wine_id
int64 1
130k
| country
stringclasses 41
values | description
stringlengths 20
764
| designation
stringlengths 1
95
| points
int64 80
100
|
---|---|---|---|---|
114,544 | us | Delicious aromas cover the entire range of the strawberry experience, from the scents of a blossoming strawberry field to frozen berries macerated into a syrup. It's refreshing and yet grippy on the palate at the same time, with candied raspberry and crushed vanilla bean swirling with bergamot rind, anise, black pepper and pine sap. Imagine mint-wrapped berries on a fresh-cut plank of oak. | 3-D | 95 |
123,434 | austria | Very perfumed, this is a spicy Traminer with an amount of sweetness. The wine is ripe and rounded, with dominant tropical fruit. The acidity cuts through the richness. Screwcap. | Altes Kreuz | 87 |
96,712 | us | A textbook illustration of Stags Leap Cabernet. The “velvet glove” is the elaborately ripe, sweet blackberry, cherry and chocolate fruit. The “iron fist” is the tannin structure, so finely woven you hardly notice it, but there it is, offering a coat of astringency and protecting the wine over the next decade. | Ganymede | 93 |
128,970 | us | Velvety smooth, this estate-driven wine is soft, with a backbone of integrated oak, seasoned in pleasing handfuls of clove and black cherry. Juicy on the palate, and well structured, it finishes brisk in acidity and a note of mocha. | Dollarhide Estate | 91 |
92,405 | spain | Raspberry, red currant and a pinch of oaky maple make up the nose on this Tinto Fino that sports a medium-weight body with medium-level intensity. Red-berry flavors follow the nose, while a crisp finish with red plum and raspberry flavors wraps things up. | Crianza | 87 |
111,397 | us | The winery says this high-alcohol wine, made from Muscat and Verdelho, was aged for ten years in barrels. It has a floral, Sherry taste, with that distinctive yeasty flavor undergirding quite sweet pineapples, oranges, apricots and white chocolate. | Dessert Wine | 86 |
48,408 | chile | Pear and melon aromas get a boost from the barrel, but ultimately the nose on this Chardonnay is simple. In the mouth, things run smooth. Barrel-related flavors of spice, hickory and toast dominate white-fruit notes, while the finish is oaky but balanced in feel. | Reserve | 87 |
32,450 | australia | This blend of 45% Shiraz, 30% Grenache and 25% Mourvèdre is full bodied and supple, not heavy or overextracted. Herb notes accent cherry fruit, while hints of mocha creep in on the finish. Enjoy this easy-drinking wine now–2017. | Butcher's Block | 89 |
105,395 | chile | Earthy aromas of leather, coffee grounds and blackberry are convincing. This feels full and ripe. Toasty plum and blackberry flavors offer notes of licorice and toast on a long, balanced finish. | Reserva | 89 |
111,525 | us | This off-dry wine falls on the sweet side, with pleasant honey/lemon tea flavors up front. The fruit is followed with some earthier notes, and a quickly fading finish. | Two Vines | 85 |
70,595 | us | Pioneering winemaker Josh Jensen delivers pure and focused aromas of deep red pomegranate and dark purple fruits, a shred of violet, a noticeable chalkiness and a hint of sweet sage. It's rich and zesty on the palate, offering dark fruit flavors with a pine sap backbone, finishing strong on chocolate-dipped cherries. | Jensen Vineyard | 94 |
23,237 | italy | This barrique-aged Chardonnay opens with delicate aromas of beeswax, acacia flower and toast. The refined palate offers toasted oak, citrus, vanilla and mature Golden Delicious apple alongside bright acidity. | Benefizio Riserva | 89 |
106,108 | spain | Typical Albariño aromas of white peach, white pepper and citrus fruits are about average. Bright citric acidity makes this racy, while salty tangerine, apricot and nectarine flavors end with pithy grit. | Peitán | 87 |
129,855 | us | While a minuscule amount of this was made, it bears remembering the producer for this is an impressive burst of tangy citrus, lemon and orange. Light and bright, it has a pithy texture of cranberry and raspberry. | Rosé of | 90 |
77,056 | france | The wine is crisp, tangy and with plenty of grapefruit and lemon fruitiness. Its crispness and nervy texture are bright and refreshing. With fine acidity at the end, this is ready now. | Champ Gibault | 87 |
