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110,481 | france | this is a light, fruity wine that's ripe with perfumed quince and tropical fruit flavors. the palate is satisfyingly balanced with tight, bright acidity. this is wine that is not for aging, and ready to drink now. | Tradition | 88 | 29 |
58,181 | us | licorice, fennel and tropical guava provide a flourish of savory and ripe around a fleshy, rounded and smooth overlay unimpeded by oak, the wine aged in both stainless steel and neutral oak barrels. | Herrick Vineyard | 88 | 22 |
46,580 | us | tasty and toasty, young and compact, this is a wine to cellar for a few more years at least. the bright fruit flavors run from berry to bing cherry, not as dark as in some years, but vibrant and crisp. the new oak is not yet fully integrated, so give it some extra bottle age for optimal enjoyment. | Lewis Vineyard | 92 | 75 |
13,991 | us | estate grown from an historic vineyard planted by the producer's father, this wine is velvety smooth and decked in chocolate, densely rich and delicious in caramel and blackberry pie. enjoyable now, it has the legs and structure to age through 2025–2030. | Aldo's Vineyard | 93 | 78 |
89,915 | france | so, why not take advantage of the appellation name to declare a wine spirit of seduction? you''ll find soft, ripe and warm fruits, delicious juiciness and well integrated tannins. | Esprit de Séduction Vieilles Vignes | 89 | 24 |
81,622 | us | sold through the wine club. excellent concentration in this ripe, full-bodied riesling. it delivers a boat-load of fruit flavors, explosive aromatics and marvelous length. citrus, peach and pear fruit is underscored with delicate minerality. juicy, sappy and long. | Estate | 92 | 30 |
104,929 | italy | this expression of ansonica from coastal tuscany (from cult winery testamatta) shows impressive smoothness and silkiness with flavors of citrus, stone fruit, melon and white almond. pair this wine with baked fish. | Testamatta Cicala del Giglio | 87 | 22 |
47,735 | italy | subdued aromas suggest woodland berry and underbrush. the palate is more expressive, offering red cherry, strawberry and licorice alongside supple tannins. enjoy soon. | Palladium | 87 | 26 |
7,038 | us | new oak dominates this young wine, with vanilla-accented buttered toast and smoky aromas. underneath the wood are strong, complex flavors of raspberries, cherries, licorice, cola and asian spices. with fine tannins and acidity, it seems to be a natural for the cellar. hold until after 2011. | Flax Vineyard | 92 | 54 |
96,526 | us | this bright, citrusy white barbera has aromas and flavors of lemon, lime and baked bread. its balance and tropical fruit finish will please a crowd. | White | 86 | 20 |
123,063 | italy | made entirely with sangiovese, this seven year-old is showing some age. it opens with aromas of prune, resin, toast and vanilla that all carry over to the dense palate along with blackberry extract and oak-driven spice. it lacks fruit richness while astringent wood tannins leave an abrupt, drying finish. | Ludiè | 88 | 80 |
101,991 | portugal | initially a tightly textured, apple and pear skin flavored wine. as it opens up, it shows creamy, fresh fruit, with pear and white currant freshness, finished with green walnuts and a burst of acidity. | Galeria Branco | 85 | 9 |
26,449 | us | a dark color and lots of fresh-fruit aromas lead to deep, ripe black-cherry and red-cherry flavors that taste clear and delicious. with more sipping, light spicy oak nuances emerge, including a touch of cinnamon and vanilla, but nothing gets in the way of the grapes' expression. although full bodied, the wine is gentle in texture with just enough crispness and light tannin for good balance. | Estate | 94 | 60 |
7,744 | italy | aromas of oak, coconut, blue flower and a whiff of exotic spice lead the nose. the linear palate is on the lean side, offering tart red cherry, raspberry, anise and oak-driven spice alongside fine-grained tannins and firm acidity. | Sassella | 88 | 35 |
