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60,133 | italy | subdued aromas of jasmine, hawthorn and citrus lead the nose. the sunny palate offers yellow peach, pineapple and a hint of toasted almond alongside restrained acidity. | chimera | 87 | 29 |
63,467 | france | annick and jean-marc lafont's three acres on the slopes below the chapel of la madone give a firm and concentrated cru wine that will repay aging. there are layers of red-berry fruits that are cut with solid tannins and a dry core. the wine will age, so drink from 2018. | granits rosés | 90 | 21 |
114,623 | us | this blend of zinfandel, petite sirah and carignane sure did get ripe, but it's too fruity and simple, offering little beyond massive blackberry, blueberry, cherry and currant flavors. an only-in- california wine, it's easy to drink now if you need a full-bodied, tannic red. | lytton springs | 86 | 35 |
113,210 | us | this wine shows its 40% whole-cluster fermentation in its stemmy and exotic nature that won't please every palate as it develops a strong, savory character that holds on dearly on the palate. chewy and peppery in leather, tar and pine, it shows the cranberry and rhubarb qualities of grapes picked just-ripe. | estate grown | 89 | 70 |
9,800 | portugal | long barrel-aging of many old native varieties gives this field blend a rich, ripe taste. there is an attractive touch of oxidation from the wood, giving concentrated toast and spice as well as fruit acidity. this unusual, impressive wine from the guedes family is ready to drink now. | branco especial | 93 | 65 |
59,862 | us | quite light in color, this wine has a ton to like, starting with its thyme, oregano, juniper and tart cranberry aromas. the palate is overloaded with energy, showing snappy raspberry, kalamata olive and iron-rich mineral notes. a great example of fresh pinot noir. | la encantada | 92 | 50 |
88,038 | chile | richly fruity and soft, this wine boasts loads of black-cherry and plum flavors. clearly made from very ripe fruit, it lacks the herbaceous-vegetal character so often found in merlot, but also any sense of structure. finishes with a bit of alcoholic heat. | xplorador | 85 | 8 |
83,138 | us | a syrah from two cooler-climate vineyards that is blended with 24% zinfandel, this crowd-pleaser is surprisingly complex in thick, meaty tannins and black, brambly fruit. the juiciness of the zin cuts through the denser aspects of the wine though, with the naturally high acidity keeping everything in check and pleasantly vibrant. | drouthy neebors | 91 | 35 |
74,586 | us | scents include white pepper, hints of herb, and in the mouth there is none of the usual bitter or dill pickle flavors. this was cold fermented and cofermented with 5% viognier; then blended with 5% grenache and 5% mourvèdre. it's fruitier than the walla walla valley bottling, and less earthy, but quite appealing. | stained tooth | 88 | 24 |
88,062 | us | this cuvée is made with the oldest wädenswil plantings at the estate. it's broadly fruity with delicious strawberry flavors front and center. supporting acids are proportionate and fresh. although relatively light, this elegant, graceful wine is ready for immediate enjoyment. | helen's | 90 | 70 |
46,042 | australia | tempranillo could be an interesting variety in south australia going forward. this rosé features hints of sous bois and cherries on the nose, then adds melon and spice notes on the palate. it's plump in the mouth, then finishes on a dry, silky note. | luna de fresca biodynamic tempranillo | 88 | 19 |
107,796 | new zealand | the taylors pass vineyard continues to shine brightly for both sauvignon blanc and pinot noir. this sauvignon features intense tropical fruit with just a touch of green. it's round and mouthfilling, with a long, lime-and-mineral finish. drink now. | taylors pass single vineyard | 90 | 32 |
34,771 | france | quince and lychee fruit flavors dominate this ripe, off-dry wine. it has a spicy character, allowing for a dry core of pepper while also giving a rich aftertaste. drink now. | harth | 86 | 24 |
114,694 | us | notes of poached pear, peach and spice lead to elegant, lightly creamy fruit flavors and a lemony finish. the concentration is light but what's there possesses a good sense of balance. | stillwater creek vineyard | 88 | 23 |
