Datasets:

cj94

/

wine_review

like 0

france

this wine is rich and full in the mouth, with a generous texture and tangy acidity. it is refreshing with its crisp fruitiness and apple juiciness, a bright wine with good depth of flavor.

les mûres

france

this soft and ripe wine is full of bright cherry flavors, with gentle tannins and just a hint of wood aging. a proper pinot noir acidity brings out the fruitiness of the wine. drink now.

cuvée v

france

there are touches of toast here, allowing the wine to broaden and become riper. it's still young, showing a future of yellow fruits contrasting with a tight and nervy texture. the aftertaste is full, ripe and generous. drink from 2018.

vosgros premier cru

portugal

this wine has richness, with fine tannins along with exuberant fruit. with its concentration and ripe berry flavors it has power as well as elegance. juicy and packed with blackberry and damsons, it will be ready to drink from 2026.

quinta vale d'agodinho vintage

us

sharp in raisin skin bitterness, this dry, dull wine has overripe cherry flavors, and is quite tannic. lacks opulence and interest.

estate

france

very pure and totally appetizing notes of ripe pear and juicy golden delicious apple fill the nose. the same insistent lively fruitiness pervades the taut, dry and very juicy palate alongside a blazing vein of lemon freshness. this is full of fruit, life and freshness. the finish has a lifted touch of conifer and is totally refreshing and whistle clean.

racines & terroirs

argentina

shy aromas of green banana, lime and lychee set up a pleasant, lifted palate. flavors of lime, lychee, honeydew and mango precede a mild, refreshing finish. drink now.

finca los primos

us

not much cabernet sauvignon remains in the russian river valley, making this wine an outlier worth seeking. cinnamon and nutmeg dust the entry, followed by a persistent level of baking spice on the palate. approachable blue fruit and licorice dominate midway, revealing the 5% malbec that's been blended in.

lagomarsino vineyard

us

cabernet sauvignon (65%) takes the lead in this wine, followed by merlot (29%), malbec (3%) and cabernet franc (3%). aromas of cocoa, vanilla, graphite, and red and black fruit are followed by palate-coating fruit and barrel flavors backed by firm but well-integrated tannins.

artist series

italy

alluring aromas of fragrant blue flower, woodland berry, forest floor and pipe tobacco slowly take shape in this compelling wine. gorgeous and full-bodied, the palate delivers ripe morello cherry while licorice, cinnamon and crushed herb add depth. polished tannins provide the elegant framework. drink through 2026.

sorì gepin

spain

stalky smelling, with a minerally streak. feels tangy and lean, with lemon, sour apple and white currant flavors. short on the finish.

serres

portugal

vv refers to the old vines that are at the heart of this impressive wine. it has great concentration both from the richly structured fruit and tannins. new wood comes through richly on this powerhouse of texture and density. give the wine at least six years to mature.

quinta da manoella vv

france

most everyone's first bordeaux is back for another year, with fruity black-cherry aromas spiked with just a touch of vanilla and cedar. juicy acidity keeps this crowd-pleaser lively through the lightly tannic finish. a good introduction to the genre.

mouton cadet

italy

citrus, pear and peach open the bouquet. the palate shows a soft, creamy perlage, with a tangerine note and even a touch of crushed clove, giving this sparkler a unique personality.

extra dry

italy

ancilla is a rustic and raw expression of montepulciano with a point of dried apple skin followed by bright cherry and raspberry. the mouthfeel is thick and chewy with bright acidity on the close.

ancilla

germany

fresh yellow peaches seem to be layered in honey and pollen throughout this lusciously sweet, lip-smacking riesling. the midpalate bristles with acidity, but it's harmoniously balanced, bursting of fresh apples and lemons. the finish is elegant and long, laced in soft tea tannins.

bernkasteler alte badstube am doctorberg spätlese

us

this is a big chardonnay that's oaky and ripe with fruit. flavors of cream, lees, toast, mandarin oranges, apricots and stewed peaches all mingle together in a spicy, complex and dry wine. four additional years in the cellar will allow it to integrate beautifully.

