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4,134 | portugal | a blend of chardonnay and arinto, this wood-aged wine is rich and packed with both toast and fruit flavors. vanilla and apple and citrus acidity are generously pulled together by the mineral texture and ripe structure. the wine will be best from 2017. | reserva branco | 90 | 15 |
53,278 | us | off in quality from previous vintages, bell's '04 bordeaux blend has a naggingly weedy, chlorophyll edge to the cherry and blackberry flavors. it's not going anywhere in the cellar. | claret | 82 | 30 |
77,110 | france | from the far eastern edge of bordeaux, this wine offers delicious, fresh fruits structured by light tannins. its black currant flavors are right up front, pleasure without complications. | réserve de la famille | 87 | 15 |
109,584 | us | a big, lusty zin, it shows the tendency to overripeness that can mar the variety. while it's dry, it's rich in raisins and prunes, with a good tannin-acid structure that wants barbecued meat to play with. | hillside estate | 85 | 36 |
83,417 | us | this wine takes time to come around, but once it does, oak and pencil shavings season an herbal core that's tight and classic. black licorice and espresso enter the fray, expanding on the palate's blackberry and cassis. cellar through 2020–2022. | beckstoffer georges iii | 91 | 95 |
119,801 | argentina | deep, lush black-fruit aromas are warm and horsey. tight and well built, this ripe malbec tastes of toasty blackberry blended with chocolate. a smooth, balanced finish with lift and nothing overly heavy or oaky is fitting. | ultra | 90 | 25 |
123,016 | us | richness and elegance go toe-to-toe in this creamy yet crisp, fruity chardonnay. it's lavishly textured, enriched by streaks of butter and cream, yet pristine apple and pear flavors shine through brightly. the caramel-kissed finish lingers. | barrel fermented | 90 | 20 |
104,696 | us | made from merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah, this has a rustic texture that frames raisin, currant and sandalwood flavors. it will pair well with beef ribs. | f/red | 86 | 18 |
80,361 | france | you won't be disappointed with this attractively priced saint-chinian. floral and herbal, with strong scents of lavender, licorice, laurel and menthol all infusing the black cherry, currant and boysenberry center. rich and concentrated with a tecture like crushed velvet and fine but well-structured tannins. hints of black pepper and bittersweet chocolate grace the close. | syrah-mourvèdre | 91 | 21 |
77,598 | italy | delicate scents of white spring flower and citrus lead the way while the racy, linear palate offers nectarine, mineral and bitter almond. zesty acidity provides the framework. | monterotondo del comune di gavi | 88 | 45 |
120,443 | italy | this opens with aromas suggesting pear, yellow stone fruit, mediterranean herb and a whiff of citrus while the vibrant palate delivers crisp green apple, juicy lime, saline and energizing mineral. racy acidity provides the backbone. give this time to fully develop. drink 2017 through 2024. | studi bussi | 93 | 60 |
91,646 | us | light and creamy in lemon meringue with a shake of salt, this 100% varietal white has full-flavored intensity and a floral aromatic streak that invites. dry, it spent time aging in both new french oak and stainless steel, riding both waves with graceful ease. | pont de chevalier | 91 | 40 |
91,573 | spain | wiry, fiery and full of prima's usual cherry and black-currant aromas, this bottling from a very cool vintage is tough as nails on the palate. berry, mocha and chocolate flavors finish with power but also rock-hard tannins that scrape and grate. | prima | 88 | 24 |
109,912 | austria | very fresh and very delicately fragrant with crisp but balanced acidity. this is a wine as light and delicate as a summer breeze and should be drunk on a sunny day as a lovely, scented apéritif. drink soon. | steintal | 89 | 34 |
30,052 | moldova | garnet to the eye, this blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot and 15% malbec has aromas of blueberry and fig jam with highlights of vanilla. flavors of blueberry and dried plum remain on the palate for a satisfying interval beyond the sustained finish. | rosu de purcari | 90 | 38 |
