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111,350 | germany | ripe, juicy peaches and nectarines burst from the nose and palate of this semisweet riesling. sunny and pristine, with a soft, lacy sweetness, it's balanced by bristling acidity and a delicate minerality on the finish. | bernkasteler badstube spätlese | 91 | 25 |
34,521 | us | not a lot of aromas in this 14.9% old-vine zin, though a touch of fruit shows up mid-palate. pretty so-so. | altitude: 2401 | 83 | 28 |
18,160 | spain | mild aromas of cherry and nectarine come across simple and sweet. following the nose's lead, this is mellow on the palate, with raspberry and cherry flavors that are, once again, a bit sweet in character. a controlled, candied finish is consistent with what came before it. | rosé brut reserva | 88 | 25 |
11,505 | us | bolinas-based sean thackrey's new project, cassiopeia is centered on one block from a single anderson valley vineyard. his quest was to see what four different pinot noir clones on one rootstock, all the same age, and treated otherwise similarly, could become once turned into wine. this, the 114, is lightly rendered, though deceptively full and meaty, tasting of dark cherry and herb. | cassiopeia wentzel vineyard clone 114 | 92 | 45 |
50,971 | us | this is full bodied, tannic and concentrated, in the way of mount veeder red wines. it's also sweet and high in alcohol, with jammy blackberry flavors. | communication block | 85 | 50 |
83,578 | france | louis max has a particular affinity with the côte chalonnaise and this structured and firm wine shows good judgment. with acidity and a mineral element along with the fragrant berry fruits, the wine is ready to drink, although it will be better from 2016. | côte chalonnaise | 87 | 23 |
7,770 | austria | both tropical and herbal notes join the citrus flavors on the nose, hinting of passion fruit as well as mint. the palate tones this down and puts ripe lemon in the spotlight. sleek and slender, the body has a creamy element of yeast but is dry and brisk. the finish is very balanced and lasting. | kremser weinberge | 91 | 18 |
77,801 | us | this enormously rich, extracted pinot noir will please flavor-forward fans. it's explosive in raspberries, cherries, cola, figs, bacon, orange zest and other umami tastes, wrapped into a silky texture and brightened with crisp acidity. seems best now and for a year or two. | los alamos vineyard | 89 | 39 |
36,117 | portugal | this is a generous black-fruit-driven wine. it has great fruit with some spice from wood. the tannins are firm while giving plenty of richness. with its black plum and berry flavors now developing well, it should be ready from 2018. | gáudio clássico | 89 | 18 |
56,425 | spain | a focused nose with purity, mineral notes and clean white-fruit aromas opens this fine brut nature. the palate is round enough to not be austere, while it carries flavors of white currant, apple and lime. on the finish it maintains its flavors, minerality and clarity. | privat laietà gran reserva brut nature | 91 | 36 |
34,005 | australia | dark and smoky on the nose, with meat, cedar and blackberries combining into an attractive bouquet. this is a meaty, savory wine that should drink well from 2010–2020, backed by tart blackberries and showing some dusty tannins on the finish. | chockstone | 91 | 22 |
52,964 | portugal | green plums, freshly sliced melon and some pineapple all come together in this fruit-salad-fresh wine. it is ripe, but retains plenty of crispness, a light structure of orange zest giving shape and piquancy. | q do e encontro | 87 | 9 |
43,250 | france | this is a young, fruity wine with black currant aromas and delicious, perfumed juicy blackberry fruit. it has all the ripeness of the vintage and the potential to age well. drink from 2020. | vieilles vignes | 87 | 25 |
55,494 | spain | for a few years running we've been singing the praises of abadal, a label from catalonia that has been producing hit upon hit. this blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah from the excellent 2001 vintage is in super form; the wine has a ripe, integrated nose of cocoa, dark fruit and chocolate, while the palate is bold and loaded with vivacious cherry and blackberry flavors. from front to center to back, this wine has it all going in the right direction. good now through 2012. | abadal reserva | 92 | 23 |
