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39,476 | us | Though low in alcohol even by David Hill standards, this excellent Pinot Gris does not lack fruit or flavor. Ripe and tasting of pretty pear and orange fruit, it shows evidence of some well-balanced residual sugar. Vivid acidity cuts through to a satisfying finish. | Estate | 91 | 17 |
76,319 | us | A little green, with mint flavors accompanying the modest blackberries and cherries. The wine is 100% varietal. Shows promise, but needs greater concentration, even if the price has to be higher. | The Heritage Collection | 84 | 14 |
71,188 | us | Lush enough to drink now, with decanting, but this powerfully ripe Chard will benefit from limited aging. It's explosive in oak-infused pineapple, papaya, peach, green apple and Asian spice flavors, but right now the oak is not integrated with the fruit, making for a disjointed quality. Give it until mid-2008, and for a couple years after. | Quail Hill Vineyard | 91 | 40 |
90,192 | portugal | Ripe red fruits dominate this soft and juicy wine. The light structure and touch of tannin give shape to this easy wine. Drink now. | Casa do Lago | 84 | 10 |
37,829 | italy | This wine would make a great impression on an elegantly dressed table with a fine meat-based menu. The wine's natural structure and freshness make it very food friendly and its elegant aromas of cassis, small berry, cola and white truffle will evolve beautifully throughout your meal. | Gaiun Martinenga | 93 | 85 |
122,429 | italy | Arione shows its Serralunga d'Alba pedigree via classic aromas of black cherry, leather, truffle and rose petal. The palate delivers lush wild-cherry flavors and hints of truffle, mint and the vineyard's hallmark licorice. It's beautifully balanced, with firm but ripe tannins and just enough freshness, and is simply a gorgeous Barolo. | Arione | 95 | 49 |
122,585 | us | Rain on cement, lemon pith and the slightest hint of roasted nuts show on the rather tightly wound nose of this vineyard blend. The flavors are delicate and refreshing at first on the brisk palate, and then they warm up pleasantly into marcona almond and a bit of butter. | Vineyard Montage | 89 | 23 |
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 |
102,336 | us | The aromas of this jazzy wine disclose lime leaf, white peach and slate. The off-dry flavors of flowers, pear and stone fruit are typical of Washington in their intensity and detail. | Old Vines | 88 | 17 |
82,168 | us | This is a young, wild and dense wine, intense in oak and strong-willed red cherry and strawberry fruit. Full-bodied and still smoothing out its rough edges, the big tannin structure should allow a length of aging through 2020. | Reserve | 90 | 60 |
105,119 | us | Just-plucked blueberry, cedar and fermenting-grape aromas show on the dusty nose of this dark and heavy bottling. Boysenberry, turned earth and coffee beans show on the palate that is framed by chalky tannins, finishing on a touch of vanilla. | Synnove | 87 | 44 |
65,396 | spain | Rubbery and gaseous on first sniff, and then upon airing it shows pretty black fruit scents and richness. Forget about minerality and llicorela here; this wine is modern, lusty, big and dark, with licorice, blackberry and chocolaty flavors. Finishes thick, long and tasty. | Embruix | 91 | 25 |
110,373 | argentina | Aromas of violet petal and gamy berry fruits come with a strong oak-based whiff of sawdust. This feels blocky and generically big, while saucy berry flavors taste roasted, with a strong hint of clove. On the finish, this remains roasted and saucy tasting. | Finca La Escuela La Piedra | 89 | 30 |
3,474 | israel | Rich, lush and oaky with aromas and flavors of ripe red plum, red berries and vanilla cream. Round and full in the mouth with solid but soft tannins and moderate acidity. The finish is long and lingering, with suggestions of vanilla ice cream topped with mixed berry compote. Drink now. | Reserve Kosher | 88 | 25 |
88,261 | us | This is a firmly structured and full-bodied wine with great grip in the texture and lots of oak flavor and tannin. The rich fruit flavors are dominated by the grip now, but that should change with time. It's best to drink after 2018. | Estate Bottled | 89 | 25 |
