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10,751
portugal
A wonderful, rich wine, fermented in open stone lagars, giving a concentrated, beautifully soft wine. The texture is dense and velvety; ripe black fruits are given further complexity by wood aging. A superb wine, powerful and elegant.
Reserva
94
35
13,916
us
From a larger portion of viticulturist Anne Moller-Racke's home vineyard, this wine needs time to unravel itself out of a compact and concentrated funk of cedar and mint. The tannin weight is present and powerful. Roses and wild raspberries form a pact of flavor and beguiling aromatic invitation.
Anne Katherina Vineyard Estate Farmed
91
60
122,344
france
This ripe wine comes from vines from two parcels: one normally in the wine, with vines more than more than 60-years-old, the other a hilltop vineyard added in 2014. It is full of rich white fruits that skirt on the zesty side of citrus, giving a crisp edge to this otherwise full wine. It is balanced, juicy and ready to drink.
Climat Les Clos Reyssié
91
57
40,867
france
For a wine from this appellation, this is surprisingly soft. It has black fruits and tannins that are already softening. Spice and berry fruits are lifted by acidity. This fruity wine will be ready to drink from late 2017.
Collection
87
92
46,055
chile
Blocky on the nose, with mild heat and burn to go with standard raspberry aromas. Feels full, with a resiny, oak-based thickness in front of chunky flavors of raspberry and plum. Dry, woody and buttery on the finish.
Castillo de Molina Reserva
85
12
29,571
australia
Offers cracker and wheat aromas, and light white stone-fruit flavors that seem coated in confectioner's sugar, or talc. Perhaps it's the “unwooded” designation talking, but this wine seems a little light, and not much like Chardonnay.
Promised Land - Unwooded
82
10
56,914
us
Rich and meaty enough to sink your teeth into, this dark and deep Syrah has toasty, smoky aromas. Generous blackberry and boysenberry flavors that are full but not sweet accompany a velvety texture. This is tasty now, but has the layered tannins and acidity for aging. Best now through 2019.
Farrah
91
20
65,448
france
Rough around the edges, this is a dry and tannic wine. It has mint, red currant fruit and a dry center. It needs a year or two, but is likely to remain rustic.
Benjamin de Vieux Château Gaubert
86
18
20,348
us
This cool-climate bottling from the young producer shows tons of florality and spice, from violet and lilac to white pepper and dried herb, underscored by blueberry and tar aromas. It's light and lithe in body, with elderberry, potpourri and pepper flavors, but the tannic tension is most compelling, clinging to the palate from start to finish.
Lafond Vineyard
91
33
118,820
france
There almost is the slightest touch of lovely Poire William spirit on the nose. This is a lovely pear-scented, dry wine of immense fruitfulness. A homely earthiness counteracts this and makes for a concentrated, medium-dry but mellow palate. The finish is off dry, lasting and mouthfilling. There is something immensely satisfying about this.
Spiegel Grand Cru
92
29
111,519
us
With 70 g/L residual sugar, this 100% varietal wine drinks quite sweet, with notes of peach, sage and dried Nestea Iced Tea.
Late Harvest
85
12
98,358
us
Honey-sweet, soft and simple, with apricot and lemon candy flavors.
Reserve
82
10
110,022
us
The reserve is a barrel selection and demonstrates its special status with pretty floral topnotes suggesting rose petals and body soap. In the mouth it's a substantial wine with juicy red fruits, excellent texture and impressive length. A lick of milk chocolate puts the frosting on the finish.
Reserve
92
45
34,607
spain
If you are of the school that says rosé from Provence is the world's gold standard, then give this excellent newcomer a try. Brief skin contact has created a light color and sense of elegance on the nose and palate. Flavors of cantaloupe and peach are lightly sweet but cut by ample acidity. Drink as soon as possible to capture this wine's fresh essence.
Flor de Muga
90
31
121,488
austria
The nose does not want to give too much away, apart from delicacy and ripe yellow pear. The palate is ripe and rounded and has a distinct yeasty, almost nutty savoriness. Pepper then makes an entrance and stays right there to linger beautifully.
Schnabel Reserve
90
25
59,133
us
Though labeled Riesling, it's blended with 16% Muscat and 9% Gewürztraminer. The residual sugar is listed as 2%, but rather than sweetness, the wine carries a sour lemon snap and a palate of tart citrus and orange soda flavors.
