james-burton/wine_reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

country stringlengths 2 14 ⌀	description stringlengths 28 829	points int64 80 100	price float64 4 3.3k ⌀	province stringlengths 3 29 ⌀	variety class label 30 classes
Chile	Gritty citrus aromas are oily but adequate. This basic SB tastes of citrus and green vegetables. Beyond that, it's mostly fresh in feel.	85	10	Central Valley	22Sauvignon Blanc
France	From one of the estates that Duboeuf bottles separately, the wine is fruity and soft. It has attractive red fruits and light, well-integrated tannins. A touch of cherry pepper character gives it a lift. Drink now.	86	15	Beaujolais	6Gamay
US	Labeled reserve, this young wine has a bit more heft than the Willamette Valley bottling. Black cherry, cola and Dr. Pepper flavors wrap into an earthy, chalky, tannic finish.	86	20	Oregon	14Pinot Noir
US	This has dry, edgy tannins that make the palate feel a bit rough. It has rich, forward flavors of blackberries and oak.	85	25	California	3Cabernet Sauvignon
US	The bouquet is dark and serious, with brooding black-cherry, leather and cedar aromas. In the mouth, flavors of black plums, mint-menthol and tobacco—all with a foresty accent—fill the palate. On the heavy side of medium-weight, with a supple texture, it has a long, toasty finish with fine tannins. Hold until 2004.	91	70	California	3Cabernet Sauvignon
US	Abundant acidity gives this wine a tart, puckery feel, balanced by a range of fruit flavors—lemons and limes through pears and mangoes. It's dry in style, making it an ideal companion for cocktail snacks, like goat cheese or prosciutto-wrapped melon.	86	14	California	22Sauvignon Blanc
France	This solid, structured wine has black currant fruit, balanced acidity and firm tannins. The wine has a solid texture, a core of dryness and the potential to age 3–4 years.	87	12	Bordeaux	0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Italy	Made with a blend of native grapes Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia and Friulano, this opens with scents of mature peach, baked apple, candied citrus zest and aromatic herb. The structured palate offers yellow apple, ripe apricot and toasted almond underscored by a touch of ginger. A mineral note closes the finish.	90	null	Northeastern Italy	28White Blend
Italy	Here's a light and easy Chardonnay with clean mineral notes backed by dried hay, sage, stone fruit and honey. The wine has good density and length and ends on a spicy, fresh note.	86	12	Southern Italy	5Chardonnay
Chile	The aromas are not that inviting: roasted tomato, bramble, burnt earth, etc. The mouth is textured and solid, with savory, herbal berry flavors. Grabby and full on the finish, with a reduced, weighty overall persona. Strained but still pretty good for the money.	84	7	Colchagua Valley	3Cabernet Sauvignon
US	A proprietary blend of 57% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot, all homegrown, this is dense and powerful, rich in red fruit but also savory in tobacco, black tea and leather. Reflective of the appellation's ability to combine power with elegance, it fully represents and should continue to meld beautifully together in the cellar. Drink now through 2022.	94	96	California	0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Italy	This Amarone opens with slightly rustic but not unpleasant aromas of earth and farmland that burn off to reveal dark fruit and spice notes. The palate shows ripe black cherry, plum and raisin flavors, spiced with a black pepper accent.	87	45	Veneto	17Red Blend
France	Dark, rich and sensuous, this is a ripe Champagne, boasting pear and apricot flavors. Although the aftertaste appears dry, the richness gives it a very sumptuous mouthfeel, leaving a long, full aftertaste.	91	40	Champagne	4Champagne Blend
US	The scents mingle rose petals, sandalwood and a touch of bitter greens. That dusting of incense continues on the palate, with Indian spices and tart red fruit. Tannins are firm and proportionate, with a bit of stem flavoring the finish.	87	30	Oregon	14Pinot Noir
France	A both heady and leafy swirl of passion fruit adds a tropical touch to the nose. The palate brims with sweetness and zesty passion fruit and grapefruit spice. The flavors are intense and the palate is medium sweet, aptly countered by lemon and passion fruit. This strikes a lovely balance and gives tons and tons of fruit and flavor.	92	27	Alsace	7Gewürztraminer