56,932 | italy | Straightforward and bright, this is the perfect Italian white to pair with raw seafood, sushi or seafood salad. Crisp citrus, stone fruit, pear and honey aromas are delivers in an easy and attractive manner. This is an informal wine that will enhance many of your favorite summer foods. | Rocca Sveva | 87 | 16 |
27,131 | france | This is a well-balanced wine with honeyed ripeness contrasted with attractive, crisp acidity. Pineapple and baked-apple flavors are given a texture by the zing of the honey. It is ready to drink. | Les Deux Cèdres | 87 | 15 |
2,366 | us | Spicy red currant fruit comes up quickly, backed with the grape's signature accents of stem and earth. There's a residual flavor of slightly bitter tomato leaf. | Stillwater Creek Vineyard | 88 | 28 |
293 | australia | This wine displays ample concentration in its inky color and potent aromas of dark berry fruit. There's a hint of raisining as well. In the mouth, it's mouthfilling but lacks a bit of texture; the flavors include dark plums, vanilla and hints of dried fruits, like figs and dates. With a finish that calls to mind chocolate fudge (minus the sugar), opt for drinking this wine over the relatively near term, now to 2020. | Green's Vineyard | 92 | 70 |
121,356 | chile | Chunky black-fruit aromas come with strong notes of coconut, chocolate and cedar. Feels fresh, zesty and voluminous, with sweet oak, coconut, mocha and herbal flavors to go with standard berry and cassis. Long and mildly herbal tasting on the finish. | Single Vineyard | 87 | 21 |
29,048 | us | Big, rich and sappy, this tastes like cherry and raspberry jam that has been boiled down and made into wine—a suggestion of its youth. It is very fine, with keen acidity and a noble structure tinged with minerality. Give it 3–5 years to age. | Rancho Ontiveros | 90 | 48 |
66,714 | us | The deep black color of this wine suggests that it spent a lot of time on the skins, and 20 months in American oak added further grip and grit to the tannins. Cherry tobacco, espresso and plenty of oak flavors lead into a chewy finish with some residual bitterness. | Reserve | 86 | 45 |
92,670 | portugal | It is probably the small soupçon of Moscatel in the blend that gives this wine its irresistible perfumed character. That just brings out the fine acidity and the crisp citrus flavors. It is a refreshing wine, as aromatic at the end as at the beginning. Drink now. | Tons de Duorum | 88 | 10 |
88,759 | italy | Vigna del Mandorlo Dolcetto d'Alba opens with bright freshness and loads of cherry, blueberry, raspberry and toasted almond. The wine shows freshness that is balanced by smooth, velvety tannins. | Vigna del Mandorlo | 87 | 19 |
30,421 | us | Bottled unfiltered, this wine shows some carbonic tendencies, a wildness of strawberry punch and sharp acidity. Light bodied and restrained, it is softly layered and subtle in oak. | Pinnacle | 87 | 60 |
34,217 | portugal | Big and fruity, this is a forward and fresh wine. It has all the weight of ripe Touriga Nacional, perfumed and rich with blackberry fruits. A soft tannic background gives structure to the immediately attractive acidity and fruitiness. | Bridão Colheita Seleccionada | 86 | 14 |
91,362 | portugal | This structured blend of Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon offers firm tannins and dark berry fruits. It has a ripe, juicy intensity, with ample acidity to balance the firm texture and dark, dry core. Let this wine age, and drink from 2017. | Follies Nossa Senhora da Vandoma | 91 | 11 |
115,302 | france | This is rich, smooth and weighty as befits a Pouilly-Fumé. Peach and green-plum flavors befit this impressively warm, full-bodied wine. The grassy Sauvignon character is there, but restrained by the ripeness of the wine. | Les Deux Cailloux | 89 | 27 |
95,290 | portugal | Initially tannic, this concentrated wine shows itself to be young, with its structure still waiting to open. A dry texture lies over the big berry flavors that will develop over the next year. | Monsaraz | 88 | 10 |
117,700 | spain | Starts out with scratchy, edgy aromas of dried fruits, orange peel and tobacco. It's fairly light in concentration and weight, with woodsy, spicy flavors of vanilla, oak and foresty fruit. Above average but resides in that upper-middle tier. | Fincas de Landaluce Crianza | 87 | 19 |
