Tuteldove/wine_review · Datasets at Hugging Face

wine_id int64 4 130k	country stringclasses 40 values	description stringlengths 28 723	designation stringlengths 1 95	points int64 80 100	price float64 4 2.01k
113,859	us	This wine is highly perfumed on the nose, reminiscent of a dried-flower-filled sachet, with lilacs, rosewater candy, sweet tobacco and a little caramel making for a distinct aroma. The dried purple flowers hit the palate too, along with plums, Asian spice and black peppercorns. The gritty structure is sprinkled with ample acidity.	Devil's Canyon	93	49
5,199	portugal	A wood-aged wine, with the wood flavors well balanced with crisp acidity. Lemon, peach and melon flavors mellifluously combine to give a rounded wine with a tang. It shows a strong mineral-textured aftertaste, a product of the granite soil of the vineyard. Drink this richly flavored wine now.	Branco Reserva	90	33
55,109	us	A simple Pinot Noir, lacking much structure. But it has a delicate mouthfeel and offers pleasant raspberry, cola, brown sugar and toasty oak flavors. Drink now.	Rio Russo	85	45
24,556	italy	This easy blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano and Alicante opens with a bright cherry note and slightly bitter tones of spice and almond skin. The palate is smoothly textured and rich.	Integolo	86	18
37,502	france	This is a soft wine on the surface, but under that generosity lies a firm core that gives the promise of aging. This powerful wine comes from stony soil which explains the tannic structure while the richness comes from ripe berry fruits. Drink from 2017.	Les Teurons Premier Cru	93	50
14,687	italy	Basilisco delivers a deeply volcanic expression of Aglianico, with aromas of dried fruit, crushed granite, lead pencil and exotic spice. Thanks to 18 months of oak aging, it also shows supple softness and a velvety texture that gives this usually austere wine an easy approach overall.	Basilisco	92	42
118,574	italy	Aromas of baked plum are joined by earthy whiffs of truffle, leather, game and cured meat. The aromas carry over to the ripe, dense palate along with fleshy black cherry, anise, mocha and mint. Velvety tannins provide the framework while a confectionary note backs up the finish. Drink 2017–2022.	Fraschin	90	45
62,825	us	Give this wine credit for dryness, crisp acidity and intensity. It's rich and strong in sour black cherry candy, cola, bitter dark chocolate and herb flavors. It's also very tannic, so much so that it's practically undrinkable now. Give it 4–5 years in the bottle, decant, and drink with beef or lamb.	Estate Grown	87	42
25,088	us	A very ripe white Rhone style, this blend of 59% Roussanne, 28% Grenache Blanc and 13% Viognier offers peach custard, browned butter, seared banana and strong white flower aromas, from tuberose and honeysuckle into daffodil. Golden apples, walnut oil and ripe yellow peach and walnut oil flavors combine for a lush, unctuous palate.	Cotes-Du-Robles Blanc	87	24
96,177	us	This wine smells and tastes overripe and oaky. It starts out with the aroma of raisins, and then tastes like caramel, chocolate and blackberry jam. The finish is hot and porty. Still, it does define this big, baked style of Zinfandel.	Estate	83	26
16,163	italy	Elegant and finely structured, this creamy fragrant white opens with heady scents of jasmine, honeysuckle and white stone fruit. The smooth delicious palate delivers green melon, white peach, cantaloupe, grapefruit and orange zest while a saline note lifts the lingering finish.	De La Tour	93	55
31,444	us	This represents a softer, more subtle side of the variety, holding back on overripeness in favor of simple leather, compost and black pepper. Touches of unearthed truffle offer the wine's one note of richness.	Estate Grown	88	24
84,372	us	This unusual offering is a cross of two hybrids: Schuyler and Seyval Blanc. It immediately shows noticeable sweetness, opening with sugary flavors of honey and orange marmalade. Once in the mouth the acids kick in, and the wine turns tart.	Estate Grown	84	19
54,753	us	This Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend is a best-of-barrels selection from Summers' various Cabs throughout Napa Valley. It's unquestionably a big wine, densely packed with blackberry, cherry and dark chocolate flavors. It's also very young. The tannins pack a real punch. New oak, to the tune of 100%, is apparent in the buttered toast richness. Don't drink it now, good as it is. Give it until 2014, and it will develop long beyond that.	Checkmate	94	100
17,769	portugal	This producer focuses on Rhône Valley varietals, and this wine continues the theme. Its apricot and very fine mineral texture are impressive and rich. Touched by spice from wood aging, the wine is generous, with the potential of a creamy, smooth texture as it ages. For now, it is fruity and rich. Drink from 2018.	Madrigal	92	45
74,957	us	All varietal from one of the state's most highly regarded vineyards, this wine offers aromas of dark raspberries, green herbs, vanilla and barrel spices. The fruit and barrel flavors show concentration and depth, with a light chalkiness to the tannins.	Klipsun Vineyard	88	30
91,260	chile	A bit of volatility and jamminess is acceptable here because overall the wine is good. The nose mixes graphite and cassis with leather and earth to give a sense of good things to come, while the palate is snappy and properly tannic, with nice black cherry, plum and chocolate flavors. Solid and sturdy; 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot.	60/40 Barrel Select	86	11
47,825	argentina	While showing roasted, tomato-like aromas, this Malbec from northern Argentina also features a nose full of tobacco, earth and berry fruit. There's acidic snap to the palate, but that only pumps up raspberry, toast and mild herbal flavors. A spicy, woody finish tastes exotic and saucy.	Don David Reserve	89	17
7,680	us	Sourced entirely from the Chelle den Millie vineyard, the grapes were picked and processed specifically for rosé. A deep, delicious and rather potent summer wine, it captures the brisk cherry fruit without entangling it in too much tannin or herb. It's all about the fruit, and bravo for that.	Rosé of	90	24
96,796	us	This young and quite tart Pinot is subtly flecked with mineral, dried seaweed, and a dusty, saline character. It tastes much better than that may sound; it's complex, well structured, and unique.	Holstein Vineyard	90	35
114,861	italy	An emphasis on yellow fruit, pear and measured banana almost makes you think Bisol employs a different yeast selection on their Cartizze Cru. The wine is thick and creamy, with excellent opulence and just the right measure of sweetness.	Cartizze	90	41
78,442	us	This Bordeaux blend is strong in oak and primary fruit flavors. It bursts in the mouth with an explosion of blackberry and cherry jam, caramel and buttered cinnamon toast. Delicious now, but a little direct and obvious. Hard to say where it's going.	Old Soldier Road Tephra Ridge Vineyard	89	40
97,266	us	This is one of the most successful Syrah-Cabernet Franc blends in California. The Syrah brings blueberry and bacon flavors, and the Cabernet provides the black currant note and the tannic backbone. It's already delicious to drink, but allow it to breathe in a decanter for one or two hours.	Wavelength Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard	92	69
