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29,977 | chile | green aromas blend with coastal-influenced passion fruit, while the palate is driven by citrus, pineapple, passion fruit and some unfortunate canned vegetable flavors. acidic and racy, but not much nuance or character. shows the leyda style of sb but not in blow-out form. | garuma vineyard | 85 | 20 |
93,072 | austria | wonderfully floral, brooding oak notes frame this inviting sankt laurent's red cherry fruit. on the palate, the oak comes across as vanilla, enwrapping the cherry fruit with richness. this is light on its feet but ripe and elegant with wonderful, lasting freshness. | reserve | 92 | 20 |
121,481 | us | a delicious, balanced pinot noir. shows dry, pure flavors of raspberries, cherries, cola and sandalwood, with a delicious, drink-me-now appeal. | radog | 87 | 28 |
47,730 | us | the initial entry to this wine is reminiscent of cheesecake, with a decadence to the bouquet. from there, ripe pear and toasted oak combine around a tropical edge of guava and papaya, giving complexity and lushness on the palate, before a zesty, slightly tart finish confounds and invites one in for more. cellar through 2018. | proprietress reserve | 92 | 65 |
70,421 | us | there's a sugary sweetness to this pinot noir and chardonnay blend, in roughly equal measures. it's rich and ripe in raspberries, limes and oranges, with the doughy, leesy sourness that marks a good sparkling wine. feels somewhat rough and aggressive now, but elegant and complex. could develop bottle complexity over this decade. | brut | 90 | 70 |
45,225 | france | a surprisingly soft wine, showing as much richness as minerality. the wine has weight, some yeasty character with peach and citrus. it finishes with a round, full and creamy character. | grand cru blanc de blancs brut | 90 | 75 |
103,566 | us | blackberry, rose petal and espresso combine for a relatively light aromatic profile in this blend of 45% cabernet sauvignon, 35% cabernet franc and 20% merlot. a cedar flavor dominates the palate, lending structure and depth to blackberry fruit and black pepper spice. | maquette | 88 | 40 |
77,109 | us | this is an easy-drinking port-style wine for drinking now. it's light in color and body and quite sweet, with sugared blackberry, chocolate and orange flavors. really lovely in its own way with chocolate desserts. | t. vache & co. 3 friends port | 87 | 28 |
33,294 | germany | buoyant floral perfume contrasts a slightly restrained palate that's more mineral than fruit. off dry in style with delicate tones of honey and caramel, it finishes brisk and clean. | niersteiner gutes domtal spätlese | 87 | 13 |
99,219 | portugal | the códega de larinho grape produces a crisp style of wine that shows up well in the warm conditions of the region. with its delicious fresh character and blend of apple and grapefruit flavors, this light wine is ready to drink. | andreza | 88 | 18 |
99,034 | germany | whiffs of pine fronds and green melon rinds lend a brisk, tonic feel to this off-dry riesling. it's racy and fresh with acidity, but wraps up briskly and without a trace. | piesporter kabinett | 87 | 17 |
89,295 | france | this smoky wine is ripe with a fine balance between tannins and rich red fruits. it is warm, rounded and attractively spicy. the structure and dry core will allow the wine to age. drink from 2022. | les vergelsess premier cru | 90 | 58 |
57,474 | portugal | while the wine is rich and tarry, it has an old-fashioned feel to it that comes from the juicy tannins and touch of rusticity. that's not unattractive, a wood-aged oxidized wine that has fruit and spice to add to its allure. drink from 2015. | reserva dos amigos | 86 | 15 |
95,608 | spain | charred, toasty oak aromas lend a note of maple to the nose of this pulling, tannic, high-acid tinto fino. lemony oak, plum, wild berry and savory, saucy flavors finish with scraping tannins. drink this single-vineyard ball of power 2019–2030. | selección finca el grajo viejo | 91 | 120 |
23,173 | us | this is one of the winery's last takes on this vineyard, as they move their focus to santa cruz and monterey counties. the nose is blackberry liqueur lifted with chopped black sage, fennel stalk and tobacco leaf. flavors run from dark red fruit to black spices to tartness on the finish, like a balsamic reduction sauce. | paderewski vineyard | 93 | 55 |
