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
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
72,729 | austria | delicate notions of white blossom join hints of galia melon on nose and palate, where the yeast-buffered weight makes itself felt. this is creamy, rounded but elegant and already delicious with its immense floral charm. | reserve | 90 | 37 |
32,043 | us | this substantial, powerfully styled pinot noir is layered with tart, punchy red fruit. that rich core is laced with brown sugar, coffee, caramel and cola streaks. it was aged in 10% new french oak. | bayliss-bower vineyard | 91 | 42 |
110,750 | chile | this heavy bubbly has aromas of matchstick, burnt grass and apple. it feels jagged and foamy, with mealy apple and hay flavors. the finish is fresh and lively, but it turns bitter as it fades. | titillum original | 84 | 40 |
93,227 | france | this is yeasty, bearing crisp flavors of pear and green apple, with a taut lemon-zest texture and a firm edge of minerality. it needs at least three years in bottle. | egarade brut | 90 | 24 |
517 | us | this is a soft, smooth and earthy wine, still unraveling from its youth, that's crisp and fresh in acidity. chewy still in texture, it offers a glorious celebration of red cherry, rhubarb, tea and clove. | starr ridge vineyard | 91 | 55 |
79,954 | italy | this opulent soave classico is made from native garganega grapes that see a bit of oak aging to acquire subtle tones of roasted almond and smoky mineral. cool acidity caps the close and promises to match spicy chicken curry. | monte alto | 87 | 39 |
5,288 | us | fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged 20 months in neutral french oak, this is a distinctive wine with notes reminiscent of sage along with white pepper, violets and a tinge of copper. designed for the dinner table, the palate is lighter in style with tart acidity. | gorgeous syrah destiny ridge vineyard | 87 | 24 |
13,370 | italy | alluring scents of ripe berry, dark spice, toast, grilled herb and a balsamic note set the tone for this youthful barolo. the full-bodied, tightly wound palate offers red cherry, white pepper cinnamon and sage alongside assertive tannins and fresh acidity. a licorice note caps the finish. drink after 2019. | bussia | 92 | 75 |
126,972 | us | this is almost entirely syrah, done in a high-acid, citrusy style. flavors are sharply etched and tight—pomegranate, raspberry, baking chocolate and espresso. straightforward and well-balanced despite its 15% alcohol. | dark star | 87 | 20 |
101,493 | france | this ripe, smooth and lightly toasty wine is a rich product of this warm vintage for whites. yellow and ripe melon fruits are balanced by sufficient crisp acidity to give the wine a bright edge. drink from 2018. | collection | 88 | 26 |
51,104 | italy | here's a primitivo from the salento area of puglia that doesn't taste as jammy or overripe as many other wines in this category. spicy tones give the wine more depth and the background fruit layers are bright and fresh. | albarossa | 87 | 18 |
32,888 | us | this regional bottling has been a strong suit of testarossa over the years, a best-barrel blend from their far-flung coastal empire of vineyards. it's very rich in apricot, pineapple, honeysuckle and smoky oak flavors, and finishes dry and spicy. shows an elegant complexity that should develop over the next six years. | diana's reserve | 92 | 55 |
110,531 | us | blended with 14% petit verdot, this is a thickly concentrated and ripe wine, generous in bacon meat, tobacco, mocha and blackberry pie. creamy in texture, it is a robust version of the variety. | caitlin's select estate grown | 90 | 55 |
121,579 | germany | fresh, primary red cherry and raspberry flavors are punchy and bright on this easygoing pinot noir for everyday enjoyment. it's not a complex wine but pristinely fruity, balanced neatly by a crush of cranberry acidity. the finish lingers elegantly marked by fine, feathery tannins. | undone | 89 | 11 |
28,866 | italy | this sparkler from piedmont opens with aromas of toasted oak, walnut and mature yellow apple that carry over to the palate along with a confectionery note. the flavors seem a bit tired so drink soon. | metodo classico | 86 | 30 |
