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45,624 | france | finely balanced, crisp and clean, a pure delight. the wine has a delicious swathe of fresh strawberry and pink grapefruit, in a style that is wine-y, ready for food. the final acidity is soft, but always fresh. | brut rosé | 91 | 50 |
117,087 | us | a brooding, savory and smoothly textured wine, velvety more than silky, this offers black tea, truffle and high-toned cherry. the wine is named for sandstone, “mother rock” of the goldridge soils that are so prominent where these vines dig down. soft, it's also lengthy, a substantial and substantive bottling. | estate grown mother rock | 93 | 115 |
78,854 | us | there's an elegant blend of red cherry, rose petal and purple-flower aromas on the nose of this wine. the palate is even more exquisitely layered, with espresso, dark red cherry, black plum, mission fig, north african spice and a touch of mint, all hung on a solid tannic structure. | illuminatus hidden valley vineyard reserve | 93 | 39 |
6,658 | france | an astoundingly characterful rosé, the mordorée tavel has a hugely complex nose of cherry, carnation and strawberry set against a backdrop of herbes de provence. intensely flavorful in the mouth, this wine finishes on a long note of lemon zest and white cherries. an excellent foil for roast pork. | la dame rousse | 90 | 24 |
117,743 | us | this exceptional release is firm and focused, with lip-smacking acidity. tart apple and tangy limeade pack the core flavors, underscored with wet-stone minerality. | pfeiffer vineyards | 91 | 24 |
77,237 | austria | soft and aromatic hints of orange fruit and zest play on the nose. riper hints of juicy mirabelle also join. the palate has the same, fragrant, generous and appetizing aspect of fruit, but has an extra dimension of savoriness from yeast and a wonderfully linear body, shaped by freshness and zest. the finish is long, tangy and aromatic. | grillenparz reserve | 93 | 40 |
113,001 | us | while the nose is demure, with just a touch of rose petal remniscent of gewürztraminer, this dry white gains body and power on the palate. there's a surprising intensity of stone fruit flavor that remains through the finish. | dry | 86 | 15 |
88,118 | us | smoke and oak pronounce themselves vigorously on the nose and entry of this 100% varietal wine, which holds on with a tight grip. black fruit dominates with leather, chocolate and tobacco playing secondary roles. the finish is lengthy and powerful. | estate grown | 90 | 55 |
81,083 | georgia | a restrained nose of fuji apple does not reveal much about what is in the glass. this wine is a bit stiff on the palate, with floral and citrus flavors that never seem to completely come together on the taste buds. | kondoli single vineyard rkatsiteli | 84 | 14 |
75,986 | us | this pinot offers a substantial amount of big, concentrated fruit, from plum to ripe, almost baked cherry, the kind you'd find in a pie. pronounced oak underlies a sizable amount of tannin structure, with savory spice and earthy leather layered into the wine. | the famous gate | 89 | 75 |
84,779 | us | elements of granite and steel combine with scents of pork fat and flavors of wild berries. the tannins are smooth and supple, and the wine carries a streak of green olive through the finish. | mo | 90 | 28 |
29,383 | us | norm yost named this wine after his wife. it shows rich, deep and mysterious aromas, from dried rose petals and cherries to funky mushrooms, fresh-cut sagebrush, maple and damp wood. it's very full once sipped, with a mushroom ragu element cut by red cherries, orange peels, cranberries and a forest floor finish. this pinot could handle a big steak. | kate's cuvee rio vista vineyard | 93 | 55 |
61,359 | us | this is a simple wine, your basic country red. if it were from italy, you'd drink it from a carafe, overlooking some beautiful scenery. dry and tannic, it has earthy-berry flavors and a spicy finish. | frontier red lot no. 90 | 83 | 12 |
38,147 | us | this wine comes from three-year-old vines at this esteemed vineyard. lighter in color, it has aromas that pop and are very primary, with notes of boysenberry, raspberry and herb. lighter in style, the flavors are pure and direct, showing no new oak influence (neutral barrels for four months) and an appealing feel. the purity is dazzling. it impresses on its own but is meant to be shown at the dinner table. | red willow vineyard | 91 | 28 |
