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5,975 | us | the flavors of this medium-bodied wine are hearty, with bell pepper, black pepper and green olive notes, and in this vein it's tasty and fairly concentrated. the balance is good, the palate sensation is nicely dry and the finish lingers a bit. | hybrid | 87 | 10 |
7,304 | us | canoe ridge vineyard is the warmer of the winery's two single-vineyard chardonnay sites. straw, spice and stone-fruit aromas lead to a full-bodied palate, loaded with ripe peach and tropical-fruit flavors. it provides lots of appeal, along with exquisite balance. | canoe ridge estate | 90 | 30 |
72,557 | italy | this opens with aromas suggesting toast, dark-skinned berry, smoke and a balsamic note. the firm palate delivers dried black cherry, licorice, sage and a hint of clove alongside assertive tannins. drink after 2020. | lazzarito | 89 | 139 |
111,825 | italy | ser gioveto is 80% sangiovese with small additions of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. it has a deeply saturated ruby color and compelling aromas of ripe fruit, strawberry, rum cake and soft spice. there's a jammy accent in the bouquet that gives momentum to its rich, velvety mouthfeel. | ser gioveto | 91 | 50 |
26,600 | spain | earthy cherry aromas are leathery as well. a dry, high-acid palate is grabby and fairly sharp in texture. raw, salty flavors of plum and wood spice finish with tough, drying tannins. | lagunilla crianza | 86 | 13 |
125,334 | us | brooding aromas of the blackest of fruit, anise and cassis are followed by a velvet hammer of sweet dried-fruit flavors backed by burly tannins. medicinal and dark-fruit notes persist on the finish. it seems slightly dried out but still delivers the goods. | the bully | 90 | 50 |
3,663 | us | dry and soft, with the taste of cherry, roasted almond, crunchy granola and fig health candy bar. enjoyable, but simple. drink now. | flood family vineyards | 84 | 20 |
34,032 | argentina | this opens hot and heavy, with pounding berry aromas and a touch of animal fur. the palate is full and compact, with jammy, syrupy berry and woodspice flavors. a long finish tastes of licorice and oak. | reserve | 87 | 16 |
23,514 | italy | made entirely from chardonnay, this opens with yellow apple, williams pear and white peach aromas that follow through to the palate. it's elegant and steeped in vanilla and hazelnut flavors, with fresh acidity that lifts its creamy texture. | bianco benefizio riserva | 90 | 45 |
14,459 | france | a wonderfully fruity, dry wine, it is exuberantly chenin blanc, with its ripe honey and pear flavors. it tastes of almonds, rounded with a rich texture and finished with acidity. the wine is both impressive and delicious. | l'insolite | 91 | 35 |
125,709 | france | light in color and soft in texture, this fruity wine attains an attractive balance between crushed ripe strawberries and fresh acidity. vibrant yet with ample weight, it is drinkable now. | trousseau des dames | 86 | 31 |
79,564 | south africa | medium-intense spice and game aromas inflect the ripe forest-berry and cherry fruits. this is accessible and easy, with low tannins and a clean finish. | bain's way | 84 | 11 |
78,775 | us | from a different block of the same vineyard as the “whale label” memorista, this is drinking much better at the moment. it's smooth and supple—a pretty wine with honeyed minerality around fruit flavors of citrus and peaches. | memorista tradition | 92 | 25 |
82,825 | us | a fascinating feral quality wraps around this wine, redolent of mottled animal hair, raw meat and scraped earth, like the scene of a freshly hunted wild boar. aromas of mulberry and dark strawberry also show on the nose, while the palate dives deep into turned earth, shiitake mushrooms, juniper, stewed bay leaf, wild cherry and elderflower liqueur. the acidity also pops and the texture grips firmly. | mills | 95 | 62 |
46,774 | us | very grassy and citrusy, with hints of garden-fresh vegetables and a slight floral note. it's light and almost airy on the tongue, finishing crisp and clean. a refreshing burst of anise caps things off. | sld | 88 | 23 |