49,475 | us | tart and sappy, this compelling wine wraps its bright raspberry and cherry fruit in a veil of citrus and caramel. the various flavors entwine gracefully, with excellent balance and length. it's still young and forward, with primary flavors, but has the potential to age over the next decade. | découverte vineyard | 92 | 65 |
72,914 | us | charred beef, blackberries, elderberries and sweet tar aromas show on this small-batch wine made by a couple from texas. there's decent density on the palate, with lots of blackberry fruit and black pepper as well as extremely bright acidity that will keep this wine alive for years. | white hawk vineyard | 91 | 54 |
15,525 | spain | ripe, loamy, rooty aromas of blackberry, cedar and marzipan are a fine draw. this is firm and juicy, with a solid foundation of acidity and integrated tannins. robust flavors of black fruits and fig finish tight, fresh and proportional. this is good now but still evolving; drink through 2020. | aurea | 93 | 52 |
118,338 | spain | dusty, spicy and a little scratchy on the nose, this has leather, vanilla and mild fruit aromas. it feels tangy, with a light herb flavor working in tandem with dry plum and berry notes. briary, spicy and drying on the finish. | monte haro red | 86 | 10 |
749 | france | a soft style of riesling, with some attractive aromatic white flower character. the fruit is soft, just off dry, freshened by acidity. screwcap. | baron de hoen | 87 | 12 |
37,898 | us | this is a strongly flavored chardonnay. it packs a punch in ripe tropical citrus fruit, pear and vanilla oak flavors that are honey sweet on the finish. the acidity provides balance, but seems awkwardly applied. | gabriella ranch | 85 | 18 |
85,970 | us | this red pushes a pretty cherry fruit flavor forward, letting the fruit rather than new barrels, do the talking. it's a tasty, with good balance and medium length. | katydid | 86 | 24 |
62,345 | us | clarified butter and lemon rind notes combine on the entry of this estate-grown wine. spicy, salty acidity and a subdued crisp-apple flavor contribute to its light, tangy finish. | cider ridge vineyard estate grown estate bottled | 90 | 38 |
12,150 | spain | like all alto moncayo garnachas, this opens with a big, loud crust of toasty oak and campfire smoke on top of blackberry aromas. the palate offers depth and body, while charred, toasty black-fruit flavors finish peppery and with tolerable heat. drink through 2021. | veraton | 91 | 35 |
111,965 | us | ripe, fleshy and opulent, this wine is also balanced and light on its feet, cohesive in oak and tannin. dark cherry is the star, accented by anise, cola spice and a compelling hint of orange peel. medium bodied, it'll pair well at the table, while also standing out on its own. | leras family vineyards | 93 | 56 |
10,108 | argentina | smells cheesy and leathery, with herbal notes. feels condensed and flat, as if it's collapsing on itself. flavors of baked berry and prune are dark and typical of very ripe malbec, while the finish is warm but basic in feel and flavor. bullish, sweet and heavy. not colomé's best effort, especially given the price. | reserva | 87 | 90 |
123,060 | us | the volatiles are amped up on this wine along with aromas of fruit leather and cherry cough drops. it's full bodied with firm, chewy tannins that need time to soften. | marie's view wallula vineyard | 88 | 80 |
86,850 | argentina | grainy oak and green aromas rest on top of generic red-fruit scents. this feels chunky, blocky and tannic, with herbaceous medicinal flavors of tomato, oak resin and green herbs. a spicy saucy-tasting finish holds onto the wine's minty green herbal essence. | gran reserve | 84 | 22 |
81,943 | us | this is a well-made, well-balanced and sophisticated wine from the new-oak, salt and pepper aromas to the tasty blackberry and baking spice flavors to the generous and mouthcoating texture. firmly tannic, the wine's concentrated fruit and spice flavors come through nicely on the palate and linger on the finish. | old soul | 92 | 25 |