51,070 | australia | citrus, confectioner's sugar and papaya are the opening act for this simple but pleasant sparkler. it's light in the mouth, with noticeable sweetness but a kick of lemony acidity at the end leaves you feeling refreshed. drink soon, preferably while watching the tide come in. | the postmistress blanc de blancs | 83 | 20 |
21,825 | spain | air freshner and lychee are the most identifiable aromas. the palate feels fresh and light, which, given the wine's fleshy, tropical flavors, is a compliment. an oily, bitter finish is similar to marginal torrontés from argentina. | viura-chardonnay | 81 | 14 |
57,568 | germany | balanced sweetness and pure fruity freshness personify this surprisingly elegant bargain buy. the palate bursts of fresh pear, grapefruit and tangerine flavors accented by a glaze of waxy lemon peels. bristling acidity leads a long, revitalizing finish. | sweet | 89 | 10 |
41,649 | france | as the label says, the wine is off dry, but with its great, refreshing acidity, it is also crisp and fruity. baked apples and citrus flavors mingle with a lightly mineral texture to give a lively, fragrant wine. drink now. | demi-sec | 87 | 17 |
6,136 | france | this is a very pure wine, all fruit and tight acidity. it is classic chablis with its tangy, steely edge that gives a lift and structure to the crisp apple fruit flavors. the acidity cuts right through the wine, leaving a refreshing, lively aftertaste. | côte de lechet premier cru | 92 | 35 |
119,645 | italy | aromas of new leather, ripe dark berry, vineyard dust and a whiff of smoky flint waft out of the glass along with floral and balsamic notes. the full-bodied palate shows great energy and intensity, delivering juicy marasca cherry, ripe cranberry, white pepper and clove framed in youthfully assertive, refined tannins and bright acidity. a mineral note wraps up the lingering finish. with time, this will develop even greater complexity. drink 2023–2053. | parafada | 97 | 97 |
99,906 | spain | this smells cheesy and tomatoey, with a woody accent. clampy, resiny and drying on the palate, this has lean tea and cherry flavors that are complemented by a dull oak tone. the finish is minty and resiny tasting, but hollow in feel. | old vines reserva | 82 | 15 |
117,724 | austria | ripe yellow plum pervades the nose of this wine. the palate brings more grüner veltliner savoriness, with hints of yeast and herb. light in body and dry in mouthfeel, it refreshes with a lovely herbal citrus tang on the finish. | wieden | 91 | 23 |
97,137 | italy | charred-earth, espresso, french oak and menthol aromas unfold on this full-bodied red while a plum note lingers in the background. the subdued palate is rather evolved, showing raisin, toast, spirits and licorice but not much fruit richness. assertive, close grained tannins provide the bracing framework. | riserva | 87 | 30 |
22,562 | us | a smoky aroma of plum-sauce-coated beef roast wafts on the nose of this lush bottling, which also offers white pepper and lilac. plump berries and a fine-grained tannic structure consume the palate, finishing on a light caramel note. | valley view vineyard | 89 | 29 |
75,014 | france | this is drouhan's second vintage of handling the vines, wines and marketing in partnership with the hospices de belleville charity. this open generous wine is packed with ripe red fruit and given shape by light tannins. there is a fresh crisp aftertaste that gives the wine a great lift. | hospices de belleville | 88 | 24 |
86,781 | us | bone dry, wonderfully fresh and loaded with strawberry and watermelon flavors, hepped up with lightly peppery spice. in short, a perfect summer sipper, chilled and drunk with picnic foods, preferably outdoors. | chukar ridge vineyard sangiovese | 86 | 14 |
107,282 | us | a blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon from napa valley, 10% cabernet from sonoma county's monte rosso vineyard and 10% petit verdot from napa, this wine reflects the cool vintage. it offers herb, cedar and peppercorn on the nose along with plenty of acidity and structure. the fruit tends red in cassis and cranberry, finishing juicy. | joie de vivre | 90 | 65 |