50,126 | austria | for an icewine, this is ultra-sweet. 2003 was a tough year for icewine, because there was not enough autumn mist, but the fruit was very ripe. this shows in the intense honey and burnt toffee flavors here, the acidity a mere hint. | essencia eiswein | 84 | 20 |
108,492 | us | the kiana bottling, named for the owners' granddaughter, is made with dijon clones planted in 1996 and 1997. initially quite tight and unyielding, it first opens into flavors of leaf, herb and green tea. tucked neatly into the midpalate is a core of good red strawberry/cherry fruit. the tannins are earthy but not rough; everything here is balanced and well-managed; the alcohol a moderate 14.3%. | kiana | 88 | 45 |
28,554 | spain | a lesson in contrasts: the nose is both weedy and sweet, with green strawberry aromas mixing with caramel. the palate is also green and slightly bitter, but that's offset by some jammy berry sweetness. medium in terms of weight, but with burdensome sugars and a clumsy finish. | vertus crianza | 82 | 15 |
75,472 | us | a veneer of vanilla gives this blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot a pastry-like scent, which coats the underlying note of wild-berry pie filling. the palate offers bright acids and firm tannins, which layer the finish. | new world | 87 | 28 |
63,462 | italy | a blend of cabernet franc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, sangiovese, alicante and syrah, this juicy wine opens with aromas of ripe plum, baking spice and a balsamic note. the concentrated palate doles out ripe black cherry, clove and licorice alongside fine-grained tannins. | aria di caiarossa | 90 | 40 |
124,328 | italy | from a single vineyard's old vines, here is a full, very rich wine, packed with flavors of almonds and ripe nuts. layers of wood give it a toasty character, but never one that dominates the quality fruit. | contrada salavrenza vecchie vigne | 91 | 24 |
113,282 | italy | this saturated, golden pecorino (a native white grape of central italy) drinks like a red wine and would pair with roast chicken or veal in cream sauce. it shows density and determined flavors of apricot, melon and pineapple. | casale vecchio | 87 | 18 |
41,434 | us | matching tart red fruit to the vineyard's characteristic gun-metal minerality, the wine cloaks itself in a light coat of ash and stone. crisp acidity puts a tight focus on the stylish, resonant finish. delicious now, it's built to age. drink now–2030. | brittan vineyard | 94 | 48 |
32,907 | austria | terraced vineyards with poor soil allow the riesling to struggle as it ripens. this gives terroir-driven mineral tension to this tight, coiled wine, full of acidity and grapefruit flavors. the aftertaste is so fresh that the wine seems to just float away. | kammerner gaisberg | 89 | 26 |
19,862 | italy | made entirely from syrah, this has a restrained nose that reveals baking spice and licorice aromas as it opens. the palate is more assertive, offering clove, ground black pepper and powdered sage notes, with raspy tannins that leave a drying finish. | marchesale | 87 | 65 |
34,598 | austria | this still has a touch of flinty reduction. clean and fresh, the palate does not yet show much fruit. this seems stony and tight, with occasional glimpses of spice. the wine needs some air to open up but presents taut, clean refreshment. | t 26 federspiel | 90 | 20 |
74,636 | us | disappointing. this is a tart disjointed wine, with little fruit showing. the acids are sour and have an off-putting tang. it doesn't come together. two bottles were tasted. | rollins | 84 | 44 |
105,685 | chile | this is a round, creamy, soft chardonnay with resiny aromas. a strange, forced oak flavor dominates the flavor profile, which includes spice more than fruit. on the finish, oak and resin are about all you get. | casillero del diablo reserva | 83 | 12 |
96,821 | france | the second of two sweet wines produced by marc labat at rousse, this certainly has a honey character, with flavors of dry fruits, a dancing acidity and a fruity aftertaste. great as an aperitif. | cuvée sélection | 90 | 24 |
126,849 | bulgaria | chamomile and fresh herb notes lend breeziness to this pretty floral white wine. the palate is robust, concentrated with white grapefruit flavor, and tinged with a pleasantly astringent lime-pith finish. | via diagonalis | 88 | 17 |
