wine_id
int64
1
130k
country
stringclasses
41 values
description
stringlengths
28
764
designation
stringlengths
1
95
points
int64
80
100
price
float64
4
2.01k
125,873
austria
perfumed with floral, citric freshness this evokes jasmine blossom and cut grapefruit peel. the palate is of an exquisite lightness and a slight spritz adds extra zip to the already electric little number. just one sip of this ultrapure, racy wine and you are thoroughly refreshed. this is a riesling that spells summer.
zöbinger heiligenstein
93
40
91,713
france
a blend of 40% bourboulenc, 30% grenache blanc and 30% vermentino, this is a bright and floral wine, offering upfront scents of orange rind, melon, apple flesh, green fig and garrigue herbs. flavors of red apple and stone fruits continue on the medium-weight palate, with ample acidity to provide good cut and freshness to the finish. a toasted-walnut flavor whispers softly on the medium-length finish. drink now–2016.
château l'hospitalet la reserve
89
35
13,083
spain
smoky on the nose, but also a bit harsh, with reedy, peppery notes. the palate is soft, creamy and low on acidity, with sweet, candied red fruit flavors that have a stalky, burnt edge. goes down easy but has some sticking points.
elyssia pinot noir brut
85
18
93,677
argentina
heavy white-fruit aromas manage to stay fresh, while in the mouth this is ripe and chunky. flavors suggest melon, creamy oak and banana. the finish is warm and sticky.
1300
84
15
109,983
spain
this wine's floral, lightly jammy red berry aromas smell like nice bath soap. it's tight and raw on the palate, expanding a bit with air. its mix of red fruit and herbal flavors is linear and lively, although the finish is slightly abrasive.
peza do rei
89
20
69,772
portugal
this soft, ripe and fruity blend of local grapes is young and spicy. it has flavors of ripe red fruits that are cut with juicy acidity. it's a fresh wine that is ready to drink.
monsaraz tinto
86
9
75,931
us
this is a fruit-driven, sharp and port-like red wine, blended from petit verdot, malbec, grenache and nebbiolo.
saved
81
35
18,565
chile
the bouquet delivers snap, clarity and a pure leyda character, which revolves around ocean-influenced notes of asparagus and green bean. the palate has scour and sizzle, and the flavors suggest lime, green apple and asparagus. zesty and tangy but also green and leaning toward vegetal.
garuma vineyard
86
18
71,190
spain
charcoal, cola and licorice are all components of this wine's dark and meaty nose. and the palate hardly disappoints; there's depth and harmony to the berry, coffee and mocha flavors. it feels good and has just enough kick to keep you thinking. a really nice crianza that will settle and only grow more complex over the next few years.
crianza
91
24
118,033
argentina
purple and extracted, with aromas of roasted meat and ripe black fruits. a vigorous blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot that's full-bodied and offers commendable balance and flavors of baked berries, molasses and hoisin sauce. thick and creamy on the finish.
dos fincas
86
10
9,250
us
light and earthy, this wine glows in spicy citrus, with a rhubarb-and-strawberry tartness and black tea accents. medium-bodied, it shows an underlying crispness that belies its weight and depth, the oak subtle yet supportive.
ketcham vineyard
91
42
10,632
italy
this bright wine offers fresh and tangy fruit, dark concentration and bold aromas of blackberry and toasted almond. that nutty note is typical of this popular sicilian grape variety.
stemmari
87
9
129,435
us
equal parts grenache and syrah are blended with 18% mourvèdre in this classic red rhône blend. broad, with fleshy tannins, it has a meaty character, brightened by flavors of baked strawberry, chocolate and smoky oak.
una
87
39
60,332
us
bristling with lime zest and a steely, mineral tone, this dry, moderate-bodied riesling is elegant and refreshing from start to finish. it's packed with white peach and apricot flavors, but zippy and bright with hints of fresh herbs that linger on the finish.
dry
89
15
44,501
spain
tomato and spiced plum aromas are lightly earthy and a touch rubbery. this blend of cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo feels ripe and juicy, not rough or scratchy. plum, berry and spice flavors finish with a shot of pomegranate and red currant.
finca rableros
88
12
34,124
us
good concentration and clear varietal flavors mark this excellent washington mourvèdre. the mixed red fruits are well integrated, with a strong vein of mineral, and a finishing wash of vanilla, coffee and chocolate. lots of barrel flavors to be sure, but the fruit can take it.