Spain	Despite a tan-meets-orange color, this Priorat white is fresh on the nose with apricot aromas. A solid texture with grip controls the palate, while dry white-fruit and orange-peel flavors end with slightly rubbery white-grape tannins.	91	90	Catalonia	28White Blend
France	This perfumed wine comes from the home vineyard of the producer. With soft tannins and juicy red-berry fruit, the wine is straightforward, delicious and very much in the style of the vintage. It has a crisp end of acidity that gives it just the right lift. Drink from 2018.	90	35	Burgundy	14Pinot Noir
US	Thick in cherry-vanilla, big oak and tannin, this vineyard-designate contains handfuls of Petite Sirah and mixed blacks that are, as the producer puts it, too long to list. Given 10 months in American oak, it offers a balance of fruit and leathery power, from raspberry and blackberry to Sunday morning bacon. Drink now through 2020.	90	37	California	29Zinfandel
US	More of a Zinfandel than a red blend, this has plenty of flavor and more tannin than usual. Containing 40% Petite Sirah, it offers a surplus of juicy plum and black cherry flavors, good balance and just enough grippy tannin to make it robust.	89	35	California	17Red Blend
Italy	You can't beat this low price. No wonder Vitiano is a constant feature on wine lists at restaurants across Rome. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese offers spicy oak notes, with suggestions of ripe cherry, blackberry and spice.	88	13	Central Italy	17Red Blend
US	Creamy in mouthfeel and spicy with acidity, this is a well-heeled, lightly crafted wine with integrated crispness and peach and lemon highlights.	90	18	California	22Sauvignon Blanc
Italy	This is a mineral-driven wine from the blackened slopes of Mount Etna with delicate shadings of pear, peach, jasmine and honeysuckle. The overall impression is one of elegance—thanks to the jasmine notes in particular. It's a very special wine. A Marc de Grazia selection, various American importers.	87	19	Sicily & Sardinia	28White Blend
US	This is a fresh, approachable style of Viogner, offering a combination of apple, honey and toast on the nose and balanced flavors of curvy fruit and flowers on the palate. The viscous mouthfeel and lingering finish give the wine an opulent appeal. Not terribly complex, but good overall.	85	28	Virginia	27Viognier
US	This is a delicious, memorable wine that does the vineyard justice, offering layers of baked strawberry fruit tempered by moderate acidity. As it slowly opens, it reveals rose petal, cherry and pomegranate flavors, its texture broad yet defined.	93	69	California	14Pinot Noir
Argentina	This oaky number offers enough meaty fruit to keep itself on an even keel. Gritty berry and sawdust aromas lead to a full-bodied, resiny palate. Woody, drying flavors rest heavily atop a core of medicinal, herbal berry fruit. It's ripe and resiny on the finish, which is consistent with what came beforehand.	87	13	Mendoza Province	9Malbec
France	The top wine from this château is a solid, textured effort. It has a full-bodied feel with very ripe black fruits. With its tarry texture, firm structure and generous fruits, it merits medium-term aging, although it could be drunk now.	89	25	Bordeaux	0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
US	Good structure on this dry table wine, with firm tannins and cleansing acidity. But there's not a whole lot of flavor, with watered-down notes of blackberries.	83	25	California	10Merlot
Israel	Aromas of blueberry and clove, with a soft hint of cinnamon set the scene for flavors of blackberry, anise, black pepper, vanilla and white chocolate. A grid of smooth tannins makes way for a finish dotted by flavors of dark berry, spice, and cranberry sauce.	93	17	Judean Hills	23Shiraz
Argentina	La Piedra (stone) opens with the same ripe berry, plum, licorice and oaky aromas as La Arena, La Grava and El Limo (the other wines in this series). The palate is bright and fairly juicy, with black cherry, dark plum, baking spice and peppery flavors. A firm, lightly toasted, racy finish seems right for this wine. Drink through 2020.	91	30	Mendoza Province	9Malbec
Portugal	A generous wine that still manages to keep elegance and style. It offers black, juicy fruits that are blended with the spice from wood aging. There are blackberries, plenty of acidity and a dry but always fruity aftertaste. Drink from 2016.	91	10	Douro	15Portuguese Red
