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argentina

this smells rubbery and horsey at first, then earthy and ripe. it feels grabby and tannic, with rustic, leathery flavors of baked berry and cheese. narrow and a bit dried out, this may already be past its prime in terms of vitality.

pasionado

spain

extremely ripe aromas of prune, blackberry, cassis and cinnamon announce a jammy loaded palate that weighs nothing short of a ton. the flavor profile is a black-fruit bonanza accented by graphite and blackened toast. drink this monster wine from a dry, hot vintage from 2019–2034.

tinus

italy

aromas of green pear, yellow apple and sage accompany a smoky whiff of flint stone. the structured, vibrant palate delivers a wonderful depth of flavors, including mature apple, white peach, orange zest, grilled rosemary and energizing mineral. it's impeccably balanced, with bright acidity.

ventidue

us

fermented in neutral puncheons, this is a dense, rich and mouth-coating wine that ups the bar for oregon pinot gris. the neutral wood aging expands the breadth and texture. there's a rich mix of apple, jicama and bosc pear fruit, lightly touched with wood highlights, and finishing with a lick of buttery caramel.

reserve

france

heady notes of dried pear mingle with pleasant notes of earth. the palate is totally fluid and concentrated, streamlined with freshness but characterized by a rich luscious vein of sweetness. this is a late harvest to be reckoned with. concentration and length are impressive and are just now getting into their stride.

clos saint-théobald grand cru rangen vendanges tardives

us

bone dry, wonderfully fresh and loaded with strawberry and watermelon flavors, hepped up with lightly peppery spice. in short, a perfect summer sipper, chilled and drunk with picnic foods, preferably outdoors.

chukar ridge vineyard sangiovese

austria

ripe, tropical overtones of mango and passion fruit accompany the more usual ripe pear notes of this concentrated wine. there are mineral hints on the palate, where weight, flavor and freshness are in perfect accord. this is lovely now but will age very gracefully.

seeberg

us

this wine tends toward an orange coloration, and shows aromas of warm watermelon, a touch of cantaloupe and even some orange rind. the flavors are very lively, if a little sour, with tangerine peels laced across the cotton-candy warmth.

purisima mountain vineyard grenache

italy

a blend of 60% primitivo and 40% negroamaro, this features aromas of spicy plum, ripe berry, vanilla and a balsamic note. the firm palate offers blackberry, black cherry, espresso and licorice alongside assertive tannins that leave an astringent finish.

amativo

italy

perfumed berry, baking spice and violet aromas mingle together on this vibrant red. the linear racy palate is a bit on the lean side, offering tart red cherry, cranberry, clove and mineral alongside tangy acidity and polished tannins.

spanna bernardo vallana

us

this blend of 48% cabernet sauvignon, 16% merlot, 15% malbec, 12% cabernet franc and 9% petit verdot seems slightly muddled, with notes of dried herbs, flowers, barrel spices and plum. flavors are soft and chocolaty, with an elegant styling and grainy tannins.

tribute

us

at the age of nearly five years, this cab still is immature. it's comprised of equal parts sweet, smoky oak, ripe black cherries, plums, cassis and rich, intricate tannins. already throwing sediment, it needs at least another four years for optimal drinking.

trio vineyard

australia

if standish's relic is the feminine side of shiraz, this is in a more masculine vein, with slightly coarser tannins and more weight, but still possessing great intensity without any heaviness. cassis, blueberry and black olive flavors are tinged with hints of asphalt and espresso, leading into a warm, lingering finish. drink now-2025.

the standish single vineyard

france

from selected parcels of the bélingard vineyard, this is a firm and rich wine, with excellent concentration. the tannins are firm, dusty, broken by ripe plums and sweet acidity. the 18 months of wood aging shows in the polish of the wine. age for another year.

ortus

us

this is a bold, brawny red from a famous site, velvety in texture and all power and concentration. forest floor and a touch of smoke complement juicy dark cherry, caramelized oak and licorice, while bright acidity supports the layers of flavor and strong tannins.

gap's crown

spain

old wines are not easy to appreciate, so we'd almost rather have you judge this wine. in our opinion, it's way too sour and lacking in fruit to justify rave reviews. thirty years of age doesn't seem to have helped it, and what's left is sherried and pruny, yet with sharp acidity.

