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100
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2.01k
49,056
uruguay
This bright, bold blend of Tannat and Merlot is direct on the nose, with lemony oak, pencil lead and berry aromas. It's a full, weighty, warm wine with flavors of blackberry, cassis and chocolate tinged with citrus. Oaky notes, with a licorice flavor and heat, drive the finish.
Cisplatino
87
13
107,907
germany
While bright and fresh with fruit, this robust structured rosé offers enough substance to thrive beyond a summer season. Dry and sprightly, it offers crisp raspberry and cherry flavors nuanced by complexities of garrigue and earth. A pleasant bite of tannins elongates the finish.
Pinot Noir Saignée
90
30
106,248
us
Sharpness compromises this wine. Whether the acidity is natural or added, it's intrusive, cutting the palate and giving a sour candy taste to the blackberries, currants and cherries. Ready now.
Gracie Creek Vineyards
85
38
68,201
us
Vibrant aromas of peach, botrytis, apricot and pear lead to ripe stone-fruit flavors that linger. Pair it with a yellow curry.
Eroica Gold
90
20
45,865
chile
Clean on the nose, with pure citrus and minerality. It's full but not heavy in the mouth, with developed, mature flavors of grapefruit and other citrus fruits. Mildly pithy, green and long on the finish. Not a prima ballerina; this has force and strength along with elegance.
Single Vineyard
89
18
13,639
us
This wine from the sought-after site opens with spice, salty brine and a light imprint of acidity. It shows prominent preserved lemon and crisp green apple notes, as well as more developed layers of peach. The oak is well integrated and helpful to the whole, adding texture and weight.
Charles Heintz Vineyard
91
55
52,065
portugal
A rustic wine that blends Cabernet Sauvignon with local fruit. It has a layer of wood, uncomfortable black currant acidity and a core of tannins.
Conde d'Ervideira Reserva
83
20
72,279
spain
Dusty lime aromas carry a modest nose toward a clean palate with moderate fruity weight. Flavors of white grapefruit and lime finish with additional citrus notes and stone-fruit accents. It's a nice, forward-leaning Cava.
Brut
88
14
2,129
italy
This opens has a bold appearance with dark extraction. The aromas that follow are reminiscent of ripe cherry, cinnamon spice, plum and pulpy black fruit. Round and soft, this closes with firm grittiness.
Monfrini
88
15
9,743
us
Delicate swathes of honey brighten savory chestnut, smoke and mineral tones throughout this feather-light dry Riesling. It's an earthier slightly darker expression of Riesling with electric acidity accenting hints of spice and dusty pollen. The finish is long and intently smoky.
Sawmill Creek Vineyard Dry
89
22
125,824
mexico
Slightly sweet on the nose, but wheaty and grassy too. It tastes like clay and bubble gum, with a touch of peach and citrus. It's acidic on the finish.
Dominó
80
15
104,196
us
Credit the cool vintage for this Pinot's mouthwatering acidity. The wine is rich but pristine with fruit, a testament to Phelps' superb viticultural practices and attention to detail at the sorting table. It's dry and crisp, yet rich and delicious, with flavors of strawberry and raspberry jam, rosehip tea and cedar. The tannins give the wine a velvety grip. As good as it is now, it would be a shame not to cellar it. Your window of drinkability begins in 2019 and extends for 15 years after.
Quarter Moon Vineyard Estate Grown
95
75
29,341
us
There is a delicious, citrusy kick to this wine, lifting the bright berry fruit flavors. The flavors pile on, with peppery spice and chocolate, and a complex midpalate that tastes like cherry cola.
Guadalupe Vineyard
92
40
53,742
france
It's rare to find Pinot Blanc in Champagne, let alone as a stand-alone grape. From the southern Aube vineyards, it's fruitier and softer than a Chardonnay-based wine. That makes it accessible, smooth, creamy and just ready to drink.
