wine_id
int64
1
130k
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41 values
description
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designation
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int64
80
100
price
float64
4
2.01k
125,545
us
this blend of 63% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 7% petit sirah is fun yet serious, with roast beef, asphalt, dried herbs and elderberry aromas. its tannins are firm and clinging, making the palate quite dry, with more dark fruit and char elements.
bob wine
88
34
76,797
us
this wine is a blend of roussanne (58%), marsanne (21%) and grenache blanc from olsen and boushey vineyards. unusual aromas of apricot, herb, lees, toasted grape-nuts and candle wax lead to waxy stone-fruit flavors. it doesn't all come together.
apparition
87
24
2,460
us
the color of decades-aged chardonnay, medium-to-dark straw, this dessert wine is rich in toasted almonds and hazelnuts, with secondary flavors of baked apple and stone fruit. mouthfillingly rich, it remains balanced and complex, lingering on the finish in baking spices.
botrytised
90
45
13,099
italy
black spice, root beer, tar and a touch of smoke are backed by prune, plum and dried currants. you'll also recognize aromas of green olive or caper and this riserva barbaresco is very elegant and feminine overall. don't wait too long to drink this wine, it's at its height now.
rio sordo riserva
89
70
108,960
italy
raw oak, coconut and roasted coffee bean aromas carry over to the palate along with licorice and espresso but it lacks fruit richness. astringent, grainy tannins clench the bracing finish.
lurens
85
60
97,051
us
old zinfandel plant material from santa cruz was propagated in one of the most inhospitable sites for grapes on catalina island to make this wine—a fascinating story for any history lover. the wine itself is somewhat simple, with generic red fruit, turned loam and black pepper scents, followed by cranberry, white pepper and crushed rock flavors on the palate.
santa catalina island vineyards
88
72
3,438
us
though a reserve bottling, this shows a very fresh and sprightly side of the grape rather than its dense face. squeezed blackberries, just-picked thyme and a touch of burnt caramel show on the nose, while the palate offers concord grape, boysenberry and iced-coffee flavors.
reserve
88
55
48,367
us
dark in color for a rosé, a weird orange, root beer color, and heavy in the mouth, with sugary sweet, jammy raspberry and apricot flavors.
rosé of
82
16
34,779
france
moving towards medium-sweet, this is a honeyed, spicy wine, ripe and full of fruits. an easy, entry-level wine, it's deliciously rich and ready to drink.
réserve
86
22
116,513
us
bright, clean flavors of cranberry and strawberry make this dry rosé easy on the palate and the wallet. there's a fruity kick on the nose followed by a dry but flavorful wave of flavors that seem perfect for a picnic or summertime sip under flapping sails. pair this with seafood or poultry or experiment a little—its refreshing, crisp quality will play well with most foods.
dry
87
15
50,783
us
a drop in alcohol by more than a full percent since the excellent 2009 nysa was released suggests that this vintage did not achieve optimal ripeness. bitter upon entry, with a medicinal note, this remains stiff and unyielding, with tart cranberry fruit and sharp acids.
nysa vineyard
86
55
90,628
spain
with its day-glo pink color, this smells stalky and lacks the aromatic freshness one seeks in rosé. the mouthfeel is reasonably lively and grabby, with briny, pickled citrus flavors in front of a briny tasting finish.
vivanco tempranillo-garnacha
83
13
12,143
us
this is a lovely expression of this vineyard site, sometimes classified as sonoma coast. it captures the cool-climate province of the vines in crisp, classic ways, allowing elegant layers of pear, guava and lime to express and coalesce, finishing with a tease of voluptuousness.
charles heintz vineyard
91
65
103,174
england
a lifting mix of golden, ripe apple, chamomile, moss and honey signals richness and some maturity. the palate is poised and holds all of these flavours tightly in a soaring, slender structure that is built on a firm foundation of bright acidity and subtle earthiness. grown-up, taut, generous and poised, this is a honey-edged homage to the south downs.
