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2.01k
107,920
new zealand
fermented in a seasoned 3,000-liter oak vat, this doesn't show overt wood flavors, instead revealing hints of ramps and sweat accenting passion fruit. medium bodied, it offers fascinating textural interplay between creaminess from lees contact and vibrant acidity. drink now.
the paper nautilus
90
40
89,744
us
a sleek, medium-bodied wine that's made in large enough numbers to find, it combines black tea, rhubarb and cherry cola around a lengthy, approachable sense of weight.
classic collection
89
24
22,697
france
a delightful, light, strawberry wine. it has a bright, bubbly character and acidity that gives extra life to this classic apéritif wine. there is just a hint of softness from the fruit to finish.
rosé brut
87
24
118,098
italy
tomato vine, cut grass, crushed stone and grapefruit aromas almost leap out of the glass. the crisp savory palate delivers juicy citrus, ripe honeydew melon, alpine herb and a mineral note framed in bright acidity. it has a bright, clean finish.
winkl
93
35
34,379
us
stiff and tart, this young wine needs a few more years of cellaring to fill itself out. the balance is right, and the vineyard's full-bodied tannins are there in abundance.
champoux vineyard
88
28
69,600
us
this iconic regional vineyard is widely sourced, and this bottling presents it well. fresh aromas of meyer lemon and graphite shavings get layered with oak-related scents of toasted coconut flake and ground vanilla. the palate surrounds a core of lemon-lime-laced apple and fleshy ripe pear, with guava skin on the finish. very easy to drink.
sierra madre vineyard
91
36
109,537
argentina
much like the previous vintage of la violeta, this is a fabulous malbec with depth, density and power to spare. the bouquet yields marzipan, cola, fine leather, char and rich berry aromas. that sets up a palate with impeccable structure and huge flavors of beef jerky, mocha, black fruits and spice. the finish is massive and loaded, with licorice and mocha flavors. drink now–2018. only 100 cases made, with 50 imported into the u.s.
lindaflor la violeta
94
125
120,849
us
from a blending of two barrels—one new and one neutral—this is a snappy, sappy, tangy wine with ripe, forward red and purple fruits. these notes are framed with pretty barrel toast, and the tannins are firm, ripe and balanced. drink now with pleasure or tuck it away until 2020.
antiquum vineyard
91
48
41,867
france
although the label says brut, in fact this is a very dry rosé. it has a bitter edge that is off-putting and it seems to have lost the fruit along with way. the wine also has weight with a tannic aftertaste—a strange beast.
brut rosé premier cru
85
55
122,961
chile
plum, berry, licorice and balsamic aromas are earthy and classy. this feels chunky and heavy but not ponderous. flavors of prune, rooty spices, mint and chocolate finish with mocha and fig notes. enjoy this ripe, full-bodied wine anytime through 2017.
tierras moradas
91
50
86,219
us
soft, sweet and candied, this has flavors of raspberry, cherry, roasted almond, honey and spice—almost like a granola bar. high alcohol adds to the impression of sweetness.
alegria vineyards heritage vines
85
42
19,123
france
heavy and waxy, with overdone varietal aromas that seem oily. lots of pepper and cumin, but what about the fruit and acidity? nowhere to be found.
vin de pays de l'ardeche
80
10
127,800
italy
bright and intense berry aromas lead into a tart palate that runs heavy with pie cherry and leather. it's probably a tad too tight, tart and hard to merit higher, but with food it should do the trick. some dark black coffee notes on the finish add to the wine's drying character.
riserva
85
18
16,719
us
this bordelais blend of 67% sauvignon blanc and 33% sémillon is named for fred brander's son and offers a richer fragrance than his straight sauvignon blancs. lemon, gala apple and rounded key lime flavors make it approachable for many palates, yet buoyant acidity and wet cement and apple skin flavors bring added complexity.
