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105,489 | us | Light and pretty pinkish-orange in color, this crisp wine offers candied grapefruit and strawberry, made from both whole-cluster pressed grapes and a bleed off from the producer's regular fermentation. It dances in acidity, remaining bright and fresh on the palate throughout. | Estate Grown Estate Bottled Rosé of | 90 |
125,714 | us | Dense black currants, plum, beef jerky, dark chocolate and licorice show on the rich nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend. Flavors of dried blueberry, toasted sage leaves, thick vanilla and hints of clove swirl into a luxurious sip. | Bordello | 91 |
69,135 | chile | Raspberry and cherry aromas come with touch of floral perfume and smoke. This feels tight, juicy and slightly tannic. Flavors of black plum and wild berries are matched by chocolaty oak, while the finish is sweet in flavor, with ripe, mellow tannins. | Single Vineyard | 88 |
75,377 | us | A very rich Pinot Noir, this tastes almost as heavy as pie filling. It's delicious, tasting of brown sugar, ripe black cherry and pie spice, with a buttery toast note from oak barrels. It's a little soft, so drink up. | Estate | 87 |
100,905 | portugal | This is a piercingly fresh wine from vines close to the Atlantic Ocean. The citrusy acidity is balanced by riper yellow fruit and pineapple. Age for a few months, but it can also be consumed now. | Pancas Branco | 87 |
73,627 | portugal | Chocolate and coffee aromas go with the characteristic burnt character of a rich Madeira. It is a sweet wine, although never far from the acidity that keeps it well away from being cloying. It is a beautiful wine that still has all its freshness and fragrant fruit. | Colheita | 92 |
78,229 | us | The vintage was a good one for Bella's Zinfandels, and this one, which contains a splash of Petite Sirah and Carignane, is their best. It is quintessential Sonoma County Zin, dry, yet rich and heady, and floods the mouth with ripe raspberries, cherries, red licorice and exotic spices. Production was only 300 cases. | Rocky Ridge Vineyard | 93 |
111,166 | spain | Big and sultry as always, with bacon, smoke, black fruit and a full rack of spices making for a wonderful bouquet. Concentrated and ripped for a 2007, with blackberry, clove, pepper, cinnamon and vanilla flavors. And then comes tobacco and more spice on the finish, which is grabby but understandable because it's so young. Best from 2012 through 2019. | Malleolus de Valderramiro | 93 |
71,363 | france | Floral overtones join ripe pear notes on the nose. The palate comes in with even more generous, juicy pear fruit, the rounded flavors boosted by a little residual sweetness that makes the wine finish off dry. | Vieilles Vignes | 88 |
52,336 | spain | Starts out somewhat fiery, with a dose of aromatic horseradish. After airing out, this varietal Tempranillo is fresh, juicy and crisp on the tongue, with flavors of baking spices, tomato, roasted plum and earth. Feels juicy on the finish, maybe a bit lean, and overall it's cut from the classic cloth. | Reserva | 87 |
88,239 | us | The veteran winemaker's blend of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne shows yellow melon, caramelized pear and a touch of marzipan on the nose. The pleasant flavors touch on all those scents as well as baked apples, but are hinged on a grippy texture and a tingling acidity. | Coquille Blanc | 89 |
48,582 | spain | This a touch rusty in color for such a youngster. Wiry aromas come with a note of red licorice candy, while the palate is snappy and on the acidic side. Raspberry is the lead flavor, while the finish is fresh and juicy. | Viña Alarde | 85 |
21,026 | argentina | Flowery, tropical aromas might have you thinking this is Torrontés. The palate is flimsy and dilute, with lychee and pyrazine-driven flavors that tail off in bitter fashion. | Fincas | 83 |
38,367 | us | Golden hay in color, this clonal exploration imparts light-bodied peach, graham cracker and orange flavors, the latter showing prominently on the nose. Bright acidity keeps it youthfully refreshing, with both body and weight in balance. | Sangiacomo Green Acres Dijon Clone 809 | 90 |