south ridge cuvée merret brut
94
38
117,351
us
light bodied and nicely dry, this is a lean and refreshing wine that tastes like crisp apples and raspberries, has great balance and a clean tangy finish. it's very bright and appealing.
grenache
87
20
23,425
us
a rosé of sangiovese, montepulciano and syrah, this has flavors of herb and raspberry, which are etched with nervy acids.
girasole
81
13
38,861
us
nutty and substantial in texture, this pink sparkler is abundant in white peach, flowers and green apple. it's sharp and focused, with rich undertones of cherry and rose. the developed mouthfeel is balanced by dry, stony acidity.
brut rosé
90
45
75,043
us
from a vineyard planted on the edge of freestone by james macphail of macphail family wines and respected grower jim pratt, this wine opens with a splash of white pepper that persists on the soft, silky palate. roses and black tea provide savory flavor, with an intensity of forest floor.
mardikian vineyard
88
75
7,365
us
sourced entirely from the artz vineyard, this sauvignon blanc is quite fruity, concentrated, slightly sweet, and drinking optimally. flavors of melon and citrus carry on through a lush, well-rounded finish.
la donella
88
16
34,984
spain
strong classy oak aromas lead blackberry and baking-spice scents on a potent but textbook rdd nose. this old-vines wine from a benchmark year is tight-fisted and linear in feel, with lemony acidity. fully oaked flavors of blackberry and cassis sit comfortably on a bed of herb and spice notes, while this is oaky, spicy, steady and integrated on the finish. drink through 2027.
vs
92
125
82,887
us
even though the alcohol is a high 15.3% abv, this cabernet tastes like it still has some residual sweetness. it's as rich and ripe in blackberries, but awkward, and doesn't seem capable of aging.
estate
85
80
105,639
us
a really wonderful cabernet, clearly grown well and well made. it has that plush, rich feeling you want in a cabernet sauvignon, with deliciously ripe blackberry, black currant, cassis and dark chocolate flavors. terrific now, and should age for 4–6 years, if not longer.
papa's knoll
93
45
40,945
us
like the label says, this pinot noir-based blend of multiple varieties is sugary sweet, with raspberry, vanilla and toast flavors. it's a refreshing and easy to drink.
sweet rosé
86
14
31,099
israel
yogev (“tiller of the soil” in hebrew) is a 50-50 blend of cabernet and shiraz. bright and spicy with a medium mouthfeel and soft tannins, the wine is loaded with jammy red fruit flavors of tart raspberry and strawberry. ends on a medium to long finish with good intensity.
yogev kosher
86
16
38,922
us
made from 68% pinot noir and 32% syrah, this ethereal wine is pillowy in candied aromas of lemon and lime. pinkish-copper in color, it's light, bright and succulent, and then finishes dry and with brevity.
sangiacomo vineyard
88
24
101,610
france
the top rosé from sacha lichine's esclans estate, this is wood aged and the flavors of wood are apparent, if subtle. the wine has a great smooth texture, the fruit well integrated, showing richness as well as elegance. not classic provence, but certainly impressive.
garrus
92
90
38,607
france
a quirky wine, but largely successful, with upfront tones of clove-spiced orange peel and baking bread followed by dried fruit notes in the mouth. the long finish is on the sweet side and winds down to a note of asian candy.
le moine mœnchberg grand cru
88
55
6,370
us
savory notes are at the fore on this wine, with aromas of saline, dried herbs, earth, stems and flowers. the coffee and earth flavors are sumptuous in feel with an extended finish.
sjr vineyard
93
65
104,675
portugal
the wine is part of a series of single varietal wines produced at the estate. dense and dark, this syrah has rich black fruits, coffee and vanilla flavors, as well as concentrated spice. the wood aging is apparent while bringing smoothness to this ripe, full wine. drink from 2018.
