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99,138 | spain | the first act of dried spices and light, dusty red fruit aromas is honest and subdued. the palate brings good weight and lightly leafy, tomatoey accents to red cherry and raspberry flavors. light, dry and a little stemmy on the finish. standard but hinting at elegant. | crianza | 86 | 12 |
95,890 | spain | prickly smelling, with pointed red-fruit aromas. feels snappy and high in acid, with quick, zippy flavors of tangy red plum and red currant. not too much flavor or feel on the quick, crisp finish. | cepas antiguas | 84 | 12 |
98,228 | chile | an opening of spicy, borderline green and minty aromas announce a wine from a cool vintage. freshness on the palate provides a racy quality, but more depth would be nice. flavors of wild berry and oak finish sweet, with a slight sticky quality. | gran reserva | 87 | 18 |
99,911 | us | the timid nose squeaks out notes of chinese five spice and warm green apple, with a slight hint of sulfur. light to medium bodied, the palate bears a slight sweetness, tame acids and a quick finish. | villagio off dry | 82 | 9 |
121,023 | us | a unique blend of tempranillo (54%), malbec (33%) and mourvèdre, this wine leads with aromas of vanilla, coconut and woodspice followed by blue and black fruit. the dark-fruit flavors are restrained in feel with barrel notes on the finish. it brings enjoyment but the wood seems very primary. | hombre | 88 | 32 |
44,372 | france | from vines nearly 30 years in age, this is pinard's immediately attractive, drink-now wine. fresh lemon and grapefruit flavors are lightly herbal in character. juicy, lively and crisp, it's ready to drink. | florès | 87 | 42 |
55,395 | france | crisp apple flavors show strongly in this wine that offers good acidity and a tight, lively aftertaste. the brightness pushes the citrus character forward, leaving a lively, refreshing aftertaste. | le clos | 88 | 40 |
17,306 | austria | straitlaced and fresh, this is a simple but effective wine with zesty acidity cushioned by a fuller body. this one is a real all-rounder with a lovely clean lemon peel finish. | dornleiten | 89 | 29 |
46,889 | us | from a vineyard located close to the coast of aptos, this bottling shows dewy chaparral aromas on the nose, as well as light cinnamon, nutmeg and smashed graphite, with a dense pomegranate-hibiscus core. it is tightly wound on the sip, with cranberry, raspberry, rose petal and rose-hip flavors. the texture and tension are impressive, and will unleash continued intrigue from 2018 to 2033. | la vida bella vineyard | 94 | 50 |
28,209 | us | at about four years of age, talbott's '04 tastes overripe. it has the aromas and flavors of a botrytized, late-harvest chardonnay, brimming with apricot jam and pineapples, except that it's bone dry. with the very high acidity, this makes it unbalanced and not entirely enjoyable. this is a bottling that seems to do better in cooler vintages. | diamond t estate | 85 | 65 |
27,768 | us | soft and almost sweet in jammy, pie-filling raspberries and cherries. it's luxuriously soft and silky, with polished tannins, and lots of people will love it. would benefit from greater depth and complexity, but it sure is lovely. drink now. | gold coast vineyard reserva oro rojo | 90 | 35 |
2,496 | italy | aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine and stone fruit lead the nose on this vibrant wine. the juicy palate delivers creamy white peach, green apple and honeydew melon alongside crisp acidity. | monte stelle | 88 | 16 |
73,717 | us | this wine is just under half syrah with the balance near equally split between mourvèdre and grenache. peppery spices and sappy dark-fruit aromas are followed by juicy dark-fruit flavors that persist. it shows a very pretty styling. | façon rouge | 91 | 35 |
106,470 | italy | smells of honey and lychee fruit, but without the bold exuberance of gewürztraminer. pear flavors the midpalate, then turns citrusy on the finish. | maso roncador | 86 | 14 |
128,482 | us | very rich and classically structured, a wine that shows real merlot personality. the red cherry, cola, red licorice, sandalwood and peppery spice flavors are almost pinot noir-like, except for the tannins, which have the weight of bordeaux. should develop through 2012. | michael black vineyard | 91 | 55 |