111,477 | italy | dark berry, purple iris and a whiff of cake spice float from the glass. the palate offers up black cherry, blackberry, clove and cinnamon alongside round, smooth tannins. it's already extremely accessible and will provide easy-drinking pleasure for the next few years. drink through 2018. | riserva | 88 | 35 |
82,179 | us | a generously ripe wine with 8% petite sirah, this has a softly layered entry that reveals strong aromas of black olive and plum, before delving headfirst into spicy blackberry cobbler. complex and smooth, it offers heightened acidity and a richly chocolate finish. | reserve | 90 | 24 |
83,168 | austria | just a hint of pear drop plays over fresh, tart conference pear fruit. the palate is sleek, linear and super-clean; while this is driven by freshness some luscious fruit awaits underneath. | terrassen federspiel | 89 | 15 |
31,956 | us | an elegant, supple, toasty, very tasty cabernet franc from one of the oldest vineyards on the wahluke slope. winemaker mike januik carefully sculpts his flavors, running threads of black cherry, baking chocolate, espresso, loam, sandalwood, caramel and coconut through the core of this exceptional wine. drink young or cellar and let it evolve—it's a winner either way. | weinbau vineyard | 93 | 35 |
26,389 | us | intensely aromatic, with lovely accents of pine needle, grapefruit and mint. an elegant, complex and vividly spicy wine, with all elements proportionate, and showing excellent depth and structure. the flavors of fruit and forest just keep unfolding through a lingering finish. | estate | 93 | 16 |
81,918 | us | aromas of cherries baked in a flaky vanilla crust meet with cola, fresh boysenberry and damp herbs on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. bright raspberry shows on the lighter-framed and very energetic palate, with flavors of fennel frond, dried marjoram and a gravel-laced minerality. | donum vineyard | 92 | 70 |
70,554 | portugal | approaching tawny in color, this is a mature white port. it has a wood-aged tang, with spice and toast flavors that have given the wine an old gold feel. the surface is sweet, yet there is an underlying dryness. | 10-years old white | 91 | 61 |
59,275 | us | average- quality chardonnay, with ripe tropical fruit and spice flavors, sound acidity and a pleasantly rich coat of smoky, buttery oak. seems pricey. | cyrano | 84 | 28 |
103,446 | us | good and spicy, this well-structured effort shows some lightly ripened flavors of rhubarb, raspberry and hard cherry candy. a streak of jalapeño pepper runs alongside, delivering impressive definition and length for the price. | cuvée select | 88 | 29 |
98,200 | us | massively rich with flavors of raspberry and cherry jam, chocolate, anise and oak, this soft, easy blend is mostly grenache and syrah. it's a bit soft in style, but the tannins are fine. drink up. | winery exclusive | 86 | 32 |
14,154 | new zealand | light in weight and lacy in texture, this is a savory, subtly flavored pinot noir that's ready to drink. notes of smoke, mushrooms and dried herbs intertwine with tart fruit. | old coach road | 86 | 20 |
41,606 | argentina | cola, root beer and cherry aromas come with controlled heat. the palate is dense and chewy, with pumped-up tannins supporting very ripe-tasting cassis and cooked plum flavors. it's toasty and spicy on the firm finish. | obra prima reserva | 88 | 21 |
24,792 | us | the vineyard from which this wine is sourced sits along the gualala river in view of the pacific ocean, enjoying coastal weather and elevations of up to 1,100 feet. baked blueberry pie laced with clove is the first impression, supported by bright acidity. exotic in profile, it imparts cedar and tea notes, its tannins fine yet tenacious. | mcdougall vineyard | 93 | 62 |
112,975 | portugal | this is a pale colored, attractively perfumed wine. with red berry fruit flavors, bright acidity and a lively orange zest texture, it is fruity and ready to drink. | lab | 86 | 9 |
24,666 | us | their estate chardonnay is all barrel fermented. a bigger style, with lots of texture but not too much oak. leesy, creamy, with buttery, tropical fruit. again, well-balanced and stylish. | estate | 88 | 18 |
