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71,929 | us | The oak peeks through, set against proportionate strawberry and cherry fruit which has been lightly ripened. It's not a big wine, but it is balanced, and was barrel-aged for 18 months in a percentage of French oak. It should drink well now through 2022. | Woodhall Reserve | 89 | 32 |
31,002 | italy | Borgoluce is the type of brut sparkling wine that shows all that easy-drinking informality we love to find in Prosecco Superiore. White flower and citrus are the main aromatic elements and the wine is bright and sharply crisp in the mouth. | Brut | 87 | 22 |
70,813 | us | This vineyard, first planted in 1982, was recently acquired by Jason Lett. A steely, earthy core provides the spine, wrapped in tart red currant fruit. Firm and focused, it's a multi-dimensional effort that still shows well after being open for three full days. Berries, smoke, dark chocolate, a whiff of curry and a saline finish are all in play. | Outcrop Estate | 93 | 55 |
87,821 | us | From a Snipes Mountain vineyard, this dense and rich take on Viognier has sharp edges around spicy lemon and pineapple fruit. The phenolic “bite” (from skin contact?) powers the finish, slightly bitter but defining and expressive. | Upland Vineyard | 88 | 15 |
14,339 | us | Rustic and simple, with sweetened cherry-berry and cola flavors that finish in a swirl of sugary blackberry jam. | Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyards 4-Block Blend | 80 | 28 |
1,939 | us | Aged in 68% new French oak, the barrel notes take center stage here with aromas of toast and spice. The palate is creamy and full with a viscous feel, tapering in concentration toward the finish. | Reserve | 87 | 15 |
20,884 | bulgaria | This dark cherry-red wine has aromas of red plums and dried black plums that flow to the palate. An easy drinking wine, with pleasantly tart cherry flavors. | Veni Vidi Vici | 88 | 10 |
101,024 | us | This wine starts out quite reductive, with sulfurous aromas that provide significant distraction. The flavors are light and show a pleasing elegance but can't make up the difference. | Afternoon Delight Estate | 83 | 22 |
25,748 | us | Borra demonstrates its mastery with whites in this interesting, perfect mélange of sweetness and zip. Made in a dry style, the sweetness is mostly in the aromatics, which imply peach-colored roses, and inviting mouthfeel, which imparts subtle grapefruit and stone fruit amidst all the crispness. | Artist Series-Limited Edition Nuvola | 91 | 19 |
54,867 | us | This vintage marks a welcome return of Viognier to the otherwise all-red Cayuse portfolio. It's an immaculate, elegant, complex wine, redolent of wet stone, dried herbs (thyme, rosemary), jicama, cucumber, lime, grapefruit, melon and more. It is clear and clean, precise and focused. It does not push the ripeness, or overshoot the cool vintage, and never sacrifices complexity. Fermented and aged in a concrete egg, it's seen no oak at all. | Cailloux Vineyard | 94 | 65 |
97,681 | us | Overt floral and lychee aromas, lean peach and bosc pear flavors and a smooth, dry texture make an exotic mix for this medium-bodied wine. | Ferrington Vineyard | 87 | 20 |
80,822 | us | Mostly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this blend includes smaller percentages of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris as well. Light golden in color, it's a zingy, long-lingering taste of citrus and berry that's creamy on the palate with a floral nose. | Brut Prestige | 89 | 22 |
15,913 | chile | An amplified green nose smells like lime infused with bell pepper and asparagus. A citrusy snappy palate is brash, while pyrazinic green flavors are balanced by citric notes. This is a typical San Antonio SB: racy, green and citric. | Gran Reserva Origen | 88 | 16 |
90,596 | italy | A blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia and Picolit, this stunning wine offers enticing scents of wildflower, citrus and ripe orchard fruit. The radiant palate delivers white peach, lemon zest, yellow apple and mineral while bright acidity provides impeccable balance. Drink through 2020. | Vintage Tunina | 93 | 70 |
120,756 | spain | Jumpy berry aromas are simple and grapy. A plump but jagged and tannic palate tastes foxy and a touch herbal, while foresty, minty-green-berry flavors carry a scratchy finish. | Viernes | 86 | 13 |