35,608 | us | this wine hails from a new vineyard region high above famed seven hills. baking spice, cocoa and herb aromas are followed by focused black-fruit flavors, with espresso and vanilla notes that linger. it captures the attention. | xl vineyard | 91 | 30 |
78,810 | us | a blend of the tablas creek and alban clones, this grenache is from the stolpman vineyard. made using whole clusters in the fermentation, it's densely textured and brooding in tannins. but there's an enormous core of cherry fruit and spice. should blossom in 2009 and hold for several more years. | whole cluster | 93 | 42 |
117,228 | us | a lovely pinot noir, dry and silky and rich, with complex flavors of raspberries, cherries, dr. pepper cola, sandalwood and white pepper. easy to drink now for its sleekness and elegance. only 296 cases were produced but a single-vineyard wine worth seeking out. | gunsalus vineyard | 93 | 36 |
29,039 | israel | scents of jammy black plum and cherry lead the nose of this blend, with exotic notes of crushed violet and iris petal adding depth to the fruit core. great flavors of peppery spice and dense blackberry fruit fill the velvet-textured palate. medium acidity keeps the palate fresh and balanced, while a decadent, fudgy brownie note carries through the long finish. | namura select | 90 | 34 |
113,781 | italy | delicate aromas of hawthorn, white spring flower and a whiff of orchard fruit aromas lead the nose on this refined sparkler. the vibrant palate doles yellow apple, citrus zest and toasted breadcrumb accompanied by an elegant mousse. | naturalis extra brut | 90 | 55 |
37,336 | italy | a blend of 60% nero d'avola, 30% sangiovese and 10% corinto, this structured wine opens with fragrances of mature plum, resin and a balsamic note. the dense palate offers chewy tannins and delivers succulent flavors of black cherry and ripe black berry that are layered with black pepper, clove and mocha. | rosso antonello | 90 | 36 |
103,800 | spain | roasted and fiery on the nose, this wine has red fruit aromas mixed with green, herbal notes. it feels racy and pumped up with acidity, which drives the wine's core flavors of red plum, herb and vanilla. it's fresh but slightly abrasive and herbal throughout. this is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah and tempranillo, in descending order. | aldonza navamarín | 88 | 59 |
23,972 | germany | spicy saffron and pollen notes add a savory warmth to sweet honey and lemon aromas on this gorgeously complex auslese. it's gingerly and bright on the palate, with tangerine acidity that highlights flavors of sweet peach preserves and jasmine tea. the finish lingers on and on and on. | lorcher schlossberg auslese goldkapsel | 94 | 154 |
50,094 | us | crisp in acidity and fine in tannins, this pinot noir is good now with food. it's silky and dry, with nuanced flavors of wild raspberries and cherries, cola, dried herbs and oak. has enough balance and acidity to develop bottle complexity over the next 4-6 years. | huber vineyard | 89 | 32 |
76,190 | us | heat from high alcohol gives the ripe raspberry, currant and mocha flavors on this wine a chile pepper heat, as well as a glycerine richness. the blend is sangiovese and petite sirah. | crimson jewel | 84 | 42 |
66,313 | chile | heavily roasted at first, and then comes a distinct wave of root beer, olive and barbecue sauce. the palate is decent in feel, maybe a little astringent, with flavors of creamy plum and berry along with sweet, candied oak. finishes minty and dry, like the dust from the gum that used to come with baseball cards. | reserva | 84 | 13 |
95,371 | spain | rooty aromas of sarsparilla mix with red-fruit tones on the subtle nose. this aged rioja is showing hard tannins and choppy acidity in support of herbal, leafy plum and red currant flavors. tomato, herb and plum flavors stick out on a traditional, high-acid finish. | la antigua clásico reserva | 90 | 24 |