fort ross vineyard reserve

us

this ambitious debut from argyle's founding winemaker is the first sparkling wine to be released under his own roco label. rollin michael soles crafted this classic blend of two-thirds pinot noir and one third chardonnay from three willamette valley vineyards. it's a young, tart wine that's still a bit leesy, with precisely defined apple and citrus fruit. retasted after being open for 24 hours it had just begun to expand and reveal the promise locked away in the bottle. drink 2020–2030.

rms brut

us

nicely dry and silky in texture, with a good balance of cherry, cola, anise, tobacco and pepper flavors gently touched with oak. made in an approachable style for early drinking.

casa torres vineyard

france

a creamy style of champagne with a soft, nutty character. the green apple flavors give acidity that balances the rounded final character of this gentle champagne.

grande réserve brut

us

a cab-based wine with 20% merlot, this has juicy blackberry and currant to soften the overreaching tannic profile. blessed in cedar and tobacco, this also presents a strong showing of dried herb. the fruit leans black and blue, from blueberry to black plum, a nod to the merlot.

deux chevaux vineyard

italy

this opens with aromas suggesting toasted nut, oak and bread crust. the soft palate offers mature yellow apple skin, toast, citrus zest and a confectionary note alongside a creamy perlage. bitter almond marks the finish.

satén

south africa

tropical tones of mango and grilled pineapple are matched with notes of citrus oil and honeycomb cereal on the nose and mouth of this decadent wine. ample acidity helps to keep the palate fresh and the mouthfeel lifted, while rich flavors of peach pit and toasted brioche linger long on the close. drink now–2019.

reserve collection

us

this carmenère from an excellent vineyard is listed at a whopping 14.7% alcohol, but the nose and the palate do not comply. it is aggressively vegetal, with thin, canned pea flavors.

phinny hill vineyard

us

there's nothing at all french about this cab. it could only come from california, with its jammy, soft black cherry and chocolate flavors.

louis xiv

argentina

floral plum and berry aromas mingle with a sweet rubber note. in the mouth, this is crisp, staunch and a touch choppy, with flavors of oak, vanilla and berry fruits. a firm finish is earthy and slightly muddled in flavor.

alto valle

us

a vivid buttered-popcorn aroma and luscious vanilla and lemon-meringue flavors make this wine frothy and mouthfilling. made in 100% new hungarian oak barrels and aged for 20 months, it's full-bodied, so rich in texture that it seems almost sweet, with good balancing support from mild acidity.

boon fly's hill

chile

bright cherry and berry aromas get support from grainy, lightly lactic oak. this syrah is balanced and fresh, with a mild sensation of tartaric acid on the palate. flavors of loamy berry fruits are mildly spicy but lack serious complexity.

gran reserva

italy

aromas of pressed rose, dried berry, leather, chopped herb, cinnamon and a balsamic note emerge in the glass. the subtle palate delivers dried black cherry, black raspberry, licorice and a hint of tobacco alongside firm, ripe tannins. enjoy sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit richness.

rocche rivera

us

high-toned aromas of cocoa, barrel spice, vanilla and dark fruit lead to plentiful, focused fruit and barrel flavors. the flavors linger on the finish.

reserve

france

another solid showing from one of importer fran kysela's stable of rhône producers. this offering shows plenty of rustic leathery aromas, along with a blend of cherries and blackberries. not overripe or heavy; the fruit and tanned-hide notes come together in a velour-textured finish.

domaine grand veneur

italy

fragrant and refreshing, this opens with heady scents of white spring flower, white stone fruit and a whiff of crushed herb. the bright palate doles out ripe yellow apple, acacia and a hint of almond alongside fresh acidity.

ius naturae organic brut

us

this lightly aromatic wine conveys ripe red apple, pear, and star fruit. the fruit flavors are centered in a ball in the middle, offering plenty of appeal if not much complexity.

mirth

us

dark and saturated in color, this has earthy and meaty aromas like bloody, rare steak and charred bone—that sort of proteinous spirit. the actual fruit flavor is incredibly rich and concentrated in blackberries, black currants and crisp bacon. the impression is of a sweet, delicious cabernet that's a touch warm in alcohol, but lush and refined.