100,393 | australia | Old-vine Shiraz from the valley floor imparts great richness and a creamy texture to this wine's tannins, framed easily by hints of vanilla. Yet it's not a simple fruit-and-oak concoction—with time in the glass it steadily unfurls to reveal herbal and spice complexities. Marries power and elegance; drink now–2015. | The Factor | 92 | 105 |
97,623 | us | Dark and juicy, this selection comes out swinging with bold fruit flavors of black cherry, blackberry and black currant. Highlights of oranges, espresso and dark chocolate compound the scents and flavors. It builds into a gorgeous midpalate, that extends gracefully through a lingering finish. Supple and sensuous, it leaves you with a trace of sea salt caramel in the back of the palate. | Block 5 | 94 | 66 |
79,340 | new zealand | Drawn from the company's holdings in the Awatere Valley, this is a medium-bodied, supple Pinot Noir. A sturdy frame of cedar and mocha surrounds mouthwatering cherry fruit. Drink now–2018. | Taylors Pass Vineyard | 89 | 44 |
27,087 | us | Simple, soft and jammy, with baked cherry pie, currant and milk chocolate flavors. There's a bitterness throughout. Drink now. | Bon Vivant | 84 | 35 |
11,455 | us | This smells as vivid as fresh-picked and crushed grapes, combining cranberry, raspberry, cinnamon and other spices. Flavors suggest black cherry, blackberry, and attractive spicy oak. It is full bodied, smooth but a bit tight in texture due to great, firm tannins and lively acidity. A nice touch of sweet-seeming oak marks the lingering finish. | Trois Filles | 91 | 42 |
48,102 | portugal | This big, firm wine, produced by the team that makes Dow's and Graham's Port, is as impressive as always. With its tight plum skins and dense character, ripe jammy texture and sweet fruit, it combines immediate charm with the potential for long-term aging. | Vintage | 93 | 56 |
9,871 | us | This blends cool-climate Syrah (50%) from the Edna Valley with warmer-site Petite Sirah (45%) and Grenache (5%) and shows candied cinnamon, black cherry, plum and cedar aromas. Tangy black plum and raspberry notes lead the palate, underpinned by chewy tannins. | Mosaico | 88 | 33 |
60,031 | us | This Bordeaux-style blend includes 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 14% Cab Franc. It's a balanced and fine-tuned effort, with a lovely mix of tart, sleek, red and purple fruits. There's a nice underpinning of dried herb, ripe tannins, and a graceful, lingering finish. At almost six years of age, the wine remains fresh and lively. | DuBrul Vineyard Carriage House | 93 | 50 |
80,831 | us | This structured rosé packs a punch in tannins at first, but is balanced and dry. Refreshing bursts of wild berries and savory herb lead to a smooth and exotic finish. The subtle power reflects the vintage and Green Valley-sourced vineyards. | Rosé of | 89 | 28 |
103,199 | us | Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon each take up 38% of this blend, with the rest equal parts Merlot and Petit Verdot. It captivates with aromas of black licorice, purple flowers, earth and herbs. The style is reserved, more focused on acid and tannin structure, but it still shows layers of textured fruit flavors. It will be best 2020–2030. | Ciel du Cheval Vineyard | 93 | 45 |
38,570 | italy | Rina Ianca (a blend of Grillo and Viognier) is a beautiful wine with good complexity and character. The emphasis here is on aromas of peach, almond blossom, white mineral and creamy vanilla and the mouthfeel offers both density and persistency. | Rina Ianca | 87 | 13 |
43,986 | spain | All indigenous grapes are welcomed by our tasting panel, but sometimes they are unknown and little used for a reason. This wine, made from the local Maturana Tinta, is a green, mean, lean wine with herbal aromas and flavors that, let's face it, are vegetal. Tastes tart and short, with a strong, driving green character throughout. | Ad Libitum | 82 | 40 |
84,848 | us | This blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Cabernet Franc is a bit over the hill, so drink up now. Prune, raisin, leather, roasted meat and pepper show on the nose, while the palate offers dried cherries and dust. | Test Pilot F7U-3 | 86 | 39 |
113,954 | italy | Aromas of oak, toast, espresso and a whiff of violet come together. The firmly structured palate offers dried black cherry, orange zest and licorice alongside bracing tannins. | Cerretta | 90 | 103 |