48,243 | us | A salty lick of saline brings the palate to attention before tingling acidity seals the experience: the wine's backbone a nicely balanced combination of generous oak that supports ripe fruit. Francois Freres and Taransaud barrels cradled the wine for 10 months, only 35% of it new, making for a robust yet elegant expression of the variety from this site. | Sangiacomo Green Acres Heritage Block Old Wente | 92 |
35,662 | new zealand | After five years on the lees, this is a brassy-hued, toasty wine. Hints of honey and caramel creep in, along with buttered citrus and ample toastiness. It's medium bodied and silky in texture. Drink now. | Blanc de Blancs Traditional Method | 88 |
40,923 | france | Any vintage Champagne from 2004 will still be young, and this is no exception. But with the fresh, light Deutz style, this is already offering delicious green plum and citrus flavors, supplemented by creamy acidity. The finish is soft, light, creamy. | Brut | 90 |
104,443 | spain | This heavily oaked Ribera del Duero features maple, barrel char, dried cheese, licorice and boysenberry jam aromas. The palate is so concentrated it's syrupy, its blackened oak, crème de cassis and chocolate flavors feeling heavy on the finish. Drink this saturated bruiser through 2022. | Viña Magna Reserva | 91 |
127,385 | france | Rounded and rich wine, its acidity pushing through firm tannins and lively red fruits. There are both freshness and structure here, with final juiciness. | Sélection | 88 |
64,328 | us | King Estate makes several different versions of Pinot Gris, but this belongs at the very top, with pitch-perfect pear fruit at its core. Fresh, textural and brightly racy, it's an elegant and generous wine with a crisp, lingering finish that suggests it will continue to improve through 2020. | Unity | 92 |
54,330 | us | The winery's most-available Syrah is co-fermented with a splash of Viognier. The fruit is tight and compact, clean with red and black berry flavors, framed by firm, polished tannins. | Signature | 90 |
90,778 | france | Aged both in wooden tanks and wood barrels, this smooth, silky rich wine is impressive. A blend of one-third each of Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, it is dense, dark and spicy. Juicy black fruits give the wine its ripe character. At the same time the structure keeps the opulent fruitiness in check. The wine is showing well now, although it will be better kept until 2018. | Orbite de Cantinot | 93 |
62,600 | portugal | The wine is soft and smooth with yellow fruits and a light texture. It is ripe, generous balancing fruit against the rounded perfumed structure. The wine is ready to drink. | Coroa d'Ouro Branco | 86 |
10,192 | spain | Opens with leathery aromas suggestive of animal hide along with a leafy element and nuttiness. Airing reveals a compact, medium-intensity palate with baked, roasted, fairly sweet berry flavors. Finishes sweet and mildly leafy. | Reserva | 87 |
115,321 | us | Tiny amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot were added to this succulent, elegant wine with cassis, cranberry and black cherry flavors and rounded structure. A light note of cocoa dust and soft texture balance its exotically spiced lushness with delicious integration. | Rubicon | 94 |
104,662 | chile | Bright cherry and berry aromas benefit from nicely integrated oak. This cool-vintage wine is slightly pulpy but not heavy on the palate. Plum and currant flavors end with notes of peppery spice, toasty char and lasting berry fruit. Drink through 2020. | Terroir Selection Gran Reserva | 91 |
121,821 | austria | The nose is still shy but the palate has an almost-fizzing freshness that speaks of a multitude of aromas: green-apple peel, green-pear flesh, a touch of yeast and a salty, savory, peppery edge of miso. This is compact with a good creamy core in its slender and slinky body, but full of flavor and verve. | Ried Wechselberg | 92 |
49,863 | canada | One hundred percent Cabernet Franc, this wine shows subtle, nuanced aromas of fresh strawberry, cherry and wildflowers. The palate is compact with a tight core of sweet fruit flavors. | Icewine | 88 |
122,842 | spain | Dusty, leesy aromas of apple and vanilla are sturdy. This brut Cava is fresh and modestly elegant on the palate, with lime, apple and tarragon flavors. A dry, confident finish offers apple and citrus flavors and a sense of ease. | Brut Reserva | 89 |
