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5,658 | us | Light in color and body, this is a cool-climate-influenced wine full of spice and life. It offers a mixture of rhubarb, strawberry and black tea, dusted in cardamom. The wine's spicy tones carry through to the medium-length finish. | Sexton Hill Vineyard Estate Grown Estate Bottled | 90 |
60,608 | italy | This oak-heavy blend of Chardonnay and indigenous Sicilian grapes opens with luscious tones of toasted almond, apricot and candied lemon. There's a spicy vanilla note on the close, and the wine will appeal to those who appreciate an oaky Italian white. | Villa di Chiesa | 87 |
114,479 | us | This blend is comprised of seven varieties that were sourced from nine vineyards. Despite a hint of green in the tannins and a bit of stem in the fruits, this shows good complexity. Streaks of earth, mineral and licorice mingle around notes of dried cherry and fig. | Washington State Cuvée | 89 |
55,371 | france | This is solid, rich and with great fruit flavors to complement its structure. Red cherry fruitiness is lifted by intense acidity and broadened by the dark tannins and concentration. This is a wine to age for a few years, so drink after 2015. | Grand Cras Vieilles Vignes | 91 |
69,105 | italy | This medium-bodied wine opens with a fruity aroma of spiced plum and mature dark berry. The easygoing palate delivers ripe blackberry, nutmeg and licorice alongside supple tannins. | Riserva | 87 |
80,830 | argentina | Meaty aromas suggest baked berry, prune and other ripe fruits. The palate is almost soupy in its richness, while flavors of molasses, berry and toast are ripe and concentrated. A roasted-tasting finish features notes of cooked brown sugar. | Gran Reserva | 89 |
14,361 | portugal | Because this producer is in the southern Minho region, away from the northern Alvarinho vineyards, the wine is registered as Minho rather than Vinho Verde. But it has the same fine fruit and creamy richness that is typical of this grape. It could age a little longer, so wait until late 2017. | Pouco Comum | 89 |
31,925 | france | Heavy wood aging dominates this rich wine at this stage. That should integrate to leave an almost California ripeness from the 100% Merlot. It has a full and rounded structure, cushioned by generous fruits. | Prima | 90 |
89,005 | us | While intensely floral from nose to finish, this subtly nuanced Riesling has a more savory side as well, offsetting stark lemon, tangerine and lime flavors against wet stone and clay. It's ethereal and light on the palate, but finishes boldly with a lingering murmur of astringency. | Tanzen Dame Auten Vineyard 2nd Clone 239 Dry | 90 |
110,655 | chile | Herbal aromas of green tobacco, black fruits and coffee grounds require some understanding of Carmenère to fully appreciate. A chunky, saturated palate is thick but balanced by tartaric acidity. Herbal, minty blackberry flavors are woody and show a hint of graphite, while coffee, carob and burnt toast flavors blend with green notes on the finish. Drink through 2020. | 1865 Single Vineyard | 90 |
57,903 | us | Made from all six Bordeaux varieties, this estate grown blend only hits a few notes but hits them persistently and deliciously with milk chocolate, dried cherry, and herbs. It's soft and silky and lingers on the finish. | Claret | 89 |
63,543 | us | Winemaker Nick Goldschmidt does wonders with this consistent vineyard source, coaxing out mocha-chocolate, black cherry and blackberry, never overpowering an earthy back note of tobacco. Medium-bodied and soft, it finishes in a swirl of smoke and is juicy and enjoyable now. | Lone Tree Vineyard | 90 |
18,638 | us | This is one of the richer examples of Pinot Gris out there. It's a flamboyant wine that's creamy, smoky and ripe, with an array of tropical fruit, citrus, peach, green apple and white flower flavors, as well as a fine, stony minerality. | North Highlands Cuvée | 90 |
1,633 | portugal | Structured and with solid tannins, this is a wood- and spice-laden wine. Its fruit lies somewhere behind all this structure and is likely to remain there. | Dona Helena Reserva | 85 |
