wine_id
int64 1
130k
| country
stringclasses 40
values | description
stringlengths 20
764
| designation
stringlengths 1
95
| points
int64 80
100
| price
float64 4
2.01k
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
91,934 | france | in keeping with the dry style that marks jeaunaux-robin champagne, this is a taut, crisply fruity wine. it has light, bright fruits with a touch of more mature toast and cookie flavors. it's just ready to drink. | Sélection Extra Brut | 89 | 75 |
26,265 | italy | white flower, honeydew melon and lemon aromas meld together on this lively white. the savory, juicy palate doles out green apple, white peach and a white almond note alongside flinty mineral and bright acidity. | Fossili del Comune di Gavi | 88 | 20 |
52,291 | italy | this vineyard-designate sparkler shows enormous softness and creaminess, with plush aromas of peach, sweet grapefruit and sweet almond flower. | Millesimato Rive di Farra di Soligo Extra Dry | 87 | 17 |
21,790 | argentina | dusty peach and nectarine aromas are subtle and draw you toward a balanced palate with modest weight and natural-feeling acidity. peach, melon and quince flavors finish firm and elegant. this wine has a french character to it. | Piedra Negra Alta Colección Pinot Gris | 89 | 12 |
100,346 | france | this champagne is soft and has some sweetness (although technically brut). ripe melon and pear fruits are cut with enough acidity to keep the wine fresh and fruity. | Authentic Brut | 87 | 30 |
10,247 | us | this presents a rather fresh take on this often extracted grape, with raspberry and boysenberry juice, black pepper, dried strawberries and a touch of wild mint. there are nice coffee elements on the palate, along with sage and brown spices, but the boysenberry and fresh purple fruits shine throughout. | Burbank Vineyard | 91 | 40 |
19,525 | south africa | a blend of 64% pinot noir and 36% chardonnay, this pale rosé is light and slightly searing, with high acidicy and faint notes of strawberry hull and firm peach on the nose and mouth. | Gorgeous | 83 | 13 |
80,128 | us | hot, raspingly dry and pretty tannic to boot, this grenache, from a high mountain vineyard, also is a little funky and barnyardy. there are some concentrated cherry, currant, tabasco and pepper-spice flavors, but those strong tannins really get in the way. | Alta Mesa Vineyard | 83 | 38 |
97,756 | us | notable for the smoothness and finesse of the mousse, or bubbles, this pinot noir and chardonnay brut-style blend is rich and crisp in acidity. there's a honeyed sweetness to the generous strawberry, raspberry, lime and vanilla flavors. | Brut Reserve | 92 | 30 |
72,370 | portugal | this is a stylish, ripe wine. pineapple and apricot flavors lend a rich yet fresh feel to the wine. lemon and lime give a crisp finish. it's tangy and structured, better to drink from 2016. | Monte Mayor | 88 | 13 |
46,752 | portugal | showing freshness as well as sweet jelly fruit, this has a young feel to it. an edge of bitter chocolate and spice is layered over tannins that are not yet integrated. | Late Bottled Vintage | 87 | 26 |
123,405 | us | this late release is an unusual blend of syrah, baco noir, tempranillo and dolcetto. all are strengths of the ava, though rarely blended together. the extra bottle age has smoothed the rough edges, yielding a pleasant-drinking wine with flavors of strawberry preserves, citrus peel, and a touch of malt powder. | Equinox | 88 | 30 |
72,921 | us | this is a nice estate offering from the producer, a celebration of baked cherry pie that's soft and velvety while being full-bodied in style. fruity and oaky in equal measure, it was aged for almost two years in 35% new french oak, and has a distinct touch of toasted oak on the finish. | Cactus Hill | 91 | 65 |
67,035 | italy | toast, oak, coconut and mocha aromas take center stage and carry over to the palate along with star anise and baking spice. it lacks fruit richness while bracing tannins grip the finish. | San Lorenzo | 87 | 80 |