106,450 | chile | simple and clean up front, with inviting aromas. the mouth on this wine is broad and satisfying, and the flavors of plum, blackberry, black olive and buttery oak work in tandem. the finish is a bit aggressive, and here the oak is powerful as it leaves a bitter lasting sensation. but overall the wine impresses for its solidity and full fruit. | oak aged - reserve | 86 | 10 |
22,505 | us | the grapes for this beautiful wine come from a sloping, high-elevation site, coaxed into expression by winemaker bob cabral. barrel-aged 10 months in french oak, 40% of it new, it opens with touches of butter and matchstick before blowing off the doors with butterscotch, baked lemon and balanced, oaky spice. voluptuous on the palate, this is a stunner. | one sky | 94 | 50 |
89,396 | argentina | while the nose is toasted, raw and spicy, the palate is weighty and legit, with grabby tannins and generic but solid flavors of mixed berries, herbal notes and oak. the finish is savory and slightly barbecued in flavor. | reserva | 86 | 13 |
3,551 | us | by far the best dewpoint to date, this tastes bone dry, yet it's succulent, concentrated, and lightly honeyed. the deep flavors of ripe meyer lemon and citrus just keep on going and going. | bacchus vineyard dewpoint | 92 | 17 |
16,665 | portugal | the wine has strongly catty aromas that seems to dissipate on the palate. a tense, mineral-driven acidity carries gooseberry flavors and a herbal aftertaste. drink now. | ninfa escolha | 85 | 17 |
128,321 | us | a wonderful zin, rich, ripe and robust, with the full-throttle power you expect in the variety. it's smooth in tannins, dry and spicy, with complex flavors of wild berry jam, red currant, sweet tobacco, green tea, anise and pepper, and a hit of heat from alcohol. fine now, and should gain traction in the bottle over the next 5–6 years. | belloni vineyard | 90 | 35 |
51,935 | us | this wine might knock your socks off with massively rich, ripe flavors of cherry pie, blueberry jam, mocha and toasty oak, wrapped into ultra-smooth tannins. for all the richness, it's brightened with just enough acidity for balance and finishes dry. there's no reason not to drink it now. production was only 96 cases, but it's worth a search. | best barrels | 92 | 60 |
100,060 | france | ripe and full bodied, this is packed with tasty fruits. notes of pear, apricot and white peach mingle easily together, creating a forward, wine with the right depth of flavor. | réserve | 87 | 20 |
17,627 | italy | the fresh quality of this aromatic white wine and its modern packaging give this sauvignon a very approachable and food-friendly appeal. cool climate alto adige has helped etch fine aromas of citrus, passion fruit, tomato leaf and honeysuckle. | stern | 87 | 20 |
7,024 | italy | you can taste the age here in the wine's sophisticated and evolved aromas of butterscotch, caramel, dried fruit and pressed flower petal. in fact, this wine comes from the far away 2000 vintage but has beautifully maintained its fruit characteristics and overall crispness. | zerum riserva dosaggio zero | 92 | 95 |
72,709 | us | hints of orange blossom accent sugar cookie and brioche in this sparkling blend of chardonany, pinot noir, cayuga and pinot gris. it's zesty in lemon-lime acidity, finishing rich and dense. | bollicini | 87 | 16 |
37,021 | us | this small-production pinot is ripe and intense. it immediately strikes you with the sheer opulence of its cherry and blueberry flavors. but the structure is immaculate, with pure, refined tannins, plus bright, zesty acids. it has a lot of alcohol, and the wine is a bit warm, but pinot-friendly foods like steak and lamb will help to balance it. drink now–2016. | barbara's clone 667 | 93 | 80 |
25,199 | us | the aromas are bright, with raspberry, licorice, green pepper and medicinal notes. the flavors are lighter in style and show a distinct green tinge that provides some distraction. | alpha | 88 | 52 |
72,672 | france | stalky and tannic, this wine's structure is balanced by red berry-fruit flavors. it is smoky, typical of cabernet franc, giving a young character that should broaden out. drink this fruity while structured wine now, or better from 2016. | le clos | 86 | 30 |