castillo ygay gran reserva especial

france

opens with a compelling nose offering a bready, yeasty and subtle deep strawberry quality. the solid performance continues on the palate, with full, lively flavors and a steady bead. has a fine mousse and closes with impressive tart-sweet strawberry and plum flavors. full and complex.

rosé heritage brut

us

this is huge, brawny zin, given some parameters through its 15 months in oak, the vast majority of which was french and new. behind the power lies a slight elegance, with a taste of tar and bittersweet chocolate that lingers on.

block 28

us

a palate-pleasing combination of ripe plum and cherry fruit, gently applied baking spices, with a peppery bite and firm, focused tannins. impeccable balance, with just enough ripeness to suggest ageworthiness.

hawk's view vineyard

italy

aromas of blue flower, blueberry, blackberry and exotic spice almost explode from the glass. the rich palate offers black plum, prune marinated in spirits, black pepper and nutmeg alongside velvety tannins. you'll also detect the warmth of alcohol, but it's supported by the fruit richness. drink through 2021.

riserva morar

us

drinks hot and fruity, with the flavors of spiced blackberry punch. it's not the most delicate wine to ever come down the pike, but it is dry, rich and tasty, with that big, bright, jolting fruitiness that only warm sun can make.

reserve

portugal

despite its light touch, this is fruity and full, with its blackberry fruit dominating the warm spice note and acidity. soft tannins keep the wine together. drink now. screwcap.

coreto

italy

this dessert wine opens with aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine and a hint of cinnamon that carry over to the lively palate alongside ripe pineapple and yellow peach. fresh acidity balances the sweetness.

passion

us

aged a little more than two years in 90% new french oak and then in bottle, time has been kind to this wine, a syrah of dark mushroom and baked blackberry, that's savory and silky with a slight hint of mint on the finish. mighty and impressive.

signature selection

us

ripe lemon, lime, grapefruit and tropical fruit flavors, touched with sweet, smoky oak, combine with brisk acidity to make this 100% sauvignon blanc instantly likeable. it has a touch of lemongrass and gooseberry that makes it savory.

mitsuko's vineyard musqué clone

italy

this opens with aromas of toast, prune, scorched earth and chopped mint. the juicy palate offers dried black cherry, star anise and a hint of sweet baking spice alongside supple tannins. straightforward and already approachable, it will offer enjoyable sipping in the near term. drink through 2020.

saporaia

france

a blend of 60% grenache, 20% clairette and 20% syrah, this wine represents a relative bargain in the rarified realm of tavel. notes of wet stone and citrus carry through from start to finish, joined on the midpalate by hints of white chocolate and raspberry. it's a relatively full-bodied rosé that can stand up to grilled meats.

les églantiers

us

this small production blend of 90% viognier and 10% sauvignon blanc leads with fragrant, inviting floral qualities and well-defined layers of peach and apricot fruit. light and bright, it's balanced, focused and utterly delicious.

the storyteller proprietary

us

black as night in the glass, this heavy duty, cabernet-led bordeaux blend from one of the most visually stunning properties on the central coast is loaded with rich, luscious fruit and tannins that are built to last. there are stewed plums on the nose with warm slices of blueberry pie on the palate. wait until at least 2019 for full enjoyment.

astral

france

the wine is firm and structured although with enough fruit weight to give the wine a good potential for aging. still full of young energy, it is going to develop balance.

cuvée eléonore

italy

pretty, floral and sweet aromas of blue flower and forest floor are doled out in a very controlled and feminine manner. the wine is elegant and refined and shares many of the same characteristics that you would find in a top-rated pinot noir.

calderara sottana

us

this is a wine the winery has lavished some extra care on: barrel fermentation, 50% new oak, extra time in barrel. but the results are disappointing. a thin, sour wine, it has a bitter edge to it and a finish that suggests that something went wrong in the barrel.

winery estate reserve

us

one of the better wines on the market in the $30 range, this bottling from winemaker aaron walker shows beet, rhubarb, raspberry and dried mint aromas. the flavorful red fruit on the palate is lively and boisterous, its acidity and peppery spice combining for a very memorable sipping experience.

summit

france

this is refreshingly bright for a white châteauneuf-du-pape. pineapple and bergamot notes mark the palate, while the finish is tight, citrusy and even a bit chalky in texture. drink now–2020.