Extra Brut
91
80
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
72,973
us
Try this as an interesting alternative to Chardonnay to pair with grilled salmon or chicken. It's rich and creamy, with ripe orange, apricot, mango and honey flavors, but balanced with crisp acidity. The blend consists of Roussanne, Viognier, Picpoul Blanc and Marsanne.
Points West
88
30
125,789
us
Excellent Pinot, not just for its exquisite flavors but for the layers of complexity. Has everything you look for in California Pinot, tons of berry-cherry, earth, tobacco and spicy herb flavors and a silky texture that caresses the palate. Young and fruity now, this fine wine will develop additional nuances with age. Cellar Selection.
Double L Vineyard
92
42
19,573
us
This is one of the sweetest white California dessert wines out there. It's addictively decadent, like an upscale Sauternes. Barrel fermentation in new French oak gives an opulent, palate-flattering honeyed vanilla richness to the apricot, peach, pineapple and crème brûlée flavors that are so rich and refined. Crisp acidity provide clean, vibrant balance. Just gorgeous, and worth the price.
Botrytised
95
55
10,477
greece
Black pepper, crushed herbs and red raspberry fruit aromas give this elegant red a place at the dinner table. Red fruit, cedar and vanilla on the palate are balanced with soft acidity. Pair with smoked fish, cheeses and lamb.
Red Symmetry
90
13
92,164
us
This brings a boatload of flavor for the price. It's packed with fruit; citrus, pineapple, apple, and peach, round and succulent, with just the right amount of sharp acidity to give it some verve.
Mirth
88
9
66,276
italy
Made predominantly from Sangiovese with 8% Canaiolo, this wine begins with aromas of toasted oak, spice, mature black berries and just a whiff of rubber. The palate offers black cherry, white and red pepper, espresso and roasted coffee bean alongside youthful, astringent tannins that need a few years to unwind.
Il Picchio Riserva
88
52
43,871
france
A lightly creamy rosé, this wine merely hints at, rather than broadcasts, its component flavors. Everything is in balance, but oddly pale—the fruit could be anything, and the wine itself seems a bit dumbed down. But nothing is off, and it finishes spicy and refreshing.
Prestige Brut Rosé
88
52
43,053
us
This tight, young Syrah has a succinct core of blueberry and raspberry flavors, which are wrapped in a mix of herb, earth and green tea. The tannins are just slightly bitter, but all in balance, and that bitterness is not at all unpleasant.
Stillwater Creek Vineyard
90
28
16,770
italy
One of the best expressions from the classic Cannubi vineyard area, this fragrant red is all about finesse, opening with enticing scents of perfumed berry, iris, rose, chopped herb, baking spice and new leather. The vibrant palate boasts structure as well as an almost ethereal elegance, delivering succulent red cherry, crushed strawberry, cinnamon and licorice wrapped in refined tannins. Bright acidity lends impeccable balance. Drink from 2021 through 2043.
Cannubi
98
60
44,265
us
Swathes of evergreen lend elegance to this piercing, steel-toned Riesling. On the palate, touches of honey lend a sunny sweetness to cutting lemon and lime flavors. A slick of honeycomb extends the finish.
Doyle Fournier Vineyard
88
25
119,395
chile
Aromas of olive, green herbs, mixed spices and black plum set up a full, grabby palate. Flavors of generic black fruits, bitter herbs and eucalyptus finish minty and leafy, with weight and cushion.
Cefiro Reserva
86
12
118,000
chile
Aromas of mango, pineapple and petrol are pure Riesling. Plump on the palate, with citrusy acidity, this tastes of green melon, lime and tarragon. On the finish, a simple, sweet melony flavor blends into a sharper grapefruit note.
Single Vineyard Block no.23 Rulos del Alta
89
20
25,788
us
A dense, tannic and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend, this conveys boysenberry and anise among the thick walls of structure and intensity that give this wine full-bodied flavor. Let it open and enjoy with hearty fare.
Jacks Are Wild
87
55
68,310
us
Boysenberry, black plum, condensed rose petal and cola touches show on the nose of this clonal selection, which offers very purple-seeming aromas. Ripe black cherry fruit leads the palate, followed by rounded vanilla notes, over a backdrop of thyme, bay leaf and graphite.
