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106,748 | us | a lightweight pinot that's actually marketed as a rosé, this wine nevertheless manages to pack in decent flavors of apple skin, red berries and cinnamon, capped off by some leathery, meaty notes. | fleurette | 83 | 10 |
35,420 | italy | a blend of cabernet sauvignon and montepulciano from castagneto carducci in coastal tuscany, this opens with hearty, extracted fruit and masculine aromas of smoked bacon, cassis, blackberry and exotic spice. a touch of sour fruit marks the finish. | baldoro | 88 | 24 |
18,393 | germany | slightly savory with tones of pressed apple and pear, this medium-sweet riesling balances ripe yellow-peach and quince flavors with an earthy minerality that's intriguing. bright tangerine acidity drives a long, sunny finish. | ockfener bockstein spatlëse | 88 | 24 |
104,726 | australia | there's a slightly scorched character to this wine that i had a tough time getting past. there's solid plummy fruit, but also recurring hints of freshly sawn lumber and burnt coffee. it's full bodied, with plenty of astringent tannins, so it might age past this current stage, and it's possible this rating could look stingy in a few years. | the coppermine road | 86 | 65 |
121,296 | us | this brut shows lemon and sweet wonder bread aromas on the nose. the palate starts frothy but quickly mellows, and carries ripe lemon and white peach flavors to the sweet bread and citrus finish. | brut | 86 | 17 |
85,541 | new zealand | this is a smashing american debut for this wine, which comes from a small vineyard atop roy's hill, overlooking the gimblett gravels. welcoming peach and pineapple fruit is framed by toasted-grain elements in this whole-cluster-pressed and barrel-fermented wine. it's mouthfilling, but maintains a sense of balance while finishing long, with hints of honey and citrus. drink now–2018. | terraces | 92 | 35 |
123,154 | italy | made with the little-known ruché grape that is believed to be native of the asti area of italy's piedmont region, this bright and ruby-colored red wine offers floral and simple berry aromas. it shows freshness and structure, making it a good pairing partner to pasta or quiche lorraine. | la tradizione | 87 | 22 |
82,667 | us | the soberanes vineyard is the source to well-regarded wines from bruliam, siduri and bernardus. lucia's 2011 is a good followup to their 2010, showing fresh, jammy cherry and persimmon flavors, brightened with zippy acidity and finished with sweet oak. will benefit from a few years in the cellar. | soberanes vineyard | 90 | 50 |
83,792 | us | wrapped in a coat of oak that provides toasty character, this voluptuously concentrated wine is marked by deeply defined flavors of cola, blackberry and cherry, lifted and given a sense of freshness by spicy acidity. | vagon rouge | 89 | 65 |
83,074 | us | a tasty, easy-drinking bordeaux blend assembled from three very different regions, the santa cruz mountains, sierra foothills and lodi. very flavorful, almost exotic with cassis, cherry, chocolate, and ripe breadfruit and guava, framed in quite a bit of smoky oak. the tannins are soft. this is a wine that everyone will like. | mercury rising | 88 | 17 |
102,278 | us | this inaugural release displays dialed-back aromas of pencil eraser and dried herbs that need a bit more lift. the palate puts a premium on purity of expression along with a tart lick of acid and cinnamon notes on the finish. if the aromas and flavors sync up further, this young wine moves up a notch. | terre brûlée | 90 | 22 |
25,739 | austria | the archetypal pear flavors of grüner veltliner come to the fore: fresh, flavorsome and crunchy green conference pear in this case, with zesty acidity in a linear, refreshing and zesty frame. this is concentrated and totally refreshing. | selection | 91 | 30 |
126,764 | us | at 160g/l residual sugar, this late-harvest wine brings plenty of sweetness with its lightly spritzy marmalade, orange peel and pear aromas and flavors, yet it still retains an appealing sense of lightness and balance as well. the length is impressive. | ethos reserve late harvest | 91 | 40 |
113,123 | slovenia | this slovenian sparkling wine is made from 100% ribolla gialla in the charmat method. it has aromas of green apple, brioche, toast and hazelnut. in the mouth, the bubbles are pleasant and prepare your palate for flavors of apple, hazelnut and toasted almond. | peneca rebula brut | 88 | 17 |