55,186 | france | a fresh, lightweight chardonnay, hinting at citrus and almonds. there is a taut, tannic edge to the yellow fruits, the acidity turning to a firm texture. final acidity is fresh and crisp. | les charmes | 86 | 15 |
61,699 | chile | even among value-priced cabs from chile, this one isn't offering much. the nose is sharp and brambly, with a hint of stem that takes a while to loosen its grip. the palate is made up of bitter-tinged raspberry flavors and short, choppy tannins. seems more short on substance than in the past. | estate | 83 | 14 |
72,460 | italy | this opens with delicate aromas of red-skinned berry and baking spice. straightforward and tangy, the palate offers raspberry, citrus zest and clove alongside smooth tannins. enjoy soon. | terre di lanoli | 87 | 16 |
38,891 | us | this generous and full-bodied wine made in partnership with country singer zac brown has ripe fruit and sweet-seeming spice aromas that continue into the flavors, softening its gentle, already mild tannic texture. while previous vintages were from the north coast region, this one carries the broader california appellation. | uncaged | 89 | 20 |
78,398 | us | a delicious sauvignon blanc, really fine. it showcases how well this cool little corner of monterey county, with its stony soils, ripens white wines. brisk in acidity and laden with minerals, it offers rich flavors of citrus fruits, white flowers, white currants and spices. | coquina | 90 | 32 |
91,537 | us | smoky tar and oak meet baked huckleberry in this soft, textured and lengthy wine from this great family of grape growers. moderate acidity allows for a ripe, full-bodied expression of the variety. | sangiacomo vineyard | 90 | 42 |
80,919 | france | a cabernet sauvignon-dominated, wood-aged wine. it is rich, smooth with dense tannins and a spicy edge from the wood. concentrated, this wine from the top anjou wine village of brissac, is likely to age several years. | la croix de mission | 90 | 29 |
93,888 | us | a full-bodied white blend composed largely of chardonnay with smaller percentages of gewürztraminer, sauvignon blanc, orange muscat, viognier, pinot blanc, sémillon and muscat canelli. the aromas and flavors lean tropical, ensconced in crisp vanilla and lemon-lime. a versatile wine for a myriad of foods. rich seafood dishes will work particularly well. | the whip | 88 | 21 |
126,922 | france | an herbal wine, this is full of gooseberry and grapefruit flavors. it's tangy, tight with a steely texture and a strong mineral streak. the wine is fresh, fruity and ready to drink. | les crilles | 87 | 28 |
69,119 | us | there's a slightly aged and distinctive nose of sour cranberry and anise on this wine from the family who's owned san antonio winery in los angeles since 1917. the cooker fruit sense continues to the palate, where lingering root vegetable flavors and mocha mix with eastern european spices. | estate reserve | 87 | 25 |
63,307 | us | there's a menthol-infused sense of chaparral shrubbery on the nose of this bottling from the winery founded in 1969 by golf entrepreneur ely callaway. charred pine leads the palate, with rustic elderberries, chopped herbs of oregano, thyme and rosemary, and lots of leather. it needs quite a bit of time to open up. | winemaker's reserve | 87 | 45 |
242 | us | made in the modern california style, with very ripe, rather sweet pineapple jam, green apple butter and smoky oak flavors that are wrapped into a creamy texture. | reserve selection | 85 | 15 |
84,636 | us | septette is supple and sexy, using all seven pinot noir clones grown in the estate vineyard. the fruit flavors run toward blueberry and blackberry, with supporting acidity and drying tannins. aging in 40% new french oak adds suggestions of mocha and dark chocolate to the finish. | septette | 92 | 36 |
107,387 | spain | slightly oily, mature aromas of apple and peach break up quickly. this single-vineyard albariño feels lean and narrow. citrusy flavors of tangerine and grapefruit finish racy and zesty. drink now. | rebisaca | 88 | 26 |
50,911 | chile | rich and concentrated for an entry-level wine, with earthy, bold aromas and a lush, well-balanced palate feel. deep and sweet in terms of flavor, with a mix of ripe black fruits and herbs. shows a bit of faux oak flavor on a mocha-tinged finish. exemplary for this price range. | xplorador | 86 | 8 |