s
91
39
109,743
us
terre rouge's yearly blend of marsanne, roussanne and viognier is always a delightful wine with food. this vintage opens with a pleasant hit of pear followed by spring flowers and delves into creamy textures and layers of honeysuckle and orange rind in the midpalate.
enigma
89
25
111,198
spain
the aromas are a bit too prickly and pickled to call the nose clean, and thus the wine never really achieves solid footing. the raspberry and strawberry fruit is there, but it's marred by sharp, pickled accents, which ultimately don't work in its favor. the feel is nice, as the acidity and tannins are proper. but with too much funk to the nose and palate, it misses the upper echelon.
crianza
84
10
55,911
us
a big, strong chardonnay with prominent buttered toast, buttered popcorn, vanilla, and pineapple-orange jam flavors. elaborate and flashy, but obviously made to appeal to the modern style. drink up.
private reserve
87
37
110,061
italy
this pretty brut rosé offers rich and soothing aromas of baked bread, dried flower, apricot and lavender. the blend is 60-40 pinot nero and chardonnay and both varieties contribute to the overall richness of this sparkling wine.
brut arcadia rosé
89
45
77,311
chile
pure cherry and cassis aromas carry the bouquet to a juicy and tightly wound palate that bears cassis, chocolate and toast flavors. this hits the spot with a long, lightly herbal and solid finish. drink now through 2015.
amplus
90
22
40,956
us
it's not clear what the varietal blend is, but it tastes like a rhône-style wine, and a simple one, at that. soft and silky, it has raspberry, honey, toasted almond and cinnamon flavors.
pantheon
86
22
71,739
us
there's a lot of complex, youthful charm in this cabernet-based wine, which was grown in both of st. supery's estate vineyards, rutherford and dollarhide. it's very rich and ripe in blackberries, cassis, blueberries and dark chocolate, with a savory spiciness. this really defines the napa style, and demonstrates the great success of the 2007 vintage.
élu red wine
93
65
39,595
italy
this opens with a thick, inky texture, and clean flavors of dark prune, cassis and blackberry preserves. the finish is rich, long and supple.
terre del cereolo
88
70
118,966
us
a wine glass can hardly contain this lightly colored wine's generous aromas of black olive, sea salt, crushed flowers, orange peel, black pepper, mineral and smoked meat. the smoke and savory flavors display a fascinating mixture of lightness and intensity, leading to a floral finish that seems near endless.
in the hills estate foothills in the sun vineyard
95
60
4,367
argentina
a smooth operator with sweet aromas of cotton candy, caramel and baked black plum. the palate is exceedingly flush yet refined, while the meaty flavor profile entails roasted berry fruit and herbs. finishes with sweet, easy notes of caramel and toast. drink now through 2013.
cincuenta y cinco
91
120
59,394
us
delicate aromas of raspberry, sagebrush and white pepper make for a lighter yet complex expression of pinot noir from this estate vineyard of richard longoria, who's a regional veteran like the foxen owners. tart and taut flavors of black raspberry, pepper, oregano and leather combine for a very earthy experience, which is simultaneously subtle and stunning.
fe ciega vineyard
94
70
4,234
us
this wine is two-thirds sémillon and one-third sauvignon blanc. aromas of toasted grapenuts, lemon and spice are followed by broad-feeling fruit flavors that show a lightly creamy feel.
proprietary
88
32
89,832
us
this single-vineyard, 100% varietal wine explodes with aromas of freshly ground black pepper, thyme, violets and black cherries. the flavors are supremely pure and transparent, with little apparent new-oak influence and a captivating sense of texture.
art den hoed vineyard
92
32
96,816
france
a wood-aged chenin blanc from the chinon region, this is a new departure for charles joguet. the wine is opulent and concentrated from lees stirring, giving power from the quince fruit and elegance from the smooth texture. it could age for several years.