Pommard Clone
91
55
93,279
france
A lemon-scented wine, light and fresh, it has an attractive crispness and lively fruitiness. It's best drunk now.
La Forcine
84
8
17,097
france
Delamotte, the sister house of the legendary Salon, is based in the Côte des Blancs so it has plenty of experience with Chardonnay. This crisp, fruity and lightly toasty wine shows well-balanced freshness and poise. Drink now.
Blanc de Blancs Brut
92
112
106,712
germany
Swirls of penetrating peach and honey flavors pack a mighty punch in this dazzling, sunny sip. Off dry in style, it's an easy going yet elegant wine accented by saffron, blossoms and reverberating tangerine acidity. Drink now through 2017.
H
90
20
40,811
us
Soothing menthol and green floral notes lend vibe to crisp sour-cherry flavors in this bold, penetrating Bordeaux-style blend. It's rich and brawny on the palate with juicy, primary cherry and plum flavors, yet streaked with delicate touches of oak and earth.
Dieci
90
35
98,029
us
This very limited production wine is Foursight's most expensive offering. It smells like red cherries and cinnamon, tastes warm and spicy, and feels broad and velvety. While not quite as impressive as the 2013, it has a plush and welcoming personality that's difficult to forget.
Paraboll
91
54
37,634
italy
The white variety of Pallagrello is a rare native grape, which is found in only a handful of spots in southern Italy. This wine shows very nice structure and creaminess, with a touch of fresh acidity on the finish.
Fontanavigna
88
31
74,223
italy
Dark-skinned berry, scorched earth, clove, worn leather and oak-driven spice scents present themselves to the nose. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, roasted coffee bean, vanilla and a green note of powdered sage alongside close-grained tannins that grip the finish and leave an astringent, tongue-drying finish.
Castello di Bibbione Gran Selezione
89
45
69,843
italy
Aromas of pressed Spanish broom, oak, marzipan and citrus blend in the glass. The rich, medium-bodied palate offers candied nectarine zest, vanilla and toasted almond alongside bright acidity. Drink now or hold for a few more years.
Crisio Riserva
88
27
35,215
italy
Enticing scents of blue flower, red berry, sandalwood and a whiff of new leather emerge on this glossy red. The bright, silky palate doles out juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry and star anise while fresh acidity and polished tannins provide the framework.
Riserva
91
29
74,758
us
This leads with vibrant and fresh aromas, recalling cut grass, herbs, lime zest and citrus, with whiffs of tropical fruit. The palate brings tart, zingy, mouthwatering citrus flavors, with a lightly creamy feel on the finish.
Stillwater Creek Vineyard
90
20
35,256
spain
Mealy aromas of compostable white fruits lack freshness. This is high in acid but low on body. Briny flavors scream sauerkraut, while the finish tastes pickled and feels caustic.
Edicion Limitada
82
9
87,609
france
An expressive wine, with solid, dense and powerful tannins. With a spicy, leathery, dry textured feel, and perfumed fruits supporting it, this is a wine for the seriously long-term. It is black and solid, an impressive evocation of the structure of great Malbec in Cahors. Keep for at least eight years.
K-2
95
60
39,120
spain
Oaky spice, vanilla and dried-cherry aromas are classic Rioja. This feels round and good, with dry tannins and bright acidity. Toasty brown-sugar and chocolate notes grace mild red-fruit flavors on this textbook wine. Drink through 2020.
Rioja Bordón Reserva
89
15
11,981
us
Quite light, in both mouthfeel and flavor, this has simple, rather generic fruit and a bit of butter.
Dijon 76 Estate
85
27
104,455
chile
This Carmenère-led blend opens with composed aromas of cherry, cassis and chocolate along with herbs and spice. The palate feels crisp and intense, with firm tannins and elegance. Roasted black-fruit flavors are peppery and chocolaty, while licorice and baking spice flavors grace a long finish. Contains 15% Cabernet Franc. Drink through 2022.
