature smells like a cross between a frosted doughnut and dried tropical fruits. in the mouth, this is citric in feel, with tart, almost sour flavors of orange along with the peel. a tangy citric finish ends with lingering grapefruit and orange notes. | Brut Nature Rosé | 87 | 25 |
97,413 | us | purple flowers, black cherries, licorice, black sesame, beef char and a touch of tar show on the nose of this bottling by david parrish and family. the palate combines clean flavors of milk chocolate and espresso bean with tart boysenberry and more of a tarry tension. | Reserve | 92 | 50 |
59,896 | us | a blend of seven different vineyards, the name is french for spoon. this is a softer, less tannic wine than most of the other torii mor 2005s, but is not quite what you would call silky. mixed red fruits, light scents suggesting flower as well as berry, and a feminine elegance characterize this pinot. it's been carefully crafted to emphasize the subtle herbs and spices, without hiding behind the more obvious flavors of new oak. | La Cuillère Member's Reserve | 90 | 55 |
110,428 | italy | medium bodied and refreshing, this vibrant wine—made with organically grown fruit—delivers baked apple, citrus zest and bitter almond flavors. crisp acidity provides balance while steely mineral energizes the clean, linear finish. | Pancole | 88 | 14 |
98,316 | us | this is made from a field blend of cinsault, carignane, grenache, zinfandel and viognier. medium bodied and medium in acidity, it offers a dry, fulfilling tartness of orange, grapefruit and raspberry, remaining light and bright on the palate. | Violet Rose | 88 | 26 |
126,866 | spain | this is almost red in color, with spicy bell pepper aromas resulting from early harvested cabernet sauvignon. its full, chunky palate shows yeasty, lightly green and peppery flavors that linger on the finish. | Cabernet Sauvignon | 84 | 15 |
3,843 | portugal | this is a smooth, impressively rich wine powered by silky tannins and ripe black fruits. the palate is intensely concentrated with a big, bold structure and a solid feel. it does need some aging, so drink from 2016. | Aguia Moura em Vinhas Velhas Reserva | 93 | 18 |
127,796 | new zealand | passion fruit and melon vie for attention on the bouquet with grassy, vegetal, herbaceous scents. in the mouth, citrus and dry asian pear flavors intermingle with additional grassy, asparagus tones. the acids on the back end are intense, so the tang and zip on the finish is powerful. the biggest problem here is a persistent vegetal quality that won't let up. | Dog Point | 85 | 20 |
19,105 | us | this is a well-structured zinfandel-based blend with a wild streak and significant amounts of carignane and charbono. it has spicy, earthy, new-leather aromas, modest fruit flavors and a firmly tannic texture. dry and grippy on the palate, it will complement rich proteins nicely. | Coro Mendocino | 87 | 40 |
22,375 | us | almost decadently rich, this seduces with aromas of toasted hazelnuts, buttery stone fruits and sweet sliced pineapple. in perfect balance and drinking beautifully, it should remain at its peak through the mid-2020s. | Justice Vineyard | 94 | 56 |
28,652 | portugal | this blend of trajadura and alvarinho comes from the far north of the vinho verde region. the wine is cool and perfumed with apricot as well as creamed pear flavors. drink the wine now. | Blue | 85 | 13 |
57,094 | us | hearty cranberry and chaparral herbs mesh with iron and sweet rose florals on the slightly rustic nose of this bottling from a historic vineyard. it's light in body, with decent acidity and bounce to the sip, showing hibiscus and pomegranate juice as well as floral lavender touches on the palate. | Sierra Madre Vineyard | 90 | 45 |
8,165 | chile | herbal berry aromas are earthy and leafy. this is 50% syrah, 30% carmenère and the rest petit verdot and cab franc. in the mouth, this feels pulpy but dry. leafy herbal plum and olive flavors finish firm but with continuous herbal flavors. | 1234 Reserva | 87 | 15 |