clos de la plante martin
90
33
54,775
chile
this smooth and inviting blend is impressive for the price. with mildly herbal carmenère-driven aromas of olive and peppery spice, and then a deep and structured palate feel, gold is golden. look for a ton of ripe plum and berry flavor touched up by oak, chocolate and pepper accents. on the finish, it's spicy, peppery, smooth and complete. drink now–2016.
gold carménère-cabernet sauvignon-cabernet franc-petit verdot
92
24
60,319
us
this wine is made from a majority merlot, with sizable percentages of cabernet sauvignon, malbec, cabernet franc and petit verdot. together they weave a lean, simple gathering of red berry and dried herb, that finishes in toasted oak.
five vines
86
49
974
us
it's soft, slightly oxidized, and generic. it's pleasantly quaffable, marked in the finish by some rather bitter toast.
rough house red
85
30
35,276
us
marked by forward flavors of raspberries, strawberries, cherries and brown sugar, this blend is easy to drink. it has good acidity, and finishes clean and off dry.
redvolution
84
23
95,425
us
this wine remains astringent in tannins, with a lockded-down mouthfeel that's hard to get past. but it's very rich in blackberry and cherry fruit. is it worth aging? it's hard to tell if 10 years will be of benefit, but the tannins seem likely to outlast the fruit. drink up over the next 5–6 years.
the altruist
87
50
60,942
us
the vineyard select is made only on occasion. as in 2006, the cuvée includes a splash of petit verdot. from the extraordinary 2007 vintage, this wine has it all: depth, polish and panache. the richly fruity nose brings on the berries and cherries; they fill the palate and add layers of fig, plum, chocolate and coconut.
vineyard select
93
48
59,380
italy
this youthful ten-year-old demonstrates the impressive aging potential of well-made greco di tufo, opening with compelling dried stone fruit, spanish broom, herb and smoky aromas. the round, smooth palate doles out creamy peach, mature bartlett pear and lemon drop flavors. an energizing mineral note lingers on the finish. it's at its peak so drink now.
vittorio
91
35
10,218
spain
a pleasant, softly fruity bubbly with a tad more sweetness than you’d think from “extra dry.” it has some pretty flavors of apple juice with a dash of lime. crisp acidity and fine, distinct bubbles keep things lively and fresh with this very clean crowd-pleaser of a wine.
cordon negro extra dry
85
8
10,603
france
with hubert de bouärd (whose family owns château angélus in bordeaux) as consultant, this estate has produced a ripe wine that has the crispest, purest fruit flavors. red berries and apples shoot through the lightly tannic texture. the wine will be better from late 2016.
impatience
91
19
50,895
france
if a rosé can be serious, this is it. named after the owner, it is a structured, concentrated wine with a dense texture and hints of tannin. it also is fruity, perfumed and refreshing. the edge of pepper does betray the alcohol although that is offset by intense final acidity.
cuvée patricia ortelli
90
35
78,039
france
superripe pear notes on the nose lead to a more slender, defined palate of green conference pear flavors and lovely midpalate texture. this wine has freshness and a juicy, appetizing honesty, with an intriguing bitter-almond finish that is totally moreish.
tradition
90
22
71,248
us
a bitter herbal edge frames this young wine that remains tight and unexpressive, even after many hours. aged in 28% new french oak for 16 months, it may be showing significant bottle shock at this time. the finish is short, hard and slightly bitter.
justice vineyard
87
55
81,738
us
dried herb and bramble notes cast a savory shadow to crisp apple, pear and lemon flavors in this sweet-tart riesling. brisk acidity enlivens the midpalate.
sweet reserve
85
25
24,942
us
this blend of grapes from three different columbia gorge vineyards is immediately appealing, with round, smoky, relatively soft and accessible flavors. it's smooth and seductive, offering bright cherry fruit augmented with that smoky streak and a whiff of tobacco in the finish.
becky's cuvée
88
26
36,740
us
smooth, mellow and dry, this features savory flavors of blackberry jam, cola, licorice and baking spice. it's a sound red wine for drinking with everyday fare.