mckinley springs vineyard
90
35
71,382
us
blackberry and cherry go toe-to-toe with a dark, savory element full of granite, dusty herbs and earth in this elegantly restrained red wine. a blend of cabernet sauvignon, syrah and merlot, it offers a more muted expression of black fruit lifted by bright acidity and fine feathery tannins.
motley cru
88
35
5,113
italy
this is a straightforward and pleasant barbera exhibiting ripe dark-fruit flavors, spice and fresh acidity. cries out for food, and will pair beautifully with soups, pastas and white meats. grape expectations and massanois imports.
lavignone
86
17
65,808
france
while there are powerful tannins at work here, this wine is mainly full of rich black fruits that have a juicy side from the acidity. the addition of tannat brings even more tannin to the wine while also giving it density and longevity. drink from 2019. the wine comes from a long-time wine family that tended the few remaining malbec grapes that survived phylloxera of late 1800s. alain gayraud is the current owner.
cuvée particulière
92
24
372
italy
a fresh, crisp style of soave, brimming with green plum and light acidity. it has concentration and a light touch in equal measure.
classico
88
10
85,888
italy
initially shy on the nose, this eventually opens up in the glass to reveal dried yellow fruit, toast, chamomile flower and a whiff of sage. the palate offers toasted oak, walnut and a buttery note, but it lacks fruit richness.
sanice
86
21
20,489
france
this is a fruity, perfumed wine with just enough structure to keep it all together. fresh and with red fruit flavors, it is already drinkable.
oltesse
85
14
75,643
italy
this syrah offers plush cherry and blackberry notes, with cured meat, tobacco and black pepper touches. it feels smooth, rich and soft.
case ibidini
87
15
15,288
us
sanguine and meaty, this big-shouldered wine from a prime site on westside road showcases a ripeness of black cherry accented in forest floor, cola and cardamom. mellow oak contributes softness to the texture as a length of licorice takes over at the end.
bacigalupi vineyard
90
52
79,834
france
from the ripe 2015 vintage, this is a smooth opulent wine. with its citrus and pear fruits, rich acidity and tangy aftertaste, this concentrated wine is balanced and ready to drink.
les belles côtes
89
46
53,629
england
wood sorrel and crunchy green apple are met with boiled lemon sweets on the nose. lively, frothy fizz fills the mouth with exuberant, refreshing flavors and leaves behind that notion of sorrel and lemon candy.
brut prestige
89
39
21,061
us
there's lots of rich, jammy blackberry, cherry and oak flavor in this merlot, with a gentle scour of firm tannins. it's not an ager, but offers plenty of upfront pleasure for drinking now.
winemaker's blend
87
20
83,334
chile
earthy and a touch shy at first, with lightly floral aromas that blend well with the scents of baked plum, prune and blackberry. it's heavy and cheek-grabbing, but also hugely flavorful and loaded with cassis, blackberry, herbs and tobacco. long as a marathon on the finish. drink from 2011 through 2014. 1,000 cases made.
founder's selection
91
35
116,706
us
sweet and simple, with flavors of apricot, pineapple, peach and pear juice.
reserve
82
10
126,936
spain
plum, cherry and raspberry aromas come with a note of bath soap. fresh and solid across the palate, this bobal tastes like it smells, while the finish shows a candied element along with a touch of chocolate.
único
87
12
36,165
us
here is a generous, full-throttle, high-octane zin, with lots of rich oak accents and a touch of sweetness. aromas of strawberry jam, maple syrup and hickory-smoked bacon are followed by rich fruit flavors, full body, light tannins and a jammy finish.
epicenter old vines
88
20
71,228
us
made by the saignée process, where the juice is bled from the principal ferment to concentrate the pinot noir, this rosé is blocky and simple. light flavors of strawberry and cherry are finished dry and fade quickly. drink this well chilled before the next vintage appears.
rosé of
87
22
6,226
portugal
adding syrah (shiraz as the producer calls it) to the blend with tinta roriz and touriga nacional gives a strongly perfumed character to this firm, still structured wine. it also has a fresh element from the black currant acidity that cuts through the wine. drink now.
brigando
85
10
41,240
portugal
this port shows considerable richness in its jammy, spicy red fruit character. it is dense, on the sweet side, with a great open, ripe style. the tannins are relatively soft, suggesting this delicious vintage is for medium-term aging.
vintage
91
54
12,694
spain
in this very basic wine, applesauce aromas are followed by a plump, somewhat citrusy feeling palate. flavors of nectarine are good and clean, while the finish is solid.