4,201 | us | This behemoth of a wine grabs your attention with its deep color and late harvest aromas then coats the palate with superripe cherry and baking spice flavors. It comes across as Port-like despite its dryness and very firm tannins. Best after 2022. | Estate | 87 | 52 |
20,898 | us | Brassfield is establishing a fine track record with this wine. It's wonderfully crisp and clean in acidity, with pure flavors of citrus fruits, lemongrass, apricots, wildflowers and white pepper. Fine as an aperitif sipper, or with almost anything that wants a dry, zesty white. | High Serenity Ranch | 87 | 15 |
72,592 | germany | There aren't many Rieslaner bottlings out there, so this may be one of the few chances people have of trying this interesting variety. It starts off smoky and herbal, developing strange leafy flavors that take some getting used to, although there's an undercurrent of lime-like fruit as well. Sweet without being too sweet; try with the cheese course. | Durkheimer Nonnengarten Auslese | 89 | 39 |
56,095 | france | Coming from flint soil, this is a structured, mineral wine. Tight texture, tangy acidity and an almost chewy character show that this young wine is still developing. It will reveal citrus and apple flavors in a year, so drink from 2017. | Les Vignes Silex | 90 | 16 |
38,627 | us | I think by “lust” they mean something like a decadent chocolate truffle with a gooey cherry liqueur filling. That's what this sweetish wine, which has 15.9% alcohol, tastes like. It is awfully tasty, but it's hard to imagine what you'd drink it with, except, well, a chocolate truffle. | Lust | 84 | 49 |
4,793 | italy | This crisp Vermentino would make a great companion to smoked salmon or swordfish carpaccio. The wine is bright and zesty with simple citrus and spice on the close. | Massi di Mandorlaia | 85 | 19 |
55,041 | italy | This barrique-aged Chardonnay tastes a bit too much of barrique, with toasty, cinnamon and vanilla flavors dominating the underlying melon and peach fruit. It's sexy wood, but it's just too prominent; tone down the makeup and let this beauty's natural good looks shine through. | Were Dreams, Now it is Just Wine | 85 | 55 |
21,704 | spain | Quite ripe on the nose, such that raisin and sweetness are front and center. Saturated in the mouth, but as a whole it's a bit flabby and, for the most part, it's neither here nor there. Flavors of plum and berry tilt to the dark side, while the finish is short but inoffensive. | Conde de Valdemar Crianza | 85 | 14 |
48,725 | germany | While the nose opens with intense mineral tones of smoke and petrol, the palate of this kabinett bursts with plump melon and stone fruit. Zesty and bright, it's a deeply complex and irresistibly quaffable wine, with satisfying sweetness on the finish. | Abtsberg Kabinett | 91 | 38 |
22,606 | us | Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon make up the majority of this wine. Light aromas of herb, coffee bean and barrel spice lead to cranberry and cherry flavors that bring a lot of enjoyment. | Estate Pioneer Red Version I | 89 | 23 |
15,401 | chile | Grainy, oaky aromas of clove, cinnamon and wood spice sit atop minimal white-fruit notes. This feels lean and linear, with overriding resiny barrel influences. Savory and forceful oak flavors dominate tart apple notes, while this offers mostly resin and spice on the finish. | Sabino | 85 | 26 |
7,308 | us | A nice debut from this new label under the Tendril umbrella. Intense in color and deep in flavor, this pure varietal rosé pushes forward raspberry and cherry fruit with plenty of juicy pizzazz. The back end revs up with a burst of citrus rind. | Rosé of | 90 | 28 |
115,238 | south africa | This is a ripe and seductive Chardonnay, with great opulence to the palate and lush fruit characteristics of red-apple flesh, clove-spiked orange and creamy pear. Hints of toasted challah and sweet spice add depth and interest, while ample acidity keeps the generous mouthfeel in line and the finish clean. | Third Edition | 88 | 19 |
43,840 | italy | Delicate violet and strawberry aromas lead the nose on this lively, slightly bubbly red. The bright palate offers sour cherry, raspberry and a hint of orange zest. It has a clean, dry finish. | Onesta Secco | 85 | 14 |
32,378 | france | Plum and berry, cherry and red apple all appear readily on nose and palate of this fruit-driven rosé. The palate tones this down with some bitter edges but they still remain lithe and refreshing. The finish is reminiscent of bruised apple. This will work better with food than as a mere apéritif. | Extra Brut Rosé | 87 | 28 |
