wine_id
int64 1
130k
| country
stringclasses 41
values | description
stringlengths 28
764
| designation
stringlengths 1
95
| points
int64 80
100
| price
float64 4
2.01k
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
107,920 | new zealand | fermented in a seasoned 3,000-liter oak vat, this doesn't show overt wood flavors, instead revealing hints of ramps and sweat accenting passion fruit. medium bodied, it offers fascinating textural interplay between creaminess from lees contact and vibrant acidity. drink now. | the paper nautilus | 90 | 40 |
89,744 | us | a sleek, medium-bodied wine that's made in large enough numbers to find, it combines black tea, rhubarb and cherry cola around a lengthy, approachable sense of weight. | classic collection | 89 | 24 |
22,697 | france | a delightful, light, strawberry wine. it has a bright, bubbly character and acidity that gives extra life to this classic apéritif wine. there is just a hint of softness from the fruit to finish. | rosé brut | 87 | 24 |
118,098 | italy | tomato vine, cut grass, crushed stone and grapefruit aromas almost leap out of the glass. the crisp savory palate delivers juicy citrus, ripe honeydew melon, alpine herb and a mineral note framed in bright acidity. it has a bright, clean finish. | winkl | 93 | 35 |
34,379 | us | stiff and tart, this young wine needs a few more years of cellaring to fill itself out. the balance is right, and the vineyard's full-bodied tannins are there in abundance. | champoux vineyard | 88 | 28 |
69,600 | us | this iconic regional vineyard is widely sourced, and this bottling presents it well. fresh aromas of meyer lemon and graphite shavings get layered with oak-related scents of toasted coconut flake and ground vanilla. the palate surrounds a core of lemon-lime-laced apple and fleshy ripe pear, with guava skin on the finish. very easy to drink. | sierra madre vineyard | 91 | 36 |
109,537 | argentina | much like the previous vintage of la violeta, this is a fabulous malbec with depth, density and power to spare. the bouquet yields marzipan, cola, fine leather, char and rich berry aromas. that sets up a palate with impeccable structure and huge flavors of beef jerky, mocha, black fruits and spice. the finish is massive and loaded, with licorice and mocha flavors. drink now–2018. only 100 cases made, with 50 imported into the u.s. | lindaflor la violeta | 94 | 125 |
120,849 | us | from a blending of two barrels—one new and one neutral—this is a snappy, sappy, tangy wine with ripe, forward red and purple fruits. these notes are framed with pretty barrel toast, and the tannins are firm, ripe and balanced. drink now with pleasure or tuck it away until 2020. | antiquum vineyard | 91 | 48 |
41,867 | france | although the label says brut, in fact this is a very dry rosé. it has a bitter edge that is off-putting and it seems to have lost the fruit along with way. the wine also has weight with a tannic aftertaste—a strange beast. | brut rosé premier cru | 85 | 55 |
122,961 | chile | plum, berry, licorice and balsamic aromas are earthy and classy. this feels chunky and heavy but not ponderous. flavors of prune, rooty spices, mint and chocolate finish with mocha and fig notes. enjoy this ripe, full-bodied wine anytime through 2017. | tierras moradas | 91 | 50 |
86,219 | us | soft, sweet and candied, this has flavors of raspberry, cherry, roasted almond, honey and spice—almost like a granola bar. high alcohol adds to the impression of sweetness. | alegria vineyards heritage vines | 85 | 42 |
19,123 | france | heavy and waxy, with overdone varietal aromas that seem oily. lots of pepper and cumin, but what about the fruit and acidity? nowhere to be found. | vin de pays de l'ardeche | 80 | 10 |
127,800 | italy | bright and intense berry aromas lead into a tart palate that runs heavy with pie cherry and leather. it's probably a tad too tight, tart and hard to merit higher, but with food it should do the trick. some dark black coffee notes on the finish add to the wine's drying character. | riserva | 85 | 18 |
16,719 | us | this bordelais blend of 67% sauvignon blanc and 33% sémillon is named for fred brander's son and offers a richer fragrance than his straight sauvignon blancs. lemon, gala apple and rounded key lime flavors make it approachable for many palates, yet buoyant acidity and wet cement and apple skin flavors bring added complexity. | cuvée nicolas | 90 | 30 |