les sinards

italy

this is an austere and masculine wine with tight tannins and bold aromatic intensity. there's a touch of ripe fruit, even a jam note, that gives the wine a soft, succulent mouthfeel. the concentration and the quality of tannins is impressive, so give this ample time to age.

riserva

austria

despite the zesty lime notes which abound there is a hint of riper, more generous, almost tropical fruit: both mango and peach come to mind. the palate plays the same contrasting game and draws you in both with freshness and fruitfulness. a joy to drink.

steinhaus

portugal

smooth and rich, its tannins are buried in the ripe, sumptuous fruit. it's packed with red-berry, wild-strawberry and raspberry flavors, along with intense and juicy acidity. the structure does have a dry edge that promises aging, although the wine is very ready to drink now.

redoma

france

light and fruity, this has flavors of creamed apple and ripe williams pear. the wine is crisp and tangy, and it's shot through with lemon zest and acidity. ready to drink in one year.

cuvée ancestrum

austria

savory notes of crushed chervil and yeast join lively, almost fizzing notes of lemon zest. this is ultrafresh, light-footed and very toned. juicy, ripe acidity animates you to drink this almost as a thirst-quencher. this will work on a hot, sunny evening.

kremser sandgrube

france

subtitled vin de vinarchiste, this is a blended wine from organically grown grapes which include the local fer and périgord alongside bordeaux varieties. it is a crisp wine showing some tight, almost green-pepper flavors as well as smoky acidity. it is young but will be ready to drink soon. drink from early 2017.

la vigne d'albert

us

aromas of pear, apricot and stemmy herbs lead to full-feeling pear and stone -ruit flavors that pull up short on the back nine, seeming a bit underripe.

whistling hills estate vineyard

us

layers of char, black pepper and briar patch help to build complexity in this dense, concentrated black plum merlot. there's a touch of green leaf and tomato throughout, but overall, it's a fruit-driven, luscious wine accented with spice and smooth, supple tannins. aged 24 months in new french oak.

château reserve

us

weighty but polished, this wine is full bodied, moderately flavorful and very smooth in texture. it has mild pear, butter and vanilla accents, subtle acidity and a plush mouthfeel.

genny's vineyard

spain

full, round aromas of berry fruits are oaky and appealing. in the mouth, this wine is ultradry, tannic and raw. flavors of blackberry, plum and coffee finish hard and abrasive due to scraping tannins.

reserva

argentina

raspberry, blackberry and tobacco aromas settle in front of a chewy, round, solidly built palate. medicinal berry flavors come with notes of rooty spice and resiny oak. a finely oaked finish holds root beer and dark-berry flavors that smoothly fade out. drink through 2021.

raftacco vineyards

us

freshly pressed apples and pears are touched with honey on this juicy medium-sweet riesling. brisk, brash lemony acidity jolts the midpalate, extending to a sweet kiss of peach on the finish. refreshing and quaffable.

semi sweet

spain

slightly pickled and brambly on the nose, and then you get lightly oaked flavors of generic berry fruits. tight and a little hard on the palate, with a dry, peppery, simple finish. good enough but doesn't rise up.

viña honda

us

this delightful and refreshing wine is atypical in all the right ways. intensely aromatic, it conveys a lush mix of honeysuckle, sweet hay, smoke, lime and honeydew melon. and that's before you take the first sip. the low alcohol and bright acidity set it up for a wide range of poultry, pasta and seafood options, and anything with goat cheese is sure-fire.

panner-hanson vineyard loiregon

austria

white pepper is already signalled on the nose, on the palate it keeps fizzing amid crushed herbs and yeasty, salty tanginess. the fruit for now remains in the background, but ripe pear is ready to burst forth. this is a quintessential grüner, full of focus and direction without forgetting the all-important charm. lovely now but will be even better after 2018.

käferberg reserve

italy

a delicious blend of pinot bianco, chardonnay and sauvignon, this delivers flavors of juicy golden delicious apple, lemon drop, nectarine and candied ginger. fresh acidity brightens the creamy palate.

nova domus riserva

france

old vines give this single-parcel wine its power and concentration. long wood aging hasn't diminished the richness of the fruit, the juicy acidity and the succulent berry flavors. it's a wine that's full and structured, likely to age well. drink from 2018.