Les Amis
85
15
12,948
austria
The tanginess of grapefruit peel, paired with very ripe Bosc pear, is already apparent on the nose before becoming full-blown on the palate. There is concentration and precision. The ripeness of this vintage is nicely corralled and held in check by citrus freshness and countered by yeasty richness and spice. The finish is gloriously enlivening, fresh and moreish.
Loibenberg Smaragd
94
39
11,280
germany
Dusty potpourri and mineral tones lend an earthy tone to this lean, off-dry wine. It's fresh with lemon, lime and quince flavors, but straightforward in style with a brisk, herbal finish.
Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Kabinett
86
14
27,703
italy
Nonno Ricco is a soft and velvety expression of Sangiovese from the Romagna area of central Italy that shows great density and dimension. The wine closes with aromas of cherry, blackberry and crushed black pepper.
Nonno Ricco
88
22
61,189
france
Sourced from 50+ year-old vines in the commune of Sorgues, this aromatic blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre boasts hints of rosemary, bay leaf and clove. It's reasonably full bodied, with a long, drying finish that demands another year or two in the cellar or (preferably) some rare beef or lamb.
Cuvée Setier
90
27
30,508
france
Honeyed, tropical fruit aromas are showing strongly in this smooth, lightly toasty dry wine. Rich and rounded, it shows both the fresh fruit of the vintage and also the concentration of the white wines. It should be aged, but can be drunk now. Drink until 2020.
Cuvée Montesquieu
90
45
52,640
us
If you want to understand the essence of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandal, taste this wine. It's absolutely classic. Shows the region's balance, power and elegance. From the wild blackberry, raspberry, fig and tangerine zest fruit, to the clove, white pepper and anise spices, to the fabulously rich tannic structure, this is great, world-class Zinfandel. The high alcohol feels absolutely natural.
Lily Hill Estate
94
36
58,111
us
The showy nose on this wine, which is bolstered by 5% Malbec, is both fruit-forward and extremely floral, with plum blossoms, cola and blueberry juice. The palate is densely layered and firmly structured, with flavors of caramel, vanilla, anise-laced blueberry pie and minty herbs. Drink 2017–2025.
Reserve
92
62
52,690
france
Light and smoky, this is a fruit-forward, soft wine. Berry flavors are balanced by the stalky texture. It's young, although very ready to drink.
Alain de la Treille
86
19
18,436
france
Elegant, taut and poised, this has enough texture to suggest it needs a few more months of aging. It has a finely wrought character that comes from the mix of zesty acidity and sweet fruit.
Grand Réserve Cru Classé
91
28
109,992
us
This wine shows light aromas of blue fruit, plum and spice. The palate boasts sculpted fruit and barrel flavors, conveying a good sense of structure and balance.
Canoe Ridge Estate
89
24
90,087
france
Still in its infancy, this should be cellared for at least another few years to fully integrate and better express the nuances of spice root, black tea and cocoa nib. The black cherry and plum flavors are plentiful and vibrant, and the gripping tannins linger long into the close.
Rimage
89
27
36,074
us
Shows the firm tannins and full-bodied richness of Petite Sirah, but it's not an ager because it's a little too low in acid for the long haul. So enjoy it now for the wealth of blackberries, cherries, anise and mocha.
Estate
89
26
7,875
france
Crisply fresh, this full-bodied wine has citrus fruitiness that is followed by hints of toast and honey that are just developing. Well balanced, it's very textured while also fruity, and will develop well in bottle. Drink from 2017 for the more mature flavors to bring their own character to the wine.
Blanc de Blancs Brut
94
140
18,340
chile
Hot and fiery up front, with raspberry and leather on the nose. Feels astringent, with tomatoey acidity and pointed cherry flavors that come with an herbal, peppery aftertaste. Has an aggressiveness to it.
Novas Gran Reserva
82
16
87,581
us
Just a hint of sweetness can be found in a bouquet of honey-dusted flower. Pretty in on the palate, with citrus and apricot notes, this shows floral accents that are somewhat reminiscent of Gewürztraminer.
No 9
90
18
3,697
spain
This is a full, round, woody bottling, with graphite, leather and mild herbal aromas. The palate feel is concentrated but also tannic and grating. Flavors of bold black fruits, herbs and barrel resin finish tight, with residual raw oak in abundance. Drink through 2018.
Aurea
91
52
2,843
france
Full of crisp fruit, this cru wine is bright with red-berry flavors. It is light and with a cool character that comes from the high altitude of the vineyards. There is an edgy texture that keeps the wine together. Drink now.