115,990 | us | with organically grown grapes from both lake county (58%) and mendocino (42%), this showcases the best of both regions. it has a great mix of lemon, grapefruit, honeydew and kiwi freshness that remains balanced on the finish. it's a quaffable summer wine. | Made With Organic Grapes | 88 | 14 |
125,725 | us | hailing from vines planted in 1918 when the los angeles area was the state's top vineyard zone, this bottling shows elegant blackberry meringue, lavender chiffon and hedonistic fudge on the nose. purple flowers also show on the palate, as do earl grey tea, plum rinds and black-pepper notes. | Monga Zin Lopez Vineyard Old Vine | 91 | 21 |
98,355 | chile | this starts out with murky, leathery aromas that veer toward latex and rubber. it has tannic grip and decent structure. the wine tastes of roasted berry fruit and saucy plum, followed by a baked-tasting finish. | Classic Series | 85 | 12 |
5 | spain | blackberry and raspberry aromas show a typical navarran whiff of green herbs and, in this case, horseradish. in the mouth, this is fairly full bodied, with tomatoey acidity. spicy, herbal flavors complement dark plum fruit, while the finish is fresh but grabby. | Ars In Vitro | 87 | 15 |
84,765 | austria | while the nose does not give away much, the palate reveals simple but supple cherry fruit, joined here and there by darker blackberry and plum. the structure is there but lightly worn. this is a friendly, unobtrusive, medium-bodied red with an edge of tar and spice. | Famos | 89 | 30 |
60,751 | argentina | opens with horsey, leathery aromas that are funky and wild, but are surrounded by solid berry-fruit scents. picks up steam on the palate, which is easygoing, solidly built and just firm enough. tastes of blackberry, cola, spice and chocolate, then finishes smooth and creamy. | B Crux | 89 | 25 |
113,959 | italy | aromas of leather, licorice, underbrush and chopped herb carry over to the palate together with tart red cherry, strawberry and star anise. assertive but refined tannins offer support. drink 2018–2024. | Cannubi | 90 | 65 |
94,501 | austria | funky flowers and dandelion fringe the citrus core of this rounded but precise riesling. they hint at a ripe core of stone fruit that vies for attention with zesty acidity. | Engelsberg | 89 | 24 |
53,661 | france | this is a grand, complex wine, full of ripe apple, dried apricots and pear skins. it is just beginning to hint at more mature, complex flavors. with great acidity that cuts right through the palate, this serious, dense wine will age well. drink until 2022. | Paradis Pfingsberg Grand Cru | 92 | 34 |
42,556 | portugal | a full, ripe vanilla- and strawberry-flavored wine that hits the spot for the summer, with an emphasis on dryness, but with a soft, fruity, food-friendly aftertaste. | Conde de Vimioso Vinho Rosé | 84 | 9 |
121,752 | spain | plum and raspberry aromas are honest and pleasant. this is fruity and plummy on first take, but soon it becomes narrow and acidic, with tart, shrill berry and plum flavors that finish juicy and angular, then bitter. | El Circo Equilibrista | 83 | 8 |
61,397 | germany | pretty blossom and apricot aromas bolster ripe, rich flavors of honey tangerine and yellow peach in this forward, fruity wine. there's no pretense here: it's a hedonistic guzzler of a wine, but its tangy salt-and-lime finish makes it hard to resist another glass. drink while young. | Blitz | 90 | 11 |
27,011 | us | no information was given as far as whether this was entirely stainless fermented, but that is the clear impression. light fruit flavors of apple, pear, and green banana combine in a crisp wine that is modest in scale, balanced and fresh. | She-Devil | 87 | 20 |
31,180 | us | this wine needs time to open, but when it does it reveals smooth, thick oakiness on the palate that settles into a complementary note to the spicy clove and cherry vanilla. medium to fuller-bodied in style, it finishes softly. | Amaryllis | 90 | 59 |