71,086 | us | quite dark in the glass, this bottling from a vineyard often known for subtlety packs in a ton of power and darkness, starting with hefty blackberry, tree bark and sarsaparilla on the nose. tart black-plum-skin flavors kick off the big palate, which grabs attention but is a little clumsy at this stage of life. patience may bring cohesion. | talley rincon | 88 | 65 |
48,998 | germany | savory wisps of smoke and dusty minerals juxtapose exuberantly juicy, sweet yellow peach and nectarine flavors in this crystalline kabinett. just off-dry on the palate, its refreshing, high-spirited style makes it an excellent apéritif. | trittenheimer apotheke kabinett | 89 | 18 |
119,907 | italy | a blend of 85% chardonnay, 10% pinot nero and 5% pinot bianco, this opens with pretty aromas of yellow flower, candied citrus and peach. the creamy palate doles out zesty lemon peel, mature yellow apple and ginger while vibrant acidity generates a clean finish. | emozione brut | 90 | 37 |
59,744 | france | fresh, with the attractive cool feel that's typical of the loire, this is a red currant and raspberry flavored wine. it is fruity, just lightly structured and with a fine tang of citrus to finish. | cuvée j.m. rosé brut | 88 | 18 |
114,622 | us | a good chardonnay that offers plenty of tropical fruit, pear and sweet, smoky oak flavors, brightened with crisp acidity. but ridge hasn't been known as a source of great chardonnay for years, and this '08 doesn't change that. it's seriously overpriced. | monte bello | 86 | 60 |
103,159 | south africa | earthy notes of licorice, bark and bramble are prominent on the nose of this wine, framing the black berry, plum and boysenberry core. the mouthfeel is lush and ripe, with a subtle creaminess that's complemented by notes of baking spice and cocoa powder on the finish. drink now–2018. | the game reserve | 88 | 18 |
67,673 | us | a hearty 80% sauvignon blanc finds companionship in 20% sémillon, barrel-fermented sur lie and left light in the glass. lean hints of lemon and quince ride dry, simple waves that come off as slightly diluted. | white | 85 | 38 |
81,002 | us | there's a reductive funk at first on the nose, with singed rubber and creosote, but that quickly gives way to cherry, boysenberry and brown spices. flavors are dominated by tart cherry and cedar, with hints of slate-driven, earthy minerals. | reserve | 85 | 75 |
123,551 | us | there's not much going on here beyond lots of smoky, caramelized oak and some easy peach and citrus flavors. a touch of unripeness is also found. chardonnnay has not been zd's strong suit, and still isn't. | reserve | 84 | 55 |
23,830 | france | soft and creamy, this floral wine also has an attractive touch of toastiness suggesting it has bottle age. its green-plum and citrus flavors contribute to the crispness of this balanced wine. drink now. | brut réserve | 88 | 35 |
7,187 | us | ripe cherry and luscious watermelon aromas waft from this summery, fresh wine. it's dry on the palate but concentrated, with bright cherry and berry flavors. round and lush yet briskly balanced, it's a great summer quaffer at a fantastic price. | dry rosé | 90 | 14 |
66,184 | us | here's a solid merlot for early drinking. soft and spicy, it shows flavors of cherries and red currants, with a distinct, briny note of corned beef. | estate | 85 | 80 |
62,904 | us | a rich, sleek cabernet, made in a controlled manner emphasizing dry elegance rather than massive fruit. you'll find complex blackberry, tobacco and mocha flavors, wrapped into firm tannins. now–2014. | reserve | 92 | 95 |
37,708 | us | a great everyday chardonnay with buttered toast, buttered popcorn, pineapple-orange jam and vanilla flavors. delicate santa lucia acidity provides crispness. | the divining rod | 85 | 20 |
56,826 | italy | leather, mature dark-skinned berry, clove and star anise aromas lead into the velvety, surprisingly approachable palate. solid but rounded tannins uphold the juicy flavors. drink through 2022. | monvigliero | 91 | 70 |
40,770 | us | bone dry and vegetal, with high acidity. saved, just barely, by some good cherry and oak flavors. | reserve | 82 | 30 |