Flower Label
88
20
13,988
france
Wonderfully balanced notes of green, yellow and red apples are subsumed beautifully into a taut, yeasty, autolytic strucutre. Dryness lets the fruit speak while the fizz dances woftly. This is immensely refreshing and has real grace—thanks to 95% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Noir.
Emotion
93
30
85,772
france
Lovely, tart apple notes, both red and yellow, play on the nose. They are joined by a mellow autolytic creaminess and a lively fresh mousse on the palate. Tangy citrus provides ample freshness that also makes itself felt in the appetizing, dry and lasting finish.
Rosé Brut
90
19
22,793
spain
Blackberry, black cherry, earth and rubbery scents create a blunt, dense bouquet. This is round and full in body, with solid tannins balanced by fleshy, fruity depth. Dark plum, cassis and raspberry flavors linger on an earthy finish with toast and cola notes. Best enjoyed 2017–2022
Selección Familiar Reserva
91
30
70,549
italy
Made in a very respectable Chianti Classico style, the wine delivers freshness, with tart berry notes and a bright, streamlined feel. Medallions of veal, grilled sausage or roast chicken would all pair nicely with this Sangiovese-based wine (with small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot).
Riserva di Fizzano
91
30
17,917
germany
Green, herbal notes are prominent on this brisk, savory Riesling. Lemony acidity and hints of bitter lime pith add a stark, refreshing quality that would accompany rich goat cheese or cured meats quite well.
Fritz Fisk
85
13
88,604
us
Scents of lemon-cake icing meet the pretty yet not treacly tropical aromatics of white flowers on this barely off-dry wine. The sweetness is noticeable on the palate but far from overdone, with clean flavors of lemon custard, tangerine juice and a Key-lime finish.
Vintner's Reserve
87
13
118,828
australia
Medium-bodied, crisp and firmly tannic, this Cabernet still needs a few years to come into full bloom. Cassis, leather and vanilla notes merge together on the finish, joined by dusty tannins. Cellar until 2020.
The Coppermine Road
91
65
6,042
us
For those who like their Pinot oaky, this may be just the ticket. It starts out with caramel, coffee and chocolate aromas skillfully matched with sour cherries and a bouquet garni of green herbs. It then turns ever oakier on the palate, with a near-syrupy mouthfeel. Finishes with toasty oak-driven spice notes and an herbaceous edge.
Spirit House
88
50
43,471
turkey
Offering aromas of black cherry and vanilla, this wine is soft on entry, with flavors of black cherry, raspberry, chocolate and anise. It is round on the palate, with smooth tannins and a light vein of brightness on the finish.
Reserve
90
27
10,850
us
Never overwhelming, Zaca Mesa's Roussanne travels the road of balance and elegance, making it particularly food-friendly. The '06 shows crisp acids and restrained flavors of pineapples, apricots, buttercream, cashew nut and minerals. It's a dry, complex wine that calls for creativity on the chef's part.
Estate
90
25
20,172
italy
This Tuscan Syrah opens with aromas of black pepper, plum, blackberry and spice notes with whiffs of vanilla and toasted oak. This is a big brooding wine, with primary blueberry and blackberry flavors accompanied by clove, pepper and enveloping tannins.
Perbruno
90
34
109,810
italy
There's a lot of excitement surrounding the little-know Groppello grape that is a native of northern Italy. The variety delivers freshness and fruity intensity: This expression is extremely clean, polished and food-friendly.
Castelline
87
23
126,678
italy
Here is an easygoing and fresh Pinot Grigio with light aromas of citrus, chopped herbs and white stone. The mouthfeel is lean but firm and the wine would pair well with stir-fry vegetables.
Castel Firmian
85
15
45,854
us
Shows lots of flamboyant pineapple, pear and green apple flavors, with a deft touch of smoky oak. But the wine is uplifted by a firm, steely minerality, as well as fine acids. It finishes a little sweet. Drink now.
Katherine's Vineyard
89
22
100,837
us
Quite distinct from its Single Wheel companion bottlings, there's a rustic, slightly savory tone to pressed apple and pear flavors in this off-dry Riesling. It's light bodied and spry with a brisk, lemony finish.
Third Spoke Patrician Verona Vineyard
85
20
120,107
spain
Massive blackberry, vanilla and marshmallow aromas are voluptuous. A just-right mix of lushness and tannins determines the palate, which hosts toasty flavors of chocolate and blackberry. A smooth finish with firm but manageable residual tannins is intense but not rough. Drink through 2028.