95,991	us	The fourth vintage of the BCD Estate, this offers high acidity around a core of ripe cherry fruit and earthy, pastoral overtones, the tannins nicely managed.	Estate Grown and Bottled BCD Vineyard	86	38
93,915	chile	Despite a persistent front-to-back sweetness, this is a nice little Chardonnay for those fastened to the grape. It starts with ripe pineapple and apple aromas, and next you get tropical fruit, citrus and banana flavors. Medium in size and good for what it strives to be.	120	85	8
23,819	france	There is an almost tropical touch to the apple and lemon fruit: this is almost like vanilla-spiced apple tart with lemon zest. Very appetizing with that unusual vanilla-edge and more of that tropical lychee. Overall, this is balanced and very fruit-driven.	Steinert Grand Cru	89	32
18,943	us	This bone-dry, full-bodied Syrah has firm tannins and intense concentration. It's a little warm in alcohol, with flavors of dark chocolate, blackberry jam, cassis liqueur, grilled bacon and black pepper, plus a coating of sweet, smoky oak. You might want to give this wine a year or so in the cellar to let everything meld together.	Samantha's Vineyard	91	38
66,854	us	Gooseberry and lemon peel mix with a wet cement, stony character on the nose of this crisp sipper from the middle of Monterey County. It's light, bright and tart on the palate, with lime peel, grapefruit peel and grassy tones, all laid across a zesty energy and cement minerality.	Stone Row Zabala Vineyard	89	25
128,683	us	Big, powerful, soft, rich and ageable. In other words, classic Etude Heirloom. Resembles the rich 2002, with massive flavors of cherries, raspberries, cocoa, anise, bacon and smoky sandalwood. Enormously complex, a wine that changes with every sip as it breathes and warms. Shows the density of Cabernet, with Pinot's silkiness. Now–2014.	Heirloom Estate Grown	95	90
95,369	us	Generous tannins give this wine power and weight, as bright bursts of red cherry and inviting vanilla notes give it a counterpoint of focus. Softly textured, it's an exploration of brambly blackberry flavors, baking in the summer sun.	1910 Block	90	56
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	16
72,038	us	Cooked blackberries, baked black plum, grape candy and lilac touches show on the nose of this bottling, which is easy to like and uncomplicated. Violet floral flavors kick off the palate, followed by coffee spice, cedar and dark berry fruit, all framed by moderate tannic tension.	Vineyard Selection	88	24
114,891	argentina	Jammy, ripe and loaded with inky, sweet black-fruit aromas, the bouquet on this modern Cab Franc draws you in. Once there, look for a big but balanced palate with blackberry, roasted notes, loam and chocolate flavors. The satisfying finish is pure and long, with toasty blackness.	Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard	92	110
91,864	italy	This Pinot Grigio has an intriguing copper color thanks to prolonged skin contact. It's dominated by assertive oak notes, with light fruit flavors that take second stage to the astringent wood sensations.	Dessimis	85	39
24,417	spain	This aromatic Priorat is 72% Carignan and the rest Garnacha. Aromas of floral bath soap, cinnamon and cedar accent plum and berry scents. In the mouth, this is built like a tank. Spicy chocolaty black-plum and cassis flavors finish chewy and thick, with notes of mint and licorice. Drink through 2021.	Porrera Vi de Vila	92	65
123,756	us	While the nose is ripe and plush with sweet smelling red-cherry and strawberry aromas, this is a surprisingly brisk, light-footed Pinot Noir. The palate is lean with crisp, briary red fruit and drying, slightly astringent tannins on the finish.	Estate	86	16
98,524	georgia	Intensely smoky and earthy on the nose and palate, this Georgian qvevri-aged wine is a showcase of minerality and textural complexity. It's a savory wine with bristling tannins, and it bears just a hint of citrus that keeps the palate fresh and bright.	Vineyard Akhoebi	88	25
42,066	france	Black currant flavors dominates this wine. The palate is dense with flavor, with firm tannins allied with tense acidity and spicy licorice flavors. It's a ripe wine that shows potential for aging. Drink from 2014. Screwcap.	Wild Boar	88	14
23,247	italy	Aromas of red currant, cedar, bell pepper, coffee and cut grass lead the nose on this structured red. The palate delivers dried black cherry, cassis, cocoa, licorice and black pepper alongside grippy tannins.	Aulus	89	24
78,515	us	A good rosé, crisp and light-bodied. It has rich strawberry, orange zest, vanilla and spice flavors. Nice and silky in the mouth, as a blush wine should be, but it's a little on the sweet side.	Vin Gris	89	16
66,436	germany	Whiffs of smoke and crushed stone on the nose of this off-dry Riesling foretell the intensely mineral nature of its palate. Sheer and spry, it's a delicately honeyed crush of bristling apple, lime and lemon flavors with a lingering mineral finish.	Piesporter Goldtröpfchen	88	16
20,238	us	This is a nicely balanced wine from estate-grown vines, a mix of licorice and raspberry that offers luxurious mouthfeel and texture atop surprising acidity. A small amount of Viognier was used in fermentation to provide some additional lift and floral aromas, while a dustiness prevails on the finish.	Estate Grown	90	25
93,170	france	Notes of peel and flesh of Bosc pear pervade nose and palate, there is a core of earthy ripeness but the palate gives the impression of ginger-spiced freshness, tempered by earth. Rounded and beautiful.	Osterberg Grand Cru	89	43
32,261	us	This wine is produced in microscopic amounts, the result of sourcing grapes from a notoriously difficult-to-farm site. It rewards in flavor: hearty cherry and pomegranate fruit, a crisp, crunchy texture, powerful tannins and oak, and an underlying minerality that presents as elusively as a cloud of fog.	Great Oak Vineyard Suicide Hill	93	60
52,760	france	A barnyard aroma and ripe black fruit are the hallmarks of this young wine. Bottled without sulfur, it's packed with blackberry flavors and soft tannins. It's all fruit and spice, with only light tannins. Drink now.	Esquisse	86	16
120,940	austria	Ripe yellow pears and blossom honey notes can be teased out of this subtle wine by lots of swirling.The palate tingles with citrus freshness and a phenolic richness that has an intriguing but very pleasant hint of bitterness and some glimpses of star-anise and a lasting finish.	Rosengartl Alte Reben	92	52
123,959	us	Forest, mint and campfire scents are complemented by brambly black cherry in this explosively complex wine. Soft and subtle, it has juicy layers of cranberry, orange and maraschino, with a roundness and firmness to the strong tannin. The finish is all about coffee, cardamom and five spice.	Hirsch Vineyard	93	82
74,900	france	Now mature, this smoky, wood-aged wine is rich and complex. It has firm and dry tannins that are typical of the Tannat although these are a part of a solid, dark wine. The aftertaste brings out a perfumed, rich side that is attractive. The wine is ready to drink.	Terre à Terre	91	38