59,820 | italy | the intensity of this powerhouse cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot blend is outstanding, and so is the density of its aromas. it presents a solid wall of blackberry, dark chocolate, pipe tobacco and cigar box. it's bold and syrupy and overwhelms the palate with its enormous bounty. | carmione | 93 | 35 |
54,437 | italy | this blend of 80% montepulciano and 20% merlot opens with aromas of berry, mocha and toasted coffee bean. the palate is friendly and forward, with plum and blackberry accompanied by a hint of chocolate. | terra di confine | 87 | 30 |
110,722 | italy | aromas of sawdust, toasted oak, espresso and spice lead the nose on this blend of 90% sangiovese, 10% canaiolo and colorino. the palate offers black cherry, mint and eucalyptus notes alongside bracing tannins. evident oak muffles the juicy, ripe-fruit notes. | il poggiale riserva | 89 | 35 |
21,766 | spain | lemony oak, tobacco, sandalwood and berry fruit aromas come together in fine form. this is a full, heavily oaked wine with big tannins and plenty of ripeness and power. baked black-fruit flavors are propped up by spicy oak, pepper and herb notes, while the finish is spicy, woody, dry and long. drink through 2018. | tinto cuvee mosteiro | 91 | 25 |
61,487 | italy | tommasi presents a light and informal pinot grigio that would wash down beautifully with salad, grilled vegetables, fish or chicken. fragrances here include ripe peach and honey and the wine offers a playful touch of sweetness in the mouth. | vigneto le rosse | 85 | 15 |
64,132 | us | chocolaty and spicy, loaded with cinnamon and anise, and backed by sturdy plum-flavored fruit. the mouthfeel is creamy and rich; the finish, long and oaky. | cherryblock | 90 | 70 |
129,503 | italy | made with the cortese grape, this fresh sparkler opens with scents of pressed wild flower and bread crust. the bright palate offers mature peach, hazelnut and mineral alongside an elegant perlage. | brut balcn de blancs metodo classico | 88 | 29 |
109,610 | us | a white pinot noir made from estate-grown grapes, this is a curious wine and perhaps an acquired taste, though it has found its fans via the winery. akin to chardonnay in its expressions of crème brûlée, tropical fruit basket and tangy apple, this wine is textured, bright in acidity and touched by oak. | pinot clair | 87 | 55 |
46,196 | france | as the name barriques suggests, this wine is lightly aged in wood that adds toast to spice and gives a buttery, ripe texture. the wine is fresh, rounded with a pepper character that comes through strongly at the end. drink now, but better from 2016. | barriques | 89 | 37 |
33,570 | south africa | this is a plush and fully fruited wine that's super easy to like, with attractive aromas and flavors of blackberry compote, raspberry sauce and ripe boysenberry that are all hit with seductive notes of sweet spice and vanilla bean. there's ample tannic structure at the core, framing the dense, decadent mouthfeel and lending some lingering grip to the close. | beyond ordinary | 88 | 15 |
79,582 | us | this is overoaked, with buttered toast, caramel and sweet vanilla flavors dominating everything else. buried beneath the oak are crisp flavors of pineapples and oranges. | estate | 84 | 25 |
85,554 | us | mostly cabernet sauvignon with four other bordeaux varieties in the mix, this wine brings an aromatic medley of cherry cola, dark chocolate, and light medicinal notes. the flavors don't entirely meld with the oak showing a bit too prominently, offset by grainy tannins. | red wine destiny ridge vineyards | 87 | 40 |
17,653 | portugal | this is a powerful, ripe and generously fruity wine. with red berry and rich spice from wood aging, it is dense, complex and aromatic. minerality and dark, dry tannins show the wine needs to age. drink from 2018. | duas quintas reserva | 92 | 41 |
4,707 | germany | saffron and orange blossoms perfume this intensely ripe, almost honey-slick kabinett. there's a zesty backbone of tangerine acidity, but the palate is a crush of ruddy yellow peach and nectarine flavors. it's a luscious, forward wine to enjoy young. | piesporter goldtröpfchen kabinett | 87 | 16 |