Llanos del Almendro
94
130
126,871
france
This wine has a ripe texture, rich fruit and touches of spice. Full bodied and tangy, it's smooth, with a hint of caramel. Drink now.
Fleurs de Belcier
84
15
25,645
us
Smells rich and decadent, with aromas of orange marmalade and honey, but still maintains refreshing touches of citrus and pineapple throughout. It's thick and rich in the mouth, and finishes long, with excellent balance. This can easily compete with Canadian ice wines.
Ice
90
32
85,184
germany
While honey and white peach flavors ring pure and sweet, there's a slatey, mineral tone that penetrates deeply in this off-dry Kabinett. It's nervy and brisk, finishing long with zesty lime pith bitterness.
Studert Prüm Maximinhof Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett
90
24
106,238
chile
A bit foxy and jumpy at first, and then familiar aromas of berry and plum settle in. The palate is jammy and tannic, while flavors of berries and currants seem roasted. Tobacco and olive notes are present on the chewy, weighty, textured finish.
Reserva
85
12
17,855
us
Thick, chewy, cherry fruit, with lots of wood behind it. Simple, forward and quite pleasant, without pretension.
Walker Vineyard
85
18
45,106
chile
Ripe aromas of melon are flabby. This is both chunky yet citrusy in feel, while flavors of orange and lemon are basic. The finish is soft but shows just enough citric acidity to keep things going.
Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Ribera del Rapel
85
15
88,889
us
Soft and chocolaty-fruity, like the wine version of a health food power bar, with raspberry, mocha, roasted almond and spice flavors. Easy to drink with just about anything that needs a full-bodied red.
Parmelee-Hill Vineyard
85
30
71,253
france
The nonvintage blend from this venerable producer is as balanced as all its Champagnes. It steers a fine course between acidity and crispness and a softer riper dosage. Blended with equal parts of all three main Champagne grapes, it is ready to drink.
Cuvée Royale Brut
87
45
122,705
us
In sharp contrast to the heavily oaked companion Syrahs from Bergevin Lane, the Oui Deux puts the fruit up front. Spicy and sharp-toned, it was co-fermented with 5% Viognier, and for all practical terms is a Stonetree Vineyard bottling. It should continue to improve nicely with a couple more years of bottle age.
Oui Deux
88
32
13,804
us
White blossoms and grapefruit zest perfume this crystalline late harvest Riesling. Veiled by a gossamer spray of sugary lace rather than streaks of honey, it showcases peach and apricot flavors in their most pristine and primary state. It's dancingly delicate on the palate yet endures dramatically on the finish.
Late Harvest
90
25
117,537
chile
Rooty licorice, leather and olive aromas are solid, with pleasing berry scents. This feels plump, with a touch of tartaric acid popping up. Peppery plum and olive flavors are textbook for the variety, while the finish is forward and robust.
Sibaris Reserva Especial
88
17
115,657
argentina
This concentrated, midnight-black Malbec delivers the aromatic goods in the form of charcoal, grilled meat and blackberry scents. An extracted palate benefits from core acidity, while black cherry, cassis and blackberry flavors come to rest on a rich but controlled finish. Drink through 2018.
Chento Vineyard Selection
91
20
95,490
us
Despite the low abv, this is a dry rosé, made from 100% Sangiovese that was picked at 20.5 brix. It's delicate and satisfying—a pretty pale copper/rose color, with flavors of strawberry hinting at peach. There's a dusting of baking spices and cocoa, adding welcome highlights to the finish.
Rosato
89
26
47,159
austria
Tight, bright acidity leads off this elegant, perfumed wine. With its white fruit and citrus flavors it is both rich and refreshing. A fine mineral streak runs right through this complex, certainly ageworthy wine.
Ried Loibenberg Smaragd
92
61
61,436
portugal
Pure Touriga Nacional, firm while also fruity, this is an intense, aromatic and finely perfumed, smokey wine. The wood aging has softened the tannins while keeping the structure.
Quinta da Pancas Reserva
90
21
13,409
france
A classic, there's no mistaking this spicy confection of a wine. It has a great blast of lychee, Chinese gooseberries and spice, with just a hint of acidity in the background.
Réserve
86
24
55,707
us
Pretty harsh, with green tannins and minty flavors, relieved by some modest cherry notes.
Proprietor's Reserve
81
10
115,447
us
This blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Syrah and 20% Zinfandel is a little simple at first on the nose, with loamy soil and tart elderberry aromas eventually apparent. It's quite dry on the sip, with dried oregano and marjoram, and then come flavors of black fruit, graphite and black pepper.