cuvée nicolas
90
30
59,820
italy
the intensity of this powerhouse cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot blend is outstanding, and so is the density of its aromas. it presents a solid wall of blackberry, dark chocolate, pipe tobacco and cigar box. it's bold and syrupy and overwhelms the palate with its enormous bounty.
carmione
93
35
54,437
italy
this blend of 80% montepulciano and 20% merlot opens with aromas of berry, mocha and toasted coffee bean. the palate is friendly and forward, with plum and blackberry accompanied by a hint of chocolate.
terra di confine
87
30
110,722
italy
aromas of sawdust, toasted oak, espresso and spice lead the nose on this blend of 90% sangiovese, 10% canaiolo and colorino. the palate offers black cherry, mint and eucalyptus notes alongside bracing tannins. evident oak muffles the juicy, ripe-fruit notes.
il poggiale riserva
89
35
21,766
spain
lemony oak, tobacco, sandalwood and berry fruit aromas come together in fine form. this is a full, heavily oaked wine with big tannins and plenty of ripeness and power. baked black-fruit flavors are propped up by spicy oak, pepper and herb notes, while the finish is spicy, woody, dry and long. drink through 2018.
tinto cuvee mosteiro
91
25
61,487
italy
tommasi presents a light and informal pinot grigio that would wash down beautifully with salad, grilled vegetables, fish or chicken. fragrances here include ripe peach and honey and the wine offers a playful touch of sweetness in the mouth.
vigneto le rosse
85
15
64,132
us
chocolaty and spicy, loaded with cinnamon and anise, and backed by sturdy plum-flavored fruit. the mouthfeel is creamy and rich; the finish, long and oaky.
cherryblock
90
70
129,503
italy
made with the cortese grape, this fresh sparkler opens with scents of pressed wild flower and bread crust. the bright palate offers mature peach, hazelnut and mineral alongside an elegant perlage.
brut balcn de blancs metodo classico
88
29
109,610
us
a white pinot noir made from estate-grown grapes, this is a curious wine and perhaps an acquired taste, though it has found its fans via the winery. akin to chardonnay in its expressions of crème brûlée, tropical fruit basket and tangy apple, this wine is textured, bright in acidity and touched by oak.
pinot clair
87
55
46,196
france
as the name barriques suggests, this wine is lightly aged in wood that adds toast to spice and gives a buttery, ripe texture. the wine is fresh, rounded with a pepper character that comes through strongly at the end. drink now, but better from 2016.
barriques
89
37
33,570
south africa
this is a plush and fully fruited wine that's super easy to like, with attractive aromas and flavors of blackberry compote, raspberry sauce and ripe boysenberry that are all hit with seductive notes of sweet spice and vanilla bean. there's ample tannic structure at the core, framing the dense, decadent mouthfeel and lending some lingering grip to the close.
beyond ordinary
88
15
79,582
us
this is overoaked, with buttered toast, caramel and sweet vanilla flavors dominating everything else. buried beneath the oak are crisp flavors of pineapples and oranges.
estate
84
25
85,554
us
mostly cabernet sauvignon with four other bordeaux varieties in the mix, this wine brings an aromatic medley of cherry cola, dark chocolate, and light medicinal notes. the flavors don't entirely meld with the oak showing a bit too prominently, offset by grainy tannins.
red wine destiny ridge vineyards
87
40
17,653
portugal
this is a powerful, ripe and generously fruity wine. with red berry and rich spice from wood aging, it is dense, complex and aromatic. minerality and dark, dry tannins show the wine needs to age. drink from 2018.
duas quintas reserva
92
41
4,707
germany
saffron and orange blossoms perfume this intensely ripe, almost honey-slick kabinett. there's a zesty backbone of tangerine acidity, but the palate is a crush of ruddy yellow peach and nectarine flavors. it's a luscious, forward wine to enjoy young.