78,103 | us | there's a mushroom note to this pinot that gives it an earthy richness, helping to ground the ripe, jammy raspberry and cherry flavors. this is kynsi's best '09 pinot noir, but you should give it 1–3 years in the bottle to let everything integrate. | precious stone stone corral vineyard | 92 | 62 |
59,296 | us | this is a marvelous wine, made for force majeure by syncline's james mantone. a delectable blend of 56% mourvèdre, 38% syrah, and 6% grenache, it's a spice rack of aromatics, with flavors of boysenberry and raspberry over crushed rocks. tight, tart and tangy, it has remarkable depth and density, and should age beautifully for at least a decade. | collaboration series vi ciel du cheval vineyard | 94 | 50 |
71,609 | us | made from 100% chardonnay, this sparkling wine is absolutely delicious to drink now. it has vanilla, cream, lemon, lime and yeast flavors, accented with crisp acidity, and the bubbly mousse is soft and fine. | blanc de blancs brut | 90 | 38 |
21,117 | france | a perfumed wine from new wood aging, powerful extraction and dark tannins. the wine is dense and black in color, heavy on the ripe berry and plum fruits with very firm structure. with its power and youthful fruit, it will age well. don't drink before 2018. | cuvée icône du château leret monpezat | 92 | 130 |
100,116 | chile | strong, dark aromas of blackberry and cassis are tight and dense. this concentrated, voluminous wine has tangy acidity and flavors of savory spice, chocolate and baked berries. an herbal finish with olive and leathery flavors comes with a racy, tangy feel. drink through 2018. | limited edition | 90 | 33 |
120,106 | us | this bottling of the 667 and pommard clones starts with a stewed-cherry note before the sagebrush, forest floor and moss aromas start to dominate. there's an exotic sesame touch to the sip, where cherry and berry flavors are lifted by savory hints of salt, pepper and nori wrap. really unique and delicious, it leaves the mouth watering and invigorated. | cedar lane vineyard | 94 | 38 |
101,006 | spain | stalky compost and wilted floral aromas are as present as the underlying basic berry scents. this varietal alicante bouschet is tannic and slightly abrasive in feel, while warm, bitter, peppery plum and cherry flavors leave heat and burn on the finish. | el miracle by mariscal | 84 | 15 |
88,850 | us | a southern rhône blend of grenache, mourvèdre, syrah and counoise, this red wine is soft, light-bodied and frankly sweet. it has porty flavors of raisins, currants, chocolate and anise. | maestro | 83 | 30 |
121,574 | us | the aromas are all high toned, with notes of coffee, herb and cherry. the elegantly styled flavors are well balanced and carry through on the finish. | falcon series | 89 | 25 |
51,560 | austria | the castle of the hardegg family is a magnificent edifice near the czech border with austria. the wine from the castle vineyards is concentrated and rich, hinting at vanilla with intense ripe mango and peach flavors. there is pepper, acidity and ripe fruit. screwcap. | vom schloss | 90 | 26 |
5,857 | france | almost as a challenge, owners pascal et jean-marc verhaeghe set out to prove that malbec could produce a fine port-style fortified wine. it works: its ripe sweetness and the balance between brandy and wine are just right. jammy black cherry flavors and soft tannins give it a rich, velvety character. drink now. | le cèdre vintage | 88 | 33 |
42,328 | us | a minuscule amount of this wine was made, all of it fermented entirely in stainless steel. the result is lively in mouthcoating acidity and refreshing swirls of light-bodied mandarin orange and lime. | new generation | 90 | 28 |
125,810 | us | lava cap has made a decent version of barbera here, simple and blueberry-toned but the wine is a tad heavy and overly oaked and bitter on the finish. | reserve | 85 | 20 |
68,505 | portugal | this is a ripe and juicy wine that is full of fresh white fruit tones on the nose. it has ripe yellow fruits along with crisp lemon and a touch of minerality. the wine is ready to drink. | assobio branco | 86 | 13 |
37,366 | us | a great syrah, from a winery better known for pinot. the wine shows true power in the blueberry, blackberry, mulberry, spice and smoke flavors. yet it's so elegantly constructed, with fine central coast acidity and imposingly rich, fine tannins. an important wine that should have an interesting future over the next 6–8 years. | garys' vineyard | 94 | 54 |
