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3,701
argentina
this malbec-led blend is quite oaky, thus maple, molasses and chocolate aromas ride high alongside blackberry and mild floral notes. in the mouth, this is quasi-syrupy and very rich. flavors of baked black fruits and brown sugar finish sticky, with chunky weight. drink through 2018.
gran estirpe
91
45
51,372
us
about as rich and flamboyant as california chardonnay gets, a wine that blows you away with sheer pyrotechnic wizardry. massive in grilled pineapples, mangoes, key lime pie, vanilla honey, crème caramel and dusty spices, accented with perfect acidity.
santa barbara historic vineyards collection sanford & benedict vineyard
95
30
121,269
germany
this off-dry white blend offers primary stone-fruit and tangerine flavors in a brisk light-footed package. it's harmoniously sweet with a slightly earthy dusty finish. drink now.
platinum spätlese
86
10
61,790
south africa
muted aromas of tart gooseberry and lime peel dance in the bouquet, while pithy flavors of plum skin, currant and citrus rind unfold on the lightweight, slightly astringent palate. pleasant hints of fresh herbs and saline make a fleeting impression on the close.
circumstance
86
20
105,541
us
from one of the larger estates in the edna valley, this wine has sweet-smelling plum, cherry candy and grenadine aromas. the palate is front-loaded with sagebrush, thyme, dried lavender and rosemary notes, while a hibiscus flavor unfolds in the background.
estate grown
92
40
87,141
portugal
a hugely structured and powerful wine, this wine comes from old vines at herdade do espoão's douro vineyard. it is rich in black fruits and firm tannins and is still young. there is strength and virility in this sinewy wine with its dark structure and density. drink this impressive wine from 2020.
vv 47
95
100
1,400
portugal
this is a fruity, juicy wine that has a dry tanninc core. that gives a mineral texture to the otherwise ripe and fruity wine. full of black currant fruit flavors, shot through with acidity, the wine is ready to drink.
somontes colheita
88
11
9,442
us
floral, citrus aromas, honeylike flavors and an unctuous texture make this white rhône-style blend almost a dessert in a glass—without being sweet. the wine is full bodied, mouthfilling, complex and gushing with great pastry-like flavors.
l'ingenue
92
32
4,224
us
bright acidity translates to the aromas in this bottling: laser-sharp lime zest, squeezed grapefruit, dewy grass and wet gravel. those scents grow riper as the wine warms, while the palate seems sweeter—more lime candy than fresh lime. it finishes tart, with a wet metal freshness.
barrel select
87
20
69,224
france
this is a full, ripe wine that's rounded and rich on the palate. with ripe yellow fruit and tangerine flavors, it's tropical in style, although there is a tangy lemon edge to it to keep it crisp and herbaceous.
anciennes vignes
89
22
83,884
spain
buttercup and fresh pear aromas are friendly and inviting. it feels full and correct, with good acids and minerality. flavors of pears, melons and lees are very nice, while the finish is simultaneously flowery, crisp and salinic.
peitán
89
15
76,891
france
this wine is ripe, smooth and rich. it has a generous feel to it, although never far from the more mineral, steely, terroir-driven character that makes good pouilly-fuissé. the top of the range from château de fuissé, this wine is selected from 30 different parcels giving an harmonious balance between richness and structure. age the wine and drink from 2018.
tête de cru
92
44
102,358
portugal
bright and fruity, this is a ripe, red-fruit-flavored wine. the youthful tannins will soften quickly to give a rounded wine, rich but with crisp acidity at the end. drink now.
reserva do monte
87
15
85,863
us
this kitchen sink-style blend shows a whiff of volatility along with notes of vanilla and cherry candy. the palate is full of sweet, plump fruit flavors that linger on the finish.
oink!
87
15
31,088
italy
sangiovese, merlot and cabernet team up to produce an easy wine with pleasant texture and measured aromatic intensity. the wine picks up in the mouth thanks to its freshness and natural acidity.
albatro
86
39
101,921
us
made from 100% syrah grapes, this rosé is the color of a light pinot noir, deeper red than pink, with flavors of cranberry, rhubarb and orange. medium to fuller-bodied in weight, it's dry and textural, with a compelling bouquet of rose petals.
rosé of
89
25
61,040
austria
the vanilla spice and smokiness of new oak dominates the nose, the palate however is subtle and smooth where dark berry fruit is edged by smoky spice. the fine tannins are still a little drying but there is an underlying juiciness that just spells joy in an elegant fashion. ready to drink now.