41,703 | us | a bit less inky than some of its syrah counterparts from more northern regions, the violet, potting soil, pepper and vanilla aromas make for a solid sipping experience. it's very soft and pleasurable to the palate, with black pepper up front and on the finish. | vista del monte vineyard | 91 | 49 |
75,210 | italy | this oak-dominated wine recalls the ubiquitous wood-driven tuscan offerings from the late 1990s and early 2000s. a blend of cabernet, petit verdot, merlot and syrah, it delivers hardcore oak, wood chips, vanilla, chocolate and espresso sensations, with black currant and blackberry lying low in the foreground. | solengo | 87 | 75 |
105,816 | france | pleasant aromas of stone fruit, candied orange peel and white gummy bear waft from the glass and carry through to the round, fruity palate. ample acidity keep the mouthfeel fresh and the finish clean. drink up. | cuvée prestige medium sweet | 84 | 10 |
127,278 | france | this prestige cuvée from jacquart is a blend of grand and premier crus, giving a wine that is rich, round and approaching maturity with a dense, deep series of fruit and creamy toast flavors. it's a beautiful champagne at this stage, poised between youth and maturity. the aftertaste leaves a crisper, fruitier end. | cuvée alpha | 92 | 130 |
29,115 | italy | aromas of baked plum, mocha, toast and sweet pipe tobacco drive the nose while the palate offers palate offers dried black cherry marinated in spirits, vanilla, nutmeg and leather. a note of dried sage closes the finish while austere tannins provide bracing support. drink 2019–2029. | coste di rose riserva | 89 | 88 |
2,969 | us | tastes young, sharp in acids and jammy sweet right now, with upfront cherry, raspberry and blackberry flavors. but after all, it is a california barbera, and these puppies age forever. give it some time, but don't expect it ever to become sophisticated. | grand reserve | 85 | 35 |
73,397 | cyprus | alluring aromas of orange peel. dried apricot, spices and cigarbox lead this historic dessert wine from cyprus. on the palate, waves of bitter orange, cedar and sweet tobacco unfold. the finish is spicy with a honeyed sweet undertone. fantastic with nuts. | st. nicholas | 89 | 20 |
119,049 | italy | this cabernet sauvignon, merlot and sangiovese blend opens with dark berry aromas and a whiff of new leather. the straightforward palate offers black currant and cedar flavors, sweetened by a touch of vanilla and round tannins. enjoy soon. | felciaino | 88 | 20 |
40,105 | italy | this elegant and savory nero d'avola offers cassis, blue flower and baking spice aromas. it's a full-bodied expression of the grape, boasting ripe black cherry, blackberry and black pepper hints alongside fine-grained tannins. drink through 2021. | sàgana tenuta san giacomo | 90 | 45 |
9,724 | us | rounded in baked and dried fruit aromas, this is a soft, gentle wine with tangy acidity and swathes of ripe apple and orange citrus. a backbone of subtle oak gives it structure and complexity, finishing lean and bright, with a darker, richer twist of vanilla and clove in the mix. | 45th anniversary reserve | 90 | 70 |
29,779 | portugal | from selected grapes, this is a powerful, complex wine. it has huge richness, tasting of the alentejo sun. at the same time, the fruit is firm and structured, slowly revealing its fresher berry character to balance the density. the delicious juicy aftertaste promises a fine future for this wine. drink from 2016. | esporão private selection | 92 | 60 |
84 | us | a healthy addition of 13% petite sirah provides added weight and intensity to this wine, a soft, supple and richly conceived combination of smoky black fruit and mocha. | classic | 86 | 24 |
67,629 | us | feels a little off in the mouth, with edgy tannins that give it a sandpapery texture. but it's interesting in flavor, showing everything from black cherries and currants to tobacco, pepper, salted charred beef fat, persimmons and cola. the multi-variety blend includes zinfandel, sangiovese and merlot. | native son | 87 | 35 |
14,034 | us | this bottling is leveled by 10% roussanne, and shows ripe yellow peach, honeydew melon, honeyed toast, pear custard and a slight cashew-like marzipan on the fairly dense nose. rounded flavors of pear, melon, mango and honey dust comprise the palate. | 12 o'clock high | 88 | 35 |