80,141 | portugal | A perfumed wine with soft tannins and juicy red fruits, this offers a concentrated aftertaste, giving spice as well as fruitiness. Drink this accessible wine now. | Castello d'Alba Limited Edition | 88 |
94,518 | france | Crisp acidity and citrus fruitiness combine with a riper, textured character. The wine shows the strong minerality inherent in whites from Pernand-Vergelesses, as well as a richer streak. Because of its structure, it should age. Drink from 2016. | Creux de la Net Premier Cru | 91 |
64,657 | brazil | Soda-like on the nose, with bready, toasty accents. It's rough and foamy on the palate, with cider and dry citrus flavors. Lasting on the finish, but still it's pithy and grapefruity. | Brut | 84 |
56,639 | us | Swirls of butterscotch lend a rich, almost lactic feel to this sumptuously full-bodied wine. It's unabashedly oaky, boasting deep layers of spice, nut and caramel, but maintains a stately, firmly structured elegance. Bright, lemony acidity and a strike of minerality mark the finish. | Perle | 90 |
21,204 | australia | This is pungent, showing some sweaty, boxwood notes alongside lemony citrus fruit. It's light on its feet, with moderately intense lemon flavors that fade on the finish. Drink now. | Miamup | 89 |
50,445 | portugal | The wine is fresh, aromatic and so crisp. Made from Fernão Pires and Verdelho, it is ripe with apple flavors and tangy with orange zest. The wine is young, fruity and ready to drink. | Companhia das Lezírias Tyto Alba Vinhas Protegidas | 86 |
41,195 | france | On one of the high terraces above the river Lot, Château du Port produces a highly structured wine. It is full of tannins as much as fruit, with a dark, firm character that brings out the potential of this concentrated wine. Drink from 2017. | Cuvée Prestige | 91 |
56,575 | us | Buttered nuts, lime spritz, green apple, fragrant honeydew and a shred of pineapple treat the nose on this bottling from a steadily rising appellation. The palate shows lots of pep, blending both light crème fraîche with lemon and lime peels, quite focused though not terribly complex. | Riverbed | 89 |
47,671 | us | Zinfandel from old vines is rarely this light and refreshing, yet still exuberant in fruit. A mix of tart cherry and just-ripe blackberry comes with a lingering edge of citrus around the cinnamon and black pepper spice. Funky earth ripples through the middle, before a subtle take on leather finishes things out. | Mancini Ranch | 91 |
39,925 | italy | Very fragrant and floral, this fun Prosecco (closed with a string instead of a capsule) offers aromas of sweet fruit and honeysuckle. The wine is simple, clean, crisp and ends with bright peach flavors. | Gran Resèe | 84 |
96,514 | us | A classic Old World-style Sangiovese, this is boldly tannic and resplendent with notes of sage, leather, coffee and bittersweet chocolate, and traces of oak, cherry syrup and vanilla. It would pair expertly with a meaty pizza. | Estate Grown | 86 |
70,593 | italy | Enticing aromas of rose, violet, mature berry and a whiff of leather lead the way on this structured red. The full-bodied palate offers layers of dried black cherry, leather, tobacco and grilled herbs, supported by a backbone of firm, ripe tannins. Hold for even more complexity. Drink 2018–2028. | Badarina | 94 |
99,131 | spain | This vintage of San Román is extremely ripe and oaky, with buttery richness sharing the nose with asphalt, wood resin, cassis and dark-berry aromas. The palate is dense and deep, but it also shows a bit of dead weight compared to better prior versions. Flavors of black fruits, woodspice and pepper finish long and a touch raisiny. Drink through 2020. | San Román | 92 |
9,047 | us | This is already rounding off nicely into mature flavors with notes of truffle, dried cherries, ginger and brown spices. Smooth and medium-bodied, it's drinking in prime condition, with finishing touches of fig and strawberry preserves. | Estate Cuvée | 91 |
90,056 | us | Bright and balanced, this is a fine wine from an exceptional vineyard site that coaxes a lovely combination of elegance and complexity from the grapes. Opulent on the nose in caramel and quince, it's layered and lengthy, even viscous toward the finish, ending with depth and a touch of vanilla. Drink now through 2021. | Charles Heintz Vineyard | 92 |
