wine_id
int64 1
130k
| country
stringclasses 41
values | description
stringlengths 28
764
| designation
stringlengths 1
95
| points
int64 80
100
| price
float64 4
2.01k
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
399 | italy | the wine starts off slowly due to a note of almond nut or cardboard that masks the natural fruit. once it gets started, however, this luminous sparkling prosecco offers cheerful notes of stone fruit and pear. | extra dry | 85 | 24 |
123,907 | france | this is simple, light and fruity wine. blending two naturally herbal grapes, it is tangy, zesty and has light final acidity. drink this lively wine now. | echo indigo | 85 | 12 |
105,646 | argentina | young, fiery and rugged on the nose, but with exotic notes that suggest middle eastern and asian herbs and spices. like all cobos malbecs, this is big, chewy, brawny and a touch medicinal, with powerful dark fruit flavors, particularly black cherry, and a good deal of licorice, chocolate and overall richness. handles its 15% alcohol better than many heavyweights; drink now through 2013. | marchiori vineyard | 93 | 190 |
107,489 | us | a unique blend of equal parts petite sirah and merlot, with a smaller percentage of cabernet sauvignon, this is a sizably robust and dry, full-bodied wine. puckering tannins should settle down in time, allowing the blackberry and black currant that's in there to shine through. | the investor | 87 | 53 |
127,475 | portugal | grown at 1,800 feet, the vines for this wine benefit from the cool conditions needed to develop aromatic intensity. with crisp acidity combined with spiced pear and nutmeg flavors, it's both tightly textured and very fruity. drink now. | superior | 88 | 15 |
45,091 | us | the winery makes one of the most consistent and food-friendly gewürztraminers in the state, and the 2006 continues that tradition. bone dry in the alsatian style, it's high in zesty acidity, and shows spicy flavors of citrus fruits, apples and wildflowers. | dry | 87 | 18 |
44,311 | italy | made with 60% nero d'avola, 30% syrah and 10% nocera, this opens with aromas of black-skinned fruit, espresso and cocoa that carry over to the straightforward palate together with a hint of caramel and smooth tannins. enjoy soon. | sulleria riserva | 88 | 40 |
88,448 | us | josh klapper made six barrels of this wine from coveted old vines at bien nacido vineyard. the result is an exciting, focused expression of minerality, with wet cement prominent on the nose alongside black cherry, alpine strawberry and a touch of vanilla dust. light and lithe in mouthfeel yet still packed with tons of flavor, the old vines unleash cranberry, pomegranate, orange rind, thyme, bay leaf and eucalyptus flavors. | lead vocals | 93 | 45 |
101,746 | us | vineyard-designated rosés are unusual in the state, and other cinsault offerings unheard of at present. pale copper in color, this offers berry aromas followed by just off-dry flavors backed by a big blast of acid that keeps you coming back for more. | limited edition canyon vineyard ranch cinsault | 88 | 20 |
99,926 | us | apple and cinnamon aromas on the nose provide a warm welcome while the clove-flavored palate comes alive via mouthwatering acidity. while the finish is short, this wine shows much promise. try with thai dishes. | love | 84 | 15 |
87,864 | france | ripe with yellow fruits and soft acidity, this is a smooth and creamy wine. it also has a more textured character giving a crisper edge that leaves a tangy aftertaste. drink this rich wine now. | terroir de bissy les crays vers vaux | 88 | 28 |
16,193 | new zealand | claire and mike allen's fine sauvignon blanc epitomizes the wairau subregion, blending slightly grassy notes with passion fruit and riper stone-fruit flavors. it's medium bodied and tightly focused, with a silky mouthfeel and a long, citrus and white-currant finish. | estate grown | 90 | 20 |
6,688 | us | from a seven-acre section of the vineyard, this offers plenty of saddle leather and cedar amidst spicy cardamom layers, a soft, juicy core and tingling acidity. the structure and weight suggest the ability to cellar comfortably through 2020. | red rock terrace | 93 | 200 |
107,328 | france | spicy, minty, wood-aged wine that shows more wood than fruit. it does have a rich character from black plum and berry flavors so the wine will become better integrated. so wait for 2–3 years. | la réserve | 87 | 40 |