27,014 | chile | Pure purple in color, this is a chunky, extracted blend of Syrah and Cabernet with plum and berry aromas along with hints of mint and olive. A full, tannic, somewhat raw palate houses earthy flavors of molasses and herbal black fruits, while the finish is heady and a touch green. | Casillero del Diablo Reserva Privada | 87 | 14 |
71,648 | argentina | While Argentine Malbecs aren't textbook cellaring wines, this one has enough spirit, tannin and structure to benefit from a few years on its side. Now, it's lush on the nose, with ripe berry, pencil eraser, vanilla and marzipan aromas. The palate is chewy but well built, with dense blackberry, cassis, coconut and chocolate flavors. On the finish, things only intensify. Will be at its best around 2015–2016. | Gran Las Divas Vineyard | 93 | 32 |
59,515 | italy | The wines from this estate, located on the lower slopes of Montalcino, show excellent consistent in quality, year after year. Aromas include cherry, blueberry, cassis, cola, ginger and tobacco. Good flavor intensity drives a long, rich finish. | Val di Suga Vigna Spuntali | 94 | 106 |
113,290 | spain | Dusty apple and vanilla scents weigh in on the heavy/yeasty side. This feels cidery and a bit flat. Flavors of briny citrus don't offer much diversity or complexity, while this fades away with a simple note of orange and not much else. | Brut | 85 | 18 |
74,464 | italy | Smooth and juicy, this opens with aromas of wild berry, blue flower and a whiff of grilled herb. The soft, succulent palate doles out black cherry, chopped mint, cinnamon and a hint of mocha alongside dusty tannins and bright acidity. It's rather straightforward but delicious. | Le Corti | 91 | 25 |
114,911 | chile | Rubbery berry, tea, cool mint, herb and savory aromas amount to something a bit funky. This Syrah feels chewy and tannic. Herbal, savory, soupy flavors finish with an infusion of tea-like influences on closing plum and berry fruit notes. | Nimbus Single Vineyard | 88 | 15 |
127,087 | us | Built upon generous, sweet and pretty cherry and cassis fruit, this drinks well now, but could be cellared until 2020. Tannins are ripe and polished, and the natural acidity carries a finishing lick of citrus. | Chaleur Estate | 92 | 80 |
99,444 | us | White-peach aromas meet with vanilla butter and honeysuckle on the nose, yet there is a tension apparent amid the ripeness. The sip starts with an edgy texture and crisp acidity that cut across flavors of nectarine and apple. | Bell Ranch Vineyard | 88 | 35 |
49,753 | italy | Aromas suggest tilled soil, mature blackberry, leather, game and allspice. The lively palate offers prune, cherries marinated in spirits, ground black pepper and licorice alongside a firmly tannic backbone and brisk acidity. Drink 2016–2012. | Riserva | 88 | 30 |
83,948 | austria | An immensely savory nose immediately hints at an intense wine, with salty miso and tangy, peppery arugula. The palate turns the flavor volume up, with the spicy intensity brightened by lemon freshness and a textured but toned body. A stony saltiness edged with white pepper makes this moreish and irresistible for a lasting, powerful but very authentic Grüner experience. | Rosensteig | 94 | 20 |
98,318 | us | Attractive and generously fruity, this offers flavors of apples and peaches and a mouthfilling mousse of bubbles. The texture is slightly soft but appetizing. | Cuvée Brut | 88 | 25 |
2,561 | us | Lightly smoked stone fruit and apple blossoms greet the nose on this bottling of 50% Marsanne and 50% Grenache Blanc. The palate is much more interesting, with lemon sorbet and ripe apples clinging to a steely centerline that shows flashes of flint and gunmetal. | Aporia | 89 | 28 |
37,299 | france | Appetizing and warmly generous pear notes characterize the nose. The palate has the same, friendly fruit, boosted by some residual sugar. The plump fruit is countered by ample lemony freshness that creates an inherent balance. The finish is just off dry, but very refreshing. | Réserve | 91 | 18 |
76,104 | us | Notable for its richness and concentration of fruit, and also for the finesse of the tannin structure. Feels softly lush and luxurious, with potent blackberry and cherry-pie filling, raspberry liqueur, dark chocolate and smoky sandalwood flavors. Needs time to resolve its elements. Give it 5–6 years in a good cellar. | Oliver's Blend | 92 | 105 |