100,619 | us | The late actor-turned-vintner's family keeps producing solid wines, including this bottling that offers earthy scents of beet juice and clove. The flavors are pomegranate-driven, with cardamom and allspice making the wine memorable and lasting on the finish. | Bien Nacido Vineyard | 93 |
119,488 | france | The warmth of the year brings out rich fruits as well as the cool structure of a wine from the Hautes Côtes in the hills behind Beaune. There is acidity, of course, coupled with red berries and an underlying ripeness. | Château de Mercey | 86 |
118,635 | romania | This ruby-colored Romanian Pinot Noir has scents of black plum and red cherry and flavors of bright red cherry before a tart finish. | Legendary Estate Series | 86 |
26,835 | us | Whiffs of ripe black cherries, vanilla and spice, along with delicate hints of soil and barnyard, mark this unusual blend of Saperavi and Sereksiya grapes. Tart black-fruit flavors accented with swathes of fresh herbs are a bit lean on the palate, but the acidity is gentle. It's dry and easy drinking in style with smooth, gentle tannins. | Black Russian | 87 |
93,004 | us | Bold and substantial, this full-bodied and firmly tannic wine has a good core of ripe black berry and black cherry trimmed with lighter cinnamon and vanilla notes from oak. It's very attractive in a firm, palate-gripping way. | Estate | 89 |
63,718 | italy | Subdued aromas of French oak, espresso, game and a hint of exotic spice come together in the glass. The palate delivers toast, licorice, roasted coffee bean, fleshy black cherry and oak-driven spice accompanied by fine-grained tannins. It's already rather evolved so drink sooner rather than later. | Borromeo Riserva | 88 |
124,567 | portugal | Crushed strawberry aromas, followed by flavors that are fresh, sweet and a palate that has the delicious prickle of a young wine. Screwcap. | Casal Garcia | 84 |
125,600 | us | A new effort from Jigar Vineyards, sourcing some very good grapes, Sedition is light, clear and lingering on the palate in cherry-cola, mint and dried herb. Balanced and on the lighter side in terms of body and tannin, it's ready for the table, with a juicy, persistent finish. | Chenoweth Vineyards | 90 |
55,035 | italy | Flavors of ripe peaches and fresh, clean fruit make for an immediately attractive wine. It is balanced with a layer of acidity and vibrant white currants. | Sortesele | 85 |
102,843 | us | Overtly sweet aromas and flavors dominate this upstate New York offering. Wiemer’s wines have impressed us before, but this comes off as heavy-handed, with a dense, perfumey quality. It possesses decent length and texture, but the weighty sweetness makes it a better candidate for mimosas or for entertaining those who shy away from dryness. | Cuvée Brut 2000 | 84 |
30,133 | france | A blend of wines from different vineyards in Pouilly, this powerful wine is concentrated, with tight minerality that demands further aging. Rich and packed with apples and green plums, it is a beautiful wine that will age well. Drink from 2018 at the earliest. | Indigène | 94 |
33,570 | south africa | This is a plush and fully fruited wine that's super easy to like, with attractive aromas and flavors of blackberry compote, raspberry sauce and ripe boysenberry that are all hit with seductive notes of sweet spice and vanilla bean. There's ample tannic structure at the core, framing the dense, decadent mouthfeel and lending some lingering grip to the close. | Beyond Ordinary | 88 |
74,383 | italy | Plum, French oak, coffee, vanilla and Oriental spice aromas emerge in the glass. The concentrated palate offers mature black cherry, blackberry jam, vanilla and licorice alongside fine-grained tannins. | La Bricca | 88 |
8,470 | us | Aromas of cedar and damp soil lend a clean, foresty air to this beautifully ripe yet restrained Bordeaux blend. Black fruit flavors are intensely concentrated yet brisk with acidity, strident grape tannins and a lingering granite finish. | Reserve | 88 |
59,992 | us | Seductive and velvety, this concentrated Pinot Noir is richly layered in raspberry cherry cordial, cardamom and cola flavors. Pine and allspice notes contribute a homey spiciness as as the fullness of the wine lingers into a long finish. | Year of the Horse Single Vineyard | 95 |