29,805 | us | The winery has hardly changed its winemaking formula over the decades. Gravelly Meadow remains toughly closed, dry and tannic in youth, despite its core of blackberry and cherry fruit. While the wine is flamboyantly forward by Diamond Creek standards, it would be a crime to drink it before 2020. It's so balanced and complex, it will easily age until then, and probably far longer. | Gravelly Meadow | 94 | 200 |
74,089 | us | A majority Pinot Noir (54%), this brut rosé has a healthy head of mousse followed by succulent strawberry flavor, bright acidity and a smooth finish. Dark golden-peach in color, it is layered and well-made, and a great value for the quality. | Brut Rosé Excellence | 91 | 23 |
36,849 | new zealand | A decent value in New Zealand Pinot Noir, the 2008 Wild Rock displays aromas of bright if somewhat simple cherry fruit. On the palate, this is a medium-bodied, supple wine; the cherry and plum flavors show only modest complexity, perhaps a hint of hickory smoke. Drink now. | Cupids Arrow | 86 | 17 |
93,867 | france | Green pear and soft citrus are the chief charms of this wine. The palate is clean, dry and easy to drink. It's a good all-rounder for a party. | Vieilles Vignes | 87 | 21 |
108,221 | spain | Oak-heavy aromas of vanilla, wood smoke and buttered toast vie with berry and plum scents. A fresh yet oaky palate feels full and resiny, with flavors of buttery oak, cherry and plum that follow the nose. Persistent oak on a full-force finish indicates that this has years left in it. Drink through 2023. | Crianza | 91 | 33 |
47,445 | france | This wine brims with almost overripe pear notes on the nose. The palate follows with equally full-fruited accents shot through with citric freshness, making for a super-juicy, super-easy, off-dry white. Drink soon to make most of the fruit. | Réserve | 89 | 14 |
117,522 | us | Buoyantly aromatic with notes of fresh wildflowers, preserved apricots and honey, this dry Riesling made from a tiny single-vineyard crop balances elegant crushed stone and stonefruit flavors with a focused acidity and stark orange peel astringency. Balanced and elegantly structured, it finishes on a long, meandering orange inflected note. | Tanzen Dame Auten Vineyard 1st Harvest Dry | 90 | 18 |
103,319 | south africa | A funky edge frames this wine, both on the nose and in the mouth, and adds character to the otherwise straightforward blackberry, boysenberry and fig-preserve core. Cured meat and sweet spice grace the palate and persist through the medium-length close. The blend is 52% Pinotage and 48% Shiraz. | Pinotage-Shiraz | 86 | 14 |
3,267 | italy | Made with Sangiovese and a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of coconut, toast and oak-driven spice. The evolved palate offers coconut, clove and ground black pepper but the fruit richness has almost dried up entirely, leaving an astringent finish. | O'Leandro Riserva | 86 | 45 |
120,558 | spain | Oily aromas of orange peel, orange blossom and wild flowers set up a slightly viscous palate. Flavors of pear, lychee and bitter melon barely hold up on a plump finish. Drink this aging Moscatel right away. | Mountain Blanc | 88 | 27 |
117,364 | us | A fizzy blend of six white grapes, this quaffable, tart bubbly tastes principally of grapefruit and a touch of spice. It's a solid choice alongside almost any salty appetizer. | Evolution Brut | 87 | 20 |
102,152 | us | Light aromas of rose petal, herb and spice lead to dry, white grapefruit flavors that fall a bit flat. | Reserve Boushey Vineyard | 84 | 28 |
12,566 | us | Almost dark enough, as well as fruity enough, to be a red wine, this tastes fresh and has a touch of candied character. The wine is medium bodied, resembles cherries and raspberries in flavor and carries enough acidity for good balance. | Dry | 87 | 23 |
81,155 | italy | A blend of Grecanico and Inzolia, this bright white wine opens with intense aromas of honey, exotic fruit and butterscotch. It's an easy-drinking, informal wine with a crisp close. | I Versi | 84 | 10 |
22,447 | italy | Squarcialupi Riserva has shown a successful evolution over the years. This bottling opens with tangy aromas of tobacco, dark fruit, clove and eucalyptus. Small percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are added to the blend, but the wine's winning card comes from Sangiovese's natural acidity, which lends the wine a crisp, menthol-like finish. | Squarcialupi Riserva | 89 | 35 |