restitution
85
20
65,817
us
this is very crisply defined, with sculpted fruit flavors of cranberry and raspberry. the wine was aged for 15 months in once-filled barrels, which still add a touch of toast to the flavors. the acids are proportionate and immersive, meaning that they do not intrude, but they support the overall structure beautifully.
articulate
92
40
38,639
us
this wine is half cabernet sauvignon with the rest merlot and cabernet franc. it leans slightly into the green, with aromas of fresh herbs mixed with vanilla, chocolate and other barrel spices. the palate is elegant, with a soft feel to the chocolate, cherry and barrel flavors.
derivative
89
20
45,098
us
a pleasant, easy drinker with notes of red apple, melon and jasmine. it's fleshy in feel with some residual sugar sweetening the finish.
destiny ridge vineyard
85
14
60,620
italy
i papiri is a fresh and fragrant white, with bright aromas of citrus, cut grass and white peach. pair it with any mediterranean fish dish.
i papiri
87
15
41,447
us
intensely oak-driven on the nose, toasted coconut and coffee aromas are front and center. rich, full and round in feel, with solid tannic structure, the palate initially follows suit, however upon further investigation a concentrated core of blackberry and dark plum lies underneath. the fruit is there, yet hidden by a heavy film of makeup.
reserve
86
49
91,451
us
this single clone estate-grown wine was vinified 50-50 in stainless and mainly neutral oak. it's punchy and tight, with complex apple, peach and lemon/lime fruit. a light touch of toast enlivens the back palate and finish. good already, it's designed for ageability. drink now through 2028.
raven
92
30
123,422
italy
this is an unoaked chardonnay, with a fresh and lively bouquet of white flower, stone fruit and lemon zest. the cool-climate alto adige growing conditions help develop the purity and intensity of the grape's aromas.
altkirch
87
15
26,788
us
this wine has peppery, meaty aromas, good flavors that meld beef with berry, and a rich, mouthcoating texture. it's full bodied, very ripe but not sweet, and it encourages one sip after another.
old vine
92
30
22,373
france
the nose is slightly subdued with a faint touch of lemon balm and orange. the palate unpacks this with notes of both citrus and earth. there is something textured about that earthy feel, while all the freshness of lemon and orange zest dazzles the senses. this has purity and precision which lend a sense of weightlessness despite the undoubted power of the wine. the finish is wonderfully dry, refreshing and absolutely lip-smacking. drink 2017–2030.
geisberg grand cru
94
39
39,527
us
this blend of bordeaux varieties (39% cab sauv, 37% merlot, 12% petit verdot, 8% cab franc and 4% malbec) opens with a nice purity of fruit, mainly plum and cassis and shows a deftness of blending. there's a touch of green pepper at the finish.
33 degrees north gracie hill vineyard, bdx
87
33
100,514
us
the aromas seem a bit muddled, with notes of red fruit, herbs, vanilla and flowers. the cherry flavors are tart, with a kick of acidity on the finish.
stakes race
88
36
115,190
canada
high-toned apple-cider aromas on the nose belie the gorgeously fresh palate. this is lip-smackingly good, with a concentrated fresh-fruit flavor that's sweet and bright with notes of hibiscus nectar and honey. it lingers long and smooth on the finish.
icewine gold
90
77
67,064
france
bright and concentrated at the same time, with strong notes of black berries and cassis backed by softer notes of yellow flowers, almond skin, rosemary and pepper. the mouth is lightweight but full, with soft acids and a short but clean finish. very approachable; drink now.
grand terroir tautavel
87
19
48,033
us
seared yellow apple, lemon rinds and pressed white flowers show on the nose of this bottling from the pioneering winery, which was recently acquired by the gallo family. the texture is quite steely with bountiful acidity, but the flavors are a little flat on the sip, where stone fruit and squeezed citrus show.