Viola
93
55
91,839
france
Flavors of apple are spoiled by notes of mud and pondwater on the nose. The palate is bitter and undefined.
Special Delivery
80
15
108,884
france
Developed aromas of forest floor and mushrooms come as no surprise, given the deep brick color on this Alsace Pinot. The highly nuanced palate is complex and shot through with mineral notes. Cherry cola flavors dominate the long finish. An excellent foil for squab or other game birds.
Presitge
88
26
22,457
us
Barbera, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo comprise the wine. Half of the grapes were air dried for three months, which is known as appassimento. The Sangiovese was crushed and fermented conventionally before being added to the blend. The result is a dry, slightly nutty red wine, with tart flavors that are suggestive of fruit leather. It shows good grip and length, and it comes with just a bit of alcoholic heat.
Ripasso
89
20
54,700
us
Dark in color and full-bodied, this is a big, heavy sparkling wine based on Pinot Noir. It has flavors of cherries, raspberries, red currants, cola and anise, in a silky, crisp texture with yeasty notes.
Rosé
86
22
21,695
portugal
An earthy, traditional tasting wine, expressing the dark schist terroir of the Douro. The structure is taut, dry, tannic, but it leaves room for a wine that has some volatility and blackberry juice flavors.
Pilheiros
85
22
63,123
us
Continues a string of successful bottlings of this Cabernet. The flavors are strong but subtle, suggesting blackberries and black currants, with earthier notes of dark chocolate and roasted almonds. Very good, but also pretty tannic. You'll want to cellar this for 5–6 years to let it mellow.
Oroppas
91
55
89,007
us
This wine intoxicates aromatically in wild cherry and strawberry before entering into an entirely different direction of feral earth. Softly smooth on the palate, it's enjoyable now and an interesting taste experience, with an unfussy finish.
Torrey Hill Vineyard
90
40
61,430
portugal
A rich wine that takes time to show its structure, starting with blackberry fruits, then revealing firm, closed tannins. The wine is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, giving off power and complexity.
Vineaticu
90
18
104,524
france
Firm, tannic and hard, this tight wine has a solid core of dry wood. It seems over-extracted with its bitter coffee flavors. Fruit is hard to come by, although there is weight that could develop.
Cuvée Compostelle
84
20
77,704
hungary
An elegant nose of pepper and deeper berry/mocha aromas gives the nose of this wine a more mysterious character than the typical Cab Franc, adding to its appeal. On the palate, it's a medium-bodied, slightly spicy red with a touch of bitter tobacco on the finish. Friendly and flavorful.
Kúria Unfiltered
84
75
112,167
france
From vineyards in a protected natural park, this wine is rich and full in the mouth. It is a touch herbal as well as fruity, adding spice and pepper to the mix. Lively acidity balances the ripeness of the wine.
Le Château
88
21
4,977
germany
Shows good varietal character in a somewhat sweet format. It starts off slightly musky and gingery on the nose, then adds lychee fruit flavors. For its sweetness, it's not particularly richly textured or weighty, making it a possibility as an apéritif.
Neipperger Schlossberg Auslese
88
48
29,308
france
Although best known for its base in Menetou-Salon, Pellé also has 12 acres of vines in Sancerre. This wine is fresh and crisp, with a strongly herbal element that gives a textured character as well as tight acidity. It is ready to drink.
La Croix au Garde
89
29
119,897
us
This is a softer Sauvignon Blanc for those not sworn to the grassy side of the grape, as the Buellton-based winery does a lot of barrel-fermenting. Aromas include pressed kiwi and a sour pucker of lime, and the broiled pear flavors prove easy drinking, if not exceedingly complex.
Vogelzang
88
42
111,323
france
Soft and rounded, this has an open, fragrant character. It has ripe flavors of strawberries and red plums, with a touch of wood and delicious, fresh acidity. Only on the finish does the structured side show through.