Main Squeeze
87
20
37,687
argentina
On the nose, aromas of sweet, red hard candy mingle with a note of animal fur. Fairly tannic and lively in the mouth, this has herbal, rubbery flavors alongside jumpy red-berry fruit. The finish is a bit abrasive.
Staccato Made with Organically Grown Grapes
84
10
104,456
us
Rich aromas of violets, lilacs and other purple flowers complement the turned loam, shiitake, ripe cranberry and dark hibiscus scents of this bottling by the Duckhorn family. Once sipped, flavors of hearty black plum, nutmeg, crushed gravel and Earl Grey tea prove extremely layered and earthy.
Bien Nacido Vineyard
93
68
34,160
australia
This Riesling starts out strong, with a likable tangle of apricots, peaches and apples on the nose. The palate is a bit watery, though it offers up some nice flavors of lime rind and pomelo. Short finish. Drink soon, preferably with cold roast pork.
Devil's Corner
84
16
40,515
chile
Roasted berry and cassis aromas are basic and familiar. The palate on this varietal Cabernet is grabby yet solid, with sweet, baked flavors of cassis, berry and chocolate. Hints of toast and darkness rise up on what amounts to a rubbery feeling finish.
Aliwen Reserva
88
13
128,290
us
The grapes for this lovely wine come from the Dry Stack Vineyard and Fallenleaf, some of which is planted to the Sauvignon Musque clone. Zesty acidity takes the first punch, remaining brightly balanced and explosive on the palate, with additional hits of white peach, apricot and honey.
Cuvée Renee
92
31
107,432
czech republic
This dry Riesling offers rich floral aromas of lilies and freesia. Soft floral notes continue on the palate, where they are joined by stronger flavors of citrus, honey and roasted hazelnut.
Michlovský
88
15
68,217
us
Slate, cola, black cherry, rose petal and violet show strongly on the nose of this wine, a well-priced blend of grapes from Lucas & Lewellen, Bentrock, Radian and Pence vineyards. The palate is earthy and deeply, darkly spiced, showing juniper, black cherry and beet juice.
Huntington
90
23
15,277
us
Richly extracted black cherry and cassis flavors flood the palate of this bold bruising Cabernet Franc. It's a nuanced wine despite its voluptuousness, accented by hints of leather, spice and lavender. Tannins are big and unyielding now but ripe enough to integrate with age. Hold till 2020.
Glacier Ridge Vineyards
90
35
128,672
france
Cave de Tain remains a reference-point cave cooperative. The nose of this cuvée inspires shivers of anticipation, offering hints of bacon, cracked pepper, blueberries, roasted meat and black olives. It's only medium-bodied, but harmonious and nicely silky in texture. If there's a quibble, it's that the finish falls off a bit quickly, but this wine should still capably scratch nearly any Syrah itch.
Noble Rives
90
21
25,248
spain
Smoky plum and red-berry aromas come with a hint of latex. This is full in feel and generally well balanced, with dark plum and berry flavors that are earthy but not overly complex. It delivers a steady finish.
Tinto Roble
87
20
112,537
france
Coming from a classic limestone vineyard, this is tense, structured and tight. It is textured, with spice and tangy acidity giving some complexity to the otherwise fruity wine. Drink from 2017.
Cuvée Les Caillottes
88
25
2,450
italy
Pretty aromas of red berry, menthol, savory herb and cooking spice lead the nose. The palate offers tart red cherry, white pepper and Mediterranean herb alongside firm, refined tannins and bright acidity. It needs time to develop fully. Drink 2017–2022.
Greppone Mazzi
90
80
81,649
us
This is a delicious Merlot that seems to showcase the warm Calistoga climate in its soft tannins and power-packed black cherry, blueberry and licorice flavors. The edge of oak is sweet and smoky. Drink this intricately layered wine now.
Estate Reserve
90
38
91,813
chile
Mildly roasted berry and asphalt aromas set up clean berry and plum flavors that also feature accents of herbs and olive. Tastes good and clean, with nothing out of the ordinary. A little generic in the end, but fine for everyday drinking.
Reserva
86
12
98,744
us
Let this Syrah open, but once it does, it is full of raspberry, black pepper, oak and gamy goodness, medium-bodied, elegant and nicely in balance.
Red Rock Ridge
88
32
4,392
us
Pure and fruity, this medium-bodied wine is supersmooth in texture, quietly flavorful and well balanced. The light acidity and mild tannins are well integrated and support delicious black-cherry and blueberry flavors perfectly.