pritchard hill

us

delicate swathes of honey brighten savory chestnut, smoke and mineral tones throughout this feather-light dry riesling. it's an earthier slightly darker expression of riesling with electric acidity accenting hints of spice and dusty pollen. the finish is long and intently smoky.

sawmill creek vineyard dry

us

grapy aromas and tart fruit flavors make this a lean, edgy wine that's not overtly fruity or rich. but the smell of wood smoke and blackerries, and the tart black cherry flavors are vivid, energetic and mouthwatering.

fenaughty vineyard

portugal

the second wine from malhadinha nova is lively and fruity, packed with red fruits, sweet strawberry flavors and easy, ripe texture. drink now.

monte da peceguina

france

the half-bottle format has sped up the maturing of this wine. it rides a fine line between crisp red fruit and fuller, toastier character. with great acidity, layers of zingy citrus and a soft texture, it's delicate and ready to drink.

amour de deutz brut rosé

france

this wine from a parcel in the fourchaume vineyard is a step up from the fourchaume premier cru wine. that's because it has an extra edge of minerality, of apple skins and tight, ageworthy green fruits. with its final burst of acidity, this will certainly mature over the next 3–4 years.

fourchaume vignoble de vaulorent premier cru

france

roederer takes the natural elegance of a blanc de blancs to an extra level. this is so stylish, its white fruit and lemon flavors are touched with the minerality, and the acidity is nearly absorbed into the texture of the wine. like many roederer vintages on release, this should be aged, so give it 4–5 years.

blanc de blancs brut

us

grapes from the riverbend and lewis vineyards are often featured in far more expensive bottles. here they create a 50/50 blend with bright boysenberry fruit and a generous dash of spice and pepper.

commander comet

us

ripe black-cherry notes are accented by herbs and stems that lend a dark savoriness to this bold, penetrating merlot. rich with fruit, and layered with spice and granite, it lingers long on the finish in a murmur of velvety tannins.

blackbird

france

the wine, from the area north of pouilly-fumé, is brightly lit with fine acidity and green fruits. it is also textured, bringing out the chalk and flint soil of the areas. drink this fruity lightly structured wine now.

domaine de villargeau

us

pear, almond and toast aromas lead to dry, elegant fruit and lees flavors. it's a uniquely styled offering of the variety.

estate grown

portugal

the local, high quality alfrocheiro has produced a dark, brooding wine that has enormous potential. it has the beginnings of jammy fruit, ripe and juicy with blackberries. the structure is what gives it longevity, with a dense series of tannins that will need to soften. great acidity at the end adds to the complexity. drink from 2018.

munda

us

tough, dry and gritty in tannins, with a bite of acidity. there's a solid core of blackberries, ripe and sweet from the summer sun, but this wine isn't offering much, and it finishes a bit on the hot side.

estate grown

spain

pine notes and an aroma akin to floor polish make for an iffy start. this carries a slight chemical flavor as it moves along, while honey and brown-sugar notes sweeten things up. a chunky, obtuse finish feels sticky due to mild acidity.

vendimia tardia single vineyard

us

white-peach aromas meet with vanilla butter and honeysuckle on the nose, yet there is a tension apparent amid the ripeness. the sip starts with an edgy texture and crisp acidity that cut across flavors of nectarine and apple.

bell ranch vineyard

us

this intriguing blend of cabernet sauvignon (50%), cabernet franc (40%) and merlot offers green herbs, dark plum, savory notes and chocolate. it's full and supple in feel with soft tannins and well-framed acidity.

fast eddy

us

everything about this wine screams for aging. it's tight in acids and tannins, and the fruitiness tastes young and jammy with waves of raspberries, cherries, red currants and mocha. by turns, it's sweet and bitter, but always succulent, and with a finish so long and spicy, it persists after a full minute. cellar until 2017, and it should provide beautiful drinking for many more years.

jenkins vineyard

france

still seems quite young—or maybe it will always be a little tight and austere, especially next to its voluptuous older sibling, the '85. biscuity and yeasty, with an angularity that refreshes the palate.