piesporter goldtröpfchen kabinett
87
16
89,461
us
brian loring's bottling of this vineyard planted by gary pisoni and gary franscioni is bursting with raspberry syrup, cola and peppercorns on the nose. the palate boasts notes of strawberry juice, red berries and hibiscus. it's luxurious and sexy.
garys' vineyard
95
50
77,104
us
charbono is a variety that used to be more widely planted. it's always a rustic wine, but it ages forever, and can develop sweet complexities. in its youth, it's fruity, soft and tannic, with ripe blackberry and chocolate flavors.
estate villa andriana vineyard
87
28
81,876
france
fruity with apple and pear, this wine has light acidity and a light mousse. a touch of toast and delicious zesty orange texture give complexity. it makes a perfect apéritif wine.
cuvée indigène
89
26
107,312
italy
san lorenzo opens with bright cherry fruit and blueberry with subtle background notes of almond paste and dried tobacco. overall, this clean and fresh red wine would pair with roast chicken or turkey.
san lorenzo
87
17
49,748
france
this ripe and full-bodied wine has a wonderful balance between pure acidity and ripe yellow fruits. from chalk and clay soils, it's both mineral and rich, both fresh and warm. it could be drunk now, although it will be much better from 2016.
authentique
88
25
15,308
italy
this displays aromas of underbrush, tobacco, coffee, raisin, menthol and dried sage. the palate offers blackberry extract, prune, anise and black pepper alongside bracing tannins. it finishes on a note of glazed brown sugar. north berkeley imports, glazer's.
le balze
89
100
90,274
us
vanilla, baking spice, coconut and dark fruit aromas lead to plush, plentiful purple-fruit flavors. it provides a lot of enjoyment and appeal, showing equal parts fruit and barrel.
estate riverbend vineyard
91
36
115,243
us
this wine was fermented half in stainless steel and half in neutral oak, and did not undergo malolactic fermentation. the result is a textured, rich explosion of honeysuckle, spice and lemon zest flavors that finishes with a minerally, flinty character.
damiano vineyard
88
28
83,463
us
a triumph, really. held back for 14 years and just recently disgorged, it's fantastically rich and complex, just oozing the most delicious orange, butterscotch, yeast and toast flavors. so silky, so sweet in fruit, and yet with a dry finish. stands out in any tasting of the best sparklers. hard to imagine a california bubbly better than this.
joy! blanc de blancs
97
179
32,196
us
this exudes classic chardonnay richness. pure and heady, it explodes with tropical fruit and orange essences, with buttered toast and vanilla flavors from oak barrels and lees contact. zesty russian river acidity kicks in to provide perfect balance. the creaminess is delicious, suggesting shellfish in a buttery sauce.
durell vineyards
93
74
81,194
us
a blend of fruit from esteemed boushey and red willow vineyards, this was aged in a mixture of concrete and french oak (10% new). the herb, lemon verbana and citrus flavors are light on their feet with a creamy texture and a tart zing of mouthwatering acidity that stitches it all together.
oliane
91
28
22,624
chile
crisp citrusy aromas include notes of crushed vitamin and ocean breeze. this is tangy and speedy on the palate, with racy acidity. tangerine and lime flavors are stony, while this is fresh, lasting and citrusy on the finish.
serie riberas gran reserva
89
17
28,452
us
too soft by far, with sugary sweet, medicinal cherry-berry flavors and a sharp cut of acidity. tastes like an inexpensive port.
old vines reserve
82
30
4,169
germany
everything is bigger and bolder in this producer's stable of 2015 rieslings, and this densely structured beerenauslese is no exception. its luscious stone fruit flavors and spicy, exotic perfume are undeniably attractive. but it's a softer, plusher style of dessert riesling atypical of germany, accentuated by a warm kiss of alcohol on the finish. drink now through 2022.
hochheimer domdechaney beerenauslese
92
210
54,329
us
this southern rhone-style blend consists of 35% mourvèdre, 40% grenache and 25% syrah. steely minerality underscores pretty cherry fruit, with a light and peppery streak of herb running through the tannins.
