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26,799 | argentina | blackberry and prune aromas show herbal notes and a hint of dried leaf. medium-full in size and friendly in feel, this has moderate acidity that lends freshness. gritty, peppery black-fruit flavors finish with an echo of licorice and dark spice. drink through 2021. | remolinos vineyard | 90 | 39 |
125,487 | us | campovida's mendocino take on a classic italian white, this arneis is floral, balancing its high-wire acidity with standout characteristics of lemon, grapefruit and just-ripe pear. this is a perfect wine to pour with light appetizers or for the first sip of the day. | spirit canyon vineyard | 90 | 38 |
19,015 | france | among the most northerly of the run of beaune premier crus, the wine is structured but the structure is cushioned by the ripe red-berry fruits to give a generous wine. backed by tannins, the wine will age well. drink from 2022. | perrières premier cru | 93 | 80 |
53,495 | us | impeccably made and lavishly oaked, this wine’s pedigree is apparent. the fruit is all blackberries and raspberry preserves, with deeply spicy notes, and the tannins are softly complex. what’s really striking is the supple elegance; it’s so silky and soft. | don miguel vineyard | 91 | 30 |
90,212 | argentina | dilute yet raisiny aromas struggle to stir interest. this wine feels wide and flat on the palate, with no real focal point. chunky, slightly bitter flavors of apple skins and wood spice finish with a blast of oaky clove. | fincas | 84 | 15 |
123,022 | italy | this full-bodied, concentrated expression of morellino opens with aromas of spiced plum, blueberry, mocha and a whiff of cake spice. the palate delivers wild cherry, blackberry, vanilla and savory herb alongside tightly knit, assertive tannins. drink 2016–2021. | purosangue riserva | 90 | 37 |
1,525 | us | a new addition to steven kent's lineup of exemplary cabernets, this is 100% cabernet from ghielmetti vineyard, one of kent's favorite pieces of livermore ground. the wine is concentrated and rich, with heady notes of dark cherry, cinnamon and clove, plus a trace of mint hiding in the background. this will please fans of california and bordeaux wines. | the premier | 92 | 100 |
100,989 | chile | smoky, cooked berry aromas lead to a full, flabby, rubbery-feeling palate with baked black-fruit flavors that suggest baking spices. a soft finish is low on verve and tastes a bit sugary and sweet. | reserva | 85 | 12 |
29,385 | us | this offers reserved notes of cherry and raspberry compote, cranberry, earth and assorted dried herbs. with the oak pleasantly dialed back, the focus remains on the fruit. the palate displays exquisite purity, elegance and detail, with a light grip of tannins pulling it all together. it's drinking beautifully now, but you could open it up in 2025 or 2030 and it wouldn't bat an eye. | lower east | 93 | 32 |
69,246 | us | this wine is a bit rugged in texture, with firm tannins, but flavorful with ample blackberries, currants and spices. the blend is based on cabernet sauvignon. | le clos secret three creek vineyard | 88 | 30 |
42,697 | spain | leans toward burnt and acrid on the nose, yet the palate is fresh but tight and scouring. raspberry and red plum account for the flavors, while the finish is quick and fades off quietly. tart and innocuous, but not problematic. | royal | 83 | 10 |
44,043 | us | a blend of six varietals including cabernet franc and syrah, this wine is utterly distinctive. the raspberry liqueur aroma has a meaty edge complemented with things like ground coffee, violets and white chocolate. all these flavors mingle in the mouth, and yet the wine is dry. the supple, silky texture is notable. best buy. —s.h. | big house red | 89 | 10 |
12,740 | portugal | everything is in place in this structured wine that's packed with big berry fruits that give a delicious succulence. at the same time, the tannins offer richness and concentration. it's almost ready to drink. | quinta de são joão cuvée rb | 88 | 12 |
104,073 | us | while quite ripe and fruity, this wine is also dry, nicely tannic and firmly textured, so it will pair beautifully with rich proteins. aged 18 months in oak, mostly french, it has concentrated dark fruit aromas, and a layered array of flavors that recalls blueberry, dark chocolate and blackberry syrup. bright acidity keeps everything in balance. | old ghost old vine | 92 | 37 |
