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104,653 | us | after starting out a touch reduced, this wine opens to reveal aromas of wet rock, high-toned white flowers, lime and green apple. the palate is broad and dry, with generous citrus flavors that linger. | birdie | 91 | 18 |
109,047 | italy | this shows beautifully elegant aromas of spice, black pepper, crushed granite, dried spice and fresh forest berry. there is are recognizable notes of jammy red fruit and marmalade, but the bouquet remains tightly pulled together and balanced nonetheless. it imparts a crisp, clean sensation on the palate, with a long, polished finish. | gaso | 93 | 61 |
12,409 | portugal | the second label of alorna, portal da aguia wines develop early. this bright and fruity red is based around soft tannins, very ripe fruits and a juicy, full-in-the-mouth texture. it needs little time to age, so drink from the end of 2014. | portal da aguia tinto | 87 | 11 |
74,731 | us | scott sisemore's small belmont-based label pushes the lower-alcohol movement into the realm of syrah, in this case producing a wine whose aromas are more like one of the appellation's cabs, with juniper, pine, oregano, green and black olives and dried plums. elderberries and those same herbal characters show on the palate, which some will love and others will find unfamiliar. | lester family vineyard | 90 | 32 |
120,897 | us | greg brewer resurrects his briefly shuttered brand to show what can be done on the floral edge of chardonnay. this bottling that is very light in the glass offers tons of boisterous fruit displayed with delicacy, including tuberose, orange blossoms, lime and ripe pears. guava powers the sip along with coconut, mango and apple-blossom flavors, wrapped in a tantalizing acidity. it would go great with sushi. | machado | 92 | 42 |
110,438 | italy | aromas of blue flower, dark berry, scorched earth and a whiff of oak spices come together in the glass. the palate offers dried cherry, game, ground pepper, toast and espresso alongside grippy, drying tannins. | san giuseppe | 88 | 16 |
129,869 | us | this wine hits the mark, combining intriguing flavors of vanilla, shortcake and cinnamon with a bracing but supple texture and a fine-grained mousse. it is dry, subtle, complex and elegant. | brut | 90 | 25 |
82,206 | us | aromas of butterscotch, pear, peach, flowers and spice are followed by full-bodied stone-fruit flavors. it brings a fair amount of heat along with it but is certainly varietally correct. | icon | 87 | 25 |
26,415 | italy | a zesty wine, its fragrances suggest stone fruit, cut grass, pineapple and a mineral note. the bright, lively palate delivers yellow peach, papaya and citrus alongside a steely mineral note and crisp acidity. | indra | 88 | 22 |
58,989 | us | rich caramel and a substantive presence of oak overlay an otherwise fairly light-bodied, structured wine from an estate vineyard. it's packed in tropical elements and baked apple. | persephone vineyard | 88 | 28 |
4,248 | us | one of the few red dessert wines with obvious new-oak flavors, this wine smells smoky and toasty. it tastes sweet and black peppery, and is very full bodied. | usb | 88 | 25 |
53,960 | us | very ripe, almost pruney fruit flavors plus full body and a broad, rich texture give this wine amplitude. made from mostly mourvèdre, plus syrah, grenache and counoise, it has chocolate, black pepper and jam flavors that fill the mouth and linger on the finish. | patriarche | 90 | 32 |
83,940 | us | an abundance of chaparral spice adds intrigue to the nose of this bottling by veteran ken brown. dried sage and a eucalyptus-like menthol character decorate the red currant and raspberry core. pine needles play prominently on the palate, giving depth to the cranberry, pomegranate and white-pepper flavors. it offers tons of flair, but also elegance. | la encantada vineyard | 95 | 60 |
100,508 | portugal | this wine is ripe and rich, with fine tannins and structure. great swathes of blackberry fruits come with a mineral edge and some tight tannins. give this balanced wine until 2019. | dr colheita | 88 | 17 |
111,974 | italy | aromas of steeped cherries, ripe plums, scorched earth and a medley of cooking spices lead the nose on this round, rich wine. the lush palate doles out ripe black cherries, raspberry jam, licorice and a dash of black pepper while velvety tannins lend finesse. | campomasua | 93 | 65 |