118,829	us	Light in color yet meaty on the palate, this is a youthful, tightly-wound red, firm in tannin and oak. The fruit profile is subtle, allowing spicier characteristics of cardamom and clove to shine.	Peters Vineyard Winemaker's Reserve	91	48
78,535	us	Maduro cigar and cherry brandy aromas power the nose on this heavily extracted, single-vineyard Sangiovese that Dave Corey makes under his Turchi label. Nothing like Chianti, aside from the decent tannins and acidity, this is all prune and plum soda on the palate. Serve with herb-crusted steak.	Hallauer Vineyard	89	29
17,189	us	There is a vividly refreshing nose to this biodynamic wine, full of aromatic lift from brisk stone fruit and white rock minerality. It's full on the mouth, nicely balanced with no edges sticking out at all, and just a tad of tart apple on the finish.	Cuvée Papou	89	32
56,470	portugal	CH, the international initials for Switzerland, are here as a reminder of the birthplace of Alice Tavares da Silva, one of the estate's owners. The wine, rich and dense, offers layers of new wood, mint and dark tannins. Seriously ripe, it's produced from old-vine Touriga Nacional, allowing juicy acidity to give some freshness, although the wine is much more concerned with power and longevity. Drink from 2019.	CH by Chocapalha	93	55
44,009	argentina	This is smoky and a touch fiery and woody on the nose. Fresh on the palate, with plenty of body and pulp, it bears full flavors of berries and a fair amount of wood-driven spices. The finish tastes oaky and slightly lactic.	It's a Headsnapper	87	15
4,021	us	The blend is almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, with some Carmenet and Petit Verdot blended in for complexity. The wine is easy to like now for its dryness and elegance, despite relatively high alcohol. It shows California ripeness of fruit, with a smooth integration of oak. If there's a criticism, it's excessive softness. Drink up.	Fog Catcher	88	58
114,433	us	This elegant wine appeals from the first sniff to the last lingering flavors. Vibrant in color, it tastes of rose petals, raspberries and cocoa powder. Supple and balanced, it shows impressive structure and length, with hints of citrus. Drink now through the mid-2020's.	L Cuvée	91	22
6,861	france	Tart red currant and red apple mingle with tangy citrus on nose and palate. Very frothy lively mousse fizzes across the palate, making it refreshing and appetizing. The citrus and tart red-fruit notes appear again on the clean dry finish, making it moreish and long.	Mayerling Brut Rosé	89	40
115,215	south africa	Custard and apple pie aromas lead the charge in the bouquet of this decadent wine, accented by notes of roasted nuts and orange essence. The mouthfeel is full and creamy, with just enough acidity to lift the rich fruit, honey and sweet-spice flavors. There's a beautiful evolution to the close, from lifted citrus to ripe fruit and finally sweet spice. Drink now–2019.	Reserve	91	35
56,759	italy	Franco Adami makes some of the best Prosecco around and this special selection from the Cartizze cru showcases his deft winemaking hand. The sparkler is soft and supple in the mouth yet shows lively buoyancy thanks to the delicate nature of its peachy cream flavors.	Cartizze Dry	90	32
10,530	france	This is a rich style of Muscadet, ripe with red apples and lemon acidity. It's full bodied, structured with some minerality and a tight, nervy texture. It's a delicious wine that could be aged, so drink from 2016.	Les Gautronnières Sur Lie	90	15
112,141	us	Apple and pear, cracker and citrus, pineapple and a hint of residual sugar combine in a soundly made, all-purpose Chardonnay. The alcohol is just under 13%, and the wine was not put through malolactic fermentation, leaving it crisp and fresh.	Cask	87	9
51,519	spain	Briary berry and milk chocolate aromas lead to a tart, alert palate full of red berry, sour plum, vanilla and spice flavors. Juicy acidity creates a long, racy finish that brings lasting raspberry character.	Crianza	84	11
71,810	israel	Deep garnet in color, this blend has aromas of cherry cola, black cherry and butterscotch. This smooth, well-balanced wine offers flavors of blueberry, black cherry, caramel, toffee and Chinese five-spice powder. Almost imperceptible tannins yield to an invigorating finish with a touch of caramel.	Mount Hermon Indigo	90	13
116,261	us	Slightly sour elements of lemon and lime meet with a riper nectarine tone on the nose of this wine. There is good citrus-driven acidity on the palate with limeade flavors, though it trends a bit sour and wipes up with not much finish.	San Lucas Unoaked Pure	85	15
113,856	australia	Fresh mint and cracked pepper accent dark plummy fruit on the nose, picking up hints of dark chocolate and black olive on the palate. It's full bodied, creamy in feel and loaded with supple tannins, which make the wine approachable now, but should sustain it through at least 2025.	Reserve	94	83
82,777	france	This delicately colored rosé is made by adding red wine to Chardonnay, allowed in the Champagne region, and hence the name Rosé des Blancs. It's a new venture for Gimonnet, under the current direction of Didier Gimonnet, and is a great success. Fruity, crisp and steely. it is light and bright; a fine apéritif style.	Rosé des Blancs Premier Cru Brut	90	69
118,832	italy	This 100% Syrah wine opens with ripe black-skinned fruit, roasted coffee, leather and cedar aromas. The full-bodied, concentrated palate offers dried blackberry, espresso, white pepper and star anise flavors, bolstered by ample, polished tannins. Enjoy through 2021.	Scrio	91	175
79,475	us	Raspberries, cherries, cola and persimmons are the flavors of this fairly standard Pinot Noir. It's dry and delicately structured, with good acidity and a discrete coating of oak. Drink now.	Lennox Vineyard	86	59
86,258	us	Dusty, musky notes persist throughout this delicately framed Seyval Blanc, lending a savory, dark tone to pressed apple and pear flavors. The palate is tart and lemony, with a brisk finish.	Victory White	83	19
18,688	france	This easy, open wine has ripe red fruits and lively acidity. A warmer, rich core brings out a generous character. It is fruity and soft at the end.	Lumière de Provence	85	14
61,653	argentina	Murky aromas of herbal black fruits and coffee grinds are funky. A scattered mouthfeel and herbal, spotty flavors of plum and currant finish briny. Overall, this is interesting and good but odd, with can't-miss herbal notes.	Calathus Roble	87	29
116,223	us	A spicy wine, silky and light-bodied, with sour raspberry candy, mushroom and sandalwood flavors leading to a long, complex finish. It's an elegant, polished wine, with modest alcohol . Seems best for drinking over the next few years.	Bien Nacido Vineyard	90	45
83,131	germany	Intense smoke and mineral tones mingle with fragrant lemon peel and lavender in this slightly exotic off-dry Riesling. It's buoyantly peachy yet also cutting and spry, finishing bright on a streak of tangerine acidity.	Sonnentropfen Wachenheimer Feinherb	91	29
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
121,657	spain	Spicy, bretty and leathery; this type of wine represents Ribera in a traditional, no-tricks light. Air only helps it show its best attributes, which revolve around meaty black fruit and herbal accents. It's chewy, sort of tannic and finishes with flavors of moss and jerky. Good for near-term consumption.	Castillo de Gormaz Crianza	87	20