Ile de Vergelesses Premier Cru
89
35
69,846
argentina
This rusty colored Pinot opens with aromas of cherry candy and chocolate. There's power to the palate, but also abruptness. Dry, spicy flavors of chocolate, raspberry and orange rind carry over to a direct finish.
Fincas
88
14
43,849
france
Pfister's Riesling is classic, simple and fruity. With its light mineral texture, tight acidity and delicate lemon and grapefruit flavors, it's totally ready to drink.
Tradition
85
29
11,503
argentina
After years of tasting Don David Malbecs, here's one that rises above the rest. This is jammy and stacked with brawny black-fruit aromas. The mouth is bulky and bullish, but balanced, with blackberry flavors that are coated with copious oak and end in a tornado of coffee, mocha, mint and oak. Drink now–2016.
Don David Finca la Maravilla #6
92
25
100,638
france
Dominated at this young stage by wood, this is a potentially rich and creamy wine. Its structure shines through, full and generous. The fruits and the acidity still have to develop, but already the wine is showing the rounded character of a great Pouilly Fuissé. It's a wine to age, so drink from 2016.
Le Clos
92
70
102,250
italy
Earthy aromas of truffle, forest floor, woodland berry, mint and new leather escape the glass. Bright and elegantly structured, the polished palate delivers Marasca cherry, cranberry, cinnamon and star anise framed in youthfully firm, refined tannins. Fresh acidity lends balance. Drink 2023–2038.
Brunate
93
50
128,602
chile
Generic berry, cherry and plum aromas are saucy and earthy. This everyday Cabernet feels rubbery and grabby. Slightly stewed berry, spice and herbal flavors finish bumpy, with hard tannins.
Expedicion
85
12
107,720
argentina
Pineapple and apple aromas are fairly attractive and fresh, as is the light, wet and zippy palate, which shows mostly citrus and apple flavors. The finish is mild and clean, and overall the wine delivers clarity and a dominant citrus profile.
Cruz Alta Reserve
86
13
74,742
italy
New leather, underbrush, menthol, dark spice and chopped dill aromas lead the way in this structured red. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry jam and licorice flavors alongside taut, fine-grained tannins and firm acidity. It's youthfully austere and needs a few years to unwind. Drink 2022–2029.
Vallegrande
90
45
73,173
us
This expertly structured wine will last for ages. It begins with dense blackberry jam, caramel, vanilla, fresh licorice and chocolate-ganache aromas. There is a density of flavors on the sip, but not an overwhelming weight, with black cherry, chocolate syrup and asphalt tones hung on chalky tannins that are a little firm right now. Drink 2018–2033.
Passing By
93
60
52,209
italy
Reserved at first, this Brunello gradually reveals tilled soil and black-skinned fruit aromas. The dense, straightforward palate displays ripe plum and clove notes with a hint of licorice and closed-grained tannins.
Riserva
88
90
31,286
us
The storied Carneros producer dips a toe into Oregon with this new release. It's got ample herbal aromatics and bright, brambly berry fruit, with cinnamon-stick highlights. Quite young and tight, it has a few rough edges to be smoothed out with additional bottle age. This will drink best from 2020–2025.
Yamhill Vista Vineyard
91
60
64,192
france
Mid-lemon hue. Nicely layered aromas of ripe store fruit, hints of petrol and an appealing earthy minerality. Bright and well defined flavors of peach, apricot, nectarine and spice with the minerality following through, adding complexity on the palate. Very fresh and juicy with a smooth texture and a moderately long finish.
KB
90
14
91,270
us
Here's a big, tough, gritty Zinfandel that will please fans of the style. It's extremely ripe in jammy blackberries, currants, cherry pie filling, anise and pepper, and finishes sweet in fruity richness.
Grist Vineyard
86
34
13,526
france
This is a rugged, firmly tannic rendering of Châteauneuf-du-Pape that requires time in the cellar to reach its full potential. That said, it may also pose a risk, because there are hints of Band-Aid on the nose and a slightly metallic edge to the finish that may worsen over time. The other flavors are potent and concentrated: plum, chocolate and licorice all leave lasting impressions on the palate. Try after 2016.
