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portugal

blending douro's native viosinho and verdelho grapes, this is ripe, wood aged and smooth. it has layers of citrus, grapefruit and white fruits, apple juice and pears. it is fruity, fresh and ready to drink.

andreza branco

us

with high alcohol and 100% new french oak, this wine could easily be clumsy, but it isn't. it defines the ripe california style. it's a little hot, but so massive in flavors of pineapples, lemondrop candy, crème brûlée and sweet buttered toast, you can't help but be impressed. a winery and wine to watch.

west block

chile

an attractive bouquet of pear, orange-lime and floral notes opens this easy, round white. there's a hint of mint and plenty of citrus on the palate, but the fruit is touch too sweet low acid and the mouthfeel a bit fat. lacks the spine we'd like to see in a top riesling.

doña isidora

portugal

lightweight, attractive, very juicy wine. it is a great pizza wine, with its edge of tannins and lively acidity. drink this year.

tuga

spain

green apple, citrus and distant celery aromas feed into a fresh, peppy, citrusy palate with tangerine, lime and pink grapefruit flavors. the finish is citrusy like the palate, meaning it's bright, juicy and dry.

brut

us

assembled from the best barrels of the vintage, this low-alcohol wine is chewy and forward, with strawberry fruit, cola and a whiff of the chicken yard. it all comes together seamlessly and is immediately drinkable. best enjoyed now through 2019.

the macdougall

spain

bready, yeasty apple and pear aromas come with grassy hints and notes of green herbs. as a brut nature, it's no surprise that this hits with straight-ahead acidity and crispness. flavors of sourdough bread, lemon and golden apple finish stony, tight and minerally. drink through 2019.

gran reserva brut nature

us

blended from two-thirds zinfandel and one-third sangiovese, this red is rustic in smoky fruit, soft tannin, raisiny-plum compote and black olive. moderate in acidity, it presents as fairly light bodied.

rosso di fiore marcheschi vineyard

france

based in the côte des blancs, nicolas feuillatte has access to some fine chardonnay for this mineral-textured wine. lightly perfumed with white flowers, it is crisp and fresh, with sliced apple and lemon right up front. the wine is fruity now and will age well. either drink now or wait for more maturity from 2017.

blanc de blancs brut

us

a blend of merlot (62%), cabernet sauvignon (23%), malbec (6%), cabernet franc (5%) and petit verdot, this wine opens with aromas of cocoa powder, spice, dark cherries, savory herbs and flowers, displaying pleasing complexities. the palate is full of exquisitely balanced red and black-fruit flavors that sail off into the distance on the finish.

le coursier

france

this wine comes from a small parcel of 70-year-old vines within the deschamps vineyard. it has great concentration and a dense structure. that contrasts with the complex black fruit and ripe berry flavors. wood aging has smoothed the fruity edges. drink this wine from late 2017.

les deschamps

france

steely and tight, this is a mineral-driven wine. with its vibrant acidity and tense texture, it is a classic chardonnay that will fill out slowly and evolve favorably with time. beneath the tension and forward acidity is a rich wine, though it needs time to show it. drink from 2020.

les folatières premier cru

us

bright pomegranate and dried strawberry notes start the aromas on this bottling and then descend into more brooding cola, smoked herbs, cinnamon and spicy hibiscus. there is herbal and mineral depth to the palate, with raspberry, cranberry and pencil lead flavors that evolve toward fruit punch, thyme and earth. it's light in body but full of grippy texture.

twin creeks estate

us

bottled to celebrate the brand's 15th anniversary, this “essence of oregon” blend includes grapes from 35 different vineyards. it's a lively lovely wine, with spicy raspberry and cranberry fruit, framed in dark chocolate. balancing acids keep it fresh and focused, and it has some of the lush jamminess of the better 2015 beaujolais.

the essence of oregon

italy

here's a fresh and simple prosecco with sharp and clean perlage followed by citrus, peach, honey and even a touch of white peppercorn. this is a perfect aperitivo sparkler.

brut

italy

red currant and alpine herb aromas lead the nose on this blend of schiava and 5% lagrein. the bright palate offers sour cherry, strawberry, tangerine zest and a touch of toasted almond alongside fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity.