125,192 | us | Entirely varietal and estate-grown, this big-bottled wine offers a welcome taste of berry pie dusted in cinnamon and clove, the oak sturdy and sweet in vanilla. Luxuriously smooth, the texture is velvety and lush, like a river of dark chocolate. It ends in a flash of black pepper. | Doctor's Cuvée Estate Grown | 93 |
831 | france | Some wood aging gives the fruitiness of the wine an added spice. Tannins support the bitter cherry flavors and add firmness to the juicy acidity. Drink from the end of 2015. | Roche Grès | 86 |
4,965 | us | This wine shows the glamour you expect from a Phelps Cabernet. It's softly tannic and rich in blackberries, currants, licorice and cedar, with a lovely structure. Nice to drink now, right out of the bottle. Easy to find, with 17,300 cases produced. | Estate Grown | 90 |
19,627 | portugal | A big, bruising wine that is bursting with sweet tannins and juicy blackberry flavors. All of its acidity and attractive flavors of up-front fruit, spice and wood are clamoring for attention. Ready to drink with strong flavored food. | Alicante Bouschet+Aragonez+Trincadeira Reserva | 90 |
22,364 | france | Beautifully aromatic notes of ripe citrus peel rise from the glass—think tangerine and juicy clementine. These flavors become more zesty on the full-flavored, concentrated but linear palate. This is not overtly aromatic as Muscat would usually suggest but more concentrated, more serious, with an alluring citrus-scented core that promises beautiful development over the years. There is great balance, lasting length and beautiful poise. Drink 2017–2025. | Kirchberg de Ribeauville Grand Cru | 94 |
19,924 | us | This wine is sensationally rich and ripe with wild cherry, mocha, anise and tobacco flavors, with a long, spicy finish. It really impresses for sheer deliciousness. The blend is Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. It's easy to find, with production an incredible 125,000 cases. | Essential | 89 |
44,761 | spain | Dark, smoky, oaky aromas of tobacco, leather and black fruits lead to a palate that's muscular, tannic and solid as a pile of rocks. Cool, earthy black-fruit flavors include woodspice and dark-chocolate notes. This Mencía from a cold year is flush, rugged and dry on the finish. Drink through 2025. | Tebaida | 93 |
120,900 | austria | Spicy notes of miso and yeast appear first on the nose. The palate, full with vivid spritz, amplifies them even more. Bright lemon notes provide freshness, createing a lively, almost warming but still refreshing Grüner that is all about total savoriness, spice and verve. | Ried Zanzl Federspiel | 92 |
118,148 | us | Among the components are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, with one-quarter of the blend listed simply as “more.” It's dark in hue and light in flavor, with thin citrus flavors dominating. | Ross Lane | 83 |
45,411 | chile | Basic white-fruit aromas are pleasant and uncomplicated. A solid,pithy mouthfeel and flavors of peach, green banana and green herbs conclude with a detectable note of grape skins and citrus pith. This is 85% Viognier and 15% Chardonnay. | Estate | 85 |
79,804 | us | This pale, clean wine shimmers like a diamond in the glass. The nose is a shape-shifter, jumping from tropical elements of honeydew, bubble gum and guava to sharper-cut grass tones. It's dynamic on the palate too, proving both ripe with stone-fruit flesh and sour with chopped herbs, green pepper and grass. A touch of crushed rocks rounds it out nicely. | Estate | 90 |
62,042 | us | This single vineyard Carmenere from the Horse Heaven Hills is 100% varietal with notes of freshly cut bell pepper and cherry. It's tart fruit flavors are backed by (quite) dry, grainy tannins. | Phinny Hill Vineyard | 86 |
56,592 | france | All juicy fruit, this is a bright, dry wine with delicious acidity that gives freshness. It also has a mineral edge, giving the red berry fruits a firm texture. The wine is ready to drink, although it will be better from 2016. | L'Aurore des Côtes | 89 |