Australia	This wine earns every penny of its modest price tag with a bright palate of petrol, talcum powder and wet stones propping up aromas of white flowers, cumin and lime. The finish could be longer but with this stunning nose and palate, we're not complaining. Drink now.	89	12	South Australia	19Riesling
US	Uriah is Spring Valley's Right Bank-style blend, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc sharing the lead. It's lively and fine-tuned, with a lovely mix of red fruits, spices, and fresh acidity. It spent 21 months in 65% new French oak, to good effect.	91	50	Washington	0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
US	This creamy and viscous white from one of the valley's cooler appellations is kept fresh and lively by moderate acidity. Its fruit is of the lush peach and nectarine variety, laced with vanilla.	90	25	California	22Sauvignon Blanc
France	Black cherries and chocolate combine on the palate, but there's also a certain weediness to the aromas. This blend of approximately 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon finishes strong, with tart fruit and a dose of chocolate.	87	15	Bordeaux	0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
US	Scents and flavors of rosemary-crusted charred meat, raspberry and cassis liqueur balance savoriness with fruitiness. The palate bears firm, chewy tannins that are buttressed by uplifting acids.	86	38	Virginia	11Nebbiolo
Germany	Billowing with scents of marmalade, wildflower honey and raspberry preserves, this is an intoxicatingly perfumed TBA, but the palate doesn't disappoint either. Rich and creamy with undulating streaks of peach preserve and tangerine, it lingers on and on, with its tea and honey-kissed finish.	94	99	Rheingau	19Riesling
US	Oaky and seemingly sweet, this is a showy wine whose appeal comes from its ripeness and richness. Vanilla and buttered toast notes from the oak dominate the tropical fruit and pineapple flavors. With its creamy, buttery mouthfeel, this is made to appeal to fans of the modern Chardonnay style.	87	35	California	5Chardonnay
US	From one of the four Pinot Noir vineyards that this producer controls as monopoles, this dark-hued bottling shows blackberry, black plum, clove and star anise aromas. Tart cranberry, sour cherry and strawberry fruit marks the palate, rounded with rose petal and sage elements.	90	65	California	14Pinot Noir
US	Raspberry and pastry notes are inviting on this voluptuously foamy, yet bright and fruity sparkling. Primary red-fruit flavors dominate, but it's a brisk wine, with penetrating acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.	85	25	New York	14Pinot Noir
US	This wine is a blend of Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (26%), Petit Verdot (21%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Tempranillo. Aromas of red fruit, herbs, pencil eraser and tobacco are followed by full-feeling red and black fruit flavors backed by grainy tannins.	88	22	Washington	17Red Blend
US	Dark gold in color, this is a viscous, ripe and creamy white, layered in minerality and fresh-cut stone fruit. From a mighty mountainous vineyard, it offers bold, full-bodied flavor and texture, a testament to its site, and finishes big in juicy Golden Delicious apple and pear.	90	65	California	5Chardonnay
Portugal	This simple fruity wine is perfumed and attractively fragrant. With a blend that includes the unusual Perrum grape (also known as Pedro Ximenez in the Sherry region of Spain), it is smooth, refreshingly creamy and ready to drink.	85	8	Portuguese Table Wine	16Portuguese White
France	A ripe, rich and deliciously spicy wine, it has a light touch of white pepper, red berry fruits and a broad brush of acidity. It's rounded, although with some tannic structure, and can certainly be drunk now.	87	13	Southwest France	17Red Blend
US	Pretty scents of rose petal and white chocolate introduce this smooth, mouth-coating wine. There's a hint of peppery herb and a finishing touch of light toast, with clean, well-structured red fruits displaying excellent varietal character.	89	26	Oregon	14Pinot Noir
France	The 2016 rosés from the Southern Rhône provide a glimpse into the superb quality of the vintage. This one boasts notes of crushed stone and lime, then rounds that out with bits of cinnamon or clove and hints of red berries. It's medium in body, with a plump feel and silky texture that lingers through the finish.	90	15	Rhône Valley	20Rosé