103,836 | us | soft and vegetal, it has steamed asparagus, mushroom and cherry cola flavors. | lester family vineyard partners' reserve | 82 | 50 |
29,770 | us | this reserve is higher in alcohol, oakier and contains more cabernet sauvignon than bello's regular '10 cab. but, like its sibling, the wine is all elbows, with the black currant and dark chocolate flavors sticking out from the other parts. the wine should have no trouble negotiating the years. try it in 2020. | reserve | 92 | 250 |
129,423 | portugal | this crisp, clean and ripe wine is finely balanced. the toastiness from wood aging in new barrels is balanced with the rich citrus and sliced apple and a tight, mineral character. this is a full-bodied wine needing a few more months to age. drink from 2018. | aguia moura em vinhas velhas reserva | 89 | 18 |
56,129 | france | jammy fruits—wild strawberry and boysenberry—are complemented by scents of violet and sweet spice. the medium-weight palate is plush and velvety in texture, with dense fruit flavors that are countered by a lingering grip on the finish. drink now–2020. | les terrasses royales | 89 | 17 |
14,117 | portugal | this is an impressive touriga nacional from its home region. aged for 12 months in wood, it has mint and eucalyptus flavors to add to the dark tannic fruit. blackberries and juicy acidity are combined with the core of tannins to deliver a powerful statement that needs some more time to mature. drink from 2019. | fonte do ouro reserva especial | 92 | 40 |
66,565 | chile | aromas of spiced blackberry, tar, wood smoke and herbs are complex and on target. this syrah (with 10% cab franc) feels big and wide, with screechy acidity and rubbery tannins. dark peppery berry flavors are a bit salty, while this is compact on the finish. drink through 2022. | payen | 91 | 60 |
118,242 | argentina | concentrated, ripe blackberry and cassis aromas come with peppery spice and cedary oak notes. this is big and generous on the palate, with roasted, well-oaked blackberry flavors. a touch of heat lends sizzle to the finish. drink through 2020. | the apple doesn't fall far from the tree | 91 | 30 |
23,612 | israel | dark red-violet in color, this wine has aromas of black plum, fig, chocolate and mint. flavors of blackberry, cherry, black fig, eucalyptus and anise coalesce on the palate. tannins are strong, but fruit and brightness hold their own. touches of cranberry join the show just prior to the lingering finish. | reserve wild | 91 | 50 |
104,443 | spain | this heavily oaked ribera del duero features maple, barrel char, dried cheese, licorice and boysenberry jam aromas. the palate is so concentrated it's syrupy, its blackened oak, crème de cassis and chocolate flavors feeling heavy on the finish. drink this saturated bruiser through 2022. | viña magna reserva | 91 | 67 |
94,992 | portugal | this is a ripe, spicy wine that has dense tannins and dark fruits. now mature, it is full bodied, packed with black fruit flavors and a concentrated structure. the alicante bouschet in the blend gives the wine its dark color and also its intense fruits. drink now. | visconde de borba reserva | 88 | 17 |
117,854 | us | the exotic, earthy aspects of pinot come out in this rich and enticing example. aromas captivate with elements of rich fruit, toasted oak, wood smoke, forest floor and cola. the mouthfeel is broad and supple, the favors ripe, spicy and intricate, weaving together savory notes, dark fruits and exotic spices. all the layers linger on the long finish. | toulouse vineyard | 94 | 49 |
46,681 | us | brooding aromas of crushed rock, mineral, black olive, soot, cracked black pepper, charcuterie and dried herb lead to fresh, focused flavors that are flavorful but remain light on their feet. it shows a bit more tannic heft than this area often shows along with great length on the meaty finish. | en chamberlain vineyard | 93 | 85 |
43,054 | us | the addition of 20% roussanne to the blend seems to thicken the palate—which is not a bad thing at all. a scent of honeysuckle piles on top of the flavors of honey, chamomile tea, lemon, orange and pink grapefruit, creating a luscious wine with impressive length. | stillwater creek vineyard | 90 | 22 |
55,828 | us | lots of raisins, prunes and heavy baking spice show on the nose of this single-vineyard bottling, as well as hints of black pepper and shredded asphalt. exotic figs and prunes also make an appearance on the palate, which is framed by a decent tannic grip. | fitzpatrick vineyard | 87 | 46 |