23,281 | us | Red plum and cherry surround soft, firm tannins, medium acidity and plenty of well-constructed structure, unimpeded by oak. A hint of leather, dried herb and bay leaf accent it well. Although the wine is powerful, it's not overdone, instead offering balance. | Cortina | 91 |
36,123 | romania | This blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot has aromas of cherry, vanilla and a whiff of lifted eucalyptus. It conveys flavors of black cherry, red plum and dried herbs. Medium bodied, it has a persistent finish. | Origini Reserve | 89 |
127,249 | us | A very pretty shade of pink, this wine offers strawberry blossoms and light cotton-candy elements on the nose. There's a strong zing of acidity at first, and then the wine clings to a steely sensibility, showing just brief glimmers of strawberry fruit and lime juice. | Estate Rosé of | 87 |
89,255 | italy | Red berry, violet and aromatic herb scents unfold in the glass while the juicy palate doles out crushed red cherry, strawberry, mint and white pepper. Bright acidity and firm, polished tannins provide impeccable balance. Drink after 2018. | Monfriggio | 93 |
4,778 | us | Chardonnays from Mount Veeder are rare, but the mountain can be a good home for that variety. Godspeed's 2012 is dry, brisk in acidity and enormously rich in tropical fruit, pear and apricot fruit flavors, enhanced with oak. Drink this Chard now with fancy fare, such as wild mushroom risotto, ahi tuna tartare and chicken lasagna. | Estate Grown | 90 |
15,574 | us | Aromas of green olive, tapenade, mineral, peat, flowers and earthy funk lead to plum and savory flavors. It's lighter styled and all about elegance of expression, with guava flavors on the finish. | In the Rocks Estate | 92 |
21,341 | argentina | Meaty, herbal aromas are a bit rooty and mossy but with time they offer up berry fruit and spice. The palate is full and plump, and also a little hard and tannic, while the flavors suggest prune and cassis. Spicy and with good feel to the finish. | Famiglia Bianchi | 86 |
16,931 | italy | Aromas of pear, yellow apples and pineapple carry over to the palate along with a banana note. The juicy palate is balanced by bright acidity, making this perfect for everyday fare from lightly seasoned fish to pasta topped with tomato sauce. | K | 86 |
117,717 | us | From the head-trained, dry-farmed Martinelli Vineyard, this wine is like a lens into history. It's mighty flavorful, too, with jubilant cinnamon, rose water and wisteria aromas and a rounded and juicy palate of plum and boysenberry fruit. Asssertive baking spice notes and chalky tannins complete the picture. | Old Vine | 91 |
81,238 | france | Firm, structured and solid, this is a smoky, ripe wine with attractive acidity, red berry fruit and good concentration. It is developing slowly, with a solid structure and fine acidity. Drink from 2017. | Les Charmes Dessus | 90 |
102,600 | argentina | This smells far better than it feels or tastes. The nose offers black fruit and graham cracker notes, but the palate is sharp and punchy, with sour plum and rhubarb flavors that finish herbal and briny. | Reserve | 81 |
46,387 | us | A little raw around the edges, but pretty good for the price. Shows true Cab character, with juicy berry and chocolate flavors and a hint of smoky oak. The finish is dry and spicy. | Reserve | 85 |
109,463 | us | This is one of the most expensive white wines on the Central Coast, and it's mighty good, with aromas of cheese rind, lime pith, slate and tiny bits of Marcona almond and oak smoke. It's laser-focused on the chalky, mineral-laden palate, with poached apples in the midpalate and lemon peels and tangerine rinds throughout. | Bentrock | 95 |
34,183 | us | This is an unusual example of this variety, with aromas of exotic spice, flowers and herb. The palate has tart cranberry flavors that seem lacking in concentration. | Alder Ridge Vineyard | 85 |
29,273 | us | Certainly among the most unusual wines from this vineyard, here is a Pinot Gris with 30 g/L residual sugar and alcohol under 11%. There is sufficient acidity—along with the minerality that the vineyard is known for—to keep the flavors of citrus rind and flesh well rounded and buoyant. Sweet enough to pair with a fruity dessert. | Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Drizzle | 90 |