le mesnil blanc de blancs brut

us

this one has extreme funky, deep aromas of tree bark and barnyard. but those smells yield to friendly layers of black cherry, plum, coffee and kirsch. we don't think this wine is for everyone (one of our panelists flat out did not care for it), but the depth and chewiness on the palate cannot be short-changed.

st. clair vineyard

us

buttery peach crumble and vanilla bean flavors are balanced by floral aromas and a rounded, likable character in this bold, full-bodied white.

cs ridge vineyard estate grown

austria

a bright, fruity, cherry-flavored wine. the varietal character—juicy and with a light barnyard edge—is unmistakeable in this thoroughly delicious wine. screwcap.

selection

us

an oily, rich and full-figured white from the producer's estate vineyard, this wine offers elements of honey-baked apple and caramel. well made in a big style, it's listed as 100% from the dijon clone of chardonnay.

deux chevaux vineyard

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

germany

silken, honeyed layers of sweet-tart peach and mango undulate from the core of this stunning beerenauslese. its unctuous sweetness is head-spinning, but vibrant lemon-lime acidity and dusty, earthy complexities keep it grounded. it's delicious already but sure to improve through 2050 and beyond.

abtsberg beerenauslese grosse lage

us

a solid, good cabernet, with very ripe, extracted blackberry, blueberry and chocolate flavors, wrapped into firm tannins. it's a little forward and obvious now, and will take a few years of cellaring.

d.r. ii

italy

aromas of spring wild flower and white stone fruit lead the nose on this straightforward offering. the simple palate offers yellow apple and pear alongside brisk bubbles and crisp acidity.

brut

south africa

a complex blend of 75% shiraz, 10% cinsault, 8% cab sauv, 6% gren and 1% each of carignan and mourvèdre, this is a concentrated and flavorful selection that's brimming with raspberry sauce and dark berry fruit aromas and flavors. framed by black tea, sweet spice and vanilla bean accents, the mouth is firmly structured with medium tannins and acidity, ending on a soft, roasty note.

secateurs

us

slightly sour orange-cranberry aromas meet with a touch of sagebrush on this wine from an increasingly popular vineyard at the eastern edge of the sta. rita hills. the even-keeled, very drinkable flavors surround tongue-tantalizing spice, light red fruit and a little caramel on the finish.

john sebastiano vineyard

argentina

with acrid matchstick aromas and little else, this wine gets off to a rough start and never finds solid footing. the palate is chunky and grabby, while the flavors are burnt and stalky, with bitterness to the finish.

premium series

us

this vineyard designate made from 777 clone pinot noir was fermented in single-use barrels and aged in neutral wood. it's graceful, seductive and loaded with baking spice, cinnamon toast and mocha highlights. it's drinking beautifully at the moment, so no need to wait.

lichtenwalter vineyard

us

this substantial wine is full bodied, robust in flavor and firmly textured due to ample fine-grained tannins. the fruit flavors are tempting and ripe, while accents of black pepper and dried herbs add complexity.

tierra roja

portugal

a smooth and soft wine that shows some weight to its ripe apricot and lime flavors. it is rounded, with a slight apple-skin texture, and is ready to drink. screwcap.

cape roca fish

us

darkly colored, heavy and sweet for a rosé, with raspberry jam flavors. it lacks the dry vibrancy desired in blush wine.

upsilon rosé of syrah

us

this is the second vintage of this wine from the winery's young estate property. a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and malbec, it's locked up at present with aromas of coffee, graphite, cherry, barrel spices and licorice. the dark chocolate and cherry flavors are tightly coiled and the lightly grippy tannins are wound up. there's lot of promise there but it needs time to be realized. it will be best after 2021.

ferguson vineyard estate grown

italy

subdued aromas of dried black fruit and baking spice set the tone in this wine. its easygoing, straightforward palate offers mature morello cherry and vanilla flavors alongside round tannins. drink soon.