les damaudes

us

this new cuvée takes its name from the fermentation practice of mixing whole berries with grape-cluster stalks—just stalks, not whole clusters. herbs and pine needle flavors dominate brambly berry fruit. it's quite young and raw, and will benefit from further bottle age.

the stalker

us

the primary aroma of raw game creates an assertively meaty nose, with underlying tones of char, brown spice and black fruit. medium to full bodied, it feels open upon entrance before firming up on the midpalate. a note of spiced blackberry jam lingers on the finish with some warmth.

hodder hill

portugal

this is a soft, bland wine, with light fruit flavors, a creamy texture and a final tang of lemon zest. drink now.

terra grande branco

us

the winery's style is a leaner, more minerally and elegant chardonnay, rather than the blowsy, ripe kind so popular these days. this '09 is quite fine, with brisk acidity and a steely tang to the orange and apricot flavors. drink over the next three years with shellfish in cream and butter sauces.

bien nacido vineyard

us

this is a savory wine whose price makes it a decent value. it's crisp in acidity, with off-dry lemon, lime, tangerine and honey flavors. easy to drink with almost anything that calls for a slightly sweet white wine.

estate grown

italy

pietramarina (a pure expression of carricante) shows light touches of lemon rind and exotic fruit followed by etched mineral notes of crushed granite and brimstone. the finish is tight, fresh and capped by a slightly menthol-like sensation.

pietramarina

france

the vines around the showpiece castle of cléray have produced a crisp, lemon-scented wine that has a tight mineral edge to point up the ripe apple and lime fruitiness. drink now.

château du cléray sur lie

us

a blend of 74% cabernet sauvignon, 18% syrah, 2% malbec and 2% merlot, this wine offers velvety blackberry jam and chocolate in undulating waves. dusty, soft tannins complete the likable package, while the finish is akin to enjoying baked plums in a cigar bar.

maximus red feasting wine

italy

this elegant sparkling wine has a subdued fragrance that reveals delicate floral and nut aromas. the palate is more expressive, offering citrus, tropical fruit and roasted almond flavors. the pleasant foamy texture is accompanied by lively acidity.

brut

spain

mineral-driven and hard on the nose, this features toasty, smoky, chocolaty notes in addition to medicinal berry aromas. it feels juicy but also resiny and creamy, with plum and wood flavors that finish long. this is a ripe, fruity wine with plenty of oak, size and body.

vinyes velles nobles garnatxa-carinyena

germany

weil's standard-label spätlese shares the same core of minerality that its single-vineyard siblings boast, but in a slightly earthier, more rustic style marked by heady whiffs of pollen, saffron and spice. it's a thirst quencher, light-footed and sheer on the palate, finishing with an exhilarating array grapefruit, lime and tangerine flavors.

spätlese

france

this intensely fruity wine revels in its red berry fruits, crisp acidity and general enjoyment of being a summer rosé. it's lively with acidity and a light tang to freshen the aftertaste.

simone

us

subtle, intricate aromas and equally sophisticated flavors of baking spices, tamarind and cherries make this a fascinating wine to taste. it's full bodied but lithe. energizing acidity and firm tannins give it great structure and help carry the complex flavors through a lingering finish.

helluva vineyard

us

sweet and soft, this light-bodied wine tastes faintly like peaches and strawberries, but sugar delivers most of the flavor.

estate

chile

a bit hot and crusty on the nose, with black fruit and herbal notes of olive and bramble. the palate is full but hard as nails, with a tannic bite that is wicked like a shark. flavors are full and drying due to the tannins, with herbal accents. finishing flavors of coffee and spice cement its dark, muscular status.

cuvée

us

this winery is one of the region's bright spots, in this case offering expertly layered touches of vanilla, caramel, cappuccino, blueberry and a touch of oregano in the blend of 42% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 13% cabernet franc, 8% malbec and 7% petit verdot. cocoa nibs, coffee, black cherry, dill, bay leaf and black olive pop on the palate, where the lingering acidity ensures aging potential.