78,463 | france | initially, a champagne that seems just ripe and easy. gradually, a layer of mature toast, yeast, vanilla and cream add their character to fresh ripe white fruits. the wine is certainly ready to drink now, and unlikely to age much more. | millesimé brut | 89 | 57 |
5,847 | us | sturdy and flavorful, this is a well-made, dry and moderately tannic wine that smells beefy, salt-and-peppery, and tastes juicy like raspberries and cherries with a little bit of meatiness coming through for complexity. the texture has good grip and acidity so the wine will pair well with big proteins. | founders' estate | 88 | 10 |
97,331 | italy | greco di tufo is a spectacular indigenous grape and di meo's rendition delivers all the fresh and vibrant aromas associated with it. you'll detect peach, apple, pear, honeysuckle and a touch of talc powder or flinty mineral that is typical of wines from this part of campania, southern italy. | g | 88 | 19 |
108,593 | us | this wine is made from 75% sangiovese with 18.5% cabernet sauvignon and 6.5% merlot. a little pruney, it falls flat and veers hot on the palate, full bodied and quite ripe. dashes of cinnamon stick brighten the experience. | tre uve | 83 | 32 |
104,083 | us | incredibly suave dark strawberry and cherry aromas meld with chocolate and dusty earth notes on the nose of this bottling from one of the appellation's largest vineyards. the palate is more tightly wound, offering dried thyme, bay leaf and peppercorn instead of opulent fruit. | brosseau vineyard | 92 | 60 |
80,515 | us | blackberry and bramble tones are laced with cinnamon and vanilla on this perfumed blend of cabernet franc and merlot. it's ripe in fruit flavor, but sprightly in body and acidity, giving it a lean refreshing demeanor. fine tannins and warming vanilla and spice notes linger through a long finish. | proprietor red | 89 | 23 |
108,015 | us | still wound tight, it shows promise via its peppery underbelly surrounding a core of raspberry, cedar and herb. made from california grapes at a vermont-based winery. | reserve | 86 | 35 |
42,709 | spain | grilled aromas of fresh asphalt and slightly murky berry fruits improve with airing, as does a full-bodied palate with big tannins. toasty, spicy flavors of herbal berry and cassis show good complexity but are far from tame. finishing flavors of chocolate and pepper are dry and woody. drink through 2027. | 12 crianza | 92 | 32 |
67,359 | us | this appealing blend of merlot (69%), cabernet sauvignon (28%) and petit verdot conveys dark roasted coffee along with red and black fruit with barrel accents. abundant vanilla and coffee flavors partner with grippy tannins that need more time in the bottle to settle in. | numbskull bdx | 89 | 38 |
126,018 | us | this bottling starts with a pretty nose of peach, melon and nectarine. it's more about the crisp, refreshing mouthfeel than anything, and would partner well with lightly seasoned shellfish or soft cheese. | resistance willow creek farm | 84 | 32 |
99,223 | us | cedar, oak and woody tannin make for a classic and composed entry to this wine, which is otherwise boldly ripe and full bodied. big layers of blackberry and chocolate confront the palate with force, accented in coffee, clove and cinnamon. | knights valley reserve | 88 | 70 |
13,041 | france | a selection of wines from 30 different parcels, this rich, smooth, open wine wears its toast well, the caramel and vanilla flavors melding easily with apricots, melon and finishing with acidity. the aftertaste continues this marriage of flavors. | tête de cru | 91 | 36 |
53,310 | slovenia | this blend of 70% blaufränkisch, 20% pinot noir and 10% zweigelt has aromas of cranberry, pomegranate and dried cherry with flavors of blackberry and red raspberry. there's a pleasant touch of spicy black pepper in the finish. | benedict cuvée | 88 | 20 |