89,461 | us | brian loring's bottling of this vineyard planted by gary pisoni and gary franscioni is bursting with raspberry syrup, cola and peppercorns on the nose. the palate boasts notes of strawberry juice, red berries and hibiscus. it's luxurious and sexy. | garys' vineyard | 95 | 50 |
77,104 | us | charbono is a variety that used to be more widely planted. it's always a rustic wine, but it ages forever, and can develop sweet complexities. in its youth, it's fruity, soft and tannic, with ripe blackberry and chocolate flavors. | estate villa andriana vineyard | 87 | 28 |
81,876 | france | fruity with apple and pear, this wine has light acidity and a light mousse. a touch of toast and delicious zesty orange texture give complexity. it makes a perfect apéritif wine. | cuvée indigène | 89 | 26 |
107,312 | italy | san lorenzo opens with bright cherry fruit and blueberry with subtle background notes of almond paste and dried tobacco. overall, this clean and fresh red wine would pair with roast chicken or turkey. | san lorenzo | 87 | 17 |
49,748 | france | this ripe and full-bodied wine has a wonderful balance between pure acidity and ripe yellow fruits. from chalk and clay soils, it's both mineral and rich, both fresh and warm. it could be drunk now, although it will be much better from 2016. | authentique | 88 | 25 |
15,308 | italy | this displays aromas of underbrush, tobacco, coffee, raisin, menthol and dried sage. the palate offers blackberry extract, prune, anise and black pepper alongside bracing tannins. it finishes on a note of glazed brown sugar. north berkeley imports, glazer's. | le balze | 89 | 100 |
90,274 | us | vanilla, baking spice, coconut and dark fruit aromas lead to plush, plentiful purple-fruit flavors. it provides a lot of enjoyment and appeal, showing equal parts fruit and barrel. | estate riverbend vineyard | 91 | 36 |
115,243 | us | this wine was fermented half in stainless steel and half in neutral oak, and did not undergo malolactic fermentation. the result is a textured, rich explosion of honeysuckle, spice and lemon zest flavors that finishes with a minerally, flinty character. | damiano vineyard | 88 | 28 |
83,463 | us | a triumph, really. held back for 14 years and just recently disgorged, it's fantastically rich and complex, just oozing the most delicious orange, butterscotch, yeast and toast flavors. so silky, so sweet in fruit, and yet with a dry finish. stands out in any tasting of the best sparklers. hard to imagine a california bubbly better than this. | joy! blanc de blancs | 97 | 179 |
32,196 | us | this exudes classic chardonnay richness. pure and heady, it explodes with tropical fruit and orange essences, with buttered toast and vanilla flavors from oak barrels and lees contact. zesty russian river acidity kicks in to provide perfect balance. the creaminess is delicious, suggesting shellfish in a buttery sauce. | durell vineyards | 93 | 74 |
81,194 | us | a blend of fruit from esteemed boushey and red willow vineyards, this was aged in a mixture of concrete and french oak (10% new). the herb, lemon verbana and citrus flavors are light on their feet with a creamy texture and a tart zing of mouthwatering acidity that stitches it all together. | oliane | 91 | 28 |
22,624 | chile | crisp citrusy aromas include notes of crushed vitamin and ocean breeze. this is tangy and speedy on the palate, with racy acidity. tangerine and lime flavors are stony, while this is fresh, lasting and citrusy on the finish. | serie riberas gran reserva | 89 | 17 |
28,452 | us | too soft by far, with sugary sweet, medicinal cherry-berry flavors and a sharp cut of acidity. tastes like an inexpensive port. | old vines reserve | 82 | 30 |
4,169 | germany | everything is bigger and bolder in this producer's stable of 2015 rieslings, and this densely structured beerenauslese is no exception. its luscious stone fruit flavors and spicy, exotic perfume are undeniably attractive. but it's a softer, plusher style of dessert riesling atypical of germany, accentuated by a warm kiss of alcohol on the finish. drink now through 2022. | hochheimer domdechaney beerenauslese | 92 | 210 |
54,329 | us | this southern rhone-style blend consists of 35% mourvèdre, 40% grenache and 25% syrah. steely minerality underscores pretty cherry fruit, with a light and peppery streak of herb running through the tannins. | métier | 90 | 44 |