5,895 | argentina | Shows little on the nose, while the palate is bland and flat, with simple apple and lemon flavors. Soft and chunky white wine with some drab tropicality. | Zaphy | 82 |
10,154 | argentina | Reduced rubbery aromas of blackberry and black currant come with a touch of mushroom. This is extracted, heavy and blocky on the palate, while baked blackberry flavors are massive but short on elegance. Bitter coffee flavors, rugged tannins and stickiness make for a heavy finish. | La Encerrada Estate Vineyard | 87 |
60,046 | us | Beautiful and lush, with wildly delicious raspberry, cherry and red currant flavors. That's not all. There are fine mineral notes, the acidity is near perfect, and the tannins are soft, ripe and succulent. Balanced in alcohol and gorgeous to drink now, making it one of the best Solomon Hills Pinots ever. | Solomon Hills Vineyards | 93 |
108,558 | france | Tannic yet balanced wine with a great swathe of perfumed fruit as well as dense black flavors. There is a herbal character as well as dark plum and sweet fruit flavors. Age for 2–3 years, the wine will always be firm. | Noir 46 | 89 |
27,589 | spain | This red-colored barrel-fermented rosé of Tempranillo and Merlot smells funky and gummy. Flat on the palate, this tastes of pickled red cabbage: charmless and difficult to get through. | Tempranillo-Merlot Fermentado en Barrica | 80 |
76,792 | us | This is a spirited, funky white made from old vines, the wine aged in neutral oak. High in acidity, it has flavors of white peach and coconut. | The Hidden One | 87 |
101,635 | italy | Enticing scents of rose, moist soil, plum, raspberry and dark spice meld together in the glass. The lively palate shows fleshy black cherry, mocha, vanilla and a licorice note alongside zesty acidity. Fine-grained tannins give it a polished finish. | Riserva | 89 |
81,879 | us | Vibrant scents of peach and nectarine lead the nose, and a touch of white flower adds a sense of elegance. Broad and expansive on the palate, this Viognier demonstrates a striking balance between its flavor concentration and flesh, and its acidity lends it spine and verve. | Reserve | 89 |
101,237 | france | Granit is the sandy granite hillside soil of northern Beaujolais. The vineyard is a neighbor to the Fleurie appellation. This textured wine is rich with cherry and red-currant flavors that are rounded out and have just hint of tannins. The wine could soften even more so wait until early 2016. | Perle de Granit | 89 |
25,397 | australia | Extraordinarily delicious is more like it. This is full bodied, supple and rich, with luscious aromas and flavors of mocha, cassis and vanilla that finish long, with some soft, dusty tannins. With all the plushness and primary fruit, it seems a little young right now; drink 2018–2030. | The Garden of Extraordinary Delights Single Vineyard | 94 |
76,933 | france | This ripe wine is dense with firm tannins and bright with red-berry fruits. Dominated by 60% rich Merlot, it is structured while never losing sight of its fruit and spice. The wine is still developing, so don't drink before 2018. | Elegance | 91 |
50,840 | us | Simple and earthy, with coffee and spiced plum flavors. Curiously lean and one-dimensional for such a great vintage. The tannins are soft and melted and acids are also easy. | Ash Creek Vineyard | 85 |
109,690 | us | The nose is a bit curious, with hard vanilla, smoked melon and grilled citrus. Smoke carries to the palate, with charred applewood most prominent, making for an atypical but somewhat enjoyable Sauv Blanc. | Bosphorus | 85 |
90,345 | us | This is Chris Gorman's first white wine; it has been babied and it shows. The wild yeast fermentation in 100% new French oak really piles on the rich, butterscotch flavors, along with toast, spice, nutmeg and caramel. But there's fruit to match, powerful and thick, with impressive length and weight. | Big Sissy Conner Lee Vineyard | 92 |
76,127 | us | A blend of all five red Bordeaux varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon the largest percentage, this is a soft, approachable and juicy wine. The cassis and herbal components are pleasantly in balance and restrained on the palate. | Five Sisters Blend | 88 |