67,156 | us | Brisk lemon peel and crushed mineral tones lend vibrance to this dry, full-bodied Gewürztraminer. Bright tangerine and lychee on the palate linger with a touch of earth and pollen on the finish. Drink now through 2019. | Sunrise Hill Vineyards | 88 | 19 |
74,299 | us | Fruity, spicy and brightly acidic, the Sol Duc represents the estate's best barrels. It's a generous wine, full bodied and lush, with cherry and cassis flavors. Light touches of leaf and herb come through as well. | Sol Duc Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard | 90 | 50 |
83,437 | chile | Nettle and gritty citrus aromas suggest matchstick. In the mouth, this SB pumps citrus notes and minerality, while flavors of tangerine, lime and lemon are zesty and shearing. An acid-driven finish confirms the wine's one-note, chiseled quality. | Marques de Casa Concha | 88 | 23 |
10,203 | france | The extremely pale copper color is reminiscent of a blanc de noirs. Aromas and flavors are yeasty and full of baking spices like clove and cinnamon, along with red apples. The only quibble is that it seems a bit sweeter and heavier than the best rosés. | Brut Rosé | 86 | 55 |
96,667 | france | This full, ripe wine is rich with strawberry and red plum fruit. It's weighty on the palate with flavors of orange zest and a touch of spice. Brisk acidity cuts through the palate adding freshness on the finish. | Les Muraires Douce Vie | 87 | 12 |
54,416 | france | This is a ripe, full-bodied wine with already rounded texture and fresh pear flavors. It is perfumed, richly textured, the acidity a balanced part of the fruitiness of the wine. It needs to age, so drink from 2017. | Sec | 88 | 17 |
92,129 | us | This light but vibrant and dry wine smells like fresh peaches, tastes like white raspberries and wakes up the mouth with crisp acidity. A floral character comes out with the second sip, and the mouthfeel seems to broaden and smooth on the finish. | Estate | 90 | 20 |
113,457 | argentina | Dark, tarry aromas of baked black fruits lead to a lively, jumpy palate with resiny oak. Roasted berry and hickory-smoke flavors finish with a wave of forceful, dominating oak, leaving a barbecued taste. | Single Vineyard Reserva | 89 | 23 |
86,325 | france | Although still young, this wine packs enough ripe fruit and structure to age. It has dark cherry, red plum and smoky bacon flavors that go with a stalky texture and firm tannins. Drink from 2015. | Les Terres Noires | 88 | 40 |
81,730 | chile | Despite herbaceous aromas of eucalyptus and thyme, this choppy, grating blend of Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec offers forward bold plum and currant flavors along with can't-miss herbal notes. This is aggressive on the finish, with mild heat and raw tannins. | Capítulo by Odfjell Carignan-Cabernet Sauvignon-Malbec | 87 | 15 |
119,800 | argentina | Earthy blackberry aromas are spicy and moderately complex. Structured and sound on the palate, with a strong tannic framework, this tastes of well-defined cherry and cassis. Spice and chocolaty notes on the finish are barrel driven. | Ultra | 90 | 25 |
87,964 | us | From an estate vineyard, this wine is somewhat unformed and quite feral, largely tannic, with a rough-hewn texture. The oak is overwhelming and needs time to settle, to better reveal the abundance of strawberry and cherry fruit. | Mercedes Riverblock Estate | 84 | 62 |
58,373 | us | There isn't a Chardonnay out there as rich, opulent and delicious as this one. It dazzles with tropical fruit, pear, peach, green apple, honey, vanilla and cinnamon spice flavors. Brisk, lime-driven acidity provides beautiful balance. It's oaky, but the smoky, buttered-toast and butterscotch notes are nearly perfect. Drink now with rich crab, lobster or scallop dishes. | Edwards James Estate Wente Selection | 95 | 75 |
781 | italy | A landmark wine for those who love Italian sparklers, this shows loads of ripe apricot, melon and honey notes, with toasted nut and baked bread hints in the background. There are also touches of caramel and butterscotch that help move the wine's thick and opulent texture across the palate. It ends with refreshing acidity and tonic perlage. | Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore | 92 | 85 |