109,121 | spain | Earthy berry and cola aromas are clean and ripe. This feels fresh on the tongue, with medium-level weight and power. Flavors run toward cassis and berry but fade quickly, with little to the finish. This is Garnacha with 25% Tempranillo. | Castillo de Fuendejalon Crianza | 86 |
71,067 | france | A full-bodied, mouthfilling rosé from the Côtes-du-Rhône, the 2007 Réserve Grand Veneur features slightly confected cherry aromas and a tangy finish. It's a solid effort, best served alongside burgers or the like. | Réserve Grand Veneur | 86 |
12,903 | france | A rounded wine, although still young. It has ripe fruit, creamed apples and fresh acidity. The wood flavors give an extra smoothness as well as a more complex long-lasting finish. | La Grand Chatelaine | 91 |
33,789 | france | This is a wine that is beginning to show some fine maturity. There are ripe fruits still very present, but they are matched by the secondary flavors, spice and warm tannins along with the classic herbal character of Mourvèdre. The wine is produced from organically grown grapes, giving purity as well as some serious structure in the background. Drink from 2018. | La Bégude | 94 |
102,766 | italy | Aromas of exotic fruit, cut grass and crushed tomato vine lead the nose. On the palate, hints of fresh Mediterranean herb add interest to the grapefruit and lime flavors. Firm acidity gives it a zesty finish. | Kaid | 86 |
13,666 | us | This '04 is off a beat from the '03, showing a tiredness that may be a result of the heat. It's soft, with candied blackberry and cherry flavors that finish dry, and is not ageworthy. | Napa River Ranch | 86 |
116,604 | germany | Alluring blossom, lemon zest and petrol notes entice on this late-harvest Riesling. It's densely concentrated in sweet-tart pink grapefruit flavor, yet minerally and spry. Finishes with a lingering lacy sweetness. | Schodener Saarfeilser Marienberg Spätlese Erste Lage | 92 |
4,657 | south africa | This blend features aromas of vanilla, sweet tobacco and cherry followed by big, masculine flavors of cassis, raspberry, tobacco and cedar. Deep spice undertones add to the dimension of the wine. Ageable and intense and best paired with more robust meat dishes. | Babylons Toren | 89 |
120,404 | france | This is a beautiful, bright wine, still very young although already hinting at the warmth of Fourchaume. The steely texture is right up front, along with crisp apple and citrus fruits. Underneath, a vanilla, toasty character shows promise for aging. Drink from 2017. | Fourchaume Premier Cru | 91 |
79,988 | spain | Gaseous and rubbery on the nose, this is overpowered by a tire aroma and heavily reduced berry scents. It feels thick and ultrajammy, with overwhelming berry flavors in front of a heavy, hot finish. | Old Vines | 83 |
73,929 | germany | Demure lemon and honey aromas are amplified on the palate of this juicy, fruity kabinett. While easy drinking and straightforward in style, it's a deeply concentrated Riesling full of stonefruit and citrus delight. Enjoy now for its approachable, sunny flavors. | Piesporter Michelsberg Kabinett | 88 |
93,736 | us | This small-production wine has an oaky, earthy complexity from the aroma through the finish. It is full bodied, ripe and rich, leading with toasted oak and a flinty quality. The fruit flavors are muted at first but develop nicely with each sip. | The Narrows Vineyard | 91 |
30,019 | us | With a rare if tiny showing for the Blaufränkisch grape (3%), which this estate grows on their Los Olives property, this is a tangy, tart and lean Syrah, with bright cherry fruit, coffee, light menthol, tobacco and cedar on the nose. Aromatic wood flavors of pipe smoke and cigar box show on the palate, along with red cherry fruit, vanilla and sagebrush elements. | Vollmond | 91 |
75,364 | australia | One of the Hunter Valley's top bottlings, Brokenwood's Graveyard Vineyard is still marked by hints of toasty oak at this young stage in its evolution. Vanilla accents lifted sour cherry and cranberry aromas, but on the palate the flavors darken and deepen, trending toward black cherries and plum. Has a nicely balanced, silky texture in the mouth, then a firm, long finish suggesting cellaring. Drink 2012-2025. | Graveyard Vineyard | 91 |