48,508 | us | winemaker bill brousseau taps his family vineyard for this bottling that leans toward a more delicate style, offering light white flowers, yellow melon, tangerine peels, kumquat, asian pear and a hint of clove and cinnamon spice. a baking-soda energy pops on the palate, where lemon blossoms and pink-grapefruit rinds collide for a tart chorus. | brosseau vineyard | 92 | 48 |
50,522 | france | this cool wine features considerable freshness cutting the fragrant fruits. the single-vineyard site of hohrain is next door to pfersigberg grand cru. the wine is still young and showing textured mineral character. it needs several years to bring out its depth of flavor. drink from 2017. | lieu dit hohrain | 89 | 49 |
6,995 | chile | broad, ripe berry aromas are dark and full on the nose. the palate is lively, with a shot of bracing acidity. flavors of dark fruit, grilled meat, herb and salt finish briny, with a final wave of hard tannins. drink through 2016. | alpha | 89 | 25 |
8,792 | france | drink this effusively scented, supple wine over the next few years for its bold notes of garrigue and buoyant berry flavors. it's almost creamy in texture, with a reasonably long finish for the modest tariff. | domaine le garrigon cuvée des vieux truffiers | 89 | 14 |
98,254 | portugal | fermentation on the grape skins has given this wine a pale gold color. the result is a smooth, oxidative wine with a lightly tannic structure, dominated by apple and citrus fruit. ready to drink. | branco de curtimenta | 88 | 17 |
56,652 | us | dried herb and wood spice aromas are followed by sappy black fruit flavors backed by a light squeeze of tannins. there's no mistaking the warm vintage it comes from. | the reserve | 90 | 30 |
87,306 | us | you have to have a great deal of faith to buy this wine, because right now it's almost undrinkable due to the tannins. they're as hard and firm as a brick wall, and whatever fruit there is, and there's plenty, is effectively hidden from the palate's pleasure. discerning tasters will detect massive blackberries and black currants, buried deep down like pirate's treasure. it should develop quite well over the next ten or fifteen years. | special reserve | 93 | 85 |
109,590 | us | these old vines produce a powerful wine, that retains strong flavors of stem and earth despite the extra ripeness in 2012. the red berry fruit slides into suggestions of tomato juice. | tualatin estate | 87 | 55 |
112,624 | us | even nearing the age of four, this wine can't quite overcome its rustic tannins and sharp finish, and never will. with rich blackberry and cassis flavors, it will wash down a nice steak. | valley view vineyard | 85 | 32 |
82,623 | us | not too many port-style wines are made from chardonnay, as this one is. the residual sugar is 6%, but it's not a very good wine. tastes cooked or stewed in pineapple, and the high alcohol makes for a burnt feeling. | white | 83 | 48 |
5,477 | italy | this blend of montepulciano (85%) and sangiovese is perky and clean with a nice touch of acidity beyond forest fruit, cherry and light shadings of exotic spice. it's solid, simple and easy-drinking. | serrano | 86 | 14 |
104,953 | us | widely accessible and hedonistic aromas of cherry pie with a tinge of wild mint lead the nose on this young but ready county blend. the palate is framed with oak influence and the associated tannins, as well as plum and ripe cherry fruit. it's unusual that this 2013 is on the market after 10 months in barrel. | happy canyon | 88 | 25 |
78,658 | portugal | from selected grapes, this is a powerful, complex wine. it has huge richness, tasting of the alentejo sun. at the same time, the fruit is firm and structured, slowly revealing its fresher berry character to balance the density. the delicious juicy aftertaste promises a fine future for this wine. drink from 2016. | esporão private selection | 92 | 60 |
98,313 | us | all malbec aged in neutral oak, this wine opens with pure, penetrating aromas of plum, cedar, mushroom, spice and high-toned herbs. the palate is elegant in style—almost delicate—with bright, tart fruit flavors. will show best at the dinner table. | côt red wine dineen vineyard | 88 | 26 |