115,710 | us | it has been some years since i last tasted this proprietary bordeaux blend, and it's nice to see it's a very good wine. a little hard and unresolved now, it shows a wealth of oak-infused blackberry, cherry, olive and cocoa flavors, and an acid-tannin balance that will help it age. best 2008–2010 or so. | trésor | 90 | 55 |
11,489 | us | the trick to getting a cabernet sauvignon this ripe and oaky is to provide balance, and in this, écluse has succeeded. made from 100% cabernet, it's enormously rich in blackberries and black currants, with dark chocolate, licorice and spice adding complexity. the tannins are, in a word, gorgeous. with high alcohol, the mouthfeel has a cognac-like warmth, but doesn't feel uncomfortably hot. drink now for fresh fruitiness. | reserve lock vineyard | 92 | 69 |
5,869 | us | this is a fun, flavorful blend of 63% merlot, 14% syrah, 10% cabernet sauvignon, 9% petit verdot and 4% malbec. soft, juicy red fruit meets sizable tannin and leathery oak laced in vanilla. | srb | 88 | 19 |
77,532 | us | being 100% varietal, aromas of barrel spice are prominent at present, followed by black fruit. the fruit flavors are sweet but still lighter in style, with lightly grainy tannins backing them up. it's surprisingly restrained considering the warmth of the vintage and region. | blackwood canyon | 88 | 60 |
61,457 | us | leather, cedar and tobacco figure most prominently here with an additional 12% cabernet sauvignon in the blend helping matters. the juicy core of blackberry and currant brushes against a rustic, burliness of tannin that finds balance and restraint on the finish. | classic collection | 90 | 24 |
102,125 | australia | this vintage of rocky gully riesling comes across as quite ripe and rich despite the modest alcohol content. smoky hints of struck flint and heating oil spice up flavors of baked apple and vanilla, then linger on the finish. | rocky gully | 91 | 25 |
12,271 | us | firm, ripe and fruity, with a nice mix of plums, berries and earth. the mountain fruit shows good acids, some mineral elements, and a long, complex finish with a fair amount of earth and barnyard. a distinctive, earthy style. | bradford mountain | 91 | 21 |
77,275 | us | the nose on this cabernet franc seduces with scents of rich, ripe berries and cherries accented with granite, vanilla and spice. the palate, however, is more reserved with a dusty, earthen tone that seeps into ruddy red-fruit flavors. brisk and medium-bodied, it finishes moderately long. | ingle vineyard | 85 | 25 |
128,076 | us | subtle smoke notes accent tangerine, lemon and lime in this invigorating dry riesling. fermented via ambient yeast, its refinement and restrained elegance sets it apart from casa larga's other rieslings. the finish is lingering yet fresh. | wild ferment | 89 | 25 |
16,737 | us | this creamy, lush wine expresses orange and tangerine fruit mostly, with slight cherry and strawberry accents. high-toned acidity lifts the riper, plush mouthfeel. | grace benoist ranch estate grown rosé of | 90 | 28 |
76,486 | italy | pa' riondo is a fresh, fruit-forward ripasso with loads of cherry, blackberry and cassis on the bouquet. that natural freshness continues to the mouth, where the wine shows good acidity backed by hearty concentration and density. | pa' riondo | 88 | 26 |
77,160 | france | a firmly tannic wine that has great spice and a solid structure. it is rich and fruity with acidity supporting the generous black fruits. with its density and structure, the wine will certainly age well. drink from 2018. | poncié | 90 | 22 |
109,034 | france | this wine is so typical of the area. it's defined by a stony, dry nose, citrus and tropical fruit flavors, a lean, tight finish and mouth-cleaning acids. it's hardly the deepest, most complex wine you'll find, but not all good wines have to be complicated. | le cris | 87 | 20 |
4,316 | us | the king of new york state riesling pulls it off again. this wine opens with a gorgeous blend of mineral and fruit. the vibrant flavors follow through in the mouth with wet stones, apricot, pear and just a touch of slate. the long, elegant finish justifies every penny of the $18 price tag. | dry | 89 | 18 |