cupido ange de l'amour
91
98
95,064
france
with some age, this is a gloriously ripe and toasty wine. it has a rich character emphasized by the round texture and the creamy mousse. it also has great concentration, bringing together acidity as well as dense secondary flavors. with its rich, mature character, it is best suited for food. it is ready to drink, but will hold well through 2025.
dom pérignon brut
95
170
19,183
france
powerful wine, structured with apple skin tannins, layers of ripe, spicy toast and a taut, mineral character. there is something of the meursault richness here, in the full white fruit flavors, but this is also a wine that needs to age.
les tessons
91
93
44,817
us
a robust, full-bodied expression of earth and forest mark this well-made wine, a touch of spearmint surrounding red and black cherry.
ravishing raven
88
30
58,592
france
cedar aromas mingle with cherry and mixed berries on the nose, giving way to earth and cinnamon flavors on the elegant palate. with little tannin and moderate acidity, this is a wine for drinking over the next year.
la cuvée mythique
85
16
24,682
us
a hard, tannic wine, this shows concentrated raspberry fruit flavors, but does not have the fullness and texture of this winery's 2006 releases. perhaps it's the vintage character, or maybe the wines were somehow stripped during vinification. give it lots of aeration.
olivia vineyard
85
32
33,228
spain
leathery aromas come with notes of tobacco, vanilla and raw red fruits. this feels hard and clampy, while flavors of stalky, herbal, roasted berry fruits finish briny and tough in feel.
crianza
85
20
43,721
argentina
hickory and other wood-based aromas and flavors dominate this amarone-style blend. amid all the smokiness there's cola and vanilla aromas and thick, heavy, meaty flavors of baked black fruits offset by toast, spice and chocolate. a sweet-tasting, jammy feeling finish closes the show.
enamore
88
26
37,119
us
a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and malbec, this wine exudes complex aromas of leafy herbs, pencil lead, black licorice, citrus peel and dark cherries. on the palate, the blue and red fruit flavors are front and center, well framed by lively acidity and lick of tannins.
stevens424
91
36
54,040
portugal
one of the most familiar vinho verde brands in portugal, this wine is medium sweet with a light prickle on the tongue. it is fruity with creamed apple and citrus along with a touch of honey. the wine is crisp and clean, delicious to drink as an apéritif.
gatão
85
6
79,426
us
tastes candied at this time, offering a myriad of raspberry and cherry jam, red currant and caramelized oak flavors. based on cabernet sauvignon, with additions of cabernet franc and petit verdot, it's a rich, satisfying wine, but a little underwhelming for a dominus wine.
napanook
89
59
119,292
italy
simple and straightforward, this has honest aromas of yellow fruit and perfumed white flower. it's an easy-drinking sparkler that should pair well with salads or raw fish.
anno zero extra dry
87
16
25,965
us
winemaker scott hawley delivers deep and dark aromas of blueberry and mint against a backdrop of bacon fat and barrel smoke. the mouthfeel is rich and lush, with more blueberry plus anise, black licorice and a canvas of minty herbs that also reveal a touch of bitterness.
intrepid
92
65
13,993
us
matthias pippig delivers a brilliant bottling on this smoky and ripe expression, with aromas of bacon grease, black pepper, violet and plump mulberries. the palate is thick and juicy, with lots of pork fat and dark fruit, though with the acidity and tannins required to provide balance.
bossman
93
75
71,577
us
succulent, dense and syrupy, this dessert riesling brings a lush midpalate of honey, blossom, tea, candied citrus, butterscotch and more. it's loaded with flavor, just a little high-toned, and falls on the soft side for washington dessert wines. but delicious? you bet!
winter harvest
88
30
79,447
italy
this is not your standard moscato d'asti. this sophisticated expression benefits from high density planting in the vineyard and the fruit is fermented in special french barrique for extra creaminess. on the nose, this sparkling dessert wine is redolent of apricot, pineapple and honey.
de miranda
89
90
1,183
italy
underbrush, singed earth, mature dark-skinned fruit and a balsamic note emerge in the glass. the ripe, firm palate shows mocha, black raspberry and licorice as well as a slightly green note of raw sage. a backbone of bracing tannins provides the tight framework.
margheria
88
49
111,785
us
this fascinating wine is quite dry, smoky in aroma, black peppery and beefy in flavor, and rather lean and fresh in texture. while firmly tannic, it sits more lightly on the palate than is typical, and feels surprisingly light bodied.