344 | chile | aromas of pumpkin, squash and corn chips are stale and not inviting. there's an acceptable mouthfeel to this weird, unbalanced chardonnay along with flavors of spiced squash, mealy apple and sautéed root vegetables. | gran reserva | 80 | 19 |
14,608 | us | this is a limited production 100% cab from the winery's estate vineyard. it's much more tannic than cohn's extraordinarily fine '04 estate, which was released a year ago. even at the age of five-plus, it stings with sandpapery astringency. should easily negotiate the years, with its massive core of blackberries, black currants, olives and 100% new oak. hold until after 2010, and should develop for many years beyond. | olive hill estate vineyards special selection | 93 | 100 |
2,029 | italy | aromas include white spring flowers, tropical fruit and a hint of graphite. the juicy palate offers green apples, white peach and melon alongside fresh acidity. delicate almond marks the close. | montunal | 87 | 15 |
76,494 | portugal | touches of caramel and bright red cherry fruit give this pink-colored wine a great lift. it's as fresh as possible for summer drinking. | rosé | 84 | 12 |
43,641 | germany | wet slate and chalk penetrate through silken layers of honey, fig and dried apricot in this decadent beerenauslese. it's intensely concentrated in fruit, but also racy and taut, finishing with a flair of rose petals and pink grapefruit. stunning now, but structured enough to develop beautifully for decades. | hochheimer kirchenstück beerenauslese | 95 | 323 |
15,565 | austria | amid the pear and apple fruit plays a more exotic note of something alluring and spicy, perhaps passion fruit. this intense fruitiness plays on, supported equally by bouncy citrus freshness and deep concentration. | kirchensteig reserve | 94 | 46 |
75,126 | us | made up of 56% cabernet sauvignon and 36% tempranillo, this wine offers an intensity of leather and dark plum, a whiff of smoky tobacco hanging in the background, too. with a pronounced tannic structure and big finish, it's a burly wine made for burly barbecue-inspired meals. | diamond mine cuvée | 87 | 18 |
4,485 | us | this is an exciting and promising blend for the winery and region. cabernet sauvignon and the brunello clone of sangiovese present aromas of pine wood, wet slate, mud, dark red cherries and tobacco smudge. elderberry, juniper and cedar show on the woody palate that combines great acidity with firm structure. | sonata | 91 | 42 |
126,104 | us | a straightforward, subtle version of pinot grigio, light in alcohol, a good choice as an apéritif or as an accompaniment to a light lunch. a lean lemon quality dominates its flavors and aromas. | grazia | 86 | 16 |
63,007 | france | pure pinot noir has produced a full, fruity sparkling wine. it is lightly crisp, fresh with wild strawberries and acidity. the aftertaste, soft and rounded, has a satisfying creamy character. | brut rosé | 85 | 23 |
77,304 | us | this is firestone's best cabernet sauvignon in many years. it's satisfying for the lush, creamy texture, and the wealth of blackberry, currant, herb and toast flavors. it feels excellent on the palate: supple and refined, with a bone dry finish. drink soon, as it doesn't seem to be an ager. | the chairman series | 91 | 38 |
104,204 | us | winemaker kit singh has tweaked this right bank-style blend, but it remains solidly anchored in 49% merlot and 29% cabernet franc, with a small amount of cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. tart, young raspberry and pomegranate fruit flavors are set against vividly crisp mineral notes. tannins are supple and proportionate and the flavors beautifully defined. on the finish, a delightful detail of carpaccio appears. | cuvée arlette | 94 | 50 |
23,187 | germany | intensely concentrated flavors of sweet cantaloupe, tangerine and peach belie the difficulties inherent to mosel's 2013 vintage. this spätlese is unusually rich and silken on the palate, yet maintains a thrilling high-acid profile. finishes long with lingering notes of honeysuckle and saffron. | berncasteler doctor spätlese gold cap | 93 | 78 |
91,891 | us | this is a simple, jammy wine, with fresh black cherry and cola flavors, highlighted with acidity. made from merlot, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon and syrah, it's an approachable everyday sipper at an accessible price. | secret agent | 85 | 9 |