72,622 | us | meaty and also jammy, with popcorn and cedar aromas. dry and complex, typical of the winery's style, and mildly astringent. the tannins are starching at this point, but should fade. given time, the red fruit should emerge and conquer the youthful astringency. | estate reserve | 90 | 55 |
13,834 | us | coconut-laden oak kicks off the entry of this wine, a crisp version of the variety that nonetheless exhibits plenty of oak characteristics and a rich ripeness of baked apple, pear and pineapple. | bellacana vineyard | 86 | 19 |
13,742 | france | big, rich and bold, this is a finely concentrated wine that's marked by the freshness of the year. it's likely to develop quickly and be ready next year. | haut-médoc de haut bages libéral | 88 | 20 |
53,846 | france | there is an attractive touch of smokiness to this otherwise fruity wine. it is fresh with acidity and stalky tannins that march alongside the black currant fruits. this is a blend of 50% merlot, 30% cabernet franc and 20% tannat aged in oak and wooden vats. it is ready to drink. | terroir gascon | 84 | 14 |
13,463 | spain | intense aromas of charred, smoky, lemony oak add depth and masculinity to ripe black-fruit scents. although tough and tannic, this is built like a fortress. flavors of black pepper, dark chocolate and blackberry finish with complex notes of cocoa and herbs. drink this currently young and tannic toro through 2030. | numanthia | 93 | 43 |
32,031 | portugal | this perfumed and solid wine offers some fine tannins. the black fruits and rich structure give a juicy concentration. named after the wolves who traditionally lived in the valley where the quinta is situated, this wine is ripe and ready to drink. | vale de lobos | 91 | 30 |
55,679 | chile | the low-level “good” rating is more a reflection of the wine's age than its core qualities. it's flat and wayward now, with no real direction to the nose or palate. it tastes bland and semisweet, with dying acids and simple flavors of apple and melon. go with the '09, then look for the '10. | eq | 84 | 20 |
5,871 | us | yeasty with aromas of beer batter, this is an interestingly robust wine, concentrated in blackberry and dark cherry with undertones of tar and bitterroot. | buchignani vineyard | 88 | 35 |
97,623 | us | dark and juicy, this selection comes out swinging with bold fruit flavors of black cherry, blackberry and black currant. highlights of oranges, espresso and dark chocolate compound the scents and flavors. it builds into a gorgeous midpalate, that extends gracefully through a lingering finish. supple and sensuous, it leaves you with a trace of sea salt caramel in the back of the palate. | block 5 | 94 | 66 |
107,006 | us | exceeds in ripe flavors of tropical fruits, tangerine and kiwi fruits, with an elaborate coating of sweet, caramelized oak. brisk acidity brings a vitality to balance the richness. a flamboyant wine made in a popularly appealing style. | home ranch | 89 | 26 |
114,331 | us | citrus and peach are on display, with a slight hint of wintergreen mint. there are enough tannins here to give it a residual flavor of peach tea. overall it's a chunky, blocky style of riesling, emphasizing pure fruit goodness over finesse. | estate | 88 | 20 |
24,753 | us | fresh raspberry and bing cherry juice meet with wet black slate, rain on cement and toasted sagebrush scents on the nose of this block-selection expression. the palate opens with ripe red berry, then tightens on slightly sour cranberries, with singing acidity down the middle and a warmer anise tinge to the edges. | block 43 bien nacido vineyard | 93 | 58 |
103,757 | south africa | lovely scents of fynbos and sweet grass mingle with fruity tones of melon rind, gooseberry and underripe mango on the nose and mouth. the fresh and inviting palate offers more of the same, with lingering hints of citrus zest, lime leaf and white currant on the medium-length finish. it's zippy, but layered and flavorful, with excellent overall balance and harmony. | vintage selection | 90 | 17 |
26,298 | us | woodenhead makes a range of pinot noirs from both the russian river and anderson valleys and this one starts out with an earthy ring of raspberry, a lot of black tea and some herbal undertones. still impacted from its time in oak, the finish is hard to pinpoint, slightly spicy and unresolved. | wiley's vineyard | 87 | 60 |