97,320 | argentina | Smoky, spicy plum and berry aromas turn more stalky and herbal as this Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon blend unwinds. In the mouth, screechy acidity yields scratchiness, while flavors of mocha, black plum, vanilla and stalky berry fruits finish tough, with oversize residual tartaric acidity; drink through 2022. | Icono | 91 |
23,338 | france | This crisp, lively rosé is balanced between ripe red fruits and the tight, mineral texture. A high proportion of Pinot Meunier in the blend adds extra fruitiness. With tangy acidity as well as richness, it's ready to drink now. | Brut Rosé | 87 |
96,997 | us | A very fine value in a Cabernet that's dry, balanced and shows real Napa character. With firm tannins, it shows delicious black currant, mocha and oak flavors. Easily as good as Cabs twice as expensive. | Napa | 87 |
46,662 | spain | Aromas of lemon chiffon, white flowers, lychee and lime are forward and attractive. A zesty, citric feel accompanies refreshing tangerine, nectarine and lime flavors. Tangy and edgy on the finish, this blend of Muscat and Chardonnay is snappy from front to back. | Muscat-Chardonnay | 85 |
94,528 | us | This big-boned Cabernet tastes rich, complex and inviting. It combines cinnamon and cedar aromas, ripe blackberry and cherry flavors and a firm, tannic texture that will love a grilled lamb chop or similar flavorful fare. Concannon ages the reserve lots for at least 18 months in French oak barrels. Best from 2015–2020. | Reserve | 91 |
16,770 | italy | One of the best expressions from the classic Cannubi vineyard area, this fragrant red is all about finesse, opening with enticing scents of perfumed berry, iris, rose, chopped herb, baking spice and new leather. The vibrant palate boasts structure as well as an almost ethereal elegance, delivering succulent red cherry, crushed strawberry, cinnamon and licorice wrapped in refined tannins. Bright acidity lends impeccable balance. Drink from 2021 through 2043. | Cannubi | 98 |
127,190 | us | Though it's barrel fermented, this is a thin, hard-edged wine with green and slightly stemmy flavors only partially masked by the buttery barrel notes. | Barrel Fermented | 83 |
59,578 | us | Dark fruits characterize this young, vigorous wine. Black cherries, blackberries, even dark chocolate flood the palate, delicious and spicy. Yet there's a tannic, acidic tightness that makes the mouthfeel tough and gritty. One of the better Lake County Pinots out there, but work needs to be done. | Christian's Vineyard | 87 |
62,812 | us | Lots of spicy Zin flavors in this affordable wine. It's soft and rich, yet dry, with briary blackberry, black currant, cocoa and spice flavors that finish with a warm headiness. | Kinneybrook | 87 |
68,229 | us | Tropical, thick and decidedly rich, this wine is both balanced and luxuriously fleshy, with highlights of peach, pineapple, Gravenstein apple and vanilla-kissed caramel. Full bodied, it'll still sing at the table. | Dutton Ranch | 90 |
28,936 | us | Aromas like mint, dried cherry and new oak complement bright, ripe fruit flavors in this full-bodied, densely textured wine. It has a lip-smacking freshness, lively tannins, a lot of complexity and a lingering finish. | Del Arroyo Vineyard | 90 |
123,057 | us | A caramelized apple nose gives way to toasty oak and spicy lemon. This wine is balanced yet made in a style highlighting ripeness and richness. A touch of fresh peach leads the generous finish. | Sonoma Estates | 88 |
65,981 | us | Bright and fresh on the nose at first, this offers citrus spray and then delves into drying apples and pear. There is solid grip on the palate, offering flavors of sour orange, lime Granny Smith apple and a bit of grassiness. | Sierra Madre Vineyard | 88 |
19,997 | us | Nothing subtle about this big, ripe, oaky Chardonnay. It shows the tropical fruit richness of a fine Alexander Valley Chard, flamboyant in pineapple custard flavor, with a flinty minerality. The sweet overlay of smoky oak is perfectly in keeping with the wine's volume. | Stuhlmuller Vineyard | 87 |