109,552 | us | edgy with mountainous berry flavor, easton's 2010 shenandoah valley zin is full-bodied, generous in savory spices and blackberry flavor and intoxicatingly aromatic with a peppery, leathery finish. it's structurally able to withstand many more years in bottle, so enjoy it now or give it some time. either way, it'll shine poured alongside peppery meat. | estate bottled | 93 | 32 |
5,729 | us | from a replanted single vineyard, single clone site, the first vintage since that replanting in 2009, there's a youthful awkwardness still at play here, though the wine is quite juicy in black cherry and a lingering suggestion of soy. the oak and tannin are fairly firm and pronounced. | q | 90 | 85 |
85,637 | chile | a magenta color and ripe grapy aromas of black fruits accented by spice and olive open this plump wide-bodied carmenère. spicy black cherry and blackberry flavors are stout and rock solid on a unwavering finish. drink through 2020. | gran reserva | 92 | 22 |
39,337 | us | still a bit fragmented, this offers a core of tight apple and peach fruit. it was barrel fermented (10% new) and that shell of barrel flavors has not yet smoothed into the fruit. give it brisk aeration or another year in the bottle. | five faces | 87 | 33 |
30,533 | italy | fresh and easy drinking, this opens with aromas of spanish broom, exotic fruit and a heady whiff of mediterranean brush. the sunny palate doles out green apple, aromatic herb, nectarine and a mineral note alongside tangy acidity. | lintòri | 88 | 22 |
31,090 | israel | a delicious cabernet loaded with black currant and plum complemented by hints of pepper and mocha. the medium body and appropriately gripping tannins give way to a solid, lingering finish, making this a suitable companion to most meat and game dishes. | kosher | 86 | 47 |
116,776 | us | a little brittle and tense now, with a young wine freshness. may just need time in the bottle to mellow. give it until sometime in 2009 to let the tannins, acids and oak mesh with the lush cherry, red currant, pomegranate, cola and intense asian spice flavors. could develop through a decade. | dutton-thomas road vineyard | 92 | 49 |
118,592 | france | big, powerful, dominated by dark tannins and dense fruit. the alcohol is apparent in the burnt rubber edge, although the richness of the fruit, with its bitter chocolate edge, does help to mask it. the acidity at the end gives freshness. | héritage | 86 | 10 |
87,926 | us | this wine is pale peach in color. the 100% grenache, the wood influence (100% new 500l french oak) is almost completely overwhelming, showing notes of vanillin, wood spice and cream. it lightens up a bit on the dry palate but still can't make up the difference. | lawrence vineyards | 85 | 40 |
81,940 | italy | a blend of 87% sangiovese, 10% foglia tonda and merlot, this delicious red offers aromas of blue flower, wild berry, new leather and forest floor. the round enveloping palate doles out raspberry jam, fleshy black cherry, chopped herb and star anise alongside velvety tannins. it closes on a zesty, orange-peel note. drink through 2019. | arcere | 92 | 35 |
129,041 | us | randall grahm's blend of 37% mourvèdre, 34% grenache, 20% syrah and 9% cinsault offers intriguing asphalt, black pepper, boysenberry and a tiny bit of barnyard funk on the nose. it's dark and brooding, with flavors of black pepper, leather and black fruits on the palate, but rather light and lean in texture, with a solid amount of tannic grip. | le cigare volant | 93 | 45 |
38,989 | us | this is made from 100% cabernet grown in the st. helena estate vineyard. the wine is exceptionally pure and delicious, rich in black currant, chocolate, black cherry and lots of toasty new french oak. the all-important tannins are exquisitely ripe and as fine as velvet. nowhere near ready, this wine wants a good eight years in the cellar, and will gradually evolve through the mid-2020s, at the very least. | bone ash vineyard | 95 | 85 |
126,120 | us | high alcohol sticks out on this wine, giving it a dry heat, while raisin flavors suggest a port-like overripeness. it's not going anywhere, so drink up. | halter ranch | 84 | 40 |
48,211 | us | a fabulous petite sirah for serious fans of the variety. shows typically big tannins and high alcohol, with full-bodied, concentrated mountain flavors of blackberries, currants, roasted meat and pepper. best of all is the balance of its parts, resulting in elegance despite the power. | madrone spring vineyard | 93 | 37 |