5,383 | us | there's a brown sugar, candied edge to the raspberries and cherries of this 100% cabernet. plenty of caramelized oak, too. the result is a soft wine that grows cloying after a while. | Alexander School Reserve | 85 | 45 |
110,285 | us | new oak and ripe fruit combine to produce a user-friendly chardonnay that's made in the popular style. it's enormous in pineapple, orange, mango and vanilla flavors that are brightened by crisp carneros acidity. | Big Bend | 87 | 24 |
11,259 | france | even though it is weighty, very full and dense, the wine has a fine balance, with acidity that cuts through the richness. | Château la Fleur | 88 | 17 |
74,560 | italy | creamy and buttery with gorgeous notes of stone fruit, exotic fruit, vanilla, honey and a playful touch of banana, this wine is an exceptional companion to shellfish, clams or chowder. the aromas are direct, intense and very seductive. this is an opulent, sophisticated wine that wins high scores across the board, thanks to its genuine intensity and its crisp, flavor-rich finish. | Biancosesto | 91 | 23 |
91,754 | us | this red offers tightly wound strawberry and cassis around spicy leather and medium-boned weight and length. | aCure eState Vineyard | 86 | 27 |
67,783 | chile | light in color, this has a nose that's defined by a leafy, herbal red-fruit aroma and a rubbery scent. the palate is light in feel and drying, with a spicy, dry red-fruit flavor and a buttery oak tone. mellow and leafy on the finish. | Reserve | 84 | 12 |
39,471 | italy | this blend of cabernet, merlot and syrah shows a decadently soft side thanks to its aromas of black cherry, tobacco, chocolate and subtle spice. it delivers density and substance on the finish and would pair with pasta and creamy porcini sauce. | Cum Laude | 91 | 31 |
29,971 | us | a big, dry wine rich in red fruit and sizable tannins, this 100% varietal, single-vineyard designated offering is buoyed by silky, fine-grained tannins that support its voluptuous nature. more savory than sweet in terms of ripeness, its flavors lean toward tobacco and black tea. drink now through 2022. | Brenda's Vineyard | 93 | 125 |
125,334 | us | brooding aromas of the blackest of fruit, anise and cassis are followed by a velvet hammer of sweet dried-fruit flavors backed by burly tannins. medicinal and dark-fruit notes persist on the finish. it seems slightly dried out but still delivers the goods. | The Bully | 90 | 50 |
95,885 | italy | very fresh and acidic to the point of tasting sour, this ruby-colored chianti offers bright berry aromas and white cherry crispness. the wine seems perfectly engineered to pair with cheesy pasta or pizza. | Guarniente | 84 | 13 |
90,237 | us | rough around the edges, hot in alcohol and sweet in raisins on the finish. all that makes it a rustic cabernet. drink now with bbq, mexican food. | Lakeside Ranch | 82 | 19 |
31,090 | israel | a delicious cabernet loaded with black currant and plum complemented by hints of pepper and mocha. the medium body and appropriately gripping tannins give way to a solid, lingering finish, making this a suitable companion to most meat and game dishes. | Kosher | 86 | 47 |
38,999 | portugal | there is some of the mineral character that is typical of the douro in this black-fruit-laden wine. it has acidity and tannins and a stalky, juicy character that keeps it crisp. the wine is ready to drink now. | Bote | 85 | 8 |
26,066 | us | rich and toasty, this has aromas barrel-dominated aromas and flavors of vanilla and sweet, buttery oak. the underlying wine is strong in cherry and balsam flavors, which are girded by considerable tannins. pair this with game meats, stews or barbecue to wrestle the structural elements into submission. | Fort Ross Vineyard | 88 | 40 |
7,540 | us | freshly acidic and jammy in blackberry, cherry and raspberry flavors, this is one of the fruitier napa cabs available. it's at its best now, so drink up with a nice steak. | Fin de Journée | 87 | 25 |
25,547 | france | the wine is dense with fine concentration and a solid dry tannin character at the back. it is full of black fruits and balanced acidity. its richness reflects the quality of the vintage and its aging potential. drink from 2022. | Les Chaillots Premier Cru | 92 | 80 |