94,309 | us | this blends chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot gris and pinot meunier, with a slightly sweet dosage providing rich creaminess. soft, moderate acidity leans against a taste of vanilla cream, ripe peach and honey. | cuvée m | 88 | 22 |
67,541 | us | this wine offers concentration in spades, a toasty rich bevy of heavy, black fruit flavors that sit with purpose on the tongue. from a green valley-area vineyard the grapes hung long until profound ripeness, resulting in this big boy wine. | silver eagle | 87 | 60 |
29,879 | chile | dark, rubbery, full-force aromas of toast and minerally black fruits lead to a round, loamy, not too concentrated palate with loamy, toasty flavors of chunky blackberry and dark plum. a lasting, herbal finish makes this good and easy to like. drink now. | notas de guarda | 89 | 39 |
66,136 | us | agreeable and smooth, this tastes pro-actively flavored with oak. the wood character comes out as flavors of maple syrup, vanilla and clove in addition to the plum and raspberry notes from the grapes. it's good, commercial-quality red wine. | family reserve | 83 | 8 |
7,528 | us | this is proving to be a great vintage for this emerging producer in an increasingly exciting region of mid-monterey county. graphite, crushed rocks, rose petals and cranberry show on the nose, followed by a palate of black peppercorns, eucalyptus, snappy black raspberry and lots of black clove. | cedar lane vineyard | 92 | 38 |
765 | us | ripe enough in blackberries, currants and mocha, with an earthy, tobacco herbaceousness. the tannins are potent, making the wine hard. drink now, after a good decanting. | the griffin | 87 | 32 |
70,500 | italy | leather, truffle, black cherry, grilled herb and a whiff of mocha lead the nose on this structured but straightforward wine. the palate is still rather closed but delivers crushed red cherry, white pepper and grilled herb alongside fresh acidity and young, raspy tannins that need time to soften. drink 2018–2028. | paiagallo | 90 | 135 |
120,241 | israel | inky violet-red in the glass, this wine has a fruit-forward nose of black cherry and strawberry. there is a good balance of acidity and tannins amidst flavors of black cherry, raspberry, caramel and orange zest. the perception of light spice remains on the tongue after the gentle finish. | mt. tabor | 90 | 15 |
13,572 | chile | a nosing reveals pineapple juice; it's a bit too forward and sharp. in the mouth, lemony flavors mix with buttery oak. it finishes heavier than it should, but still it's pretty clean. in total, it's simple, juicy, properly acidic white wine, but nothing more. | estate | 84 | 10 |
35,673 | austria | juicy, luscious comice pears and floral overtones are brought into tighter focus by the zesty freshness on the concentrated palate that shows intensity and warmth. this finishes with a long impression of pure lemon oil. | privat pellingen reserve | 92 | 78 |
126,016 | chile | plum and cherry aromas are good but undistinguished. the palate is a bit rubbery in feel, while the flavor profile is fruity but nonspecific. the finish offers citrus and red-fruit notes, but nothing beyond that. | syrah-carignan reserva | 84 | 11 |
50,708 | france | this is a serious wine, with its mineral texture and tangy structure. it has plenty of apple and zingy orange flavors. but the main thrust at this stage is of a wine poised for considerable aging. fresh and still tight, it needs several years. drink from 2018. | cuvée fleuron premier cru blanc de blancs brut | 93 | 70 |
122,405 | spain | scattered and unruly up front, this smells downright foxy. the palate is both narrow and sharp, while flavors of vanilla oak, soupy black fruits and tart acidity come around a bit on the finish. | roble | 84 | 18 |
28,333 | italy | aromas of stone fruit, melon and almond skin lend this procanico-verdello-grechetto blend a sophisticated touch and the wine delivers nutty nuances in the mouth. | vigna tragugnano | 86 | 16 |