8,538	italy	Made with 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, this shows subdued aromas of dark berry and cooking spice. The straightforward palate doles out crushed plum and clove alongside assertive tannins.	Alle Viole	87	27
64,756	spain	Mas de Monistrol always seems to please. This rosado is dusty and smoky on the nose, with lightly roasted fruit aromas peeking through. The flavors are more in the cherry and cranberry field, so in terms of mouthfeel it leans toward tangy, racy and pulsing. And who would want it any other way?	MPX Brut Rosé	89	11
18,062	us	The debut release for this producer is a bright garnet shade. Exhuberant and broad, the palate is bursting with cranberry, blue plum and Bing cherry flavors. Drink over the next year or two, while it is at its freshest.	Makena	90	35
37,191	italy	Here's a hearty blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino and Merlot that opens with earthy aromas of tilled soil, truffle, tobacco and meat juice. The lush palate delivers juicy black cherry, blackberry, spearmint and thyme alongside rippling but refined tannins.	Riserva	90	45
79,104	italy	Even better than the highly acclaimed 2001 vintage, this Merlot from a tiny, clay soil vineyard in Bolgheri is just about everything you've ever dreamed of tasting. Gorgeous, generous, voluptuous, cheerful, succulent and intense: Masseto is all those things. The aromas are seamless and capture the essence of chocolate fudge, sweet cherry, blackberry, spice and vanilla. It boasts thick, dense extraction, excellent structure and amazing persistence.	Masseto	99	250
24,348	new zealand	Lifted floral aromas include a hint of white pepper and green apples. Flavors are fresh and zesty, showing more mineral notes than fruit. This would be a nice match with chicken satay on the patio.	Private Bin	86	15
126,340	us	This value-priced low-alcohol wine has all the refreshing elements for a good rosé: light body, mild watermelon and peach flavors and a crisp texture. It has fresh acidity and good balance, too.	Dry	87	25
121,003	us	This wine is a blend of 70% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache and 5% Syrah. It opens with achingly pure red currant, cranberry, black pepper, blue fruit, orange peel and dried herb aromas that completely captivate the senses. The palate shows a hypnotic sense of purity along with a sense of elegance that is dazzling. Smoked meat flavors linger on the long finish.	Gratitude	94	45
86,399	portugal	The latest vintage of one of the original wine brands in the Douro, this bold wine offers great tannins and structure along with the ripe black fruits. Balanced and generous, it is developing quickly. Drink from 2019.	Duas Quintas	90	16
124,046	france	Red cherry aromas lead to a wine that is curiously structured with firm tannins and jammy fruit that is not in balance. “Natur” means the winemaker did not add sulfites during wine production.	Natur	82	18
97,982	italy	This opens with subtle aromas of white spring flower, red berry and a whiff of toast that carry over to the rather lean palate along with notes of sour cherry, pomegranate and a hint of oak. It closes on a bitter-almond note.	Rosamara	86	19
77,621	austria	A Pannobile blend is one that is tasted and approved by a group of producers in Gols, on the north shore of Lake Neusiedl. This firmly tannic wine is a good example of the style—solid, rich, more than the sum of its parts, giving big black berry fruits as well as vibrant juiciness.	Pannobile	90	35
88,757	australia	From a producer better known for its red wines, this is a notable white—although there is a slight coppery tinge to the wine's hue. Melon and herbal notes are true to the variety, as is the broad mouthfeel and faint tactile dustiness on the finish. Drink now.	Mount Crawford Estate Grown Single Vineyard	87	14
59,528	us	Acidity marks this bone dry, tightly wound and young Chardonnay. It's quite ripe in orange, pear, apricot and nectarine fruit, with an elegant mouthfeel. Give it some airing before serving, and it should drink well over the next 5–6 years.	Bien Nacido Vineyard	93	43
19,361	spain	Raisin, kirsch and leather aromas define the nose on this crianza. The palate is properly dry, with good acidity and clampy tannins. Flavors of dry oak, herbal notes, raspberry and raisin end in a solid but slightly rough finish. This will go better with food than on its own.	Finca del Marquesado Crianza	88	10
81,700	us	Dusty mineral and saline aromas introduce bright puckering sour cherries and berries on the palate of this vivacious Cabernet Franc rosé. Sharp acidity and clean mineral tones accentuate its fresh angular style.	Dry Rosé of	88	15
109,567	france	Light tannins accompany crisp red fruits. What it lacks in weight and complexity, it makes up for with a smooth texture, good acidity and a structure that will allow it age for another year.	Vieilles Vignes	85	32
118,547	portugal	On the dry side, this deliciously crisp Vinho Verde has all the right citrus acidity. It's bursting with lively fruits, just petillant in the mouth, with a crisp apple finish. Screwcap.	Twin Vines	86	7
109,729	germany	Perhaps because of its slow, natural fermentation in large casks and the resulting lees contact, this wine shows a bit of toasty, mealy character and a slightly creamy texture. It's a weighty Riesling (for the Mosel, anyway), with ripe notes of peach complementing citrus fruit and a dry, stony finish.	Steinreich Trocken	89	40
100,930	portugal	Chardonnay and Arinto make a particularly satisfying blend with the roundness of the Chardonnay given a fresh, crisp lift by Arinto. This wine is soft while shot through with lemon acidity. Light and fruity, it is ready to drink.	Margaride's	86	15
51,503	us	This very dry Cabernet feels rugged and gritty in the mouth, with too much acidity that lends bite. The austerity is relieved by black cherry and sweet tobacco flavors. Drink up.	Madrone Ridge Vineyard	85	39
38,969	spain	Strained aromas are followed by an astringent palate that's dried-out and tart, with an herbal, semisour finish.	Reserva	81	20
37,405	us	Tea leaf, cherry and sweet vermouth aromas precede lightly tart cherry, rhubarb and herb flavors in this lean, moderately tannic and un-oaky wine. It's appealing and appetizing in an austere way, giving just enough satisfaction.	Moonglow	88	35
92,054	france	Cherry, plum and earth aromas lead into a tart, lean palate that struggles to offer more than a modicum of cherry and cassis flavors. The finish is sweet and spicy, which makes for an odd, not terribly appealing combination.	Reserve St. Martin	82	8
121,815	italy	This fragrant wine will entice with you its heady perfume of woodland berry, wild herb, graphite and blue flower. It's still quite young and tightly wound, delivering strawberry, cherry, white pepper and thyme wrapped up in taut tannins. Vibrant acidity provides balance and energy but give this time to fully develop. Drink 2023–2033.	Cannubi	92	70
31,325	italy	Made entirely from Sangiovese, this enjoyable wine opens with violet and Mediterranean herb aromas. The straightforward palate doles out wild cherry flavors, an earthy hint of underbrush and soft tannins. Enjoy soon.	Titolato Strozzi	87	19