46,256 | us | nicely dry, acidic and minerally, with tart meyer lemon, lime and pink grapefruit flavors. suffers a bit from some green unripeness that suggests vegetable. not too much, though, and pretty good for the price. | reserve | 86 | 18 |
112,187 | us | unusual for a brut style, this wine has a pale salmon color. it tastes fresh, dry and appetizing. light cherry and peach notes are lifted by a crisp texture and fine effervescence. | brut | 88 | 25 |
73,347 | us | fresh tangerine, apple and pear notes extend from nose to finish on this unoaked chardonnay. medium bodied and crisp with acidity, it's refreshing and balanced, but there's a touch of ramp and earth that lingers mysteriously. | unoaked | 86 | 15 |
54,984 | portugal | full-bodied and smooth, this wine has weight, richness and a dense, rounded texture. there's some good juiciness as well, adding dark berry fruits to the soft tannins and rounded feel of the wine. acidity at the end brings a sense of balance. drink from 2014. | portas da herdade reserva | 90 | 15 |
68,414 | chile | this oak-draped wine offers aromas of plastic, vanilla and resin mixed with spicy plum and berry. the palate is firm and dry but fresh, with plum and black cherry flavors that are moderately spicy. a spunky finish shows ample acids. | reserva estate bottled | 86 | 13 |
108,207 | us | this wine is predominantly merlot (44%) along with a whopping 33% petit verdot, with the rest cabernet sauvignon and malbec. aromas of cocoa, vanilla, spice, green herbs and dark fruit are followed by generous dark-fruit flavors and plentiful tannins. it shows good cellaring potential. | derivative | 91 | 20 |
105,880 | us | this is a half-bottle of sauvignon blanc grown in the arroyo seco, one of the best sources in california for crisp white wines. with residual sugar of 18.4%, it's very sweet, but it's not a sugar bomb. you'll find complex flavors of pineapples, apicots, vanilla custard, honey and crème brûlée, backed up with firm acidity that makes the wine finish clean. | griva vineyard late harvest | 92 | 35 |
16,172 | france | a touch of flint flashes up briefly before fruity notes of ripe juicy apricot and peach take over. on the palate they are joined by a flash of lemon freshness that brightens and heightens the slender but concentrated palate. lemon and peach, tangerine and mirabelle fill mouth and mind while the freshness blows away any sensory cobwebs. this is deeply satisfying, lovely now but sure to improve. drink now through 2030. | le dragon | 93 | 41 |
73,490 | us | named for edwards' first grandchild born in this vintage year, this wine is made from fruit sourced from meredith estate vineyard. velvety smooth and perfumed, it offers piquant pepper and cardamom scents, along with intense rhubarb compote and raspberry flavors. it shows both purpose and quiet power, wrapped in violet and rose. | cuvée august | 94 | 98 |
52,291 | italy | this vineyard-designate sparkler shows enormous softness and creaminess, with plush aromas of peach, sweet grapefruit and sweet almond flower. | millesimato rive di farra di soligo extra dry | 87 | 17 |
96,147 | spain | plum, currant and spice aromas are cool and lightly herbal. a bright, juicy palate delivers robust berry, plum and spice flavors. dry, complex and harmonious on the finish, this is a shining example from a tough vintage. drink this blend of 75% tempranillo and 25% merlot through 2020. | la casona | 92 | 40 |
123,243 | italy | this is a very special wine from italian sparkling wine producer ferrari because of the level of elegance and smoothness it achieves. all its elements work in harmony to give equal billing to aromas of apricot, yeast, honey and almond nut. | perlé | 90 | 32 |
94,196 | portugal | on the nose, this is rough and rustic. if the palate is less obviously barnyard, it still carries something of that character, with blackberry and wood flavors along with spicy accents. the wine is still young, so the rough edges could smooth out. drink from 2015. | andreza reserva | 85 | 18 |