88,963 | us | a tasty array of clove, tamarind and cinnamon aromas are followed by rich fruit and spice flavors in this medium-bodied, moderately tannic wine. it has lots of personality, good balance and a lingering finish. | chasing lions | 88 | 13 |
51,741 | us | the 4% viognier shows prominently, with perfumed aromas of fresh flowers and orange peel out in front of plum, purple fruit and smoked meat. the fruit flavors are sweet and saturated, with the dial turned way up. it brings a sense of deliciousness that is impossible to ignore. | the informant | 92 | 30 |
58,768 | france | a powerful and concentrated wine that has solid tannins and a tight, firm structure. it comes from heavily granitic soil, giving a steely texture that will take time to soften. as the red cherry and plum flavors develop, it will broaden out impressively. drink from 2016. | côte de py vieilles vignes | 91 | 28 |
10,623 | us | a blend of merlot (73%), cabernet franc (24%) and petit verdot, it rises from the glass with aromas of cedar, flowers and red and black fruit. the black-fruit flavors are dense but deft, with firm tannins backing them up. | right blend artz vineyard | 91 | 39 |
48,922 | spain | chunky, ripe black-fruit aromas come with violet accents. the mouthfeel is good but gritty, with hard tannins and a lot of oak that creates a buttery topping to plum, cassis and molasses flavors. this ripe wine finishes stable but quick, with some chocolate flavor but not much else. | crianza | 87 | 35 |
47,956 | us | this is 100% varietal, spicy and tart, with fine balance and focus. the fruit trends toward cherry and prune, with an earthy, tannic finish. | four vineyards | 88 | 15 |
67,870 | france | herbaceous and aromatic, this is a crisp, green-fruit- and citrus-flavored wine. grapefruit and green apple dominate the texture with its zesty character. not for aging. | cuvée collection prestige | 85 | 22 |
82,456 | france | drappier has created a blend that recognizes that there are more than three grapes in champagne. here the rare arbanne, petit meslier and blanc vrai are blended with the more usual chardonnay to give a wine that is rich, full of yellow fruits, along with mineral acidity and a ripe aromatic character. the wine is ready to drink. | blanc de quatre blancs brut | 92 | 120 |
48,386 | italy | full-bodied and delicious, this opens with aromas of red berry, rose, underbrush, kitchen spice and a balsamic note. the structured palate doles out juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, clove, white pepper, grilled herb, vanilla and mineral alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. it already has nice depth but hold for more complexity. drink 2019–2031. | parafada | 94 | 68 |
112,038 | france | soft raspberry juice with bubbles. it is a sweetened rosé, with only a hint of texture or acidity. for lovers of white zinfandel. | rosé brut | 82 | 45 |
67,575 | south africa | herbal and fruity all at once with clean aromas of gooseberry, hard mango and green grass. ctirus flavors dominate the lightweight mouth with crisp lime acidity charging through on the close. | sunbird | 86 | 14 |
100,687 | us | shy at first on the nose, this youthful beauty is defined by richness and robust body, the tannins firm and well-integrated. woody and herbal, it shows classic varietal character, with currant and clove flavors and an old world flair of dusty chalk and chocolate notes. it's persistent, pleasant and complex. | tomahawk vineyard | 92 | 155 |
64,023 | us | this affordable blend of sangiovese, zinfandel and merlot is a serious red wine. showing layers of blackberries, mocha, herbs, spices and smoke, with a complex acid-tannin structure that will stand up well alongside dry reds costing much more. | costa del sol | 89 | 15 |
89,190 | portugal | this is a good reminder that touriga nacional comes from originally from the dão. the wine has power and dense tannins while also having a strongly textured character that shows up the granite soil of the region. the wine is just maturing and will be at its best from 2017. | quinta da gandara reserva | 92 | 25 |