59,954 | italy | Made with the traditional governo method of refermenting the wine with partially dried grapes, this exceptionally smooth offering opens with aromas of prune, plum cake, raisin, spice and graphite. The palate delivers ripe black cherry, plum, cinnamon-spice and a balsamic note alongside velvety tannins. It's structured, soft and already accessible, so enjoy soon. | Riserva | 90 |
126,941 | us | Dry and silky, this is a nice wine for everyday fare. It has pleasant flavors of cherries, cola and sandalwood, brightened by pretty acidity. | Double Decker Red | 84 |
17,369 | us | Fresh-squeezed citrus marks the majority of this wine's profile on the palate, a lingering, lifted and accentuated expression of acidity that keeps it buzzing in freshness and a high tone of freshness, unfettered much by oak. | Cougar Rock Vineyard | 88 |
103,268 | france | This is a bright, fresh raspberry-flavored wine. It's fruity and layered with attractive, crisp acidity. A touch of spice accents the finish. | L'Instant | 90 |
83,970 | australia | The aromas are so promising, redolent of toast and pears, butter and nectarines, that expectations are high. And make no mistake—this is very good wine. It's just that a slightly resinous veneer of spicy oak largely dominates the palate and finish. | Heytesbury | 87 |
72,327 | portugal | Even in a year that was not generally “declared” in Port parlance, this estate has produced a fine, full and richly endowed vintage Port. With its blackberry fruit still juicy and upfront, it is still young but delicious now, in a not-too-sweet style that should, ideally, be cellared until 2025. | Estate Bottled Vintage | 92 |
2,267 | us | Here's a lusty, rugged Zinfandel marked by strong, superripe flavors. The blackberries and plums veer into currants and raisins, and finish spicy and dry, while enormously high alcohol gives the impression of heat. But that's Zinfandel for you. Needs a grilled flank steak to play against. | Rowe Vineyard Old Vines | 87 |
110,480 | france | Aged in wood, this is an unusual style of Pinot Blanc for Alsace. The toast flavors are subtle, leaving plenty of room for fresh fruits, light acidity and creamy texture. It's ready to drink. | Barriques | 88 |
127,999 | france | The clay soil of Pouilly gives extra richness to this wine, a creamy texture supporting pear and green plum fruits, with a delicious crushed herb aroma. It is powerful, very concentrated, needing 4–5 years aging. | La Demoiselle de Bourgeois | 92 |
89,615 | spain | Heavy aromas of baked berry fruits and raisin suggest a bit of overripeness. On the palate, that take is confirmed by chunky weight offset by natural acidity. Flavors of oak barrel, raisin and tart plum cover a wide spectrum, while this blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Carignan finishes long, with black-fruit flavors. Drink now. | Barón de Lajoyosa Gran Reserva | 87 |
81,952 | us | Black-cherry and plum aromas are lush and ripe on the nose of this Hudson River Cab Franc. The palate, however, suggests a more elegant restraint, nuanced by hints of peppery greens and herbs. The long sleek finish is framed in fine, velvety tannins. | Proprietor's Special Reserve | 89 |
110,541 | us | Velvety and dense, this vineyard designate from a cool appellation is floral and herbal as well as freshly celebratory in wild strawberry. A leathery texture finds balance and life in prickly acidity. | Nolan Vineyard | 90 |
58,174 | us | This creative blend of 64% Zinfandel, 21% Grenache, 11% Petite Sirah and 4% Syrah shows chalky cherry, nose-tickling violets and a bright bloodiness on the nose. The palate is framed with a tongue-tingling acidity, offering flavors of olallieberries, spicy peppercorn and a sanguine character throughout. | Oblate | 88 |
4,915 | italy | Smooth and delicious, this delivers layers of crushed black cherry, ripe raspberry, licorice, ground pepper and chopped Mediterranean herb. Round, ripe tannins lend it a velvety texture. | Rocca Rubia | 91 |
103,943 | us | From vines planted in the 1960s, and given time in 100% French oak, this dry, unctuous wine is tropical in character. A mix of pineapple and nutmeg teases its way into notes of canned corn. | The Hidden One Old Vine Estate Grown | 86 |