tarima
84
9
100,967
us
a majority of pinot noir is balanced by 40% chardonnay. nutty, rich and full figured, with a tenacity of stone fruit woven into the lengthy finish, this wine has moderate acidity, opting for a balance of concentration and weight.
brut reserve
90
39
79,490
spain
with a gold color and heavy, pithy aromas that are becoming oxidized, this is a mature, highly stylized albariño. it's also a touch flat, with flavors of bitter citrus and nectarine pit. overall this is more leesy and mature than vital and outwardly delicious.
balado
86
60
80,920
us
a beautiful syrah, softly tannic, dry and full bodied. high alcohol gives some jalapeño pepper heat to the blackberries, licorice, bacon, dark chocolate and sandalwood flavors, but nothing that richly sauced barbecue can't handle. drink up.
lock vineyard
90
34
55,558
spain
this is always a really good buy among rosé sparklers and a personal favorite in the best buy category. it opens with red fruit, vanilla and yeasty aromas, but it's racy, crisp and refined in the mouth, with nectarine, peach and controlled citrus flavors. it's dry, spicy and fairly smooth on the finish.
cordon rosado
88
12
39,350
us
this is a well-proportioned, pleasantly balanced wine made from white rhône grape varieties. it has plenty of fruit and a smooth, almost soft texture. fresh apple and pear aromas meet nutmeg and vanilla flavors on the palate.
the betty
87
26
128,637
us
three-quarters of this wine is from boushey vineyard in the yakima valley with the rest from monette's in the walla walla valley. the aromas are redolent with notes of raspberries, kirsch and white pepper. the palate has a compelling mouthfeel and a dazzling sense of purity,
bourgeois
91
40
59,543
france
consultant stéphane derenoncourt has helped this light wine to have a good balance and soft, generous fruitiness. the tannins are kind, rounded and already well integrated with the fruit. drink from 2017.
château lestruelle
87
30
2,375
us
the top cuvée from mercer estates, this reserve is a bordeaux-style blend based upon 64% merlot, the rest a mix of cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot. a firm entry introduces a solid mid-palate with a mix of black fruits, coffee and toast. the finish is clean and gentle, with moderate persistence.
cavalie reserve
88
40
35,168
austria
soft, cushioned, apricot-scented ripeness plays on the palate, with edges of yeastiness, spritz and fresh citrus buffered by plump apricots. this is gentle, fresh and pleasingly long, always with the scent of apricot.
gelbling reserve
90
25
38,196
us
produced cryogenically, this sweet dessert wine is made with estate-grown fruit. a floral nose is rich with scents of orange blossoms, while in the mouth it coats the palate with flavors of lemon drops, candied papaya and dried mango fruits. the concentration and balance are superb, with more than enough acidity to counterbalance the sugar. drink now through 2030.
cuore d'oro
94
36
104,863
us
showcasing the southeastern edna valley's sandy loam soils, this begins with lush black cherry and sleek graphite aromas. on the palate, racy acidity precedes oregano, licorice and rocky minerality, all painted across a canvas of boysenberry fruit. the acidity and tannins assure that this will last in the cellar as well; drink after 2018.
stone corral vineyard
93
52
19,012
france
this firmly structured wine is packed with solid tannins as well as ripe juicy red fruits. it comes from the upper part of the rugiens premier cru, one of the top sites in pommard. dense and needing to age, the wine will be ready from 2023.
les rugiens hauts premier cru
93
103
18,457
italy
rose, underbrush, dried berry and balsamic notes lead the nose. the taut structured palate evokes juicy strawberry, crushed cherry, star anise and cake spice framed in tightly woven fine-grained tannins. it's elegant and well balanced, with fresh acidity. drink 2023–2033.
margheria
92
95
54,633
italy
this syrah-based wine, with 10% sangiovese, boasts gorgeous harmony and elegance. tones of charred meat, leather and sweet spice are obvious but the wine also has delicate little touches of forest berry, lavender and rose petal that make it charming as well as powerful.
conte ferdinando guicciardini
90
24
37,065
france
a tightly tannic wine, with a firm feeling of wood, balanced by stalky black currant fruit and a layer of acidity. it is still young, with the tannins likely to soften.
château de sabazan
88
25
37,394
us
high-toned aromas of herb, flower, spice and cherry are followed by tart elegantly styled fruit flavors. the new oak influence seems minimal. pair it with food to see it at its best.
red willow vineyard
88
35
120,275
italy
a “wow!” wine on every level. this is a lovely, dark, smooth and rich expression that is packed tight with intensity and personality. the biggest, boldest wine by far from montalcino's 2006 vintage, this bottle will age nicely and add value to your cellar collection.