glogglhof st. magdalener classico

us

so ripe and fruity, it's almost too much of a good thing. detonates on the palate with blasts of blackberries, cherries, raspberries, cola and cinnamon spice. feels too soft, and could use greater dryness and structure, but it's a good bbq sipper.

zen ranch

italy

this is gorgeous with a delicate but intense bouquet of pressed rose, wet earth, licorice cola and dried berry fruit. the mouthfeel is incredibly long and silky.

mirau

us

juicy, ripe peach and blossom notes perfume this full bodied blend of chardonnay, riesling and pinot blanc. it's moderately concentrated, with delicate flavors of fresh stone fruit, pear and toast, but enlivened by a streak of sunny lemon acidity. finishes briskly.

signature

spain

mild leather and horse aromas blend with blackberry and cassis notes to form a familiar rdd nose. this feels grabby and tannic, but fair. flavors of baked plum and cassis are a touch salty. it finishes with mostly ripe berry, tobacco, oak and vanilla flavors.

crianza

france

a crisp and fruity wine, this is fresh, full of lemon and grapefruit flavors with a warmer layer of ripe pear. it's aromatic, refreshing and full of life. the acidity gives the whole wine a lift.

cuvée lampe de méduse

us

quite dark in color, with a weird gold-orange hue, but tastes clean and zesty. french oak barrel aging gives a vanilla, buttered-toast edge to the apricot, papaya, orange and honeysuckle flavors. ready now as an exotic alternative to a barrel-fermented chardonnay.

alder springs vineyard

chile

this creamy feeling wine is dry and spicy on the nose more than bold and fruity. candied cherry, raspberry and milk chocolate flavors carry mild spice accents, while the finish is lightly oaked in flavor and a touch chewy in texture.

gran reserva

australia

made in a very ripe style, this wine's traces of raisiny character detract slightly from its velvety, suede-like texture and ample concentration. it's still admirable for its concentration and richness, but some will find it overripe. drink now-2015.

roennfeldt road goose-yard block

argentina

this is lightly perfumed with green melon, lychee and papaya aromas. the palate is middle of the road in terms of acidity and snap. flavors of lychee, peach and nectarine are typical of the variety, while the finish is plump and smooth.

broquel

france

spicy, peppery aromas yield to tomato but not much fruit. the palate is sour, with tart plum and cherry. and the finish is equally lean and tart. high acids and not much fruit equals a lower-end wine.

cepages

us

a smoky narcissus note is upfront and almost obtrusive, with brooding notes of spiced black fruit and char lurking in the background. the tannins are drying—with the consistency of finely ground sand—and they constrict the flavors a bit. a food wine for sure, it needs to be paired with a slab of rare meat.

marquis de lafayette

germany

piercing quince and tangerine flavors brighten this deeply rocky, smoky wine that's full of earthy, savory complexity. delicate and off-dry, it balances juicy citrus flavors withpert acidity. the finish is refreshingly brisk and dry.

bernkasteler badstube

us

pulled together with fruit from a mix of estate vineyards, this wine boasts delicate flavors of raspberry and pomegranate with light accents of barrel toast, along with substantial acidity. it's tart, clean and simple.

estate

us

with abundant floral and stone-fruit notes on the nose and palate, this new york sparkler is on the sweet side of brut. brisk in acidity and surprisingly pétillant, this $9 sparkler is an irresistible weeknight bubbly.

gabrielle blanc de blancs brut sparkling wine

new zealand

tropical fruit aromas feature some gooseberry and grassy notes. melon, nectarine and passion fruit flavors also bring white pepper and a hint of bell pepper. tangerine fruit highlights the drying finish, which is a bit chewy and full given the flavor profile and normal perceptions of new zealand sauvignon blanc.

cellar selection

us

although this is comprised of more than 50% syrah, this five grape rhône-style blend seems more influenced by the grenache. plenty of mixed berry flavors surface quickly, proving to be bright and spicy, before running into some drying tannins that are marked with a green edge.

mustang

chile

hard and inky on first blush, with aromas of shoe polish and wild, aggressive fruit. a far more narrow and acidic wine than we expected to find, with racy, short, blue fruit flavors. bright and choppy, with a short finish. seems underdeveloped.