49,582 | australia | There's nothing subtle about this wine, which layers tropical fruit and pecan aromas over flavors of buttered nuts and citrus. Turns lemony on the finish. The intense flavors are all powered by an undercurrent of gravelly nuttiness. | Reserve | 89 |
72,294 | chile | Earthy aromas of tobacco, olive, tree bark and lemon peel are herbal and a bit green. This is a blend of Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenère and Lagrima Christi; it's fairly minty on the flavor profile, with olive and overt oak leading the way. A resiny, green-tasting finish is drawing but fair. | Grand Reserve | 87 |
18,136 | spain | This opens with staunch green aromas that shout out bell pepper and herbaceous. But give it air and this Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend comes around to show spicy baked-berry flavors on a tannic, full-bodied frame. On the finish, it's herbal, stout and round, with leafy flavors to go with dark-fruit notes. Drink through 2018. | Carlota | 89 |
19,596 | france | This 100% Carignan is a great expression of what the grape can do all by itself without any blending buddies. Red cherry and plum mingle with garrigue herbs and a touch of vanilla on the nose. Soft tannins and vibrant acidity lay out the approachable structure, with a lingering finish accented by sweet spice. | Cariñu | 89 |
93,851 | chile | On first take, this smells a bit vegetal and chemical, but time and air clean it up. Racy, tight and lean on the palate, this tastes of tart green fruits, lime and green apple in particular. A slightly broken, yeasty finish suggests early-stage oxidation. | Litoral | 87 |
128,387 | us | An assertive if not aggressive wine, it smells like smoke and charred wood, tastes like espresso dosed with raspberry syrup, and feels tannic, oaky and astringent. Full bodied and ripe at its core, the oak characteristics effectively take over. | Amador Zinfandel | 84 |
32,929 | australia | This style of simply yummy, quaffable wine is what Australian Grenache is so capable of producing. Despite high alcohol (16.5%), it doesn't show heat on the palate, instead offering oodles of black cherries and some accents of baking spices. It's round, supple and easy to drink, with a touch of coffee on the finish. Imported by USA Wine West. | Old Vine | 88 |
90,731 | france | Very pure lemon and toast flavors dominate this wine. It has crispness, intense freshness and lively acidity. There is also a sense of richness that is slowly developing and that will broaden the wine over the next several months. | Gouttes d'Or Premier Cru | 91 |
21,139 | argentina | Aromas of oak, mint and cola accent earthy black-fruit scents in front of a palate that's tannic and raw but firm and structured. Berry and salty, oaky flavors finish with grabby, drying tannins and peppery spice. | Q | 88 |
19,770 | us | This bottling from a vineyard west of the Sta. Rita Hills by David and Anna deLaski explores the lower ripeness, exotically spiced range of Pinot Noir. Aromas of tart boysenberry, sour hibiscus, sumac and white pepper show on the nose. The palate picks up a bit more viscosity to deliver cranberry, Kalamata olive and cardamom flavors. | Duvarita Vineyard | 90 |
50,136 | spain | Floral cherry, raspberry and aged wood aromas are elegant and mature. This Rioja is in regal condition, with smooth tannins and integrated acidity. Dried cherry, red plum, herbs and vanilla create a classic Rioja flavor profile. A supple, long finish puts this in perfect drinking shape, which doesn't mean it can't last another through 2025 or so. | Monte Real Gran Reserva | 94 |
56,518 | austria | The Singerriedl is the most renowned vineyard in Spitz, and this ripe but cool example shows its great minerality and taut apple skin tannin structure. Rounding the wine out is an attractive, creamy finish. | Singerriedl Federspiel | 88 |
96,080 | us | This Bordeaux-style red blend is pleasantly fruity, with blackberry and red cherry components buoyed by supporting acidity. A slight suggestion of tar and earth adds a bit of gravitas to what is otherwise a fruit-driven, simple quaffer. | 96 Cedars | 87 |