41,495 | australia | At two-thirds Grenache and one-third Mourvèdre, this wine comes across full and rich, and a trifle alcoholic. The overall sensation is of a cherry-vanilla sundae smothered in toffee and chocolate—too much of a good thing for some tasters, heaven in a glass to others. —J.C. | Grenache-Mourvedre | 86 |
109,074 | us | Claret is the old-fashioned word for Bordeaux, but it has no legal meaning in the U.S. This Cabernet-based wine contains some Syrah, which gives a smoked meat or bacon note to the blackberries and black currants. It's delicious, if a little sweet. | Claret | 87 |
77,372 | us | This is a fruity, friendly yet dark and saturated wine. It offers good ripe berry and cherry notes and the backing of moderate tannins. | Vaira Ranch | 87 |
17,863 | us | A very oaky nose leads into a tough, tannic wine. There's good fruit under all the wood and tannin, and the tight, rugged finish should smooth out in time. | Private Reserve | 85 |
61,242 | us | Juicy in red raspberry and cherry, this soft Malbec is satisfying on many fronts, with a touch of savory sourness on the finish. | Limited Release Row 91 | 85 |
101,996 | us | Too sweet, soft and simple in cherry-cola flavors, this Syrah would benefit from more dryness and greater structure. It turns Porty on the finish. Drink now. | SLH | 84 |
21,471 | us | Steely at first, this wine softens like butter on the palate, with a luxurious, silky feel, complemented by lemon zest and brine. Lighter in style, it never holds back on texture or flavor, making for a beautiful, food-friendly white. | Mill Station Vineyard | 92 |
14,920 | us | A perfect balance of watermelon and strawberry fruit flavors introduce this lovely rosé. It's bone dry and as perfect a companion to your holiday turkey as your mid-summer picnic. | Ramblin' | 87 |
53,612 | france | This wine is rich and full bodied, already delicious with apricot and pear fruit flavors. They are given a shot by lemon acidity as well as an herbal element. Although the wine is ready to drink, it will be better in 2016. | Grand Fumé | 89 |
77,731 | italy | A sweet blend of red Sangiovese grapes and white Trebbiano (aged nine years in small caratelli barrels), this thick dessert wine very much resembles Tuscany's Vin Santo. It opens with dense concentration and a copperish color with deep aromas of butterscotch, toasted almond and gingersnap. | Vin San Laurentino | 92 |
124,213 | us | The third reserve by this producer made of this variety, this is 100% estate and varietal. It unfurls in fireplace smoke, red and black berry, leather and tobacco, with an edginess of cedar and herb. The texture is soft and integrated around a full-bodied concentration of flavor. | Estate Grown Cave Fermented Reserve | 93 |
71,234 | us | A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Syrah, this offers high-toned aromas, with notes of green herb, cocoa and green pepper. The palate is chalky in feel, with the tannins seeming bunched up and dry. Cocoa notes linger on the finish. The greenness on the aromas is hard to get around. | Estate Grown Ruah Proprietary | 87 |
79,417 | us | An exceptionally priced Sauvignon Blanc from estate-grown fruit, Brutocao's Feliz Vineyard offers pronounced aromatics, all honeysuckle and apricot. Floral, savory, even slightly salty, the fruit that will stand out most here is honeydew melon. The wine's just-enough level of sweetness is reminiscent of nature's best. | Feliz Vineyard | 89 |
98,193 | austria | Full of red fruits, this solid and chunky, but juicy wine is ready to drink. It has a lightly tannic structure with notes of black-currant skin that brings shape to all of its forward fruitiness. Screwcap. | Béla-Jóska | 86 |
89,452 | us | This is the winery's least acccessible 2008 Syrah. It's too tannic and acidic to be properly appreciated, although decanting will help to unleash the massive blackberry, black currant and chocolate flavors. Cellar it through 2010 if you can. | Colson Canyon Vineyard | 90 |
76,305 | us | This wine brings charming aromas of cracked pepper, smoked meat, dried herbs and crushed violets, with dark chocolate and mixed fruit lurking in the background. The green olive and other savory flavors are restrained, coating the palate with a soft, textured feel that shows precise balance. It demands attention without overwhelming. | Les Collines | 92 |
