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2.01k
85,571
italy
This is the kind of easy Sangiovese that would pair with pasta, gnocchi or pork chops. The wine shows natural freshness and pretty berry nuances. Drei Donà is a landmark estate for the entire Emilia-Romagna region.
Notturno
87
18
28,647
us
Old-vine Oregon Zinfandel is not common; in fact, this is all of them. From the Pines Vineyard, planted around a century ago, revived in the 1980s, these wines have a power and unique presence that sets them apart from Zin from anywhere else. Ultraripe fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry jam, alcohol above 15%, amazing density and beautifully managed tannins, with some sweet grain flavors that say “old vines.”
Old Vine
94
39
86,722
italy
Aromas of ripe strawberry, mint, pipe tobacco and a whiff of forest floor take center stage on this structured red. The full-flavored elegant palate boasts a nice depth of flavors including red cherry, raspberry, cake spice and a hint of new leather alongside polished tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
Praepositus Riserva
92
43
121,095
us
Light and fruity, with young vine flavors of strawberries and cherries.
Sheridan Vineyard
87
30
64,782
us
Smoky and tightly wound on the nose, this off-dry Riesling needs aeration and time to open and reveal itself. Fresh yellow-apple and peach flavors are delicately concentrated on the palate but brightened by racy lemon-lime acidity.
Love
87
15
92,905
us
Leafy, fennel-like aromas top this fresh, grapy and well-balanced wine. It tastes lively and tangy but also brings good ripeness and richness to the palate. Made from vines as old as 130 years, it's a wonderful break from the ordinary.
Bechthold Vineyard
91
22
70,043
us
Lighter in color, this wine packs fruit punch, cola and ripe cranberry into the nose. Flavors mix juicy strawberries with Earl Grey tea, marjoram and orange rind elements.
Small Lot Reserve
86
16
38,778
france
One of the single-vineyard wines produced by Dauny, this is a wine with great freshness while also having a rich character from the southerly exposure of the vines. Still young, it is all tangy acidity and needs to age. Drink from 2016.
Clos du Roy
89
25
126,607
spain
Aromas of citrus, especially white grapefruit and lime, are spunky and sweaty like Sauvignon Blanc or Verdejo. A solid, fleshy palate is home to a mix of citric and tropical flavors, while the finish reverts back to grapefruit, with a monotone feel. This is Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca and Pedro Ximénez.
Òlbia
88
95
36,245
us
A fascinatingly flavorful wine by South African Ernst Storm, this shows very perfumed apple peels, pungent green pears and telltale grass shavings on the nose, all lifted by white pepper, wet thyme and hints of dried peaches. The incredibly vibrant palate, with lots of energy and acidity yet not in a biting way, offers flavors of rainy cement, limestone, Granny Smith apple skins and more grass.
Presqu'ile Vineyard
92
35
96,694
france
Less successful than the red Jacques Sans Souci, this nevertheless has some attractive fresh citrus and green plum flavors and bright fresh acidity. Simple fruits and a light green apple structure give it a good, crisp finish.
Jacques Sans Souci
85
9
15,501
france
The most serious of the Chablis Grand Crus has produced here a wine that combines that firmer nature with generous yellow fruits, toast and tender acidity. A strong sense of structure partners with a steely core and mineral texture that firms up the fruit and promises aging. Drink from 2017.
Les Clos Grand Cru
94
75
105,338
us
This blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre and Viognier offers intriguing aromas of blackberry and plum with woodspice accents. It's pleasingly fresh and pure with rich, focused fruit flavors that linger.
L'Entente
91
36
5,258
us
Aromas of blackberry, black currant, cinnamon and dark plum lead to high toned herbal, green olive, licorice and barrel spice grace notes. The black fruit flavors are forward and concentrated, with smoked meat on the finish.
The Deal Sundance
91
35
82,579
us
This wine has strong and tart blackberry aromas and flavors, a very firm and tannic texture and low alcohol. Hints of earth and new leather lend some complexity, but it will take time for this wine to relax for optimum enjoyment. Best after 2022.