113,583 | us | has a pretty copper-partridge color and is very dry, with crisp, mouthwatering acidity and a yeasty, leesy tartness. flavorwise, this bubbly is about subtle raspberries, cherry skin, tangerine, brioche and vanilla. feels a bit full-bodied and juvenile now. the suggestion is ageability. try after 2012, if you can properly cellar. | j. schram rosé | 94 | 130 |
106,681 | spain | this rock-solid carignan feels raw and snappy. its ripe cassis, prune and vanilla aromas are heady but not overtly oaky. lightly herbal plum and black cherry flavors finish dry and tannic, with a cool-vintage sense of freshness. | anayón | 90 | 35 |
52,244 | us | wine doesn't get much more specific than this single block, single clone 100% cabernet franc from weinbau vineyard. unfortunately the wood (100% new french) gets in the way of the herb, cherry, and floral aromas and flavors. | weinbau vineyard block 13 clone 2 | 87 | 52 |
113,607 | italy | fun and refreshing, this vivacious sparkler boasts white peach, banana and pineapple flavors alongside invigorating bubbles. vibrant acidity gives it a crisp finish. | lunetta | 86 | 14 |
86,438 | us | floral and inviting, this features 24% chardonnay in an otherwise pinot noir-based sparkler. the two combine for an inviting nose of fresh wild strawberry jam amidst a smooth, silky texture and creamy mousse. the acidity is sharp and generous. | brut reserve pinot noir rosé | 91 | 35 |
117,438 | france | honeyed, ripe pear meets far earthier notes of cep mushrooms on the nose. the palate majors on bright, softly sweet pear notes but ends in a harmonious, citrus-fresh dryness. a balanced wine of great subtlety with an absolutely clean-cut finish. | bruderthal grand cru | 91 | 35 |
128,464 | italy | air-dried falanghina grapes are pressed to produce a golden-colored dessert wine with aromas of dried hay, honey, almond, apricot and even a touch of fresh celery that lends a zesty, green accent. the finish is dominated by rich flavors of dried apple. | passito 375ml | 88 | 25 |
94,778 | italy | fragrant purple flowers, iris, dark berry and tilled soil aromas come together in the glass along with a balsamic note. the elegantly structured palate offers wild cherry, aniseed, white pepper and aromatic herb. it's nicely balanced, with fresh acidity and still austere but refined tannins that need to loosen up. drink 2017–2025. | pietra rossa | 93 | 50 |
45,834 | us | this has a soft core that's framed by citrusy acids, with an oxidative apple flavor that starts out with full steam, but loses some momentum on the midpalate. try pairing this with crab cakes with a mild celeriac remoulade. | estate bottled dry | 84 | 16 |
34,054 | us | this soft, light-bodied wine is on the savory side, a taste of cranberry and rhubarb at its core. it dances in cooler-climate aspects of forest floor and herb, with an unexpected aroma of menthol sneaking into the mix. | hurst vineyard | 88 | 45 |
24,974 | us | while earthy on the nose, the palate of this stainless-steel fermented tocai offers pretty, primary flavors of apricot, tangerine and rose-petal jam. luscious in body and texture, it's soft in acidity and finishes with a touch of warmth on the finish. | proprietor's special reserve | 87 | 20 |
36,588 | us | lots of richness and a multi-layered personality make this deep-colored, full-bodied wine delicious and interesting too. it's a big red, with bold berry and black cherry flavors, an especially attractive texture that's velvety and firm at the same time, and a long, lingering finish. | grandmere | 92 | 65 |
34,717 | us | this is a very pretty wine, though not nearly as substantial as the 2009. fruit flavors of strawberry and light cherry are set over tart acids. the palate softens up a bit and runs through a quick, clean fade. | adalfo's block | 88 | 38 |
103,125 | us | a blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% syrah—this is a focused wine, with complex nuances of licorice, tar, mineral and lead pencil, but it is buttressed by the compact, concentrated red and black fruits. the dusty tannins are reminiscent of a napa wine, with excellent length and polish. | phinny hill vineyard columbia rediviva | 94 | 48 |
117,216 | france | the third and most impressive wine in a series of single-vineyard wines, from the 900-foot plateau above the lot river. this is a wine to age, very mineral in character and very structured, with tight tannins. keep for six years and more. | clos triguedina les petites cailles | 94 | 30 |