123,086 | us | even though this wine is unoaked and inexpensive, it's one of the best viogniers out there. it shows the lean, drily crisp profile of edna valley whites, with wildly exotic flavors of citrus, tropical fruits, wildflowers, peaches, pears, minerals and vanilla. at this price, it's a giveaway. | paragon vineyard | 92 | 17 |
100,147 | us | ripe fruit and lush but subtle oak accents make a good combo in this full-bodied, complex and layered wine. generous, ripe plum notes harmonize with light cinnamon and cocoa accents. | miraflores vineyards | 90 | 28 |
56,549 | italy | definitely a big wine, this vineyard-designated valpolicella has a dark garnet color and thick aromas of ripe fruit, spice and tobacco. the finish is long and smooth. | campo prognài | 88 | 24 |
47,036 | us | a smoky, oaky nose opens to reveal pretty fruit, accented with rose petals. strawberries and hard cherry candy flavors lead smoothly into a finish laden with milk chocolate and, unusually, hints of rosemary. | heritage cuvée | 89 | 35 |
48,600 | us | strong aromas and flavors like smoke and bacon seem heavy in this medium-bodied but tannic wine. a dish with bacon might bring it around. | vinas 3 | 84 | 18 |
73,966 | us | this is a blend of nearly 86% cabernet sauvignon and the remainder cabernet franc. a floral nose of violet and rose appeals before a sizable intake of grippy leather, sage and cranberry provides a tart, thick and gritty core. | bella's | 85 | 48 |
89,837 | us | this wine is cabernet franc and merlot with just a smidgeon (4%) of cabernet sauvignon blended in. it provides aromas of earth, high-toned dried herbs, licorice, black cherry and crushed granite. the dark fruit flavors are densely packed, surrounded by firms tannins. drink after 2020. | artz vineyard | 92 | 35 |
95,638 | austria | soft, almost candied strawberry flavors dominate the nose and just off-dry palate. fruit is in the foreground and plays beautifully against the light, softly bubbly backdrop of the palate. this is a summery apéritif or the style of wine to accompany berries and berry-based desserts. | rosé secco | 86 | 20 |
74,440 | italy | easy, fresh and simple, this crisp pinot grigio is informal and approachable with aromas of citrus, stone fruit and pear. pair it with shrimp cocktail or spicy thai dishes. | prestige | 86 | 14 |
70,441 | us | this perfumed wine is a superb expression of oregon pinot gris, and the best tikka's ever from lemelson. apples, oranges and ripe melons fill the fruit bowl, bright and luscious and accented with perfectly proportioned barrel notes of toasted coconut and almond. | tikka's run | 92 | 19 |
115,545 | us | this is almost two thirds sauvignon blanc, one third chardonnay, and one percent marsanne providing the ‘m' that completes the name. fresh and fruity, pure and quaffable, this fragrant white wine is exactly what this state needs more of. nothing wimpy about it, just great, lightly ripe flavors of citrus and stone fruits, without the crutch of oak. | c.m.s. white | 88 | 13 |
7,432 | us | this funky white blend, now in its 6th rendition, carries no vintage or regional designation, but we know it's a blend of several white grapes grown mostly in oregon. the nose is ripe and full of melon, while the spunky palate deals orange and lemon, but not in sour-ball fashion. the finish has some thickness and a slight sticky feel, but ample acidity throughout renders it a good, brisk drink. | evolution 6th edition | 86 | 15 |
107,624 | us | made entirely from grenache, this wine is whole-cluster fermented and aged in stainless steel. it's a dry, light expression that's pretty on the nose and palate, with inviting strawberry notes alongside hints of lemon and orange. it offers refreshing acidity alongside a meaty body and wet-stone minerality. | rosé of | 90 | 28 |
69,960 | us | mainly syrah, with lesser amounts of grenache and mourvèdre, this is a very soft, sweet, fruity wine. it tastes like a dried raspberry, milk chocolate, brown sugar and nougat candy confection, with enormously high alcohol. | diosa | 85 | 58 |
1,474 | italy | this blend of sangiovese, merlot and sagrantino is a simple, fruit-forward wine with loads of red cherry, blueberry, cedar wood and exotic spice. it has a gritty, spicy mouthfeel and big, powerful tannins. | riserva | 86 | 18 |