99,825 | france | The chalky limestone soil of Pic St. Loup allows the fruit to shine without being overpowering, translating into lively aromas and flavors of fresh red berries, nectarine, banana and ripe pineapple chunks supported by nuances of talcum and sweet pea. The creamy texture and medium weight are somewhat surprising for this aesthetically light rosé, and with the lingering finish and well-balanced acidity. | Pic Saint Loup | 89 | 10 |
117,499 | us | Awesomely rich and forward with cherry and raspberry jam, chocolate and spice flavors, this high-alcohol wine fortunately is balanced with adequate acidity, firm tannins and even a hit of minerals. But the overall impression is of soft fruitiness. It's mainly Syrah, with small quantities of Grenache and Mourvèdre. | Hommage à nos Pairs Reserve | 90 | 95 |
36,780 | spain | Dusty and still fairly fresh, but with that said this wine was certainly more in its prime six or eight months ago. Now it is slick but softening, with peach and citrus flavors doing their thing without much edge or kick. | Faustino V Rosado | 86 | 12 |
75,233 | us | A lusty, rich wine, packed with flavors that are wildly ripe and delicious, yet with the structural balance to lift it to elegance. Blended from Grenache, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, it floods the mouth with blackberries, currants, chocolate, bacon and sweet oak flavors that taste brandied. Ready to drink now. | Mad Crush | 88 | 40 |
25,805 | germany | This is an exceptionally priced wine that allows a glimpse into the power and density of Domdechant Werner's 2015 Rieslings. Yellow peach and nectarine flavors are vivaciously fresh, but there's a lot more than fruitiness here. It's forward and yielding, yet weighty, its richness nuanced by hints of smoke, graphite and caramel. Luscious, mouth clinging texture lingers on the finish. | Hochheim Classic | 93 | 25 |
109,145 | chile | Dry, spicy, leathery aromas are herbal but solid. This feels full and balanced but rudimentary, with cherry, cassis, chocolate and herbal flavors. A finish of dark-fruit flavors comes with overt oak notes, peppery spice and heat. | Summit 2900 Reserva | 86 | 13 |
22,285 | us | This ripe but fresh blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Syrah and 32% Petite Sirah shows blackberry-blueberry syrup as well as cedar and smoked pork on the nose. The palate offers rich and tasty flavors of olallieberry pie cut by a graphite-driven minerality. | Statuesque | 92 | 40 |
14,373 | italy | This opens with aromas of bread crust, citrus zest and a whiff of crushed aromatic herb. Aged on its lees in barriques, the medium-bodied palate offers toasted oak, mature yellow apple, candied lemon drop and a hint of bitter almond. | Vieris | 89 | 47 |
10,626 | france | Located close to Saint-Tropez, the estate is one of the Côtes de Provence growths classified in 1955. This top wine from the estate is ripe and powerful. It has a structure as well as peach and pear fruit flavors, so it could well age. A citrus burst at the end adds an attractive lift. | L'Excellence | 91 | 45 |
8,063 | us | Hints of toast and brioche add interest to this fruity, floral sparkling wine sweetened with a proportion of ice wine. It's a bit confected on the palate, but enjoyable for its perfume and exuberance. | Fiori Delle Stelle Ice Cuvée | 86 | 30 |
119,425 | spain | A dense, dark color and ripe and raisinated black fruit aromas welcome one into this multi-vineyard Rioja. On the palate, it's loaded with berry and vanilla flavors, its textured finish showing a hint of toast. Drink through 2021. | Viñas de Laguardia | 91 | 40 |
51,498 | us | Orange marmalade, lemon meringue and warm melon aromas open this wine from the cool Templeton Gap area southeast of Paso Robles. The flavors show off the brighter elements of the grape, with caramelized pear giving way to slate in the midpalate and a nicely bitter finish of orange peel. | MdR Vineyard | 91 | 20 |
81,092 | argentina | Cidery apple aromas, a medium-bodied citrusy palate and tart flavors of tangerine end with citrus aftertones. This is about as basic as drinkable Sauvignon Blanc gets. | Alma Mora | 84 | 12 |
112,475 | us | There's lots of zing in this lush, fresh wine with ripe pineapple, melon and peach aromas. Tart tangerine notes meld gorgeously with a bitter lime peel finish, giving added complexity to this intensely concentrated although not quite “dry” Riesling. | Dry | 89 | 19 |