93,768 | austria | jamek's flagship wine is as fine as ever. there is some botrytis here, but this is not a sweet wine, rather one that shows vibrant fruit, great minerality and structure. it walks a tightrope between superripeness and freshness. with its structure, it should age for 10 years or more. | Jochinger Berg Federspiel | 95 | 34 |
30,534 | portugal | this is a ripe, structured wine. it has complex black fruits and layers of spice from wood aging. dominated by alicante bouschet, it is dark in color, packed with dense tannins and needing to age. drink from 2017. | Monte Cascas Reserva | 88 | 19 |
23,531 | us | crushed oregano, red currant and a little bit of asphalt show on the shy nose of this wine that is sourced mainly from southern monterey county. there is lots of brick, thyme and rosemary on the palate, with a bit of dried berry fruit. | Founder's | 86 | 14 |
18,668 | australia | hugh hamilton's top-of-the-line wine is the jekyll & hyde shiraz-viognier. in 2007, it's a full-bodied, richly textured wine filled with raspberry, cherry and chocolate aromas and flavors. based on its somewhat chewy finish, it should last and evolve through at least 2020. | Jekyll & Hyde | 92 | 48 |
47,513 | germany | the wine's floral aromas and somewhat restrained fruit on the nose strike a refined tone, while on the palate the wine is lush, round and sweet, buoyed by bright pineapple, peach and lime flavors. finishes long and sleekly elegant. | Erdener Prälat Auslese Goldkapsel | 93 | 114 |
118,416 | us | forward, rich and set in a base of herb, coffee grounds and pencil lead, this wine immediately displays both power and complexity. the fruit is moving along a fast-track aging curve, but drinking beautifully right now, with acids and tannins in proportion. black cherry cola and highlights of fresh thyme make for an interesting palate. | Alchemy Vineyard Reserve | 90 | 40 |
30,817 | argentina | familiar cab franc aromas of dry spice, green herbs, fennel and pepperoni feed into a narrow palate that's high in acidity and drawing. spiky tomato, plum, herb and pepper flavors finish dry and pulling, with a saucy aftertaste. | Pasionado | 87 | 40 |
84,191 | italy | a very ripe and sweet-smelling wine with thick concentration and deep tones of blackberry, black currant and clove. | Poggio Maestrino Le Spiaggiole | 88 | 20 |
63,362 | south africa | this is a rich and attractive chenin, with initial scents of honeycomb, yellow flowers, honey-drizzled apple and soft pear. round and lush, the flavors are ripe and mouthfilling, with flavors of grilled apple, honeydew, orange oil, sweet spice and toast that linger through the finish. | Anima | 88 | 30 |
75,856 | south africa | this is the midrange wine in danie de wet's clutch ofchardonnays, proof that the hot climate of robertson is no bar to making fine white wines. with its steely character, this is the most french wine, almost chablis in style, from this producer. spices, green plums, kiwifruit are all there, as is fresh, crisp acidity. | Bateleur | 90 | 20 |
255 | us | esterlina's pinot is very perfumey, light in body and soul at first, as it gathers steam with a tasty backbone of lush red fruit, spice and plenty of staying power over a meal. | Reserva | 89 | 55 |
78,378 | us | sourced from the oldest vines in the vineyard, this lovely wine is scented with rose petals, cranberries and sour cherries. those flavors continue in a light, elegant framework, that gains power and focus as it works its way through the palate. don't quit on this; it won't quit on you, finishing with a lick of sea salt caramel chocolate. | Coury | 91 | 60 |
126,278 | portugal | this is a wide-ranging blend of local grapes which is lemon scented, fresh and light. it has pineapple and apricots as well as the cut of citrus. the wine is ready to drink. | Versátil Branco | 84 | 10 |
50,878 | italy | this generous wine opens with aromas of ripe dark berry, ground pepper and graphite. the round, juicy palate offers mature black cherry, blackberry jam, menthol and licorice alongside chewy tannins. drink through 2021. | Praepositus Riserva | 90 | 40 |
103,013 | us | maple syrup, coffee and dried peppered meat lend this wine a distinctive aromatic profile. it feels medium in weight, offering bright acidity and fine, chalky tannins for support. a flavor of toasted popcorn kernel surfaces on the finish. | Raptor Red | 85 | 22 |