33,370 | italy | A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of charred earth, game and a funky whiff of barnyard. The evolved palate offers dried black cherries, prune, coffee, clove, oak and licorice alongside fleeting but astringent tannins. | Il Blu | 87 |
120,305 | italy | This is a strange rosato made with the Sagrantino grape that shows the natural astringency of this native grape from Umbria and follows with heavy aromas of ripe citrus fruit, pineapple and even a savory touch of old spice. It also shows a touch of sweetness on the close. | Bocca di Rosa | 84 |
77,202 | us | Full-bodied, tannic and imposing, this densely packed wine has ripe and bright cherry and berry flavors, a tannic texture that's rounded slightly at the edges, and a sense of depth that helps the fruit notes linger on the finish. Tannat, Malbec and Cabernet Franc make the blend. | Diablo Rosso | 90 |
87,166 | us | Leather, tobacco and mocha combine effortlessly in this medium-bodied wine, a juicy, broad expression of the variety that drinks well. Black cherry and currant fruit flavors integrate into the quiet oak. | Original Blend 1871 | 92 |
128,766 | spain | Dark, spicy scents run side by side with licorice root and black cherry notes. This juicy, layered blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% each of Merlot and Syrah is a potent number with black- and red-plum flavors backed by a lasting, bold, angular finish. Drink through 2023. | Santa Rosa Reserva | 91 |
62,833 | south africa | Cinnamon, vanilla and toasted-oak notes accent the black cherry, raspberry and boysenberry fruit core of this accessible wine. Ripe, mouthfilling black-fruit flavors carry through to the medium-length close. Drink now. | Vintage Selection | 87 |
90,447 | us | This single-vineyard exploration shows a more tropical side than the winery's other Chardonnays. Rich, rounded notes of honeysuckle, lemon custard and apple cider characterize the nose. The palate is reserved compared to the showy aromas, with buttered peach and green-apple flavors. | Rincon VIneyard | 90 |
95,757 | us | A blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre, this is a lovely, polished and serious red wine. It impresses not just for the well-ripened cassis, cherry, cocoa and cedar flavors, but for the overall balance, and the smoothness of the texture. | Keeper | 89 |
3,600 | us | While ripe on the nose with scents of juicy red cherries, mocha chocolate and Graham cracker crumbs, this soft, light-bodied Pinot Noir gains a slightly rustic edge on the midpalate with hints of fall foliage and a soft, furry coating of tannins on the finish. | Sarah's Hill | 86 |
74,133 | south africa | There's a natural essence to this wine, exhibiting the best qualities of the grape as well as a sense of terroir. Soft herbal and mineral accent the clean, fruity core. Green pear, melon rind and a hint of peach pit unfold on the palate and follow through to the long, slightly spiced finish. Perfectly drinkable now, but will cellar nicely for another 3-5 years. | Organic Grapes | 90 |
68,380 | us | The second vintage of this declassified barrel wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Syrah. It provides aromas of blackberry, pencil eraser, coffee, strawberry and herbs. The palate boasts plump, flavorful fruit and savory notes before a lingering finish. | Cuvée Frangin | 90 |
68,677 | australia | Austere, tannic and chewy, this Cabernet could use a few years in the cellar. Classic mint and cassis notes are framed by cedar and vanilla, but the fruit comes through on the firm, dusty finish, a sign of positive things to come. Drink 2020–2030. | Trueman | 93 |
15,972 | us | This is subtle and almost neutral in flavor, but does have enough crisp mouthfeel to make it taste appetizing. It delivers slight apple-skin aromas and cucumber flavors, light body and a short finish. | Estate Bottled Organic Grapes | 85 |