halcon vineyard
90
40
22,733
us
a simple, fruity zin that blends damp soil and stewed berries with chocolate and toast. mostly lodi fruit, with bits and pieces of the blend coming from mendocino, sonoma and paso robles; also contains traces of petite sirah and syrah.
dancing bull
84
12
63,175
france
fully ripe, juicy pears glow from the core of this balanced, rounded wine, with an edge of marzipan, bitter almond and a wonderfully textured center. the palate is rich but dry and stays on the side of restraint, despite the fullness.
fronholz
92
57
31,612
new zealand
only a small proportion of barrel-aged wine goes into this blend, so the emphasis is on bright pear and melon fruit, backed by concentrated citrus flavors. it's lighter in weight and less richly textured than clearview's reserve or endeavour bottlings, but is still a charming chardonnay for drinking over the next couple of years.
te awanga
89
30
115,082
us
this wine has immediate appeal with its aromas of coffee, mocha, vanilla and blueberry. the blue and black fruit flavors are concentrated, with a sumptuous feel.
reserve coyote canyon vineyards
91
35
113,032
spain
lightly pickled apple aromas are dry and direct, like a brut nature should be. citric and malic in feel, but with enough body to absorb and project the wine's acidity, this tastes briny, salty and like apple and tangerine. this stays the course on the finish, and overall it ranks as a complex cava.
gran reserva brut nature
90
40
107,078
portugal
the estremoz region in alentejo is at the heart of one of the major vineyard areas. this rich and now mature wine shows the ripe fruit and structure that can be produced there. it is packed with tarry black fruits and dusty tannins. drink now.
colheita seleccionada
91
18
54,894
us
young and still intensely oaked, this wine holds undeniable promise in its fleshy, viscous and smooth layers of stone fruit and guava—an untrammeled expression of the napa valley's ability for generosity and structure. the finish is bittersweet in meyer lemon.
limited release
90
35
102,530
us
smooth and rich, this has pleasing flavors of blackberries, currants, dried herbs and cedar that are marked by firm tannins. dry and full-bodied, it's a classic cabernet to drink now and over the next four years or so while it's still fresh and fruity. this bottling routinely earns editor's choice awards.
three vineyards
88
17
42,579
us
a full-bodied roussanne, this tastes like vanilla custard and pineapple. it shows the influence of its 13% viognier and french oak aging.
morine ranch
86
24
104,212
france
characteristically perfumed, this pinot gris is full bodied with a richness of texture. it is complex on the palate with notes of nuts, spice and an edge of citrus fruit. age this wine and don't drink before 2016.
cuvée ste catherine
94
47
93,045
us
a decently made old-vine lodi zinfandel that's smooth and soft, with enough clove, cinnamon and brambly character to stand out and be paired with a range of smoked, grilled and marinated meats and other full-flavored food.
old vine zinfandel
87
15
45,165
spain
reddish in color, with raspberry and other high-toned aromas. the palate is fleshy but clean, with good acidity pushing slightly sweet cherry and raspberry flavors. finishes with sugar and a good mouthfeel. gets the job done.
rosado
85
10
126,881
portugal
this blend of syrah and touriga nacional is rustic with some hard tannins and intense acidity. since it is still young, the wine could soften but it seems to be more about its structure than its fruit.
quinta da cidadoura
84
13
53,121
us
spicy tangerine peels perfume this intense, full-bodied gewürztraminer. it's richly textured, almost creamy, in mouthfeel but balanced brightly in acidity. hints of fennel and pollen pepper a pleasantly phenolic finish.
estate bottled
89
18
57,887
us
from 35-year-old dry farmed wines (the oldest in corralitos) and 30% whole cluster/wild yeast fermentation comes aromas of pine pitch and blackberry jelly. the flavors are driven by sagebrush against a backdrop of deep purple fruit, with distinctive notes of juniper and eucalyptus powering the flavors from front to back.
woodruff family vineyard
93
44
60,795
france
the hospices de saumur is a charitable foundation, with the clos cristal one of the donations of vineyards. this young, fruity 2011 shows some rough, rustic edges while also giving full, red berry fruits and some tight tannins. for aging over the next 2–3 years when it will smooth out.
clos cristal
88
29
39,995
spain
red in color and pretty clean on the nose, where raspberry and rose petal essence come together. the palate is acidic and tight, with tangy watermelon and peach flavors carrying the cleansing finish. juicy to the extreme, but a good partner for food.