9,469 | italy | dimension and a broad feel characterize this extra dry prosecco—the added density is probably due to the small percentages of perera and verdiso that are blended in. you'll get aromas of stone fruit, melon, apricot and white flower. the mouthfeel is smooth and slightly sweet. | vigneto dirupo extra dry | 87 | 23 |
10,870 | italy | this lovely metodo classico sparkling wine is made entirely from chardonnay grapes. it has a creamy texture that delivers sensations of peach and honey, with notes of cream-filled pastries and almond. it finishes crisp and clean. | flavio riserva | 91 | 35 |
30,438 | france | this is described as a natural wine with zero sulphite. it has a perfumed character with an earthy edge that comes from the carbonic maceration (whole bunch fermentation). with cherry fruits and bright acidity, the wine is ready to drink. | indigène | 87 | 28 |
17,734 | us | enormously rich and complex, with blackberry and currant flavors accompanied by notes of green olives and new oak. the tannins are thick, but ripe. way too young to drink now due to the closed-down astringency, the wine practically begs to be cellared. give it 6–10 years. | beckstoffer to kalon vineyard | 94 | 175 |
118,395 | spain | waxy, honeyed aromas of melon and white flowers lead to a plump, leesy, creamy but balanced palate full of bready notes, stone-fruit flavors and vanilla. another wave of leesy vanilla, melon, tropical fruit and cream takes over the finish. this contains viognier, garnacha blanca and chenin blanc, a small portion of which was barrel fermented. | font de la figuera | 90 | 40 |
76,966 | us | to call this a fun wine—which it is—is to suggest that it's not complex and compelling, which it also is. it features brilliant acidity and orange-like intensity, remaining bone dry despite its honey-tinged finish. pair it with chinese chicken dishes. | estate grown and bottled | 91 | 25 |
95,395 | france | on the dusty, earthy side of the rhône spectrum, with hints of cordite accenting cherry fruit. it's undeniably fresh and vibrant, just lacks some of the richness characteristic of the 2007 vintage. | l'andéol rasteau | 86 | 25 |
106,667 | us | ruby in color yet delicate in extract, this blend of zweigelt and lemberger is a concession between a red and rosé wine. on the palate, bright red-berry flavors are layered in unusual tones of caramel and spice. the label suggests it can be served both chilled and at room temperature. | beyond | 83 | 18 |
84,170 | france | from a single parcel of organically grown pinot blanc, this was partially vinified in wood. it is dry, although the fruitiness of the grapes balances that dryness. the result is a rich wine, full of fruitiness and with a toasty edge that adds complexity. drink now. | colas robin | 89 | 50 |
85,817 | spain | classic albariño aromas of granitic minerality combine with apple and stone-fruit notes gets this off to a good start. a smooth, citric palate and clean, fruity flavors of orange and peach finish easy and fresh, with proper acidity. | rosa nautica | 90 | 25 |
41,700 | france | although this wine starts off a bit stern in texture, by the long finish those tannins have turned velvety and plush, nicely framing intense black olive, espresso, cherry and plum flavors. drink now–2018. | vieilles vignes | 91 | 45 |
60,453 | us | fresh and apparently unoaked, this offers an appealing floral aroma, with a slight buttery accent over the crisp apple flavors. it is light to medium-bodied, soft in texture, showing no apparent oak flavors but instead straightforward fruit character. | blue quail | 86 | 16 |
66,541 | italy | some leather, teriyaki and cured meat notes give this wine a dark first impression. ripe cherry and raspberry jam flavors appear on the soft finish. | codici | 85 | 11 |
109,395 | spain | hailing from the very hot 2003 vintage, this wine is baked and full, with mature yet rich aromas. it feels thorough and weighty, with sweet berry flavors that are at their peak along with a chocolate note. this is warm, full and under control on the finish. drink now. | gran reserva | 89 | 45 |