84,212 | us | tiny amounts of zinfandel and malbec are added to this wine, which otherwise delivers varietally appropriate notes of tart cranberry and black currant. from there, leather comes onto the palate, bolstering an already heady mix of tannin and oak, finishing rich in tobacco and dark chocolate. | classic collection | 89 | 25 |
61,645 | australia | this ripe grenache is full-bodied and fruit-driven, but seems to have the stuffing to last at least 3–4 years. cherry-berry flavors are punched up by herb and spice shadings that linger on the finish. | bush vine | 91 | 29 |
123,745 | argentina | the nose of this malbec is fresh and shows black-fruit and plum aromas. medium bodied, with plum, red berry and herbal flavors. tasty on the finish, this delivers all the basics for $10. | [+] | 86 | 10 |
125,494 | argentina | sweet, jammy aromas of blueberry and cassis suggest ripeness to the max. for confirmation, the palate is rich, plump, soft and a bit heavy, with prune, baked berry and cassis flavors that end in a chewy, warm, fully ripe finish. drink this beefy, ripe malbec now through 2015. | cuartel 2 | 90 | 40 |
63,226 | portugal | this is beautiful, with smooth, polished tannins and a spice note from the wood aging. it is layered with black plum, chocolate and licorice flavors, along with structure. the fruit is rich and likely to come forward in the next 3–4 years. | quinta de pancas reserva | 93 | 30 |
86,231 | italy | this is a merlot-cabernet blend of great intensity and vertical delivery that doles out attractive notes of tobacco, toast, molasses, graphite and pretty herbal shadings. it has big, plump cherry and earthy tones at its core and is ready to drink now. | ardingo | 91 | 52 |
65,578 | portugal | apples and crisp pears give this wine its intensely fresh character. it has bright acidity that shoots right through the wine, resulting in a tangy texture. drink now. | paxis branco | 85 | 9 |
27,464 | france | the classic skittle bottle shape, familiar from restaurant tables throughout provence, reflects this wine's character. lightly peppery and spicy, it has attractive and perfumed acidity. | cuvée réservée tradition | 86 | 15 |
25,146 | france | this is a ripe, lightly pink-colored wine, full of red fruits as well as crisp acidity. it is soft, with a gentle creamy mousse that rounds out in the mouth. it's ready to drink, leaving a warm while fresh aftertaste. | impérial brut rosé | 88 | 50 |
103,004 | argentina | woody smelling up front, this is a thick, ripe malbec with sweet plum and berry aromas and flavors. despite feeling fat, this has adequate acidity to match resiny oak and jammy berry fruit. wood spice is the dominant flavor on the finish. | 505 | 85 | 13 |
43,153 | italy | this wonderfully elegant cru expression is full bodied and rich with smoky tones of cedar and tobacco over blackberry, cassis and red rose aromas. the tannins are big, firm and lend a sturdy, powerful feel in the mouth that will become silkier and even smoother with time. | liste | 93 | 85 |
56,460 | france | this is the second wine from the château grenouilles vineyard, very fresh, but at the same time weighty and concentrated, with wood, caramel and generous fruits. age for 5 years. | les fiefs de grenouilles grand cru | 91 | 60 |
91,423 | argentina | the bringing together of malbec and tempranillo works like a charm here. there's a touch of complexity to the fruit-forward nose, and better depth than what most under-$10 red varietals offer. look for sweet, smooth raspberry and plum flavors with a tasty, balanced finish. | urban uco blend | 87 | 8 |
55,670 | us | reduced and extracted, this is a hearty blend of 60% syrah, 30% grenache and 10% viognier. a juicy backbone of high-toned cherry is met by pretty aromas of violet as broad-shouldered body weight and texture provide a meaty edge. | r own cuvée | 88 | 25 |
44,305 | us | soft and pretty, this marries light spice to fruit flavors of apple and strawberry. think blanc de noir without the sparkle and you're on the right trail. it's got substantial palate weight and a fairly thick mouthfeel. | white | 88 | 20 |