logan sleepy hollow vineyard
87
28
106,054
us
classic varietal aromas of pear flesh and skin open into just slightly underripe fruit flavors. the wine is balanced and adds tart apple to the pear fruit.
guadalupe vineyard
87
15
61,148
australia
oatley wines, based in eastern australia, sources a few bottlings from out west, like this flagship cabernet. cedar, tobacco and cassis mingle easily on the nose and palate, while the texture is supple, turning to silk on the long finish. drink now–2028.
the pennant
91
70
65,274
us
this reserved and light-bodied wine is blended from four white-grape varieties. it has subtle grassy, earthy aromas, rather neutral fruit flavors and a touch of sweetness on the finish.
ca' secco
86
15
79,201
germany
a delicate streak of honeycomb gilds layers of yellow peaches, apples and tangerines in this off-dry riesling. its concentrated fruitiness is lip smacking, but it's also quite elegant, reverberating long on a steely strike of acidity and minerality. drink now through 2020.
piesporter goldtröpfchen kabinett
90
23
22,439
new zealand
staete landt's upscale pinot noir eschews dark color and extraction in favor of lighter body and soft tannins. leather, cranberry and cocoa aromas lead the way, followed on the palate by a pie cherry note and a slightly medicinal green-herb edge. tart and long on the finish, this wine appears to have the potential to mature gracefully through 2020.
paladin
89
32
43,066
italy
a “super calabria” blend of gaglioppo and cabernet sauvignon, gravello delivers savory notes of leather, dried berry, spice and cured meat. there's a touch of sour cherry on the tasty, rich finish.
gravello
89
30
27,805
us
soft and layered, this perennially impressive vineyard-designate speaks highly of the variety, showing balanced offerings of plum, dark cherry, leather and spice. a smoky oak character lies beneath the fruit, complementing it well, while an expansive tannic presence supports the wine's overall breadth and depth. big boned, this is built to age yet entirely enjoyable now.
three palms vineyard
94
98
71,223
us
wallywood is a rhône-style red, half syrah, 40% mourvèdre and the wild card 10% petite sirah. still young, stiff and tight, its brambly berry flavors are accented with streaks of earth, herb and mineral. this could use another few years in the bottle to open up. otherwise, give it plenty of breathing time.
wallywood
90
42
114,005
italy
blue flower, tilled soil, underbrush, tobacco and dried-cherry aromas waft from the glass of this single-vineyard bottling. the warm palate delivers raisin, prune, graphite, mocha, vanilla and a hint of orange peel alongside bracing tannins. the long finish closes on a mineral note.
mazzano
92
170
56,978
france
this bone-dry wine is beautifully perfumed, rich and full bodied. its ripe texture is cut through with floral, apple and mineral characters that all contribute to the complexity of this concentrated wine. drink from 2017.
schoenenbourg grand cru
91
45
125,450
us
named after the new york city neighborhood where owner jack messina's ancestors first immigrated, this blend of 55% syrah, 27% grenache, 17% mourvèdre and a half-percent each of viognier and roussanne hits the nose with notes of violet, mocha, black cherry, slate and coffee. the tannins are mouthcoating, yet allow tart flavors of cherry and boysenberry to pass through, boosted by smoke and licorice on the edges. drink from 2018.
hell's kitchen
93
54
46,981
france
close to the sainte-victoire mountain, this estate's vineyards run between 900 and 1,300 feet in elevation. that gives this attractive wine its cool feel. it is fruity while also having a tangy texture and fine acidity. the wine is well in balance and full of fruit.
domaine la colombe
86
13
97,266
us
this is one of the most successful syrah-cabernet franc blends in california. the syrah brings blueberry and bacon flavors, and the cabernet provides the black currant note and the tannic backbone. it's already delicious to drink, but allow it to breathe in a decanter for one or two hours.