80,401 | portugal | a wine that emphasizes the black currant acidity and firm tannins of cabernet sauvignon. the fruit layers acidity, wood and some herbs. age for another year. | casa do lago grande reserva | 87 | 10 |
122,708 | new zealand | this wine's bold cassis fruit is accented by charred capsicum and vaguely herbal notes, giving it ample complexity at this young age. it's full bodied, yet creamy and supple in texture, with soft tannins on the long, mouthwatering finish. | the gimblett gimblett gravels | 91 | 35 |
114,359 | us | a 50-50 split of the two varieties, there's a lot to like in this wine, from its opening steely aromas to its surprisingly robust body of apricot and pineapple, with a crisp floral aspect keeping it balanced on the palate. a curious suggestion of marshmallow closes things out. | limited production | 89 | 28 |
107,105 | italy | perhaps the most iconic bottling in soave, this opens with aromas of candied fruit, pressed chamomile flower, savory herb and a whiff of oak-driven spice. the firm palate offers lemon drop, nectarine skin, yellow peach, toasted hazelnut and energizing mineral. it has nice depth and is well balanced, with tangy acidity. drink through 2020. | la rocca | 91 | 31 |
10,289 | us | a witch's brew of five grapes, the abondante is a fine wine to pair with pizza, offering interesting flavors of berry and stone fruit. what it lacks in focus, it makes up for with plenty of fruit and some unusual complexity. | abondante | 88 | 24 |
52,145 | us | made 100% from pinot noir, this bubbly has an orange copper color, and is full-bodied and dry. the flavors are of raspberries, strawberries and yeast, and the all-important mousse is refined. a little eccentric, but try it with sushi. | pinot noir | 88 | 54 |
96,328 | us | a fascinating wine, it was processed in a carbonic fashion, in which the juice is allowed to ferment inside the mostly intact grape skins, much like what's done in beaujolais. the result is a transparent, ruby red wine that offers scents of a dust storm mixed with crushed rock and chile pepper herbaciousness. it's warm and soft on the mouth with a presence that suggests something between peppercorns and bell peppers. | carbonic | 92 | 24 |
67,097 | germany | so incredibly thick and sweet it's almost chewy in texture, with aromas and flavors that feature a fascinating interplay of fresh and dried apricots, peach and citrus, kept lively by healthy acidity. the finish lasts for minutes; the wine should age well for decades. | trockenbeerenauslese goldlack | 97 | 486 |
104,209 | us | an expressive, vibrantly pure wine with a complex medley of notes including dark raspberries, wet gravel, crushed flowers and cherry. aged in five year old french oak barrels, it's vivid and focused with an initial elegance and delicacy that continues to flesh out and evolve over time. give it some time in the cellar to see it at its best. | la montagnette upland vineyard | 94 | 40 |
96,827 | us | a halo of waxy pollen lingers over fresh peach and lemon aromas. the palate is muddled with vague stone-fruit flavors, with crisp acidity leading to a short, simple finish. | private reserve | 85 | 25 |
102,389 | portugal | a familiar brand on portuguese wine shelves, this is a ripe wine, soft and smooth. light tannins are finely integrated with the red berry fruits and juicy acidity. it's an easy wine that has good structure. drink now. | cabriz colheita seleccionada | 86 | 8 |
47,523 | argentina | tapiz's best wine to date, and the first one to shoot higher than the basic or reserve level. aromas of fresh balsam wood, ripe blackberry and cola are clean and deep. feels just right, with rich, rewarding flavors of molten berry, chocolate and coffee. finishes warm, toasty and with focus. has it all; drink now through 2015. | selección de barricas reserva | 93 | 35 |
73,720 | us | this is a hearty and quite delicious wine, although nuances of the grenache grape are overshadowed by richness. roasted duck, bacon fat, smoked pork loin and freshly sliced filet mignon show on the nose, with violet and blueberry-syrup touches. the palate offers licorice, pepper, blueberry sauce and a very soft texture. | on the road | 91 | 48 |