111,574 | france | this estate, managed for the owner by producteurs plaimont, surrounds a perfectly preserved medieval castle. the wine is firm with tense tannins and intense juicy acidity. it has a structured character full of blackberry fruit and with a dry core. it hints at being mature already although it will be much better to drink from 2018. | château de sabazan | 90 | 40 |
76,954 | italy | fine craftsmanship is evident in this sardinian blend of carignano and syrah. the wine is rich and extracted, with bold fruit notes of blackberry and plum followed by spice and tobacco. some toasted oak influences appear in the mouth alongside soft, smooth tannins. | malombra | 91 | 65 |
54,351 | spain | mature, earthy and soft on the nose, with roasted, spicy, integrated berry aromas. full but baked feeling, with maturity and monotone flavors of sweet berries that don't vary. it remains roasted and warm on the finish. drink soon. | gran reserva | 88 | 22 |
79,597 | france | this concentrated wine is dry and dense, its blackberry fruit still dominated by dry, solid tannins. it's built to age, so drink from 2020. | vieilles vignes | 89 | 17 |
101,450 | argentina | flower and hay aromas lead to simple pear and spice flavors in this basic white. mild woody notes show on the finish. drink now. | wise ass | 82 | 14 |
116,216 | spain | tilts towards sweet on the nose, where maple, molasses, pecan and baked fruit aromas hold court. the palate is layered and lively, with a nice blend of pit fruits, toast, nuts and butter. long and elegant on the finish, it's highly drinkable and enjoyable within the oloroso class. | alfonso oloroso seco | 90 | 20 |
117,694 | france | pushing forward the acidity of cabernet sauvignon, this is a structured and freshly fruity wine, full of black currant flavors as well as red berry fruits. there is a dry core here from wood aging. the fruit gives a delicious buoyancy to the aftertaste. | monfort bellevue | 87 | 22 |
69,465 | new zealand | te mata's bullnose doesn't receive nearly the media attention of its flagship coleraine, but it's a benchmark for hawke's bay syrah—the violets and pepper on the nose couldn't be mistaken for any other variety. this is a bit creamy in texture on the midpalate but not weighty at all, more agile or spry, with a fine, silky feel on the finish. drink now–2023. | bullnose | 92 | 40 |
112,074 | us | a rich, interesting wine at the junction between fresh, primary fruit and aged, bottled character. the blackberries and cherries are drying out, turning earthy and mushroomy. yet the wine remains vibrant and tannic. will continue to age for many years. | single vineyard selection | 88 | 40 |
70,494 | hungary | bartlett pear and freshly squeezed lime juice carry the nose, while flavors of green apple, pear and lime rind drive the crisp, elegant palate. the finish shows nuance, with a slightly astringent mouthfeel. | dry | 91 | 20 |
17,425 | us | a solid brut from mumm napa, this pinot-chardonnay blend is a little rough around the edges, but has the dry, bubbly finesse of a true champagne-style wine. it shows peach, lime and strawberry flavors. | brut prestige | 87 | 19 |
107,151 | chile | baked, leathery aromas of animal hide and sun-drenched berries set up a ripe, slightly out of shape palate with flavors of raspberry, plum and apple skins. a sweet tasting, tutti-frutti finish is short and basic. this reads like a wine from a hot year, which 2012 was. | single vineyard cahuil vineyard | 86 | 27 |
7,513 | canada | produced from the estate vineyard's oldest vines, this csv bottling is a dry, leesy, textural wine, with dominant flavors of citrus flesh and rind along with green apples. there's a strong streak of mineral also, and a well-balanced finish of medium length. | csv estate bottled | 92 | 25 |
81,243 | spain | rubbery, dark-fruit aromas are generous and come with a blanket of mild, chocolaty oak. this is round and punchy on the palate, with raspberry, plum, herb and spice flavors. on the finish, it is fresh and not too demanding, with steady, firm tannins. | ebeia de bodegas portia roble | 89 | 15 |
122,184 | us | this aromatic wine features melon, red apple skin and tropical notes. it drinks a hair off dry with a broad, rich feel to the fruit flavors. | lawrence vineyard | 88 | 14 |