34,654 | us | from the producer's estate vineyard, this savory, sultry wine is sublime in peppery, wild game. its textures are alive and bright in acidity, with piquant black and red berry providing inviting juiciness. made in small quantities, it's an incredible value for the quality, a wine that will sing on the table, and become more complex in the glass. | sonoma coast cuvée | 94 | 30 |
29,474 | italy | here's a genuine and fresh expression of barbaresco with loads of fruit-driven aromas including cherry, cassis, raspberry and fresh plum. there's great acidity and brightness too and the wine finishes with tart berry flavor on the close. | morassino | 88 | 57 |
11,606 | argentina | the nose on this clunky torrontés suggests apricot juice and talcum powder. the palate is flat in feel, with bitter, pithy citrus flavors of grapefruit and nectarine. beyond that there's little to it. | pietro marini | 83 | 12 |
80,230 | chile | hard, cool-climate aromas of asphalt and black olive are offset by stewy, savory notes. this syrah is chewy and tannic in feel, with herbal, roasted flavors that suggest marginal ripeness. earthy berry and salty flavors carry the finish. | single vineyard canelo | 86 | 20 |
66,900 | italy | intense rose aromas recall the fragrance found in many cold creams. the floral sensation carries over to the palate, along with candied fruit and baked pineapple, uplifted by a mineral note. pair it with ripened cheeses. | selezione | 88 | 25 |
94,263 | us | awkward, showing overripe, porty flavors and undesirable sweetness. there's a sugary undertow to the blackberry jam, prune and raisin flavors. | pagani ranch | 83 | 35 |
1,999 | france | this wine has a light, fresh character to go with the ripe spiced fruits. it's smooth with a tangy lime-zest flavor filled out with yellow fruits. drink now. | anne de k | 84 | 19 |
103,567 | italy | this wine opens with toasted nut, dried herb and citrus zest aromas. on the linear, lean palate, thyme and mineral notes back up yellow apple flavors, with lively acidity. it closes on a bitter almond note. | menasasso riserva | 88 | 19 |
62,184 | us | the nose on this rarely used grape is indeed voluptuous with caramel richness alongside seared pears and vanilla. it's bright at the tip of the sip, then the denser vanilla-bean notes settle in, evolving to smoked apples and a slight crème brûlée aftertaste. | voluptuous | 86 | 25 |
52,420 | argentina | gritty, slightly grassy aromas are low on fruit. this is light yet composed on the palate, with mild stone-fruit and melon flavors. modest acidity and equally modest fruit flavors make for a mild easy finish. drink immediately. | buenos hermanos | 87 | 15 |
124,052 | france | produced from 45-year-old vines, this is a fruity ripe wine. it has concentration and some firm tannins as well a generous black-fruit character. the wine's acidity and structure will allow it to age another year, so drink from late 2017. | l'aurore des côtes | 92 | 22 |
17,685 | argentina | extremely oaky and resiny, this offers aromas of wood grain, resin, vanilla and sawdust that crowd out any fruit that might seek to escape. the palate feels heavy and resiny, with flavors of wood, vanilla and coconut, but again almost no fruit. this is 70% chardonnay and 30% sémillon. | lágrima canela | 85 | 50 |
28,109 | france | this is the top cuvée from pouilly-fuissé's most famous estate. it is a big, round wine, its curves opulent and generous. there are yellow fruits, particularly apricots, and the wine is given some sinew by its acidity and by the light spice aftertaste. | vieilles vignes | 91 | 58 |
83,938 | us | from blocks of old wente vines planted in the 1970s, this producer and site continue to find beautiful synergy together. this wine shows high-toned floral notes around full-bodied richness and flavors of crème brûlée and anise. a salty accent begs for attention as a kick of citrus finishes with grace and freshness. | ritchie vineyard | 95 | 65 |
18,151 | greece | this vivacious white is a beach pour with class. fresh lemon zest and floral aromas and a combination of white fruit, minerals and citrus on the palate are lively and light, but the wine has some weight behind it. | sofos the wise one moschofilero-chardonnay | 88 | 12 |