113,859

us

This wine is highly perfumed on the nose, reminiscent of a dried-flower-filled sachet, with lilacs, rosewater candy, sweet tobacco and a little caramel making for a distinct aroma. The dried purple flowers hit the palate too, along with plums, Asian spice and black peppercorns. The gritty structure is sprinkled with ample acidity.

Devil's Canyon

93

49

5,199

portugal

A wood-aged wine, with the wood flavors well balanced with crisp acidity. Lemon, peach and melon flavors mellifluously combine to give a rounded wine with a tang. It shows a strong mineral-textured aftertaste, a product of the granite soil of the vineyard. Drink this richly flavored wine now.

Branco Reserva

90

33

55,109

us

A simple Pinot Noir, lacking much structure. But it has a delicate mouthfeel and offers pleasant raspberry, cola, brown sugar and toasty oak flavors. Drink now.

Rio Russo

85

45

24,556

italy

This easy blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano and Alicante opens with a bright cherry note and slightly bitter tones of spice and almond skin. The palate is smoothly textured and rich.

Integolo

86

18

37,502

france

This is a soft wine on the surface, but under that generosity lies a firm core that gives the promise of aging. This powerful wine comes from stony soil which explains the tannic structure while the richness comes from ripe berry fruits. Drink from 2017.

Les Teurons Premier Cru

93

50

14,687

italy

Basilisco delivers a deeply volcanic expression of Aglianico, with aromas of dried fruit, crushed granite, lead pencil and exotic spice. Thanks to 18 months of oak aging, it also shows supple softness and a velvety texture that gives this usually austere wine an easy approach overall.

Basilisco

92

42

118,574

italy

Aromas of baked plum are joined by earthy whiffs of truffle, leather, game and cured meat. The aromas carry over to the ripe, dense palate along with fleshy black cherry, anise, mocha and mint. Velvety tannins provide the framework while a confectionary note backs up the finish. Drink 2017–2022.

Fraschin

90

45

62,825

us

Give this wine credit for dryness, crisp acidity and intensity. It's rich and strong in sour black cherry candy, cola, bitter dark chocolate and herb flavors. It's also very tannic, so much so that it's practically undrinkable now. Give it 4–5 years in the bottle, decant, and drink with beef or lamb.

Estate Grown

87

42

25,088

us

A very ripe white Rhone style, this blend of 59% Roussanne, 28% Grenache Blanc and 13% Viognier offers peach custard, browned butter, seared banana and strong white flower aromas, from tuberose and honeysuckle into daffodil. Golden apples, walnut oil and ripe yellow peach and walnut oil flavors combine for a lush, unctuous palate.

Cotes-Du-Robles Blanc

87

24

96,177

us

This wine smells and tastes overripe and oaky. It starts out with the aroma of raisins, and then tastes like caramel, chocolate and blackberry jam. The finish is hot and porty. Still, it does define this big, baked style of Zinfandel.

Estate

83

26

16,163

italy

Elegant and finely structured, this creamy fragrant white opens with heady scents of jasmine, honeysuckle and white stone fruit. The smooth delicious palate delivers green melon, white peach, cantaloupe, grapefruit and orange zest while a saline note lifts the lingering finish.

De La Tour

93

55

31,444

us

This represents a softer, more subtle side of the variety, holding back on overripeness in favor of simple leather, compost and black pepper. Touches of unearthed truffle offer the wine's one note of richness.

Estate Grown

88

24

84,372

us

This unusual offering is a cross of two hybrids: Schuyler and Seyval Blanc. It immediately shows noticeable sweetness, opening with sugary flavors of honey and orange marmalade. Once in the mouth the acids kick in, and the wine turns tart.

Estate Grown

84

19

54,753

us

This Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend is a best-of-barrels selection from Summers' various Cabs throughout Napa Valley. It's unquestionably a big wine, densely packed with blackberry, cherry and dark chocolate flavors. It's also very young. The tannins pack a real punch. New oak, to the tune of 100%, is apparent in the buttered toast richness. Don't drink it now, good as it is. Give it until 2014, and it will develop long beyond that.

Checkmate

94

100

17,769

portugal

This producer focuses on Rhône Valley varietals, and this wine continues the theme. Its apricot and very fine mineral texture are impressive and rich. Touched by spice from wood aging, the wine is generous, with the potential of a creamy, smooth texture as it ages. For now, it is fruity and rich. Drink from 2018.

Madrigal

92

45

74,957

us

All varietal from one of the state's most highly regarded vineyards, this wine offers aromas of dark raspberries, green herbs, vanilla and barrel spices. The fruit and barrel flavors show concentration and depth, with a light chalkiness to the tannins.

Klipsun Vineyard

88

30

91,260

chile

A bit of volatility and jamminess is acceptable here because overall the wine is good. The nose mixes graphite and cassis with leather and earth to give a sense of good things to come, while the palate is snappy and properly tannic, with nice black cherry, plum and chocolate flavors. Solid and sturdy; 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot.

60/40 Barrel Select

86

11

47,825

argentina

While showing roasted, tomato-like aromas, this Malbec from northern Argentina also features a nose full of tobacco, earth and berry fruit. There's acidic snap to the palate, but that only pumps up raspberry, toast and mild herbal flavors. A spicy, woody finish tastes exotic and saucy.

Don David Reserve

89

17

7,680

us

Sourced entirely from the Chelle den Millie vineyard, the grapes were picked and processed specifically for rosé. A deep, delicious and rather potent summer wine, it captures the brisk cherry fruit without entangling it in too much tannin or herb. It's all about the fruit, and bravo for that.

Rosé of

90

24

96,796

us

This young and quite tart Pinot is subtly flecked with mineral, dried seaweed, and a dusty, saline character. It tastes much better than that may sound; it's complex, well structured, and unique.

Holstein Vineyard

90

35

114,861

italy

An emphasis on yellow fruit, pear and measured banana almost makes you think Bisol employs a different yeast selection on their Cartizze Cru. The wine is thick and creamy, with excellent opulence and just the right measure of sweetness.

Cartizze

90

41

78,442

us

This Bordeaux blend is strong in oak and primary fruit flavors. It bursts in the mouth with an explosion of blackberry and cherry jam, caramel and buttered cinnamon toast. Delicious now, but a little direct and obvious. Hard to say where it's going.

Old Soldier Road Tephra Ridge Vineyard

89

40

97,266

us

This is one of the most successful Syrah-Cabernet Franc blends in California. The Syrah brings blueberry and bacon flavors, and the Cabernet provides the black currant note and the tannic backbone. It's already delicious to drink, but allow it to breathe in a decanter for one or two hours.

Wavelength Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard

92

69

95,991

us

The fourth vintage of the BCD Estate, this offers high acidity around a core of ripe cherry fruit and earthy, pastoral overtones, the tannins nicely managed.