rosado
84
8
5,777
us
tight blueberry, hot blacktop and a flash of purple flowers combine for an earth-driven nose on this wine from a hot region in southern monterey county. the flavors are quite distinctive, with barely ripe mulberries, cedar-edged blackberries, sandalwood shavings and a touch of graphite.
pierce ranch
92
20
49,193
us
stash this one in the cellar unil 2019 or 2020. tasted in january 2014, it's tannic, tart in acidity and enormously rich in red cherry jam, pomegranate and persimmon fruit flavors, enriched with sweet, smoky oak. a real beauty from this well-respected vineyard.
garys' vineyard
92
50
84,090
us
this is made from equal proportions of ripe, fleshy merlot and herbaceous, violet-inflected cabernet franc. the resulting blend is brisk in acidity and framed with hints of cedar, baking spice and vanilla. it's robust with tannins but should round out with braised meat or other hearty fare.
lot #2
86
20
9,400
austria
slightly more advanced notes stand out: a herbal tinge of sun-warmed, wild thyme has crept into the citrus peel which utterly dominates the palate. this sleek smaragd has just started on its long ascent. it has the toned muscle and the stamina to go on and on—those who have enjoyed older vintages know of its near eternal youthfulness. on the aftertaste, herbal notes assert themselves again: dried tisane of verbena and dried apple punctuate with pleasant accents.
smaragd terrassen
93
32
42,334
france
blended from grapes from a range of different soils, this open, generous wine has richness and a structure that comes from the ripe apple and gooseberry fruits. the wine is textured and deserves to age. drink from 2017.
domaine des fines caillottes
90
24
108,843
us
dense aromas of smoked black plum, rustic leather and smoked meats show on this super tuscan blend of sangiovese, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petite sirah. dried blueberries, fudge, beef char and very tarry elements show on the palate.
maestro destiny vineyards
87
50
90,678
us
toast with apricot jam comes first to mind in this nicely balanced white that begins in richness and evolves in the glass to offer a freshness of lime zest and grapefruit, the minerality well-defined.
reserve
90
55
77,379
chile
if you know san pedro's elqui syrahs, then this should seem familiar. particular aromas of tea, herbs, grilled meat, stewed plum and horse are what we've come to expect from this wine. flavors of herbal stewy plum and cured meat finish heavy, creamy and warm.
1865 limited edition
87
25
50,711
us
this estate-grown wine is tart and tangy, with a backbone of enviable structure. orange citrus adds an illusion of heightened acidity that balances the burly tannins that give strength and power. red cherry and pomegranate round out savory clove and black tea on the way to an earthy finish. drink now through 2023.
burnside road vineyard
93
42
91,344
portugal
luis patrão started the organic vadio project in 2005 to preserve the native baga grape grown nine miles from the atlantic ocean. this vintage, spectacular throughout portugal, is a ripe, jammy, fruity wine, with typically firm tannins from the baga grape. the red plum and rich berry flavors at the core are cut by ample acidity. it is already soft enough to drink now, although it will be better from 2016.
vadio
91
20
124,413
germany
this is a rare, expressive riesling that hints at violets and red berries. intensely fruity, it's brisk, with tangy grapefruit-like acidity and a delicious, bitter green-almond finish.
estate collection auslese
90
23
31,086
germany
raimund prüm's blue slate is developing into a consistent performer, marrying hints of ripe fruit—peach or nectarine and melon—with crisp citrusy notes and an underlying minerality that gives it an almost dry finish. drink now.
blue slate kabinett
86
17
23,214
us
this is a tight, extracted and focused wine generous in dark red fruit and forested earth. a thickness and density make it mouthfilling, juicy and most definitely full bodied. the finish is a mix of tobacco and black tea.
reserve
90
55
24,145
us
a vibrant, flashy, fruit-laden nose introduces this lively g-s-m blend. the three component grapes all contribute different red, blue and purple berry flavors, nicely wound together with supporting acidity. sappy, fresh and seductive, with the potential for a few years of aging.
jaja red wine grenache-syrah-mourvèdre
92
25
120,056
us
this features notes of cranberry, raspberry, clove and jammy red fruit. it's medium-plus bodied—far from over the top as this grape often is—with tart acidity and a vanilla and toffee-filled finish.
vineyard series
89
28
72,830
chile
rich, oaky aromas of coconut and vanilla are matched by earthy, almost nutty berry and cassis scents. this is tannic, grabby and slightly abrasive, while chocolate, cherry and cassis flavors end long, strong and ripe. drink through 2018.