7,379 | south africa | a stunning and inviting dessert wine that exhibits the superb balance that chenin blanc can lend to the style. honeyed peach and apricot notes abound, with spicy accents of ginger, clove-spiked orange and toast. the mouth is lush and slightly viscous, but the racy acidity provides good cut. this ends with a long, spice-driven finish. delicious now, but it should age for another five years. | T Noble Late Harvest | 92 | 55 |
83,740 | spain | this barrel-fermented viura shows toasty popcorn aromas that are derived directly from oak. the palate has a woody personality with tight acidity and flavors that suggest burgundian chardonnay. baked apple and vanilla notes come in front of a long finish. | Cask Fermented | 89 | 32 |
117,728 | austria | wonderfully tart, fresh red cherry fruit expands on this wine's nose and palate. it's wonderfully poised and pitched just right between generosity and restraint. its crunchy cherry fruit feels honest and elegant. the finish is lip-smackingly fresh. | Austrian Plum | 91 | 14 |
116,667 | italy | an easy-drinking blend of 40% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot, 12% petit verdot and 8% cabernet sauvignon, this offers aromas of black currant, clove and roasted coffee bean. the polished, accessible palate shows cassis, toasted oak, licorice and mocha alongside fine-grained tannins. enjoy over the next few years. | Il Pino di Biserno | 89 | 65 |
42,975 | spain | imperial is cvne's most accessible and affordable top-end rioja, and what a winner it is in 2010. cool, toasty aromas show sweet maple and vanilla notes along with berry and cassis scents. fresh but weighty and elegant, this deals ripe berry and loamy earth flavors in front of a mellow finish that's clean and not too demanding. drink now through 2022. | Imperial Reserva | 93 | 44 |
87,163 | us | bright raspberry aromas are cut by a slightly funky touch of composting violets, dried bay leaf and animal hide on this deeply layered bottling from the legendary producer. the palate is equally complex, with mulberry, tangy cranberry, juniper and earthy mushrooms. it offers a great experience for the price. | Logan Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Estate Grown | 92 | 28 |
124,079 | germany | whispers of fresh green herbs and lavender lend elegance and refreshment to intensely ripe yet pristine black cherry and plum flavors. the palate is succulent and juicy, marked by crisp, cutting acidity. fine, velvety tannins cushion a long finish. drinks well now but should hold beautifully till at least 2024. | Schwarzer Adler | 92 | 25 |
38,053 | france | this tight crisp wine delivers citrus and sliced apple fruits. there is a brisk mousse that gives the wine quite a bite of acidity. all the elements point in the direction of food for this champagne. like many bone-dry champagnes, this bottling needs to age, so drink from 2018. | Dosage Zéro Brut Nature | 90 | 49 |
124,460 | argentina | the nose is full of dust, cotton candy, peach pit and banana, while the palate is sugary and tastes like honeydew melon and pear. fleshy and bland on the finish. | Barrel Select | 83 | 13 |
59,983 | italy | ripe black-skinned fruit, underbrush, truffle and dark spice aromas come together in this full-bodied red. the palate is firm and seamless, delivering mature black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and pipe tobacco flavors with both power and finesse. tightly knit, polished tannins provide structure. drink 2022–2032. | Vigna di Pianrosso | 95 | 90 |
85,784 | france | pinot noir thrives in the aube region giving rich wines like this. it has a yeasty aroma which follows through to the ripe fruity palate. the wine is warm, while still crisp and tangy. this bottling is ready to drink. | Blanc de Noirs Brut | 89 | 53 |
69,687 | australia | a tart, hard-edged rendition of clare valley shiraz, from the cool subsection known as polish hill better known for its rieslings. tart plum and berry flavors are touched with spice, vanilla and traces of hickory smoke and bacon fat. the appealing aromatics are the wine's best facet. try aging it through 2015 and see if it improves. | Andreas Polish Hill River | 85 | 26 |