L. Venturi Vineyards
88
38
92,430
us
This blend of Cabernet and Merlot tastes more like a Shiraz than a Bordeaux blend. It's jammy and peppery and also Porty, with an overripe, brandied taste.
Proprietary Red Wine
81
12
43,178
portugal
A bold, ripe wine that is rich and ready to drink. The tannins, the dry core that just supports the black fruits and the attractive acidity are all balanced. This is an immediately attractive, rounded wine. Drink now.
Reserva
90
20
23,360
italy
This Riserva Chianti Classico opens with earthy, gritty aromas of forest floor, wild mushroom and deep, dark berry fruit. It shows a layered, sophisticated side of Sangiovese with lingering spice and cola on the close.
Coltassala Riserva
90
56
128,666
us
Orange blossoms, grapefruit piths and freshly cut pineapple explode on the nose of this perfumed, yet impeccably elegant Riesling. It's gossamer-light in texture, but deeply concentrated with generous streaks of ripe yellow peach and tangerine. A bristle of bitter lime zest accompanies a long finish. Gorgeous now but substantial enough to mature well though at least 2023.
Sawmill Creek Vineyards Dry
90
16
96,654
us
At the age of about four years, the fruit on this wine is beginning to shift from primary blackberries and cherries to dried versions of the same. It's also picking up interesting mushroom and cured meat notes. But the tannins remain fierce, and there's some heat from alcohol. Its future seems limited
Chris's Cuvée
87
65
4,696
us
Though pale in hue, this is big in flavor. It's a textbook Pinot Noir rosé, sharp, tight and showing deep flavors of rhubarb, rosewater and strawberry fruit. There's exceptional length along with the lovely, fresh fruit flavors.
Pinot Noir
91
25
90,051
italy
Here's a bold, full-bodied red that opens with aromas of mature dark berry, Alpine herb, wild flower, and a whiff of menthol. The firm, radiant palate offers bright red cherry, baking spice, licorice and sage alongside bracing tannins and vibrant acidity. It's still young and needs time to develop but already boasts classic Nebbiolo sensations. Drink after 2021.
Ravera
93
80
14,694
italy
Made entirely with Aglianico, this offers aromas suggesting cassis and Mediterranean herb. The concentrated palate delivers blackberry jam, vanilla and toast alongside firm rather astringent tannins. Drink through 2019.
Opera Mia
89
40
124,249
us
This is Côtes-du-Rhône, California style. A blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Counoise, it's a dry, rich, full-bodied red wine, flooded with easy-to-drink cherry, blackberry, blueberry and oak flavors, and a wealth of Provençal rosemary, lavender and thyme. Drink now for its soft, youthful purity.
Côtes de Tablas
88
20
96,427
chile
Dusty, citrusy aromas form the greeting, while the palate is juicy in style, without much definition beyond zestiness. The flavors offer notes of papaya and nectarine. The finish sizzles for a moment, then fizzles.
La Palma
84
9
12,113
spain
A high level of char introduces this saturated, high-energy Rioja, which also shows animal and wild herb aromas. Oak and vanilla flavors share space with plum and blackberry fruit on the palate, a mocha note echoing on the strong, acid-driven finish. Drink through 2027.
Reserva
90
32
71,674
us
A very flavorful wine, rich in blackberry jam, chocolate, white mint and buttercream. The tannins on this Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre blend are thick and soft.
de facto
86
46
57,150
germany
This dainty off-dry Riesling is marked by aromas—ripe stone fruit and florals against a backdrop of tea leaves and crushed minerals. On the palate, it's intensely juicy, with flavors of orange, mango and peach, but with a streak of acidity that ripples the tongue.
Ayler Kupp Kabinett
91
23
108,789
france
The Romans made it to Sancerre, hence the name of this wine. The flavors are rich, with a mineral edge to the notes of green fruits, plums and greengages and a serious citrus core. With its structure, the wine needs to age for 2–3 years.