3,089 | us | tapteil, ciel and cara mia vineyard fruit, a blend of 35% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot, 28% cab franc and 6% petit verdot. young and tight, with the characteristic cadence chalk and stone undertone. the fruit is pretty strawberry, with a peppery herbal streak, good length and fine balance. | coda | 88 | 25 |
3,104 | chile | an interesting and unsual wine for chile. hailing from grafted vines originally planted to chenin blanc in 1956, this viognier is superfloral, with oily aromas along with apple blossom, nectarine and apricot. the palate has nice natural acidity and sweet flavors of melon, mango and citrus. a little big and unfocused and sweet, but still intriguing and nicely made. | visión | 88 | 13 |
47,102 | portugal | the borba cooperative is in one of the most productive alentejo wine regions. with this simple and fruity wine, it has captured warmth as well as ripe tannins. berry fruits and acidity give it a lift. drink now. | brado | 85 | 6 |
74,162 | italy | made from 95% sangiovese and 5% merlot, this leads off with aromas of exotic spices, incense and blue flower along with toasted sensations. the palate delivers ripe black cherry, espresso, roasted coffee bean and black pepper along with a hint of orange peel. it's brooding and tightly tannic so give this a few more years. drink 2015–2019. | riserva | 89 | 42 |
86,617 | us | firm black cherry fruit opens with a slightly liquorous, bourbon barrel accent. this young wine is still knitting together, but with ample breathing time it smoothes out, delivering a robust mix of ripe fruit, highlights of sassafras, and a hint of charcoal. drink now or tuck it away another few years. | justice vineyard | 92 | 56 |
118,391 | italy | this sparkling wine has a delicate fragrance of spring flowers and flavors of white fruit. simple but well made and refreshing. | 075 carati | 83 | 15 |
74,108 | israel | a blend of cabernet sauvignon and syrah, this offers dainty aromas of peony, nectarine and white strawberry. fresh and bright, this has a lively mouthfeel and a zippy finish. | volcanic dry | 86 | 25 |
112,723 | us | a simple, oaky chardonnay, made in the popular style but ultimately cloying. the vanilla, buttered popcorn and caramel flavors cover pineapple and orange jam fruit. | peters vineyard | 84 | 28 |
20,036 | france | this perfumed and wood-aged wine is so stylish. it is smooth in texture, paced with acidity and shows well-balanced red fruits. the wine finishes with fine acidity and delicious fruitiness. drink now. | tradition | 91 | 40 |
9,930 | germany | broad in the mouth and rather burly, this nearly dry riesling offers minerally, spice-driven aromas and flavors. a touch of honeyed richness on the palate rounds it out, but this is not a stereotypical fruity riesling despite the mouthwatering finish. | rüdesheimer kabinett feinherb | 90 | 15 |
53,013 | us | lots of ripe raspberries, persimmons and vanilla in this fairly dark blush wine, along with notes of tobacco and cinnamon. the finish is sweet, suggesting pairing with charcuterie and goat cheese. | forever wild rosé of | 86 | 20 |
111,866 | us | a light style, with straightforward citrus and green apple fruit, this widely available chardonnay is clean and generic, unoaked and bone dry. | genesis | 86 | 16 |
20,007 | argentina | this rosado smells of red apple cider, red licorice candy and cotton candy. it's full on the palate, with helpful acidity. flavors of grapefruit and orange are limited, but overall this rosé of malbec makes the grade. | rosa de argentina rosado de | 86 | 14 |
113,720 | us | well-integrated aromas of hibiscus, red plum, dark berry and purple flowers make for a very clean nose on this bottling from an increasingly popular vineyard toward the western edge of the appellation along highway 101. the palate packs a very loamy, wet soil minerality with boysenberry, lavender and white-pepper flavors. | murmur vineyard | 91 | 60 |
4,056 | us | one of the chronic brothers' most beloved bottlings, this blend of 46% syrah, 27% grenache, 22% petite sirah, 3% mourvèdre and 2% tannat shows vibrant and fresh aromas of boysenberries, cola and lavender on the nose. it's easy to enjoy once sipped, with red currant, red plum and cranberry flavors gaining depth from oregano and marjoram herbs. | sofa king bueno | 88 | 22 |
