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spain

up front, this wine is welcoming, with friendly cantaloupe and minerally aromas. however, it has a coarse, spritzy mouthfeel, with sour citrus flavors followed by a soda-like finish.

txakolina

italy

spanish broom, jasmine, peach and apple aromas lead the nose of this charming white that hails from an estate located just outside of rome. the juicy palate delivers golden delicious apple, tropical fruit and a hint of mineral. it finishes on an apple note.

fioranello bianco

us

from a p of sonoma mountain exposed to the petaluma gap, this wine is spicy in cinnamon and cola, its oak profile reduced and intense. roses and cherries provide the floral and the fruit around deeper, darker tendencies into asian spice and black tea. drink now through 2021.

silver pines vineyard

spain

a dusty cherry aroma turns harsh with airing, setting up a tight, acidic palate that's marked by tart raspberry and plum flavors. scouring, spicy and peppery on the finish, this amounts to a tight, hard and basic rioja.

crianza

italy

exotic spice, toast, espresso and mature black-skinned fruit aromas lead the nose. the palate is rather austere, showing dried berry, spearmint, ground pepper and wild herb alongside aggressive tannins that clench the finish. give the tannins a few more years to soften then drink up.

serpico

us

like the label says, this red is sweet. it's also full-bodied and fruity. the winery doesn't tell us what the grape mix is, but who cares. drink and be happy.

sweet red wine

us

this is just the second varietal bottling of marsanne—single vineyard at that—from mccrea. firm and fleshy, with clear melon flavors, it shows a dash of cinnamon along the way. the finish brings on graham cracker accents, though only neutral oak was used.

boushey vineyard

us

the delicate pétillance and soft, lingering mousse of this wine exemplify sparkling pointe's house style. crisp apple, pear and lemon flavors are approachable and fresh but nuanced by shades of cream, nut and pastry. zesty acidity highlights a brisk, impeccably clean finish.

brut

us

soft and honeyed, with vanilla-tinged flavors of all sorts of tropical fruits that finish with a spicy hit of butterscotch. a blend of chardonnay, muscat and chenin blanc.

ménage à trois white table wine

italy

instead of brawn and muscle, this ruby ripasso offers elegance and finesse. the nose is redolent of polished black stone, indian spice and loads of dried cassis and wild berry. there's a playful hint of sweet almond and cinnamon at the end.

le quare

us

soy, black fruit and asphalt aromas are strong on the nose of this wine by the four sisters project. the palate is varietally pure, with black pepper, tar and boysenberry. it dives a bit deeper as well, showing coffee and dark chocolate character.

private reserve

us

this strong, peppery zinfandel is consistent with pessagno's past efforts with this bottling. it is very dry and rustic, yet it has a certain briary, raisiny charm.

idyll times vineyard

us

cortina refers to the soil type. the wine shows forward, pretty fruit, mixing berries and cherries, and follows up with bright, clean, mouth-friendly flavors. falls off in the finish, with some dry tannins.

cortina

france

this grand cru within a grand cru is a magnificent, opulent wine. it has all the power of a great white burgundy, the richness allied to minerality and then given weight by toast, yellow fruits and a pure, straight line of acidity.

clos des hospices dans les clos grand cru

italy

a blend of 60% cabernet and 40% merlot, this is a soft and lush red wine, with pretty aromas of cherry, blackberry, dried herb, spice and bitter chocolate. it has a smooth texture that's backed by firm, enduring structure.

palestina

us

this is a consistently delicious wine, fermented in a combination of new and once-used french oak. fully realized, it has a sublime texture and light body that's balanced by long, lingering acidity. the fresh-fruit flavors show elements of orange, lime, lemon and peach.

estate grown

italy

thick purple foam tops this bubbly lambrusco as it sits in the glass. in the mouth, the wine is semisecco, or slightly sweet, and it delivers plump aromas of black fruit and raspberry jam.

contrada borgoleto

italy

here's a structured and spicy barbera with an enticing fragrance of black fruits, white pepper and exotic spices. the palate is round and smooth, delivering a tight core of black cherry along with black pepper, cinnamon, mint and thyme. it's delicious now, but thanks to refreshing acidity will also stand the test of time. drink now through 2020.