71,117 | us | the '05, as befits a cool vintage, is lean, with the alcohol showing through bare-bones citrus flavors. even those who like their whites dry and flinty may find this marsanne, roussanne and viognier blend a little thin. | Blancaneaux | 86 | 40 |
124,153 | us | sharp, tart and focused, this bright and well-defined wine offers raspberry and black cherry fruit flavors with some bite on the back end. it shows good concentration and length, with the depth and polish to age nicely for a decade or more. | Olalla Vineyard | 90 | 55 |
123,208 | italy | made entirely with sangiovese, this offers aromas of spicy plum, violet, blackberry, toast and a whiff of oak-driven spice. the firmly structured palate delivers black cherry, clove, anise and a note of grilled sage alongside assertive tannins that leave an astringent finish. give it time to unwind. drink 2017–2025. | Asinone | 90 | 60 |
3,876 | us | a nice, everyday pinot, with a properly silky texture. the cherry, cola, red licorice and bacon flavors are satisfyingly rich, with elaborate oak overtones. it's a pretty good value in an under-$20 pinot noir. | Reserve | 86 | 18 |
26,240 | us | very rich, ripe and dry, a merlot with a drop of cabernet that needs a year or two to resolve. it's fat and fleshy in cherries, violets, red currants and cola, with a dusting of cocoa, pepper and cinnamon. the tannins are ample, but very finely ground. hold until 2011. | Grand Reserve | 90 | 28 |
92,906 | us | this blend of 87% grenache and 13% syrah shows red apple, deep strawberry and yeast touches on the fresh and lively nose. it hits the palate with brilliant, tactile energy, delivering rounded red fruit and bubblegum flavors that make it a certain summertime crowd pleaser. | Pink Pedals | 89 | 15 |
64,435 | us | smoke meets game on the nose of this wine from a vineyard named after fess parker's late son-in-law, along with blueberry and asphalt aromas. the flavors are rich and dense, with blackberry, tart boysenberry and more smoked meat, proving the perfect pairing for hearty fare. | Rodney's Vineyard | 90 | 49 |
124,989 | us | a dark-red color, aromas like dark chocolate, flavors recalling black cherry, and a dry rather than sweet taste make this a great wine for a special meal. it has layers of fruit, a bit of smoke, and lots of fine tannins that pile up for a rich mouthfeel and lingering finish. | Hybrid Red Organic Grapes | 89 | 13 |
7,514 | us | dense and intense, with loads of fine-grained tannin, this is a deep, dark-colored wine with oodles of flavor and a very thick texture. as massive as it is in texture though, delicious flavors like blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate come through and then linger on the finish. drink from 2016 to 2026. | Naylor Vineyard | 92 | 29 |
65,796 | germany | slight hint of sulfur at first, but it blows off and the nose opens to reveal a rich medley of ripe orchard fruit tinged with dried tarragon and savory spice. crisp, bright and laden with a patchwork of flavors: ripe apples, pears and stone fruit against a backdrop of earthy minerality. broad yet only medium bodied, with a moderately long finish. | Trocken | 90 | 25 |
6,090 | us | a majority cabernet sauvignon, with 15% merlot and 7% cabernet franc, this wine traffics in huge upfront tannins, accented by clove and dried herb. the power relents on the finish, ending soft. | Estate Grown | 87 | 48 |
111,660 | italy | this opens with aromas of blue flower, ripe woodland berry and a whiff of pressed powder. the robust palate doles out juicy black cherry, mature plum, licorice and savory herb alongside firm, velvety tannins. it's concentrated and already accessible but will offer drinking pleasure for the next several years. drink through 2021. | Asinone | 92 | 60 |
55,888 | us | very ripe, in the manner of this spectacular vintage, showing a blast of cherry pie filling, black raspberry tart, cola and smoky oak flavors. the acidity is firm and clean. feels juvenile, with a jamminess that a few years in the cellar should resolve. | Akiko's Cuvée | 89 | 54 |