112,152 | us | light pink in color, this wine is fresh and zesty in aroma, mild and pretty in flavor and light on the tongue, with just a hint of sweetness. made from 80% zinfandel and bottled with an elegant screen-printed label, it's as a classy version of white zinfandel. | estate | 88 | 18 |
53,422 | us | a new style and blend from tamarack, spicebox mixes grenache from weinbau, counoise from ciel du cheval, and syrah from sagemoor. it's aged in neutral barrels, putting the emphasis on flavors of grape, root and leaf. raspberries, minerals and tart acids are in play, in an elegant and ageworthy red. | spicebox | 91 | 28 |
80,061 | us | at almost five years of age, this wine is mellow, smooth and incredibly good. it shows classic cabernet flavors of blackberries and sweet cassis liqueur. it is beautifully concentrated with ripe fruit just starting to develop interesting, aged characteristics. just beautiful for drinking now, and should continue to evolve in the bottle for at least six more years. | kidd ranch | 93 | 60 |
65,985 | italy | acacia, honeyed nut and yellow stone fruit aromas lead the nose. the medium-bodied palate shows surprising depth for the cool wet vintage, offering yellow apple, pear and bitter almond alongside zesty acidity. a mouthwatering saline note wraps up the finish. | riserva | 88 | 22 |
88,175 | us | light garnet in color with a tawny rim, this offers earthy, wet stone aromas and then gushing fruit flavors like raspberry and wild blackberry that ride on a wave of lively acidity, making for a fascinating taste adventure. this nails the acid-tannin-alcohol balance in a way that's compelling and delicious. | paraboll | 93 | 54 |
83,453 | italy | this linear wine opens with aromas that recall stone fruit, apple and pineapple. the bright palate delivers white peach, grapefruit, citrus and mineral notes alongside fresh acidity. it has a crisp, clean finish. | rjgialla | 88 | 22 |
21,320 | us | chardonnays from this vineyard always are powerful, but this bottling is over the top. it has ultraripe apricot and tangerine flavors, with strong acidity. seems almost botrytised, with a honeyed intensity, although it's dry. | sleepy hollow vineyard | 86 | 30 |
90,826 | italy | barolo terlo ravera opens with soft oak tones that still need time to integrate. but the great promise of this wine are its beautiful layers of ripe berry fruit, cassis, leather, chocolate and toasted coconut. the concentration is inky and thick and the finish is very long lasting. drink after 2018. | terlo ravera | 93 | 75 |
42,648 | spain | fresh and full of lime on the nose, and overall this is simple, smooth and gives you little reason to worry or fuss. the palate is smooth, creamy and a little low on acids, thus the lemon-lime and melon flavors have a fullness that's sweet and good. | extra dry | 86 | 10 |
4,298 | us | a beautifully dry gewürz that shows the variety's exotic, spicy personality, and frames it in a crisp texture of acidity and minerality. brims with stimulating flavors of lychee, peaches, mangos, apples, honeysuckle flower and just about every spice you can name. right up there with the best. | estate vineyard | 89 | 21 |
129,461 | us | this is an easygoing but richly flavored wine that starts with light toast and spice aromas preceding somewhat sweet jammy flavors, a soft texture and medium body. petite sirah, zinfandel, syrah and cabernet sauvignon formed the blend. | small batch | 87 | 30 |
115,175 | france | big and firm, this is packed with red fruits and solid tannins. it has flavors of red berries and black fruits—the wood component still prominent. the acidity is gentle; but it does need to age for at least four years. | clos des angles premier cru | 91 | 90 |
29,254 | israel | castel's grand vin is a consistent bordeaux-style blend that shows good depth and concentration, as well as the promise to age gracefully. forward oaky notes of vanilla, toast and sweet spice dominate the nose, but the black-fruit core keeps it grounded. flavors of cassis and black plum flesh out the palate, and a peppery note lingers long on the finish. | grand vin | 90 | 70 |
94,470 | italy | made from 100% nero d'avola, this offers ripe red berry and mediterranean herb aromas. it's straightforward, with red cherry, raspberry and baking spice flavors, framed by smooth tannins. drink soon. | foglio cinquanta | 87 | 13 |