76,076 | us | this is a hearty coming-together of cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, syrah and petite sirah. it dances in baked plum and raisin as a tartness of cherry and savory dried herb counterbalances the rich ripeness and sizable tannin. | mixt | 88 | 50 |
70,976 | us | from fruit grown in carneros, 74% of it chardonnay and 26% pinot noir, this includes grapes from both hudson and hyde vineyards. gorgeously full bodied and elegant, it's dry on the palate with vibrant acidity to balance the tangy flavors of cherry, pomegranate and cranberry. | querencia brut rosé | 92 | 55 |
100,174 | us | good cabernet character all around. the nose is spicy and full, with tobacco, pepper and red berry fruit to start. on the palate, good tannic structure and a balance of big fruit, leather/tobacco and acid offer ageability and finesse. a good food wine—pair it with grilled beef this summer. | owner's reserve | 87 | 55 |
12,364 | us | very focused and pure fruit aromas and flavors give this medium-bodied wine a tasty and straightforward personality. the texture is relaxed due to soft acidity and tannins, and everything tastes fresh and clean. | wildcreek canyon | 85 | 7 |
8,266 | italy | bright and savory, this floral scented pecorino offers juicy tropical fruit and lemon drop sensations accented by notes of mint and thyme. the ripe fruit is balanced by brisk acidity that leaves the palate feeling cleansed and refreshed. | rugaro gold | 89 | 17 |
90,549 | france | this four-variety blend shows that crisp, refreshing white wines can emerge from the southern rhône. hints of pineapple, pear and mandarin orange mark this medium-bodied white. drink now–2016. | camp romain | 88 | 16 |
3,791 | us | well-made in an opulent, hearty style, this vineyard-designated chardonnay is barrel-rich and full-bodied. floral on the nose, and tasting of oak, crème brûlée and vanilla extract on the palate. | carsi vineyard | 88 | 32 |
29,345 | us | a pretty pale peach color, the strawberry aromas are quite light while the flavors are tart and spritely. it piques the interest. | falcon series estate | 87 | 17 |
62,275 | france | ripe and full of raspberries, this has a structure well cushioned by the ripe texture. the wine is packed with acidity while having a sense of floral, aromatic fruitiness. from four different parcels in premier cru, this seductive wine will also age well. drink from 2018. | premier cru | 93 | 113 |
93,796 | chile | lots of cedar is evident on the nose and palate of this red blend. the berry and cassis aromas and flavors are a bit hard to discern and also bear a too-prominent minty, slightly herbaceousness. this medium weight wine closes with a dry tart woodiness that lacks mass appeal. | finis terrae | 83 | 32 |
124,910 | us | the estate napanook is made to be soft in tannin and fresh in fruit. it succeeds in this vintage on both accounts, blending 92% cabernet sauvignon with 5% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc, allowing the wine to age in 20% new barrels. clove, currant, black tea and chocolate-covered raspberry lie luxuriously on the palate, finishing in velvety violet. drink now through 2023. | napanook vineyard | 93 | 69 |
80,695 | us | from a vineyard smack in the middle of the rutherford bench, this delights in spicy clove, black plum and blackberry. buoyant in acidity, the wine lifts its dusty tannins to a softness that tastes velvety. chocolate and raspberry form an alliance on the lengthy finish. | morisoli vineyard | 92 | 80 |
25,498 | italy | aromas of prune, raisin and baking spice lead the nose. the youthfully austere, primary palate shows raisin and ground pepper alongside bracing tannins that clench the finish. give the tannins another couple of years then drink to capture the remaining fruit. | collepiano | 88 | 50 |
98,272 | us | named for nickel's number on the periodic table, this hillside vineyard site is located across lake hennessey on the eastern edge of the valley. entirely varietal, it offers juicy layers highlighted in cedar, mountain sage and mellowed chocolate. the oak and tannin are well integrated and deeply embedded, providing support and structure. | element 28 | 91 | 130 |