Les Romains
92
25
19,577
us
Fermented to a plus-size 15.4% alcohol, this rare wine from one of Washington's oldest and best Cabernet vineyards shows what a gifted winemaker can do with great fruit. The play of flavors, mixing red and purple fruits, toasted nuts, mocha, caramel, bark and earth, is exceptional. The detail is extraordinary for a wine with such high alcohol. The acids and tannins are seamless and fine, and the flavors extend into an unusual finish that suggests menthol and eucalyptus – not generally a character found in Champoux fruit. All in all it's a wonderful voyage, and one of a handful of essential Washington wines.
Block One Champoux Vineyard
95
72
113,799
argentina
Blackberry and charred aromas announce a juicy, tight-framed palate with crispness and modest depth of fruit and texture. Oaky flavors of vanilla and chocolate accent snappy notes of red currant and plum. Raw tannins, citric acidity and related bite make the finish a bit fierce. Drink through 2021.
Gran Corte
90
75
107,951
us
This Merlot tastes hotter than than its official alcohol. A jalapeño pepper heat seems to accentuate the ripeness, so that raisins and prunes star. It's a robust, somewhat rustic wine of limited ageability, but it will pair well with strongly flavored, spicy beef stews and barbecue.
Heller Vineyard
86
36
23,488
us
The squat Port-like bottle is the first indication that this is no ordinary Sauvignon Blanc. The juice was intentionally oxidized, then barrel fermented and aged on the lees. It's complex winemaking, and delivers a toasty textural wine with less snap and more softness that is usual with this grape. If you like the pricier barrel-fermented Sancerres, this is in your wheelhouse.
Russell-Grooters Vineyard
90
42
123,302
us
This wine from one of Anderson Valley's pioneers has a lighter-than-usual color and plenty of red cherry, raspberry and turned earth aromas. It offers low-level fruit flavors and good balance of acidity versus ripeness.
Estate Bottled
87
25
33,495
us
The nose on this wine from a very promising appellation for value is very root-vegetable-driven, with aromas of just-cut beets, boiled rhubarb, green and black olives and a hint of strawberry. The palate is earthy and interesting, showing lots of chopped black olive, which may be a turn-off for some expecting a more fruit-driven experience.
Cedar Lane
87
23
119,617
italy
Gianni Masciarelli has mastered the tricky art of growing Chardonnay in the Abruzzo and this sophisticated, barrique-aged wine shows his enormous talent. Dedicated to his wife, layered aromas here include vanilla extract, pineapple, honey and almond backed by elegant mineral nuances. Wood-driven flavors are underplayed in the mouth, allowing the quality of the fruit to show.
Marina Cvetic
92
50
11,751
italy
Piccini offers a great opportunity to experience Brunello di Montalcino to those who may not already be familiar with this storied Tuscan wine. Available at a more attractive price, the wine is lean and compact with bright notes of cherry, blackberry and exotic spice.
Villa al Cortile
89
45
47,059
us
A Cab-based wine with 20% Merlot, this has juicy blackberry and currant to soften the overreaching tannic profile. Blessed in cedar and tobacco, this also presents a strong showing of dried herb. The fruit leans black and blue, from blueberry to black plum, a nod to the Merlot.
Deux Chevaux Vineyard
88
50
63,969
us
This crisp Chardonnay has a disjointedness about it. Its aroma and flavor is most akin to Lemonheads candy.
Old Head
84
15
32,100
italy
Blueberry, chocolate, mint and clove aromas lead the nose of this blend of 50% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Franc and 15% Petit Verdot. The palate offers dried black cherries, coffee, cinnamon, black pepper and cocoa. Fine-grained tannins provide the framework.
Oliviero Toscani
89
28
80,629
france
A rich and beautiful wine with a lush, full weight and velvety texture. Typical black fruit abounds with accents of milk chocolate, thyme and eucalyptus. A hint of grapefruit oil adds vibrancy to the nose, transcending a more traditional Corbières offering. The finish is long and lingering but a bit tight with strong tannic presence; drink 2010 on. Only 50 cases imported.
Cuvée Mythique Limited Release
91
42
45,118
us
Dried, concentrated red fruit and raspberry syrup aromas combine for a delicious smelling nose on this wine from southern Monterey County, near Paso Robles. It is surprisingly thin and rough on the palate, with modest blueberry flavor and peppery spice.