9,551 | france | get to know the local red grapes of gaillac that make up this blend: duras, braucol and prunelard. together, they create impressive structure, concentration and intensity. acidity balances the bold red fruit and ripe cherry flavors. it's a serious wine with good potential and will be best from 2020. | renaissance | 93 | 23 |
64,086 | us | brilliantly aromatic, this wine beguiles with exotic scents of plum pudding, spice cake, cherry compote, pipe tobacco, red licorice and raspberry jam. all that and more can be tasted—the wine is a riot of fruits and baking spices. this makes the best possible case for mourvèdre as a stand-alone varietal wine here in washington. | coyote canyon vineyard | 92 | 30 |
58,241 | italy | this boutique winery in central sicily benefits from extreme isolation that has helped it nurture its own clone of nero d'avola. oak tones and vanilla come in the foreground of cherry, blueberry and leather. the wine is balanced and soft with bright freshness on the close. | vrucara | 92 | 35 |
21,261 | italy | reale (100% merlot) offers sweet cherry and raspberry aromas with light touches of spice and toasted almond in the background. this ruby colored wine offers an easy, fresh and lean feel in the mouth. | reale | 86 | 30 |
24,298 | argentina | earthy and mulchy smelling on first take, with leather and solid berry and plum aromas. feels bold, round and dedicated as it tastes a bit baked, with dark plum and cassis carrying the fruit component. figgy, smooth and lasting on the finish. | single vineyard reserva | 88 | 20 |
30,403 | chile | earthy aromas of baked fruits and crushed leaves filter onto a full-bodied palate with depth and balance. roasted, leathery plum and saucy berry flavors are indicative of a hot vintage, while briny saline and tea notes drive a chewy finish. | nimbus single vineyard | 87 | 15 |
26,755 | italy | ripe and juicy, this opens with aromas of dark berry, leather, underbrush and a whiff of game. the round, chewy palate doles out black cherry extract, clove, tobacco and star anise while meaty tannins provide the framework. drink 2018–2023. | ciabot tanasio | 90 | 49 |
19,807 | france | this is a soft, unfocused wine that only hints at fruitiness. it is rounded and full bodied, with a touch of pepper as well as lemon zest acidity at the end. | brut d'argent brut blanc de blancs | 83 | 14 |
14,780 | us | velvety, rich and intense upon first sip, this is a lively, well-built wine, held back in bottle and offering layers of blackberry, black cherry, anise and sage flavor. fruity and feral, it delivers a lot of nuance within its powerful presentation. | stiling vineyard | 91 | 52 |
93,260 | australia | for a grenache-dominated (70%) blend, this shows outstanding structure. the firm tannins are slightly drying right now, but should smooth out nicely by 2012 and the wine should continue to drink well through at least 2020. ripe cherry and cassis notes are framed by subtle cedary oak, imparting a sophisticated elegance to the long finish. | the ironstone pressings | 92 | 65 |
116,615 | spain | blackberry, cassis, coffee and charred aromas make for a smoky, healthy, attractive bouquet. this is dense, deep, tannic and a bit rubbery and bouncy in feel. tea, herb, chocolate and baked blackberry flavors end with cocoa and herbal, earthy notes. drink this ripe gran reserva through 2023. | imperial gran reserva | 92 | 70 |
112,120 | us | this looks, smells and tastes so young that it might have come right out of the fermenting tank. it is tight to the point of reductive, with tart fruit flavors of cranberry and rhubarb, and stiff, chalky tannins. | jordan | 86 | 50 |
129,477 | us | mostly washington sauvignon blanc, with a 15% splash of oregon müller-thurgau also in the blend, this dry, sippable, low-alcohol white wine has european finesse. flavors of green berries and yellow fruits abound, along with melon and grapefruit. the bracing acidity fits the style beautifully. | resonate white #5 | 88 | 14 |
72,807 | us | an aromatic swirl of dried honey, roasted nuts and marzipan is leveled by a sense of iodine on this zesty, tense white blend. the palate shows lime juice on apple, with a touch of yellow pear. | inspiration | 89 | 25 |