61,573 | us | alluring aromas of tobacco, forest floor, smoking incense and chocolate are well defined. supportive tannins frame its soft core, while conspicuous acids ramp up the earthy flavors. it finishes long, with a lingering note of dark stone fruit. | Bethlehem Valley | 85 | 25 |
40,571 | france | one of two wines produced by this estate from old vines, this is a ripe, full wine that has a fine balance between ripe red-berry fruit and acidity. spice from the wood aging gives an extra complexity to what is already a delicious wine. drink from 2017. | Concerto | 90 | 55 |
18,614 | argentina | leafy aromas of tomato and green herbs pile on the pyrazines. this distinctly herbal cabernet is full and chunky in feel, with flavors that follow the nose: bell pepper and spicy tomato lead the way. a peppery finish is herbal to the last note. | Nonni | 83 | 15 |
118,027 | italy | here's a soave classico made with fruit selected from santi's monteforte vineyard that delivers fresh aromas of stone fruit, honey and lemon zest. there's good balance between acidity and density here and this easygoing wine leaves a cleansing effect on the palate. | Vigneti di Monteforte | 86 | 15 |
39,519 | spain | grassy and sweet smelling, with apple and lightly candied aromas. nice and normal in the mouth, with sweet, ripe flavors of white fruits, powdered sugar and pear. turns a bit cloying on the finish. seems sweeter and less complex than in the past. | Reserva Heredad | 87 | 25 |
123,582 | us | polished and balanced, this masterpiece shows restraint and it's already drinkable. with its great acidity and its fine intermingling of spice and red fruit flavors, this wine will appeal to lovers of gamay and pinot noir. | Méthode à l'Ancienne | 91 | 29 |
25,492 | us | exuberantly fruity, this full-bodied wine smells and tastes like black-cherry juice, and is nicely dry on the palate. good fruit acidity and moderate tannins balance all the fruit concentration and high alcohol level. | Shake Ridge Ranch | 89 | 45 |
58,819 | argentina | violet petal, cookie dough and graham cracker aromas surround berry scents on the nose of this good-value malbec. the palate is jammy and not at all fierce or demanding; flavors of floral raspberry and vanilla finish sweet and a touch candied. | Elsa Bianchi | 86 | 11 |
64,426 | us | smoky tea leaves and vanilla permeate throughout this blossomy, perfumed blend of white grape varieties (muscat, pinot grigio and pinot blanc). it's lusciously full bodied, yet spry, boasting concentrated stone fruit flavors framed squarely by savory tones of earth, wood and bitter tannins. | Sylvanus | 90 | 24 |
46,925 | argentina | tarry blackberry aromas are piercing and a bit gritty. this feels ripe, plush and balanced, with blackberry, spice and herbal flavors. a moderate note of heat rises to the surface of a finish with herbal blackberry flavors. | Punto Final Reserva | 89 | 21 |
30,385 | chile | it took this concha y toro specialty label a few years to find its footing with sauvignon blanc, but in 2010 they found it. this is a subtle but chiseled wine with structure, juicy acidity and pure apple, lime and tarragon flavors. it's consistent from nose to tail, and it's deep and layered, too. | Reserva Especial | 91 | 22 |
128,953 | us | a blend of klipsun and obelisco vineyards, this cabernet sauvignon leads with aromas of blackberry jam, espresso, fresh herbs and toasty barrel spices (60% new french). the black fruit flavors are rich, ripe and sweet, with the oak playing a prominent part in the show. | The Rookie | 91 | 50 |
102,685 | chile | this opens like an exploding hand grenade filled with pyrazines and jalapeño extract. the narrow, acidic palate is lacking in depth, but at least it's fresh. briny, green flavors of jalapeño and bell peppers never let go, while the finish is tart and green, with a lasting note of bell pepper. | Single Vineyard | 83 | 13 |