métier
90
44
9,551
france
get to know the local red grapes of gaillac that make up this blend: duras, braucol and prunelard. together, they create impressive structure, concentration and intensity. acidity balances the bold red fruit and ripe cherry flavors. it's a serious wine with good potential and will be best from 2020.
renaissance
93
23
64,086
us
brilliantly aromatic, this wine beguiles with exotic scents of plum pudding, spice cake, cherry compote, pipe tobacco, red licorice and raspberry jam. all that and more can be tasted—the wine is a riot of fruits and baking spices. this makes the best possible case for mourvèdre as a stand-alone varietal wine here in washington.
coyote canyon vineyard
92
30
58,241
italy
this boutique winery in central sicily benefits from extreme isolation that has helped it nurture its own clone of nero d'avola. oak tones and vanilla come in the foreground of cherry, blueberry and leather. the wine is balanced and soft with bright freshness on the close.
vrucara
92
35
21,261
italy
reale (100% merlot) offers sweet cherry and raspberry aromas with light touches of spice and toasted almond in the background. this ruby colored wine offers an easy, fresh and lean feel in the mouth.
reale
86
30
24,298
argentina
earthy and mulchy smelling on first take, with leather and solid berry and plum aromas. feels bold, round and dedicated as it tastes a bit baked, with dark plum and cassis carrying the fruit component. figgy, smooth and lasting on the finish.
single vineyard reserva
88
20
30,403
chile
earthy aromas of baked fruits and crushed leaves filter onto a full-bodied palate with depth and balance. roasted, leathery plum and saucy berry flavors are indicative of a hot vintage, while briny saline and tea notes drive a chewy finish.
nimbus single vineyard
87
15
26,755
italy
ripe and juicy, this opens with aromas of dark berry, leather, underbrush and a whiff of game. the round, chewy palate doles out black cherry extract, clove, tobacco and star anise while meaty tannins provide the framework. drink 2018–2023.
ciabot tanasio
90
49
19,807
france
this is a soft, unfocused wine that only hints at fruitiness. it is rounded and full bodied, with a touch of pepper as well as lemon zest acidity at the end.
brut d'argent brut blanc de blancs
83
14
14,780
us
velvety, rich and intense upon first sip, this is a lively, well-built wine, held back in bottle and offering layers of blackberry, black cherry, anise and sage flavor. fruity and feral, it delivers a lot of nuance within its powerful presentation.
stiling vineyard
91
52
93,260
australia
for a grenache-dominated (70%) blend, this shows outstanding structure. the firm tannins are slightly drying right now, but should smooth out nicely by 2012 and the wine should continue to drink well through at least 2020. ripe cherry and cassis notes are framed by subtle cedary oak, imparting a sophisticated elegance to the long finish.
the ironstone pressings
92
65
116,615
spain
blackberry, cassis, coffee and charred aromas make for a smoky, healthy, attractive bouquet. this is dense, deep, tannic and a bit rubbery and bouncy in feel. tea, herb, chocolate and baked blackberry flavors end with cocoa and herbal, earthy notes. drink this ripe gran reserva through 2023.
imperial gran reserva
92
70
112,120
us
this looks, smells and tastes so young that it might have come right out of the fermenting tank. it is tight to the point of reductive, with tart fruit flavors of cranberry and rhubarb, and stiff, chalky tannins.
jordan
86
50
129,477
us
mostly washington sauvignon blanc, with a 15% splash of oregon müller-thurgau also in the blend, this dry, sippable, low-alcohol white wine has european finesse. flavors of green berries and yellow fruits abound, along with melon and grapefruit. the bracing acidity fits the style beautifully.
resonate white #5
88
14
72,807
us
an aromatic swirl of dried honey, roasted nuts and marzipan is leveled by a sense of iodine on this zesty, tense white blend. the palate shows lime juice on apple, with a touch of yellow pear.