33 degrees north bdx gracie hill vineyard

us

while muted on the nose, this surprisingly expressive pinot noir balances elegant black fruit against layers of fallen leaves and floral potpourri. it's a delicate, soft-spoken wine but memorable, finishing on feathery-soft tannins.

estate bottled

spain

hiding behind griñon's impressive 2004s is this ultrapremium blend of cabernet, petit verdot and syrah. emeritus is sweet and ripe with pipe tobacco, cassis, spice cake and chocolate aromas. it's immense and inviting, with grabby, plump blackberry fruit along with cinnamon, mocha and cola notes. creamy, rich and almost unctuous. drink over the next five years. 200 cases made.

emeritus

chile

a little candied and jumpy on the nose, with floral, grapey aromas. the palate is wide and stocky, with grabby tannins that turn the flavors of bold berry and plum a bit thick. fruity and extracted on the finish; good wine but needs some refinement to match the big size.

chamán gran reserva

spain

clean, basic apple and pear aromas lead to a high-energy palate with medium weight and freshness. salty stone-fruit flavors finish with acidic kick and enough body to rank as smooth.

particular

us

condensed blackberries, cassis and a kirsch-like heat hit the nose on this blend of 45% cabernet sauvignon, 45% syrah and 10% petite sirah. more blackberry fruits meet with smoked beef and concentrated violets on the palate.

kindred

france

from flint and clay soil, this full, ripe wine is tangy, packed with fruit and still young. it is elegant, with the tight mineral structure giving a bright edge to the rounded fruit. drink this intense and generous wine from 2017.

la demoiselle de bourgeois

us

the inaugural release of this wine is semi-sweet and pleasant, with citrus and apricot flavors finished with a soft, honeyed oakiness.

chiara bianco

germany

demure lemon and honey aromas are amplified on the palate of this juicy, fruity kabinett. while easy drinking and straightforward in style, it's a deeply concentrated riesling full of stonefruit and citrus delight. enjoy now for its approachable, sunny flavors.

piesporter michelsberg kabinett

us

there's nothing shy about this zinfandel. a kick in the teeth, this exudes the concentrated fruit of sonoma county's rockpile area. it has hard tannins, and it's front-loaded with currant, licorice and tobacco flavors. pair this with intensely-flavored, spicy grilled meats.

rockpile road westphall ridge vineyard

us

this is initially tight and closed, needing to be decanted to reveal its generous black cherry and persimmon flavors, plus lots of peppery spice. the texture is silky, yet there are some hefty tannins, suggesting the wine might improve over the next 5–6 years, even though it's drinkable now.

bush crispo vineyards

italy

this traditionally styled barolo is loaded with tobacco, underbrush and leather aromas. the palate shows juicy wild-cherry flavors layered with spice and roasted walnut. this is tannic, but doesn't have enough acidity for lengthy aging so enjoy it soon.

san giuseppe

us

a briny note of saline and pickle provide an intrigue to the entry of this wine, which is otherwise integrated in oak and medium to full bodied. smooth and floral, it sings on the palate, revealing baked apple and pear around a hint of wild vanilla and herb.

jovita's selection

chile

sweeter and more medicinal than morandé's basic pionero cab, but more or less on the same quality level. the mouthfeel is solid with slightly rough tannins, while the flavor profile revolves around medicinal cherry and cassis. finishes similarly.

reserva

us

blue fruit and high acidity open this delightful pinot noir, from a cool section of the russian river valley overlapping green valley. the oak imprint is low, yet the wine offers firm structure and elegance, remaining subdued and fresh on the palate in swirls of dark cherry, boysenberry and earthy leather.

hallberg vineyard

france

there's a strong funkiness to this wine, which can be called barnyard or even bordering on band-aid, that almost overwhelms the nose and mouth. black plum and berry flavors struggle for dominance, while spicy oak controls the close.

rouge

france

this is a soft, medium-dry wine, layered with fresh fruits, touches of tropical flavors and good acidity, a reflection of the vintage. it's a bright wine, lightly textured and ready to drink from the end of 2015.

cuvée emile willm

us

dark, rich and full bodied, this wine has great structure and bold, tasty flavors like boysenberry and blackberry. it feels firm and tannic on the palate, but without overdoing it. generous fruit flavors linger on the finish.

small lot blend

france

crisp with brisk acidity, yet bright with citrus and yellow fruit, this wine shows structure as well as warmth. it's a textured wine that can age over the medium term. drink now–2018.