92,393 | italy | this informal tuscan blend of chardonnay, grechetto and sauvignon blanc offers a sunny bouquet of mature fruit, apricot, citrus and honeysuckle. the wine is pleasantly fragrant and flavorful with crisp acidity and a generous mouthfeel. | dogajolo | 87 | 12 |
54,610 | italy | lucente is made from a blend of merlot, sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon. you get a lot of bang for your buck thanks to rich, velvety tones of chocolate, spice and forest berry that last over a long, succulent finish. | lucente | 90 | 25 |
125,461 | austria | ripe mirabelle and purple plums dominate the nose, with a notion of intense plum compote. the palate reveals that all of this ripeness is streaked with lively lemon zest, pulling the sumptuous fruit into clearer focus. the finish remains ripe and opulent. | heiligenstein reserve | 93 | 35 |
5,072 | us | expressive, honeyed white currant, banana purée and peach aromas give this blend of viognier and roussanne depth. the palate is smooth, lush and weighty, and it ends with some warmth and flower tones. | the blind watchmaker | 87 | 36 |
106,658 | france | very soft and dull, it offers white fruits and some acidity. drink now. | en paradis | 83 | 24 |
106,730 | us | this fascinating wine comes from one of oregon's highest vineyards, which grow at 2,000 feet. superdense and impenetrably black, the fruit is steely and detailed, the flavors of black raspberries defined with crystal clarity. | fortmiller vineyard | 90 | 50 |
120,353 | spain | chewing gum, plum and raspberry aromas are raw and suggestive of grape skins. the wine is juicy but without much body or spine. flavors of generic red fruits and watermelon finish rubbery and slightly bitter. drink in 2014. | garnacha | 84 | 8 |
48,318 | us | dry, crisp and austere, although it's elegant in its own way. shows citrus, mineral and lees flavors, with some creamy, buttered toast notes. | barrel fermented | 85 | 23 |
18,404 | italy | partly fermented in oak casks, this full-bodied pinot grigio opens with floral aromas of spanish broom, white spring flowers, vanilla and apple. the palate offers pear, apple, lemon zest and a note of bread crust alongside bright acidity. | mongris riserva | 88 | 30 |
80,595 | us | fresh-pressed boysenberry, darker blueberry and a subtle white sage lift gives lots of complexity to the nose on this equal parts blend of grenache, mourvèdre and syrah. it's relatively light in body, yet throws off lots of verve with purple fruit, pencil shavings and herbal spice. | angst | 92 | 45 |
87,097 | italy | from the makers of one of italy's most popular grappas, this vintage-dated prosecco offers soothing aromas of peach, lime, white peach and spring flowers. | millesimato brut il vino dei poeti | 85 | 15 |
17,108 | us | from an area better known for red wines, this bottling by paso robles-based jeremy weintraub shows the strong white wine potential of this new santa barbara county appellation. aromas of peach, cherimoya and white truffle cream lead into a waxy, restrained palate that shows golden flesh fruit, beeswax, a bit of yogurt and a minerally snap. | larner vineyard | 92 | 40 |
46,333 | spain | rustic leathery aromas are capped and low on vibrant fruit scents. in the mouth, expect tannic scratchiness. flavors of plum, cassis and toasty oak come across as mildly baked, while a narrow finish with notes of earth, loam and chocolate is solid. drink now. | reserva | 88 | 29 |
59,637 | italy | here's a round, savory nero d'avola that's loaded with juicy blackberry, tart red cherry and black raspberry sensations. the juicy, easygoing palate is accented by hints of black pepper, clove and roasted almond that give it a pleasantly bitter finish. there's low complexity, but it is delicious. | gradiva collectio | 88 | 18 |
6,121 | italy | pressed rose, woodland berry, sage and a whiff of exotic spice emerge on this firmly structured wine. the taut palate delivers mature black cherry, ground pepper, clove and licorice alongside tight, fine-grained tannins and the warmth of alcohol. give it a few more years to unwind. drink after 2019. | brunate | 92 | 110 |
12,183 | us | sweet and oaky, with butterscotch, vanilla cream, pineapple crème brûlée and cinnamon spice flavors. | biagini vineyard | 84 | 35 |
79,847 | france | this is a herbal wine with fruit that is firm and austere. it has spice, a touch of wood, berry fruits and dry tannins. it seems on the lean side. | charmille | 84 | 21 |