122,727 | us | a barrel selection, principally from the estate's lazy river vineyard, this is solid, forward and medium weight. it offers a mix of ripe black cherry, cola and a hint of sassafras, while settling comfortably into midpalate pleasureville before trailing out in a lively, mineral-touched finish. | reserve | 91 | 50 |
93,164 | portugal | it's rare to find a douro white made from rabigato, which is normally found in a regional blend. it produces a crisp, apple and green pear flavored wine that is attractive, drawing much of its character from the fact the vines are 40-years-old. the wine is fresh, tangy and ready to drink. | reserva | 89 | 18 |
91,545 | new zealand | cloudy bay's latest vintage is the first from their own vineyards in central otago and reflects a step up in quality despite a challenging vintage. plummy fruit dominates the rather chunky wine, framed by hints of toast and dried herbs, while moderately dusty tannins and bright acids mark the finish. drink 2018–2025. | te wahi | 90 | 75 |
57,521 | us | quite mellow on the nose, this blend of 58% grenache blanc, 38% roussanne and 4% viognier offers very light marzipan and fresh white-peach aromas. it's a very easy to quaff wine on the sip, with lemon-peel and apricot flavors. | côtes-du-robles blanc | 87 | 24 |
90,408 | us | oak, almond and nutmeg represent the rounder, lusher aspects of the 10% sémillon in this sauvignon blanc-based wine, complemented by creamy pear, peach and melon. the two work together well, providing soft layers of crisp goodness in a glass. | dissonance | 88 | 32 |
6,253 | portugal | this is a seriously wood-aged wine with a juicy character that comes as much from the french oak flavors as the fruit. it has weight and richness, with hints of the yellow fruits to come. the wine is ripe, full-bodied and needs to age. drink from 2016. | marquesa da alorna reserva branco | 90 | 25 |
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 |
72,707 | italy | aromas highlight bright berry, plum and baking spices. on the palate, raw morello cherry takes center stage backed by notes of espresso and roasted coffee bean alongside abrasive wood tannins. | bordini | 87 | 62 |
54,053 | romania | this medium-dry muscat has aromas of white flowers and lemon blossoms. on the palate there are flavors of honeysuckle, peach and lime juice. | treasure of transylvania medium dry | 85 | 8 |
79,473 | france | an exuberant, perfumed wine that is full of lychee and candy flavors. it has spice, soft acidity and a light, bright feel. drink now. | collines de granit | 86 | 28 |
38,758 | argentina | opaque in color, this saturated malbec-led blend exhibits coconut and cola aromas along with fully ripe blackberry notes. this is massive in the mouth, with a solid foundation. maximum berry expression and a jammy, deep-fruited finish give this power and content beyond its price point. | reserve | 91 | 17 |
11,436 | spain | rooty berry aromas vie for attention with molasses, graphite and earth notes. this toro is stout and creamy in feel, with bracing acidity and firm tannins. baking spice, roasted black-fruit and molasses flavors are typically ripe, while the finish is hot, with punchy acidity. drink through 2020. | paciencia | 91 | 26 |
20,096 | france | earthier aspects mix with the fleshy yellow-plum notes on nose and palate. the medium-sweetness puts the ripeness of the fruit center stage, countered by hints of pith and freshness. drink soon. | vieilles vignes | 88 | 19 |
123,636 | us | ruby dark in hue, this has a light fruity aroma of watermelon, strawberry and mint. it's easy drinking and dry. its slow buildup of acidity lingers on the finish. | chalaye | 87 | 10 |
75,592 | us | a very nice buy at this price. dry and jammy, the wine features ripe flavors of blackberries, cherries, anise, cocoa and mint, with smoky, oaky notes and mouthwateringly crisp coastal acidity. | selected vineyards | 85 | 10 |
83,630 | us | the second syrah in the collaboration series, this was aged in 30% new puncheons, and opens with a potent, roasted nose. espresso and cacao flavors dominate the tart, acidic berry fruit, with a lick of lemon verbena running through the finish. | collaboration series iii ciel du cheval vineyard | 90 | 60 |