56,382 | us | a bit burnt in grilled cherry fruit and tart in acidity, but otherwise it's a nice, silky pinot noir, with pleasant spice and sandalwood flavors. drink now. | biagini vineyard | 86 | 50 |
17,932 | new zealand | a consistent performer from year to year, villa maria's 2009 private bin sauvignon blanc hints at asparagus, which kept my enthusiasm a little more limited than in the past. but there's ample grapefruit and bright green gage plum on the finish. | private bin | 87 | 16 |
64,738 | us | showing classic santa lucia highlights of enormously ripe cherries, asian spices and acidity, this wine flatters the palate with the sheer force of its fruit and new oak. it's a young, fresh, vibrant wine that's at its best now. | rosella's vineyard | 90 | 50 |
81,775 | australia | a lush, slightly unstructured but immensely pleasurable mouthful of shiraz, the 2007 st. jakobi boasts bright raspberries balanced by lashings of chocolate. easy to drink, it should put smiles on the faces of shiraz lovers everywhere. drink it over the next few years. | st. jakobi single vineyard | 90 | 36 |
108,156 | us | this aromatic wine offers notes of lime, peach, white flowers and creamsicle. it's off dry with the neutral-oak aging providing a broad, creamy feel along with tart fruit flavors that linger. | grand klasse riesling lawrence vineyards | 88 | 22 |
38,338 | us | golden honey and banana flambée aromas make for an inviting if quite rich introduction to this wine from kamasutra-themed lxv. baked apple and poached peach flavors meet with vanilla dust and salted caramel on the palate, which is rich and creamy with a balance of tension. | summer satine | 87 | 35 |
42,039 | chile | standard value-priced chilean syrah in that it's herbal and leafy on the nose, with a mix of olive, earth, spice and dried red fruit aromas. the palate is a bit stretched out and tannic, while the flavor profile is pure olive, herbs and dried cherry. finishes solid but herbal. | ultima reserve | 85 | 10 |
121,691 | us | elegantly woven aromas of cassis, sandalwood and truffle show on the nose of this wine, which also includes 5% cabernet sauvignon, 5% cabernet franc, 3% malbec and 2% petit verdot. the palate also combines that plummy fruit with woody spice, showing cedar and crushed pepper, creating a savory experience that makes the mouth water into the finish. | brand happy canyon vineyard | 93 | 46 |
3,949 | australia | yellow tail's sparkler is an aromatic blend of semillon, traminer, viognier and trebbiano that manages to be largely neutral on the palate at the same time it's perfumed on the nose. frothy and off dry. | bubbles sparkling white wine | 83 | 10 |
82,670 | us | this is pure cabernet sauvignon, with pretty, ripe berry and plum fruit flavors in abundance. the toasty frame, medium tannins and hints of dried leaf add to the overall composition of this nicely-balanced, limited-production wine. | reserve | 90 | 38 |
58,032 | italy | coconut, baked plum and french oak aromas come together in the glass. the taut, medium-bodied palate offers red cherry fruit with hints of toast, espresso and star anise, framed by fine-grained tannins. drink through 2020. | vigneto santa pia riserva | 90 | 40 |
57,446 | us | a new vineyard source for the producer, this was planted in 1910 to a mix of zinfandel, petite sirah, peloursin and trousseau. the wine shows a zestiness to the palate and fruit, a mix of pomegranate, raspberry and plum, side-kicked by dusty mocha. bright in acidity with a chalky finish, the wine can be enjoyed now with a decant or cellared through 2022. | limerick lane vineyard | 90 | 43 |
9,558 | portugal | in the increasingly important dão region, sobral's top-of-the-range is an impressively rich dense wine. with its great tannins and generous black fruits, it is full of potential. produced by winemaker carlos lucas from a selection of grapes as well as parcels, the wine is concentrated, dark and firm. the acidity gives it great life as well as a juicy character that emphasizes the ripe fruit. the wine is still young, drink from 2019. | vinha da neta | 93 | 26 |
114,632 | austria | there's lots of zesty lemon on nose and palate; all that freshness is buffered by a textural and super-savory element on the midpalate. this balanced wine delivers quietly but convincingly. | bruch | 89 | 23 |