93,805 | us | A light, earthy wine, with violet, berry and tea flavors and a sharp, herbal note verging on grassiness or wet hay. It's very dry and the tannins are soft, but crisp acidity keeps it lively in the mouth. | Coastal | 82 | 10 |
23,601 | us | This rich, mouth-coating effort marries Meyer lemon, pink grapefruit and white peach to sappy acidity. It persistently pushes through the palate into a lingering finish, with a lip-licking snap that invites the next sip. | Durant Vineyard | 91 | 29 |
54,178 | us | This wine's thick and buttery aromas range from cashew cream and caramel to honeysuckle and Maui onion. Its powerful acidity cuts through the palate's unctuous and oily qualities, with buttercream and lemon juice flavors combining for a big personality. | Dijon Clone | 90 | 25 |
45,064 | france | Opulent and ripe, this is full of sweet red fruit, with tannins that have absorbed into the fruit. The wood aging acts as support to the rich texture. It is developing well, but could certainly age for four years or more. | Château de Chamirey Les Cinq Premier Cru | 91 | 68 |
34,667 | portugal | Fermented in open lagars, this wine has a dense, almost dry and beautifully sculpted character. It's a solid, dark as well as juicy wine that's superripe yet kept in check by the powerful tannins. Age this wine for many years; don't drink before 2018. | Villa Oliveira | 93 | 60 |
85,422 | italy | From a historic producer who has done much work to promote Verdicchio and the Marche region around the world, San Sisto is among the most sophisticated expressions of the variety. Matured in barrel, the deeply golden colored and saturated wine is redolent of vanilla, nut, mature melon and chewy caramel. | San Sisto Riserva | 90 | 30 |
38,458 | us | This well-tuned vineyard is a favorite among many Oregon vintners. Here are well-entwined streaks of tea, berry and tobacco leaf. It's textural and detailed, yet retains a certain delicacy that rewards your extra attention as it lingers across the palate. | Shea Vineyard | 93 | 63 |
40,856 | argentina | Minty oak aromas are the greeting on this herbal and foxy Malbec that feels crisp and chippy due to high acidity and grating tannins. Flavors of herbal berry and plum are oaky and a touch hot, while rubbery tannins and herbal berry leftovers drive the finish. | Estate | 87 | 17 |
32,842 | us | Lemon custard, ripe Gala apples and a seemingly sweet candy element show on the nose of this wine from a family-owned producer. Bright energy and ripe apple characterize the palate, along with green pear skins and stonefruit. | Family Reserve | 87 | 26 |
64,143 | chile | The nose is rustic, with horse hide, bramble bush and spicy, subdued black fruit. The palate is round and rich, with pure and ripe berry fruit along with some supporting oak. The finish is equally nice, with notes of licorice, coffee and spices. | Prima Reserva | 89 | 12 |
33,549 | us | This bottling has been a real success for Zaca Mesa. It's a vibrantly fruity Syrah, packed with sweet cherries and blackberries, with a meaty, umami spiciness suggesting grilled bacon. Deliciously soft, it's best consumed over the next few years. | Mesa Reserve | 92 | 44 |
115,245 | us | Of all the current releases from this new winery, it is this rosé that is highest in alcohol. Thick and heavy, it's quite rich and expressive, with plum and cherry flavors. The finish is viscous and scented with rosewater. | Dahlia | 88 | 18 |
127,640 | us | Soft and gentle in handfuls of rose petal and cardamom, this wine veers more savory than fruity, offering definite appeal to fans of a full-bodied yet more complex style. That exotic spiciness persists to the finish that adds length and breadth to the acidity. | Goldrock Ridge Vineyard | 90 | 50 |
72,760 | italy | Aromas suggesting forest floor, ripe berry, leather, scorched earth and a hint of cured meat slowly emerge on this full-bodied red. The firm concentrated palate offers dried black cherry, grilled herb, star anise and clove while youthfully austere tannins provide an age-worthy structure. Drink 2022–2035. | Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe Riserva | 93 | 156 |
89,989 | france | From a single parcel in the estate, this is a full and rich wine with impressive intensity and concentration. It has spice, pepper and warm black cherry fruits, with a layer of tannins. Ripe and full in the mouth, this can be enjoyed now. | Oudan | 89 | 30 |