22,858 | us | expressive and loaded with fruit, mineral and spice components, this powerful wine centers around dense flavors of black cherry and cassis. threads of coffee, caramel, wet rock and citrus keep coming through, and the wine seems to gain strength as it goes. just a hint of heat comes out in the tail end. | olenik vineyard | 93 | 58 |
126,575 | us | decadent in caramel-toffee oak, this full-bodied wine has a generous helping of hazelnut and ginger cookie at its heart. hefty in oak yet wrapped in enough acidity, it's balanced and easily enjoyed. the finish echoes in whiskey and wood. | bench blend | 91 | 40 |
13,689 | us | this substantive pinot shows definite toasted oak character along with ripe fruit, full body and firm tannins. hints of oak smoke and caramel waft over the ripe plum aromas. the flavors go to dark cherries and coffee, the texture is attractively astringent from tannins, and the finish carries a little bite. well done but not overdone. | outland ridge | 91 | 35 |
57 | italy | there's a touch of toasted almond at the start, but then this grillo revs up in the glass to deliver notes of citrus, stone fruit, crushed stone and lemon tart. the mouthfeel is crisp and simple. | sallier de la tour | 85 | 13 |
81,609 | germany | touches of smoke and grain extend throughout this uniquely savory off-dry kabinett. rich streaks of peach and marmalade brighten the palate, accented by bursts of lemonade acidity, but overall, there's a bit of disarray throughout. | piesporter goldtröpfchen kabinett | 86 | 20 |
100,860 | spain | leather, raw wood and berry aromas start off this young wine. the palate is fairly raw and gripping, while herbal, peppery blackberry flavors finish with a toasty oak note and tannic rub. | dolmo roble | 85 | 10 |
112,286 | us | this flavorful, lively red wine was made with 55% cabernet sauvignon, but it doesn't fall easily into a category. earthy, herbal aromas turn spicy, smoky and rich with raspberry and blackberry flavors as you sip. the other four bordeaux red grape varieties complete the blend. | scarlet five wildcreek canyon | 85 | 7 |
81,479 | italy | delicate but enticing scents of white spring flower and pear waft out of the glass. on the refreshing palate, vibrant acidity and small continuous beads underscore yellow apple, lemon zest and a hint of white pear. | prior | 89 | 17 |
26,081 | us | this rhône-style blend of 60% syrah, 20% grenache and 20% mourvèdre is soft and smooth. the fruity, forward palate shows little influence for having aged for 21 months in barrel, and so the flavors tend to be simple. notes of red berries, red licorice and a dash of cayenne are all found. | julian | 87 | 28 |
68,689 | france | this is a refined, mature champagne with an elegant texture that just hints at minerality. a toasty character shows through its ripe white fruit, yielding a balanced wine. the aftertaste is lingering and satisfying. drink now. | bacchus millésime brut | 92 | 40 |
41,818 | us | earthy and dry, this single-block designated white is fresh in cut grass and hay, with a tropical edge. composed and steely, especially on the finish, it provides plenty of richness balanced by classic acidity. | virginia's block jane's vineyard | 88 | 25 |
101,089 | us | this winery has succeeded in producing a lovely bordeaux-blend wine in this difficult vintage. based on cabernet sauvignon, and including all five classic bordeaux grapes, this wine is rich and opulent with blackberry jam, blueberry, currant and anise flavors, enhanced with new oak. give it a decant and enjoy it over the next year or two. | baby blue | 91 | 25 |
76,123 | france | rich and structured, this shows the plushness of today's bordeaux merlot. ripe berry fruits, dark plums and a touch of vanilla give spice and round off the texture. it's juicy, still developing and best from 2016. | merlot de château sainte-barbe | 88 | 15 |
50,867 | chile | this syrah is heavy and minty, with plastic aromas. the palate is chunky and citrusy in feel, with little body. flavors of clove, mint and berry lead to a resiny, almost fruitless finish. | litú | 82 | 12 |
105,627 | italy | ripe and chewy, this earthy wine opens with aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, scorched soil, grilled herb and game. the big, round palate doles out ripe blackberry, spiced blueberry, licorice and ground pepper alongside velvety tannins. | s'arai | 90 | 45 |