organically grown grapes

chile

apple and peach aromas struggle to reach the rudimentary level. there's a slight vegetal note to the flavor profile along with sugary melon and pear. this feels flat but not tired, and things taste mildly green and candied on the finish.

gran reserva corte

germany

slight hint of sulfur at first, but it blows off and the nose opens to reveal a rich medley of ripe orchard fruit tinged with dried tarragon and savory spice. crisp, bright and laden with a patchwork of flavors: ripe apples, pears and stone fruit against a backdrop of earthy minerality. broad yet only medium bodied, with a moderately long finish.

trocken

italy

this easygoing sparkler opens with aromas of dark fruit and blue flower. the simple, zesty palate offers blackberry and blueberry alongside steely bubbles.

15

us

this single-clone, estate-grown wine shows exemplary concentration. deeply sculpted fruit flavors roll from peach to papaya, with streaks of buttery caramel. everything is in proportion, with a most pleasing finish.

lark

us

dark, soft and delicious, this syrah has extremely complex flavors. they range from blackberries and black currants to chocolate, anise, bacon, black pepper, violets, and an edge of smoky sandalwood. drink this bone dry wine now.

mesa verde vineyard

austria

right now, although the nose is closed, exposure to air reveals the purity of lemon oil on a taut and tight palate still singing with yeasty notes. this is in its very infancy and promises to open up beautifully with its straight, soaring backbone of freshness. underneath all the tightly curled layers of citrus peel slumbers a salty stoniness that signals ageability; the long, lemony finish corroborates this. how utterly lip-smacking. drink 2020–2030

ried klaus

france

tight and packed with acidity, this is a very fruity wine dominated by herbaceous sauvignon flavors that need to soften. it seems one-dimensional, just herbaceous and citrus.

mission saint-vincent

italy

scirafi is less intense in terms of the immediacy of its aromas, but the wine does come alive in the mouth. flavors of apricot, raison, dried fig, almond and honey are enjoyable and long-lasting.

scirafi

argentina

solid and smooth from the beginning, with cola, pastry and blackberry aromas. the palate is fresh, full and healthy, with cola, black pepper and a ton of berry push. toasty and roasted on the finish, where coffee comes into play. right on the spot for value-priced malbec.

torcidas

us

very ripe in cassis, with plenty of smoky oak influence and a spicy, dry finish. this is a bold, tannic young wine, tight and astringent in youth. it needs time in the cellar to soften and meld. should be best between 2009 and 2011, and live far longer.

ami's vineyard

italy

ripe berry, leather, menthol, baking spice and pipe tobacco aromas almost jump out of the glass. the structured, generous palate delivers fleshy black cherry, raspberry compote, clove and star anise alongside firm, velvety tannins. drink 2017–2023.

ronchi riserva

us

there is an insane amount of power in this wine, sourced from the mighty bedrock, where the zin is interplanted with petite sirah and alicante bouschet. blueberry, candied orange and rosemary complement one another, while a dustiness and minerality play tricks on the tongue, testifying about the vineyard's rocky soils.

bedrock vineyard

chile

opens with toast and vanilla aromas along with baked apple and oak. the mouthfeel is solid, while the flavors blend barrel resin, pear, banana and macadamia nut. finishes healthy and clean.

cefiro reserva

australia

a disappointing blend of wine sourced from mornington and yarra, this is a bit pale in color, with a sherried edge to the fruit and some astrigency on the finish.

pocketwatch

us

perhaps because it is a blended wine, the estate selection is showing better fruit than many of erath's single-vineyard pinots in 2010. light, pretty cherry fruit comes with a note of milk chocolate from barrel aging. it's nicely balanced with a medium-length finish.

estate selection

france

produced from organically grown grapes, this is the top of troteligotte range. it is made from 25-year-old vines, and aged in amphorae. that gives a wine that is rich with soft rounded tannins and juicy blackberry fruits. it has a dense texture from aging on the lees in the amphorae. rich and concentrated it will age and should not be drunk until 2020.

k-2

us

this is the first wine to be blended each year, though it is not labeled a reserve. the new vintage has amazing depth, running down through a litany of red and black fruits, into veins of earth and tannin and graphite, and finishing with densely textured barrel notes of toast, coffee and bitter chocolate. beautifully proportioned, deep and cellarworthy.