27,440 | us | a super-dark, well integrated, gamy, ripe and tannic malbec that opens well and dives straight into savory and peppery characteristics. the wine is an interesting, fruit-forward version of california malbec from a vineyard more known for cabernet sauvignon. big (15% alcohol) but age-worthy. | amber knolls vineyard | 90 | 50 |
1,154 | australia | this wine boasts admirable complexity, but comes across as a bit angular, with the acids maybe a touch too prominent. still, the flavors of mint, pepper and meat layered over plum and raspberry fruit offer a lot to like, and the acids may actually make this wine more versatile with food than many more unctuous shiraz. | old vine | 87 | 19 |
46,037 | france | the estate dates back to before the french revolution. today, it is run by philippe girard who has produced this delightfully crisp wine. its acidity and its tangy texture show its youthful side. that needs to calm down and broaden out, so wait until 2018. | philippe girard | 88 | 26 |
9,337 | italy | aromas of toast, blue flowers, sage and mineral lead the nose. the bright palate offers red berry, clove, orange rind and roasted coffee beans alongside firm acidity and assertive tannins. drink through 2020. | sassella le tense | 89 | 36 |
9,534 | us | sultry blackberry, tobacco leaf, caramel and black pepper spice show on the nose of this well-integrated, brooding but fresh nose. the palate is rich, flavorful and vivacious, with lilac, lavender, boysenberry and olallieberry deepening into tar, char and smoked meats. | zayante vineyard | 92 | 35 |
54,912 | germany | a lacy, sugary veil lends a slightly candied feel to this ripe but light-footed riesling. the palate is abundant and plush, loaded with sweet apricot, melon and stone fruit flavors balanced by fresh acidity. enjoy while young. | piesporter michelsberg | 88 | 17 |
9,490 | greece | currants, cherry and cocoa aromas give this cabernet a luscious start. on the palate, a smoky wave of cherry, blackberry and cedar is both exotic and likeable. this is a tight wine but has appealing fruit accents. | estate hatzimichalis | 88 | 20 |
32,428 | argentina | this shows patented bold blackberry aromas of cabernet but also herbal, spicy, leafy notes as well. a crisp but thorough palate features pointy acidity, while herbal flavors of cassis, plum, spice, pepper and chocolate finish crisp and a bit sharp. drink through 2022. | altitud | 89 | 25 |
107,928 | portugal | vineyard redevelopment and a new winery contributed to this fine expression of ripe alicante bouschet wine under the direction of catarina vieira. it's rich and structured, reflecting the grape. the dark color and powerful spice and black-fruit flavors are right up front to give a dense wine that will always be firm. the wine comes in a very heavy bottle. | grande rocim reserva | 90 | 95 |
54,250 | portugal | a powerful, concentrated wine, full of dark tannins, ripe fruit and rich texture. this is a wine based on a solid structure—very firm in character while still allowing the gorgeous fruits to express themselves. it's obviously destined for long-term aging. | vintage | 96 | 110 |
60,923 | spain | a genuinely attractive, well-made old vines red with earthy, minerally aromas along with violet petal and blackberry. the palate has a fine feel to it, depth and complexity, while flavors of dry berry and baking spices work wonders. dry, pure and long on the finish, and really quite excellent for a vino de tierra. drink now through 2014. | dominus gran selección viñedos viejos | 91 | 50 |
26,857 | spain | rich berry and graham-cracker aromas announce a ripe, easygoing monastrell-syrah blend. chewy and slightly sinewy in feel, this offers heaps of tasty but creamy oak and vanilla to go with spicy, herbal berry fruit. a creamy, thick finish is fitting for a warm-climate wine like this. | marionette | 90 | 18 |
74,837 | italy | with eight years of age on it, this wine is at a beautiful point in its evolution with delicate elegance, refined perfumes and special accents on cinnamon, mineral tones and bright fruit. it's sophisticated and persistent, with silky tannins and sweet spice on the close. | schidione | 93 | 138 |
4,793 | italy | this crisp vermentino would make a great companion to smoked salmon or swordfish carpaccio. the wine is bright and zesty with simple citrus and spice on the close. | massi di mandorlaia | 85 | 19 |
93,965 | us | thin, sour and hard, this has simple cranberry fruit, with stem and earth flavors. | westside blocks | 83 | 45 |