95,893 | spain | baked, saucy aromas suggest the wine's overall character. it's ripe and stewy, with a grippy palate and a flavor profile full of tomato, herbs and red plum. tastes herbal and roasted on the finish; aggressive, savory rioja. | reserva | 84 | 40 |
47,907 | us | densely planted and labor intensive (it is actually tilled by belgian draft horses), the vineyard's first releases have been eagerly anticipated, and do not disappoint. floral highlights are stacked over a swirl of umami, with subtle power and airiness. delicate and tense, it's packed with brambly berry flavors, minerally acids and fine-grained tannins. | sur echalas vineyard | 95 | 110 |
11,092 | australia | jacob's creek's top-end red is complex, dense and supple. a seductive bouquet of cassis, asian spice, leather, cocoa and smoke pulls you in and the palate delivers with a thick, velvety feel and concentrated black fruit. dry, but ripe and even tannins on the long finish portend a good future for this already attractive wine. cellar selection. | limited release | 92 | 50 |
44,827 | italy | this grechetto-based wine has a pretty straw appearance and definitely puts an emphasis on nuts, melon and stone fruit. thanks to a smooth mouthfeel and spicy finish, it does liven up in the mouth. | poggio della costa | 86 | 20 |
26,932 | chile | pinched cherry and berry aromas are lean and leathery. it feels tight and scouring, with oaky, green flavors of berry and cherry. it tastes dried out and herbal on the finish. | reserva | 82 | 12 |
70,792 | us | this gorgeous zinfandel comes from a vineyard on bradford mountain at 1,000 feet elevation, with the vines planted in red, volcanic soils. the palate explodes in juicy plum flavor, with a silky, velvety texture and satisfying cinnamon and pepper spice that plays off the fruit. it's a structured and fresh selection. | grist vineyard | 94 | 45 |
61,653 | argentina | murky aromas of herbal black fruits and coffee grinds are funky. a scattered mouthfeel and herbal, spotty flavors of plum and currant finish briny. overall, this is interesting and good but odd, with can't-miss herbal notes. | calathus roble | 87 | 29 |
9,312 | austria | bright, zesty lemon appears alongside yellow mirabell plum that also pervades the palate. there is linear focus, as befits an icewine made from riesling—and if you have desserts that feature confit lemon, this is what you need. incredible that something so rich should be so wonderfully light at the same time. | eiswein | 92 | 50 |
101,549 | portugal | this rich wine is full and fruity. it has generous ripe apple and pear flavors, with a creamy texture that's full in the mouth. the acidity and the creaminess work well together in a wine that is great for an apéritif. | rotas de portugal branco | 86 | 9 |
94,376 | us | within an intense cradling of oak, this wine offers big flavors of green apple and toasted vanilla. full bodied and richly concentrated, it settles into a balanced mineral-laden place of gravelly texture. | estate grown | 90 | 26 |
123,788 | portugal | this is a smooth, ripe and rich wine. it has tannins that give structure and are also well integrated into the generous blackberry and dark plum fruits. the concentration and depth give a solid, dense character. wood aging, just enough, has smoothed everything out, while the aftertaste brings perfumed acidity at the end. drink this complex, serious wine from 2018. | casa de santar reserva | 93 | 64 |
46,758 | france | butter, pain grillé and roasted nut aromas expand on the palate into honey, peach and tangerine flavors, accented by citrus and mineral notes. spicy (white peppery) on the finish. | morgeot | 89 | 50 |
77,611 | us | this wine is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (46%), cabernet franc (24%), merlot (22%) and malbec. aromas of dark fruit and spice are followed by cherry and black-fruit flavors, backed by lightly grainy tannins. | bdx | 88 | 34 |
48,500 | us | this seductive wine has a deep ruby color, jazzy cherry and plum aromas and an elegantly balanced mouthfeel. it offers plenty of fruit flavors that are fresh and just a touch tart like they should be, firm tannins and full body. best after 2018. | ferrington vineyards | 92 | 60 |
106,806 | us | lots of sweet raspberry, cherry and sugar-coated doughnut flavors in this simple little pinot. it has the virtues of silkiness and good acidity. drink now. | huntington | 85 | 19 |