109,428 | france | with its gold color and mature, toasty flavors, this is possibly the greatest winston churchill ever. it has weight and richness, with a dense, full and rich texture. it's in perfect balance, bringing together maturity and crisper apple and green plum fruit flavors that are cut with lemon. a mineral edge gives a nervy character that will allow this magnificent wine to age further. | cuvée sir winston churchill brut | 98 | 305 |
32,112 | italy | aromas of orange peel, ripe stone fruit and a leesy whiff of yeast lead the nose. refermented in the bottle, the semisparkling palate offers yellow apple, citrus and a drop of acacia honey alongside bright acidity. it finishes dry and crisp. | sul lievito | 88 | 18 |
107,092 | france | this ripe, fresh wine packs a punch of fruit. it's well structured and lightly mineral at the back. swathes of apple, citrus and pink grapefruit occupy the foreground of this impressive wine that is ready for drinking. | vieilles vignes sur lie | 91 | 18 |
81,042 | us | this small planting at celilo can stand as the textbook example of what washington pinot noir should be: elegant, refined, aromatic, svelte and graceful. it's definitely a feminine wine, in all the best senses of the word. though light, it's not thin or wimpy. the tart red fruits lead into streaks of earth and metal in the finish, which has surprising length and grip. | celilo vineyard | 89 | 25 |
51,915 | us | from a base of 51% cabernet sauvignon this robust red adds petit verdot, merlot and malbec to concoct a soft, smooth and juicy red wine that's brooding in personality. the tannins are tar-like and sizable. | rockpile | 88 | 50 |
99,690 | us | a nice, pleasant sipper, lovely on its own as an aperitif, with wonderfully crisp acidity and a stony minerality balancing rich flavors of citrus fruits and wildflowers. feels elegant and clean throughout. | la encantada vineyard | 89 | 30 |
57,566 | israel | deep violet to the eye, this blend of syrah, barbera and petit verdot has a nose of black cherry and cranberry with a touch of green pepper. it has a bit of a bite on entry, with flavors of tart cherry and raspberry joined by notes of caramel and espresso. it is smooth on the palate, with touches of cherry and freshly ground coffee on the finish. | ela | 89 | 22 |
75,295 | portugal | with some tannins and structure, this is still a juicy, red-berry-flavored wine. acidity and the lightly dry core give shape to the bright, ripe fruitiness. drink now. | alta corte | 84 | 10 |
90,876 | france | this blend of the very local petit courbu and petit manseng grapes comes from the same region as madiran. the wine is dry but rich—very rich—with apricot and honey flavors. it has concentration, a great tang of lemon and just enough acidity to keep everything in order. this is ready to drink. | château bouscassé les jardins | 89 | 20 |
113,454 | us | this vineyard is within the oak knoll district, a cooler section of the napa valley's southern end. tart, tangy and richly woven, the wine is salty, with notes of toasted oak, apple skin and oyster shell. this shows a combination of savory spice and lush ripeness. | hillview vineyard | 90 | 30 |
77,612 | italy | aromas suggesting anjou pear, almond, grilled herb and a whiff of smoke come together in the glass while the palate offers tangerine zest, ginger and mineral. fresh acidity lends balance. | vendemmia tardiva | 88 | 29 |
37,452 | italy | this bold, spicy wine will appeal to those who love modern reds with thick concentration and lingering oak-driven flavors. black cherry, prune and ripe blueberry do come into view, but the protagonist here is the oak. the wine has chewy tannins, good length on the finish and would pair with grilled meats or aged cheeses. | aquabona | 90 | 49 |
105,154 | austria | fresh lime and ivy hits you first, followed by a leesy hint and some pear on the nose. the palate comes in with salty savoriness that suggests yeasty miso, chervil and lovage, with lots of white pepper accented by a little spritz. brightened by fresh lemon notes, this makes for a spicy, elegant and slender wine with a light touch and real depth. | ried steinsetz | 92 | 19 |
1,947 | us | this is a fine, all-purpose red blend, mostly cabernet, with time in one-third new french and american oak. heavily charred, smoky and earthy, it's got a fair amount of dark cassis fruit to carry all the barrel toast and finishes with some notes of bark and stem. | cow catcher | 87 | 24 |