76,582 | us | this delightfully pure expression of the syrah grape seduces from the first sniff, which sails along on a flying carpet of blue and purple fruits, licorice, clove and tobacco. the beguiling aromas continue in the mouth, where the wine assumes a seamless, plump and powerful presence. ciel du cheval syrah is every bit as good as the bordeaux grapes for which the vineyard is most famous. | ciel du cheval vineyard | 94 | 35 |
119,037 | us | the nose of this wine is evocative of vanilla, cranberry, black berries, cedar wood and nag champa incense. jammy blackberry, cedar, persimmon and pie spice flavors unfold on the palate. the tannins are smooth and silky, and aid in the long, spicy and woody finish. | mélange | 88 | 27 |
73,384 | us | this cab franc is considerably lighter in body than a cabernet sauvignon. its silky texture frames red cherry, red currant, red licorice, cola and sandalwood flavors that finish very dry. it's a lovely wine of some charm, but give it a decant before serving. | bates' ranch | 89 | 28 |
46,683 | us | this lightly bodied, elegant wine is subtle and crisp—a study in white pepper and leather that's both complex and tightly layered. cool climate to its core, it shows floral aromas and flavors of rose petal and lavender as hints of rhubarb and tart cherry make their way onto the quiet palate. | coastlands vineyard 1906 block pommard clone | 93 | 80 |
102,368 | argentina | earth, leather and herbal aromas blend with riper berry notes on the nose. this feels choppy, with cheek-scraping tannins. flavors of minty herbal black fruits finish with chocolate, herbal flavors and stickiness. | reserve | 87 | 18 |
8,619 | france | this second wine of this estate is aged in tank, making it all bright, ripe berry fruit and juicy acidity. the tannins are still there as it's still aging. give this attractive, fruity wine until late 2018 before opening. | la millerie | 86 | 20 |
19,668 | france | rose gold in color, this rosé smells fresh and inviting, with pleasant underripe strawberry, mango and citrus zest scents. the palate is similarly light-footed, yet ripe tropical fruit tones lend some substance and richness. | notorious pink | 85 | 17 |
76,612 | us | this has been barrel-fermented and aged, yet it retains more than a hint of the grape's natural herbaceousness. sharp-edged and assertive, it might pass for a quincy from the loire valley. | reserve | 88 | 20 |
78,495 | spain | with a violet color and charred aromas of oak, shoe polish and black fruits, this amounts to a very good, woody blend of carignan and garnacha that's as healthy as an ox but hits like a bull in a china shop. blackberry, burnt toast and dark chocolate flavors finish spicy and hot, while rubbery tannins esure that this has a grabby grip. this should improve with additional bottle aging. | vinyes velles | 89 | 50 |
101,892 | us | bone dry, this succulent, citrus-soaked riesling is a textural marvel. mixing grapefruit, lime and pear fruit flavors, its racy acidity underscores its complexity. | estate | 91 | 19 |
2,478 | us | a fairly dark and dense nose of boysenberry and smashed graphite entertain the nose on this blend of 50% syrah, 45% grenache and 5% mourvèdre, which is named after san jose-based winemaker adam comartin's daughter. the palate is very iron-driven and minerally, with more boysenberry fruit and some concentrated violets giving nuance. | cuvee cassidy | 88 | 32 |
117,104 | us | this is a lovely white made by chris dearden. whole-cluster pressed and fermented in once-used french oak, the grapes are sourced from a 12-acre parcel planted to old wente clone chardonnay. dark golden in hue, it has graceful acidity and a burst of lemon blossom on the nose that evolves into a sublime lightness and crispness on the palate. | las amigas partners vineyard | 93 | 45 |
95,810 | austria | rounded, earthy notes of ripe fruit are foremost in the aromatic stakes. on the palate they are joined by a yeastily textured savoriness and fresh citrus verve. this goes well beyond mere fruit and shows off the more earthy side of grüner. satisfyingly zesty finish. | von den terrassen | 90 | 20 |
65,499 | argentina | initial aromas of clove and cinnamon suggest a lot of barrel action, but give it a few minutes and the wine settles on ripe black fruit, dark spice notes and richness. it's big-boned but not overly tannic, and it exhibits shiraz's bacon and espresso character in a good way. | maipu vineyards | 89 | 12 |