43,560 | argentina | peach and flower aromas are pleasant and light. this is also delicate and airy across the palate, while sweet, candied flavors of lychee, apple and green melon finish sweet, on the verge of cloying. 80% chenin blanc with 10% each moscato and torrontés. | sweet gold | 84 | 15 |
91,112 | italy | from one of soave's leading estates, this bubbly is made with trebbiano di soave grapes and without added sulfites or dosage. crisp and clean, it delivers flavors of tart green apple, citrus, roasted almond and a hint of pastry cream alongside refined effervescence and brisk acidity. | opera semplice | 91 | 50 |
53,498 | us | alexander valley has a rep for soft, forward cabs of great deliciousness but, perhaps, a lack of complexity. that description fits this dark, young wine, except for one thing: it’s complex. you’ll find all the spicy-curranty depths of flavor you want, and plenty of oak, and it will even age, because the tannins, while soft, are intricate. | reserve | 91 | 40 |
124,013 | italy | here's an easygoing red that opens with aromas of dark-skinned berry and baking spice. the soft, round palate yields juicy black cherry, ground black pepper and freshness. it's made to be drunk young so enjoy soon. | sedàra | 87 | 17 |
68,276 | austria | moist, mossy freshness frames the green pear fruit on this slender, zesty and very juicy wine. the light body makes for ultimate refreshment. | großer satz | 90 | 19 |
118,147 | us | bursting with fruity aromas of peaches, peach ring candies and orange blossom, this is a fresh wine. juicy mango and more peach unfold on the palate. the feel is thin and isn't able to compete with the intense flavors and aromas, while the finish is tart and saccharine. | estate bottled | 83 | 18 |
83,195 | france | black fruits dominate this second wine of kirwan, an 1855 third growth grand cru classé. the oak aging is subtle and gives a smooth character rather than strong toasty flavors. the richness and structure do promise some aging although this wine will develop quickly. drink from 2020. | k de kirwan | 91 | 36 |
30,588 | austria | grapefruit zest dominates this wine right now, but ripe honeydew melon also is shining though. as the wine opens up, it also reveals peppery, tangy spice and a refreshingly clean finish. | hundspoint | 93 | 17 |
67,070 | us | a fine everyday pinot noir with some extra features that boost the score. with hints of mint, white pepper and chamomile tea, the wine shows racy flavors of cherries, cola, raspberries and sandalwood. made mainly with monterey and santa barbara fruit. | vintner's reserve | 87 | 18 |
102,561 | us | the vineyard could qualify for a sonoma coast appellation, being in a very cool location. the vintage also was a chilly one. the resulting wine is not opulent. it has a peppery, minty dryness and acid-edged tannins, with only suggestions of cherry fruit. clean and proper, but feels like an off-vintage pinot. | maboroshi vineyard | 86 | 42 |
92,333 | spain | citrus, green herb and tolerable sweaty aromas suggest sauvignon blanc, but this is 100% verdejo with a snappy, pure, citric palate and flavors of green apple, lime and grapefruit. it's juicy on the back end, with depth and persistence. drink now. | ducado de altan | 89 | 18 |
14,584 | italy | crisp and linear, this offers delicate aromas of spanish broom and orchard fruit. the vibrant palate offers fresh green apple and juicy citrus while energizing mineral backs up the fresh, flinty finish. | bianco | 89 | 28 |
29,505 | chile | spicy, earthy cherry and cassis aromas are true to the variety. this is juicy, bright and substantive in feel, with red berry, oak spice and herbal flavors. a minty, chocolaty finish full of herbs and spices provides for a good ending. | sibaris reserva especial | 89 | 17 |
58,192 | chile | ripe, earthy plum and prune aromas come with complex notes of graphite, vanilla and marzipan. this feels solid and lifted, with lightly charred blackberry and cassis flavors. a heady finish with mild heat and burn closes the show. this is 95% cabernet sauvignon with drops of shiraz and merlot. | winemaker's selection | 88 | 18 |