73,208 | spain | raisiny aromas are rich and gritty. pounding tannins and a beam of acidity drive the palate, which brings flavors of oaky baked fruits and black licorice. a jammy finish with baked berry and raisiny flavors confirms that this is extremely ripe and ready to drink now. | Señorio de Convey | 86 | 17 |
107,039 | italy | pressed yellow flowers, citrus zest, walnut and bread crust aromas lead the way on this elegantly structured wine. the foaming, velvety palate doles out ripe yellow apple, lemon drop, toast and a light note of crystallized ginger framed in vibrant acidity and an ultrafine perlage. an energizing mineral note closes the finish. | Perlé | 92 | 38 |
532 | us | scott shull (raptor ridge) consults here. this brings a blend of clones from the estate vineyard, with ample new wood still showing through. black fruits and a vein of coffee are also in the mix, with a balanced, somewhat muscular mouthfeel. this has the strength to stand up to a lightly blackened grilled seafood filet. | Diversité | 91 | 50 |
36,531 | portugal | this port was “rescued” from the darkest recesses of the graham cellars and bottled to commemorate queen elizabeth's 90th birthday. it is impressively youthful even hinting at fruit. of course, the concentration is intense and the richness is gorgeous. at the end, the acidity of a mature wine gives a shot of essential freshness. drink now. | 90-year Old Tawny | 97 | 1,000 |
56,191 | france | 93–95. barrel sample. this firm, dry wine is solidly rich and full in the mouth. with fine acidity and black currant fruit that show through the tannins, it is a wine with considerable potential. | Barrel Sample | 94 | 100 |
119,310 | spain | dusty black cherry and dark plum aromas are ripe and friendly. this is a plump, modern-style red with a clean mouthfeel and weight. berry fruits, spice and oak flavors blend well, while the finish is, in general, full, smooth and adequately fresh. tempranillo with 10% petit verdot. | Crianza | 88 | 17 |
17,078 | italy | here's a fun and zingy white that offers aromas and flavors of white spring flower, tart green apple and a hint of mineral. it's simple but well made, with zesty acidity that gives it a refreshing finish. | Castel Pietra | 85 | 13 |
56,407 | us | this cabernet sauvignon, with 11% merlot added, offers intense ripeness and a plush texture of soft tannins. rich blackberry jam and chocolate flavors are layered with soy and leather notes, benefitting from integrated oak. | Estate Grown | 91 | 85 |
90,679 | us | this is a very light expression of the grape from a san francisco-based producer, with thyme, chaparral, cranberry, tart pomegranate juice and wet clay on the nose. the palate shows light, tangy cherry juice, fennel, crushed olive and peppery spice. it will work well for fans of this style, but there's not enough there to entertain the mainstream pinot noir fan. | Fiddlestix Vineyard | 90 | 43 |
22,019 | us | finished dry, this combines elements of orange peel and citrus in a simple refreshing style. | Pinot Noir | 86 | 28 |
6,164 | us | the name refers to the fact that the wine was both fermented and aged in stainless steel barrels. made with dijon clones from two different vineyards, it's fruit-driven, nicely flavored, offering melon, apple and white peach in equal proportion. it's a well-balanced wine, with clean, fresh flavors and just the right amount of acid to keep you reaching for the next glass. | Purity | 89 | 18 |
61,685 | us | thick in sandpapery tannins, this petite sirah shows very ripe, sweet flavors of blackberry jam, currants, chocolate, raisins and pepper. it's rustic now, and likely to remain so over a long lifespan. | Altitude 2401 Fair Play Farms | 84 | 35 |
8,028 | portugal | pear and tangerine notes give this wine an immediately fruity character. it has bright acidity, with a fresh and crisp palate. the fruit is right up front, with a soft aftertaste. | Andreza Códega do Larinho | 86 | 15 |
75,929 | us | black pepper and acidity, compounded by a lack of richness, combine to make this wine scoury. it has flavors of sour cherry candy and tobacco. | Winemaker's Reserve | 81 | 13 |