101,139 | us | this is a supple, spicy wine, with a core of black cherry fruit. it's complemented with lighter flavors of cola, earth and coffee. at first it seems to fade a little too quickly, but with some breathing time the finish expands and brings in notes of cracker and toast. | jolie bouche | 91 | 39 |
112,280 | us | a robust, very ripe style of red wine, this is deep in color and packed with fruity flavors that tend toward prune and raisin. a taste of celery comes up on the finish. though not high in alcohol it feels full-bodied and rich in texture, and rather heavy. | skid row vineyard | 85 | 28 |
27,418 | australia | savory, meaty notes marry nicely with plummy fruit and clove spice in this wonderfully supple example of yarra valley shiraz. with extended aeration, this wine develops lots of smoky, ashy notes—a possible side effect of nearby bush fires—so i'd opt for drinking it over the next couple of years. | underhill | 91 | 95 |
33,688 | us | this cuvée gets some extra time in 40% new wood, and is bottled unfiltered. plush blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors, accented with streaks of cola and chocolate, capture your attention. it's a rich tasty forward immediately enjoyable bottle, so go for it now through 2020. | ribbon ridge | 90 | 35 |
76,461 | argentina | saturated on the nose, this has aromas of pencil lead, coconut, vanilla and black fruit. it feels tannic, with pulsing acidity pushing raisin, prune, black plum, licorice and graphite flavors. the finish is oaky, resiny and chocolaty tasting. | single vineyard gran reserva | 89 | 34 |
104,270 | new zealand | this has come to epitomize the hawke's bay style of sauvignon blanc, typical in it's ripe fruit and oak treatment. hints of vanilla and cedar frame passion fruit and pink grapefruit notes, then leave a lingering impression of creamsicle behind on the silky-textured finish. | cape crest | 93 | 30 |
108,101 | turkey | this wine is dark garnet to the eye, offering aromas of pomegranate, juniper berry and bell pepper. overpowering tannins remain in the forefront of flavors of cooked cherry, pine needles, cassis and mint. while the tannins never feel to recede on the palate, there is a sensation of the faintest splash of brightness on the finish. | galî evreshe | 86 | 25 |
116,312 | us | full, robust layers of black cherry and peppery tannins figure prominently on the palate of this fruit-forward wine that also manages to be lively in acidity. spicy clove, black pepper and toasted oak add complexity and depth. | estate bottled | 92 | 75 |
13,168 | france | this rich, full wine delivers great balance between acidity, fruit and structure. it's ripe, with delicious cherry fruits and soft tannins. it could well age through 2015, but is delicious now. | fleurs | 87 | 12 |
5,328 | us | at first this comes across as being a bit heavy, yeasty and tight. with time, however, this should be full of bramble-fruit flavors. this is a well-crafted wine, with structure and elegance that should start to show in 3–5 years. | methode ancienne | 87 | 30 |
36,696 | hungary | garnet in the glass, this 100% kékfrankos has aromas of dark chocolate, black cherry, black plum and espresso. in the mouth, there are silky tannins and flavors of cherry, blackberry and nutmeg. | grand bleu nagy eged grand cru | 91 | 70 |
19,209 | australia | dry, lean and tight, this is a crisply mineral sauvignon blanc that manges to avoid any sense of grassiness or overly herbal notes, instead focusing on a narrow range of fruit flavors: green apple, lime and grapefruit. fine as an apéritif or with light seafood dishes. drink now. | the y series | 86 | 12 |
56,144 | us | this is aged four years prior to release, which proves a benefit here, as it helps tame the spicy wild-berry flavors. the aromatics offer an olfactory tapestry of orange peel, violets, sandalwood, cherry cola and more. it's balanced and sophisticated, offering many subtle pleasures. | le cadeau vineyard lot 50 | 89 | 65 |
99,368 | us | maysie is a small berkeley-based producer aiming to shake up the world with its take on single-vineyard italian varietals and this rosato from certified-organic sangiovese grapes is a great start. it's refreshing and light and dry as a bone. | masut vineyard | 87 | 14 |