90,938 | us | this wine continues a long-standing tradition, showing a mastery of the art of blending. it's made using grapes that are sourced from at least six vineyards scattered from yountville to st. helena. right out of the bottle, it's a soft, smoothly tannic wine that's rich in blackberry jam, black currant, blueberry, raspberry, dark chocolate and spice flavors. the wine, which contains small amounts of petit verdot and malbec, is so powerful, it easily carries the 100% new french oak. just gorgeous now, and it should develop bottle complexity for at least the next 10 years. | insignia estate grown | 96 | 200 |
23,283 | us | this wine is co-fermented with 12% petite sirah, both varieties from one estate block planted to a century-old clone of teldeschi, a nearby vineyard still in existence. tart in cherry, red plum and cassis, it's refreshingly unusual and deliciously vibrant. anise, cinnamon and black pepper round out the finish. the tannins and oak are well-managed and integrated. | rogers schoolhouse estate | 91 | 42 |
22,848 | us | among an excellent trio of chardonnays from roco, this is the spicy one, with soft and supple tree fruits, a touch of citrus and more. the complexities pile on, suggestions of melon and cotton candy, and that lovely sweet spice. | marsh estate vineyards | 93 | 60 |
15,540 | austria | sumptuously ripe fruit is held tightly in a structured, still crunchy body with a fine fault line of acidity. the tannins are fine but firm, and will take time to soften. this was made for the long run and should be kept at least until 2017–2018 when it will start to reveal its glorious fruit of red and black cherry and wild blueberry. this is juicy and promising, structured and unashamedly big. | reserve | 94 | 39 |
25,167 | france | crisp, light, almost delicate, this is certainly sophisticated wine. with lively acidity, bright white fruits and a tangy minerality, it does everything this style of champagne should do. over the years, as the grapes in champagne get riper, this cuvée has become drier, while remaining well balanced. | brut royal | 88 | 45 |
79,472 | france | a delicate, perfumed wine, it has aromas of white flowers and soft acidity. citrus fruitiness is balanced by the floral character, giving a wine that is fresh, fragrant and ready to drink. | cuvée albert | 86 | 27 |
122,129 | us | this is the inaugural release from the winery's estate site, which sits next to famed boushey vineyard. a pale salmon color, it's a field blend of mourvèdre and grenache, redolent with aromas and flavors of strawberry, orange peel and spice, along with mouthwatering acidity that ties it all together. it's thoroughly delightful. | oldfield estate | 91 | 20 |
8,455 | italy | from one of italy's most important showcase designer wineries, this blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot lives up to its super tuscan celebrity. it is gently redolent of dark chocolate, ripe fruit, leather, tobacco and crushed black pepper—the bouquet's elegant moderation is one of its strongest points. the mouthfeel is rich, creamy and long. drink after 2018. | petra | 92 | 80 |
66,104 | chile | grassy, reedy aromas accent core plum and berry scents. this feels tight and juicy on the palate, with a mix of raspberry, plum, savory spice and chocolate flavors. the finish is varietally typical, with herb, mint and olive notes. | gran reserva | 87 | 14 |
31,003 | italy | this prosecco superiore is characterized by an immediate whiff of tree-fresh lemon and shows a stronger citrus quality than most sparklers in its category. the close is steely, bright and dry. | brut | 87 | 20 |
118,218 | italy | delicate but enticing scents of white spring flowers and orchard fruit float out of the glass. the bright, creamy palate offers white peach, green apple and a hint of pastry cream alongside bright acidity and a frothy mousse. | extra dry | 88 | 18 |
4,678 | germany | while subdued and closed off at initial tasting, time and aeration seem to bring out this wine's vibrant tangerine and apricot perfume. the spry palate is delicately sweet, juxtaposing fresh, primary stone fruit and lime flavors against a backdrop of savory earth and nut. it's a quiet wine that should gain power and depth with maturity. hold until 2020. | wehlener sonnenuhr spätlese | 91 | 29 |