102,992 | italy | a blend of 85% sangiovese and 15% cabernet sauvignon, it has aromas of blueberry and blue flower. the palate offers sour cherry and prune accented with hints of white pepper and green bell pepper alongside bitter tannins. overall this feels lean and lacks freshness. it's not an ager so drink soon. | santa maria | 85 | 18 |
76,457 | france | this is an attractive wine, with fruit and firm, supporting tannins. it has a mint flavor and a smooth texture, balanced with damson fruit. this is ripe and ready to drink over the next year. | clos triguedina petit clos | 89 | 20 |
85,412 | us | an interesting zin that attracts for its range of sweet fruit and dried herb flavors. the cherries, blackberries and raspberries have complex interweavings of thyme and lavender, leaving the palate to discover new sensations with every sip. finishes dry and smoothly tannic. | mustang springs | 90 | 36 |
36,584 | us | this bordeaux-style blend is 42% cabernet sauvignon, with cab franc, merlot, malbec and petit verdot filling in the rest. the winery states it's their “signature wine,” combining fruit from dineen, dubrul, meek and sheridan vineyard sources. despite its age, the wine remains tight and tart, with the balance and structure for further cellaring. | 424 red blend | 90 | 36 |
27,970 | chile | cherry and plum aromas are pure and appealing as peppery accents pop up. this is flush and a bit lush, with spiced red plum and oaky chocolate flavors that end dry, elegant and focused. valle secreto makes consistently good syrah; this is one of the winery's best to date. drink through 2018. | first edition | 91 | 24 |
60,690 | italy | aromas of woodland berry, toast, clove and chopped herb emerge in the glass. the palate is still rather closed, eventually giving up raw red berry, coconut, espresso, oak and grilled sage alongside tightly wound, astringent tannins. give this a few more years to open up. drink 2018–2024. | bricco san biagio | 89 | 60 |
58,988 | us | a stellar deal for the price, this wine shows plum, strawberry and asphalt on the nose, with a touch of clove-nutmeg spice. it's tart and dry, with dusty elderberry flavors on the palate, boosted by a touch of mint and a decent structure. | incredible red | 88 | 12 |
40,701 | chile | fairly neutral on the nose, but clean and easy to get into. the palate offers good acidity and vitality for maule sb, with tropical fruit leading the flavor profile followed by pithy green notes. overall this is a good value white. | puerto viejo reserve | 87 | 10 |
2,117 | us | tart and juicy, this nicely balanced riesling mixes fruit flavors of orange, meyer lemon and tangerine. the acids are natural and tangy, and the overall balance is just right. | lawrence vineyards dry | 88 | 20 |
97,688 | us | a full-bodied, quite ripe expression of the variety with an abundance of baked apple offset by a zest of lime, this wine is rich in vanilla and marshmallow. | stagecoach vineyard | 87 | 65 |
49,023 | us | baked boysenberries, purple flowers and baking spice show on the nose of this widely available bottling. the palate is quite minerally, with crushed lava rocks, followed by cooked elderberry, black-cherry pie and a touch of clove. | seven oaks | 87 | 17 |
25,808 | germany | sunny whiffs of raspberry, melon and tangerine lend contrast to zippy lime and lemon on the palate of this steely, razor-edged dry wine. bristling acidity lends lightness on the palate, but a mineral-oil cling amplifies its richness and depth. it's delicious already but should gain density and power over the next decade. | herrenberg grosse lage gg | 93 | 59 |
82,893 | spain | a waxy nose with aromas of dried pit fruits including apricot is more stalky smelling than overtly fruity. a grabby mouthfeel shows weight and waxiness, while stalky, baked flavors of squash, pumpkin and papaya finish with a touch of oxidation. drink now before this loses its vitality. | selección | 85 | 30 |
91,706 | france | made from 50% grenache, 30% cinsault and 20% syrah, this is a vibrant, floral rosé, offering upfront aromas of iris, lavender and laurel that complement the raspberry and strawberry-hull core. the fruity palate is bright and refreshing, with ample acidity and just a hint of orange blossom on the finish. | rosé aurore | 89 | 12 |