110,177 | us | Aged in a mixture of concrete and stainless steel, this wine brings perfumed aromas of crushed stone, flowers and peach. The flavors are mineral laden, broad and silky in feel, showing an impeccable texture and sense of balance. This shows a beautiful sense of freshness. | Cailloux Vineyard | 92 |
34,511 | us | Beautiful from start to finish, but tannic, and not drinkable now, in the classic sense. The tannins are hard, and while they're very finely ground, they prevent the palate from full appreciation of the lush blackberries, black cherries, dark chocolate and herbs. Give this 100% Cabernet at least five years to begin to mellow. | Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard | 95 |
18,241 | france | With its spice and mint aromas, this wine shows its 30% new wood aging strongly. On the palate, the mint flavors balance with rich black fruit and a strong, firmly tannic backbone. Rich and full of potential, it will be ready to drink from 2020. | Cuvée Réserve de l'Aïeul | 92 |
72,092 | us | Candied blackberry aromas meld with tar, rosemary and fennel in this balanced and expertly ripe wine from one of the pioneering families in Temecula. It's dense on the palate, with charred black fruit, dried herb and wild desert-shrub flavors, its alcohol content deftly tucked away. | Volcanic Ridge Vineyard Limited Release Reserve | 91 |
53,198 | italy | One of the best dessert wines from central Italy, this is marked by muffa nobile, or “noble rot.” It's opulent and dense, with golden apricot, honey and a delicate veil of muskiness. | Calcaia | 94 |
99,019 | portugal | This rich wine is soft, with generous tannins and ripe fruit. It has a fine, open balance between black fruits and light spice, resulting in a rich wine that is ready to drink now. | Caiado Tinto | 86 |
22,746 | france | Bulky, chunky lemony aromas come with a touch of green hay, or is it alfalfa? The mouth is entirely grapefruit and orange, making it citrus all the way. A stony, gravelly quality to the finish could be interpreted as mineral. The weight is on the heavy side, which costs the wine some style points. | Pouilly-Fumé | 84 |
103,839 | spain | A more intense version of Carraovejas's Reserva from 2012, this also includes more than 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Thus it's spicy and prickly on the nose, with road tar and peppery notes in addition to potent berry fruit. A rich saturated rumbling palate deals coffee, toast, blackberry and herbal flavors that are much like the Reserva but more amplified. A charred finish has a lemony ring to it. Drink from 2020 through 2030. | El Anejón | 93 |
80,535 | us | One of the best Cabernet Francs out there, this shows the imposing structure of a Cabernet Sauvignon, although it's lighter in body, with rich, dense tannins, fine acids and flavors of cherries and red currants. Decant it, and drink now with steak. | Estate | 92 |
111,266 | italy | Inky, ripe, nicely extracted and loaded tight with blackberry, spice and cherry aromas, this is a beautiful Brunello that delivers intensity, staying power and promises easy food-pairing potential. Velvety, soft, rich and plush in the mouth. | Vigna Loreto | 93 |
92,544 | italy | A small percentage of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is added to this Sangiovese-based wine to add structure and softness. As a consequence, the nose is attractively redolent of sweet cherry, clove, toasted almond, espresso and new leather. | Riserva | 89 |
114,856 | france | Fitou, a small region entirely surrounded by Corbières, is very dry in the summer. In 2004, when little rain fell, the grapes became extra concentrated, as shown here. There's a powerful burst of fruit, with black cherries, coffee and plenty of spice from the 50% Syrah. Only to finish are the tannins at all apparent. | Château des Erles | 91 |
61,767 | us | There's a Porty overripeness all through this wine, like concentrated raisins and prunes. Although it's basically dry, it has a raisiny sweetness, especially toward the finish. | Weir Vineyard | 84 |