corralillo
89
30
48,782
us
this is the first release of the new vintage from soléna. primary fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry seem a bit disjointed, and there is a hole in the midpalate. a suggestion of rubber tire sets in as the wine finishes. more bottle age is in order.
grande cuvée
86
28
36,320
us
young, bright raspberry fruit brings fresh, forward flavors front and center. there's a touch of cherry popsicle also. it's an undeniably pretty wine, ready to drink, though don't look for much in the way of either depth or concentration.
two messengers
87
30
85,769
us
with initial weightiness and fullness on the palate, this wine ultimately delivers crisp, cool peach and melon flavors, a lingering lemon zest note adding to its freshness.
redwood ranch
90
25
49,895
italy
here is a dark and impenetrable negroamaro with evident oak shadings that add spice, vanilla and toast to the natural cherry and plum. the wine is dark and meaty with a smooth disposition and chewy succulence.
la corte vigne vecchie
88
23
725
italy
this has aromas that recall leafy underbrush, sawdust and menthol. the dense, oak-driven palate shows licorice, espresso, toast and a hint of bitter chocolate but the fruit has dried up. it abruptly ends on a green note of powdered sage.
meriame
85
80
35,357
us
peppery herbal notes populate the nose, leading into flavors of brambly red fruits. the wine gathers strength on the midpalate, finishing with a flourish of strawberry preserves. there's a touch of rhubarb pie and a dusting of cocoa in the mix as well, and for an oregon pinot noir made in such quantities (more than 10,000 cases) it offers exceptional depth and density.
evenstad reserve
92
70
61,837
france
a beautifully perfumed wine, with ripe flavors, soft and rounded, hints of tropical fruits as well as spice and honey. intense and full-bodied.
trois châteaux
89
33
110,705
spain
earthy cherry and plum aromas come with hints of sweet plastic and heat. this is plenty strong on the palate, with just enough elegance and restraint to create a sense of comfort. ripe berry and plum flavors are syrupy at first then loamy, while the finish is steady and solid. drink through 2018.
el templari
90
33
36,996
us
from this famous old mountain vineyard, a dense and concentrated zin that blows you away with deliciousness. it's very dark and young, with a flair of acidity and sweet tannins, and blackberry, cassis and mocha flavors that finish with a superripe raisiny note. but that slight portiness is a seasoning element, and does not distract.
monte rosso
92
30
87,945
us
a straightforward and light-bodied wine, this has buttery, earthy aromas, and butter and apple flavors on a rather crisp texture. it turns dry and a bit sharp on the finish.
thornton ranch
84
15
88,578
us
from single vineyard specialist testarossa, this has fresh aromas of raspberry and a bit of eucalyptus. the flavors are very straightforward and pleasant, with cherry dominating. dill, oregano and thyme provide herbal backbone.
tondre grapefield
90
58
64,721
us
the color is deep, the aromas thick with wood smoke, bacon and dried plums, and the flavors are ripe, like blackberry syrup but dry. this is full bodied and very firm in texture due to mouth-coating tannins that are nearly matched on the finish by persistent and bold fruit flavors. tasty now, it should age nicely through 2020.
estate grown
89
25
78,484
france
this is a style of wine that offers a blockbuster view of bordeaux. it is full of dark extracted fruits, brooding tannins, dark plum juice and a burnt feeling that comes from alcohol. in its style, it goes for excess.
roc de candale
86
35
37,749
us
there are expected aromas of ripe blueberry, purple flowers, peppercorns and burnt bacon on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard in the sta. rita hills, but joey tensley also packs in quite a bit of herbs, with bay leaf and dried chaparral. tightly wound flavors of dark purple fruit, beef char and coarsely ground black pepper show on the tarry sip.
turner vineyard
93
42
85,714
italy
vintner riccardo cotarella's fantastic cabernet-based marciliano (both cabernets sauvignon and franc are present) opens with an intense bouquet of red fruit, blackberry, oak spice and chocolate. the ripeness level is spot-on; and the wine leaves a smooth, soft sensation in the mouth that's followed by firm, age-worthy tannins.
marciliano
93
45
91,414
us
an easy-drinking red wine, kind of like a california côtes-du-rhône. with cherry, cola,bacon and sandalwood flavors, it's softly tannic and sweet on the finish. the unusual blend is syrah, petit verdot, primitivo, viognier and several other varieties.