inspiration
89
25
76,582
us
this delightfully pure expression of the syrah grape seduces from the first sniff, which sails along on a flying carpet of blue and purple fruits, licorice, clove and tobacco. the beguiling aromas continue in the mouth, where the wine assumes a seamless, plump and powerful presence. ciel du cheval syrah is every bit as good as the bordeaux grapes for which the vineyard is most famous.
ciel du cheval vineyard
94
35
119,037
us
the nose of this wine is evocative of vanilla, cranberry, black berries, cedar wood and nag champa incense. jammy blackberry, cedar, persimmon and pie spice flavors unfold on the palate. the tannins are smooth and silky, and aid in the long, spicy and woody finish.
mélange
88
27
73,384
us
this cab franc is considerably lighter in body than a cabernet sauvignon. its silky texture frames red cherry, red currant, red licorice, cola and sandalwood flavors that finish very dry. it's a lovely wine of some charm, but give it a decant before serving.
bates' ranch
89
28
46,683
us
this lightly bodied, elegant wine is subtle and crisp—a study in white pepper and leather that's both complex and tightly layered. cool climate to its core, it shows floral aromas and flavors of rose petal and lavender as hints of rhubarb and tart cherry make their way onto the quiet palate.
coastlands vineyard 1906 block pommard clone
93
80
102,368
argentina
earth, leather and herbal aromas blend with riper berry notes on the nose. this feels choppy, with cheek-scraping tannins. flavors of minty herbal black fruits finish with chocolate, herbal flavors and stickiness.
reserve
87
18
8,619
france
this second wine of this estate is aged in tank, making it all bright, ripe berry fruit and juicy acidity. the tannins are still there as it's still aging. give this attractive, fruity wine until late 2018 before opening.
la millerie
86
20
19,668
france
rose gold in color, this rosé smells fresh and inviting, with pleasant underripe strawberry, mango and citrus zest scents. the palate is similarly light-footed, yet ripe tropical fruit tones lend some substance and richness.
notorious pink
85
17
76,612
us
this has been barrel-fermented and aged, yet it retains more than a hint of the grape's natural herbaceousness. sharp-edged and assertive, it might pass for a quincy from the loire valley.
reserve
88
20
78,495
spain
with a violet color and charred aromas of oak, shoe polish and black fruits, this amounts to a very good, woody blend of carignan and garnacha that's as healthy as an ox but hits like a bull in a china shop. blackberry, burnt toast and dark chocolate flavors finish spicy and hot, while rubbery tannins esure that this has a grabby grip. this should improve with additional bottle aging.
vinyes velles
89
50
101,892
us
bone dry, this succulent, citrus-soaked riesling is a textural marvel. mixing grapefruit, lime and pear fruit flavors, its racy acidity underscores its complexity.
estate
91
19
2,478
us
a fairly dark and dense nose of boysenberry and smashed graphite entertain the nose on this blend of 50% syrah, 45% grenache and 5% mourvèdre, which is named after san jose-based winemaker adam comartin's daughter. the palate is very iron-driven and minerally, with more boysenberry fruit and some concentrated violets giving nuance.
cuvee cassidy
88
32
117,104
us
this is a lovely white made by chris dearden. whole-cluster pressed and fermented in once-used french oak, the grapes are sourced from a 12-acre parcel planted to old wente clone chardonnay. dark golden in hue, it has graceful acidity and a burst of lemon blossom on the nose that evolves into a sublime lightness and crispness on the palate.
las amigas partners vineyard
93
45
95,810
austria
rounded, earthy notes of ripe fruit are foremost in the aromatic stakes. on the palate they are joined by a yeastily textured savoriness and fresh citrus verve. this goes well beyond mere fruit and shows off the more earthy side of grüner. satisfyingly zesty finish.
von den terrassen
90
20
65,499
argentina
initial aromas of clove and cinnamon suggest a lot of barrel action, but give it a few minutes and the wine settles on ripe black fruit, dark spice notes and richness. it's big-boned but not overly tannic, and it exhibits shiraz's bacon and espresso character in a good way.