29,884 | austria | Plum, cherry and blueberry appear in concert and ease into a dense but very pliable, supple body that seductively winds itself around tongue and palate. This is serious stuff, yet there is a playful elegance inherent in the dense but sinous curls of fruit that stretch and swirl their cherry-ish tentacles everywhere. This is a whole lot of power in a most elegant package. | Goldberg | 94 |
27,671 | spain | Rooty and mildly sweet on the nose, then tight and zesty in the mouth, with crisp red-fruit flavors and citrusy snap. Feels entirely lean and crisp, even a bit tangy. But sometimes fresh, basic Rioja has its place. | Old Vines | 86 |
88,991 | us | Another of the producer's estate-grown offerings, this vineyard-designate is bittersweet on the palate, rich and yet softly smooth in anise and waxy apple. Plenty of acidity buoys the experience, adding to the wine's ability to stay crisply refreshing on the finish. | Bow Tie Vineyard | 90 |
122,076 | spain | Full, dark aromas of varied black fruits set up a rich, chewy palate that's stern but not too hard. Flavors of black fruits and oaky spice are meaty as a whole, while the finish is lush, round and only slightly gripping. This Toro amounts to a great value. Drink through 2020. | Lui Selection Crianza | 92 |
77,248 | france | This is a concentrated structured cru wine from a single vineyard. It has dark tannins and a dense spice character from the wood aging. The fruit is still developing to give the wine its potential richness. Drink this firmly structured wine from 2018. This walled vineyard is wholly owned by producer Edouard Labruyère, making it a monopole. | Le Clos du Moulin-à-Vent | 93 |
41,969 | italy | This wine is a result of careful winemaking in which both oak barrel and aging on the lees is used to render a rounder, creamier feel in the mouth. The excellent 2004 vintage adds fresh notes of apricot and stone fruit to the overall complexity of the nose. | Satèn Millesimato Brut | 91 |
53,646 | austria | Dark chocolate, black cherry and a hint of raspberry fill the nose and palate, with secondary floral hints. This blend of Blaufränkisch and Merlot is slender but muscular, with immense structure, ripe tannin and en edge of iron-oxide. It has the graceful but strong physique of a male ballet dancer. Drink 2016–2020. | Paradigma | 92 |
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 |
10,145 | portugal | Still with its firm tannins in place and with layers of wood aging flavors, this is obviously a young wine. It has a background of ripe berry fruits and acidity that will develop over the next two years. It is potentially rich and full. Drink from 2017. | Pegos Claros Colheita | 87 |
3,048 | us | Warm yellow apple, light custard and white peach combine for a creamy nose on this bottling from the Riboli family's new estate vineyard. The sip starts with a sizzle of acidity and then shows flavors of caramelized green apples and a touch of banana, proving both a tad tart and a tad rich. | Stefano Vineyard | 88 |
56,119 | us | This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (39%), Cabernet Franc (29%), Merlot (19%), Malbec (9%) and Petit Verdot. It explores the first two varieties's leafier sides, with aromas of garden herbs followed by graphite, orange peel and barrel spice. The palate is tart and fresh, full of cranberry flavors supported by lightly chewy tannins. It brings a pleasing sense of acidity that bodes well for its longevity. | Sevens424 | 89 |
40,724 | italy | This opens with creamy, soapy foam backed by delicate notes of citrus, pear and Golden Delicious apple. Easy drinking, this should pair with lightly fried appetizers. | Gocce di Luna Moondrops Extra Dry | 85 |
128,581 | us | A light color informs a softly layered, medium-bodied wine that leans savory in Bing cherry and cranberry, with touches of black tea on the nose and palate. The finish is as light as the color. | Signature Reserve | 87 |
94,619 | us | Very fresh and very fruity, this wine gushes blueberry aromas and dark cherry flavors in a fun way that makes it easy to sip or even gulp. It's light on tannins and acidity, so it feels smooth but has a slightly gripping texture. | The Coble Ranch | 87 |