68,961 | us | Fresh raspberry and peach perfume collide into a zesty crush of minerality on the nose and palate of this invigorating dry rosé. It's feather light on the palate but zippy and bright in acidity. The finish is marked by a lingering but delicate bite of astringency. A rosé worth seeking out far beyond the summer months. | Rosé of | 89 | 16 |
113,731 | portugal | Structured and ripe with black fruits, this wine has some firm tannins along with rich, spicy flavors and acidity. The wine was fermented in open tanks a technique that gives an extra richness and color to the wine. Wood aging has added a final, smoothing touch. | Reserva | 88 | 17 |
28,469 | us | Another Fiddletown beauty, this one is pungent in blackberry and exhilarating pepper and clove. Aromatic, structured and electric with equal parts acidity and stony minerality, this wine has a long-lingering finish of gorgeous brambly fruit. | E | 90 | 24 |
81,990 | spain | Serious wines from a tiny inland appellation in Catalonia—that's Abadal, a maker of true terroir wines that succeed way more often than they disappoint. This blend of Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Syrah is minerally and full of red fruit and vanilla aromas. The palate is husky but correct, with full tannins, a kick of acidity and pure, ripe berry flavors. Even from a tough vintage it justifies its selected status. | Abadal Selecció | 91 | 49 |
101,173 | italy | Glossy and structured, this opens with aromas suggesting acacia honey, toasted hazelnut, crushed stone and a hint of light spice. The smooth but firm palate offers mature yellow apple, tangerine zest and a honeyed mineral note while fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors. Drink through 2020. | Sanctissimus Riserva | 92 | 99 |
50,551 | austria | Intensely mineral in character, with a real feel for the stony soil, this is a tight, taut wine that reveals layers of fresh pink grapefruit and green plum flavors along with sufficient ripeness to give a rounder aftertaste. But the wine does need 3–4 years' aging at least. Screwcap. | Offenberg Smaragd | 91 | 57 |
5,229 | portugal | The second vintage of this wine comes from a great Douro year. It gives structure, dark fruits and a serious tannic structure that has been rounded by wood aging. Spice, berries and mint flavors all contribute to this powerful, ageworthy wine. Drink from 2017. | Cisne | 92 | 60 |
116,290 | us | The pure, natural flavors of ripe Chardonnay grapes star in this wine, which is a combination of Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco fruit. It's potent in pineapple, tangerine, peach, papaya and pear flavors that burst in the mouth with the most brilliant acidity. Defines the unoaked Chardonnay style at its best. | Metallico Un-Oaked | 90 | 20 |
128,798 | spain | Distinct yet unusual aromas of vanilla extract and butterscotch announce and confirm that this was barrel fermented. Low vibrancy and bounce on the palate create a sense of flat heaviness. Salty peach and melon flavors are buried in wood spice, while this tastes dry, pithy and resiny on a mild finish. | Parcela 52 | 85 | 20 |
117,737 | us | Big flavors and structure come together perfectly in this full-bodied, dry wine that's meant for the dinner table. Its unique fruit character combines raspberry, blackberry and rhubarb, while firm tannins and vibrant acidity create an appetizing, mouth-cleansing texture. | Phil's Selection | 91 | 25 |
262 | us | Beaver Creek makes a variation of Fairytale every vintage and this one, sourced from Napa Valley, is 41% Merlot, 36% Zinfandel and 23% Syrah, a mix that seems to work very nicely here. The wine's Zin almost tastes as if it has mountain tannins; the wine is overall herbal and earthy, ripe and sturdy with balanced fruit. | Fairytale | 89 | 39 |
46,386 | us | Tastes just like a cherry coke, with the heat of alcohol and smoky spice of oak. That's a pleasant, even complex mélange of flavors, even though the structure is simple and direct. | Reserve | 85 | 16 |
125,834 | us | Quilceda Creek's Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a dense, exotic and luxurious nose: a mix of roasted coffee, dark fruit and Asian spice. At first it's quite dense and unyielding, but it opens slowly over a period of days—not hours—remaining dense and compact, with a remarkable array of dark fruits and barrel flavors. As with its companion reds from Quilceda Creek, this is a wine to cellar for decades. | Galitzine Vineyard | 96 | 110 |