maipu vineyards
89
12
103,456
germany
a cool, alpine streak runs through this easygoing but refreshing riesling, revealed through greenish glimmers of pine frond and fresh herb. off dry in style, it calibrates sweet-tart green plum and apple notes against streaks of lime and lemon. drink now.
kabinett
88
10
6,669
us
an attention-grabbing sense of umami introduces this wine, with darkly colored mushrooms, plum sauce, miso soup and black sage tickling the nose. there is dark chocolate with bits of espresso on the palate, which is leveled by plum skins and berry flesh, with bitter tar and black pepper on the finish.
infidels
93
65
20,429
italy
showing the heat of the vintage, this opens with aromas of stewed fruit, toast, truffle, underbrush and a hint of cooking spice. the palate offers cherries marinated in spirits, espresso and a green note of sage alongside assertive tannins that leave an astringent finish.
preda
88
70
45,672
us
shows how ripe the napa side of carneros can grow pinot noir. floods the mouth with strawberry, raspberry, cherry and cola flavors, while french oak contributes toasty sweet vanilla and toast richness. delicious and appealing now and for a couple more years.
papi y chula vineyard
88
38
114,165
france
this is rich champagne, full with a lively mousse and a dominance of pinot. the acidity and grapefruit flavors are intense, with just a hint of yeastiness. this bottling seems youthful and could age a few months.
carte d'or brut
90
40
65,871
us
this classic bordeaux blend—67% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot, 17% cab franc and 6% petit verdot—is crafted from 100% sagemoor vineyard grapes. it's chewy and herbal, with substantial tannins. it probably needs some time to smooth out the rough spots, but it's got character and a mix of bordeaux-like cassis and herb flavors, all in good balance and finished entirely in older neutral oak.
red paintbrush
90
28
76,559
us
a rich, buttery chardonnay, brimming with well-oaked pineapple, honey, créme brûlée and spice flavors, brightened with acidity. a real crowd pleaser.
cold creek ranch
89
30
92,513
us
crossing borders and grapes to make a compelling wine, this blend is 70% cabernet sauvignon from dr. crane vineyard and kenefick ranch, and 30% syrah from kick ranch in sonoma county. intensely ripe, it allows for a softly sculpted structure adorned in coffee bean, black licorice, black pepper and currant, enticing the best of all worlds.
blend 25
93
67
36,823
spain
this ripe wine from a warm year is raisiny up front, with additional scents of molasses and baked plum. choppy, clampy tannins frame oaky flavors of red plum and raspberry, while oak spice and resiny flavors push a woody finish that includes a strong minty accent. this is 85% monastrell and 15% syrah.
crianza
89
18
112,247
us
hearty black plum, mulberry and blackberry notes show on the nose of this bottling, alongside scents of gravel, turned earth, dried sage and toast. violet and blackberry flavors unfold on the dark palate, but vibrant acidity and a solid structure expertly balance the richness.
doctor's vineyard
93
50
107,784
austria
there's no question about the huge richness of this wine—it is there from the initial aroma. it is smooth, totally voluptuous, immediately appealing. the flavors are of the sweetest runny honey, matched with acidity to emphasize the ripe peach and dried apricot flavors.
trockenbeerenauslese
90
30
25,850
italy
from the cool-climate north of italy, this fresh riesling offers fragrant tones of lemon zest, kiwi, exotic fruit and a touch of dried basil. the mouth is silky, smooth and crisp on the finish.
rifall
88
21
52,046
us
pleasant and straightforward, this has notes of pear, mead and herbs. it's full in feel with a big ball of fruit flavors in the middle but less around it. the tannins have a slightly drying feel.
naked
86
10
111,408
us
the nose shows irresistable youthful notes of pear and apple while the palate is a bit simpler and fairly soft. short, cherry-infused finish. drink by the pool.