20,922 | us | this cabernet blend shows the future of the new coombsville region, which was officially approved as an appellation in 2011. it's a powerful wine with penetrating blackberry, currant and mocha flavors, while the structure is especially fine and firm. | felicity | 92 | 55 |
36,857 | us | a big improvement over the 2007, but still a rather simply constructed wine. it has pleasant berry, cherry, cola and spice flavors, and is easy to drink. | mountain cuvee | 86 | 35 |
72,538 | australia | a supple, easygoing pinot noir, with modest weight in the mouth but assertive notes of cola, earth and cherries. the aromas are slightly perfumed and confected, but the flavors are sturdier and more savory in nature. drink now. | sexton vineyard | 87 | 35 |
79,545 | us | funky in spearmint and a carbonic notion of freshness, this wine offers cranberry and barely ripe strawberry, adding to its sense of delicacy. mild shakes of white pepper play on the palate, as the finish finds a bolder weight of tannin. | madras steiner vineyard | 91 | 50 |
102,493 | germany | this late-release gg is a stunning showcase of how just a few years of bottle age impact a dry, richly concentrated riesling. yellow peach and grapefruit tones shine brightly still, but are glazed by layers of slick, penetrating minerals. while moderate in alcohol, it feels dense and creamy on the palate. the finish meanders almost endlessly, punctuated playfully by strikes of lemon-lime acidity. it's singing now, but should improve till at least 2020. | wehlener sonnenuhr old vines gg erste lage dry | 95 | 50 |
64,112 | italy | made with 80% sangiovese, 10% pugnitello and 10% colorino, this savory, firmly structured wine offers aromas that recall baked plum, prune, resin, blue flower, leather and a balsamic note. the chewy, concentrated palate delivers juicy black cherry, mature blackberry, vanilla, cinnamon and mocha. dusty tannins provide support. drink through 2021. | poggio rosso gran selezione | 91 | 50 |
26,383 | italy | corbaia is a super tuscan blend of sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon that opens with intensity and bright fruit flavors. it boasts a soft, silky feel with a firm tannic bite followed by cassis, earth and wild mushroom. very nice. | corbaia | 93 | 65 |
103,396 | us | this is barlow's bordeaux blend. based on cabernet sauvignon, it's a beautiful wine, dry and balanced and fully ready to drink now, although it will take some years of cellaring. with fine acidity and tannins, it displays elegant flavors of currants and cassis, with rich edges of mocha and cedar. | barrouge | 90 | 40 |
112,784 | israel | with 18 months in french oak and another 18 months in bottle before release, this is a developed and complex wine with serious cassis and blackberry flavors accented by notes of menthol, tea leaves, cocoa nibs and black currant leaf. structured and firm with velvety tannins and a long finish, this will continue to develop if cellared. | yatir forest kosher | 87 | 65 |
87,675 | argentina | scratchy but fresh blackberry and plum aromas properly announce a direct, juicy palate with straightforward plum and cherry flavors. this is a thoroughly likeable blend of malbec and cabernet sauvignon that shows mild oak on a light, easy finish. | corte c | 88 | 18 |
954 | us | full-bodied and smooth in texture, this generous-tasting wine has lots of ripe plum flavors and sweet-seeming oak accents. | reserve bottling | 87 | 15 |
67,109 | us | dark in color, intense in fruit flavor and firmly packed with tannins, this blockbuster bordeaux-style blend feels massive and grippy. it tastes like cranberry and blackberry, leaving astringency on the palate that will match up to the richest foods. age a few bottles through 2019 to see how it matures. | arme lot number 3 | 88 | 25 |
50,726 | france | big and concentrated, this wine's spice and dark fruit flavors are sustained by solid tannins and acids. it has a rich texture that's laced with acidity, so give this concentrated wine another 4–5 years. | grand lignée | 90 | 22 |
84,197 | us | shea, as always, is a full-bodied, fruit-driven pinot with a broad midpalate showing blackberry fruit and citrusy acids. it falls away rather quickly, leaving a stony impression, but is missing the concentration of shea bottlings from other vintners. | shea vineyard | 88 | 45 |