dead horse

chile

balsam wood, floral berry and herbal aromas rest in front of a crisp, fresh palate with raw acidity and clampy tannins. olive, pepper, herbal and foresty fruit flavors announce a medium-weight, snappy finish with no obvious oak. this is very nice but at $125 a bottle it has its limits.

rivalta limited selection

us

open this wine and you'll feel as though you've stepped into an italian deli—so finely has it captured the smell of cured meats. the back layers feature cherry and herb, the finish a burst of roasted, toasted oak. this is a great wine to pair with a range of italian-inspired meals.

troppo bella

argentina

high-toned citrus aromas lead to a sharp, spritzy palate with pithy flavors and lots of zest. doesn't taste like much besides tangy lime and citrus.

amado sur

france

named after the king of france who was crowned in reims cathedral by joan of arc in 1429, this cuvée with its rounded toast and yeast flavors is attractively mature and soft. it has baked-apple flavors and a ripe, perfumed texture. the acidity at the end is gentle and rich.

charles vii grande cuvée des lys blanc de blancs brut

italy

exotic fruit, grapefruit and tomato vine scents follow through to the lean, lively palate, along with a hint of green melon. racy acidity leaves a crisp, clean finish.

runcaris

us

it's another inky rhône monster with aging potential from epoch and their historic paderewski vineyard. this syrah-led blend throws off inviting aromas of black cherry pie, violet, fennel and balsamic vinegar reduction. once sipped, layers of flavor emerge steadily, with blackberry fruit roll-up, wet pipe tobacco, candied nuts, lingering herbs and a slight vanilla finish. serve with osso buco or otherwise roasted pork.

ingenuity paderewski vineyard

france

red berry fruits give this approachable wine a crisp edge rounded out with a broader texture, with touches of spice and red cherries. the aftertaste is lively, fresh and light.

impérial brut rosé

argentina

minty green aromas blend with leathery red-fruit scents on what amounts to a gritty bouquet. the mouthfeel on this single-vineyard malbec is rubbery, rugged and tannic, with a beam of tangy acidity keeping it moving. flavors of rubber, salty berry and spice are sharp, and the finish is tannic.

viña cabra corral single vineyard

italy

here's a savory blend of cabernet sauvignon, syrah and merlot offering aromas of blackberry, underbrush and baking spice. the smooth, soft palate delivers juicy black cherry, licorice and ground pepper alongside round tannins. drink through 2018.

poggio ai ginepri

argentina

aromas of dried white flowers and citrus fruits are mild. this feels round pulpy and good. flavors of melon and papaya aren't complex, but they satisfy. on the finish, this everyday chardonnay is round in feel and tastes a touch salty.

altosur

us

hailing from the winery's in the rocks vineyard, this wine opens with aromas of nori, black olive and blackberry that evolve into herb and plum. the dark fruit flavors are sweet and concentrated, lightly tacky in feel, backed by velvety-soft tannins.

the classic

france

fragrant wine, ripely perfumed, its tannins bringing out red berry fruits and a shapely structure. it also has a fresh feel to it from the intense acidity at the end. age for a year, but drink now.

le renard

us

this is one of those zinfandels that needs food. on its own, it's a rustic wine, sweet in red jam and raisins, tannic, acidic and fairly oaky. it has considerable complexity, coming from a century-old vineyard that contains at least a dozen grape varieties barely grown anymore in california. will be excellent with any form of beef stew, short ribs, mexican beef-centered food, or a lusty lasagna.

heritage vines alegria vineyards

us

bright aromas of pear, peach, baking spice and malolactic notes lead to a sleek yet creamy palate. it loses its rhythm a touch in the middle but comes back together.

cold creek vineyard

portugal

this rich wine comes from the far south of portugal. it is structured and dense with black-plum fruit and firm tannins. spice and grilled toast from wood aging and acidity gives this wine a good balance as well as ripeness. drink now.

rabo de galo

us

a late release for this vintage, it remains tannic and earthy, with muted fruit. some pretty tobacco scents add interest, though the rather high alcohol still burns on the finish. drink up.