129,243 | us | a mere 40 cases of this ld exists, a lucky find in the cellar laid down in 2001 and forgotten about until this year. a blend of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, it's fragrant in dried fruit and boasts a thick, unctuous mouthfeel. briny, dry and tart, with the taste of fresh-squeezed lemon, it's a philosophical exercise in the art of patience. | brut ld | 93 | 110 |
41,533 | chile | blackberry, prune and pencil eraser aromas are oaky and forced. a heavy, grabby palate with noticeable oak resin delivers chocolaty, oaky berry flavors that taste a bit artificial. in the grand scheme of things, this is more than fair for the price; but prior years were better. | medalla real gran reserva | 88 | 20 |
69,627 | us | a tight, brambly field-like blend of carignane, petite sirah, zinfandel and alicante bouschet, this black, dense and mouth-coating wine offers savory leather and spice. black cherry and plum form the core of its fruit, with vanilla and oak intensifying on the finish, the overall wine getting juicier as it opens. | icon native sonoma mixed blocks | 89 | 75 |
50,430 | us | pale lemon in color, with a slightly green tinge, this is a light, crisp and steely pinot blanc. citrus zest and quince carry the nose and palate, making this a perfectly enjoyable everyday white. | arcturos | 86 | 23 |
114,682 | italy | easygoing and fresh, this delightful sparkler has white flower and orchard-fruit aromas. the soft, enjoyable palate offers suggestions of apple and pear alongside a foaming mousse. | brunei brut | 87 | 20 |
123,702 | us | dusty leather, cedar and pencil shaving notes integrate seamlessly with the moderate oak and firm tannins of this wine from a vineyard originally planted by robert pepi. its medium-bodied power makes it friendly for the table or as a before-dinner glass, the finish marked by a pronounced bittersweet chocolate flavor. | diamond terraces vineyard | 90 | 80 |
45,471 | germany | struck flint and smoke notes permeate this lithe yet deeply complex auslese. the palate boasts concentrated tangerine and cantaloupe fruitiness, but shaded in savory tones of pollen and dusty mineral. it's tightly wound still, closed and unyielding, but should ease and open beautifully from 2020. | wehlener sonnenuhr auslese | 93 | 58 |
66,575 | chile | earthy balsamic aromas become more tarry and oaky the longer this sits. in the mouth, the tannins are fierce and extremely dry. flavors of toast and raw wood are big players, while minty, chocolaty berry notes are also in play. this seems more woody than fruity, with dry rough tannins pushing the finish. drink through 2026. | cabo de hornos | 91 | 60 |
120,216 | italy | rose, red berry, baked earth, forest floor and grilled herb aromas lead the nose while the firm palate offers dried black cherry, cake spice and anise. firm, fine-grained tannins provide the backbone. drink 2018–2026. | borzoni | 90 | 50 |
39,521 | spain | simple lime and salinic aromas are clean and fresh. the palate is juicy and tight, with lime, apple and dry spice flavors. finishes balanced and citrusy, with proper length and mouthfeel. a good but regular cava that's done right for the price. | gran tradición brut | 87 | 10 |
112,749 | us | minty at first, and herbal, the way a cabernet can be, this petit verdot from lodi is juicy and well made with licorice and spice and plenty of tannin structure. its limp finish could signal the need for a bit more time in the cellar, perhaps 2–5 years. | private reserve, elk vineyard, borden ranch | 88 | 25 |
90,613 | chile | for a big, simple style of pinot noir, this gets the job done. it's dark and mulled on the nose, with boistrous plum and cherry flavors that darken up and turn peppery on the finish. this emphasizes freshness and size more than finesse. | beach kite | 83 | 8 |
89,469 | france | the marquis de laguiche vineyards, with a great stock of premier and grand crus, have long been managed by drouhin. this wood-aged, generous and opulent wine is already smooth and rich. yellow fruits have a tight, tense texture to go with their open character. the wine is just beginning to develop its intense complexity. drink from 2019. | marquis de laguiche premier cru morgeot | 94 | 131 |