76,303 | hungary | this tokaji has heady aromas of gardenia, white flowers, freesia, honey and dried apricots. it is full bodied in the mouth, with flavors of caramelized pineapple, apricot nectar and lemon curd. | aszú 5 puttonyos | 92 | 70 |
73,340 | france | a red blend from the eastern end of the entre deux mers region, this is a smooth and already accessible wine. attractive black fruits and soft tannins accompany touches of vanilla. it's ready to drink. | luna b | 86 | 10 |
107,372 | italy | delicate aromas of spring flowers and white stone fruit lead the nose. the palate offers crisp green apple, yellow pear and creamy white peach alongside refreshing acidity and a foaming mousse. | colbello extra dry | 88 | 26 |
36,405 | us | this is a sharp, tart pinot, scented with pine needles and showing wild strawberry fruit flavors and plenty of sharp acidity. in the mouth the fruit also reveals a cherry candy core, pretty but brief, and quickly winds down through a citrusy finish. | la colina vineyard | 87 | 50 |
114,750 | australia | a subtle smoke component adds nuance to the aromas of peach and pineapple. the flavors match up precisely, adding a touch of marshmallow to the mix. this is fairly full bodied, yet lacks a bit of depth and flesh in its midpalate and finishes warm. drink now. | twins | 85 | 25 |
5,563 | argentina | blackberry and rubber aromas are friendly and forward, with spice added in for good measure. feels full, lush and cushioned, with integrated tannins, good acidity and bright red berry flavors dusted by herbs and spice. finishes smooth and true. a winning wine from a difficult vintage. | reserva old vine | 90 | 29 |
60,640 | chile | this opens with aromas of blackberry, cassis and leather. the palate is full and fairly lush, with firm, rubbery tannins. ripe, leathery blackberry and chocolate flavors finish long and with modest tannin-driven clamp. | reserva | 89 | 14 |
106,088 | france | light and fruity, this wine's berry flavor dominates the gentle tannins, while the bright acidity adds lift. drink this in the next two years. | château campot lafont | 85 | 9 |
40,263 | australia | despite coming from a warm, inland region, this shows admirable freshness. cassis, vanilla, some red-fruit tones and baking spices all come together harmoniously on the medium-bodied palate. it's restrained yet intense, with a long, silky finish. drink now–2025. | stomper's single vineyard | 91 | 17 |
101,191 | italy | frothy and robust, this presents aromas of blue flower, ripe plum, fig and cassis that carry over to the palate, along with spicy blueberry. it's balanced with sharp acidity and hearty tannins. | frizzante secco | 87 | 17 |
97,956 | us | one of the winery's luxury-level releases, this doesn't play the massive paso ripeness game, instead offering easy notes of black currant, violet, grape candy and burnt caramel on the nose. the palate is even more restrained, with black cherries, baking spice, a touch of asphalt and soft tannins. | limited resource estate grown | 88 | 87 |
22,423 | france | in a modern, smooth style, with plush fruit and dusty tannins, this is a ripe, open wine, an easy expression of malbec, new world in its fruitiness. | zette rouge | 88 | 9 |
45,346 | us | this wine is a tour de force, dripping with luscious fruit flavor and packing power in the full-body and lip-smacking texture. the aromas are classic, ripe raspberry and blackberry, lightly spiced with oak, and the flavors ooze more wild berry and pomegranate. with concentration like this and a lively structure of fine tannins, it's good to drink now but will improve through 2020. | sea of grapes vineyard | 93 | 50 |
936 | us | this is surprisingly light, having dropped significantly in alcohol from the previous vintage. green-fruit flavors touch on banana and apple, and the wood—31% new and 26% once-used—seems to show a bit of rawness. give this another couple of years of bottle age before opening. | ian's reserve | 87 | 40 |
82,712 | france | fresh citrus and tangy orange give this perfumed wine both fruitiness and a tight, mineral texture. it has enough structure to age; drink from 2018. this bottling is a blend of second-level white grapes from two domaine dillon properties: château haut-brion and château la mission haut-brion, both in pessac-léognan. | la clarté de haut-brion | 93 | 107 |
20,583 | france | with good acidity, this is a crisp, dry style of pinot gris. plenty of spice and tropical fruits give richness to this fresh wine. | tradition | 86 | 23 |