105,253 | us | This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec offers reserved aromas of green herbs, mineral and dusty chocolate. It's elegant and filled with juicy cherry flavors. | SVS Number One Conner Lee Vineyard | 88 | 45 |
30,756 | argentina | Dark and concentrated, this has jammy, raisiny aromas that are marked with a strong current of green. It feels full but a touch flat, with sweet berry flavors and a core of mint. The finish ends abruptly. | Perlita | 85 | 10 |
103,727 | france | Grown on southwest-facing slopes, this is a ripe, full wine with a natural warmth as well as a mineral texture. It is still tight and needs to age with its gooseberry and herbal edge as well as more flinty, smoky background. Drink from 2017. | Les Romains | 91 | 30 |
49,419 | georgia | Don't be fooled by this honey-colored wine's simple nose of clementine. It offers a complex palate of green apple, guava and honeydew melon bolstered by soft floral notes. Strong tannins make their presence known on the gums and tongue, but any sense of grippiness is overcome by the bright citrus finish. | Qveri | 88 | 23 |
111,477 | italy | Dark berry, purple iris and a whiff of cake spice float from the glass. The palate offers up black cherry, blackberry, clove and cinnamon alongside round, smooth tannins. It's already extremely accessible and will provide easy-drinking pleasure for the next few years. Drink through 2018. | Riserva | 88 | 35 |
46,788 | australia | The 2007 Hickinbotham comes across as tight and in need of additional cellaring. Right now, it's showing only some subtle oak and spice framing dark fruit and earthy, savory notes. With its apparent richness and depth, give it until 2015 or so to come around, then drink it over the next 10 years. | Hickinbotham | 91 | 75 |
60,009 | france | A lovely touch of orange zest teases the nose and there also is a lovely hint of chervil. The streamlined palate comes in with bundled citrus notes. The tart flesh of tangerine and the zest of lemon are softened and enriched with orange oil and ample concentration. This is pure and racy, linear and bold. There is something salty and energetic, something incredibly fresh and vibrant at the core. The palate and finish are absolutely dry, the echo is long and clean. Blastingly fresh right now, sure to evolve. Drink 2019–2037. | Zotzenberg Grand Cru | 95 | 38 |
10,382 | us | This huge, rich Zinfandel is ripe—nearly overripe—with dry raisin, blackberry and currant flavors. There's a curious bitterness to the finish that must come from the shriveled grape skins, which add to the wine's complexity. The vineyard is on the cooler, hillier western side of Paso Robles. Not a Zin for everyone, it's nevertheless a classic example of its genre. | Pesenti Vineyard | 91 | 35 |
61,898 | italy | This is a unique wine for enthusiasts of the natural wine movement. It shows a dark garnet color, with spicy aromas of dried fruit, currant and Indian spice. A bright tone of dried mint and rosemary lingers on the finish. | MunJebel 7 10th Anniversary | 90 | 75 |
7,880 | us | It show the vintage's weakness, with a vegetal edge to the cherries and oak. | Russian River Selection | 84 | 45 |
89,559 | us | Round, savory aromas of orange-cranberry with a sprig of sagebrush lead the nose on this single-vineyard look at the western end of the Sta. Rita Hills. Spicy notes of chai and burnt caramel lead the flavor profile, which is expansive with cooked fruit on the midpalate. | Cargasacchi Vineyard | 90 | 56 |
62,760 | italy | This robust wine opens with aromas of red berry, tilled earth, dark baking spice and a balsamic note. The ripe, hearty palate delivers syrupy black cherry, juicy raspberry, clove and anisette alongside firm tannins. Despite the tannic structure, the dense fruit and warmth of alcohol make it already almost accessible. Drink 2017–2026. | Camilla | 91 | 43 |
9,523 | australia | Tasted at their regular release date less than a year after the vintage, the Tahbilk Marsannes aren't terribly expressive. The key is bottle age, and this Museum Release has it. Lemon custard and thyme are tinged with hints of toast and marmalade in this medium-bodied white. A touch of creaminess on the midpalate extends through a long finish. | Museum Release | 92 | 23 |