12,851 | italy | aromas of ripe dark-skinned berry, purple flower and a whiff of cake spice waft out of the glass. the firm palate offers black cherry, red plum and a note of ground pepper while fine-grained tannins and nervous acidity provide the framework. | Vigna Casi | 88 | 43 |
91,998 | us | dry and bitter, this sangiovese is better than most california bottlings, but has its work cut out for it. it shows a good range of tart cherryskin flavors, with additional flavors of acidic things like espresso and tobacco. | D'Alfonso | 85 | 28 |
74,869 | argentina | strained, funky aromas of corn chips don't include much fruit. this is mostly acid on the palate, while it tastes raw, choppy and citric. a tart finish fails to rescue this substandard rosé. | Malbec | 82 | 13 |
103,094 | portugal | more commonly found in the lisboa region much further south in portugal, the arinto is full of acidity and fits well into the vinho verde profile. this wine is crisp with plenty of apple and spice flavors as well as a strong lime-juice freshness. it's an attractive, medium-bodied wine to drink now. | Colheita Seleccionada | 87 | 13 |
42,071 | italy | here's a young nebbiolo that boasts floral and berry aromas. the palate delivers ripe strawberry and raspberry with a hint of orange peel. bright and delicious. saranty imports, pleasure elite. | Parigi | 88 | 23 |
124,616 | chile | tarry black-cherry aromas are a bit damp, oaky and scratchy, but overall this opens well. a solid, firm, edgy palate offers flavors of herbal blackberry and baked black plum, while the finish is meaty and a touch salty. | Select Terroir | 86 | 10 |
115,041 | us | rich and honeyed on the nose and palate, this is chock-full of superripe tropical fruit notes, spiked with hints of white truffle, black tea and sweet brioche. it's an interesting mélange of yumminess, but there's just a hint of something chemical on the nose and palate that distracts. | Iced | 87 | 25 |
60,786 | us | a blend of syrah and zinfandel, this is a sharp, porty wine with flavors of raisins and caramelized blackberries. it's semisweet and sharp on the finish. | Harry's Cuvée | 83 | 42 |
87,250 | italy | this is a dark and muscular expression of syrah executed in a quasi-australian style, with loads of concentration and spice, backed by smoked bacon, teriyaki, candied berry and indian spice. | Sallier de la Tour La Monaca | 90 | 30 |
129,204 | spain | mostly neutral aromas include hints of strawberry and chewing gum. this wine feels dilute, with tangy, tart flavors of pink grapefruit. pointy, sharp acidity allows the finish to hang around. | Garnacha | 84 | 9 |
99,747 | us | everything is in place in this medium-bodied, smooth-textured and generously flavored wine. it has a good blend of subtle cherry, blackberry and raspberry flavors, plus hints of spice from barrel aging. well balanced for drinking now through 2018, it's made with 63% zinfandel, 23% petite sirah and 14% syrah. | Coro Mendocino | 89 | 40 |
99,294 | us | there's something so smoothly sweet about this cabernet, it's like an old cognac. the sweetly toasted oak is merging its caramel and vanilla with the ripe black and red cherries, leading to an unctuous, long, spicy finish. really quite a compelling wine that's beautiful now. | Reserve | 93 | 60 |
84,365 | chile | quite green upon first impression, with bell pepper and a potpourri of green herbs on the front end. feels healthy and crisp, with bite and structure to support the herbal flavors of tomato leaf, oregano, bell pepper and red berry fruit. finishes with a minty, herbal aftertaste. | Terroir Selection Gran Reserva | 84 | 16 |
5,889 | us | green apple shines through in this light-bodied sparkler, which adds a note of strawberry midway through. crisp and moderately complex, it's an enjoyable quaffer, that finishes in a flourish of vanilla and shortcake. | Blanc de Noirs | 88 | 65 |
64,582 | us | talbott's style is always exotic and eccentric, with the grapes tasting so ripe, they have an almost botrytised, apricotty flavor. so it is with this '06, which also brims with grilled pineapple and sweet smoky oak. best now. | Sleepy Hollow Vineyard | 87 | 45 |