vigna martina

france

this is the best delamotte vintage since 1996, a ripe and rich wine that brings out the chalky soil character with a strong mineral content. it has weight along with a relatively high dosage that gives softness. it is balanced, fruity and ready to drink.

blanc de blancs brut

us

bone dry and hinting at a sweet herb flavor, this wine backs away from the fruitiness found in most domestic chenin blanc. it offers complex details of yellow fruit, lemon verbena and beeswax.

old vine the brasher block

france

named after david moreau's mother, simone, this old-vine wine is concentrated, with sweet-tasting fruit and spicy tannins. the tight acidity gives a delicious lift to the red berry flavors.

cuvée s

france

situated on 12 acres in the pyrénées foothills, sébastien and isabelle bordenave-coustarret could mimic their wine: still young and will age well. with a dominance of petit manseng in the blend, this is a lightly honeyed wine even if it is dry. mangos and apricots are lifted by such fresh acidity and beautiful orange zest tanginess. drink from 2019.

renaissance

us

lots of rich delights in this fruity blend of syrah, mourvèdre, zinfandel and grenache. it's a bit rustic, with zingy acidity, but beautifully layered, with flavors of wild berries, cherries, tobacco, crisp smoky bacon and sweet oak.

red x

us

the aromas of coffee, red currant and red plum are bright and effusive, with tar and cough medicine notes in the background. the cherry flavors are plush and full, with coffee notes lingering on the finish.

canoe ridge estate

germany

char and roasted coffee notes lend a brooding, smoky backdrop to bright red berry and cherry flavors in this full-bodied pinot noir. cranberry acidity bristles the palate, leading a long finish marked by firm but fine tannins. it needs another 3–5 years in the cellar to integrate, but should mature elegantly.

schwarzer adler

portugal

also known for its sparkling wines, the small region of bucelas, just north of lisbon, specializes in arinto. this rich wine brings out the citrus and white fruits of the grape along with an extra depth of flavor that will allow it to age. drink now, but also wait until 2016.

prova régia reserva

us

this bright and attractive dry wine has exotic floral and pistachio aromas, rich grapefruit and rosewater flavors, and a lively texture that seems to keep the flavors tripping over the tongue on the aftertaste. it will be a real treat for brunch or with spicy food.

estate

spain

a bit off course as verdejo goes, with spritz to the palate and then mealy citrus and persimmon flavors. lingers but doesn't do or say much on the finish. not bad but it doesn't click.

organic

italy

this plump brunello offers layered aromas of black plum, mature berry, vanilla, and balsamic notes with a hint of leather. the ripe, one-dimensional palate first reveals rich, sweet black cherry, black pepper and cocoa but concludes rather abruptly with a drying finish.

annata

us

this is complex, delicious, bold and tannic, bringing the big structure that is expected without being heavy handed. it offers concentrated blackberry and fig aromas, richly jammy flavors that stay dry and a tannic but not tough texture.

conservancy

us

soft and simple with sugary peach, citrus and vanilla flavors.

oakley eighty-two

mexico

this cabernet blend is one of baja's best reds. cured meat, dry spice and brandied berry aromas lead to an elegant (by baja standards) palate with herbal hints, plenty of spice, solid cherry and berry flavors, and modest tannins. this wine has guts and delivers the goods; contains 18% merlot and 10% petit verdot. drink through 2020.

gran ricardo

us

all varietal, this wine offers aromas of cocoa, fresh herbs, cassis, cranberry and licorice. the flavors are sweet and high octane, with an open finish.

les collines vineyard

australia

this deep brown wine smells like a damp, mossy cave. then add complex rancio notes, plus maple syrup and molasses. it's full, round and harmonious, wonderfully rich yet without any sense of heaviness and long and bright on the finish.

rare

us

the underlying chardonnay is dry, brisk in acidity and interesting in mineral-driven citrus and tropical fruits. it's also very leesy and creamy, which lends a savory-tart roundness. drink now–2015.