112,547 | italy | made entirely with sangiovese, this highlights earthy aromas of leafy underbrush, tilled soil and dark berry. the savory palate offers black cherry, nectarine zest, clove and a hint of mediterranean herb alongside assertive tannins. | reviresco | 88 | 16 |
95,780 | italy | linear, elegant and tight, this has defined aromas of wild berry, crushed stone, clove, licorice and road pavement. the palate shows refreshing intensity thanks to its power, concentration and structure. | barriques | 90 | 60 |
53,877 | us | there's an alluring funk to the beginning of the nose on this bottling, with sour berries, carpaccio and dried fennel combining for a slightly barnyard twist. dusy flavors of cinnamon and red rose mesh with olive, sage, thyme and spicy red fruit. | upper bench | 90 | 48 |
12,978 | us | this has earthy aromas and sun-dried tomato flavors, full body, but a soft balance and smooth texture. | pauli ranch | 84 | 36 |
8,953 | us | distinctive as always, this is another powerful zinfandel from martini, which has a long history with this mountain vineyard. the cool 2010 vintage was kind, bringing the wine to its usual high-alcohol superripeness, yet maintaining vital acidity. notes of raisins, blackberry jam and chocolate are all found in this heady, porty wine. drink now with rich barbecue and stews. | monte rosso vineyard gnarly vine | 89 | 50 |
108,765 | portugal | this ripe perfumed wine has yellow fruits and soft melon flavors. it comes from the cooler north of the alentejo, preserving crispness at the end with attractive acidity. drink now. | cal monte da cal | 85 | 7 |
28,868 | italy | plum, blue flower and chopped mint aromas lift out of the glass. the straightforward palate offers blackberry, dried sour cherry and a hint of anise. this is for informal, everyday occasions. drink soon. | organic | 86 | 14 |
44,877 | us | not quite as bold as its name suggests, this wine is well-balanced and fun to sip. fruity and medium-bodied, it smells like raspberries and rhubarb, tastes like red cherries and feels nicely full on the palate, bolstered by a hearty dose of fine tannins. | anthony's hill dark bold | 86 | 12 |
65,793 | italy | saia is one of a handful of icon wines from sicily: it boasts excellent integration of oak and fruit (although the wood presence is definitely felt) and amazing richness and intensity on the finish. the wine is dense, inviting and very long lasting. | saia | 90 | 30 |
21,001 | chile | pyrazine-based notes of green pepper are most prominent on a basic nose. this feels lean and stony. briny, salty citrus flavors lack complexity. | reserva estate bottled | 85 | 8 |
58,985 | south africa | ripe aromas of honeydew, orange creamsicle, grilled apple and almond are framed by a hint of fynbos on the nose of this accessible chenin. the plush, round palate boasts notes of tangerine, apple flesh and pineapple that finish crisp and clean. drink now–2018. | kloof street old vine | 88 | 20 |
124,320 | italy | not your grandmother's soave, this is fully loaded, from its charming, fresh aromas of peaches and orange blossoms to its plump, fleshy flavors of stone fruits. and it's all backed by bracing acidity that keeps the ripe flavors lively right through the long, minerally finish. editors' choice. | calvarino | 91 | 20 |
16,918 | france | lightly tannic and attractively fruity, it's ready to drink. it has a soft structure, red fruits and a finish that is full of bright acidity. | château de bligny | 86 | 30 |
99,407 | us | a good sparkling wine, a bit scoury around the edges, but nice and dry, with a fancy finish. shows crisp flavors of yeasty lees, limes, lemons, vanilla and smoke. | va de vi ultra cuvée | 88 | 22 |
1,022 | italy | made entirely with insolia, this opens with subdued aromas of tropical fruit and white spring flower. the bright, linear palate offers passion fruit, peach, nectarine zest and a hint of ginger alongside crisp acidity. | cubia tenuta ficuzza | 88 | 27 |
13,694 | us | this is a full-bodied pinot noir, showing lavish new-oak aromas and rich, ripe fruit flavors. medium-deep ruby in tone, it has aromas suggesting vanilla, toasted oak and nutmeg, with a hint of rhubarb. flavors recall cherry and blackberry. gradually the oak flavors recede and the lively fruit character comes out, lingering on the finish. | gowan creek vineyard estate grown | 91 | 80 |