Estate Grown and Bottled BCD Vineyard

86

38

93,915

chile

Despite a persistent front-to-back sweetness, this is a nice little Chardonnay for those fastened to the grape. It starts with ripe pineapple and apple aromas, and next you get tropical fruit, citrus and banana flavors. Medium in size and good for what it strives to be.

120

85

8

23,819

france

There is an almost tropical touch to the apple and lemon fruit: this is almost like vanilla-spiced apple tart with lemon zest. Very appetizing with that unusual vanilla-edge and more of that tropical lychee. Overall, this is balanced and very fruit-driven.

Steinert Grand Cru

89

32

18,943

us

This bone-dry, full-bodied Syrah has firm tannins and intense concentration. It's a little warm in alcohol, with flavors of dark chocolate, blackberry jam, cassis liqueur, grilled bacon and black pepper, plus a coating of sweet, smoky oak. You might want to give this wine a year or so in the cellar to let everything meld together.

Samantha's Vineyard

91

38

66,854

us

Gooseberry and lemon peel mix with a wet cement, stony character on the nose of this crisp sipper from the middle of Monterey County. It's light, bright and tart on the palate, with lime peel, grapefruit peel and grassy tones, all laid across a zesty energy and cement minerality.

Stone Row Zabala Vineyard

89

25

128,683

us

Big, powerful, soft, rich and ageable. In other words, classic Etude Heirloom. Resembles the rich 2002, with massive flavors of cherries, raspberries, cocoa, anise, bacon and smoky sandalwood. Enormously complex, a wine that changes with every sip as it breathes and warms. Shows the density of Cabernet, with Pinot's silkiness. Now–2014.

Heirloom Estate Grown

95

90

95,369

us

Generous tannins give this wine power and weight, as bright bursts of red cherry and inviting vanilla notes give it a counterpoint of focus. Softly textured, it's an exploration of brambly blackberry flavors, baking in the summer sun.

1910 Block

90

56

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

16

72,038

us

Cooked blackberries, baked black plum, grape candy and lilac touches show on the nose of this bottling, which is easy to like and uncomplicated. Violet floral flavors kick off the palate, followed by coffee spice, cedar and dark berry fruit, all framed by moderate tannic tension.

Vineyard Selection

88

24

114,891

argentina

Jammy, ripe and loaded with inky, sweet black-fruit aromas, the bouquet on this modern Cab Franc draws you in. Once there, look for a big but balanced palate with blackberry, roasted notes, loam and chocolate flavors. The satisfying finish is pure and long, with toasty blackness.

Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard

92

110

91,864

italy

This Pinot Grigio has an intriguing copper color thanks to prolonged skin contact. It's dominated by assertive oak notes, with light fruit flavors that take second stage to the astringent wood sensations.

Dessimis

85

39

24,417

spain

This aromatic Priorat is 72% Carignan and the rest Garnacha. Aromas of floral bath soap, cinnamon and cedar accent plum and berry scents. In the mouth, this is built like a tank. Spicy chocolaty black-plum and cassis flavors finish chewy and thick, with notes of mint and licorice. Drink through 2021.

Porrera Vi de Vila

92

65

123,756

us

While the nose is ripe and plush with sweet smelling red-cherry and strawberry aromas, this is a surprisingly brisk, light-footed Pinot Noir. The palate is lean with crisp, briary red fruit and drying, slightly astringent tannins on the finish.

Estate

86

16

98,524

georgia

Intensely smoky and earthy on the nose and palate, this Georgian qvevri-aged wine is a showcase of minerality and textural complexity. It's a savory wine with bristling tannins, and it bears just a hint of citrus that keeps the palate fresh and bright.

Vineyard Akhoebi

88

25

42,066

france

Black currant flavors dominates this wine. The palate is dense with flavor, with firm tannins allied with tense acidity and spicy licorice flavors. It's a ripe wine that shows potential for aging. Drink from 2014. Screwcap.

Wild Boar

88

14

23,247

italy

Aromas of red currant, cedar, bell pepper, coffee and cut grass lead the nose on this structured red. The palate delivers dried black cherry, cassis, cocoa, licorice and black pepper alongside grippy tannins.

Aulus

89

24

78,515

us

A good rosé, crisp and light-bodied. It has rich strawberry, orange zest, vanilla and spice flavors. Nice and silky in the mouth, as a blush wine should be, but it's a little on the sweet side.

Vin Gris

89

16

66,436

germany

Whiffs of smoke and crushed stone on the nose of this off-dry Riesling foretell the intensely mineral nature of its palate. Sheer and spry, it's a delicately honeyed crush of bristling apple, lime and lemon flavors with a lingering mineral finish.

Piesporter Goldtröpfchen

88

16

20,238

us

This is a nicely balanced wine from estate-grown vines, a mix of licorice and raspberry that offers luxurious mouthfeel and texture atop surprising acidity. A small amount of Viognier was used in fermentation to provide some additional lift and floral aromas, while a dustiness prevails on the finish.

Estate Grown

90

25

93,170

france

Notes of peel and flesh of Bosc pear pervade nose and palate, there is a core of earthy ripeness but the palate gives the impression of ginger-spiced freshness, tempered by earth. Rounded and beautiful.

Osterberg Grand Cru

89

43

32,261

us

This wine is produced in microscopic amounts, the result of sourcing grapes from a notoriously difficult-to-farm site. It rewards in flavor: hearty cherry and pomegranate fruit, a crisp, crunchy texture, powerful tannins and oak, and an underlying minerality that presents as elusively as a cloud of fog.

Great Oak Vineyard Suicide Hill

93

60

52,760

france

A barnyard aroma and ripe black fruit are the hallmarks of this young wine. Bottled without sulfur, it's packed with blackberry flavors and soft tannins. It's all fruit and spice, with only light tannins. Drink now.

Esquisse

86

16

120,940

austria

Ripe yellow pears and blossom honey notes can be teased out of this subtle wine by lots of swirling.The palate tingles with citrus freshness and a phenolic richness that has an intriguing but very pleasant hint of bitterness and some glimpses of star-anise and a lasting finish.

Rosengartl Alte Reben

92

52

123,959

us

Forest, mint and campfire scents are complemented by brambly black cherry in this explosively complex wine. Soft and subtle, it has juicy layers of cranberry, orange and maraschino, with a roundness and firmness to the strong tannin. The finish is all about coffee, cardamom and five spice.

Hirsch Vineyard

93

82

74,900

france

Now mature, this smoky, wood-aged wine is rich and complex. It has firm and dry tannins that are typical of the Tannat although these are a part of a solid, dark wine. The aftertaste brings out a perfumed, rich side that is attractive. The wine is ready to drink.

Terre à Terre

91

38

118,829

us

Light in color yet meaty on the palate, this is a youthful, tightly-wound red, firm in tannin and oak. The fruit profile is subtle, allowing spicier characteristics of cardamom and clove to shine.