59,910 | argentina | aromas of ripe blackberry, prune and minerality are upright and intense. the palate is lush, smooth and balanced, while blackberry and cassis lead the flavor assault. a deep, long and delicious finish confirms that this wine offes great value for just over $20. | Golden Reserve | 92 | 21 |
6,973 | chile | lean, racy aromas of green fruits and cactus pad announce a pinched, zingy, high-acid palate. briny, lightly green citrus flavors finish tight and chalky, with raw acidity that you can feel on your teeth and gums. | Reserva | 86 | 11 |
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 |
109,141 | us | this bordeaux-style blend is bone dry and scented strongly with dried leaves, earth and herbs. the lightly-ripened fruit suggests pomegranate and rhubarb. | Consonance | 86 | 34 |
70,760 | france | from vines in the far east of the entre-deux-mers region, this is a wine that is just red fruits, lightly tannic and with plenty of fresh acidity. the wine is surprisingly ready to drink. | Murets de Mez | 85 | 10 |
31,873 | us | a very good dessert wine, whose acidity provides balance to the sweet apricot, orange, vanilla and honeysuckle flavors. a bit of tease, it would score far higher with greater intensity. | Late Harvest | 87 | 48 |
15,486 | us | this wine is quite aromatic with notes of funk, mineral and dark fruit. the fruit and savory flavors are light bodied, with a mouthwatering quality that keeps the interest high. | The Classic Estate Cabernet Sauvignon In the Rocks Vineyard | 90 | 75 |
85,514 | italy | proemio has a bouquet of mature black fruit and mushroom, layered with bitter almond. the warm palate delivers ripe raspberry and prune flavors, accented by black pepper and nutmeg. this is already developing complexity but is fast approaching its ideal drinking window, so enjoy soon. | Proemio | 90 | 75 |
72,225 | italy | this vintage of damilano's cannubi cru barolo is very impressive. chocolate fudge and hazelnut are lavished over very good integrity of fruit. you can make out aromas of red currant, spice and blueberry. the tannins are thick and chewy but will unwind with five to 10 more years in the bottle. | Cannubi | 91 | 93 |
55,216 | france | landron's complex wine comes from organic grapes that add a line of purity to the bright white and citrus fruits. a textured wine, this needs to age for a few months to round out the fragrant fruitiness and open up the structure. drink from 2016. | Les Houx Sur Lie | 92 | 16 |
22,300 | france | tight tannins dominate this highly scented wood-aged wine. it has rich blackberry flavors, spice and perfumed acidity. the juicy fruits are bright and will soften into the rich texture over the next few years. drink from 2019. | Cuvée des Capucins | 90 | 25 |
34,030 | italy | aromas of cassis, spicy black plum and juicy blackberry follow through to the palate, balanced by ripe, round tannins. a licorice note signals the finish. | Piè Franco Secco | 87 | 25 |
70,406 | us | bold and ripe in cherry jam flavors. oak brings buttered toast to the mix. delicious and savory, this pinot is solidly in the ripe california style of forward fruit and immediate flash. drink now and through 2014. | Six Sixty Seven | 90 | 52 |
16,853 | us | from a vineyard near carneros, this inky, dark wine bursts with blackberry, clove and smoke aromas. fantastic concentration of fruit; deep, plush and opulent. the depth of flavor is enormous, yet it's so supple and balanced. very fine now. try it with game. | Hudson T Reserve | 93 | 45 |
59,043 | argentina | initially this smells earthy and rubbery, but with airing it shows roasted dark-berry aromas mixed with horsey leather. the palate is full, tannic and scratchy, with black-fruit flavors, pepper, toast and herbal notes. toast and coffee flavors are found on a hard, tannic finish. tasted twice with mixed results. | Reserve | 85 | 15 |
77,639 | austria | an intensely juicy wine, this needs time to bring together all the part of the blend. the richness and wood flavors show power, sweetness and dark berry and plum flavors spiced with cinnamon and toast. give it a year for the extreme juiciness to calm down. | Pannobile | 89 | 55 |