Eagle Peak
88
10
18,337
us
Dry and gritty, with rugged tannins and lots of acidity. Unfortunately, the fruit just isn't powerful enough to stand up to it, making this Merlot tough to like.
Selected Vineyards
82
10
95,678
france
This attractive, smoky wine has a soft, juicy texture that comes through the red fruits. Balanced and ripe, it finishes with acidity and is ready to drink.
Les Belles Vignes
87
27
74,855
us
Clearly well-origined, to judge from the fine structure and essential purity. But it's a very tannic, closed wine, with a mouth-numbing astringency that accentuates the acidity. Even so, it's so ripe in blackberries and currants it's almost drinkable now, with a good decant. But you're best off cellaring a good 4–6 years.
Cobblestone Vineyard Reserve
90
69
112,145
us
Tannins mark this tough, still young wine from beginning to end. The astringency envelops the fruit, giving the mouthfeel a hard, dry astringency. Even though there are some well-developed blackberry and currant flavors, the wine is unrelieved in harshness. Try cellaring until at least 2013, but it's risky.
Gist Ranch Estate
87
56
1,245
south africa
This delicate, elegant NLH wine starts with alluring aromas of lush honey, apricot and citrus and offers a vibrant, lively balance of fruit and acid. Pair with cheeses and fruit salads.
Noble Late Harvest
88
35
124,772
france
The blend of Cabernet Franc and Tannat allows this wine to be released young and for the tannins to be accessible. It's young and fresh, Nouveau in its style, going for bright berry fruits and lively acidity.
Magenta
86
11
117,604
france
This wine is closed and tight at this stage of its development, which is not a bad thing because it will age well. For now, it offers crisply fresh fruit layered with wood aging and with a tight, tangy texture. Spice and toast flavors complement the fruit. Drink this wine from 2018.
La Garenne Premier Cru
94
80
63,730
italy
From the Conca vineyard in La Morra, this Barolo shows the uneven ripening that plagued much of this village in 2009. It shows predominantly wood aromas of chocolate and toast, and the palate is also dominated by oak sensations. The fruit appears to have dried up, leaving only aggressive, astringent tannins.
Vigna Conca
84
75
62,487
us
Made from Syrah and Grenache, this blend shows the strengths and weaknesses of its style. While it's forwardly delicious and complex in cherry, licorice, bacon, black pepper, mocha and sandalwood flavors, it's rather soft.
Proprietor's Blend
86
40
16,814
us
Fine and dry, this has varietal flavors of blackberry, black currant, cocoa and toasty oak. The texture is a bit uneven, and the wine is unlikely to age away its wrinkles, but it's still a pretty fancy Napa Valley Cabernet.
Estate
88
30
91,619
us
This is an invitingly floral, textural and rich white wine that's full bodied and lush on the palate. Tropical pineapple, guava and mango are highlighted in deeper, darker tones of honey and caramel, with a foundation of present, integrated oak.
Lewis Vineyard Reserve
92
65
22,246
argentina
Woody aromas are obvious but not overdone as they dominate apple and banana notes. This Chardonnay is narrow and grabby in feel, with salty orange and popcorn flavors. As modest fruit flavors fade on the finish, oak resin takes over.
Unánime
88
25
15,975
france
From vines on the slopes above the River Cher, this steely wine has a tight texture that is restraining the natural fruitiness. It will open up, with its ripe yellow and green fruit flavors. Drink from 2016.
Domaine Paul Buisse
85
13
78,928
us
The fruit here is certainly more ripe and powerful than in the winery's regular bottlings. But it is offset by rugged tannins, and an earthiness that borders on rusticity. —P.G.
Reserve
85
19
99,807
germany
Delicate body contrasts the rich sweet melon, tangerine and mango flavors of this cheerful auslese. It's plush on the palate but balanced with sunny acidity and a clean, citrus finish. Drink now through 2025.
Scharlachberg Bingen Auslese Grosse Lage
91
63
17,219
austria
Lively, vital and fresh, this is typical of the new generation of Grüners that are made for early drinking. It's light and tangy, bursting with apple and lemon flavors. Screwcap.
Falko Cool Climate
86
15
44,405
france
In the prestigious village of Vosne-Romanée, there is little room for anything but Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. This wine, from the flatter ground at the bottom of the slope, shows something of the structure that makes the great wines. To balance that it also has bright fruit and plenty of acidity. It will be ready to drink from early 2018.
Collection
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150