2,748 | romania | pineapple, citrus blossom, and white peach aromas prepare your palate for tastes of green apple, lemon zest and apricots. the finish is crisp and acidic. | legendary estate series | 86 | 9 |
1,117 | us | rich cherry and spicy black pepper introduce the nose to this wine from the adelaida district. the flavors explore the more nuanced, not overly jammy side of the grape, with tart acidity and a good tannic backbone ensuring a long life. decent now, but better to drink 2018–2022. | reserve | 90 | 56 |
97,899 | portugal | light and fragrant, a perfumed wine, with flavors of almond and refreshing acidity. it feels warm, with pear and lime flavors combining well. | branco | 85 | 8 |
116,289 | italy | banditone is a chewy and ripe syrah from tuscany with plump aromas of blueberry and black fruit followed by dark chocolate and spice. the tannins are smooth and extra soft as well. | banditone | 90 | 60 |
122,758 | france | made from organic grapes, this is a lightly spicy wine with balanced acidity. it has fresh apricots, grated nutmeg and a crisp, tangy aftertaste. drink now. | cuvée de l'ours | 85 | 25 |
24,407 | us | vibrant lemon and tangerine acidity freshens savory tones of pressed apples and nuts in this slightly rustic earthy riesling. it's dry on the palate and finishes briskly. | frances amelia | 86 | 25 |
108,521 | france | this is very aromatic, with minerality vying with fruit and tense acidity. this complex wine has an austere side, both rich and structured that will soften in a couple of years. | le rochoy | 90 | 30 |
61,494 | argentina | dry and smoky on one hand, but also somewhat damp and soupy on the nose. this is a medium-to-full pn with a dark color and a mix of sweet and dry flavors as well as chunky oak and chocolate on the back palate. creamy, sweet and showing a lot of barrel influence. | reserva | 85 | 21 |
97,037 | france | this is a delicious and fruity wine with attractive acidity and bright, ebullient character—it's just waiting for summer. the up-front red fruits and acidity are well in balance. this is ready to drink. | les papilles | 88 | 15 |
84,523 | france | medium-intense aromas of black plum, cherry and berry are upfront on the nose of this ripe wine, with supporting notes of woodspice, char and black pepper for added depth. the tannins are structured yet fine, with a firm hold and rich, grippy fruit-skin flavors that carry the close. | limited edition | 88 | 15 |
33,426 | chile | celery, lettuce and lime aromas are cool and green. this is showing tangy, snappy acidity in support of lime, tarragon, sage and scallion flavors. a fresh, racy finish is fitting. | reserva | 88 | 16 |
36,419 | us | hooray for novy for producing this fine, inexpensive wine and for putting their name proudly on it, instead of hiding behind a second label. it's dry and crisp and totally drinkable, with pleasant berry, cherry and spice flavors. | four mile creek | 87 | 9 |
36,393 | france | michel redde makes some attractive sancerres, like this wine, across the river from its base in pouilly. it is crisp and light as the vintage dictates. green fruits, a touch of herbaceousness and lively acidity are well integrated already. drink from the end of 2015. | les tuilières | 88 | 32 |
31,991 | new zealand | leads off with cedar and vanilla notes, but develops plenty of dark, chocolaty flavors on the palate, giving a sense of richness and depth. the tannins are supple, ending on a cocoa powder-like dusty note. drink now–2018. | jewelstone | 89 | 39 |
31,854 | france | ripe and creamy wine, with some herbaceousness and yellow fruits. layering citrus and a tangy texture, it's fruity, full of lively acidity and ready to drink this year. screwcap. | la gravelière | 86 | 20 |
85,065 | chile | with fruit from coastal leyda in the blend, this curicó wine surprises with crisp, focused understatement. the mouth is fresh but basic, with juicy, perky apple and citrus flavors followed by a crisp, slightly pithy finish. overachieves in the context of echeverria's past sauvignon blancs. | reserva | 89 | 11 |