wavelength sugarloaf mountain vineyard
92
69
23,512
us
spicy, oaky and rich in flavor and texture, this wine tastes of vanilla, butter and ripe red cherries upon first sip, feels soft and easy on the palate. as it opens, more fruit and oaky spice flavors emerge, while firm tannins give it grip.
costa vineyard
90
45
101,270
france
the cinsault that dominates this blend creates a light and gently fruity wine. it has attractive acidity and just the lightest of red-fruit flavors. the aftertaste is soft and tangy with orange zest.
les meyans elégance
86
12
47,287
us
far more tannic and closed down than most oakville bordeaux red wines, this merlot's dry tannins are its main feature. it's tough, dry and astringent, with a core of black cherries, currants and smoky oak. but it shows promise. try cellaring through 2012.
harris vineyard
87
50
19,234
italy
vermentino is a native grape of italy that offers fresh tones of chopped basil, lime and stone fruit. this expression is no exception and the wine is well suited for light lunches of pasta or chicken salad.
etichetta grigia
86
18
127,078
turkey
a nose of cherry, white peach and jalapeño sets the stage. next, flavors of cherry, plum, sage and thyme work their way through the mouth with an interesting juxtaposition of fruit and savory notes. super-soft, almost invisible tannins give way to a smooth finish hallmarked by notes of fresh minerality.
pendore
92
33
75,536
france
an assertive, almost fizzy champagne that shows crisp, even steely flavors before a short finish. a bit of burnt match can be detected in the back of the palate, and the wine, though perfectly sound, ultimately comes across as short on charm.
demoiselle cuvée 21
84
120
75,887
australia
this plump, succulent wine is a solid value. understated toast frames pineapple and melon in this fruit-driven style. drink this crisp, appealing quaffer now–2018.
tate
88
15
20,953
us
soft and honey-sweet, this syrah-based southern rhône blend offers easy flavors of cherry and raspberry jam, vanilla, white chocolate and pepper.
heritage rosé
84
16
93,467
spain
neutral aromas suggest peach, apple and minerality. solid, compact and healthy on the palate, with peach and white pepper flavors. good on the finish but starting to show some maturity; at peak level now so drink immediately or wait for the 2011.
sobre lías
87
18
16,708
chile
the yellow color and doughnutty, honeyed aromas give it away: this is barrel-fermented, bordeaux-style sb. the nose is barrique heaven, but the vanilla and resin qualities are stylish. creamy but balanced in the mouth, with flavors of oak, vanilla, spice, honey and baked apple. smooth stuff but very oaky, and not for everyone.
hacienda araucano humo blanco
88
22
54,157
us
lots of exotic citrus, peach and tropical fruit flavors in this crisply clean blend, but it's really too sweet to qualify as a dry table wine. tastes more like something you'd have for dessert.
aurora reserve
82
28
122,371
us
an interesting experiment, this pinot gris is fermented on the skins, then aged in neutral oak for six months. it's a pale rose color, and the skin contact has resulted in some quite puckery phenolics. the barrel aging helps round it out, though it remains almost sour, with light, astringent strawberry fruit.
orange
86
20
81,823
italy
this opens with aromas of prune, perfumed berry, baking spice, leather, a whiff of coconut and a balsamic note. the fresh palate offers wild cherry, crushed raspberry, lightly toasted oak, anise and espresso. it's still tightly tannic and astringent, but it should improve with a few more years in the bottle. drink 2018–2028.
rabajà
89
40
93,653
us
this wine intrigues with its aromas of flowers, blue fruit, pepper and toffee. it's pleasantly sleek in style, well balanced and approachable now, with a finish that lingers.
dead canyon vineyard reserve
90
40
105,017
us
tastes thick, heavy and sweet in youth, showing the fantastic ripeness of the vintage, with a flavor of cherry and raspberry marmalade. oak shows up in the rich addition of buttered cinnamon toast. if that sounds good, it is, and you can enjoy it now. but it will improve with 3–4 years in the bottle.
wildcat vineyard
92
49