betsy's backacher lot 10
86
17
5,592
italy
you'll love the delicate floral fragrances of this feminine, cool-climate northern italian white. acacia, jasmine and honeysuckle play a leading role with a supporting cast of stone fruit and pear. in the mouth, it's not particularly intense or thick.
toretta classico
86
14
108,371
france
dense and richly smooth, this displays all the fruit and generous texture of a 2009. it's now maturing well with its blackberry fruitiness, sweet tannins and light acidity. drink now and until 2020.
grande réserve
86
40
69,538
us
ripe plums and plump bing cherries gain complexity from chaparral scrub and roasted meats in the background. the palate is rounded with mission figs and violets, enhanced by a sharp acidity and noticeable tannic grip.
reserve
85
40
47,498
israel
castel's blanc is always a well-made selection, and the 2010 carries on that tradition. with 12 months spent in french oak, this is a rich and rounded chardonnay that exhibits excellent balance and structure, matching bright acidity and refreshing sweet citrus flavors with lush notes of wood-grilled apple, orange creamsicle, crushed yellow flower and peach pit nuttiness. accents of woody spice and lime zest carry onto the long finish.
c blanc du castel
91
50
51,389
australia
lovely dessert-style riesling at an extremely attractive price. it yields dried apricot aromas, then turns to honeyed marmalade in the mouth, just loaded with orange-apricot preserves. it's weighty and viscous, with a long, sweet finish. should last through at least 2016.
the noble wrinkled
94
19
70,318
italy
mille e una notte is one of a handful of wines that defines the very best of sicilian enology. dark, luscious and penetrating, this sophisticated red blend shows deep layers of chocolate, cherry liqueur, dried sage, tobacco and leather. it's soft and silky rich on the long, delicious finish.
mille e una notte
93
80
56,248
us
intriguing and enticing aromas of honey and toasted peanuts lead to very sweet but mild fruit flavors and a texture so soft and billowy that the wine seems to vaporize on the palate. this will be great to drink after dinner or with a selection of cheeses.
tardy harvest
91
38
60,311
italy
aromas of charred earth, smoke, grilled herb and a balsamic note lead the way. the soft easy-drinking palate offers black cherry, prune, clove and a hint of coffee alongside round, rather fleeting tannins.
nero
86
17
88,271
us
this aromatic semisweet riesling is a bouquet of jasmine blossoms and luscious pears laced with lime and musk. sweet honeycrisp apples and powdered sugar on the palate meld with a tang of acidity and a long, mouthwatering finish.
semi-dry
88
18
28,983
france
light and bright with plenty of fruit and a lsoft texture, this lemon-flavored wine has crisp acidity and a ready-to-drink freshness. drink now.
le grand caillou
84
14
46,694
us
this was half whole cluster-fermented and neatly incorporates hints of earth and bark into its tart cranberry and pie cherry core. its verticality and tannic power suggest it will age quite nicely through the late 2020s.
freedom hill vineyard dijon 115 clone
93
48
13,718
france
this is a delicate, deliciously fragrant riesling with just the freshest of fruits. lemon and bright zest notes leave the palate totally refreshed.
tradition
90
29
96,525
bulgaria
fresh and floral, this is abundantly fragrant with notes of sweet cherry blossom and freshly cut herb. the palate is crisp and dry, with zesty hints of underripe stone fruit and lemon. brisk and clean on the finish.
premium quality dry
86
10
89,279
us
from old, head-trained vines near st. helena comes this dense, intense young wine. it's all napa in the claret-like structure that's built upon firm, refined tannins. shows waves of blackberries, black currants, dark chocolate and peppery spices.
korte ranch
93
37
27,643
spain
there's no denying the wine's core strengths, which start with the bouquet's campfire and prune qualities and extend onto the palate, where peppy raspberry and plum flavors take over. this is a complete, stylish rioja that's about halfway through the aging process. it's still juicy and agile, with licorice and raisin notes adding some sweetness. drink now–2016.
gran reserva
90
38
49,082
us
subtle and steely, this pinot gris is crisp and lemony. it has plenty of citrus amidst a core of herbs and flowers. the grapes are sourced from the organic vineyards of guinness mcfadden in the potter valley area of mendocino county.
mcfadden farm
87
20
1,789
us
it's risky to suggest aging a california chardonnay, but you'd do well to stash this away until sometime in 2015. right now, the wine is all about brisk acidity, oak and fresh, ripe tropical fruit, orange and pear flavors. all those parts need time to come together.
durell vineyard
91
40