estate grown

argentina

a good value cabernet from argentina? you bet. this one smells like a bowl full of berries touched up with spice, vanilla and leather. it's fresh and ripe in the mouth, with flavors of blackberry jam and nutmeg. smooth on the finish, it gets things right without pushing the envelope.

select

us

syrah, grenache, mourvèdre and cinsault are included in this blend, along with a splash of co-fermented roussanne. as with all the tranche releases, the aromatics are seductive, the mouthfeel smooth and textural and the fruit immaculate. brambly berry and plum flavors link to a finish with veins of graphite and cola.

slice of pape red

france

produced from flint soil (silex), this wine is intense, delicious and has a great future. lemongrass and grapefruit flavors give a lift to the tight, strongly mineral texture. spice and just a hint of wood bring out riper fruits as well as a refreshing, tangy texture. drink from 2017.

sancerre d'antan terroir de silex

us

baked cherry and cranberry fruit kick off the nose of this bottling, followed by then wild thyme and touches of dust and smoke. the palate is light and zesty, with hibiscus and tea flavors along with cranberry fruit and more fresh herbs on the finish.

lindsay's vineyard

chile

pleasant red-fruit aromas kick it off, followed by regular-weight cherry and cassis flavors that come with a hint of herbal essence. the finish is racy and almost rough, but there's enough body and weight to the wine to push it across the finish line.

hacienda araucano

us

this intense blend of cabernet sauvignon, syrah, cabernet franc and mourvèdre is dusty in cassis and leather with nice layers of blackberry, too. tightly wound and grippy, the wine offers nuanced shades of herb and cedar and a long, satisfying finish.

estate

italy

this offers aromas of toast, espresso, scorched earth, red berry, clove and a whiff of leather. the lean, tense palate offers dried cherry, grilled herb, anise, coffee and tobacco but not much fruit richness. tightly wound, bracing tannins and nervous acidity provide the framework.

cannubi

germany

an unusual late release to the american market, this wine shows its maturity, but elegantly. it still boasts bright black cherry flavor, but also prominent tones of mushroom, earth and leather. puckery acidity adds freshness to the finish.

monzinger frühlingsplätzchen trocken

us

soft, simple and sweet, this easy-drinking wine has ripe, forward flavors of lifesaver candies, wildflowers, spices and honey.

estate

spain

fresh cherry and berry aromas are easy to process and appealing. this has a full body that doesn't require much thought, while a lightly candied, peachy flavor profile ends in friendly, healthy fashion.

leopardi rosé reserva brut

italy

rubizzo is a fantastic value wine that is simple and concrete but also bright, cheerful and fruit-forward. the cherry tones are plump and mature and the wine feels softly round on the close.

rubizzo

us

there's a touch of tuberose on the nose of this sparkling wine from kathy joseph's estate, located at mile marker 728 santa rosa road. green apples carry the palate from front to back, spiced up with a bit of salinity.

seven hundred twenty eight bubbles blanc de noir

portugal

an earthy wine, with a strong herb and spice character. the fruit is fresh, laced with black currant acidity and soft tannins. a fine, food-friendly wine, ready to drink.

cister da ribeira

france

the côte chalonnaise gives a fruity while structured style of red burgundy. it's juicy, with red cherries and berries giving a bright character behind the still-present tannic structure. it's ready to drink, although it will be better in 2015.

bourgogne

us

aromas of wilted white flowers and ground herbs are followed by off-dry drinking fruit flavors, with peanut shell notes on the finish.

estate

us

light aromas of apple, red fruit and spice lead to a medium-bodied palate with red and black-fruit flavors. the tannins bring a fair amount of grittiness, providing distraction.

newsprint

us

bob tillman and his daughter, maggie, run this winery in a hands-on way. this thick, viscous wine offers hearty cherry and baked black plum mixed with black spice, roast beef and espresso on the nose. the lush palate shows more cooked purple fruit and intense black-cherry syrup along with concentrated lavender flowers and strong acidity.

ann's block

italy

enosi is a cool-climate blended white with a beautifully aromatic component that would pair with dishes flavored with wild herbs and fresh cheese. a welcoming floral component is followed by passion fruit, kiwi and chopped basil.