tenuta nuova
97
80
86,707
portugal
a fat, soft wine that isn't fresh enough. there are some sweet strawberry flavors, a touch of caramel and a metallic edge.
vila jardim
81
11
72,290
chile
plum and raspberry aromas are fresh, clean and simple. this is a solid, full-bodied cabernet with currant and plum flavors accented by notes of herbs and spices. a minty, lightly herbal finish feels fresh and healthy.
select terroir
87
10
11,012
portugal
aged for 12 months in wood, this smooth, ripe wine is already rich and delicious. its structure is well integrated into the berry fruits and acidity. it's ready to drink from 2018.
rapariga da quinta colheita seleccionada tinto
90
16
98,317
us
lavish heaps of blackberries and cherries are accented by nuances of nuts, dried herb and black tea leaves in this composed red wine. full bodied but balanced in acidity and fruit, it's substantial without overpowering. the finish lingers on velvety tannins.
ember
88
20
52,639
portugal
in the fonseca tradition, this is a hugely rich wine, very dense. it is not all weight, with excellently integrated firm tannins and a range of complex flavors, from nuts and berry fruits to full frontal ripeness. there is some dryness to finish.
quinta do panascal vintage
94
49
25,136
italy
la cala is a fun and easy expression of vermentino from the sunny island of sardinia that shows bright citrus notes backed by tones of honeysuckle and wild sage. pair this wine with fried calamari.
la cala
86
14
22,655
austria
streaked with acidity as well as rich, sweet fruits, this is a full and rounded, yet balanced wine with fresh flavors of honey and apricot. this wine could age, so drink now and until 2019.
trockenbeerenauslese
88
29
78,715
us
a 100% varietal, single-vineyard wine, aged nearly two years in french oak, 65% new, this is expansive in chalky red fruit and rustic saddle leather notes, the tannins billowy and round. a rich cocoa-like undertone plays nicely on the palate.
d'adamo vineyard
93
85
54,952
us
fresh raspberries, red cherries and even blackberries arise on the juicy nose of this wine from adam lee, but it's lifted by wild mint, hummingbird sage and damp coyote scrub. the palate is very herbally spiced, with thyme, marjoram, black cardamom and charred pine, laid across dried strawberries, cranberries and sour cherries, all tied together by serious grip. drink 2019–2025.
pisoni vineyard
93
60
47,004
us
light in color, this wine offers aromas of herb, red currant, graphite, raspberry and barrel spice. the fruit and barrel flavors are elegantly styled, playing off each other through the finish.
genesis
86
12
109,721
us
this very limited reserve is from a particular block, and as with most block selections, it offers focused, somewhat constrained flavors. precisely defined red berry fruit is set in a frame of vanilla, toast and coffee. it's a pleasant, albeit generic quaffer.
reserve
88
30
110,548
us
this california marsanne is deliciously ripe and fruity with flavors of apricots, oranges, limes, papayas and honey. a touch of oak adds vanilla toast, and there's just enough acidity for balance.
estate
87
22
93,263
italy
sole dei padri is among the top three best syrahs from italy. the wine is impenetrable, deeply concentrated and packed full with intensity and charm. you'll get notes of black spice, leather, tobacco, blackberry and cola. the mouthfeel is fantastically caressing and velvety.
sole dei padri
92
80
86,865
argentina
this wine has showed no consistency over the years. this vintage is black and extracted with piercing inky blackberry aromas. in the mouth, it's huge, chunky and grating. overdone black-fruit flavors finish clampy with oaky bitterness and a sense of reduction.
colección
84
19
2,509
italy
this structured wine opens with earthy aromas of tilled soil, underbrush, leather, cedar, bright berries and baking spices. the vibrant palate displays classic nebbiolo flavors of crushed dark cherry, clove, cinnamon, truffle, sage, thyme and licorice alongside brisk acidity and bracing but noble tannins. it will bloom into a beauty. drink 2020–2040.
rocche dell'annunziata
95
65
69,602
us
the central coast's rhône pioneers deliver a savory style as usual, with scents of tobacco and creosote at the core, with red and blue fruit on the edges. it is dense and tannic on the palate with blueberry and blackberry fruits that are refreshed with acidity and lifted with mocha and mint spices.
estate
91
40
18,786
france
creamy notes hover over red apple on the beautifully dry palate. the body is rounded and almost rich, with a touch of bitterness creeping into the autolytic, bready background. this is rounded enough for food and will be very versatile, especially with roast or grilled salmon dishes.