sogno

us

white pepper, toffee and vanilla aromas are followed by full-bodied flavors backed by rustic tannins. it needs some hearty food alongside it to be properly enjoyed.

reserve

spain

dusty lime aromas carry a modest nose toward a clean palate with moderate fruity weight. flavors of white grapefruit and lime finish with additional citrus notes and stone-fruit accents. it's a nice, forward-leaning cava.

brut

italy

barolo parafada is a lush, meaty and expressive wine with power, heft and bright aromas of cured meat, bresaola, leather, dried rose, licorice and cola. the wine presents a solid wall of tannins and gritty firmness that will need at least another five years of bottle aging.

parafada

portugal

this structured blend of touriga nacional and cabernet sauvignon offers firm tannins and dark berry fruits. it has a ripe, juicy intensity, with ample acidity to balance the firm texture and dark, dry core. let this wine age, and drink from 2017.

follies nossa senhora da vandoma

argentina

plum and berry aromas are mild and a bit metallic. a drawing, grapy mouthfeel and generic but solid flavors of blackberry and blueberry finish with a touch of oak. this doesn't have a ton of character, but it's balanced and tasty.

barrica 29

us

with 20% pinot gris in the mix and a percentage of french oak-aging, this white is thirst-quenching and medium bodied, expressive in grassy pea shoots and apricot. on the palate, it offers texture and fruit-forward likability, finishing in crisp pear.

redwood road estate

chile

dry smelling, like a wild field in summer, meaning it's a bit brambly. feels thorough and full, with tea, spice and oaky flavors supporting sweet berry fruit. crusty and toasted on the finish, but clean and solid as a whole.

reserva

france

produced from organically grown grapes, this is a rich wine. its lightly oxidative character gives it a smoothness as well as bringing out ripe white fruits and citrus. it is a finely made wine, worthy of aging for a few more years. drink from 2019.

triple b

us

young and unintegrated, this cab is nowhere near ready to drink. the sweet oak sticks out, overpowering the ripe blackberry, currant and herb flavors. needs time. give it until after 2009, at the earliest.

reserve

us

at the age of seven-plus years, this 100% cabernet is at the peak of its drinkability. it's dry and medium-bodied, and the blackberry and cherry fruit is drying out and turning leathery, with high alcohol poking through.

saunders vineyard

us

a good wine, dry and softly tannic, with cherry, red currant, violet, cocoa and sandalwood flavors, and it has an easy-drinking quality that makes it a good companion to steak. seems best soon for its precocious fruit.

frediani vineyard

us

this is a generous, tightly wound vineyard-designate that tastes more full-figured than it lists in terms of alcohol, jammy in dark plum and cardamom. it finishes with a ripe robustness of dark cherry fruit flavor and hint of earth.

graham family vineyard

italy

alluring aromas of white spring flower, hay, stone fruit and almond come together in the glass. the firm, savory palate delivers creamy peach, juicy nectarine, mature apple, mediterranean herb and mineral alongside bright acidity. enjoy now through 2018.

menasasso riserva

us

soft in texture and almost sweet in flavor, this plush wine coats the mouth with delicious vanilla, butter, lemon and poached pear nuances. while full bodied, it doesn't feel heavy and carries a ripe quality through the long finish.

reserve collection

austria

very subtle hints of blueberry emerge first, while on the palate they color both texture and flavor of this elegantly structured wine. peppery spice tinges the aftertaste. this is fine-boned and defined, but with upright, well-bred poise and a subtle rather than in-your-face charm. drink this now with game and venison or treasure it for another 3–5 years.

pannobile

chile

heavy, raisiny, ripe aromas of prune and earthy blackberry set up a chewy, oaky, mildly tannic palate that's fully stuffed with woody, baked, almost malty flavors of blackberry, chocolate and toast. this is a rich, ripe number, with a loamy, toasty finish that shows black licorice and jammy cassis flavors. drink through 2018.

vsc

us

made from a grape usually used for blending into bordeaux-style wines, forlorn hope's petit verdot is inky black, bone dry and very tannic. with massive blackberry and cherry flavors, it should age for many years.

gascony cadets

us

light and clear in color, this wine opens with a reduced barrel expression, but settles down to reveal soft, earthy and tangy layers of persimmon, cranberry and black tea. lengthy and medium bodied, it shines most in terms of texture, falling somewhere between silky and velvety.