106,501 | austria | Sämling and Scheurebe are two names for the same grape, a cross between Riesling and Sylvaner. With rich apricot fruit, this has a Viognier quality, but with crisper acidity. It is pure, fruity and fragrant, with just a touch of mineral-like texture on the finish. | Sämling 88 Leicht & Fruchtig | 87 |
51,383 | us | Quite a good, distinguished Cabernet. It's rich and robust, with explosive blackberry and currant flavors, liberally coated with smoky oak, that finish in a swirl of chocolate. Most exquisite are the tannins, so pure and refined. The name refers to the number of barrels in the blend, which comes from St. Helena, Rutherford and Spring Mountain. | 9-3-5 | 94 |
48,295 | us | This opens with lots of spice, tart and light red fruits and some strongly herbal tannins. There is a big wash of sweet baking spice, source unknown, that offsets the stemmy and herbal quality of the fruit. | Blue Franc | 85 |
117,945 | spain | L. A mostly clean wine that hints at earth and leather but settles on basic red fruit. The palate shows mild, manageable snap and sharpness, while the palate deals flavors of red fruits, rubber and leather. Lean and clean, but basic as they come. | Tinto Lena | 84 |
25,544 | us | This blend is part of a new label for Syrah master Joey Tensley, and it's actually far more accessible at this young age than his more expensive bottlings. Fascinating aromas of game, animal hide and tar meet with black currant and elderberry on the nose. There is a strong density and tannic frame to the palate, where flavors of bay leaf, thyme and pepper spice up the undercurrent of elderberry and black plum skins. | Fundamental | 92 |
44,614 | austria | Enticing notes of honeysuckle and ripe peachiness make for an aromatic summer white with an uncomplicated but inviting presence. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face with its aromatic freshness and light body. | Small Hill | 88 |
49,578 | south africa | The name of the top brand from the massive KWV winery refers to the cathedral-like roof of its main winery. This is a rich, generous wine, with spice, ripe fruit and a good layer of toasty wood flavors. There is complexity also, introduced by the crisp acidity that complements the opulent fruit. Best Buy. | Cathedral Cellar | 90 |
90,218 | france | This wine is soft and smooth. Its juicy black currant character makes it instantly attractive and drinkable now. | Fleur de Carbonnel | 84 |
31,680 | italy | This amber-colored wine is showing oxidation. The fruit has dried up, leaving only mineral, bitter walnut and flat sensations. | Don Chisciotte | 82 |
79,627 | greece | The nose of this iconic red from Tsantali exhibits black currant, violet and pepper aromas, followed by cheerful but elegant flavors of red and black berries, spice and a lively acidity. Food-friendly with lots of character, the wine will pair well with red meat, heartier fare. | Rapsani | 89 |
31,992 | us | A tangy grapefruit flavor and refreshing acidity make this a good before-dinner quaff and an apt pairing with seafood. Herbaceous and citrus aromas carry through to the flavors, medium body and good balance. | La Ribera Vineyards | 89 |
90,570 | france | This is the casual sipper of the Château de Nages rosé pair, offering slightly briny, fumé notes on the nose, but following them up with peach and melon fruit flavors that finish long, crisp and dry. | Buti Nages | 88 |
64,709 | us | Zaca Mesa was the first winery to plant Syrah in Santa Barbara County. This wine comes from that 3.5 acre block planted in 1978, and shows deep plum fruits, sweet tar and cedar on the nose. The palate offers asphalt, black rocks and cracked pepper that spice up a sour plum-skin fruit profile. | Black Bear Block | 89 |
36,008 | austria | With aromas of the apricots that ripen so well in the Wachau, this is a fragrant, perfumed, intensely fruity wine. It is stylish with white fruits, a mineral texture and bright acidity at the end. It's worth aging a year or two. Screwcap. | Terrassen Federspiel | 88 |
30,554 | us | The Stillwater Creek vineyard bottling of Novelty Hill Syrah shows a bit more concentration than its sibling in 2011, with whiffs of pepper, earth, soy and umami. There's a saline character as well, reflective of the mineral-rich soil, and a pleasant taste of toast in the tannins. | Stillwater Creek Vineyard | 88 |