58,817 | argentina | torrontés is usually a one-year wine, so this 2011 is showing well via flowery white-fruit aromas and notes of lychee and bath oil. the palate is largely fresh and full, with melon, lychee and tangerine flavors. a touch of wheat flavor and creaminess on the finish are the lone indications of age. | altivo vineyard selection | 86 | 12 |
109,533 | us | wow. black kite's river turn, one of of its three annual block designates, is invigoratingly inviting, a heady mix of floral cherry pie, bright, full and ripe with a balanced backbone of acidity and a gentle hint of gingerbread. this wine is ready to enjoy this second, but if you can help yourself, it'll also hold up for several years in the cellar and no matter when you decide to drink it, pair exquisitely with a range of deftly mannered food. | river turn | 95 | 55 |
94,241 | us | peju's regular 2008 cabernet franc, released a year ago, was outstanding. this one's even better. it's arguably one of the best california cabernet francs ever. this is absolutely delicious in red cherry and blueberry jam, cherry liqueur, cola and sandalwood flavors. it's marked by an exquisite mouthfeel—all silk and satin. give it a few hours in a decanter, and drink now with steak or lamb. | reserve | 94 | 115 |
96,787 | us | underripe peach, candied lemon and white flower aromas are lifted and bright on the nose. the palate is zesty and crisp, with ripe red-apple flavors leading to a slightly chalky finish. | estate club | 88 | 26 |
64,533 | chile | this opens with mildly leafy, murky aromas of iodine and latex, with hints of black fruit. the palate feels a bit choppy and hollow, with an herbal mix of tomato and red plum flavors. it's solid, but herbal and scratchy feeling as a whole. | legado reserva | 85 | 16 |
92,083 | us | this polished wine offers an array of ripe cherry, pomegranate, persimmon and cola flavors, making it rich and sweet in the mouth. yet the finish is entirely dry, and you'll find plenty of scoury acidity to rip through the greasy richness of lamb or duck. | maboroshi vineyard | 92 | 44 |
22,083 | argentina | like most colomé malbecs, this is purple in color, with concentrated aromas of rubber, herbs and jammy blackberry. a thick, almost soupy palate is chewy and cushioned, while saturated black-fruit flavors finish heavy, jammy and on the cusp of overdone. | auténtico | 88 | 25 |
43,882 | spain | you'll find plenty to like in this bubbly. the aromas are very refined and champagnesque, with toast, lees, vanilla, spice, charcoal and a waft of citrus. the flavors are similarly of toast and mineral. this is not a fruit-driven wine. it's a little rough around the edges; the bubbles are scoury, not refined. but the price is great, and it is a good value. should be easy to find, with 90,000 cases produced. | cuvée raventos | 87 | 13 |
105,013 | italy | this metodo classico rosé opens with a pale pink-peach color and delicate aromas of wild berry, raspberry, lemon zest and toasted bread. the wine is straigh forward, elegant and clean. | brut rosé | 88 | 39 |
66,280 | us | a testament to coolness—cool place, cool year—this marin county pinot is earthy, round and tight, suggesting it could use a little more time to develop. cranberry and spice rule the roost and the wine's lightness of being would pair well with fresh-caught salmon not looking to be overwhelmed. | azaya ranch vineyard | 88 | 58 |
84,377 | us | the fruit is hard and shows some earthy flavors of seed and stem, but this serviceable red has been enhanced with spicy, toasty oak flavors. | fools gold | 84 | 22 |
46,505 | france | the name is spot-on for a wine with a pink-pearl color. it is gently fruity with soft red fruits and a touch of pepper. the aftertaste is crisp, clean and refreshing. | perle du rosé | 86 | 20 |
64,958 | spain | aromas of raw oak, eucalyptus and gritty berry fruits are hot and leafy. this tempranillo-based blend feels choppy with aggressive grating tannins. flavors of baked roasted berry fruits are also herbal, green and leafy, while this finishes crisp, raw and tomatoey in flavor. | reserva privada | 85 | 80 |
98,416 | france | an herbal and perfumed wine, its welcoming soft aromatic character comes from the cabernet franc in the blend. the wine has dusty tannins, rich and juicy black fruits and tamed tannat structure, to give a ripe, full and opulent wine that will develop quickly. drink now or, better, from 2015. | aydie l'origine | 92 | 12 |