111,217 | italy | Pretty aromas suggest plum, red berry, leather, graphite and eucalyptus. The understated palate isn't as expressive as the nose, but reveals subdued black cherry, black pepper, espresso and oak. Astringent tannins still need to integrate, but for now leave the mouth feeling dried out. Drink after 2020. | Trentaquattro34 | 88 |
94,527 | france | From granite soil, this rounded wine has a firm core of structure. Pineapple and peach fruit flavors surround this center, making it full in the mouth, rich and charming. Acidity at the end and the firm texture promise some aging. Drink from 2015. | Pierrefolle | 91 |
101,552 | us | Aromas of wood spice, dill, vanilla and cherry are at the fore. The palate mixes jammy fruit with barrel flavors. The two seeming to tussle a bit. The wood wins out on the finish. | Ascent One-half Mile Closer to the Moon | 86 |
79,542 | us | Blended with 25% Roussanne, this wine brings light aromas of straw, lees and spice. The palate is medium bodied, with tart lemony acidity followed by a lingering finish. It's perhaps the best example of this variety from the state to date. | Boushey Vineyard | 91 |
77,102 | italy | Made entirely with Sangiovese, this linear red opens with inviting aromas of pressed violet, iris, dark-skinned berry and a whiff of cake spice. The taut elegant palate offers succulent wild cherry, cranberry, white pepper and chopped herb set against firm refined tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2018–2023. | Panzano Gran Selezione | 92 |
37,917 | france | Rounded and soft, this has currant and sweet apple flavors balanced with its acidity. It is concentrated and rich, and there's still some aging potential. | Millésime | 91 |
54,115 | us | Deep and dark in the glass, this bottling from a family-owned winery shows aromas of cola spice, wild cherry, cocoa dust and game. On the palate, rich black-cherry fruit is expertly cut by accents of dried sagebrush and licorice. Persistent, bountiful acidity carries it to a black raspberry-inflected finish. | Estate | 93 |
45,594 | us | Almost as light in color as water, this is a straight-ahead take on the grape, with tropical-leaning aromas of honeysuckle, ripe papaya and boisterous passionfruit. The palate is much grassier in style, showing cut lawn, kiwi, green pears and kaffir limes, with just a touch of lingering tropical sweetness. | Julia's Vineyard | 87 |
44,200 | new zealand | In contrast to Giesen's Waihopai bottling, this shows much more decay. Mushrooms, dead leaves and a subdued earthiness anchor the wine's other notes of black cherry and cola. It's supple and medium-bodied, yet lacks a bit a length. Drink now. | Single Vineyard Selection Dog Point Road | 87 |
93,746 | us | Light in color for a Syrah, this bottling shows smoky aromas along with crushed violets, rose hips, black tea, elderberries, hibiscus and a light dusting of white pepper. The lighter palate is a welcome shift from this grape's usual density, offering cranberry and smoked-pork flavors. It's lithe in texture and very quaffable. | Old Fashioned Superstition Tierra Alta Vineyard | 91 |
1,124 | us | This wine is an unusual blend of Touriga (38%), Tinto Cão (20%), Tempranillo (18%), Petit Verdot (15%) and Souzão. Alcohol aromas show prominently along with dark fruit. The fruit flavors seem dried out, juxtaposed by the sweetness of the wine, with the tannins having a real sense of grip. | Vintage Estate Dessert Wine Wilridge Vineyard | 84 |
113,367 | spain | Bold, forward and extracted red wine, with raspberry, earth, compost and a light leafiness to the nose. Tannic and tight, with plum and heavy, ripe berry flavors. Toasty and dark on the finish too, with power and freshness. | Tinto | 85 |
119,825 | greece | Dried cherry, crushed herbs and a spin of cocoa is the first whiff of this poised and meaty wine. Fresh cherries, olives and cinnamon on the palate are integrated and unfold into a lingering finish. This wine begs for a juicy steak or lamb stew. | Reserve | 88 |
13,754 | us | The deep color matches the bold grapy flavors. With a touch of sweetness, soft texture and syrupy balance, this will chase down a spicy burrito or kung pao chicken. | Lucca | 83 |