sangiacomo vineyard

us

the recent vintages from this santa maria-based winery of actress challen cates and winemaker kevin law are some of the most impressive wines out there. this is dark in the glass, with a rich bouquet of cinnamon-clove foam, black plum pudding and hot pastry. it hits the palate with panache and power, showing allspice, dried ginger and sharp cola notes atop rich black cherry fruit.

bentrock vineyard

portugal

this is a wood-aged wine, with a spicy character, that's rich with both generous tannins and black fruits. it has a ripe fruity character with plenty of balancing acidity and a warm full-bodied aftertaste. the wine is ready to drink.

solo reserva

us

this eclectic mix of 42% chardonnay, 28% viognier, 19% petit manseng and 11% pinot gris smells a bit muddled, bearing notes of peach, apricot and the paper-thin crust of caramelized sugar on a crème brûlée. it feels easy-going and unassuming, lacking some depth, but would be a good wine to pair with honey-glazed grilled chicken.

boneyard

us

one-quarter of this wine was fermented in neutral oak, the rest in stainless steel. at 12.5% alcohol, the light, almost airy wine brings immaculate fruit flavors of apple and pear, with a pleasing, minerally mouthfeel. it offers the faintest suggestion of caramel as it winds down.

freedom hill vineyard

italy

made with bush-trained vines that give very low yields, this delivers concentrated flavors of spiced plum, ripe blackberry, nutmeg, orange peel and black pepper. it's vibrant, smooth and balanced with firm, velvety tannins. the lingering finish closes on a licorice note.

papale

argentina

purple in color and smells like sweet fruit, citrus peel and powdered drink mix. round in the mouth, with generic plum and berry flavors that don't taste all that much like classic pinot noir. a simple, bulky wine that's young and probably not going very far.

saurus patagonia

france

named after the officials of the french court who were responsible for the king's cellar, this intense wine is a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay. with some age it is much about secondary flavors as fruit. spice and yeast come together with textured apple and creamed pear. the wine is on the dry side of brut, the ripe fruit adding richness. drink this balanced wine now.

les échansons brut

italy

black cherry steeped in spirits, truffle, pressed blue flower and cake spice aromas all come together on this along with a whiff of eucalyptus. the palate shows structure and some aging potential, offering dried black cherry, tobacco, clove and cinnamon alongside assertive tannins that leave a firm finish.

san lorenzo

australia

classic cabernet, from its mint and cassis aromas to its ample weight and long, plush finish. this is full and velvety, with hints of cedar and vanilla blending easily into the whole. approachable now, it should age well through at least 2025.

dead ringer

us

this medium-weight wine shows a crispness of style and provenance. caramelized oak is softened and made fruity by the taste of apple skin and pear. stony mineral is given additional freshness by layers of lemon peel and orange zest, finishing focused and clean.

camp meeting ridge

south africa

faint suggestions of sweet smoke and beeswax mingle with the red apple and melon flavors, adding interest to this otherwise straightforward and easy drinking wine. drink now.

kosher

germany

waxy floral aromas are pretty, but suggest a slightly plastic note on this light-footed riesling. it's delicately sweet, boasting flavors of fresh yellow peach and pear accented by hints of bramble and earth. the finish is crisp and clean.

estate

france

as with many wines from brothers martin and mathieu béraut, this is a blend of many grapes. the combination produces a typical herbal grassy wine, full of tangy citrus fruit and with a touch of apricot from the petit manseng in the blend. drink this now.

harmonie de gascogne

us

aromas of green apple, melon, pear and a hint of meyer lemon introduce this tart and flavorful pinot gris. it's lightly spiced, fruity and compact.

estate renovação

us

syrah makes up more than half of this blend that also includes zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah and malbec. the combination is medium-bodied and mixed, with baked bread and tart cranberry competing for attention. bay leaf and dried herb also play roles, before the whole finishes light.

ideal a better red

us

this bottling is ripe and tropical but approachable on the nose, with honeydew melon, banana and nectarine aromas. there is a decent punch of acidity and noticeable texture upon first sip, veering toward sweet apple and bubblegum flavors on the finish.

estate vineyard