35,729 | france | attractively spicy as well as fruity, this is a ginger and apricot-flavored wine. great acidity balances the warm fruitiness. full in the mouth while also crisp, the wine is ready to drink. | les cras | 91 | 21 |
105,475 | us | made from 100% nebbiolo, this wine is copper-orange in color, with a sense of candied peach, melon and orange peel on the front palate. slightly spritzy and vibrant in acidity, it finishes dry and crisp, ready for another sip. | proprietary rosato di | 90 | 24 |
95,585 | us | this wine is seemingly sweet and soft, with very ripe black cherry and persimmon flavors. in fact, it's almost too ripe, with a hint of raisins on the finish. drink now. | omg three barrels | 84 | 30 |
27,695 | spain | this wine costs a lot for what it's giving. the nose starts out hard and fruitless, and while the aromas come around, the wine always holds onto its corn and haystack character. zippy acidity gives the mouth zest, and it also livens up papaya, banana and apricot flavors. complex and different, but does it taste good enough to justify a $78 price tag? | kyrie | 88 | 78 |
52,104 | us | the aromatics shine here, sending up a happy mix of ripe cherries and baking spices. the fruit carries the midpalate, with medium density and appealing, though blocky, flavors. this is not a complex wine, but most enjoyable. | suzanne's estate reserve | 88 | 50 |
127,689 | italy | hearty aglianico is blended with a small percentage of sangiovese to produce a tight and straightforward red wine, with sassy spice and dark fruit aromas. pair this value wine with pizza or grilled sausage. | guaglione | 87 | 13 |
86,253 | chile | this wine leads with vanilla over characteristic varietal notes. the palate is spritzy, while modest flavors of nectarine and citrus finish light. | reserva | 83 | 12 |
42,323 | us | this new pinot is quite light in color, and hits the palate with a mix of tart cranberry and bitter herb. in 2012, a fruit-forward vintage, it seems slightly underripe, and thins out quickly. | reserve | 86 | 40 |
46,854 | us | a wonderfully complex, dry white wine, rich and acidic, with subtle flavors of citrus fruits, white flowers, vanilla, minerals and honey. feels smooth and creamy, an interesting combination of richness and tartness and, above all, elegance. sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, viognier and grenache blanc. | quartette | 92 | 25 |
6,134 | italy | red berry, pressed rose and balsamic aromas lead the nose. the structured palate offers juicy black cherry, grilled herb, licorice, clove and a hint of mocha accompanied by firm, velvety tannins and fresh acidity. | del comune di serralunga d'alba | 92 | 60 |
126,949 | chile | jammy and concentrated on the nose, but more sharp and citric than ideal in the mouth. the wine is borderline sharp, with sour cherry and cranberry flavors leading to a tart, zesty finish. tastes sour every time you revisit it. | reserve barrel select | 84 | 12 |
123,053 | us | this wine is principally syrah, cabernet sauvignon and merlot, with the balance other bordeaux varieties. aromas of clove, sweet plum, vanilla and tire rubber lead to sweet, palate-coating blueberry and smoke flavors that linger. | alluvial | 88 | 20 |
78,252 | us | no question that the flavors of this mourvedre, grenache, syrah and counoise blend are delicious. raspberry and cherry tart, mocha, oatmeal raisin cookie, vanilla, what's not to like? the problem is the structure, which is soft and lacking in vibrancy and tannic firmness. drink now. | esprit de beaucastel | 87 | 45 |
62,494 | us | only 120 cases of this wine from the sonoma coast, where cool weather limits ripeness. there are burgundian aromas of grilled meat, raw meat and mushroom, with dark berries. very dry, but with a glyceriney sweetness, it's light and supple on the palate. might age; might not. this is still unexplored territory for pinot noir. | freestone hill vineyard | 92 | 55 |
17,915 | us | this cabernet has a rather bubblegummy, candied, gassy taste. it's exuberantly ripe in cherries, red currants and mocha, and fun to drink, but expensive. | three creek vineyard | 85 | 40 |