enosi

us

in this inaugural release, winemaker james macphail travels to the far reaches of annapolis to source grapes from the true wilderness, the site next door to goldrock ridge vineyard. made in a full-bodied style, this wine is intriguing in dried herb, black pepper and forest floor, with a healthy, lengthy seasoning of savory black tea.

putnam vineyard pinot de ville

us

benessere's sangiovese tests the limits of the variety's ability to thrive in napa valley, with good results year after year. the '05 is dry and intricate, with ripe, complex flavors of cherries with the bitter skins and red currants. refined tannins provide structural integrity. best now through 2011.

estate

france

a strong effort from jean-luc and his team, the 2014 les forots is a nearly 50-50 blend of grenache and syrah. it offers layers of ripe fruit, ample weight and a supple mouthfeel, with just hints of garrigue for complexity and interest. drink now–2022.

les forots

argentina

angular and overcrowded with rhubarb aromas and flavors. there isn't any finesse to this wine and only a modicum of acceptable fruit and body. tart at the core.

reserve

france

initially gentle and sunny, this wine develops a briary blackberry character as it opens up. it has a dry and tannic core that lends firm structure and suggests potential for aging. drink from 2014.

fontanyl

us

a vastly concentrated cabernet. frazier seems to have taken their basic cabernet, which is an excellent wine, and intensified everything about it. with explosive blackberry, cassis, blueberry, dark chocolate and oak flavors, it's almost too much of a good thing. your best bet is to cellar it, but that's chancy. the alcohol is very high, and we do not know how these modern cabernets will ride out the years.

memento

france

this soft wine has red fruits attractively embedded in the bright texture. the relatively high dosage results in its fruity character. simple in texture, the wine is ready to drink.

brut rosé

italy

santa cecilia is a sicilian icon wine and a quality benchmark for the newly inaugurated noto subzone. the 2009 vintage takes time to open and build momentum. it feels sharper and edgier than past years and is focused, linear and crisp. give it 3–5 more years of cellaring.

santa cecilia

us

blackberry syrup, vanilla, mocha and a flash of mint are cut by a rocky edge on the nose of this blend of 58% tempranillo, 21% grenache and 21% malbec. extremely soft and welcoming tannins meet with solid acidity on the palate, where rich black fruit, hoisin sauce and chinese five-spice flavors arise.

praetorian

chile

a harmonious mix of dry spice, herbal berry and rubbery aromas sets up a full-bodied palate that's brimming with ample oak and firm tannins. this blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and carmenère is rugged but generous, with loads of raspberry, plum and herbal flavors resting before an earthy finish of acidic vitality, tomato notes and herbal impressions. drink through 2018.

millantu

italy

aromas of espresso, mocha and black-skinned fruit lead the nose. the robust, one-dimensional palate offers black cherry, mint and licorice alongside close-grained tannins and fresh acidity.

bellarina

portugal

this wine is firmly tannic, while promising fine fruitiness as it develops. the acidity and black fruits are about to break through the imposing tannic edifice. this wine will be best from 2017.

follies nossa senhora da vandoma

italy

blue flower, blackberry, leather, underbrush and vanilla aromas jump out the glass with this warm, full-bodied wine. the dense, one-dimensional palate offers ripe black cherry and sweet oak accented with vanilla and cinnamon notes. it's already reached its ideal drinking window so enjoy soon.

riserva

us

from old head-trained vines, contention is mccay's top-of-the-line westside lodi zin, a study in tight, dusty tannins and earthy acidity backed by a substantial layering of baking spices. let this wine open a while to express itself fully.

contention

france

the folks at jaboulet have nailed the texture of this wine, which is pure silk in the mouth. mild hickory and menthol notes accent raspberry fruit, while slightly meaty, herbal and savory notes add complexity. approachable now, it should easily evolve through 2025.

domaine des pierrelles

us

simultaneously light yet earthy, this shows cherry pie, concentrated pomegranate, whole nutmeg, buttery crust and intriguing brown spices on the nose. there is a bit less action on the palate, but still plenty of tart cherries, tobacco and brown spice elements.