121,365 | portugal | produced from old vine castelão, this wine is ripe and full of dark fruits. with the background acidity and spice, it has a crisp edge that gives the wine a great lift. it is ready to drink. | quinta da mimosa | 87 | 8 |
34,756 | chile | with its compact nose of blackberry and cassis aromas, this wine comes across as ripe and modern. in the mouth, it's round, bouncy, tannic and exuberant, but not overdone. flavors of blackberry and fig are smooth, while the finish is rich and ready. drink through 2017. | franco | 92 | 85 |
98,712 | us | this is not a dainty grenache, with boysenberry syrup, purple flowers, vanilla, clove cream and christmas spices redolent on the nose. it's rich on the palate, with blackberry syrup, baked blueberry and vanilla, but also reflective of the variety, with violet, clove, pepper and a touch of asphalt. | wills hills vineyard | 92 | 42 |
15,919 | us | sourced from the gamble ranch in oakville, this is a fleshy, full-figured wine, floral in honeysuckle and voluptuous in youthful oak. gravensteins apple is overtaken by the richness of butterscotch and tropical pineapple before a brightness comes to life on the finish. | private reserve | 88 | 48 |
96,253 | us | pretty good, but a little on the rustic side, with baked blackberry, cherry and currant flavors wrapped into some rugged, edgy tannins. could just be going through an awkward phase, but its future is hard to predict. | private reserve | 85 | 40 |
70,539 | portugal | firm and structured, this is a densely rich wine for aging. firm tannins dominate its ripe black fruit, lending notes of spice, licorice and toast from the wood. it needs several years of aging to round out—give it four years at least. | t quinta da terrugem | 92 | 69 |
109,456 | us | lime and apple blossoms, gray slate, wet chalk, a touch of struck match and an ever-so-slight lemon-butter element converge on a wondrous nose in this rajat parr-sashi moorman winner. once sipped, the tight citrus hits first, but then come approachable white flowers, golden pears and a touch of ghee and vanilla on the back end. | mt. carmel | 95 | 55 |
113,209 | germany | punchy and forward, this fruity concoction offers loads of ripe pineapple, peach and citrus flavors. it's slightly off dry and straightforward in style but neatly balanced. sharp lemon-lime acidity lends a pleasantly zesty kick to the finish. | 1735 | 89 | 20 |
67,661 | us | this is a late-disgorged sparkler made from 67% pinot noir and 33% chardonnay. low in sugar, it shows glorious granny smith apple flavor around salty oak. dry as a bone on the palate, it offers a wealth of lifted acidity and lemon peel that provides complexity and deliciousness. | extra brut reserve cuvée | 94 | 50 |
27,867 | us | blackberries, anise, violets, lilacs, plum skin and vanilla show on the nose of this bottling. the palate shows lots of crushed peppercorns, tart elderberry and boysenberry fruit, and then a complex herbal array of tarragon, dried mint and bay leaf. | rock creek vineyard | 92 | 43 |
58,993 | us | two bottles were tasted, with significant variation. the better bottle showed moderately ripe cherry fruit framed in chocolate and orange peel. a 50/50 mix of pommard and dijon 777 clones, this is best enjoyed soon. | ribbon ridge vineyard | 88 | 48 |
77,267 | us | scents of waxy honeycomb and crushed minerals waft from this off-dry pinot gris. on the palate, lush, ripe peach and melon flavors penetrate. it's unabashedly fruity and forward with a bold, heavy mouthfeel. | curry creek vineyards | 85 | 24 |
128,592 | romania | this wine has light citrus aromas and flavors of grapefruit, tangerine and yellow peach. pleasant fruit sweetness marks the finish. | demi-sec | 85 | 10 |
4,614 | us | this late-release riesling from seneca lake wafts with the delicate perfume of sweet peas, ripe stonefruits and a petrol undertone. dry, but with a touch of white peach sweetness, refreshing lime juice flavors and a high toned acidity keep this wine refreshing and brisk. | oughterson family estates | 87 | 13 |