76,621 | france | a lovely touch of lemon sponge cake appears on the nose. the palate also plays up to this by uniting notes of sprightly lemon and fresh pastry on the palate. this is light and bright, fresh and creamy with lively mousse. the finish is dry and wonderfully refreshing with lasting lemon notes. | cuvée julien | 91 | 20 |
122,577 | spain | this single-vineyard rioja always impresses through its impeccable balance, depth of aromas and richness. aromas of jammy blackberry come with blueberry, orange peel, graham cracker and graphite. it's tight and mildly tannic, with pure boysenberry, cassis, roasted plum, charred spice and toast flavors. coconut, vanilla and coffee flavors are on the front side of the finish. a beautiful wine that will be best from 2013–2016. | la nieta | 94 | 165 |
356 | australia | dusty, firm, powerful: just a few apt descriptors for this vintage of one of heathcote's top wines. mocha, licorice and blackberries feature on the nose, while the palate delivers more of the same—dark fruit, chocolate and plenty of spice. best after 2020. | georgia's paddock | 95 | 85 |
118,007 | us | grapefruit blossoms, lime zest, lemonade and chilled green apple slices show on the fresh and citrusy nose of this bottling. tangy lime and richer pear flesh notes lead the palate, where a salty character cuts through the juiciness. | limitado | 89 | 36 |
55,021 | us | this drinks a bit lighter than previous vintages, with light strawberry and thin, tart cherry fruit. the tannins are astringent and slightly green. it's worth cellaring until 2019 to let additional bottle age smooth out the finish. | temperance hill vineyard | 89 | 38 |
98,539 | france | this wine's fresh, fragrant fruit comes with a steely blade of acidity and minerality. it is just beginning to show its concentration, and the citrus and white peach flavors are starting to develop. | fourchaume premier cru | 88 | 60 |
65,582 | italy | made with teroldego from three different vineyards, this offers aromas of truffle, leather, scorched soil, black plum and a whiff of game. aged and fermented in wood, the savory palate offers ripe blackberry, spiced blueberry, earthy notes of mediterranean herbs and dark cooking spice. firm but fine-grained tannins provide support. drink 2016–2026. | granato | 92 | 72 |
24,001 | austria | this is a smooth, wood-aged wine that's full of berry fruits and rich tannins. the wine is dark and concentrated, with a medicinal hint and a juicy element to go with the powerful structure. this should age for 4–5 years and more. screwcap. | obererwald reserve | 92 | 43 |
107,033 | france | with its gold bottle designed by adriana karembeu, this rich wine is full of rounded fruits and ripe, juicy apples. this fruitiness is balanced by a more structured character that introduces a steely edge of minerality. the wine is mature, ripe and balanced with a bright, fresher aftertaste. | tsarine cuvée adriana | 92 | 80 |
43,975 | france | drawn from a particularly good parcel of old-vine syrah and bolstered by just 10% grenache and carignan, this is an exciting expression of costières de nîmes. aged in 500-liter barrels, the wood component is subtle, adding hints of cedar, vanilla and great textural richness to the wine. plum, licorice and tree bark notes finish long and velvety. drink now–2020. | capitelles | 91 | 26 |
9,393 | austria | peach and bergamot, mirabelle plum and lemon zest, ripeness and freshness, amplitude and sleekness: whoever loves to trade in juxtapositions will love this expressive, irresistible wine. etched with very clear contours it nonetheless delivers generous, gorgeous fruit. | ried klaus federspiel | 93 | 36 |
66,890 | argentina | this is a ripe oaky specimen with smoky aromas of hickory along with licorice, pencil lead and jammy blackberry. in the mouth, it's huge and spreads out like a blanket. flavors of baked black fruits are fully ripe, while oak-driven toasty, blackened, chocolaty flavors push the finish. drink through 2018. | lindaflor | 92 | 50 |
113,652 | argentina | initial oak-based scents of plastic and rubber give way to minerality and stony aromas of cassis and plum. in the mouth, this youngster is wide, jammy, fleshy and chewy. flavors of earthy, loamy black fruits and licorice pick up herb, spice and anise flavors on a forward-leaning finish. drink from 2015–2020. | aluvional | 92 | 90 |