Lockwood Oaks Vineyard
85
18
29,787
us
A blend of blocks and clones from this impressive property, this Pinot delivers pretty raspberry and cherry fruit, dusted with baking spices. From the opening aromas of fruit and flower, on through to the bigger barrel flavors of clove and cinnamon, this is a lovely wine, drinking well, but certainly fit for cellaring through 2020–2022.
Estate
92
35
79,488
us
Understated aromas of pastis, fines herbes and portobello detail the core notes of blackberry and dark cherry. The wine has a slick, tender palate, with furry tannins surfacing on the finish.
Lozen
86
40
29,891
us
From the steepest, east-facing block of the estate vineyard, given 15% whole-cluster fermentation, this is a dense, brooding wine, spicy and concentrated in blueberry and black cherry. It has a tenacity of earthiness that never lets go, lingering on the full-bodied palate for days. Drink now through 2023.
Quail Hill Vineyard Block 10
94
70
14,417
portugal
This is the entry-level wine at Passadouro, with generous fruits and black plum flavors. It has spice from the wood aging along with generous tannins that don't detract from the rich nature and open fruits. The aftertaste shows a wine that is ready to drink.
Passa
86
15
34,742
france
This blend of 71% Chardonnay, 23% Viognier and 6% Sauvignon Blanc offers good concentration and ample richness, with pure yet powerful aromas and flavors of wood-grilled apple, peach pit, beeswax and yellow melon rind. Accents of toasted challah and pressed yellow flowers add depth to the bouquet, while finishing touches of orange oil and sweet spice unfold on the round, lush finish. Drink now–2018.
Cigalus
92
60
18,457
italy
Rose, underbrush, dried berry and balsamic notes lead the nose. The taut structured palate evokes juicy strawberry, crushed cherry, star anise and cake spice framed in tightly woven fine-grained tannins. It's elegant and well balanced, with fresh acidity. Drink 2023–2033.
Margheria
92
95
21,822
us
Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Gewürztraminer constitute the blend. The wine is soft and dull, with watery flavors.
White Table Wine
81
9
33,967
us
Bone dry, with bristling notes of wet stone, slate and petrol, this boasts striking minerality, with undertones of white blossoms, limes and sugar cookie that linger delicately on the finish. Brisk with acidity, it would pair fabulously with goat cheese or fatty salmon.
Reserve
88
25
28,942
us
From Old Wente clones grown on the famous vineyard, this full-bodied, textured wine shows ripe elements of golden honey, Gravenstein apple and toasted vanilla oak. Along the way, it flirts nicely with pear and marzipan, finishing in balanced minerality.
Bacigalupi Vineyard
90
40
42,019
us
Generally considered the best of the best single vineyard Pinots from Sineann, this new Resonance is—to quote the late, great Robert Palmer—simply irresistible. Fresh fruit flavors of strawberry, raspberry, sweet cherry and more roll into a lingering aftermath with nuances of cinnamon, cola, chocolate, nougat, coconut and caramel. None of this is overwhelming; the fruit rules. But the finesse and length, which sneaks up on you, are impressive.
Resonance Vineyard
94
48
99,831
france
Very dry, this is all about dark tannins initially, appropriate for the Tannat grape of Madiran. But even from cool 2002, there are good black fruits pushing through those tannins, giving juice, as well as more exotic nutmeg flavors. Age for 4–5 years.
Château Arricau-Bordes
89
35
99,503
us
Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, with slightly more of the former. It hinges on large swathes of barbecue smokiness and heaping grilled meat, with a baseline of licorice and vanilla-laced tannin that can sometimes overwhelm.
Super Cuvee Lot 95
85
30
35,747
us
A depth of earth and sassafras make for sultry companions in this vineyard designate, marked by heady aromas of roses. Soft and subtle on the palate, with a lightness and elegance, it lingers in pomegranate, raspberry and black tea.
Gap's Crown Vineyard
91
65
55,213
italy
This vibrant white features delicate but enticing aromas of black locust flower, jasmine and stone fruit. The round, bright palate offers creamy peach, crisp apple and juicy nectarine alongside firm acidity. It closes on a mineral note.