64,819 | portugal | with its earthy aromas and soft palate, this is a rustic wine, the sort designed for pairing with grilled meat. it has black plum flavors along with spice and bright red fruits. drink now. | tâmara | 85 | 10 |
26,053 | france | shooting for wine that will age for at least 15 years, this has too much wood for its own good. dark and spicy with tough toast, it will likely remain that way. somebody tried too hard. | cuvée chloé | 84 | 34 |
52,778 | portugal | big, powerful wine that is restrained by its ripe, dusty tannins. it is concentrated, with an almost port-like texture, a result of the open lagars in which it is fermented. the fruit is likely to be rich and opulent as the tannins move into balance. | pintas | 93 | 72 |
40,451 | portugal | very soft, perfumed with bright red cherry fruits, this is a lively rosé, light and bright, lilting on the mouth, finishing with mineral acidity. screw cap. | cape roca fisherman | 85 | 13 |
75,180 | us | this wine is composed of near equal parts idaho, washington and california fruit. it starts out a touch reduced, with black currant and sugared-plum aromas. it drinks a hair off dry, which offsets a dry lick of tannins. it's eponymous pairing should work perfectly. | steak house | 86 | 11 |
85,814 | us | brown spice, dried honeysuckle, gala-apple skins, a touch of light custard and sea-salt-laden citrus and stone fruit show on the nose of this mouthwatering wine. once sipped, flavors of butter-poached apples and ripe pears are spiced with more sea salt. a tight, pithy structure holds it all together. | camelot highlands | 90 | 30 |
123,363 | us | unique aromas of lime blossoms, flowering herbs and a tiny bit of jalapeño combine for a fascinating nose on this winery's entry-level offering. there is a slightly bell pepper element on the palate, but it's quite tasty alongside the ripe pears and other familiar flavors. | cuvee 107 | 89 | 20 |
81,488 | france | this nutty aromatic wine is crisp, tight and with intense acidity. it has a mineral edge as well as citrus fruit, grapefruit and lemon flavors. the wine is lively, perfumed and ready to drink. | les quarterons brut | 89 | 24 |
125,064 | italy | this easy drinking rosato has pretty but fleeting aromas of strawberry and baking spices. the fresh, informal palate offers wild cherry, raspberry and a hint of clove. sip this as an apéritif or pair with summer salads. | rosato | 86 | 19 |
125,580 | us | dense black cherry and blueberry fruit lead into a candied-grape element on the nose of this wine that also offers maple syrup, vanilla and lilac touches. the blend of 60% malbec, 20% cabernet sauvignon and 20% syrah is fruity on the sip, with kirsch and crème de cassis flavors held up by strong tannins and acidity. | gran reserva | 89 | 55 |
7,449 | chile | aromas of match stick and green herbs don't deliver much fruit. this feels round and regular, with grassy flavors along with hints of green bean and canned pea. unresolved pyrazines on the finish result in an herbal, green flavor. | gran devoción | 86 | 18 |
42,892 | france | with its dry, tight texture, this is an austere wine. the fruit is full of piercing black currant acidity, structured with firm tannins. smoky wood does give an extra dimension, but the wine needs several months more in bottle. | cuvée tradition | 89 | 32 |
70,259 | germany | smoky, slaty and oily, this is a mineral-driven, “terroir” wine, without obvious fruit notes, yet not lacking for fruit, if that makes any sense. it's medium-bodied, with just a touch of apparent sugar, and finishes long, with just a touch of citrus. | erbach marcobrunn edition marianne erstes gewächs | 90 | 60 |
114,985 | us | tight-grained tannin wraps around dark, brooding swathes of black cherry, blackberry and cinnamon; dustings of dark chocolate and graham cracker weaving their way underneath. strong herbal components balance the fruit and complexity, brightened by dashes of fresh citrus and herb. | eastside road neighbors | 94 | 55 |
40,370 | us | a vibrant minerality consumes the aromas on this bottling from an extremely coastal vineyard. on the palate, strawberry and sagebrush flavors emerge, all couched in a clean, crisp and refreshing acidity with appropriate bitterness as well. ready to drink now. | salisbury vineyard | 91 | 38 |