85,477 | us | This fairly limited release remains sturdy and tight, with flavors stacked impressively. Deep cherry kirsch fruit is at the core, with streaks of cola and sassafras. As the wine breathes, it gains both flesh and momentum, moving into a long and delicious finish. | The Knife Edge | 92 | 45 |
45,310 | spain | Rooty aromas of licorice and sarsparilla are out front, followed by a big wave of barrel char. This wine feels good but a little abrupt and choppy. Savory flavors of barbecue and meaty berry fruits finish blackened and peppery, with a lasting note of charred wood. | Conde de San Cristóbal | 88 | 23 |
90,766 | france | Mainly Grenache, this is a full, rich, velvety Rhône blend. Toasty oak, vanilla and baking spices dominate the youthful aromas, backed by black cherry fruit on the palate. It's warm and plush on the finish. Drink now–2025. | Terres des Amoureuses Voluptueuse | 93 | 40 |
79,212 | argentina | Compact aromas of red berries get a boost from oak-based coconut, cedar and graphite notes. This is a blend of three Malbec vineyards of varying elevations; it's bursting with acidity, while high-toned plum and currant flavors are a touch salty. A lively, fiery finish is fueled by latent acidity. Drink through 2020. | Terroir Blend | 90 | 30 |
54,032 | australia | Green beans and other vegetal notes combine with pineapple, rancid butter and wet wool in this rather odd Chardonnay. There's plenty of acidity and a creamy mouthfeel, but it's all a little out of balance. | Great Escape Cool Climate Textural | 85 | 25 |
12,446 | portugal | Totally mature, this shows a rustic character and firm, tarry tannins. It is weighty and dense, with a patina of sweet flavors that come with age. Drink it over the next few months. | Reserva | 87 | 28 |
25,076 | chile | Roasted, smoky aromas push oak-based clove notes. This is a full-bodied, blocky PN that's tipping the scales in the direction of heavy. Roasted, medicinal berry and plum flavors follow the nose, while this ends with salty notes and a final blast of oaky clove. | Gran Reserva | 85 | 15 |
58,873 | chile | A bit green and ashy, with aromas of green bean, green tobacco and bell pepper. It's not over-the-top vegetal, but it does deal plenty of green bean and celery in addition to tangerine. As a whole it's wet and easy on the palate, but it doesn't have the clarity of flavor and pure fruit that we're seeking from Leyda and Chile as a whole. | Reserva | 85 | 14 |
16,599 | spain | Emphatically toasty and charred on the nose, this offers chocolate and hickory aromas. It feels smooth, plush, layered and not at all simple, with baked black-fruit flavors that are draped over savory barbecue and spice accents. The toast is present but not overpowering on the finish. | Atteca Old Vines | 91 | 16 |
58,141 | croatia | Juicy red plums and cherries, vanilla and smoke are pleasant on the nose and palate of this Bordeaux-style red from Istria, but gain freshness and verve from layers of bramble, menthol and fresh herbs. Full bodied with exceptionally integrated tannins that are soft and round, it's a big surprise at $13. | De Mar Cuvée Zenon | 88 | 13 |
12,419 | slovenia | A musky white-flower note melds into savory notes of hazelnut oil and nut skin on the nose and palate of this smoky, rather mysterious wine. Tart with tangerine acidity, it's refreshingly brisk but finishes long with a hint of smoky vanilla. | Malvazija | 87 | 30 |
35,589 | us | Opulence is the winery's reserve Syrah, and it is a robust, tooth-staining wine that takes no prisoners. Dense scents suggest a pig roast on a pile of licorice sticks; the aromas are almost visceral. The fruit has been very well handled and the tannins, though full and powerful, have been polished to a satiny sheen. There's a little chalkiness to the finish, perhaps from acidification, but that may well resolve with a little more bottle age. | Opulence | 91 | 40 |
94,568 | spain | Dry spice and wild herb aromas are prickly and blend into larger plum notes. The palate is snappy and choppy, with oaky cream, berry and spice flavors. Finishes dry and woody, with mild tannic bite. Good but regular. | Tinto Roble | 85 | 13 |
43,839 | us | The weather-wracked vintage of 2011 affected this sometimes stunning bottling, presenting bell pepper greenness with a hint of black earth. It's thin on the palate, which leans toward the greener side of the Cab spectrum, but remains very drinkable with cherry cola and mocha flavors. | Cote del Sol | 85 | 32 |