65,462 | us | production volume is up, but the concentration does not match the excellent 2014 edition of this reserve-level wine. there are modestly ripe melon and green apple flavors, along with a touch of buttered toast. | Domaine Danielle Laurent | 88 | 55 |
65,290 | chile | soupy, stewy, savory aromas are herbal and funky. this is dense and tannic on the palate, with herbal, gamy, briny berry flavors that come before a peppery, dry, tannic finish with modest heat and burn. this wine has good qualities but also cool-climate green notes. | Lot 8 | 88 | 40 |
30,619 | chile | mildly grassy, barnyard aromas are balanced by ripe berry and cassis tones. this shows a playful palate of jammy blackberry flavors tinged with gravel. on the finish, it's earthy but a bit flat, with a heavy weight. drink through 2016. | Estate Bottled Gran Reserva | 87 | 19 |
63,232 | us | this syrah tries to strike a balance between rich opulence and controlled elegance, and it largely succeeds. it's has exquisite tannins and fine acidity, finishing bone dry. the flavors are complex, immediately suggesting ripe blackberries, with notes of beef tartare, grilled wild mushrooms splashed with tamari, black pepper and minerals. you can draw analogies to the northern rhône if you want. will it age? hard to say, but it's a great wine now. | Barrett Vineyard | 93 | 75 |
128,175 | us | light aromas of apple and pear lead to broad dry flavors. it delivers easy-drinking appeal. | Grand Estates Unoaked | 86 | 12 |
59,870 | france | the mix of fresh crisp apple and shortbread notes on the nose is a delight. the same interplay of fresh, ripe and crisp apple fruit and the more developed richer notes of autolysis continue on the light and dry palate, supported by lively fine fizzing mousse. inherent freshness brightens the entire palate while the long shortbread-tinged aftertaste makes for a very elegant finish. lovely. | Brut | 92 | 25 |
79,703 | us | a flabby nose of muddled citrus and bruised pear carries to the perceptibly sugary palate. this is a light and lithe pinot grigio, best enjoyed in casual settings. | Reserve | 82 | 13 |
46,506 | france | fruity scents of cherry, cranberry, red currant and plum are hit with good doses of menthol and licorice on the nose of this rhône-style blend. the medium tannins are fine yet fleeting, lending only a subtle structure to the direct plum and cherry flavors. | Eloquent Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre | 86 | 15 |
55,178 | us | from a producer with a generally good track record for off-dry riesling comes this delightfully crisp, fruity wine. with a touch of white sugar in the background, it shows brisk flavors of limes, peaches, green apples and vanilla. | Cole Ranch | 87 | 19 |
6,986 | australia | there's a fair lick of dried wood notes on this straightforward sipper. the fruity strawberry and blueberry core is plush and pleasing, as is the soft grip of tannins at the backend. | Stamp of Australia | 86 | 8 |
50,644 | us | father-son winemakers joe and sam miller use fruit from the vineyard dick graff planted in 1989 for this interesting wine, which shows preserved lemons, dried apples, crushed ants, iodine and yogurt on the nose. there's lemon pith, smoked citrus, japanese pear flesh and crisp plum flavors on the palate. | Antle Vineyard | 90 | 28 |
36,887 | us | this wine opens with a rich nose of graham cracker and a concentrated midpalate, which becomes full bodied and toasty in oak. around a gravelly texture are flavors of green olive, brine and baked pear, a mix of savory and sweet that finishes with a dash of nutmeg. | Sangiacomo Vineyard | 87 | 35 |
59,333 | argentina | foxy berry aromas are the lead scent, and they're followed by notes of wet dog and raspberry. this is full bodied and round as a ball, with earthy, lightly herbal flavors of red berries, thyme and rosemary. a warm, loamy finish brings oaky flavors and closing weight. drink this blend of 70% malbec and 30% cabernet sauvignon through 2016. | Amancaya Gran Reserva | 89 | 21 |