5,642 | us | here's an elegant pinot noir that restaurateurs should buy for its food companionability. the mouthfeel has a lighter style than some pinots. but it's packed with flavor, and is bone dry and crisp, making it ideal for steaks and chops or even asian fusion. the flavors suggest cherries, black raspberries, root beer, tangerine zest, cloves, pepper and cinnamon. | estate | 90 | 28 |
74,627 | spain | punchy pyrazine and citrus aromas suggest austere sauvignon blanc. this feels tight and lean, while boxed-in flavors of grapefruit and bitter citrus pith finish short but with vitality. | vendimia nocturna | 84 | 13 |
17,169 | us | from one of the benziger family's coolest-climate vineyards, and one that is demeter-certified biodynamic, there's a richness of cherry amid subtle aromatics of rose and cinnamon spice. a delicate wine that's light in texture, it offers earthiness and a long, balanced finish. | la reyna | 89 | 49 |
17,725 | chile | charred and heavily oaked from the opening gun to the closing tape. amid all the barrel influence and toast, you'll find black plum and wild berry aromas and flavors. on the finish, oak reasserts its control over this wine. | serie riberas gran reserva ribera del maule | 87 | 18 |
30,937 | france | now at its peak, this rich, rounded wine is full of spice and tropical fruits, and is full in the mouth. the explosion of ripe fruits is only lightly restrained by some final acidity. this joyous wine is ready to drink. | les éléments | 91 | 26 |
83,873 | us | for many years, red willow cabernet was exclusively produced at columbia winery in a style that emphasized rather green, stemmy flavors. this is the polar opposite. it's roasted, earthy and tannic, with a mix of prune, fig and compote, along with a highlight of cinnamon spice. the finish turns lighter, with a leafy component typical of fruit from this vineyard. | red willow vineyard | 89 | 60 |
64,571 | us | this merlot over-delivers for the everyday price. it's bone dry and classically structured, with rich, ripe tannins and mouthwatering acidity framing flavors of cherries, red and black currants, dusty spices and cedar. sommeliers, scoop this one up. more than 15,000 cases produced. | l de lyeth | 87 | 11 |
39,691 | australia | cowaramup is a margaret river subregion. a herbal note adds interest to the aromas, and some lifted red fruit sets this wine apart from cherubino's other 2010 cabernets. otherwise, it's pretty similar in its lavish oaking and meaty, savory flavors, but with a bright, mouthwatering finish. drink now–2020. | cowaramup | 93 | 54 |
40,342 | us | dusty blackberry and juicy clove mark this softly textured, earthy and layered red wine. full bodied without being bodacious, it instead offers the classic richness and reward of the appellation from a great site in a great vintage. | sweetwater | 93 | 78 |
30,554 | us | the stillwater creek vineyard bottling of novelty hill syrah shows a bit more concentration than its sibling in 2011, with whiffs of pepper, earth, soy and umami. there's a saline character as well, reflective of the mineral-rich soil, and a pleasant taste of toast in the tannins. | stillwater creek vineyard | 88 | 28 |
50,822 | us | interesting to taste saintsbury's reserve next to the regular chardonnay. both naturally share the same taste and textural characteristics, but this wine is oakier and softer in the mouth, especially in acidity. it lacks the crispness and zest of the regular. seems a bit heavy and flat, although it's still a nice wine. | reserve | 85 | 35 |
38,732 | us | made in a rather austere style, with minimal time in oak, this wine offers crisp texture and body complemented by a tartness of golden delicious apple that finishes with creamy lushness. | dichotomy | 90 | 25 |
79,373 | austria | flinty notes are met with yeasty, herbal spice: watercress and arugula pervade nose and palate. the body is slender but has a ripe core that makes this slip down easily, always with a peppery, savory accent that makes this very alluring. | hundsleiten reserve | 90 | 30 |
93,379 | us | there's no mistaking that this wine comes from the rocks district, with its perfumed aromas of grilled asparagus, peat, dried herb and minerally, earthy funk. ripe fruit, earth, gravel and savory flavors meld on the palate, which shows impressive concentration and depth as well as outrageous length on the close. | tall tales stoney vine vineyard | 92 | 60 |