Molceo
92
30
52,145
us
Made 100% from Pinot Noir, this bubbly has an orange copper color, and is full-bodied and dry. The flavors are of raspberries, strawberries and yeast, and the all-important mousse is refined. A little eccentric, but try it with sushi.
Pinot Noir
88
54
60,050
france
A powerfully concentrated wine, its ripe yellow fruits smoothly filling the mouth with their unctuous honeyed character. Ginger and other spices add an edge to this gorgeous, full wine that needs aging over many years.
Les Roches
93
45
21,283
portugal
This is a clever blend with the natural ripeness of Pinot Noir in Portugal smoothing out the firmer tannins of Touriga Nacional. The result is a rich, soft wine, just lifted by acidity and anchored by a background of cherry fruits and black currant. Drink now.
Terra de Touros
87
9
37,937
france
This is very smoky, with flavors of bacon as well as a yeasty character. The fruit has migrated into a taut texture, spiced with parsley and bay leaf. It's mature yet still zesty.
Grand Fumé
91
32
126,794
us
A terrific wine, delicious and classic in structure. Shows the beauty of the blend, which consists of five Bordeaux varieties. Rich in cherries, blackberries, red currants, chocolate, anise and sandalwood, it has a gentle, elegant mouthfeel, and is thoroughly dry.
Tapestry Reserve
92
50
98,379
us
This is a huge wine that's dense in flavors, rich in tannins, and with the soft lusciousness associated with this vineyard. Made from old vines, it's bold in cherry pie, red currants and mocha, yet dry and resilient on the finish. Delicious as it is now, it's a wine with a successful history for aging. Resist the temptation to drink it now and cellar. Best from 2017 and beyond.
West Block
96
100
28,850
portugal
This attractive, fruity blend includes perfumed Syrah and juicy Alicante Bouschet. Touches of wood aging add spice and light tannins to this wine that is young but ready to drink.
Mula Velha Premium
86
15
128,005
france
A brilliant wine, shining with bright fruits, fresh and crisp. The fact that it also has weight gives it an extra intensity of herbaceous flavors, lifted by green peas. There is a definite steely edge to the finish.
Chavignol
92
30
76,393
italy
Structured and focused, this gorgeous wine offers enticing scents of pressed violet, woodland berry, baking spice, tilled soil and leather. The firm palate delivers ripe black cherry, licorice, mint, tobacco and ground clove alongside youthfully assertive but refined tannins. Give this time to fully develop—it should blossom into a beauty. Drink 2018–2026.
Parafada
95
99
123,285
us
Taut, young and laced with accents of bitter greens, the fruit is peppery and sharp, with plenty of backing acidity. Tannins are proportionate and well managed, while the finish is short, showing mostly acid and herbal components.
Winemaker's Cuvée
87
30
42,033
us
This is a big, hard, tannic wine. It's so buttoned up, the question is whether it will age. Most of the signs say yes. It's gigantically rich in blackberries, cassis and chocolate, with a berried sweetness accented by the caramel of toasted oak. Acidity is just fine. On the other hand, the alcohol is notable, giving it peppery heat. A very fine, flashy, impressive wine, but its future is obscure.
Reserve
93
125
106,534
us
The fruit carries a pleasing sweetness onto the herb-flavored midpalate. Then aggressive flavors of stem and grape skin emerge, though perhaps they're too dominant.
Roserock
88
52
14,240
france
A full-bodied, extracted wine, this has a flavor of dark cherry and a hint of chocolate. It's a big, in-your-face style, with firm tannins and a solid, chunky structure.
Le Syrah de Bouissel
88
19
104,085
france
Fresh notes of ripe lemon zest are suffused with hay flower and earth notes. The palate majors on zesty, lively and aromatic citrus: tangerine and Amalfi lemon above all. This is dry and bright, slender and precise, yet never lets go of its earthy touch. The finish is expansive and clean.
Burg
92
34
47,782
spain
Aromas suggest berry fruits, spice. A full, creamy, grabby palate is weighty, while flavors of varied black fruits are oaky and chocolaty. On the finish, this tastes roasted and a bit hot, with a note of salt. This is two-thirds Garnacha along with Syrah and Samsó (Carignan).