2,541 | france | this is a medium-bodied, spicy rendering of syrah. cherries, herbs and spice all mingle easily, while the silky texture is its calling card. drink now–2023. | d'ogier | 89 | 20 |
72,608 | us | big mountain fruit here throws powerful aromas of ripe plum, thyme and bacon, while full-scale oaking yields maple aromas, vanilla flavors, and coffee on the finish. the wood element is a little weighty at this point, but there's solid fruit to support it. | buckeye vyd | 90 | 45 |
24,996 | chile | a toasty but green-smelling bouquet mixes scents of grass with charred oak and berry fruits. a creamy, lactic palate deals flavors of green herbs, mint and milk chocolate, all of which carry over to a minty finish. | elegido gran reserva | 87 | 18 |
13,042 | france | there is something spicy to the lemon and pear fruit on the nose. the same rich fruit expression is also present on the palate, alongside ripe fresh lemon and a creamy mousse. this is rich with flavor but remains light, dry and refreshing. the finish has a lovely lemony tang. | clérotstein | 90 | 22 |
104,439 | us | derived from the original planting in 1999, this nine-clone blend is a ripe, rich and complex wine, with the structure to age well over the medium term. raspberry and cherry fruit comes with a touch of dried herb and the estate's signature minerality. | renelle's block reserve | 91 | 65 |
50,644 | us | father-son winemakers joe and sam miller use fruit from the vineyard dick graff planted in 1989 for this interesting wine, which shows preserved lemons, dried apples, crushed ants, iodine and yogurt on the nose. there's lemon pith, smoked citrus, japanese pear flesh and crisp plum flavors on the palate. | antle vineyard | 90 | 28 |
119,119 | us | blackberry, tobacco, dried purple flowers and bloody meats greet the nose on this solid wine from pioneering winegrower louis lucas and his retired judge partner, royce lewellen. the palate shows black cherries and plums, with complexity added by tobacco and pepper spice. the flavors come in and go out quickly, proving clean and fresh. | estate | 88 | 26 |
3,072 | france | the aromas of smoky new wood follow through to the wood flavors on the palate. however, it's the powerful sweet black cherry and red berry fruit flavors, layered with fruit tannins and acidity, that are driving this impressive wine. for aging at least six years. | clos des mouches premier cru | 94 | 89 |
84,573 | argentina | aromas of wild flowers, honey, lychee and oily citrus fruits announce a minerally palate with steely yet tropical flavors of citrus and lychee. this is better cut than most, with racy acidity that keeps things running on the finish. drink now. | don david reserve | 89 | 17 |
56,349 | argentina | a rich and creamy wine with good structure and plenty of fruit. the nose yields berry essence, vanilla and smoky wood notes, while the palate has depth, layering and composed flavors. there's coffee and chocolate on the finish, and the texture and length seem just right. it's oaky for sure, but this vintage of q can handle it. drink now through 2012. | q | 91 | 22 |
92,284 | france | rather stalky, this dry wine has a sense of extraction in the form of bitterness. the wine's red fruits are behind this dryness, demanding at least another 2–3 years. | clos du pressoir | 84 | 25 |
82,578 | uruguay | a mixture of spice, raisin and cheese aromas makes for a challenging nose and first impression. in the mouth, this tannat clamps down hard with tannins. roasted, oaky blackberry flavors are dark and spicy, while the finish is rugged and pounding, with savory lasting flavors. | arretxea grand reserve estate bottled | 88 | 40 |
125,167 | us | a bit sharp in the mouth, with a cut of tartness that age is unlikely to soften. otherwise, this blend of mostly merlot, with 12% cabernet sauvignon, is polished and dry, with blackberry and black currant flavors. | maylena | 86 | 49 |
67,040 | france | this is a tight wine, packed with acidity and strong citrus flavors. a touch of toastiness gives the wine its core of spice. the wine is refreshing, crisp with a good depth of fruit. drink now. | les terres noires | 87 | 26 |