Vieilles Vignes
92
77
116,786
australia
Like the 2003, this is a big, no-holds-barred Shiraz. The 2005 is packed with cassis and blueberry fruit, framed by chocolate and vanilla notes and finishes with plenty of spicy complexity and some slightly rough tannins. Drink 2010–2020.
Reserve
92
30
20,125
us
Honeycomb and a fruit basket of melon and berry ride a wave of medium acidity and mellowed sweetness, with a touch of green apple. This is a good call for morning Mimosas.
Blanc de Blancs
88
55
55,097
argentina
Spicy red-plum aromas are dry and gritty, but fresh. This firm feeling Cab holds its own on the palate, which is tannic and a bit sandpapery. Tight, juicy flavors of spicy plum finish long, dry and mildly salty tasting.
Estate Bottled
85
15
107,110
italy
Aromas of black cherry, tilled soil and a hint of dark spice lift out of the glass. The palate offers juicy wild cherry, cinnamon and white pepper while smooth tannins lend a polished texture.
Tribulo
89
30
107,746
us
This might be one of the most interesting wines being made in California right now, a tiny production, 12%-alcohol Graciano, a grape native to Rioja and barely found in California. The wine is bright and very European, full of white pepper, cranberry and leather notes, high in acid and very clean, though it's unfined and unfiltered. It lasts and lasts, getting better with every drop.
Ripken Vineyard
94
48
29,777
new zealand
Clearview's Chardonnays are always opulent and textural, and this ultra-luxe offering exemplifies the house style. Aromas of grilled fruit mesh beautifully with toasted whole grain on the nose, while similar flavors swirl endlessly in the mouth. Yet despite being warm and welcoming, full bodied and broad on the palate, it's refreshingly firm on the lengthy finish. Drink now–2016.
Endeavour
92
80
87,336
us
A blend of Viognier (60%), Marsanne (25%) and Roussanne, this wine displays fragrant aromas of white flowers, orange peel, almond and citrus. The palate shows an elegant styling along with absolutely impeccable balance that keeps the interest high. Orange peel notes linger on the finish.
Southern
91
32
41,376
argentina
Blackberry and smoky, woody aromas are aggressive at first then more subtle. This feels dry and oaky, while black-fruit flavors taste heavily of clove, mint and peppery spice. Those same flavors along with spiced fruit cake carry the finish.
Dedicación Personal
86
21
54,847
spain
This vintage of Fontal, a basic crianza from La Mancha, shows structure, some tannin and body, and finally solid cherry and plum fruit. With a blast of obvious oak and a forward personality, it makes its point.
Fontal Crianza
85
12
114,716
italy
Made with a classic blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino, this offers quintessential Chianti aromas of wild berry, forest floor, leather, savory herb and game. On the palate, notes of licorice, sage and white pepper accent a core of juicy black cherry. It's quickly approaching its ideal drinking window so enjoy soon.
Foss'a Spina
88
16
110,082
peru
Radiator dust and Animal Cracker aromas are not typical of Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, this opens with mild citric notes but quickly shifts to flatness. Pithy orange and apricot flavors finish yeasty, with a distant hint of citrus zest.
Valle del Sol
84
14
72,528
spain
Roasted and smelling a touch bricky, this also has full aromas of berry and black plum. Feels grabby but honest, with baked black-fruit flavors, chocolate, mocha and coffee. Jammy and deep on the finish, with earthy, chocolaty notes. A blend of 60% Garnacha with 20% each of Syrah and Merlot.
Ludovicus
87
11
53,982
argentina
Prickly pickled aromas are offset by candied fruit notes, while the palate is thin and candied, with nectarine and other less-than-berry flavors. An edgy wine that does little for the image of the obscure Bonarda grape.
Bonarda-Malbec
82
9
5,569
argentina
An interesting, well-made blend of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Tannat that deals lemony oak, spice, coconut and ripe berry aromas. Stocky and firm, with nice balance and bold tannins framing flavors of lemon peel, clove, herbs, toast and berry fruit. A complete package; drink now through 2014.