56,479 | portugal | this is a big, perfumed wine. it is still young, with new wood flavors, touches of eucalyptus and dense, dry tannins. to balance all this structure, the ripe and juicy berry flavors give the wine the richness it needs. drink from 2017. | rol de coisas antigas | 93 | 29 |
64,389 | spain | hailing from the very hot 2003 vintage, this wine is baked and full, with mature yet rich aromas. it feels thorough and weighty, with sweet berry flavors that are at their peak along with a chocolate note. this is warm, full and under control on the finish. drink now. | gran reserva | 89 | 45 |
31,436 | us | aromas like vanilla and baking spices along with bright, ripe flavors give a happy, lively personality to this full-bodied and firm-textured wine. | reserve alder springs vineyard | 88 | 42 |
115,611 | us | dijon-clone chardonnays from oregon are distinctive and appealing, with excellent acidity behind fruit that stays on the lean side of tropical. here are lightly buttery flavors of apple and peach pie, with a spicy kick to the finish. | freedom hill vineyard dijon clone | 92 | 26 |
123,853 | croatia | this croatian white is made from 100% debit and has aromas of dried apricot, toasted brioche, peach and just a touch of cinnamon in the bouquet. the palate is generous, with delightful flavors of white and yellow peaches and fresh apricot nectar. it's aged for 24 months in french oak; 150 cases produced. | lucica | 89 | 35 |
71,613 | us | this is a full-flavored pinot noir, brimming with cherry, cola, red licorice and earthier notes of sautéed wild mushrooms and spices. it's quite low in alcohol, which preserves the airy, silky texture you want in a nice pinot. it's also a young wine. give it six years in the cellar. | rapley trail vineyard estate grown | 90 | 65 |
58,678 | italy | aromas of leather, stewed prune, underbrush and a whiff of game lead the nose. the solid, straightforward palate offers marasca cherry, sage and a licorice note alongside tightly wound tannins that grip the finish. | altenasso | 89 | 60 |
74,510 | hungary | straw colored in the glass, this dry muscat has pineapple, dried rosemary, peach and apple blossom aromas. white peach and apricot flavors mark the palate and lead to a crisp finish. | dry yellow | 89 | 16 |
44,354 | france | an astonishing nose of peach and bramble with refreshing accents of lemon zest. the intense, off-dry palate of pistachio, pecan and apricot lead to a long, minerally finish. carries its hefty 15.5% alcohol well. best now to 2016. | herrenweg de turckheim | 92 | 50 |
87,347 | portugal | a 100% petit verdot is a rare event. here in bairrada, close to the ocean, the grape produces a structured, dense wine with serious blackberry fruits and dark tannins. it is deeply colored, ripe with bold fruitiness as well as acidity. drink the wine now. | diga? tinto | 91 | 58 |
107,918 | germany | buoyant primary aromas of sunny peach and tangerine are juxtaposed against deep reverberating slate and flint in this gorgeously balanced kabinett. it's lusciously textured but spine-tingling with acidity. the finish is long, lingering on warm spice tones. drink now through 2020. | piesporter goldtröpfchen kabinett | 90 | 20 |
119,845 | us | this cool-vintage blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc brings light aromas of woodspice, and dried and fresh herbs, with dark cherries lurking in the background. the acids are bright and tart, while the tannins bring some grit, with coffee flavors lingering on the finish. it needs time to come together. | tapteil vineyard reserve | 89 | 50 |
75,664 | us | full-throttle chardonnay, creamy and opulent, showing lemon custard, orange honey, buttered toast and cinnamon spice flavors, brightened with crisp, zesty acidity. exceptionally rich and balanced, it's a beautiful wine for pairing with shellfish entrées. | gravel bench | 93 | 55 |
27,611 | us | inky, opaque and tight, this wine offers a bouquet of black fruits and toast. though the mouthfeel is full and supple, it is presently very closed and yields scant flavor definition beyond the presence of a very good depth of dark fruits and well-charred oak. finishes dry, with somewhat more discernable blackberry and vanilla notes and moderately puckering tannins. best for keeping; try in two-plus years. | st. peter's church vineyard | 88 | 40 |