39,980 | italy | awkward notes at the beginning blow off quickly to reveal mature notes of plum, raisin and blackberry jam. the wine tastes thick and slightly sweet and has a chewy, dense mouthfeel. | Moi | 84 | 18 |
39,635 | portugal | six months in a mix of french and portuguese oak has given this wine a rich, smooth character. produced from a field blend of more than 40 different varieties, the wine is stylishly structured and ripe with blackberry fruits. it is still young and although it is drinkable now, it will be better from 2017. | Confidencial Reserva | 91 | 26 |
5,149 | australia | medium and smooth in the mouth, jacob's creek's top chard (check?) has stone and star fruits at its core, and a sleek mineral quality. creamy on the nose, but with a lively lime streak that keeps it crisp. finishes medium-long with drying minerals. | Limited Release | 89 | 33 |
70,214 | us | this blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot, 8% petite sirah and 5% cabernet franc shows aromas of sweet plum, cherry jam, grape candy and chocolate spices. the palate presents a medium level of density, with flavors of bing cherry, ollallieberry and dried oregano, thyme and marjoram. | Reflections of Still Waters | 89 | 40 |
99,346 | us | this vintage is sourced entirely from the estate vineyard, a mix of four rhône varieties. cherry red, fruity and round, it's a crisp and stylish rosé for near-term drinking. | Ramblin' | 87 | 20 |
68,326 | italy | spiced plum, stalky underbrush, coconut and french oak aromas lead the way. the ripe palate doles out dried cherry, licorice, espresso and tobacco framed in firm close-grained tannins. you'll also notice the warmth of alcohol on the rather astringent finish. | Poggio al Granchio | 89 | 99 |
46,676 | argentina | dense, lush aromas of coffee, blackberry and turned earth give way to notes aged gouda cheese. the jammy palate is packed with a mix of blackberry, plum and cassis flavors that blend together. a compact, grapy finish shows no hard edges, gaps or breaks. drink through 2022. | Black Tears | 93 | 65 |
80,784 | australia | for one of jansz's top sparklers, this particular vintage is a little off the mark. starting on the vegetal side, with notes of wet grass, pear and bruised apple, the palate is rich but mealy, finishing on the same bruised apple and vegetal characters as the nose. | Vintage Cuvée | 87 | 44 |
94,785 | us | this irrepressible wine has aromas and flavors of coffee, mineral, barrel spice, chocolate and dark raspberries. there's a lot of richness to the flavors but also an impeccable sense of balance, along with some grip to the tannins. | Collaboration Series III | 93 | 60 |
81,002 | us | there's a reductive funk at first on the nose, with singed rubber and creosote, but that quickly gives way to cherry, boysenberry and brown spices. flavors are dominated by tart cherry and cedar, with hints of slate-driven, earthy minerals. | Reserve | 85 | 75 |
75,050 | us | bright and supple, this wine is vibrantly awash in red cherry, raspberry and whisps of vanilla, finishing lean and with plenty of versatility. | Reserve | 88 | 25 |
6,930 | us | deep, dense black cherry signals immediately that this is pure, classic dundee hills fruit, much of it from abbey ridge. average vine age is 30 years—giving it great penetration and complexity. at first tight and unyielding, it opens with scents of coffee and chocolate, and displays the thick minerality of all the winery's 2012s. nuanced herbs add a peppery kick to the finish. | Sandra Adele | 93 | 50 |
16,905 | chile | herbal aromas of olive and eucalyptus are stronger than the wine's briary berry scents. herbal berry flavors are savory and feature a lot of olive, while a roasted meat note is the closing act. | Reserva | 85 | 10 |
76,088 | portugal | this is a rarity —wood-aged vinho verde. it works beautifully, the floral flavors of the loureiro grape balanced with a smooth texture. the green fruit flavors dominate, just broadened by the wood. | Escolha | 92 | 25 |