rosé
88
26
7,809
us
quite an impressive wine, especially at this price. a blend of sauvignon blanc and sémillon without much oak, it's an interestingly complex white, with good weight and density and intricate flavors of citrus fruits, apricots, peaches and lemongrass. finishes totally dry, although the acidity is a little clumsy.
kismet
87
21
123,104
us
not much syrah is grown in the willamette valley, but cristom has made it for quite some time now. tart and astringent, this has black cherry and earth flavors, a light hint of fungus, and chewy tannins.
estate
88
50
45,493
us
aromas of herb, citrus and mineral are followed by tart, racy citrus flavors. it provides a lot of appeal.
boushey vineyard
88
22
95,026
spain
ripe berry and oaky vanilla aromas lead to a tight, tannic palate with some scrape to it. dark, toasty, oak-based flavors of coffee rest on top of plum and currant. it's full on the finish, with a lasting note of toasty oak.
la tarara crianza
89
19
82,513
germany
a whiff of lemongrass lends freshness to this brisk, citrusy kabinett. it's not a complex wine but feels pleasantly zesty with subdued grapefruit sweetness. an ideal apéritif for drinking now through 2020.
piesporter michelsberg kabinett
87
11
11,603
us
made from the chambourcin grape and aged in bourbon barrels from the a. smith bowman distillery, this fortified red wine has bold notes of baguette, blackberry and brown spice, plus a mushroom inflection. medium to full bodied, an oxidative tone of apple juice surfaces on the palate and predominates with time. the alcohol becomes fiery on the second half of the palate.
1762
83
38
90,695
us
this very appealing wine smells like a danish pastry but then turns nicely dry on the palate, gushing with crisp apple, ripe bosc pear and toasted-baguette flavors. made from sémillon and sauvignon blanc grapes, it's medium bodied, complex and well balanced.
reserve assemblage blanc
90
26
43,142
france
this powerful wine reveals its style and breeding from the start. it has weight and concentration allied to great tangy fruit flavors. the nervy edge is very evident, with wood, structure from green apple skins and aging potential.
preuses
93
70
44,417
us
this is a beautiful botrytised wine, made from a field blend of sauvignon blanc, riesling and gewürztraminer. light on its feet and reined-in in terms of sweetness, it's golden hay-colored and has a touch of reduction, allowing the riesling nose to dominate. decadent yet restrained, it's also lengthy and complex, with highlights of orange and pear.
violetta estate late harvest
91
85
73,238
us
inspired by “the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy,” this blend of 49% syrah, 46% mourvèdre and 5% petite sirah shows smoky blackberry, condensed violet and bacon fat on the nose. a sip unleashes mouthcoating flavors, from rich blackberry to tart plum skins, with lots of smoked plum and a touch of asphalt as well.
forty two
92
42
29,269
us
thick, heavy, potent and mouth-coating, this is a liquorous, almost syrupy wine, sure to please those who like big fruit, big tannins, and big barrel flavors. chocolate, espresso, tar and bourbon barrel flavors dominate, in keeping with the house style.
bacchus vineyard
90
28
44,651
austria
the nose is not very suggestive, however, the palate comes alive and paints a vivid picture of both refreshing and mellow notes of red and black cherry. the body shows a lovely, fine-grained texture that brushes softly against the tongue to send more ripples of cinnamon-spiced cherries your way. fresh, lively and beautifully aromatic with a mellow finish tinged with peony and rose.
holzspur
94
80
103,147
austria
this slender, straightlaced white blend is not as aromatic as in riper years. but its subtlety and lightness make it an ideal choice for a lunchtime, along with crisp salads or light seafood dishes. drink this fresh wine soon.
sämling 88 classic
88
15
22,513
germany
delicate whiffs of white peach turn riper and richer on the palate of this intensely honeyed spätlese. it's deliciously concentrated in stone-fruit and melon flavors, yet maintains a feather-light demeanor and vibrant, piercing spine of acidity.
kiedrich gräfenberg spätlese
94
92
101,393
us
this big chardonnay, which was entirely barrel fermented, is tasting a bit too oaky. it was sourced from the winery's estate carneros vineyard and shows that appellation's crisp acids, along with bright tropical fruit and spice flavors. but the sweet, charry vanilla and caramel from barrels tends to dominate.