70,988 | chile | Olive, herb and earth aromas vie with foresty fruit aromas, while the palate is rough and ready, with rugged tannins and full flavors of baked fruit, caramel, herbs and chocolate. A catchy blended wine with a sweet finish and tons of flavor. Cabernet is the main player here; drink now through 2012. | Sideral | 90 |
56,642 | italy | Leafy underbrush, leather, truffle, grilled herb and tilled soil aromas lead the way. The dense, forward palate doles out juicy black cherry, star anise, tobacco and an earthy hint of game while velvety tannins give it a smooth, polished texture. It has immediate appeal and will offer fine drinking for the next few years. Drink through 2020. | Buon Padre | 90 |
47,682 | us | From the cool-climate Beckstoffer Lake Carneros vineyard site, this wine opens in a thickness of blue and red berries, the tannins soft and integrated yet weighted by a puckering persistence to the palate. Dried herb and cedar round out the highly full-bodied, ripe finish. | Little Sister Reserve | 89 |
45,553 | france | Lifted peach and wilting petals of Damask rose unite in the perfumed, supremely aromatic nose of this wine. The palate continues with rosewater notes of Turkish Delight and candied peach. Honeyed and rich, the sweet palate is concentrated but guided by lemony freshness. Overwhelming with perfume and concentration, this decadent wine needs either a perfumed, peachy dessert or a salty blue cheese to match those crashing waves of full-blown flavor. | Vendanges Tardives Cuvée Christine | 90 |
17,922 | us | Shows the challenges of the 2008 vintage, which was alternately cool, hot and rainy in the North Coast. The wine is very dry and quite acidic. While it shows an elegant structure, it's a bit lacking in richness, and probably is not ageworthy. | Hein Vineyard - Hayley Vineyard | 87 |
116,376 | us | This Rhône-style red brings Grenache and Mourvèdre from Meek Vineyard and Syrah from Lewis; good sources both. Hard and fruity, the forward flavors quickly hit a wall of tannin, with hints of dried leaf in a tart, short finish. | Midnight Red | 85 |
125,685 | us | Fragrant aromas of apple blossoms swirl with a buttery croissant yeastiness on this bottling from Paso's Eastside. The palate tastes of green banana, with dried apples and apricots as well as ripe cantaloupe and a slightly buttery finish. | Pear Valley Vineyard | 86 |
43,127 | portugal | Keeping some freshness, but showing signs of dryness, this is a well-aged 10-year old, the wood acidity and spirit dominating the fruit. The aftertaste shows considerable age—more than 10 years. | 10 Years Old Tawny | 87 |
79,401 | us | Firm and toasty, this inviting Malbec deftly mixes streaks of herb, coffee and toast, with tart— but ripe—berry flavors. It's a good example of the finesse that is often a hallmark of Washington Malbecs. | Estate | 89 |
113,917 | us | Starts out with an inviting aroma of citrus, but then turns weirdly sweet and medicinal, with sour candy flavors of pineapples and white sugar. | Bianca Mia | 81 |
58,217 | us | Fragrant and liquorous, this opens with scents of berry and cherry and spice, lightly lifted with floral accents. The wine is a pretty ruby color, and it walks the line between open and closed, poised right on the fence. There is a sharp spicy streak, which wraps into the graphite and mineral character of the vineyard. | Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine | 90 |
42,114 | italy | This lean and bracing wine offers raw cherry and powdered sage notes. Astringent, raspy tannins leave a dry finish. | Stardè | 83 |
120,725 | us | Floral and fresh from notes of crisp apple and lemon, this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc is piercingly brisk with tight, nervy effervescence. A hint of roasted nuts lingers on the medium-long finish. | Blanc de Blancs | 87 |
5,503 | austria | Hints of lemon peel rise shyly from the glass, becoming more intense with air. The palate is dry, buffered and has a savory undertow of wild thyme that interplays beautifully with sumptuous peach notes and that almost textured, zesty acidity that unites everything and brings extended, refreshing length. | Strasser Winberge Reserve | 93 |
86,687 | spain | This smells stalky and leathery, while the mouthfeel is tannic, raw and racy. Flavors of baked black fruits turn herbal upon closer consideration, while the finish feels drawing and tastes leathery and peppery, without much fruit. | Celeste Crianza | 85 |