gigliotti vineyards
85
17
3,254
us
flavors of berry, vanilla and tar form around thick, rich tannins, giving this wine a puckering quality that may benefit from opening before enjoying. the finish is sturdy and robust in leathery black pepper.
winemaker selection
86
55
5,940
france
this is a big and juicy wine full of blackberry and dark-plum flavors. the second wine of larrivet haut-brion, it is fruity with dominant merlot and round and perfumed cabernet. it is developing rapidly into an accessible, ripe wine. drink from late 2016.
les hauts de larrivet haut-brion
88
35
45,061
france
the toast character lends a firm structure to this solid, rich wine. a spice note pairs well with the white plum and apricot fruit, and there is a sense that this needs to age for several years in order to bring out its richness and full potential.
clos rochette
91
30
118,236
us
soft and layered, this wine has firmness and depth to its structure, and is dark in brooding baked plum and cinnamon stick. a pungency of tight oak wraps its way around the fruit and savory spice, suggesting additional time in cellar, through 2023.
van der kamp vineyard
91
49
43,786
france
a ripe currant- and lime-flavored wine, this is rounded and soft. this full-bodied wine fills the mouth but maintains its delicate crispness. there are good bright highlights of green fruits and fresh acidity.
fournier
87
21
19,709
us
golden caramel in color, this wine opens in a decadence of creme brûlée, a richness that subsides on the lighter style on the palate, marked by a saltiness of wet stone, pineapple and vanilla oak. together, the light and heavy balance one another and the wine tastes complete.
kyndall's reserve dutton ranch
92
40
52,566
us
tight and tannic, this majority cab wine is distinguished by a thickness of black fruit and herbaceous back palate that gives it density, separated by bursts of vanilla and oak. give it time to open and notes of mocha chocolate should also come through.
vintner's reserve
87
24
44,774
france
this is one of the higher elevation premier crus in puligny. in this warm vintage it has managed to give a wine that is crisp and mineral. to contrast with this, the wine also has a creamy, toasty character from the wood aging. drink from 2021.
sous le puits premier cru
93
90
76,074
new zealand
rockburn's second label is meant for current drinking. it's soft and silky in texture, without much tannin, yet easily blends crisp cherry fruit with savory, mushroomy notes.
devil's staircase
88
30
52,978
us
a huge wine with ripe blackberries, currants, dark chocolate and raisins. the oak is strong, and there's some heat from alcohol. the impact is of a dramatically layered wine, but one whose internal conflicts may not allow it to age long enough for the hard tannins to outlive the fruit. drink now–2016.
single vineyard
91
100
56,485
germany
squeaky-fresh lemon and lime shine a spotlight against sweet melon and stone fruit flavors in this gossamer-textured spätlese. it's dancingly delicate, yet deeply penetrating on the palate, finishing on lingering notes of hazelnut and white flowers.
grünlack spätlese
93
37
114,021
france
a great partner for rich sauced fish or pâté, this beautiful wine is relatively sweet, full of gently honeyed fruit, naturally full-bodied. the acidity is a light addition to the weighty texture.
pfersigberg grand cru
91
40
84,423
israel
aromas of blueberry, cherry and anise yield on the palate to flavors of cherry, blackberry, eucalyptus and black pepper. smooth tannins appear early on and endure into a pleasing finish that is interspersed with bright and spicy notes.
reserve
90
40
5,106
us
the winery doesn't tell us what the blend is, but it tastes vaguely rhônish. it's dry, velvety and forward in cherry pie, mocha and spice flavors, wrapped into firm tannins. it's a little hot in alcohol. drink up.
lampyridae vineyards
86
50
74,086
portugal
this is a beautiful wine—rich, smooth and balanced. it has weight, great blackberry and damson fruit and a judicious hint of wood. spice, ripe fruit and fresh acidity all call for aging. drink from 2016.
alqueve de pinhal da torre
91
36