98,876 | us | this is a rhône-style blend of viognier, roussanne and marsanne. it's fruity in pineapple, peach, apple, mango and meyer lemon flavors, with a honeysuckle richness, and finishes dry and crisp. a nice wine for drinking now with smoked meats, especially ham. | heritage blanc | 86 | 18 |
56,510 | us | sugary and simple in candied cherry and blackberry flavors, this wine will go down easily at a barbecue. | winemaker's blend | 82 | 13 |
42,866 | us | you have to classify this as a dessert wine, because of the residual sugar sweetness. the honey, apricot, orange and vanilla flavors are balanced with refreshing acidity. | moscato | 87 | 15 |
6,990 | france | lightly pink in color, this sweet sparkling wine is full of ripe strawberry fruit. and with its low alcohol, it's the perfect pairing for strawberries and cream. acidity keeps it in balance. | caprice des rocailles | 86 | 22 |
117,274 | us | a bit lighter in 2014 than in past vintages, this puts an accent on light raspberry fruit, with a strong flavor of caraway seeds running down the spine. there's ample acidity, and a hint of fresh-baked bread. | papa joe's private stash | 87 | 25 |
57,045 | south africa | this chenin blanc-based white, with 13% clairette blanc and 7% viognier, boasts a harmonious blend of fruit and floral tones throughout. scents of underripe tropical fruit, green plum, apple and lime peel are kissed with hints of rose petal, ginger and honeysuckle, while the medium-weight palate boasts ripe flavors of green melon and fleshy pear. a hint of white pepper and minty fynbos lingers on the clean finish. drink now–2019. | old vines | 90 | 28 |
77,454 | us | this is a hearty, fulsome combo of 70% sauvignon blanc and 30% viognier. it comes off as overtly light at first before gradually revealing full-bodied punches of pear and peach. the viognier speaks in waves of honey and orange blossom, adding voluptuous texture to the proceedings. | proprietary | 89 | 38 |
40,433 | italy | this riserva opens with intense tones of ripe cherry, chocolate, leather and light spice. the palate feels firm and smooth, with mild tannins and a rich, velvety texture. | riserva di famiglia | 92 | 30 |
61,631 | spain | after it oozes rubber and bacon on the nose, berry fruit and mild medicinal aromas settle in. feels full, tight and structured, with meat, black cherry and wild berry flavors. finishes warm, chocolaty and lightly roasted. well-made, and impressive for the price. | crianza | 91 | 20 |
106,485 | us | this bordeaux blend is a little rough around the edges. it has a sharp, jammy feeling, and seems too sweet in raspberry- and cherry-pie filling. will appeal to fans of an easy drinking, accessible style of a cabernet-based wine. | mon amour | 85 | 59 |
35,501 | us | this has sharp, tangy aromas, tart cranberry flavors, a lean texture and drying tannins that seem to coat the teeth. difficult to enjoy on its own, it needs to pair with very rich, fatty food to tame the tannins. | estate grown organic grapes | 82 | 18 |
79,343 | italy | light tones of citrus and peach color an easy brut prosecco superiore that would work nicely with barbecue shrimp in sesame sauce. the acidity in this light sparkler keeps the palate clean. | costa dei peschi brut | 85 | 15 |
97,310 | us | this engaging, full-bodied and densely textured wine has a great bouquet and structured yet fine-grained tannins. it exudes an engaging mix of spices, smoke and cedar in the aroma, and serves equally layered and complex fruit and spice flavors. best after 2018. | estate bottled | 91 | 30 |
45,751 | us | an unbalanced wine despite some pretty apple and peach flavors, an overlay of oak, and a creamy smooth texture. the parts are nice but somehow they don't knit together and the wine feels disjointed. turns quite bitter on the finish. | sattui family | 84 | 15 |
4,632 | france | from a sloping flinty vineyard, this is an impressive wine. it is powered by its tight tense texture to give a concentrated essence of sauvignon blanc. the wine, with its green and citrus fruits, is tangy, steely and needing to age. drink from 2019. | le rochoy | 94 | 30 |
19,463 | italy | pinot grigio, also known as ruländer in the bilingual german-italian region of alto adige, shows fragrant notes of honeysuckle and cantaloupe melon here. the wine is pristine, tonic and very refreshing in the mouth. nicely done. | dolomiti | 87 | 15 |