80,506 | france | this is a fruity wine, full of red-cherry flavors. they are framed by the firmer texture and tannins that give the wine its character. the wine is delicious and crisp with a lively aftertaste. drink now. | vieilles vignes | 89 | 24 |
109,272 | us | this wine has pleasing richness, lending warmth across a full palate. forward berry and cherry flavors fill the mouth, offering an accessible burst of fresh flavor in a somewhat blocky frame. there's a jolt of spice and a streak of cola, all quite tasty. the wine spent 19 months in 53% new french oak. | sommers reserve | 91 | 50 |
25,049 | france | dominated by ripe sémillon, this is a rich wine. it has a touch of herbaceousness, but the yellow fruits, pears and stroke of lemon give a full-bodied, rounded feel. wood aging adds further to the satisfying flavors. | cuvée des conti | 88 | 17 |
115,214 | italy | this opens with alluring aromas of granny smith apple, citrus zest and a hint of flint. on the creamy palate, notes of alpine herb and mineral accent abate fetel pear and tangy nectarine. lively acidity gives it a crisp finish. while enjoyable now, it will also drink well for several years. enjoy through 2020. | anna | 91 | 25 |
50,257 | us | this is a well-composed and memorable wine. it offers a wealth of complexity in dusty graphite and black cherry, teased by wisps of soy and tobacco. the finish shows spicy clove that lasts for days. | garrett brown vineyard | 93 | 105 |
31,137 | italy | this is an impressive wine. like its name suggests, terra rossa (red earth) is bold and opulent with unrelenting aromas of dark berry, leather, spice and chocolate fudge. toasted-oak notes fill in the background and remind you that this is a modern expression of brunello that will appeal to those who love a soft and layered style. all that rich red fruit softens the natural acidity of the vintage. | terra rossa | 92 | 45 |
95,373 | spain | tea and root beer aromas carry a slight rubber slant. a choppy, angular palate is home to savory oak, berry and plum flavors. on the finish, olive and herbal fruit flavors are propped up by live-wire acidity. drink this long-laster through 2024. | gran reserva tempranillo-graciano-mazuelo | 90 | 33 |
112,834 | us | candylike oak aromas and flavors dominate this full-bodied and rather tannic wine. it smells and tastes like vanilla, fresh-sawn oak and maple syrup. some ripe plum flavors in the background are nearly sweet. | old vine | 86 | 19 |
104,774 | us | idaho and merlot are not thoughts that generally spring together in the mind of the wine consumer, but ste. chapelle makes a good run at crafting an attractive, perfectly balanced wine here. the fruit is cherry and lightly herbal, and there are interesting flavors of earth and mocha, too. best buy. —p.g. | value series | 87 | 7 |
39,105 | spain | earthy plum and berry aromas precede a racy, high-acid palate that's fresh and sharp. snappy red plum and wild berry flavors finish tannic, with oak spice and mild chocolate notes. this is a power-packed wine that will last a long time; drink through 2028. | crianza | 91 | 19 |
117,093 | us | plump mulberries and ripe black cherries meet with black sage and dark, clove-y herbs on the nose of this wine from bentrock vineyard. the rich, concentrated palate surrounds a dense raspberry core, proving quite lively thanks to the camphor and sage-like spice that carries deep into the finish. | je ne sais quoi | 93 | 60 |
12,805 | us | very juicy if straightforward aromas of blueberry and blackberry rise off of this fun and easy-drinking syrah from the carhartt family, whose estate is in the middle of the santa ynez valley. the palate builds on those ripe elements with a bit of tar and dried fruit. | rancho santa ynez | 88 | 32 |
51,422 | us | cherry, cassis and a yeasty celebration of grapes mark this wine, which is a majority varietal with small amounts of merlot, petit verdot, malbec, syrah and cabernet franc. medium bodied, it's softly approachable and priced to serve for a crowd. | andriana's cuvee | 88 | 20 |
111,472 | france | this ripe, concentrated wine brings out the fruit of the vintage, ripe blackberries and currants. tannins integrate well into the fruity character of the wine. black cherry acidity comes through strongly at the end. | sélection vieilles vignes | 88 | 35 |