69,622 | us | The dazzling cherry-rhubarb character starts in the aroma, expands on the palate and cruises through the finish, making this a memorable wine. In a no-nonsense way it serves up vivid, bracing flavors with virtually no oaky notes while displaying lively tannins and great acidity. Tempting to drink now but will improve through at least 2018. | Balo Vineyard | 91 |
68,011 | chile | This is what vineyard selection and winemaker intervention can do to enrich a wine. Everything here is on steroids. The fruit is deep and rich, the oak is smoky and spicy and the finish long and deep. Pretty fancy stuff that might even improve with a few years in the cellar. | Wild Ferment La Escultura Estate | 90 |
115,559 | us | An unusual blend of Tempranillo and Ruby Cabernet, this New Mexico red blend is a touch overripe with soft, cooked prune and cherry compote flavors. Hints of violet and tobacco leaf are pretty, but overall, there's a flatness in the midpalate that could use some fine-tuning. | Vintners' Reserve Red | 84 |
40,350 | us | Coffee, spice, vanilla and pencil lead aromas are followed by rich, luscious, full-bodied fruit and barrel flavors. It's hedonistic and pulls no punches but shows balance: an equal mix of fruit and barrel. | Estate Riverbend Vineyard | 92 |
17,519 | us | Rollat's Sophie occupies the entry-level rung on the ladder, behind the elegant and polished Rollat and the dense, compact and highly cellar-worthy Edouard. But Sophie is charming and accessible, a blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc that is elegant and bright. The fruit focus is on cranberry and raspberry, tart and well-defined, and the wine is immaculately clean. It's light and charming, but a perfect choice for autumnal foods. | Sophie de Rollat | 89 |
80,628 | us | Siduri has a good track record with this vineyard. The ‘07 is not a longterm ager, but if you're looking for a complex Russian River Pinot for now and through 2011, this will please. Dry and silky and complex, it has fully ripened cherry, currant, cola, rose petal and spice flavors. | Sapphire Hill Vineyard | 91 |
117,120 | us | This selection from a 40-year-old vineyard manages to convey both power and complexity in a transparent, nearly ephemeral style. Like gazing into a clear pool of deep water, you plunge through a surface patina of ripe, crushed raspberries into a textural, evanescent palate framed in dark chocolate. Drink now through 2030 and beyond. | Daphne Estate | 93 |
45,504 | us | A ripe, almost sweet aroma and flavors recalling blackberry syrup and raisins make this wine rich and tempting. Firm tannins and full body clamp down on the finish. | High Elevation Collection | 88 |
18,951 | us | This has Cabernet Sauvignon-driven flavors of ripe summer blackberries, black currants, cassis liqueur and smoky oak. It's dry with smooth tannins, and it shows lots of class. With 8,000 cases produced, it should be relatively easy to find. | Sophia's Cuvee | 91 |
15,489 | us | Crisp raspberry, red-cherry and blossom notes lend exhilarating freshness to this Cabernet Franc rosé. Dry in style yet concentrated and juicy, it's an irresistible quaffer that you'll want to keep drinking long after the summer's end. | Dry | 90 |
80,683 | us | Sweetly satisfying and succulent, without being technically sweet, this robust, reserve-level wine offers a layered depth of red-cherry cola and leather that keeps it bright on the palate and impressively lengthy. | Timber Crest Vineyard Winemaker's Reserve | 92 |
102,510 | us | Coming from 45-year old plantings, this warm-vintage wine is quite aromatically light for the variety, with notes of quinine, spice, pear and flowers. It drinks dry with a broad feel to the lightly spritzy fruit. Spice flavors are backed by a sense of acid balance that draws out the finish. This wine takes time to get going but proves worthy. | Atavus Vineyard | 89 |
77,331 | us | Mostly Grenache and Syrah along with pinches of Cinsault and Mourvèdre, this wine is unmistakably from The Rocks District, with aromas and flavors of earthy funk, coffee, crushed rock, dried herbs, plum and peppery spices. Considering the labeled alcohol level, the flavors are surprisingly sweet and rich, with a lightly tacky feel and a drawn-out finish. | The Great Schism Reserve Riviere Galets Estate Vineyard | 91 |