87,825 | spain | earthy and subtle on the nose, with mellow leafy notes, spice and fresh red-fruit aromas. feels lively and layered, with integrated flavors of berry fruit, oak and mocha. creamy and long on the finish, with just enough acidity to maintain length and feel. | Crianza | 88 | 15 |
88,780 | austria | domäne is the everyday range of wines from schloss gobelsburg. this 100% zweigelt is in a fresh, fruity style, emphasizing red berry fruits and light tannins. the acidity gives a crispness to the wine, which balances the intensity of fruit flavors. | Domäne Gobelsburg | 86 | 13 |
60,532 | spain | aromas of burnt wood and spice cover rugged gritty berry scents. this is a tight minerally wiry garnacha that's oaky on the palate. oak-rich plum flavors finish with strong tannins, residual grit and lasting wood-based notes. drink through 2022. | Roca Roja | 89 | 255 |
53,005 | chile | savory oak, mint and leather aromas accent basic blackberry and plum scents. this feels round, full-bodied and oaky, and that character carries onto the flavor profile, which includes minty wood and blackberry. toast and resiny oak lead the way on a bulky, generous finish. | Toro de Piedra Grand Reserve Single Vineyard | 86 | 12 |
116,226 | argentina | pretty aromatics include balsam wood, blackberry and blueberry. the palate is lush but well structured, with bullish berry, chocolate and creamy oak flavors. minty and super spicy and long on the finish, with a lasting dark toastiness. | Laborde Double Select | 90 | 25 |
5,012 | us | this is made from fruit sourced from the oldest block of syrah in washington, which was planted in 1986. the nose expresses complex varietal character, with a mix of blue and purple berry, a dusting of earth and accents of cinnamon and incense. subtle and expressive, this is the best vintage to date for the patriarche. | La Côte Patriarche | 94 | 55 |
48,294 | us | there's some richness in this chocolate- and cherry-flavored wine, but it really falls off quickly, leading to a thin finish. lacks the sweet concentration this winery's port-style wines used to have. | Royal Escort Paladini Vineyard | 85 | 72 |
67,648 | us | gritty, grippy and full of life, this full-bodied wine exhibits a generous swath of extracted cherry, plum and cedar flavor, with additional notes of graphite and oak. well integrated and big-boned, it has structure and an underlying brightness that make it balanced and elegant within its size. | Oakville Reserve Estate Grown | 94 | 85 |
24,508 | us | big flavors, full body and assertive tannins balance each other to make this out-sized wine a winner. it has ripe black cherry and dried fig aromas, gushing fruit flavors and a broad texture, but the firm tannins keep it from tasting fat. it's hardly delicate, but definitely delicious. | Anderson Creek Vineyard | 91 | 50 |
58,994 | germany | while the nose is a touch savory and subdued, the palate of this off-dry riesling boasts an abundance of sweet-tart apricot and peach flavors. its sunny, simple demeanor is jolted by searing lemon-lime acidity that bristles on the finish. | RK | 88 | 16 |
37,879 | us | this is the first reserve for this unassuming, low-profile winery whose wines clearly belong in the first rank of washington's boutiques. it shows classic cabernet fruit from three top vineyards, long and persistent, yet never over extracted or alcoholic. true bordeaux style in an elegant, ageworthy wine. editors' choice. | Reserve | 93 | 36 |
89,558 | us | pretty peach in color, this 50-50 sparkling blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, with a small percentage of the pinot added to the blend before secondary fermentation, is a light, high-toned, flinty bubbly rich in strawberry aromas and a savory, herbal streak. | DVX Rosé | 90 | 70 |
36,083 | chile | emphasizes intense passion fruit aromas that grow more pungent upon breathing. feels tangy as it dances on the palate, with passion fruit, lemon-lime and tarragon flavors. long and focused on the finish, with tons of zest. | 1865 Single Vineyard | 89 | 19 |