90,531 | australia | classic eden valley aromas of lemon-lime sherbet and wet stone mark the nose of this medium-bodied wine. that wet stone note carries through on the palate to yield a slightly chalky or crushed-stone texture, while the citrus fruits race through the long finish. drink 2020–2030. | julius | 92 | 43 |
13,518 | chile | thick, raisiny and a heavy on first take, with meaty aromas. feels jammy and soft, but the middle layers aren't well defined. tastes dark and sweet, with fig, prune and lemony oak. bulky, but struggles to reach a higher plane. | edición limitada | 85 | 23 |
4,866 | portugal | made to be consumed young, this is fresh and fruity. it has a layer of tannins that support the red berry and plum fruit tones. the aftertaste is fresh and fruity. drink now. | tinto | 87 | 13 |
118,332 | chile | herbal, briary berry aromas are minty and suggestive of olive. the mouthfeel is plump and juicy, while herbal blackberry and black currant flavors finish with a blast of toast and mint. this blend of cabernet sauvignon, carmenère and syrah is quintessentially chilean in aromas, flavors and intensity. drink through 2020. | gran crucero limited edition | 91 | 29 |
37,614 | us | rich and forward in cherry, blackberry, coffee and smoky oak flavors, this has ripe and fine polished tannins. it's a nice wine, with some sharpness on the finish. | reserve | 87 | 24 |
80,529 | us | this wine is somewhat shy in aroma, with rust, light raspberry, cherry, gravel, dust and a slight cola element arising with patience. bright red-cherry fruit and hibiscus shows on the sip, yet it's a tad dried out. slate and riverstone touches add minerality, and the structure is defined by a rocky grip. | panorama vineyard | 88 | 35 |
15,282 | us | earthy and brimming with black tea, this is an exotic, medium-bodied wine. the palate starts off tangy in cranberry and strawberry flavors, with a hint of mint, while a forested, mushroomy underbelly provides extra complexity and a savory component. | winemaker's release owsley single block estate bottled | 90 | 50 |
3,640 | portugal | aromas of strawberry sherbet are followed by sweet candy-shop flavors on the palate. chill it thoroughly before drinking. screwcap. | estreia | 80 | 8 |
54,450 | us | blended with petit verdot, this is a fragrant, opulent wine that's softly tannic and easy to drink. it has deep flavors of ripe blackberries, mocha, violets and smoky cedar. drink now. | red cedar vineyard estate | 87 | 35 |
68,542 | south africa | a light, bright and easygoing wine with clean notes of citrus, fresh-cut grass and lime zest. lively acidity keeps the palate vibrant and refreshing, ending with a mouthwatering, tart green-plum flavor. drink up. | nr 3 | 86 | 18 |
125,986 | portugal | with a dominance of chardonnay (70%), this is a smooth and creamy wine. it is ripe, lightly citrus with stronger apricot flavors and a smoky character. the aging on the wine's lees has given it extra richness. drink the wine from 2018. | quinta do gradil reserva chardonnay-arinto | 90 | 25 |
3,539 | italy | this traditionally crafted barolo shows earthy sensations of truffle, underbrush and leather along with delicious spice and ripe cherry flavors, along with uplifting mineral notes. the ripeness demonstrates the warmth of the vintage. | brunate le coste | 92 | 120 |
62,625 | portugal | a blend of four grapes, this structured wine shows big black fruitiness along with fresh acidity. it's still young, bright with acidity and needs time to round out. drink from 2017. | companhia das lezírias samora | 88 | 12 |
57,724 | portugal | this barrel selection shows its wood-aged flavors strongly in a spicy toasty character. it does need time to bring out the ripe red fruits that are rich as well as crisp. drink this serious wine with its firm tannins still intact from 2018. | lagoalva barrel selection syrah-touriga nacional | 91 | 22 |