122,538 | us | this is a very good price for a zinfandel this fine. it's fairly delicate in mouthfeel for a zin, with a light silkiness, and the tannin-acid architecture is elegant. as for the actual flavors, they're intense in red fruits, currants, sweet licorice and pepper. hard to imagine a better wine for drinking over the next few years with barbecue. | estate | 90 | 25 |
87,480 | spain | woodsy at first, then more foresty and stretched. the nose is peppery and light on fruit, while the palate shows tight cherry and raspberry flavors alongside edgy, invigorating tannins and acidity. a lively wine with bite and modest offsetting sweetness to the overriding snap. | reserva | 85 | 18 |
85,305 | us | saturated with color and ripe fruit flavors, this almost-thick wine is medium bodied, mouthcoating and bursting with black cherry and prune flavors. it is dry, moderately tannic in texture and well balanced despite its richness. | the bull | 90 | 21 |
91,804 | us | this winery has been working for years with barbera, but it's a tough grape to perfect in california. this shows the variety's rustic side, with briary flavors of wild berries and thick tannins. it's also sweet on the finish, like a simple port. | j&s; reserve | 83 | 28 |
15,645 | italy | this succulent amarone has a fragrance of cherry and raspberry with whiffs of baking spices. the palate delivers gorgeous black fruit layered with white pepper and nutmeg. it's shows an intriguing balance of power and finesse. | corte vaona | 92 | 65 |
123,695 | us | you're not reading the vintage wrong: this unique release was just recently discovered lurking in the back of the winery warehouse. talk about extended tirage! it's in remarkably good condition, biscuity and amazingly fresh. it does show some darkening of hue, and medium-bodied flavors of brioche, cream and toast. | blanc de noir | 90 | 58 |
63,763 | italy | aged on its lees for over 10 years, this stunning wine shows the extraordinary aging potential of pinot bianco in alto adige. it boasts enticing scents of ripe orchard fruit, vanilla, graphite and a whiff of oak that carry over to the radiant palate along with ripe apple, candied lemon drop and nectarine zest. bright acidity lends balance while a flinty mineral note backs up the lingering finish. loaded with finesse and complexity, it's simply gorgeous. | rarità 2004 | 95 | 165 |
123,577 | new zealand | the te muna road section of martinborough is the same region exploited by craggy range and escarpment, so cobblestone's american owners are in good company. only the second release of this wine, the 2010 is a plush, sexy example, featuring a combination of fruity and savory components. black cherry fruit pushes through complex notes of smoke, sous bois and shiitake mushrooms. drink now–2020. | te muna | 91 | 50 |
37,205 | us | this unique blend of chardonnay, viognier and marsanne by bob lindquist is priced to sell. fragrant gravenstein apple, pink-grapefruit pith and a touch of honeysuckle show on the nose, followed by flavors of apple blossoms, lemon and lime zest on the light and easy palate that sizzles with a cider-like acidity. | a modern | 88 | 17 |
129,301 | us | this well-balanced and smooth wine is the debut california offering from french producer pommery. made from 96% chardonnay and a dab of pinot noir, it carries aromas of toasted baguette and flowers, with crisp apple and white peach flavors on fine-beaded bubbles. the concentrated fruit amplifies on the palate and lingers on the finish. | brut | 90 | 22 |
19,429 | italy | this brut has heavy aromas of liqueur di dosage, along with subdued citrus and pear notes. it lacks fruit richness and finishes on a dry, bitter note of walnut. | brut | 86 | 35 |
100,771 | italy | made with organically-farmed grapes, ius naturae represents a new school in the production of prosecco superiore—a wine more often associated with winery technique rather than vineyard practice. the results are very satisfying, with bright citrus and lime followed by brisk effervescence. | ius naturae millesimato brut | 88 | 20 |
22,273 | france | this rich wine is still young and has all its tannins intact as well as ripe black fruits that push out of the dense structure. wood aging shows in a toasty edge that will round out. wait and drink this wine from 2017. | fazioli | 92 | 25 |