106,914 | france | the nose is subdued but has a floral aspect. the palate, while fresh, slender and dry, seems to have a bitter element that gets in the way of the clean citrus notes. there is some concentration and a zesty lemony finish. | vieilles vignes | 87 | 25 |
32,573 | italy | fun and refreshing, this deep-hued, informal wine has ripe red grape and raisin hints. the aromas follow through to the zesty, frothy palate, along with dried cherry and blackberry notes. it's easy-drinking and enjoyable, with a dry, tangy finish. | dedicato ad alfredo molinari | 86 | 14 |
16,604 | israel | a nose of pear, honeydew melon and freshly-starched linens sets the stage for soft pear and melon flavors that are overpowered by intense minty notes. there is a burst of fresh citrus on the finish, but there is a lingering sense of cotton on the palate throughout each sip. | hermon | 86 | 15 |
57,688 | argentina | a bright and lifted three-grape blend with red berry, bright plum and mild oak aromas. the feel is firm but round, with raspberry, plum, pepper and other dry spice flavors. finishes smooth and uncomplicated, with lingering vanilla flavors. a complete wine made from malbec, cabernet and merlot. | trinità grand reserve | 90 | 35 |
88,844 | australia | slightly grassy and pungent on the nose, but this sweet, fizzy muscat turns more charming on the palate, where hints of pineapple and underripe citrus help to balance out the considerable sugar. finishes fresh and soft at the same time. drink now. | sparkling kosher | 84 | 15 |
42,358 | chile | charred, smoky aromas are dominant on the nose. strong tannins overpower baked fruit aromas and oaky and herbal tones. | vitral | 84 | 12 |
119,008 | us | innocuous red fruit and a density of baked plum provide a fruity plushness in this travel-size wine, 100% varietal with ample tannin. | the closer | 85 | 13 |
72,764 | us | though labeled simply “oregon,” this is 100% hyland vineyard fruit from the mcminnville ava. done in a refined, lightly smoky style, it pushes subtle berry flavors into a substantial midpalate laden with highlights of milk chocolate, café crème and a touch of caramel. smooth as silk, this will be tough to ignore in your cellar, though it will reward another three to five years of bottle age. | melodia | 93 | 34 |
122,092 | us | simply lovely, from start to finish, this is a wine of breathtaking purity. fresh boysenberries, blueberries and cherries combine, with a seam of light herbs. it's grounded in dark, precise tannins, and finishes tasting of dark chocolate. | la colina vineyard | 92 | 55 |
34,216 | portugal | from the south of vinho verde, close to the douro, this is a lively and fresh wine, bright with acidity and lifted by its prickle on the tongue. it is dry, although a soft touch of baked apple gives a gentle, fruity aftertaste. | conde vilar branco | 86 | 9 |
57,271 | argentina | yellow in color, blowsy on the nose, and chunky to the max in the mouth. this wine is big, forced and heavy, with orange, banana and melon flavors. finishes soft and with no discernible oak or elegance. | natal | 83 | 15 |
86,657 | italy | forest floor, exotic spice, new leather and a balsamic note of menthol lead the nose. the palate is still youthfully shy and extremely tight, but it eventually reveals suggestions of raw cherry, tart cranberry, espresso and dark spice. close-grained tannins give the finish a firm squeeze. | cerviano-merli | 89 | 36 |
100,590 | portugal | even cabernet sauvignon, that defiantly international variety, takes on a portuguese character. this has that dark chocolate, high acidity and dry, but juicy character that marks so many portuguese reds. it also has a more unfortunate volatility that is just too prominent. | quinta da pancas reserva cabernet sauvignon | 85 | 15 |
71,733 | us | right on the heels of the excellent 2008, this estate-grown bordeaux-style blend is equally compelling. bright and tasty fruit flavors of blueberry and black cherry introduce a lively, polished wine with a firm, complex and layered structure. seventeen months in french oak, roughly half new, has wrapped the fruit in a nicely-layered, textural finish with highlights of mineral, licorice, black olive and spice. | seven hills vineyard | 93 | 60 |
116,906 | france | this wine offers red berry fruits, the softest tannins and texture and an earthy, rustic aftertaste. drink now. | harmonie | 83 | 35 |