33,827 | france | mainly rolle, this is a plump, melon- and peach-scented white that also features hints of almond and licorice. the fruit is almost honeyed at times, yet still retains a sense of freshness, with some chalky minerality on the finish. | villars-sur-var blanc de blancs | 88 | 42 |
107,036 | us | a whiff of yeasty baked bread opens the bouquet of this 100% varietal wine that's plenty juicy and drinkable right now. plum surrounds integrated tannins and a powerful midpalate, suggesting an ability to age. the finish is all about mocha. cellar through 2022. | morisoli vineyard | 92 | 125 |
8,012 | france | a very dry, firm wine, with some chocolate extract flavors and signs of wood aging, both balanced by stalky black currant fruits. it is hard at present, so give it until 2014. | grande réserve | 86 | 14 |
65,533 | spain | bouncy, rubbery berry aromas come with latex and band-aid scents. a wiry, crisp mouthfeel sets up limited but spunky red-fruit flavors that are also a bit herbal and stalky. a briny finish shows juicy acidity but mediocre flavors. | joven | 84 | 13 |
22,055 | us | the nose of this wine is all about oak, with toast and char leading the way. the palate follows suit yet shows a bit more fruit, with grilled red-berry flavors washing over a lithe, crisp palate. | estate club | 85 | 32 |
22,100 | israel | a bright nose of pineapple and grapefruit prepares the palate for flavors of passion fruit and guava with light floral notes. this wine is full in the mouth, with tropical fruit flavors that persist into a lingering rose-petal finish. | yasmin white | 88 | 12 |
109,200 | argentina | piercing aromas of char and creosote are like a laser pop surrounded by a note of blackberry. this is raw, tannic and hard on the palate. chunky berry flavors are heavily oaked, while this is jammy in feel and tastes of blueberry on the finish. drink through 2021. | terroir series finca coletto single vineyard | 90 | 55 |
54,299 | italy | mature dark-skinned berry, leather, underbrush and dark spice are some of the aromas that emerge on this fantastic red. made from ungrafted vines between 150 and 200 years old, the powerful yet polished palate delivers mature black cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, licorice and white pepper alongside firm, velvety tannins. this still needs time to fully develop. drink 2018–2031. | primum riserva | 97 | 90 |
73,698 | us | winemaker anna monticelli coaxes soft, leathery layers of graphite and red cherry from this 100% varietal vineyard-designate cab. aged in french oak, 67% new, it shows ripeness and density, with a pleasant structure and good length on the finish. | ames vineyard | 91 | 85 |
27,960 | us | a bright, floral violet bouquet invites in this blend of zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and petite sirah that follows through with earthy cherry and strawberry highlights. softly textured, the wine is deeply structured and in balance, a delicious offering of several varieties married well. | mixt | 91 | 55 |
32,345 | australia | the not-so-secret blend is 64% cabernet sauvignon, 24% shiraz and 12% malbec, yielding a dark plummy wine with ample palate weight and softly dusty tannins. espresso and black olive shadings give this a savory cast, making it more an accompaniment to food than a standalone sipper. drink now through 2019. | secrets | 89 | 15 |
74,112 | us | this is very ripe, with jammy blackberry and cherry flavors that have a touch of plumped raisin and even a touch of milk chocolate. it's technically dry, but all that richness lends it unctuousness. | fortunati vineyard | 86 | 30 |
34,012 | france | sexy aromas of expensive perfume, exotic spices and honey give way to a strikingly intense palate accented by caramelized apple notes. finish is long and a bit sweet. serve this luxurious wine with lobster in a fruit preparation. | cuvée cécile | 91 | 31 |
71,722 | us | a beautiful chardonnay, dry, silky and modest in alcohol. it's rich in oak-inspired tropical fruit, peach and meyer lemon fruit flavors, girded with a tangy minerality. will be great with a mushroom risotto or something lobster based. | bien nacido vineyard | 93 | 28 |