87,822 | portugal | perfumed, fresh, attractive wine. it feels light in character, the texture open, showing jelly fruit character as well as ripe fruit. there is a perfumed rosehip aftertaste. | Vintage | 88 | 60 |
16,967 | germany | the continental nature of franconia only allows riesling to prosper in locations such as this, where the special microclimate has imbued this wine with honeyed ripeness, a medium-bodied, creamy texture and hints of peachy fruit. | Stettener Stein Kabinett Trocken | 90 | 32 |
90,145 | israel | this wine offers pleasing aromas of raspberry, coffee bean and butterscotch. it is easy on entry, with flavors of cherry, cranberry, toffee, mocha and mint. soft tannins glide over the palate into the almond-toffee finish. | Yasmin Red | 89 | 12 |
86,138 | spain | dark and loaded with big black fruit aromas, tobacco, spice and a lot of vanilla from copious oaking. the palate is good and juicy, with a healthy blend of blackberry, fig and chocolate flavors. toasty, round and chocolaty on an oaky, creamy finish. | Hacienda Abascal Producción Limitada | 89 | 45 |
129,808 | us | tremendously pretty with honeysuckle and apricot highlights and memorable texture as well as a bright, crisp finish, this chardonnay makes for a very good food wine, its cool-climate grapes grown organically along the banks of the russian river. | Estate Vineyards | 89 | 17 |
74,458 | italy | forest floor, tilled soil, ripe berry and a balsamic note of menthol slowly unfold on this smooth, savory wine. the dense, chewy palate doles out fleshy black cherry, mocha, anise and vanilla alongside polished tannins and fresh acidity. it's smooth, easy drinking and delicious. drink from 2017 to 2022. | Il Chiorba Riserva | 91 | 36 |
121,348 | us | a bit too hot for complete balance, the result of high alcohol. other than that, it's rich, full bodied and delicious in berry, cassis and oak flavors. | Estate | 87 | 75 |
109,951 | us | this wine is in the tasty, full-bodied california tradition, showing lively aromas of toasted oak and butter, then ripe fruit flavors and a mouth-filling texture. it also has depth, bringing more nuances to the front with each sip, and lingering long on the finish. | DeMayo Vineyard | 92 | 30 |
98,440 | us | a brilliant chardonnay. it's powerful and ripe in fruit, offering a blast of pineapple, green apple, key lime pie and meyer lemon tart flavors, accented with the buttered toast of oak. as intense as the fruit is, it's balanced by keen acidity and a stony minerality. defines the elegant, opulent russian river style. | Rachael's Vineyard | 94 | 72 |
94,839 | france | importer and master sommelier fran kysela uses the maison du midi label for lots of rhône wines he selects to bring into the u.s. this effort, from plan de dieu, is seriously intense, full-bodied and firmly tannic, showing the character of the vintage. the plummy fruit is powerful, fighting through the tannins on the finish. try it young with rare beef, or put it away for a few years and see if the tannins soften over time. | Plan de Dieu | 89 | 23 |
59,157 | argentina | not very vivid in color, with aromas of rhubarb, raspberry and red licorice candy. the palate is a touch scratchy, with flavors of cassis and brown sugar but not a whole lot of true cabernet character. the finish has a slight tannic bite, but overall this is generic red wine to the max. | Finca La Linda | 84 | 11 |
56,503 | us | the texture is off, with hard and bitter tannins. the fruit also is quite ripe, with the black cherries veering into raisins. oak sticks out in the form of sweet vanilla and toast. the result lacks harmony. | Estate Reserve Honor Roll | 83 | 34 |
93,507 | us | poised and poetic, this wine starts with a lovely floral nose of violet and unfolds in the mouth with smooth but structured elegance. overall spiced wood and pepper flavors are meaty but soft. | Gabriel Archer Reserve | 88 | 32 |