castelvero albera

us

a very dark color and ripe, almost raisiny aromas lead to rich, opulent flavors like chocolate-covered cherries and blackberry jam. these saturate a velvety texture of good acidity and firm tannins. while the wine is full of big flavors from ripe or overripe grapes, it has the structure to support them.

le grand-père estate grown

italy

this is a boldly extracted and concentrated expression of sangiovese (with 10% of the bursona longanesi grape) that delivers steady and bold oak aromas. the wood influences are almost too much but will surely integrate as the wine ages in the bottle. beyond all that spice and toast is a solid core of black berry fruit and prune.

tauleto

france

a light-bodied, somewhat austere sparkler that's short on fruit but long on mineral and earthy notes suggesting wet clay and chalk. finishes fresh.

brut réserve

argentina

this wine is much better than most in its class. the blackberry, graham cracker and exotic spice notes are particular to bosca, while additional notes of bacon, chocolate and nutmeg add to the pleasure. for anyone looking for quintessential argentine malbec at a good price, we say start here.

reserva

italy

made using grapes from the fumane subzone of valpolicella, this shows simple lines that are nonetheless balanced and clean. berry and spice aromas add heft to the medium weight and persistency of the mouthfeel.

tenuta lena di mezzo

france

this wine from the corton grand cru vineyard is packed with tannins as well as smoky fruit. it is richly structured and firm, yet the fruit is equally powerful, showing bold black fruits struck against bright acidity. the wine will need considerable aging; drink from 2025.

château corton grancey

france

strong wood flavors dominate this wine. while there are hints of the juicy red fruits, the burnt toast is too strong. while that will soften, it seems likely that woodiness will be with the wine a long time.

les chaboeufs premier cru

portugal

very light wood aging gives a complex dimension without losing the ripe yellow fruits that give the wine its rich character. fresher acidity is integrating well with the spice and vanilla. drink in 2016.

colheita seleccionada

us

simple red and black berry fruit defines this estate wine, along with its soft, ripe and lightly structured body. vanilla and cranberry notes emerge on the midpalate, while the finish is marked by a grip of oaky tannin.

timber crest vineyard estate grown

us

aromas like apple skin and flavors suggesting dark cherries and boysenberry put lots of fruit concentration into this full-bodied, dry and firmly textured wine.

ruisseau

us

nicole's is a consistent stunner, upholding its reputation just fine with this vintage, a vibrant and spicy take on rich, robust cherry and black raspberry that's both juicy and smooth. the finish wraps up nicely with a take on dark chocolate and mint.

nicole's vineyard

us

this vineyard dates to the civil war era and is owned by joel and morgan peterson, joel of ravenswood fame. funky and selectively spicy, it shows its dry-farmed heritage with dusty tannin and stemmy earth, the density mellowed by piquant red fruit.

bedrock vineyard

us

a high-elevation vineyard (1,700-feet) above boonville, deer meadows imparts a subtle floral violet quality to this wine, which is lovingly faint in color and silky texture. over time, the perfume builds into a singularly resolved mélange of dark blueberry and tart cherry, the acidity perfectly able to hit the high notes. this wine should be enjoyable through 2021–2024 minimum, making an incredible partner to mushroom risotto or spring lamb.

deer meadows vineyard

italy

a pretty mineral note appears at the very beginning of this sangiovese-merlot-cabernet sauvignon blend and is followed by ripe fruit flavors and a touch of caper or green olive. the wine is rich and plush, with a long-lasting finish.

grale

us

all stainless steel barrel-fermented, this is already a rich gold color and showing soft, quickly maturing apple fruit flavors. the finish carries a hint of toast, and the wine makes a graceful, soft landing. drink up.

estate renovação

us

blended with 4% viognier and 1% grenache, this fragrant offering displays aromas of fresh flowers, herbs, green olive, huckleberry and smoked meat. the palate is ripe and fruit-forward, a bit balled up in the middle right now but showing a pleasing sense of purity with length to match. give it time to come into its own.