Trisagio
90
28
69,140
italy
Made with Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera, this concentrated wine conveys aromas of perfumed berry and cake spice. The ripe, round palate offers crushed raspberry, wild cherry, clove and licorice alongside firm, velvety tannins.
Riserva
88
17
29,854
us
Ripe, lifted blackberry and plum notes are tinged with game and garrigue in this luscious, full-bodied Meritage. An unusual dose of Carmenère lends an earthy, savory character that balances an otherwise plush, fruity palate. The finish is framed with fine, soft tannins and a lingering spice note.
Flight
88
28
123,029
us
This wine—aged in a mixture of 20% new American and French oak—shows a pleasing interplay of fruit and barrel. Notes of vanilla and cocoa intermingle with dried herbs, cranberry and bell pepper. It brings focused, lightly styled but high-octane cranberry flavors that are almost creamy in feel, with the focus more on elegance than sheer power.
BDX
90
50
80,207
portugal
The T is for Touriga Nacional, the Merlot for Merlot, and the two blend easily into a wine that revels in the perfumes and tight tannins of the Touriga and the smoothness of ripe Merlot. The fruit is black, dense, but not too powerful, leaving fresh ripeness as well as a dry, tannic structured core.
Quinta da Viçosa T.M.
90
40
3,389
us
Lemon pith and ripe peach aromas are clouded under a distinctly medicinal tone of baby aspirin. While there is nice roundness to the palate and balanced acidity to boot, the flavors are mild showings of orchard fruit and lemon curd.
Wren Song
84
25
70,170
argentina
This is a direct, almost raw type of Cabernet. The nose deals spice, herb and dry-fruit aromas. The palate feels lively and alert, with firm acidity driving flavors of berry fruits, oak, herbs and spice. The finish is long, committed and spicy in nature, with a fair amount of oak.
Finca Las Palmas Gran Reserva
89
21
89,901
us
This is one of the darker, fuller-bodied, richer rosés on the market. It almost has the weight of a red wine. Dry and zesty in acidity, it features powerful flavors of cherries, strawberries, cola and spices. A great wine for beef, pork and tuna. Don't drink it too cold.
Fort Ross Vineyard Rosé of
89
15
6,379
argentina
Inky in color, with exotic, gaseous and balsamic aromas of black fruits and iodine, this biodynamic Malbec-Syrah blend is funky, jumpy, tartatic and jumbled on the palate. Stew, somewhat sour and earthy berry flavors finish scratchy but with length and energy.
Certified Biodynamic
87
23
36,349
chile
Definitely a riper, more solid version of Carmenère with blackberry, pine, herbs and chocolate on the nose. The palate is typically herbal but it's full of smooth, simple dark-fruit flavors and spice. Tasty, wholesome and well worth a go in this category.
Reserve
88
9
120,057
austria
The nose, fragrant with confit apricot, merely hints at the contrasting richness to come—manuka honey shot through with lively citrus sharpness that tempers the intense, concentrated sweetness. There is a topnote of honeydew melon, but the interest is much more on the palate than the nose.
Cuvee Eiswein
89
25
20,045
us
A brick red in color, this bottling of an usually blended variety is quite compelling and delicious, starting with the intriguing nose of pine needle and smashed red plum. The palate picks up Mourvèdre's leathery hallmark, which gives rustic elegance to the red cherry and pine needle spice.
The Harvest of Beulah Land
91
32
96,807
us
This is one of the best Bordeaux blends now available from Paso Robles. Based on Cabernet Sauvignon, it's enormously ripe in blackberry jam, currant, chocolate and cedar flavors that finish lush and spicy. The tannins are strong, but negotiable with barbecue.
Ensemble Lock Vineyard
90
42
97,612
france
This wine, though still young, reveals much about the Deutz style as well as the vintage. It strikes a balance between softness and crispness that fits the ethos of the house. At the same time, it's an attractive medium-term bottling, in line with what many producers acheived in 2010. It should be kept until 2019.
Brut
94
60