42,284 | france | this is a crisp fruity wine with delicious red currants. it has fine acidity as well, with a burst of freshness in the midst of the spicy, ripe wine. drink this attractive wine now. | Cuvée du Lion | 86 | 10 |
28,953 | france | a certain faint spiciness hovers over everything, recalling honeysuckle. the textured palate is fresh and equally pepper-spiced. this has freshness and verve, a certain ease and tons of lemony crispness. if you wanted to hold a party to welcome summer, this would be the perfect wine. | Mise du Printemps | 90 | 21 |
13,204 | france | ripe and creamy, this has baked apple and generous pear flavors. the wine is all fruit, only lightly textured, crisp and clean. it's ready to drink. | Château de Goulaine Sur Lie | 86 | 15 |
3,353 | france | this soft, open wine has a light fruit character with attractive acidity and a crisp aftertaste. drink now. | Les Tilles | 84 | 20 |
110,659 | us | this wine includes 20% petite sirah from the winery's property. juicy, thick and tannic, as would be expected given the vintage and varieties, it offers pretty aromatics of violet and plenty of grit and grip on the palate. dusty blackberry and black currant ride along a carpet of leather and meat. | Audentia Estate Grown | 90 | 200 |
50,407 | us | tart black cherry and bramble give way to a cool granite minerality on the nose of this stately wine. black fruit notes intensify on the palate, accumulating richness and ripeness, but the finish is a bit abrupt. | Reserve | 88 | 47 |
85,466 | germany | the westhofen morstein seems the most vibrantly citrusy among wittmann's 2014 gg bottlings. its lemon-lime acidity is almost puckering, but cushioned by creamy textured layers of tangerine, grapefruit and yellow cherry flavor. it's a powerful, elegant wine with a deep mineral finish. drinks well now but should intensify in minerality through 2020. | Westhofen Morstein Trocken GG | 92 | 92 |
52,217 | us | a common thread among the 2015 soléna pinots is a stiff herbal beet flavor rather than fully ripe berry fruit. this tilts into cranberry and very tart raspberry, but finishes astringent and hard. give it plenty of decanting (two or three hours) to help it open up. | Domaine Danielle Laurent | 88 | 55 |
16,485 | us | hailing from one of the state's top syrah sites, this wine offers reserved aromas of violets and raspberries along with whiffs of smoked meat and green herbs. the layered flavors are elegant yet intense, with vibrant acidity and a finish with plenty of hang time. the pleasure is as much about feel as flavor. | Forgotten Hills Vineyard | 93 | 60 |
99,511 | germany | despite some initially offputting scents of sweaty socks, this is a charming wine. apple, citrus and petrol mingle easily once the difficult aromas have dissipated to reveal a medium-bodied, off-dry wine. it's creamy-textured in the mouth, then turns crisp and minerally on the finish. | Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett | 89 | 22 |
73,923 | spain | heavyweight aromas of molasses and honey are friendly but flat. a dry, drawing palate holds nutty, salty walnut flavors that run only so deep before bottoming out. a tight, basic finish doesn't waver. | Corredera Amontillado | 88 | 16 |
46,347 | us | aromas of ripe grapes and vanilla make for a lush, inviting nose on this fruit-forward bottling of 49.5% sangiovese, 49.5% cabernet sauvignon and 1% malbec. the juicy palate shows blackberries and black cherries as well as licorice and dark chocolate, with strong tannins giving textural balance. | Super Tuscan | 88 | 50 |
113,424 | italy | there are slightly toasted notes here of chestnut or almond followed by bitter berry fruit and dark chocolate. the wine is crisp, polished and clean in the mouth with a tart, bitter almond close. pair it with creamy potatoes dauphinoise. | Montebruna | 89 | 23 |
85,109 | chile | dry, spicy and floral smelling, with modest herbal accents. the palate is saturated and fairly rich, with good texture and broad, satisfying flavors of berry and plum. sturdy, consistent and fresh, with easy drinkability. | Reserva | 88 | 9 |