8 clones red willow vineyard

argentina

this bordeaux-style blend is inky, reduced and heavily oaked up front, with aromas of sawdust, vanilla and jammy black fruits. interestingly, it is somewhat sharp and shrill on the palate, with lively acidity. flavors of raw oak, coconut, vanilla and blackberry finish savory and briny, with shearing acids and choppy tannins. drink through 2019.

enzo bianchi

austria

while this needs a little air, the nose is spicy, full of that zweigelt pepper, with subtle but gorgeously aromatic notes of violets and black cherries. this is understated and seductive. the floral, spiced fruit continues throughout the slender but concentrated palate and makes for a lovely, clean, evocative and lasting finish. it's elegance rather than power that convinces here. hurray to that.

classic

france

this blend of 40% clairette, 30% grenache blanc, 20% viognier and 10% roussanne offers up delicate lemony scents alongside hints of pineapple. it's a medium-bodied white, displaying freshness and finesse in its citrus, pear and melon flavors. drink it over the next year.

les abeilles

argentina

with ripe aromas of cough syrup, baked berry, cherry and smoke, this malbec offers a bit of everything. the palate is full but has energy, and the flavors of boysenberry, blueberry and chocolate come in a big, pounding wave. finishes chunky and jammy, with adequate freshness.

juan benegas

italy

passo del lupo (85% montepulciano with sangiovese for extra acidity) is aged two years in oak but is nonetheless a strange wine with candied aromas of cassis and raspberry lollipop. it's a curiosity that might not appeal to everyone.

passo del lupo riserva

us

the aromas of huckleberry, flowers and blueberry are bright, with a dark-chocolate top note. the palate is full bodied and rich, made in a hedonistic style with a tart finish.

limited edition

us

a summer's bounty of cherries and berries take the lead in this fresh, intensely fruit-forward red blend. taut but fine-grained tannins and a shock of sour-cherry acidity tightens up the finish.

first crush

us

fresh-pressed strawberry, sugar beet, lavender and rose petal aromas show in this botting, which is a complex take on tempranillo. black plum and mulberry flavors are delicately presented, leading the intriguing and buoyant palate, which is light in body but full of elegant flavor.

meador estate vineyard

us

from a storied site, this wine opens in aromas of syrupy kirsch and baking spices, inviting and full bodied, with a marked intensity. on the palate it delves into richer notes of wild strawberry, cinnamon and rose petal, along with a strong reminder of pine and forest floor. it remains soft through the finish.

keefer ranch

us

floral with a touch of leather and black licorice, this light-bodied, cool-climate wine shows damson plum, fig and a sanguine, prosciutto-like character. white pepper notes garnish the palate, which is tense with minerality.

estate vineyard

us

this lovely blend of 58% chardonnay and 42% pinot noir is impressive in its doughy, refined sensibilities and in its distinct aromas of apple and orange blossom. bright strawberry rides atop layered acidity and enviable length, while the palate creamy and refined. this is a vegan wine.

brut estate grown

us

shows distinct cool-climate acidity framing streamlined flavors of pineapples, lemons and limes, minerals and spices. it's an elegantly structured, clean wine that will satisfy chardonnay lovers.

su'skol vineyard

france

from a single parcel in meursault, this is a tight and structured wine. it has strong minerality as well as spice and vanilla from wood aging. the zesty white and citrus fruits are still developing, giving a wine that will age well. drink from 2019.

les forges

italy

this beautiful wine opens with aromas of ripe dark berry, scorched earth, mint, menthol and a balsamic note. the vibrant palate boasts juicy red cherry, black raspberry, sweet pipe tobacco, baking spice, grilled herb and a hint of game. it's still young and nervous, with tightly wound but refined tannins and firm acidity. give it time to fully develop. drink 2020–2031.

brunate

france

this pure chardonnay has a tight, nervy mineral texture that gives great freshness as well as a crisp apple skin and lemon zest character. it is fruity, full of lively acidity that goes with the perfumed, refreshing aftertaste.

brut blanc de blancs

portugal

for a wine at this price, this is an impressive performance. it is rich, finely structured, the juicy blackberry flavors filling the mouth. it may lack complexity, but the spice, tobacco and berry flavors are enjoyably drinkable.

cortello