88,855 | us | huge, rich and flamboyant, this hasa sweetness at its core—like the essence of red and black currants, with an elaborate note of caramel imparted from smoky oak. yet everything about it is utterly and properly dry. the vineyard is in st. helena, not quite in the spring mountain appellation, yet showing the fruit concentration firm tannins of mountain-grown grapes. just a stupendous wine; try after 2016. | Patzimaro Vineyard | 96 | 95 |
12,572 | us | the aromas of jasmine, honeysuckle, ripe peach and botrytis are bright. the mouthwatering stone-fruit flavors are sweet and persist, with white flowers on the finish. | Late Harvest | 87 | 10 |
69,259 | us | this blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot offers aromas of cranberry, cherry, mesquite, vanilla and herb. the fruit flavors are sleek and elegant, lingering on the finish. | Claret | 88 | 25 |
68,428 | austria | fresh, slender and easy—these are the virtues of this light wine that would be a great solution for a party. | Falkensteiner Lagen | 86 | 15 |
29,679 | us | nicely dry, silky and delicate in structure, this has pleasant cherry and cola flavors that are brightened by acidity. it finishes with the sweetness of toasted oak. while it's not particularly complex, it does offer plenty of varietal pleasure. drink now. | Sarmento Vineyard | 88 | 40 |
8,457 | us | a beautiful cabernet, this has all the hallmarks of a fine wine. it's dry, rich in tannins and elegant, with long, deep flavors of blackberries, currants and dark chocolate. it's already throwing some sediment, so give it a careful decant. | Estate Grown | 92 | 40 |
57,284 | us | the producer's flagship bordeaux-inspired blend combines 84% cabernet sauvignon with 6% merlot, 6% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 2% petit verdot. sanguine, it has a refined sense of cedar and pencil shavings around still-tight tannins that lean savory in tea and dark chocolate. dried herbs dominate the finish. cellar through 2020. | Cinq Cépages | 91 | 80 |
24,930 | us | a few words that describe this wine are lusty, brawny, rustic, really ripe, jammy, peppery, smooth and spicy. in other words, classic foothills zin. but just as important is what it's not. it's not high in alcohol, nor is it sweet. drink this balanced zin with barbecued ribs. | Reserve Blend | 88 | 20 |
11,974 | portugal | soft tannins and bright acidity give a wine that's ready to drink. juicy red berry fruits dominate, with tannins just in the background. | Chão das Rolas | 85 | 11 |
22,216 | us | simple and rustic but perfect for backyard grilling, this zinfandel, merlot and carignane blend is robust, tannic and superripe in berry-cherry and spice flavors. cries out for rich bbq sauce. | Family Blend | 85 | 14 |
93,953 | us | this style of pinot is almost candied, with flavors of cherry pie, brown sugar and buttered toast with raspberry jam. tasty, if a little one dimensionsal. | Leo | 87 | 56 |
67,215 | italy | this lovely brut offers a fragrance of white peach, almond and acacia flower. the palate delivers apple and citrus flavors, along with a note of bread crust. the wine is fresh and creamy with a dry finish of roasted walnut. | Brut | 90 | 32 |
14,322 | australia | dry riesling of this quality is capable of aging up to two decades, especially under screw cap. this one is medium bodied and dominated at the moment by ripe, citrusy fruit. it's more orange than lime, yet still shows great acidity and length. drink 2020–2030. | Mort's Reserve | 92 | 30 |
92,348 | france | this is a pure pinot noir cuvée from an aube-based producer. it has a curious candied character reminiscent of fruit drops due, perhaps, to its youth. give it a few more months to gain depth and drink from 2018. | Cuvée des Jean | 85 | 30 |
95,307 | france | bright citrus-fruit flavors are rounded with warm apple and pear notes on this densely textured, fruity wine. it shows no sign of aging, with a palate that's still fresh and bright, and revealing its minerality and tight acidity slowly. drink through 2020. | Tsarine Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut | 91 | 90 |
65,301 | italy | made with 95% schiava grossa and 5% lagrein, this bright wine conveys aromas of red currant and violet. the savory, easy-drinking palate doles out crunchy red cherry and baking spices. it's balanced with crisp acidity and soft, smooth tannins. enjoy soon. | Lago di Caldaro Classico Superiore De Silva PeterLeiter | 88 | 12 |