sebastiano vineyard

spain

opens with aromas of burnt leaves, roasted bell pepper and tomato and finally secondary red fruit. the palate is saturated but hard, with herbal, leafy, dry red-fruit flavors and a backing of cured meat. herbal late, with some old-school cherry and tobacco. a tough wine, but at least it's something different.

peregrino roble

us

a consistent bottling from an iconic virginia producer, this vintage is refined in fruit character yet powerful in its focus. aromas of citrus, sea spray and white button mushroom seem to have been shot through a diffuser—penetrating, broad and refreshing. the medium weight of the palate carries from start to finish along a river of driving acidity, with meyer lemon, tangy almond cream and lightly toasted praline filling in the midpalate. a resounding note of sea salt lingers on the finish.

hardscrabble

spain

at its peak now, so you may actually want to wait for the release of the 2010. if not, this wine delivers crisp green-apple aromas, vanilla and soda cracker. the palate is crisp but not assaulting like a splash of battery acid, and the flavors of apple, saline and minerality are true to txakoli. finishes like zesty apple cider; drink immediately.

getaria

us

aromas of orange peel, flowers, blue fruit and smoked meat are followed by light, spritely fruit flavors. the tannins bring some grip.

the catalyst

us

south african winemaker ernst storm is one to watch. this bottling offers a smoky, black raspberry nose, with hints of brown mustard and beef char. there's tremendous energy on the palate, though it's rather light in body, with flavors of anise, black rocks approaching asphalt, and dark but not overly ripe plums. solid tannins ensure more interesting drinking 2017–2025.

john sebastiano

us

vivid black cherry lights up the aroma and floods the flavors of this full-bodied, expressive wine. attractive nuances of rhubarb and clove add complexity. the purity of fruit and absence of obvious oak give great focus and brightness that continue through the lingering finish. it will be best after 2018.

la reine

us

the apricot and pear flavors are obviously very ripe, but they're balanced by brisk acidity, and a certain stong minerality you often find in carneros chardonnays. oak plays its part. a bit obvious, but for the price, there's plenty of opulence.

route 121

us

lots of juicy flavor in this dry, jammy wine. it's strong in raspberries, cherries and sweet, smoky sandalwood, with lovely carneros acidity. best now and for a few years for freshness and vivacity.

one acre

us

profoundly mineral tones of earth and dust mingle with lychee and rose petal throughout this dry, light-bodied, yet brooding gewürztraminer. the palate is marked with classic varietal notes of potpourri, stone fruit and spice, but they're uniquely exaggerated, with a deeply phenolic, bitter overtone that builds. overall, it presents a fascinating play between the classic and unique.

tanzen dame dry

portugal

from vineyards at 2000 feet elevation, this is a rich and spicy wine that has a pure streak of fruit freshness and a firmly tannic core. it is perfumed from touriga nacional in the blend, with red berry and black plum flavors coming through strongly along, balanced by acidity. it will be better from 2017.

barão de figueira reserva

italy

sweet oak shadings are lavished over a solid core of cherry and black currant in this blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot. dig deeper and you'll encounter exotic spice, tobacco, sweet red fruit, natural rubber and chocolate yogurt. it boasts chewy, tart tannins over long-lasting cherry flavors.

vignarè

france

layers of black fruits and tight tannins set this wine on a serious road. it has the freshness of the vintage as well as the bright acidity. at the same time it is structured and dense. this second wine of château margaux is ripe and ethereal in its lift. drink from 2024.

pavillon rouge du château margaux

spain

basic, minerally aromas of apple and pear are good and suggest iodine. the mouthfeel is a bit foamy, but this is also fresh and vital for a 2007 cava. crisp flavors of lime, orange and green herbs end similarly, with linear balance.

premium cuvée brut millésime

france

this prestige cuvée from collet, with its hand-blown bottle and blend mainly of premier and grand cru vineyards, is elegant and stylish—just like the fashion industry it celebrates. it is balanced, soft and ripe, filled with pear and apricot fruits that are cut with steely acidity. the wine has touches of maturity and this bottling is ready to drink.