Peters Vineyard Winemaker's Reserve

91

48

78,535

us

Maduro cigar and cherry brandy aromas power the nose on this heavily extracted, single-vineyard Sangiovese that Dave Corey makes under his Turchi label. Nothing like Chianti, aside from the decent tannins and acidity, this is all prune and plum soda on the palate. Serve with herb-crusted steak.

Hallauer Vineyard

89

29

17,189

us

There is a vividly refreshing nose to this biodynamic wine, full of aromatic lift from brisk stone fruit and white rock minerality. It's full on the mouth, nicely balanced with no edges sticking out at all, and just a tad of tart apple on the finish.

Cuvée Papou

89

32

56,470

portugal

CH, the international initials for Switzerland, are here as a reminder of the birthplace of Alice Tavares da Silva, one of the estate's owners. The wine, rich and dense, offers layers of new wood, mint and dark tannins. Seriously ripe, it's produced from old-vine Touriga Nacional, allowing juicy acidity to give some freshness, although the wine is much more concerned with power and longevity. Drink from 2019.

CH by Chocapalha

93

55

44,009

argentina

This is smoky and a touch fiery and woody on the nose. Fresh on the palate, with plenty of body and pulp, it bears full flavors of berries and a fair amount of wood-driven spices. The finish tastes oaky and slightly lactic.

It's a Headsnapper

87

15

4,021

us

The blend is almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, with some Carmenet and Petit Verdot blended in for complexity. The wine is easy to like now for its dryness and elegance, despite relatively high alcohol. It shows California ripeness of fruit, with a smooth integration of oak. If there's a criticism, it's excessive softness. Drink up.

Fog Catcher

88

58

114,433

us

This elegant wine appeals from the first sniff to the last lingering flavors. Vibrant in color, it tastes of rose petals, raspberries and cocoa powder. Supple and balanced, it shows impressive structure and length, with hints of citrus. Drink now through the mid-2020's.

L Cuvée

91

22

6,861

france

Tart red currant and red apple mingle with tangy citrus on nose and palate. Very frothy lively mousse fizzes across the palate, making it refreshing and appetizing. The citrus and tart red-fruit notes appear again on the clean dry finish, making it moreish and long.

Mayerling Brut Rosé

89

40

115,215

south africa

Custard and apple pie aromas lead the charge in the bouquet of this decadent wine, accented by notes of roasted nuts and orange essence. The mouthfeel is full and creamy, with just enough acidity to lift the rich fruit, honey and sweet-spice flavors. There's a beautiful evolution to the close, from lifted citrus to ripe fruit and finally sweet spice. Drink now–2019.

Reserve

91

35

56,759

italy

Franco Adami makes some of the best Prosecco around and this special selection from the Cartizze cru showcases his deft winemaking hand. The sparkler is soft and supple in the mouth yet shows lively buoyancy thanks to the delicate nature of its peachy cream flavors.

Cartizze Dry

90

32

10,530

france

This is a rich style of Muscadet, ripe with red apples and lemon acidity. It's full bodied, structured with some minerality and a tight, nervy texture. It's a delicious wine that could be aged, so drink from 2016.

Les Gautronnières Sur Lie

90

15

112,141

us

Apple and pear, cracker and citrus, pineapple and a hint of residual sugar combine in a soundly made, all-purpose Chardonnay. The alcohol is just under 13%, and the wine was not put through malolactic fermentation, leaving it crisp and fresh.

Cask

87

9

51,519

spain

Briary berry and milk chocolate aromas lead to a tart, alert palate full of red berry, sour plum, vanilla and spice flavors. Juicy acidity creates a long, racy finish that brings lasting raspberry character.

Crianza

84

11

71,810

israel

Deep garnet in color, this blend has aromas of cherry cola, black cherry and butterscotch. This smooth, well-balanced wine offers flavors of blueberry, black cherry, caramel, toffee and Chinese five-spice powder. Almost imperceptible tannins yield to an invigorating finish with a touch of caramel.

Mount Hermon Indigo

90

13

116,261

us

Slightly sour elements of lemon and lime meet with a riper nectarine tone on the nose of this wine. There is good citrus-driven acidity on the palate with limeade flavors, though it trends a bit sour and wipes up with not much finish.

San Lucas Unoaked Pure

85

15

113,856

australia

Fresh mint and cracked pepper accent dark plummy fruit on the nose, picking up hints of dark chocolate and black olive on the palate. It's full bodied, creamy in feel and loaded with supple tannins, which make the wine approachable now, but should sustain it through at least 2025.

Reserve

94

83

82,777

france

This delicately colored rosé is made by adding red wine to Chardonnay, allowed in the Champagne region, and hence the name Rosé des Blancs. It's a new venture for Gimonnet, under the current direction of Didier Gimonnet, and is a great success. Fruity, crisp and steely. it is light and bright; a fine apéritif style.

Rosé des Blancs Premier Cru Brut

90

69

118,832

italy

This 100% Syrah wine opens with ripe black-skinned fruit, roasted coffee, leather and cedar aromas. The full-bodied, concentrated palate offers dried blackberry, espresso, white pepper and star anise flavors, bolstered by ample, polished tannins. Enjoy through 2021.

Scrio

91

175

79,475

us

Raspberries, cherries, cola and persimmons are the flavors of this fairly standard Pinot Noir. It's dry and delicately structured, with good acidity and a discrete coating of oak. Drink now.

Lennox Vineyard

86

59

86,258

us

Dusty, musky notes persist throughout this delicately framed Seyval Blanc, lending a savory, dark tone to pressed apple and pear flavors. The palate is tart and lemony, with a brisk finish.

Victory White

83

19

18,688

france

This easy, open wine has ripe red fruits and lively acidity. A warmer, rich core brings out a generous character. It is fruity and soft at the end.

Lumière de Provence

85

14

61,653

argentina

Murky aromas of herbal black fruits and coffee grinds are funky. A scattered mouthfeel and herbal, spotty flavors of plum and currant finish briny. Overall, this is interesting and good but odd, with can't-miss herbal notes.

Calathus Roble

87

29

116,223

us

A spicy wine, silky and light-bodied, with sour raspberry candy, mushroom and sandalwood flavors leading to a long, complex finish. It's an elegant, polished wine, with modest alcohol . Seems best for drinking over the next few years.

Bien Nacido Vineyard

90

45

83,131

germany

Intense smoke and mineral tones mingle with fragrant lemon peel and lavender in this slightly exotic off-dry Riesling. It's buoyantly peachy yet also cutting and spry, finishing bright on a streak of tangerine acidity.

Sonnentropfen Wachenheimer Feinherb

91

29

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

121,657

spain

Spicy, bretty and leathery; this type of wine represents Ribera in a traditional, no-tricks light. Air only helps it show its best attributes, which revolve around meaty black fruit and herbal accents. It's chewy, sort of tannic and finishes with flavors of moss and jerky. Good for near-term consumption.