103,456 | germany | a cool, alpine streak runs through this easygoing but refreshing riesling, revealed through greenish glimmers of pine frond and fresh herb. off dry in style, it calibrates sweet-tart green plum and apple notes against streaks of lime and lemon. drink now. | kabinett | 88 | 10 |
6,669 | us | an attention-grabbing sense of umami introduces this wine, with darkly colored mushrooms, plum sauce, miso soup and black sage tickling the nose. there is dark chocolate with bits of espresso on the palate, which is leveled by plum skins and berry flesh, with bitter tar and black pepper on the finish. | infidels | 93 | 65 |
20,429 | italy | showing the heat of the vintage, this opens with aromas of stewed fruit, toast, truffle, underbrush and a hint of cooking spice. the palate offers cherries marinated in spirits, espresso and a green note of sage alongside assertive tannins that leave an astringent finish. | preda | 88 | 70 |
45,672 | us | shows how ripe the napa side of carneros can grow pinot noir. floods the mouth with strawberry, raspberry, cherry and cola flavors, while french oak contributes toasty sweet vanilla and toast richness. delicious and appealing now and for a couple more years. | papi y chula vineyard | 88 | 38 |
114,165 | france | this is rich champagne, full with a lively mousse and a dominance of pinot. the acidity and grapefruit flavors are intense, with just a hint of yeastiness. this bottling seems youthful and could age a few months. | carte d'or brut | 90 | 40 |
65,871 | us | this classic bordeaux blend—67% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot, 17% cab franc and 6% petit verdot—is crafted from 100% sagemoor vineyard grapes. it's chewy and herbal, with substantial tannins. it probably needs some time to smooth out the rough spots, but it's got character and a mix of bordeaux-like cassis and herb flavors, all in good balance and finished entirely in older neutral oak. | red paintbrush | 90 | 28 |
76,559 | us | a rich, buttery chardonnay, brimming with well-oaked pineapple, honey, créme brûlée and spice flavors, brightened with acidity. a real crowd pleaser. | cold creek ranch | 89 | 30 |
92,513 | us | crossing borders and grapes to make a compelling wine, this blend is 70% cabernet sauvignon from dr. crane vineyard and kenefick ranch, and 30% syrah from kick ranch in sonoma county. intensely ripe, it allows for a softly sculpted structure adorned in coffee bean, black licorice, black pepper and currant, enticing the best of all worlds. | blend 25 | 93 | 67 |
36,823 | spain | this ripe wine from a warm year is raisiny up front, with additional scents of molasses and baked plum. choppy, clampy tannins frame oaky flavors of red plum and raspberry, while oak spice and resiny flavors push a woody finish that includes a strong minty accent. this is 85% monastrell and 15% syrah. | crianza | 89 | 18 |
112,247 | us | hearty black plum, mulberry and blackberry notes show on the nose of this bottling, alongside scents of gravel, turned earth, dried sage and toast. violet and blackberry flavors unfold on the dark palate, but vibrant acidity and a solid structure expertly balance the richness. | doctor's vineyard | 93 | 50 |
107,784 | austria | there's no question about the huge richness of this wine—it is there from the initial aroma. it is smooth, totally voluptuous, immediately appealing. the flavors are of the sweetest runny honey, matched with acidity to emphasize the ripe peach and dried apricot flavors. | trockenbeerenauslese | 90 | 30 |
25,850 | italy | from the cool-climate north of italy, this fresh riesling offers fragrant tones of lemon zest, kiwi, exotic fruit and a touch of dried basil. the mouth is silky, smooth and crisp on the finish. | rifall | 88 | 21 |
52,046 | us | pleasant and straightforward, this has notes of pear, mead and herbs. it's full in feel with a big ball of fruit flavors in the middle but less around it. the tannins have a slightly drying feel. | naked | 86 | 10 |
111,408 | us | the nose shows irresistable youthful notes of pear and apple while the palate is a bit simpler and fairly soft. short, cherry-infused finish. drink by the pool. | gigliotti vineyards | 85 | 17 |