112,344 | germany | richly extracted yellow peach and tangerine flavors are slicked in honey in this silk-textured auslese. it's lavishly sweet, yet vibrantly citrusy too. drink this sunny yet neatly balanced riesling now or hold through 2027. | erdener prälat auslese | 92 | 53 |
10,032 | spain | aromas of graphite, asphalt, floral berry, black cherry and oak are harmonious and inviting. this wine feels juicy and rubbery, while black-fruit and plum flavors come with herbal notes and overt barrel notes. a fresh, juicy, zesty finish is pure graciano. | vendimia seleccionada | 89 | 19 |
27,130 | australia | pie cherry and rhubarb notes make a bright impression on the nose, followed by tart flavors bundled in a mocha-tinged wrapper. the texture is almost syrupy on the midpalate, but turns dry and dusty on the finish. this is a bit disjointed at this stage, so perhaps it will improve with cellaring. try after 2018. | bicheno single site | 87 | 65 |
121,533 | chile | berry aromas are jammy and sweet smelling. this feels chunky and bit out of shape. herbal boysenberry flavors come with a green core, while mint, spice, heat and herbal flavors carry the finish. | reserva malbec-petit verdot | 85 | 11 |
53,193 | us | made from 100% cabernet grown in the beckstoffer georges iii vineyard, and aged in mostly new french and american oak, its tannins are tough as nails. yet there's a vast core of blackberry and black cherry fruit that's just yearning to break out. with modest alcohol (the official reading is a mere 13.2% by volume), it's a natural choice for the cellar. it should begin to blossom by 2016 and continue to develop beyond 2020. | clone 6 unfiltered | 94 | 120 |
43,026 | portugal | espirito do côa is named after the prehistoric wall drawings that decorate the cliffs of the valley. the wine is rich, dense and fruity. blackberries and fine acidity give a tarry, dense character. the wine is ready to drink. | espirto do côa reserva | 87 | 15 |
75,570 | france | this grower in aÿ on the montagne de reims has produced a rich style of rosé. it emphasizes red fruit, soft acidity and creamy texture. ripe and full, it's ready to drink. | brut rosé | 88 | 60 |
119,422 | us | built for immediate enjoyment, this brings a tasty mix of berries and cherries, rounded off with 15 months in one-year-old barrels. the delicious burst of mocha around the fruit is what propels this wine, and invites the second glass as soon as the first is finished. | extrovert | 91 | 48 |
123,210 | us | from the heart of the napa valley, this estate white is dry in floral lemon and lime, in addition to more voluptuous helpings of apricot and peach. stainless-steel fermented, it offers crisp acidity before taking on complexity on the finish, more weighty than on the palate. | estate | 90 | 24 |
57,856 | germany | the nose of this dry-style dornfelder wafts of fresh green herbs and violets, but the palate is plump, almost ruddy, bursting with cherry and berry flavors. plush acidity is augmented by a fringe of fine tannins, but overall it's an easy, everyday red for youthful consumption. | mettenheimer trocken | 86 | 14 |
86,462 | france | incredible purity rises from the glass, reminiscent of iced pear slices on a bed of the freshest chervil. the palate is filigree and savory, lithe, translucent but intense and shimmering with stone and earth, with pear and apple, with chervil and tangy peel. what light-footed, concentrated and yet elegant joy. this is resolutely dry and shows what sylvaner does in the right hands. | zotzenberg grand cru | 93 | 34 |
126,066 | us | a blend of marsanne and grenache blanc, with a dribble of roussanne, this offers fruit that falls on the cool side of tropical. it has fine balance and length. | boushey vineyard l'entente blanc | 88 | 27 |
120,710 | austria | mocha and bitter chocolate are dominant on the nose, and while the body is rich, fresh acidity outlines the contours of a slender body. blueberries follow later while soft tannins make this a versatile player on the table. | hochäcker | 87 | 30 |
106,479 | spain | medicinal, sweet and short on complexity for a wine of this price. the palate has a choppy, rough feel and then comes an onslaught of medicinal berry flavor that leads to a tight, biting finish that's big on acid and low on depth of flavor and intracacies you might expect for $80. more of a novelty wine; 160 cases made. | valdemuz | 85 | 80 |