108,488 | us | this is from the vineyard that surrounds the winery, and the bottling receives both estate and dundee hills designations—best of the best. it's a pungent, pleasant wine upon entry, with rather pale strawberry fruit. it quickly moves through the midpalate and turns lean, with tomato leaf and green tea astringency. there is a slight impression of alcoholic heat. though accessible and interesting, it somehow falls short of what it could/should be, given its provenance and price. | estate | 88 | 150 |
128,230 | us | light in color, aromas of vanilla, caramel, toast, char and wood spice lead to wood-forward fruit flavors backed by tart acids. the oak seems out of check but it still brings some appeal. | rosebud vineyard red wine | 87 | 27 |
86,956 | france | jaboulet's basic crozes is a good value in '07, offering complex aromas of smoke, plum, black olive, horse sweat and cracked pepper framed by slightly coarse tannins. turns firm on the finish, yet remains mouthwatering. drink now–2017. | les jalets | 90 | 28 |
36,795 | france | ripe and creamy, this is an attractive wine that has forward apple, lemon and green-plum flavors. it's a lightly textured, vanilla-touched wine that can be drunk now. | grande qv | 85 | 15 |
23,077 | argentina | aromas of wild berry and animal hide unfold on the nose. in the mouth, this blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot is heady and offers tons of berry and cassis fruit. the finish is rich and borderline syrupy, with thickness and depth but not a lot of complexity. | ca' de calle reserva | 90 | 21 |
19,976 | italy | villa pillo is an expert at producing value wines and this cabernet franc-merlot is no exception. the wine boasts measured renderings of blueberry, coffee, almond and chocolate. | cingalino | 87 | 11 |
55,525 | spain | murky grassy berry aromas and a whiff of cinnamon make for a sketchy nose. this feels choppy, while quick-hitting flavors of forced oak, baking spice and murky berry fruits finish hollow. | made with organic grapes | 83 | 10 |
41,817 | italy | subdued aromas suggest red berry and a hint of dried herb. the tight palate shows red raspberry, raw cherry and a hint of cinnamon while rather austere tannins and brisk acidity provide support. | alta mora rosso | 88 | 25 |
56,633 | us | brooding aromas of barrel spice, dried herbs, cranberry and black cherry lead to ripe but in focus pit-fruit flavors that show a pleasing sense of harmony. a squeeze of firm tannins provides the frame. | parabellum force majeure vineyard | 90 | 55 |
45,675 | france | black fruit and taut structure are joined with black currant acidity and a core of the driest tannins. the wine has the cool 2007 feel to it, and is certainly ready to drink now. | le rouge et le noir | 88 | 17 |
122,352 | portugal | this eight-year old wine, based on touriga nacional, is ripe, now mature with the tannins fully integrated into the rich black fruit. it is firm with a structure that gives concentration and perfumed acidity. the wine is still dark and dense although ready to drink. | dona georgina | 91 | 60 |
86,936 | germany | this is a rather sweet auslese, but the sugars are balanced by crisp acids, which impart backbone to the wine. they form a solid spine from which the opulent flavors of superripe pineapple and honeyed citrus are suspended. finishes with verve and a flourish of crushed-stone minerality. | erdener treppchen auslese | 90 | 42 |
128,835 | us | a blend of syrah (70%), grenache (25%) and mourvèdre, this tantalizing wine offers a near endless list of aromatic descriptors, from white pepper to smoked meat, currant, mineral, licorice, coffee and dried herbs, seeming to evolve with each swirl. the palate is layered and rich with plum, pomegranate and lingering dark fruit flavors. it drinks best at a cool 62 degrees. | métis | 92 | 40 |
98,534 | italy | soft, round and pleasurable, this syrah-merlot-cabernet sauvignon blend would pair well with pastas or roasts. bright cherry and blackberry flavors are followed by subtle leather and spice accents. the mouthfeel is fresh and fruity. | moreccio | 88 | 49 |