26,096 | us | production was 10,000 cases, amazing when you consider how good this mountain wine is. immediately drinkable for the soft purity of the tannins and complex cassis, chocolate and oak flavors, it has the sturdy structure to develop for some years, but is best now for its elegant purity. hess is on a real cabernet roll, and is one of napa's overlooked stars. | estate grown | 92 | 50 |
65,225 | italy | you'll love the dark intensity and generous aromatic offerings of this savory riserva brunello. dark cherry, blackberry, spice, leather, tobacco and cigar box all meld into one and drive the wine's momentum. the mouthfeel is tight and compact with a long, polished close. | vigna manapetra riserva | 93 | 58 |
266 | argentina | for an under-$15 red blend, corte has it going on. it's rich and full, almost syrupy on the nose, with lots of oak, ink and vanilla. shows power and packs a punch, with dark berry, chocolate and spicy flavors. a little tannic and scratchy, but with structure and framework to spare. malbec (80%), with bonarda and petit verdot. | corte malbec-bonarda-petit verdot | 89 | 14 |
108,175 | us | a tart sour-cherry note is warmed by hints of sweet vanilla and freshly shaven cedar on this brisk, sprightly wine. hints of wet leaves and brine add a tinge of savoriness to the palate. | amulet demarco vineyards | 86 | 17 |
91,398 | us | this wine has so much new french oak that the toast and caramel become integral parts of the flavor profile. why would you do that with great fruit? it just buries it. and the fruit of this wine is indeed rich in blackberries, currants, blueberries and licorice. this wine will dazzle fans of oak, but true enthusiasts should draw the line and signal the winery that oak is a seasoning, not the main ingredient. | double plus | 86 | 150 |
70,224 | germany | taut and cool with swathes of fresh tarragon and crisp melon rind, this elegant dry riesling has a nervous vitality throughout. the palate is zesty and bright, highlighting tart flavors of tangerine and apricot before fading into a dusty mineral finish. | hochheimer hölle kabinett trocken | 89 | 28 |
27,259 | us | packed with apples, peaches and raspberries, this light-bodied wine was aged in large oak casks and is quite fruity without being at all sweet. it has very good balance, is thirst-quenching but not filling, and will pair well with a range of seafood, salads and lighter main dishes. | estate bottled dry | 90 | 22 |
47,904 | us | a brilliant effort, this belongs right up there with the very best new world viogniers. white flowers, lemon curd and a lush mix of citrus aromas show immense concentration right from the start. both precise and dense, the scents and flavors flow through into a tightly wound, mineral-soaked finish, bright with citrus and apricot fruit. the length and concentration are simply spectacular. | cailloux vineyard | 96 | 70 |
95,214 | chile | harsh, rubbery black-fruit aromas include notes of mushroom and horseradish. a shallow palate with hard tannins doesn't offer much space for a soft landing. it tastes largely of hickory on a choppy finish. | ben's select | 84 | 20 |
41,677 | france | the wine comes from the alpilles mountains, made famous by van gogh's paintings. it has a tight, steely character that comes from the wild terroir while keeping delicious freshness and acidity. it could age until late 2014. | vallon des anges | 90 | 15 |
56,590 | france | granit is the sandy granite hillside soil of northern beaujolais. the vineyard is a neighbor to the fleurie appellation. this textured wine is rich with cherry and red-currant flavors that are rounded out and have just hint of tannins. the wine could soften even more so wait until early 2016. | perle de granit | 89 | 15 |
2,865 | us | one of the best stoller vineyard designates from anywhere, this bright and spicy effort is bursting with flavors of red currants, accented with smoky chocolate. tannins are fine tuned and the wine has excellent balance throughout. | stoller vineyard | 91 | 30 |
45,604 | italy | a blend of syrah and alicante, this opens with aromas of underbrush, toasted wood, espresso and a whiff of exotic spice. on the palate, the fruit is almost completely dried up, leaving prune and oak-driven sensations of coffee and licorice alongside drying tannins. | essenzia di caiarossa | 87 | 180 |