102,828 | austria | very subtle notes of green and yellow pear peel entice the nose. the palate adds zesty hints of yellow grapefruit peel, pith and flesh that brighten a peppery herbal note reminiscent of arugula and watercress. white pepper is highlighted too. what zest, what life, what energy, what balance. dangerously good. | das beste vom grünen veltliner reserve | 95 | 70 |
122,630 | us | smells and tastes too oaky, with buttered toast and vanilla notes smothering everything else. somewhere down in there is a pretty nice chardonnay, with good acidity and fine pineapple, pear and apple flavors. | mitsuko's vineyard | 85 | 24 |
126,447 | argentina | intense black-fruit aromas mix seamlessly with notes of graphite, cedar and dried gouda cheese. this bordeaux blend is firm and bolstered by grabby tannins and fresh acidity. ripe flavors of blackberry, cassis, mocha and vanilla end with a lemony oak note, additional mocha and a hint of wood spice. drink through 2022. | synthesis the blend | 93 | 53 |
2,475 | us | extra dark in color, this has equally attention-getting dark chocolate and espresso aromas, rich black currant and blackberry flavors, and a firm, generously tannic texture. although tempting to drink now, this will improve in complexity and smoothness through 2017. | reserve | 90 | 39 |
21,452 | portugal | with winemakers anselmo mendes and diogo lopes, there is a good pedigree to this wine. it shows in the dark tannins, the rich fruit and the concentrated structure. the wine is rich with great power although that is mitigated by the acidity and fresh aftertaste. the wine is, of course, still young and should be drunk from 2020. | dory reserva | 93 | 28 |
7,580 | italy | this wine doesn't seem to have fully evolved and its aromas are muddled in places with notes of mature fruit and natural rubber. in the mouth it has red fruit flavors and tight tannins, but it generally lacks definition. | capitel della crosara | 85 | 41 |
56,682 | us | the color is about as deep as wine gets, virtually black except for a thin red-purple rim. the aromas resemble black cherries, even black olives and the flavors are as rich as blackberry jam, but without the sweetness. so this is a bold, full-bodied wine with lots of well-integrated tannins that make it astringent to drink at this young age. it will be best after 2020, when it will have softened and gained more diverse flavors. | encomium | 91 | 70 |
37,949 | us | this brut sparkler is made from chambourcin, a hybrid grape of uncertain parentage. fresh figs and dates come to mind on the nose, while the linear palate is persistently citrus-driven. | franken's french hybrid brut | 85 | 32 |
78,408 | us | this low production blend of longoria's estate fe ciega vineyard and bien nacido vineyard seems to be comprised of grapes that didn't make the winery's highest cut. it's quite a nice wine, dry, brisk and pure in cherries, cola, spices and sandalwood, but it doesn't seem like an ager, so enjoy now. | lovely rita | 90 | 32 |
32,144 | chile | aromas of hard spices, black licorice, dark plum and herbs are in sync. the palate feels a bit high-toned and jumpy, but the structure is there and so are flavors of toasty oak, black fruits, herbs and spices. broad but woody tasting on the finish. | crucero | 86 | 10 |
46,861 | us | the counterpart to lynn's blend, named for a co-proprietor, anisya's showcases the lighter side of the sonoma coast in its exuberance of red cherry, orange and strawberry. textured, it features bright acidity and layers of freshness, teased in black tea and wild truffle. | anisya's blend susanna's vineyard | 94 | 85 |
112,445 | us | for years chateau potelle has been turning out tremendous, bracing chardonnays. the '06 vgs is an awesomely powerful wine, focused like a laser with well-oaked pineapple, passionfruit, tangerine and apricot flavors that are balanced with crisp acids. notable for purity and strength, this chardonnay will drink well over the next 6 years. | vgs | 94 | 45 |
25,501 | us | amber honey and peach jam aromas are in the forefront of this passito-style wine. marmalade, praline and african honeybush tea fold into button mushroom notes in the background. these translate onto the palate effortlessly. the acidity feels sprightly and lifts this lucious wine. the finish is long and luxurious. | passito | 88 | 32 |