3,254 | us | flavors of berry, vanilla and tar form around thick, rich tannins, giving this wine a puckering quality that may benefit from opening before enjoying. the finish is sturdy and robust in leathery black pepper. | winemaker selection | 86 | 55 |
5,940 | france | this is a big and juicy wine full of blackberry and dark-plum flavors. the second wine of larrivet haut-brion, it is fruity with dominant merlot and round and perfumed cabernet. it is developing rapidly into an accessible, ripe wine. drink from late 2016. | les hauts de larrivet haut-brion | 88 | 35 |
45,061 | france | the toast character lends a firm structure to this solid, rich wine. a spice note pairs well with the white plum and apricot fruit, and there is a sense that this needs to age for several years in order to bring out its richness and full potential. | clos rochette | 91 | 30 |
118,236 | us | soft and layered, this wine has firmness and depth to its structure, and is dark in brooding baked plum and cinnamon stick. a pungency of tight oak wraps its way around the fruit and savory spice, suggesting additional time in cellar, through 2023. | van der kamp vineyard | 91 | 49 |
43,786 | france | a ripe currant- and lime-flavored wine, this is rounded and soft. this full-bodied wine fills the mouth but maintains its delicate crispness. there are good bright highlights of green fruits and fresh acidity. | fournier | 87 | 21 |
19,709 | us | golden caramel in color, this wine opens in a decadence of creme brûlée, a richness that subsides on the lighter style on the palate, marked by a saltiness of wet stone, pineapple and vanilla oak. together, the light and heavy balance one another and the wine tastes complete. | kyndall's reserve dutton ranch | 92 | 40 |
52,566 | us | tight and tannic, this majority cab wine is distinguished by a thickness of black fruit and herbaceous back palate that gives it density, separated by bursts of vanilla and oak. give it time to open and notes of mocha chocolate should also come through. | vintner's reserve | 87 | 24 |
44,774 | france | this is one of the higher elevation premier crus in puligny. in this warm vintage it has managed to give a wine that is crisp and mineral. to contrast with this, the wine also has a creamy, toasty character from the wood aging. drink from 2021. | sous le puits premier cru | 93 | 90 |
76,074 | new zealand | rockburn's second label is meant for current drinking. it's soft and silky in texture, without much tannin, yet easily blends crisp cherry fruit with savory, mushroomy notes. | devil's staircase | 88 | 30 |
52,978 | us | a huge wine with ripe blackberries, currants, dark chocolate and raisins. the oak is strong, and there's some heat from alcohol. the impact is of a dramatically layered wine, but one whose internal conflicts may not allow it to age long enough for the hard tannins to outlive the fruit. drink now–2016. | single vineyard | 91 | 100 |
56,485 | germany | squeaky-fresh lemon and lime shine a spotlight against sweet melon and stone fruit flavors in this gossamer-textured spätlese. it's dancingly delicate, yet deeply penetrating on the palate, finishing on lingering notes of hazelnut and white flowers. | grünlack spätlese | 93 | 37 |
114,021 | france | a great partner for rich sauced fish or pâté, this beautiful wine is relatively sweet, full of gently honeyed fruit, naturally full-bodied. the acidity is a light addition to the weighty texture. | pfersigberg grand cru | 91 | 40 |
84,423 | israel | aromas of blueberry, cherry and anise yield on the palate to flavors of cherry, blackberry, eucalyptus and black pepper. smooth tannins appear early on and endure into a pleasing finish that is interspersed with bright and spicy notes. | reserve | 90 | 40 |
5,106 | us | the winery doesn't tell us what the blend is, but it tastes vaguely rhônish. it's dry, velvety and forward in cherry pie, mocha and spice flavors, wrapped into firm tannins. it's a little hot in alcohol. drink up. | lampyridae vineyards | 86 | 50 |
74,086 | portugal | this is a beautiful wine—rich, smooth and balanced. it has weight, great blackberry and damson fruit and a judicious hint of wood. spice, ripe fruit and fresh acidity all call for aging. drink from 2016. | alqueve de pinhal da torre | 91 | 36 |