esprit couture brut

italy

this features savory aromas of cured meat and smoked hickory sauce. the quality of the fruit is dried and candied, with hints of cassis, prune and raisin. the finish shows acidity and an almond-like bitterness.

bottaccia

spain

jammy and granular smelling at first, then charred aromas rise up and take over. the palate is round and healthy, with forward berry, plum, herb and barrel flavors. finishes toasty and chocolaty, with drying tannins and a lot of spice flavor.

crianza

us

a vibrant yellow-gold color and a good blend of delicate citrus and butter in the aroma and flavor give this understated and medium-bodied wine the balance and interest to satisfy.

estate

spain

very solid and sturdy, with aromas of apple, lemon-lime, soda cracker and mineral. the palate is fuller and more flavorful than your average cava, with candied apple, papaya, lime and lemon flavors. dry, pithy and hinting at complexity on the finish.

reserva heredad

chile

nutty, honeyed apple and melon aromas come with plenty of raw wood grain. this is an oaky, resiny chardonnay with just enough core acidity to maintain balance. creamy apple and melon flavors finish on barrel-driven resin and cinnamon accents.

alpha

italy

this is a simple but delicious barbera loaded with ripe plum and black cherry flavors punctuated by licorice and pepper notes. soft and round, this is ready to enjoy now. pair it with pasta topped with cream sauces or grilled chicken dishes.

barilot

us

this vineyard designate opens with toasted oak aromas before unleashing friendly, fruit-forward layers of green apple and pear that mellow on the palate. softly textured, medium-bodied and measured in acidity, it lingers on the finish in nutmeg and lemongrass flavor.

sangiacomo green acres hill

chile

aromas of fresh-cut grass, citrus peel and yeasty dust are typical of the casablanca region. a round mouthfeel offers proper acidic cut, while flavors of grapefruit, lime and bell pepper finish green but fresh.

cefiro reserva

argentina

mildly baked plum and berry aromas are big and solid, while the big-boned palate revolves around plum and rhubarb flavors. straightforward and a touch herbal, with sticky, chewy fruit to ponder on the finish.

reserve

us

this wine needs plenty of breathing time, revealing pleasant hibiscus, rose, cranberry and tart cherry aromas as it opens. the flavors suggest pepper and red fruit, with a somewhat leathery aged character.

synnove

italy

linear and mineral driven, this intriguing white opens with aromas of beeswax, acacia, citrus, stone fruit and a yeasty whiff of bread crust. on the expressive palate, a mineral note underscores juicy yellow peach, nectarine and apple. there's a lot going on and a lot to enjoy here.

monte di fice

us

sharp and jammy, with blackberry, cherry and black raspberry flavors that finish dry and tannic. it's all upfront, so drink now.

tecolote vineyards

italy

a blend of 80% sangiovese, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 5% merlot, this wine begins with aromas of oak, vanilla, toast and espresso. the palate offers up ripe black cherry, black currant and coffee sweetened with vanilla. it finishes on a note of drying wood tannins.

tommaso bojola riserva

france

wood aging does not help the richness of this wine. it brings out toast and covers the glorious sweet fruits. with acidity thrown in the balance is not there. maybe several years will help, so don't drink before 2017.

les larmes de bacchus

us

how this wine manages to be both sweet and bone dry at the same time is a mystery. it's simply luscious, brimming with deliriously rich flavors of raspberry cream, cherry vanilla, gingerbread cookie and buttered cinnamon toast. it's the chardonnay version of pinot noir, creamy and honeyed.

babcock vineyard

us

dijon clones go into this rich mouth coating wine. it pushes pastry flavors front and center—apple pie, pie crust and cinnamon—but it never goes too soft, and finishes with a well-modulated mix of barrel toast (30% new french oak) and underlying minerality.

bernau block

us

clean and sleek on the palate, this wine has brisk central coast acidity, which highlights the complex flavors of green melon, lemon, lime, asian pear and white pepper. made without oak, it shows the wonderful terroir of its vineyard.

paragon vineyard