117,896 | france | bright and ripe, this deliciously fruity wine is lightly structured and has some weight. with its crisp acidity and dry core of tannins, it's a wine to pair with many foods. | nouveau | 86 | 13 |
116,736 | israel | aromas of black plum and green pepper set the scene for flavors of black cherry, blueberry and white chocolate. tannins are a touch chalky, but fruit brightness takes the power seat and shines through on the zippy finish. | israeli journey | 89 | 25 |
21,108 | us | this is a wonderful edition to pearl, sparkman's 100% sauvignon blanc. it's vibrant and energetic, the kind of high-wire flavors more commonly found in sancerre. three days after it was first tasted, the wine was still drinking beautifully, with candied mixed fruits and terrific concentration. | pearl | 92 | 22 |
74,223 | italy | dark-skinned berry, scorched earth, clove, worn leather and oak-driven spice scents present themselves to the nose. the firm palate offers dried black cherry, roasted coffee bean, vanilla and a green note of powdered sage alongside close-grained tannins that grip the finish and leave an astringent, tongue-drying finish. | castello di bibbione gran selezione | 89 | 45 |
13,708 | us | lemberger, also known as blaufränkisch, was planted here in the 1970s—the winery believes it was the first commercial bottling in the country. this is a seriously good wine, worthy of special attention. it could be mistaken for a particularly fine country wine from italy, southern france or spain, with its old vine complexity, red and blue fruits and whiff of tanned leather. | estate bottled | 90 | 15 |
38,204 | france | made from only grand cru vineyards, this ripe, full and wonderfully textured wine is rich and complex. it brings out tangy orange and lemon zest, a tightly mineral texture, fragrant fruit and acidity. dense and concentrated, the wine would benefit from some bottle age to bring out all its flavors. | prélude grands crus brut | 94 | 95 |
30,232 | italy | this is a delightfully fresh and informal sangiovese with pretty tones of cherry and blueberry backed by a tight mouthfeel and fresh acidity. lingering tones of ginger and cola appear on the streamlined finish. | le more | 86 | 16 |
68,428 | austria | fresh, slender and easy—these are the virtues of this light wine that would be a great solution for a party. | falkensteiner lagen | 86 | 15 |
21,043 | argentina | candied, dusty aromas turn sweet and soapy if given time. the sugary feel to the palate stops just short of cloying, while candied raspberry, watermelon and brown sugar flavors end with milk chocolate and sweet red-fruit notes. | sparkling sec cuvée rosé | 83 | 13 |
103,061 | us | made in the rich, buttery style, this decadent chardonnay oozes honey, butterscotch, tropical fruit, vanilla and toast flavors. it also has a much-needed minerality that adds depth and firmness. the grapes come from carneros, oakville and st. helena. drink through 2016. | barrel fermented | 90 | 35 |
53,297 | us | merlot and cabernet franc make up the majority of this blend. the aromas of dried herbs, pencil lead, cherry and spice are subdued while the palate brings a somewhat elegant style, with the tannins seeming a bit bunched up. | sruth boushey vineyard | 88 | 27 |
12,081 | italy | this easy blend of cabernet sauvignon, montepulciano and alicante opens with a bright cherry note and slightly bitter tones of spice and almond skin. the palate is smoothly textured and rich. | integolo | 86 | 18 |
93,847 | us | this is a fruit-driven wine showing lots of apple and melon aromas, broad peach and apple flavors and a generous texture. it's very tasty and refreshing and has touch of sweetness. | echo ridge | 87 | 10 |
18,668 | australia | hugh hamilton's top-of-the-line wine is the jekyll & hyde shiraz-viognier. in 2007, it's a full-bodied, richly textured wine filled with raspberry, cherry and chocolate aromas and flavors. based on its somewhat chewy finish, it should last and evolve through at least 2020. | jekyll & hyde | 92 | 48 |