Castillo de Gormaz Crianza

87

20

8,538

italy

Made with 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, this shows subdued aromas of dark berry and cooking spice. The straightforward palate doles out crushed plum and clove alongside assertive tannins.

Alle Viole

87

27

64,756

spain

Mas de Monistrol always seems to please. This rosado is dusty and smoky on the nose, with lightly roasted fruit aromas peeking through. The flavors are more in the cherry and cranberry field, so in terms of mouthfeel it leans toward tangy, racy and pulsing. And who would want it any other way?

MPX Brut Rosé

89

11

18,062

us

The debut release for this producer is a bright garnet shade. Exhuberant and broad, the palate is bursting with cranberry, blue plum and Bing cherry flavors. Drink over the next year or two, while it is at its freshest.

Makena

90

35

37,191

italy

Here's a hearty blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino and Merlot that opens with earthy aromas of tilled soil, truffle, tobacco and meat juice. The lush palate delivers juicy black cherry, blackberry, spearmint and thyme alongside rippling but refined tannins.

Riserva

90

45

79,104

italy

Even better than the highly acclaimed 2001 vintage, this Merlot from a tiny, clay soil vineyard in Bolgheri is just about everything you've ever dreamed of tasting. Gorgeous, generous, voluptuous, cheerful, succulent and intense: Masseto is all those things. The aromas are seamless and capture the essence of chocolate fudge, sweet cherry, blackberry, spice and vanilla. It boasts thick, dense extraction, excellent structure and amazing persistence.

Masseto

99

250

24,348

new zealand

Lifted floral aromas include a hint of white pepper and green apples. Flavors are fresh and zesty, showing more mineral notes than fruit. This would be a nice match with chicken satay on the patio.

Private Bin

86

15

126,340

us

This value-priced low-alcohol wine has all the refreshing elements for a good rosé: light body, mild watermelon and peach flavors and a crisp texture. It has fresh acidity and good balance, too.

Dry

87

25

121,003

us

This wine is a blend of 70% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache and 5% Syrah. It opens with achingly pure red currant, cranberry, black pepper, blue fruit, orange peel and dried herb aromas that completely captivate the senses. The palate shows a hypnotic sense of purity along with a sense of elegance that is dazzling. Smoked meat flavors linger on the long finish.

Gratitude

94

45

86,399

portugal

The latest vintage of one of the original wine brands in the Douro, this bold wine offers great tannins and structure along with the ripe black fruits. Balanced and generous, it is developing quickly. Drink from 2019.

Duas Quintas

90

16

124,046

france

Red cherry aromas lead to a wine that is curiously structured with firm tannins and jammy fruit that is not in balance. “Natur” means the winemaker did not add sulfites during wine production.

Natur

82

18

97,982

italy

This opens with subtle aromas of white spring flower, red berry and a whiff of toast that carry over to the rather lean palate along with notes of sour cherry, pomegranate and a hint of oak. It closes on a bitter-almond note.

Rosamara

86

19

77,621

austria

A Pannobile blend is one that is tasted and approved by a group of producers in Gols, on the north shore of Lake Neusiedl. This firmly tannic wine is a good example of the style—solid, rich, more than the sum of its parts, giving big black berry fruits as well as vibrant juiciness.

Pannobile

90

35

88,757

australia

From a producer better known for its red wines, this is a notable white—although there is a slight coppery tinge to the wine's hue. Melon and herbal notes are true to the variety, as is the broad mouthfeel and faint tactile dustiness on the finish. Drink now.

Mount Crawford Estate Grown Single Vineyard

87

14

59,528

us

Acidity marks this bone dry, tightly wound and young Chardonnay. It's quite ripe in orange, pear, apricot and nectarine fruit, with an elegant mouthfeel. Give it some airing before serving, and it should drink well over the next 5–6 years.

Bien Nacido Vineyard

93

43

19,361

spain

Raisin, kirsch and leather aromas define the nose on this crianza. The palate is properly dry, with good acidity and clampy tannins. Flavors of dry oak, herbal notes, raspberry and raisin end in a solid but slightly rough finish. This will go better with food than on its own.

Finca del Marquesado Crianza

88

10

81,700

us

Dusty mineral and saline aromas introduce bright puckering sour cherries and berries on the palate of this vivacious Cabernet Franc rosé. Sharp acidity and clean mineral tones accentuate its fresh angular style.

Dry Rosé of

88

15

109,567

france

Light tannins accompany crisp red fruits. What it lacks in weight and complexity, it makes up for with a smooth texture, good acidity and a structure that will allow it age for another year.

Vieilles Vignes

85

32

118,547

portugal

On the dry side, this deliciously crisp Vinho Verde has all the right citrus acidity. It's bursting with lively fruits, just petillant in the mouth, with a crisp apple finish. Screwcap.

Twin Vines

86

7

109,729

germany

Perhaps because of its slow, natural fermentation in large casks and the resulting lees contact, this wine shows a bit of toasty, mealy character and a slightly creamy texture. It's a weighty Riesling (for the Mosel, anyway), with ripe notes of peach complementing citrus fruit and a dry, stony finish.

Steinreich Trocken

89

40

100,930

portugal

Chardonnay and Arinto make a particularly satisfying blend with the roundness of the Chardonnay given a fresh, crisp lift by Arinto. This wine is soft while shot through with lemon acidity. Light and fruity, it is ready to drink.

Margaride's

86

15

51,503

us

This very dry Cabernet feels rugged and gritty in the mouth, with too much acidity that lends bite. The austerity is relieved by black cherry and sweet tobacco flavors. Drink up.

Madrone Ridge Vineyard

85

39

38,969

spain

Strained aromas are followed by an astringent palate that's dried-out and tart, with an herbal, semisour finish.

Reserva

81

20

37,405

us

Tea leaf, cherry and sweet vermouth aromas precede lightly tart cherry, rhubarb and herb flavors in this lean, moderately tannic and un-oaky wine. It's appealing and appetizing in an austere way, giving just enough satisfaction.

Moonglow

88

35

92,054

france

Cherry, plum and earth aromas lead into a tart, lean palate that struggles to offer more than a modicum of cherry and cassis flavors. The finish is sweet and spicy, which makes for an odd, not terribly appealing combination.

Reserve St. Martin

82

8

121,815

italy

This fragrant wine will entice with you its heady perfume of woodland berry, wild herb, graphite and blue flower. It's still quite young and tightly wound, delivering strawberry, cherry, white pepper and thyme wrapped up in taut tannins. Vibrant acidity provides balance and energy but give this time to fully develop. Drink 2023–2033.

Cannubi

92

70

31,325

italy

Made entirely from Sangiovese, this enjoyable wine opens with violet and Mediterranean herb aromas. The straightforward palate doles out wild cherry flavors, an earthy hint of underbrush and soft tannins. Enjoy soon.

Titolato Strozzi

87

19