reserve
88
42
110,199
italy
here's a nicely clean and compact barbera d'asti with pretty, albeit simple, aromas of wild fruit, pomegranate juice and fresh blueberries. you'll enjoy the aromatic purity of this wine—which shows little sign of interference in the winery—and the overall crispness of the fruit.
fiulot
87
15
5,241
france
from flinty soil, this wine shows a strongly mineral character and even a smoky edge. it is structured and tight, ripe with yellow fruits as well as citrus. a complex wine, it's impressive and ready to age a few months. drink from 2017.
terre de silex
91
23
67,498
chile
clean and ripe, with apple, pear and zesty citrus aromas. the palate runs more round and candied than linear and sharp, with sweet, welcoming flavors of white peach and dried citrus fruits. fuller-bodied and inviting, but still fresh. drink immediately.
classic series
87
12
85,483
spain
this small-production rioja (under 200 cases) is focused, minerally and lightly charred up front, with blackberry, cassis and vanilla aromas. a flush, bright not-too-heavy palate offers lively black cherry and blackberry flavors accented by creamy vanilla and char. a medium-long, elegant finish with healthy acidity indicates that this will age nicely through about 2023.
parcela no 1
92
78
37,189
us
this wine has just enough residual sugar to take it to the upper threshhold of dry. it's quite full flavored with a thirst quenching mix of citrus, apple and pineapple. crisp acidity enhances the freshness and contributes a tangy, lemony kick to the finish.
dry
90
19
83,483
argentina
five grapes led by malbec make up this full-force wine with black cherry, cough syrup, vanilla and cream on the nose. the palate is rich, creamy and heavy, with deep, saturated black fruit and chocolate flavors, while the finish is just as thick, maybe thicker. extremely ripe and saturated, what many would call a “fruit bomb.”
don tiburcio
88
15
35,584
us
a very nice cab, rich and textured and soft, with intricate flavors of cherries, blackberries, currants, mocha and toasty, smoky oak and vanilla. notable for its tannins, which are very fine. great now and through 2012 or so.
reserve
91
60
41,975
new zealand
intriguingly floral and savory upfront, this delicate wine then adds a deep base of ripe cherries that expand effortlessly across the palate, giving an impression of fullness without weight, suppleness without being soft. finishes long, with a great deal of complexity.
waitaki vineyard
91
55
109,835
chile
rusty in color, with aromas of compost and rotten leaves, this isn't cutting it. a drawing hard palate and burnt-out flavors that match the nose make this a hard road to navigate.
barrel series reserva
80
14
40,078
italy
medium in build and concentration, this perfumed roero exhibits tones of pressed violets, tealeaf, forest fruit and wet earth. pair this wine with buttery or cheesy foods that will benefits from the naturally high tannins and acidity.
montespinato
87
32
79,417
us
an exceptionally priced sauvignon blanc from estate-grown fruit, brutocao's feliz vineyard offers pronounced aromatics, all honeysuckle and apricot. floral, savory, even slightly salty, the fruit that will stand out most here is honeydew melon. the wine's just-enough level of sweetness is reminiscent of nature's best.
feliz vineyard
89
14
70,394
us
this is a waxy, rather soft rendition of sauvignon blanc, and the pretty fruit flavors mix grapefruit, citrus and pineapple. there is very little suggestion of sauvignon blanc's herbal or grassy side; the grapes seem to have been ripened past that point, though not all the way to california-style, tropical fruit flavors. all in all this is a well-crafted, smooth and flavorful wine, with a portion barrel-aged for extra complexity.
grand estates
87
11
98,067
argentina
this almost translucent brick-colored pinot offers aromas of lettuce leaf, orange peel and dried red fruits. it's light, edgy and fresh in feel, with flavors of salted meat and herbal plum. a tangy citric finish is primed with racy acidity. fermented and aged in egg-shaped cement tanks.
eggo filoso
89
30
93,351
france
this white blend—an assemblage of clairette (40%), bourboulenc (30%), grenache blanc (20%) and ugni blanc (10%)—is geared toward maximum freshness. it's flinty up front, with fruity notes reminiscent of citrus and fennel fronds that are bright, clean and zippy on the finish.
cuvée lône
87
20
69,962
chile
mild citrus aromas come with green notes. this is a medium-level sauvignon blanc without a lot of acidic snap. melon and grapefruit flavors are friendly, simple and chunky, while overall this shows characterisitcs of a warm, bland vintage.
la gloria
85
12
14,219
italy
this bears a dark color with inky concentration. it presents ripe blackberry and prune aromas, followed by chewy softness and a sweet spice flavor.
sud
88
15