69,161 | italy | the intensely floral nose suggests wild rose and violet. the bright palate delivers wild cherry, raspberry and licorice alongside a note of medicinal herb. firm but fine-grained tannins frame the savory flavors. | la tradizione | 88 | 24 |
70,558 | portugal | richly structured and ripe, this has black tannins laced with dark plum fruit. its tannins promise aging while its fruit already offers a rounded taste. keep for 3–4 years. | colheita | 91 | 20 |
113,983 | us | the spice, peach, cream and corn on the cob aromas bring appeal. the flavors are silky and sleek, pulling toward the lemony finish. | shirley mays | 87 | 25 |
93,619 | us | the vineyard is near the northwest edge of the sonoma coast, a wild, rugged mountainous region whose personality seems stamped on the wine. it's enormously rich in dijonesque fruit, offering an array of red and black currants, cherries, pomegranates, anise, cinnamon and pepper. for all the opulence, the wine is dry and balanced. but it's just a baby. hold until late 2010, if you can. | velvet sisters | 94 | 60 |
48,321 | us | mouthwatering, high-toned acidity and a pleasant lemon-lime bitterness keeps the honeyed apple characteristics of this semisweet style riesling in balance. elegant mineral and petrol notes lead to a lingering, puckery finish. | semi-sweet | 85 | 13 |
3,390 | spain | lightly floral aromas are dilute while hinting at quince jelly. there's not a lot of vitality to the palate, while tangerine and nectarine flavors are watery. pithy citrus notes carry the finish before it putters out. | hoya de cadenas organic | 84 | 9 |
50,270 | us | this vibrant wine shows how well this grape variety does in amador county. it melds beautiful, pure, almost jammy aromas and flavors with a rich, layered and soothing texture. the color is quite dark, the aromas drip blackberry and boysenberry, the flavors are deep and the mouthfeel broad. | shake ridge ranch | 91 | 45 |
87,906 | italy | this blend of garganega and 10% trebbiano di soave shows a bright, luminous straw color, fresh aromas of citrus, stone fruit and blanched almond. it delivers a blast of lively tonic freshness on the finish. | castello | 88 | 15 |
63,839 | us | blueberries and purple fruits get distinct seasoning from maple syrup, licorice, crushed italian herbs and minerality in this wine from the underappreciated cuyama valley. the palate is quite wound up, with blueberry, black lava rocks and unrelenting herb flavors just poking out. this will unwind very nicely, so drink 2018–2028. | santa barbara highlands vineyard | 92 | 35 |
112,067 | us | immaculate freshness abounds in this zesty chardonnay. while supple and quite creamy on the palate, pristine lemon and pear flavors and a vibrant backdrop of lemony acidity invigorate. elegantly meshed vanilla and spice tones linger on the finish. | 1866 reserve | 89 | 21 |
32,724 | us | this is a tempting and sylish wine. a seductive aroma influenced by new oak resembles toasted baguette slices, cedar and cardamom, then generous flavors like ripe black cherry and blueberry come on. it's medium to full bodied, broad and smooth in texture with enough fine-grained tannin to give it some heft. | henry hayes ranch | 90 | 42 |
122,031 | france | a rich wine, full and fruity up front, then opening up into a much more mineral, textured character. it is a great explosion of citrus, pear and green apple, the wood aging showing with subtlety. it's a wine for aging, complex and tight at the end. | les pucelles premier cru | 95 | 303 |
79,903 | us | core aromas of plum flesh, chocolate and game are cut by a laser-like beam of balsamic, creating a sharp sensation. the mouthfeel is slender, lacking some meat on its tannic skeleton. it finishes on a slightly raisiny note. | le vin rouge | 84 | 24 |
76,609 | italy | this blend of chardonnay and gewürztraminer opens with pungent aromas of peppermint, dried apricot and caramel candy. loads of honey and yellow fruit flavors follow on the palate, backed by a rich, almost chewy, consistency. | lunarae | 88 | 30 |