18,778 | france | this blend of pinot noir and chardonnay is the producer's nonvintage wine. crisp and fresh, it's delightfully tangy and bright with acidity, citrus and juicy apple flavors. it is made to be a great apéritif style with its fruity, light aftertaste. | authentic brut | 88 | 30 |
86,554 | france | with a sweet nose of honey, malt and golden delicious apples, this is a fairly weighty chardonnay from an unheralded appellation. the slightly oily herb and peach flavors pick up more butterscotch on the finish, yet remain crisp and clean. | en paradis | 85 | 14 |
111,912 | italy | this polished red opens with aromas of ripe berry, toasted oak and a whiff of blue flower. the vibrant palate delivers juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry and ground black pepper framed between bright acidity and supple tannins. | amaranto | 88 | 20 |
74,815 | italy | impossibly intense and rich, giusto di notri is a compelling blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot that takes brutal hold of your senses thanks to its amazing density and texture. the long list of aromas generated here includes black cherry, spice, tobacco and cola and the wine glides in excruciating slow motion over the palate. | giusto di notri | 95 | 100 |
111,570 | us | juicy black fruit, tobacco, tar and leather notes provide a muscular edge to this medium-bodied wine, which is shy on fruit flavor but bold with structure and complex, gravelly, dusty tannin. | reserve | 90 | 65 |
25,215 | italy | dense, lush and bold, this wine shows red cherry, blackberry, rum cake, cinnamon spice and dark chocolate. the wine's concentration is particularly attractive and adds momentum to the already long finish. easy, soft and almost ready to drink now. | bramante cosimi | 92 | 45 |
60,084 | chile | dusty spice and resiny oak aromas sit on top of pedestrian apple, pear and melon notes. this chardonnay from a complicated, rainy vintage feels round and chunky, and sort of oily. oaky peach flavors finish with little but barrel spice. | max reserva | 86 | 20 |
4,064 | us | while five years from harvest, this bold, penetrating merlot is still a baby, with a long, promising future ahead. subtle whiffs of crisp red cherry and mushroom seem quiet on the nose, but the palate is deeply concentrated. black plum and cherry flavors are penetrating yet deftly grounded by a core of mouth puckering tannin and acidity. enjoy starting 2020, but should maintain for much longer. | grand vin | 90 | 35 |
38,042 | canada | this bordeaux-style blend is 47% cabernet sauvignon, 24% cabernet franc, 20% merlot, 6% malbec (new this vintage) and 3% petit verdot. carrying a whiff of musty leather, it nonetheless impresses with mixed black berries, a hint of cigar and polished, firm, substantial tannins. it's a fine steak wine to enjoy now through 2022. | oldfield series 2bench red | 90 | 30 |
45,872 | france | the abouriou, which forms a small part of the blend of this wine, is one of those many southwest grapes that has been rescued from a sad decline. it adds a richly perfumed character to the bordeaux blend in this grape. attractive, with young tannins and ripe black fruits, it will age well. drink from 2018. | richard 1er | 86 | 13 |
23,732 | france | this is a smooth and rounded wine with ripe yellow fruits as well as a crisp, sliced apple character. it is fruity and warm with its ripe, full flavors. drink this generous wine now. | la crochette | 87 | 20 |
109,906 | us | aromas of coffee, gravel and boysenberry are followed by pillowy-soft fruit and barrel flavors. it displays delicacy and nuance. | reserve | 89 | 35 |
26,117 | new zealand | the aromas feature a subtle interplay between roses, red fruit and earthier elements, with the flavors following along in a similar vein. but where this wine excels is in its texture—supremely silky—and finish, which shows excellent persistence. a complex and elegant expression of north island pinot noir. | block b | 91 | 50 |
4,933 | us | the grape's fruit flavors of blackberry and black cherry are nicely focused and rounded, but the vanilla and tobacco components, perhaps from aggressive oak treatment, bring in a bit of bitterness to the tannins. it's a fight to the finish—fruit or tannin—and too soon to pick a winner. | the estates | 86 | 25 |