33,498 | us | ripe fruit flavors advance from apple to pear to honey as you sniff and sip this wine. it tastes clean and fruity, with a medium body and a smooth texture that allows the fruitiness to linger on the finish. | The Chard | 87 | 15 |
18,155 | us | melon, peach and honeysuckle swirl together on the very ripe nose, thanks to the blend of 42% viognier, 24% marsanne, 21% grenache blanc, 11% roussanne and 2% picpoul blanc. tropical fruits also power the peachy palate, yet it finishes crisply with a mineral sharpness, smartly combining the warm climate yet unique soils of the appellation. | Three Sisters Cuvée | 88 | 22 |
128,984 | spain | for a mature, high-end taste of the levante, this blend of 70% cabernet with 15% each of merlot and syrah is at the top of the heap. it smells exotic and smooth, like sandalwood, baked berries and brandied plums. on the palate it feels firm and secure, with juicy, deep flavors of cassis and slow-cooked black cherry. this is a bullish red to drink now. | Santa Rosa Reserva | 93 | 50 |
42,601 | italy | made with organically farmed fruit, this shows simple lines of citrus, peach blossom and crushed granite. the finish is dry and tonic thanks to the firm and steady perlage. | Canah Brut | 86 | 15 |
85,853 | us | a fine effort in this classic vintage, the merlot is firm, almost muscular, and dappled with fresh herbs—cilantro and basil. the brambly blackberry fruit has the power to more than hold its own after 18 months in two-thirds new french oak. | Canoe Ridge Estate | 91 | 22 |
94,278 | chile | vegetal on first blush, with aromas of green bean and asparagus. the green character becomes less obvious with time, but there's still a bell pepper element to the palate, which offers mildly stewy flavors. finishes bland, and as a whole it's not exactly cutting the mustard. | Selected Varietal | 83 | 12 |
126,543 | us | this wine is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (60%) and merlot. cocoa, baking chocolate and dark-fruit aromas lead to ripe generous black-fruit flavors, backed by well-integrated tannins. the finish lingers. | Longevity | 91 | 45 |
42,616 | us | a blend of syrah (59%) and cabernet sauvignon from mostly upchurch and ciel du cheval vineyards, this wine offers reticent aromas of herbs, woodspice, mineral and dark fruit. the blackberry and black cherry flavors are plump and show a sense of balance, with slightly dry tannins providing some heft. | AIX | 89 | 39 |
96,103 | us | a stylistic offering of pinot gris with notes of spice, marzipan and lees along with lemony, sharp-edged acids. not for everyone, but has much to enjoy. | LEHM | 87 | 20 |
35,341 | australia | from veteran winemaker john glaetzer, this cabernet from langhorne creek is something of a throwback, spending some 28 months in american oak hogsheads. yet there's clearly enough cherry and cassis fruit to support all of the vanilla and toasted coconut, and the wine finishes long and balanced. drink 2010–2020. | Individual Selection | 93 | 50 |
111,612 | south africa | a delicious sauv blanc from one of the coolest areas of south africa, it takes a while for this wine to fully express itself. green pepper and grass start on the nose, but then subside to allow green fig, lime rind and tart tropical fruit accents to unfold. balanced and refreshing, with a fynbos herb note that remains through the long finish, almost like fresh hops. | Pincushion Vineyard | 90 | 25 |
18,271 | us | fans of powerful, fruit-driven zinfandel will exult in this monster of a wine. it is an explosion of blueberry, raspberry, plum, blackberry, chocolate-covered raisin and sandalwood flavors. this is tannic, and the high alcohol gives it a glycerine-driven sweetness. | Sven & Ole's Reserve | 89 | 60 |
118,460 | chile | aromas of graphite, rich berry fruit and leather dominate the nose. this syrah has a jammy, yet layered mouthfeel, along with flavors of berry, toast, graphite and mint. overall this is a deep, full-bodied wine that's quite toasty and oaky. | Gran Reserva Estate Bottled | 89 | 20 |