85,032 | italy | aromas of apricot and nectarine carry over to the palate along with lemon drop, yellow peach and pineapple. it's round and ripe with a slightly sweet midpalate, but fresh acidity gives a clean, fresh finish. | poggio al tufo | 86 | 15 |
92,246 | portugal | this is an impressive wine, full of rich fruits and a dense and firm structure. the wine, with its black berry and plum flavors, is dry and concentrated, with a powerful and complex texture that suggests a fine minerality. it definitely needs aging, so drink from 2016. | quinta do cardo selecção do enólogo | 93 | 16 |
121,517 | chile | pointy cherry, tomato and horsey aromas announce a fresh, raw palate. bright, peppery red plum and citrus flavors finish lean, dry and grating. | reserva estate | 85 | 11 |
104,490 | germany | dusty saffron, earth and bitter minerals lend a savory tone to this otherwise appley, lime-inflected dry riesling. it's crisp and sheer on the palate but the finish is bold with a steely, cool resonance. drink now through 2019. | trocken | 88 | 22 |
120,190 | spain | dark, alluring aromas of licorice, blackberry and toast share space with earthy, mossy notes on the nose of this full-bodied winner that's showing wall-to-wall weight and tannins. black plum, cassis and tobacco flavors are a common rioja trifecta, as are dry, peppery, figgy flavors on the finish. drink from 2018–2028. | capricho | 92 | 47 |
38,737 | us | this is the inaugural release of this wine, which is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec. it brings aromas of espresso, toast, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla and dark berries. the fruit and barrel flavors are soft and sumptuous, playing off each other nicely through the finish. | cascadia | 90 | 50 |
10,135 | us | this pretty, rhône-style red blend consists of roughly equal parts grenache, cinsault and syrah, with a splash of co-fermented roussanne. it smells young and fruity, with candied scents of strawberry and raspberry. with plenty of breathing it gains a bit of midpalate weight, but the candied character remains. | double bluff red | 86 | 19 |
118,772 | us | brisk in acidity and minerally, with a tantalizing scour of steel, this riesling is so clean and stimulating. with green apple, citrus and floral flavors, it straddles the boundary between dry and just off-dry. what a wonderful cocktail wine with puff pastry appetizers. | hillside vineyard | 88 | 18 |
68,160 | us | black and white pepper pop from the glass in this cool-climate, cool-vintage wine that retains just enough power around lacy acidity. a bouquet of violets rises on the nose before the palate offers spicy, lean bursts of meat, leather and black licorice. made in small amounts, this wine is well worth seeking. | vivio vineyard | 94 | 50 |
40,927 | moldova | minerally and a touch earthy on the nose, this follows with toast and sweet fruit on the palate, which is both simple and friendly. overall, the wine has an array of good, clean flavors and a zippy finish. | collection semidry | 83 | 12 |
72,113 | italy | this rosé from campania in southern italy offers beautifully toned aromas of berry fruit, raspberry, cranberry and blueberry. the wine exhibits a dark pink color and an easy, light approach in the mouth. pair it with salads or light pasta lunches. a marc de grazia selection; various american importers. | rosato | 86 | 20 |
71,195 | us | named to reflect the unoaked style, with no malolactic fermentation, this hits the mark with good concentration and bright, snappy green apple, kiwi and cucumber flavors. there's a pleasing push through the palate from the juicy acidity, and the finish remains focused and on point. | steel | 90 | 17 |
79,506 | us | slightly funky scents of asphalt and sweaty socks come along with graphite, pressed blackberry and new mexico chile. the palate is led by tobacco-laced zing, opening with boysenberry flavors, and finishing with decent acidity and mouth-coating tannins. | estate | 91 | 60 |
1,431 | us | this brings bracing minerality into the forefront, in a terroir-driven wine with excellent penetration and depth. a fresh mix of citrus and stone, this elevates viognier into the top echelons of washington white wines. | stoneridge vineyard | 92 | 30 |