125,035 | spain | smells damp and murky, with raisin and other sweet berry aromas along with some mulch. the palate brings more freshness, but it's grabby and tannic as it delivers prune, raisin and berry flavors in front of coffee and herbs on the finish. good but smells and tastes a little overripe. | el vino del buen amor | 85 | 22 |
114,039 | us | a blend of 54% petit verdot, 42% zinfandel and 4% cabernet sauvignon that doesn't hold back in ripeness or body, this offers brick, blackberry and chocolate in equal waves. the texture is lush, plush and softly layered, dusted in mocha and vanilla bean. | rector creek vineyard block 4 | 90 | 80 |
88,332 | france | effectively a blanc de noirs, made from 100% pinot noir, this fresh wine has weight and richness. it is full, packed with acidity and pink grapefruit flavors that cut through the ripe texture. it is a food wine, rich and full-bodied. | perle noire brut grand cru | 90 | 60 |
49,717 | us | this blend of sauvignon blanc (60%) and sémillon—all from klipsun vineyard—saw only eight months of neutral french barrel aging. it brings a pleasing assortment of fig, herbs, tropical fruit and corn silk notes with a broad, creamy texture and a drawn-out finish. | optu | 91 | 32 |
123,898 | france | from a single parcel in this estate, this wine is a rich merlot-dominated wine. it has dark tannins and plenty of juicy blackberry fruits that are deeply spiced by the wood aging. it is a full wine, ripe although with a fine streak of finishing acidity. drink from 2019. | l'angelot | 91 | 25 |
77,323 | us | this is a cabernet with intense berry concentration and soft tannins. it's very dry and savory, with leathery black cherry and cassis bursting almost out of its seams, finishing with a hint of dark chocolate. nicely crafted, this shouldn't overpower your food. | estate reserve | 90 | 36 |
123,157 | france | dry, yes, but this wine is also soft and ripe. it has an attractive toasty character giving power to the midpalate. it's in the finish that the real acidity and dryness show most. | extra brut | 87 | 52 |
21,772 | us | too hot and sweet, this zin weighs in at 16.2% of alcohol. it has blackberry and cocoa flavors spiced with chile peppers. | summit creek | 82 | 19 |
2,100 | us | former wild horse proprietor ken volk is back with his own personal brand after selling the winery. he's sourced his fruit from this very famous old vineyard. it's a good start, a deep golden wine showing ripe apricot, pear and sweet smoky oak flavors. | sierra madre vineyard | 87 | 24 |
67,108 | us | the vineyard is source of high-quality fruit, but also intense mountain tannins that require time to melt. under those tannins is dramatically rich black currant and carob fruit flavor, easily big enough to sustain 100% new french oak. by 2009 this 100% cab should begin to soften and sweeten, and it will drink beautifully for at least six more years. | hillside reserve | 93 | 108 |
36,555 | france | black fruits and rich tannins bring out the fruitiness. a strongly mineral character gives structure, while still allowing room for the red cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. it will age, so drink from 2016. | l'aurore des côtes | 90 | 22 |
11,579 | italy | violet, wild rose and woodland berry aromas lead the nose in this lively, polished and joyful wine. the lightly sparkling palate doles out red cherry, crushed strawberry, candied tangerine zest and ginger hints. crisp acidity lends a clean, dry finish. | vecchia modena premium | 91 | 16 |
1,704 | israel | the 18 months of aging in 90% american oak really shows in the forward flavors and aromas of vanilla and mocha. some black fruit shines through on the palate in the form of cassis and black cherry. balanced and round, though generally light weight. | estate bottled reserve kosher | 86 | 35 |
73,912 | us | the wine is easy-drinking, smooth and tasty, really needing no further aging to show its stuff. polished tannins, round sweet fruit, plenty of baking spices and a chocolaty finish—what's not to like? | conner lee vineyard | 88 | 32 |