52,337 | us | yorkville has been making this blend of sémillon and sauvignon blanc (for this vintage it's 60% the first and 40% the latter), for many of its 25 years, and it achieves a nice balance, the sémillon there for richness, texture and color, the sb for acidity and the wine's citrus and herb finish. made from organic grapes. | eleanor of aquitaine | 87 | 25 |
52,037 | chile | there's more meatiness, olive and wood to the nose than fruit aromas, and the palate is plump and a touch syrupy. blackberry is the lead flavor, with oaky char and mint playing major roles. a resiny finish is chunky and a bit hot. | anderra | 86 | 12 |
43,511 | us | a blend of cabernet sauvignon (58%), merlot (39%) and petit verdot, this wine offers aromas of café au lait, dried herbs, butterscotch, woodspice and cherry. the barrel flavors provide much of the appeal, along with a silky feel. | provocant heritage series | 90 | 25 |
21,359 | us | this is a big powerful overtly flavorful wine that demands attention. a vivid toasty savory aroma leads to rich spicy buttery nutty flavors that are mouth filling and a smooth, rather soft texture. | blanc de blancs | 86 | 20 |
17,052 | australia | for the price, this is pretty decent. it shows ample volume in the mouth and features lightly stewed fruit notes of mixed berries balanced by a touch of wood. | wine men of gotham | 85 | 11 |
82,734 | new zealand | the style of this wine has evolved away from the massive ripeness and pure power in its early days to more finesse and elegance. it's still a rich wine, but silkier, with fresher fruit and more nuanced spice. toasty oak seductively frames blueberry and plum fruit on the long finish. drink now–2023. | le sol gimblett gravels | 93 | 105 |
8,788 | us | the nose is lifted with bright spice and suggestions of pungent herbs. black fruits carry a touch of mocha and lead into a crisp, moderately tannic finish. balance and length are excellent. | ciel du cheval vineyard | 89 | 25 |
17,194 | greece | the terse nature of assyrtico finds a friend in oak when properly administered, as this wine exhibits. on the nose, citrus and mineral harmoniously mingle with spice and toast. on the palate, the wine retains its bright lemon and citrus flavors but is given extra body through the subtle oak. a lovely wine with a clean finish. | fermented in oak barrel | 89 | 30 |
90,809 | italy | aromas of overripe black plum and black cherry aromas accompany notes of leather, espresso, and powdered sage. the one-dimensional palate offers hints of baked plum alongside evolved, fleeting tannins but the fruit is drying up fast. | casalino | 86 | 39 |
78,352 | us | caramelized blueberry, crushed pepper and a deeply hidden dried green herb component present on the dense nose of this bottling, which hides the grapes typicity a tad yet remains delicious. the palate rides a nice line between smoked beef, chocolate and balsamic reduction and the expected peppery and herbal edges. | bates ranch vineyard | 91 | 36 |
48,382 | italy | red rose, iris, perfumed berry and baking spice emerge on this stunning, vibrant wine. the elegantly structured palate offers crushed raspberry, juicy red cherry, cinnamon and chopped herb while fresh acidity and polished tannins provide a bright, elegant framework. drink 2018–2027. | asili | 95 | 200 |
17,564 | chile | melony fruit aromas with a heavy dose of sulfur and match stick are gritty. this is juicy and bright in feel, with flavors of briny citrus fruits and green melon. a heavily briny and lasting finish closes it out. | barrel series reserva | 87 | 14 |
101,707 | france | this is a juicy, fruit-forward selection, boasting vibrant notes of red cherry, raspberry and strawberry on the nose and mouth. a hint of vanilla adds a sweetness to the finish, which otherwise ends clean and mouthwatering. drink now. | alain de la treille | 86 | 13 |
27,520 | us | higher in alcohol than kenwood's regular '05 sonoma zin, this one's hotter and more full-bodied. it's got a density that can stand a little bottle age. give it two or three years to soften, and let the blackberry, cherry and coffee fruit emerge from the tannins. | reserve | 88 | 20 |