129,683 | germany | breathtaking scents of white peach and blossom introduce this pristinely peachy wine. it's invigoratingly fresh, laced by a gossamer fringe of sweetness and vivacious lemon-lime acidity that lingers on and on. delicately textured yet deeply penetrating. | spätlese | 93 | 31 |
47,847 | portugal | this great north-facing vineyard is opposite the village of tua in the heart of the douro. it has produced this densely rich wine from selected parcels in a spectacular cypress-lined vineyard on the south bank of the douro river. aged for 18 months in wood, the juicy black fruits and acidity balance intense spice and toast flavors of this powerful wine. keep until 2019. | quinta dos aciprestes grande reserva | 93 | 55 |
77,191 | us | very light in the glass and fresh on the nose, this bottling by chumash tribe descendant tara gomez offers aromas of lemon blossom and honeydew rind. there is good tension to the sip, which is very much focused on texture, with flashes of green apple skins and lime peels, proving quite tight and zesty. | camp 4 vineyard | 90 | 24 |
97,815 | france | one of the rare white wine produced in beaujolais from chardonnay. this is fresh with an attractive mineral content, touches of lemon and a ripe final aftertaste. | domaine romy | 84 | 17 |
26,929 | us | simple and sharp in acidity, this pinot has a jammy raspberry flavor. it tastes sugary-sweet all through the finish. it was tasted twice. | grand reserve | 82 | 26 |
99,514 | us | it's sharp, young and citrusy, nicely spiced with herb and leavened with earth. the flavors are just beginning to blossom. although it will continue to open up over the next year or more, showing more of the earthy, composty underpinnings, it doesn't seem to have the depth to develop significantly. it finishes with distinctly herbal and somewhat earthy tannins. | wild eyed | 89 | 45 |
69,153 | us | a very approachable and ready-to-drink nonvintage red blend, this has about eight varietals in the mix. aromas suggest buttered cherry soufflé served atop a plank of smoked cedar. there's a woody sense to the palate as well, with espresso and cherry liqueur. | repertoire | 88 | 22 |
48,829 | us | tight in tannin weight and breadth, this big-boned wine is muscular in leather, blackberry and mocha, and robust in power and ripeness. the force of its flavor finds additional strength and length on the finish. | wild oak vineyard | 90 | 38 |
42,087 | us | a tarry, soft, straight-shooting red wine with a subtle herbal component, touch of anise and long finish. there is excitement building in the sierra foothills about the potential for cab franc and this is a fine place to start exploring. pair with a meat—chicken, lamb or pork—richly adorned in herbs to bring out the wine's herbal notes more fully. | grace, hope & joy | 88 | 60 |
106,327 | france | this wine is tight and flinty. crisp lemon and apple flavors are textured with a steely character that needs time to broaden out. drink this mineral wine from 2019. | vers cras | 88 | 28 |
72,150 | spain | mature, ripe aromas of rooty berry fruits mix with tobacco scents on a soft, raisiny nose. this is easygoing in feel, with jammy roundness. raisin, cocoa and ripe berry flavors finish heady, soft and chocolaty. drink now. | reserva | 90 | 27 |
68,496 | spain | tropical aromas of lychee, green melon and peach come with hints of sweat and pine that can be attributed to the 20% sauvignon blanc in the blend. this is racy, lean and citric in feel, with tangerine, lime and passion fruit flavors. a lean, pithy, citrusy finish is crisp and clean. | fuenteseca | 86 | 12 |
94,628 | australia | given the paucity of quality viognier (or any viognier) for under $15, this is a notable achievement. musky, melony and spicy, it marries ample weight and breadth with just enough life-giving acidity. drink now. | the y series | 87 | 13 |
73,997 | us | this cabernet is a blend of estate and purchased fruit. in a successful year, it rivals stag's leap's best wines, including cask 23, and 2008 was a very successful year. blended with 2% merlot, and aged in lots of new french oak, the wine is, in a word, stunning. rich, flashy blackberry and dark chocolate flavors are anchored by an earthiness suggesting cured olives and dried herbs. delicious now, this beauty should develop additional complexities throughout the decade. | artemis | 95 | 55 |