cuvée signature les macherelles premier cru

us

here's a ripe, juicy chardonnay. grown in a warm climate, it shows powerful pear jam, baked apple pie and smoky vanilla flavors, with a note of sweetened jasmine tea and a dry, spicy finish of cloves and pepper.

farrow home ranch

france

this 100% pinot noir rosé is ripe and full of red fruit, with a touch of caramel. it shows an attractive streak of acidity on the finish.

la petite perrière pinot noir

argentina

smoky blackberry aromas introduce a blocky, ripe, chewy palate with full-force weight, extraction and tannins. bold flavors of baking spices, clove, blackberry and plum end with chocolaty notes. this is a ripe, globular wine with definition and clarity to go with powerful, ripe flavors. drink through 2024.

reserva

italy

this vigorous sparkler has flavors of red berry, bread crust, bitter walnut and a confectionary note. it's a bit on the lean side, with sharp vivacious bubbles that give it a bracing finish.

rosé brut

france

a new wood aged selection of vines from château haut beyzac, a property being restored by pennsylvanian daren miller and his french in-laws. it is delicious, elegant, offering classic black currant flavors of bordeaux, but with an extra depth and richness. fine, elegant acidity to finish.

i second haut beyzac

us

beautifully floral on the nose with hints of fresh apple, lemon and peach, this dry, delicately textured riesling fills the mouth with ripe grapefruit and lemon flavors. its sprightly and crisp in character but finishes long with a hint of white-tea astringency.

riesling 10 hanging delta vineyard

chile

ripe, loamy berry aromas are soft at heart but are picked up by lemony oak scents in this wine. flavors of raisin, baked berry, herbs and oak finish on the woody, resiny side.

puerto viejo estate bottled single vineyard reserve

us

equal parts syrah and merlot combine with 20% cabernet sauvignon in a big, concentrated package of generous fruit and tannin, bringing together fruit from both napa and sonoma counties. full-bodied and grippy, blackberry and gamy meat are the stars of the show, with cab's mix of dried herb and cedar coming through on the finish.

galaxy

austria

restrained lemon freshness mixed with yeast and stone constitutes an inviting nose. the palate is fresh and taut with more creamy lemon and brioche breadiness from the yeast. this is light bodied and fresh with fine, fizzing bubbles and a dry elegant finish, reminiscent of golden delicious apples.

blanc de blancs edition adele brut

france

the 50-50 blend of chardonnay and aligoté gives a tangy, zesty lemon-flavored wine. it has a textured character, crisp and full of the freshest acidity. it could benefit from a few months in bottle, so when you buy, wait a little.

blanc de blancs brut

us

previously lableled quatre journaux, this is now vineyard-designated, but otherwise everything remains unchanged. it's a pretty wine, with rhubarb and red-plum fruit. further details of orange peel and chocolate emerge as it opens. the perfectly balanced acids and tannins suggest it will thrive in the cellar. drink now–2006.

azana

us

there's a touch of riesling-like petrol to the nose of this best-barrels chardonnay from testarossa, as well as dried citrus, fresh roasted cashews and chinese almond cookie. the palate is very soft, with ripe fruit such as baked oranges. a nicely buttered touch bolsters the refreshing, mouthwatering acidity.

diana's

spain

aromas of char, tinny metal, raspberry and matchstick are a disadvantage, but in the mouth this turns the corner via jammy ripeness and oaky flavors of herbal blueberry and cassis. loamy, big and ripe on the finish, this melds meaty tannins and candied, sweet, oaky flavors. the blend is 85% monastrell with syrah.

vilata old vines

germany

hints of pine frond, earth and smoke entice on the nose of this unusual, remarkably well-priced riesling. semi-sweet in style, it's rich and creamy on the palate with luscious peach and grapefruit flavors. it's surprising nuanced too, exposing layers of steel, crushed mineral and acid that meld beautifully through a long finish.

niersteiner hipping spätlese

us

this pinot comes from a small block in the estate vineyard, on the napa side of carneros. right out of the bottle, it's very dry and acidic, marked by fresh, jammy raspberry and cherry flavors. all indications point to the cellar, except for a funkiness that may become more pronounced with age. it's risky, but try holding through 2016.

clonal series block 405