66,645 | us | the extreme dryness and minerality at first give this wine a chablis-like interest. then you find lemons, limes and apricots, framed in acidity and herbs. drink up. | flood family vineyards | 86 | 20 |
105,200 | us | delicate floral aromas mark this slighty sweet bubbly. the flavors are typically riesling, including green apple, honeysuckle and apricot, all backed by good acidity. the finish is clean and a little sugary. | sparkling brut | 83 | 8 |
8,968 | italy | aged for one year in oak, this opens with peach, apricot, lemon mousse, vanilla and toasted almond notes. it shows freshness and a leaner mouthful than you might expect given the bold intensity of the bouquet. | laudàri | 89 | 32 |
97,983 | italy | vegan friendly and made with organic grapes, this fresh informal rosé has subtle aromas of red berry, wild flower and a whiff of tilled soil. the easygoing palate offers sour cherry and a hint of dried sage. | purato organic wine | 86 | 12 |
56,614 | us | herb, dark raspberry and flower aromas take the lead on this young wine that saw just five months on neutral french oak. the cherry flavors are plush in feel, lingering on the finish. it's a very understated wine that appeals to the senses. | copeland vineayard | 90 | 26 |
83,372 | us | from the oldest block of the estate's seven hills vineyard, this pure cabernet opens with intense aromas of mountain fruit. bramble, light herb, cement, black cherry and cassis combine in a polished, elegant wine that probes deeply into the palate. flavors abound—cassis, coffee, licorice and more. | seven hills vineyard | 95 | 60 |
26,541 | us | brooding on the nose, this bottling by a newer producer shows crushed herbs, slate, leathery blackberry and blueberry fruit, smoked meats and a touch of minty tobacco. there is great structure on the palate, with fine-grained, chalky tannins presenting blackberry fruit, black-pepper spice, oak smoke and touches of crushed oregano. | estate limited | 92 | 65 |
39,085 | us | brooding and dark, this softly structured wine is juicy and brimming in tension, its acidity focused and supportive. black cherry, a subtle touch of cinnamon spice and toasted oak find balance and equal more than the sum of their parts, providing for a luxurious experience in the glass. | brown ranch | 94 | 75 |
48,720 | us | not a shy wine, this looks very dark and smells smoky and meaty. it tastes extra ripe and rich, showing off both the grapes and the sweet-seeming oak with which the wine was apparently aged. there is a strong maple syrup and smoked bacon flavor, a thick, tongue-coating texture and lingering finish. | casa de vinas long row heine | 91 | 32 |
23,472 | france | so elegant, a wine with just a fine balance. it has creamy apple fruit flavors, hedgerow fruits, with a line of crisp acidity to cut through the fruitiness and give a more mineral edge. it will be worth aging this wine for 2–3 years. drink after 2014. | glintzberg | 91 | 20 |
85,581 | us | this is made from estate-grown fruit in jamieson canyon, on the extreme southern end of the valley. delicate in style with a soft and silky texture, it imparts rhubarb and cranberry accents around a core of rose flavor. | reserve | 88 | 44 |
122,362 | argentina | fleshy and smelling of berry skins, this is a large malbec. everything tastes dark and fruity, with heavy flavors of spice and toast that powerfully linger on the finish. texturally, this is tannic, ripe and syrupy. | año cero | 87 | 19 |
30,811 | us | salted lemon rinds, ice-cold apple, fresh-squeezed lime and white rocks show on this wine by the team of mikey giugni (jack creek cellars) and michael brughelli (bien nacido). it's tight and bitter-leaning on the palate, with grapefruit pith and brie cheese rind, but not overly sour, with some butter emergent on the finish. it makes for a complete experience. | bien nacido vineyard block ii mount eden clone | 92 | 46 |
71,883 | spain | a little spice and cured meat (salami) get this young and easy red going. the blend is common for navarra, and this is a jammy, mildly candied wine with light strawberry and plum flavors touched up by a dollop of sweetness. slightly creamy on the palate and finish, but healthy as a whole. | old vine | 85 | 12 |