70,096 | us | This wine is made from a duet of vineyards otherwise single-bottle designated: Cloud's Nest on Mount Veeder and Haystack from Atlas Peak. Smooth, rounded and rich in blackberry and raspberry, with a touch of currant, it has a woody, lasting taste of tannin. | BRV | 89 | 80 |
120,845 | italy | Underbrush, ripe plum, tilled earth and dark spice aromas come together in this. The soft, enveloping palate offers juicy black cherry, blackberry extract and licorice flavors, framed by round, pliant tannins. Enjoy through 2019. | Rocca dei Leoni | 88 | 16 |
47,682 | us | From the cool-climate Beckstoffer Lake Carneros vineyard site, this wine opens in a thickness of blue and red berries, the tannins soft and integrated yet weighted by a puckering persistence to the palate. Dried herb and cedar round out the highly full-bodied, ripe finish. | Little Sister Reserve | 89 | 47 |
89,912 | us | A rich, savory Pinot Gris that's just a little sweet, and has a slight fizziness that makes it lively. Rich in citrus, tropical fruit, honeysuckle and vanilla flavors, brightened with brilliant acidity, it shows a buttery smokiness from neutral oak. Drink this refreshing wine now. | R&D; Franscioni Vineyard | 89 | 18 |
101,416 | spain | Like you might expect from a maturing gran reserva, Imaz offers glimpses of raisin, sweet berry and even some aged cheese. In the mouth, it's all about red fruit, although an earthy undertone provides some background. Feels a little stark, zesty and lean, while the finish is solid and tastes of vanilla and leather. Drink now through 2012. | Coto de Imaz Gran Reserva | 88 | 43 |
30,771 | italy | Here's the quintessential Mediterranean fish wine that offers easy aromas of citrus, almond flower and peach. Think grilled tuna, halibut and pan roasted sea bass. The wine is light, fresh and offers a touch of piquant acidity on the close. | Regaleali | 86 | 10 |
81,228 | us | Here's a good, rather standard Rhône-style blend that can serve as an everyday house red wine. It's rich in raspberry and cherry fruit, cherry liqueur and sandalwood flavors, and is easy to like. | Patelin de Tablas | 86 | 20 |
28,179 | germany | Enticing notes of brioche and baker's yeast waft from this brut-style Riesling Sekt. It's perfumed and floral, yet elegantly composed, drenching the palate in waves of fresh grapefruit and lime. Piercing and pristine, it finishes with crystalline precision. | Cremant Brut | 90 | 36 |
106,887 | austria | The headiness of roasted hazelnuts, Bourbon vanilla and blossom honey have an immense seductive power. The palate follows up with precision, concentration and long length. This oak-aged TBA is a mature, full package that will easily charm anyone—now or in years to come. | Trockenbeerenauslese Barrique | 92 | 25 |
9,870 | argentina | Dark peppery earthy blackberry aromas announce a firm dry palate. For everyday Malbec, this delivers commendable black-plum, blackberry and dark-spice flavors. Pulling tannins make for a hard finish. | Pure | 88 | 15 |
83,333 | us | Always a top cuvée for Sineann, this refined and detailed effort shows distinct mineral notes in both its nose and its finish. Concentrated raspberry and plum fruit is lightly dusted with cocoa powder, and the extended finish has highlights of baking spices. | Yates Conwill Vineyard | 92 | 42 |
74,660 | italy | Made with Chardonnay, this opens with aromas of yellow apple, flint and medicinal herb. The somewhat lean, racy palate offers pear, mineral and lemon peel alongside brisk acidity that gives it a refreshing finish. | Maris | 87 | 28 |
89,036 | us | This is from a cool-climate 9-acre site divided into two blocks, cooled by afternoon breezes off San Pablo Bay. It shows off the site in its embrace of high-toned fruit flavors of plum, blueberry, cranberry and dried cherry, the background meaty in chewy tannin and concentrated oak. | Las Madres Vineyards | 90 | 38 |
116,157 | france | Funky notions of yeast still cloud the nose. The palate gives us tense, concentrated lemon and tangerine zest at first but you feel that there is more strength, almost raw force, at the core of this that still needs to develop and work out its balance. This is a big wine, energetic and dry, intense and generous but not yet fully fledged. Drinking it now would rob it of its as of yet untapped essence. For now it is lemon purity that holds sway but there will be so much more. Cellar from 2022–2035, at least. | Clos Windsbuhl | 95 | 80 |