Tempus
88
22
51,033
us
This bottling comes off a select corner of the Talley family ranch and is quite shy on the nose at first, reluctantly offering beet, cranberry, and cooked strawberry aromas, with the slightest touch of caramelization and loam. The flavors tend toward bramble, with wild thyme, white pepper and oregano, starting off simple but growing persistent and beautiful as the wine opens.
East Rincon
92
64
97,711
us
This Riesling is slightly sweet, but it's balanced by crisp acidity. The tangerine, green apple and peach flavors have a honeyed finish.
Vintner's Reserve
84
12
118,251
france
Slight smoke mixes in the nose of this wine, with lifted mandarin-peel notes. The dry palate is streamlined and has uncommon lightness. It's weightless but concentrated, with full and bright citrus lift and a lively core brimming with lemon, bergamot and lime. The finish is wonderfully clean. This will drink well through 2024, at least.
Estate
93
40
15,498
us
The Summum block sits at the vineyard's highest elevation, and seems to ripen more slowly and give extra complexity at lower sugar levels. Elegant and refined, with fruit flavors less in your face than its sister cuvées, this mixes citrus flavors of lemon, lime and pink grapefruit, along with lighter suggestions of pineapple and a hint of papaya. It's complex and captivating, with a long, racy finish.
Seven Springs Vineyard Summum
94
90
104,911
italy
Cortinie Bianco opens with impressive intensity and lasting aromas of peach cobbler, vanilla cream and preserved peaches. It follows with a smooth, dense texture in the mouth.
Cortinie Bianco
87
25
116,288
us
Forward and accessible, this wine has broadly displayed flavors of berry and milk chocolate, along with more subtle details of cayenne and herb. The nuances sneak up on you, but make for a fascinating ride. Drink now or give it another 3–4 years.
Mt. Richmond
90
42
55,900
us
Dark as night, this is a sumptuous, rich, concentrated and full-bodied Cabernet tasting of dark berry and oak, with a trace of leather saddle on the finish.
Estate Grown
87
25
31,420
us
It's no exaggeration to say that the 2014 releases from Shea are the best (as an entire group) in the winery's history. Could be maturing of the vines, along with a textbook perfect vintage, but whatever the reasons, these wines are not to be missed. Floral highlights, potent ripe cherry fruit, a dusting of cocoa powder and myriad layers come together in this irresistible, impeccably balanced block selection.
Shea Vineyard Block 7
95
66
59,503
spain
Light plum and raspberry aromas include notes of animal and latex. This lightweight Garnacha has a monotone mouthfeel, while hollow simple berry flavors finish with acidic tang.
Viña Temprana Old Vines
83
8
18,046
us
Frank Family, far better known for Cabernet Sauvignon, joins the sparkling wine sweepstakes with this drily crisp, Champagne-like brut. It has subtle flavors of raspberries, strawberries, limes and brioche pastry, with a complex finish. Quite good.
Brut Champagne
92
65
86,294
us
At the equivalent of about $4.50 a bottle, this Zin in a vacuum-packed box is a good buy. It's dry, full-bodied and very Zinny, with peppery wild berry, tobacco and herb flavors.
3 L
84
18
98,515
france
Bright, fruity and crisp, this silky-textured rosé has a refreshing finish and bold, pink bubble-gum-like (but dry) flavors. Drink now.
Passion Terroirs
86
12
59,260
us
This medium-bodied Chardonnay has big aromas and flavors. It smells like toasted oak and pineapple, and tastes buttery and appley, with extra baking spice flavors and a smooth texture.
Old Soul
86
14
8,458
italy
This wine's most outstanding quality is the elegant and delicate manner with which the bouquet slowly reveals itself. This vineyard-designate wine is a traditional blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo, opening with subtle aromas of red cherry, dried violet, moist earth, vanilla and cured meat.
Rubesco Riserva Vigna Monticchio
92
57
105,908
us
Hard and tannic at first, this young wine grudgingly reveals a core of very tart cherry fruit, encased in flavors of stem and wood. A coffee-infused finish does not conceal the chewy, tough tannins.
Estate
86
24
33,236
us
This is a richly textured, balanced wine that's medium bodied and fruity in style. It's crisp and silky with cherry, licorice, cola and oak flavors.
Dylema
85
24
2,606
chile
Earthy aromas include pencil eraser, wild herbs and eucalyptus along with tea and blackberry. This is very smooth and lush in the mouth, a reflection of a warm vintage. Flavors of olive, herbs, tobacco and black fruits are textbook for the variety, while a mellow, polished finish is silky and easygoing. Drink through 2016.
Edición Limitada
90
23
13,857
argentina
This Torrontés smells round, leesy, soft and short on particular fruit aromas. Due to its age, this feels plump and low on edgy acidity. Powdery citrus and lime flavors end flat, with some burn. This is probably past its prime, but it's still in good shape to enjoy now.
Festivo
86
15
109,851
us
Plump and ripe Montmorency cherry kicks off the aromas on this bottling, followed by rain-on-slate minerality, slight hints of cola and a growing sense of sour cranberry. The palate also begins with riper red fruit before diving into extreme minerality and intriguing texture. Then comes tart plums and cranberries, all dusted by savory touches of white pepper. It's quite a ride.
Cargasacchi Vineyard
96
65
98,919
portugal
Vargellas is always associated with violet aromas as well as the strength and power of its wines inside a velvet glove. The 2012 is concentrated yet soft and smooth on the surface. It's fruity and fresh, while brooding with inner strength. Drink now for its fruit; wait until 2021 for its power and longevity.
Quinta de Vargellas Vintage
94
53
111,110
france
This yeasty, ripe and fruity wine is given great shape by the mineral-taut texture. It is on the dry side, crisp with well-structured apples and pears. The bready character gives extra richness and balances the tight acidity at the end.
Carte Blanche Brut
88
40
13,440
chile
Minty, creamy and as oaky as can be. Coconut, sawdust, carob and other barrel-based aromas steal the nose, with secondary black fruit and thick tannins composing the palate. This is a ripped, high-alcohol, almost soupy Syrah that in some people's eye may seem overdone and too woody. But the fruit is of unquestionable high quality, and if you give it time to air out you'll get the best results.
Folly
90
82
88,666
us
Randall Grahm's blend of 55% Roussanne, 26% Grenache Blanc and 19% Picpoul Blanc shows sliced honeydew, wet stone and a flash of topicality on the delicate nose. The mouthfeel is steely with layers of tense energy, showing lime pith and faint green banana, as well as lemon blossoms lasting long on the finish.
Le Cigare Blanc Beeswax Vineyard
91
28
60,100
france
A subdued nose leads to a very zesty palate, with grapefruit zest and crunchy green apple. The fruit is lively, clean and rather vivacious. Lemony freshness brightens the dry finish and makes you sip more.
Herrenweg
89
23
21,233
us
A tremendous wine. Made from 100% Cabernet and raised for nearly two years in 40% new French oak, it defines the ripe, hedonistic Napa style. Yet it's no mere fruit bomb, offering a tobaccoey earthiness to the berries. A touch of raisins and heat in the finish seems to limit ageability, though, so drink up.
Silencieux
89
48
37,473
spain
Initial aromas of minerally berry fruits and plum turn toward earth and compost when given ample air. This feels steady but limited, with flat tannins. Herbal flavors of leafy berry stir interest before finishing with notes of leather and herbs.
Al Muvedre Tinto Joven
86
13
7,904
us
This wine seems to be a casualty of the cold vintage, with thin fruit and overall earthy flavors. A whiff of barnyard is evident as well.
Zenith Vineyard
84
36
101,139
us
This is a supple, spicy wine, with a core of black cherry fruit. It's complemented with lighter flavors of cola, earth and coffee. At first it seems to fade a little too quickly, but with some breathing time the finish expands and brings in notes of cracker and toast.
Jolie Bouche
91
39
29,457
us
A Chardonnay with an easygoing disposition, this has a broad, waxy aroma of white orchard fruit. The melon-flavored palate bears a slight oiliness. Pair it with grilled swordfish steaks.
Acte 12 of Sixteen Nineteen
85
18