US	This is a soft, soothing and light-bodied wine with fresh fruit and herb aromas. Mild but bright flavors recall apple and lemon, and a touch of sweetness rounds off any edges.	85	7	California	22Sauvignon Blanc
Italy	Made with Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla and Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of beeswax, acacia flower and yellow apple. The bright palate offers peach, pear, nectarine zest and mineral alongside vibrant acidity. It's racy but balanced.	89	24	Northeastern Italy	28White Blend
France	This is a limited production wine from small parcels of limestone soil. Aged in acacia barrels, it has subtle spice and toast flavors. They wood aging has had the effect of broadening the wine and giving it extra richness. It's an impressive wine, ready to drink from 2018.	94	39	Loire Valley	22Sauvignon Blanc
US	This is a stellar wine. Dusty citrus spiked with clove comes to mind first aromatically and continues through to the palate. Tart acidity supports sublime texture and a lightness that never means lean. Red currant, grapefruit and orange provide additional lift and focus.	95	75	California	14Pinot Noir
Portugal	Grown on granite soil that is shot through with quartz, this is the epitome of a mineral, structured wine. On top of that texture, the wine has ripe lemon and green plum fruits that are full of juicy flavor. The wine is so fresh it could do with a few months aging. Drink from late 2016.	87	17	Beira Interior	16Portuguese White
Argentina	While this Cab may be a touch soupy and heavy on the nose, aromas of coffee grounds and berry fruits are good. A full, blocky palate features cheek-rubbing tannins, while this tastes of coffee, chocolate and herbal berry fruits. For everyday purposes, this makes the grade.	87	11	Mendoza Province	3Cabernet Sauvignon
US	Smooth, sweet in fruit and easy to like. With its jammy flavors of blackberries and mocha, it's delicious, although it would benefit from greater complexity and not so much reliance on sheer intensity and oak.	88	54	California	10Merlot
France	Strong wood aromas are more than compensated for by the ripe fruits and generous character of the wine. It is a solid effort, full of both fruit and rich texture. Drink from 2016.	87	10	Bordeaux	0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
France	This is an ageworthy wine from 60-year-old vines. There is a fine structure that offers rich tannins and equally rich black plum fruits. It is worth keeping this finely structured cru wine to allow its tannins to integrate and soften. Drink from 2018.	91	25	Beaujolais	6Gamay
France	This is a dense, dry wine, full of concentrated tannins and somewhat hard-edged. While it does have acidity, it misses out on the fruitiness and ends up being tough and tannic.	85	23	Bordeaux	0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
US	Merlot (48%) blends with Cabernet Franc (40%) and Cabernet Sauvigon on this earth-laden wine. Aromas of funk, earth, peat, savory herbs and dark flowers lead to soft, sweet, smoky flavors. The texture and richness keep the interest high.	92	90	Washington	0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Portugal	This is a lightly off-dry rosé, with a soft texture and strawberry flavors. The wine is easy to drink now, bright with acidity and smoothly finished.	84	18	Alentejano	20Rosé
Argentina	Strong blackberry aromas come with hints of wood smoke, graphite and minerality. On the palate, it is high in acidity and a touch scouring, but also fresh and lively. Common blackberry and toasty oak flavors end fresh and crisp, but short.	89	15	Mendoza Province	9Malbec
US	A miracle for Grateful Dead fans who have matured into wine, there's lots to like in this red blend that's got bright, friendly cherry fruit, a lick of spice and surprising sophistication. It's medium in weight, with a shock of silky berry fruit on the finish. The blend is 60% Zinfandel, 23% Petite Sirah, 11% Barbera and 6% Sangiovese. Pair it with mushroom pizza or burgers. Jerry would approve.	88	15	California	17Red Blend
US	Still strong and jammy at the age of four-plus, with fresh blackberry, black currant and spicy oak flavors brightened with zingy acidity. It's a distinctly New World wine, and a very good one, but it needs a year or three in the cellar to mellow and resolve.	90	45	California	3Cabernet Sauvignon
US	Smoothness and richness describe this full-bodied wine. It smells plummy and raisiny, tastes ripe like dried fruit, and has a firm texture.	89	18	California	29Zinfandel
Portugal	A ripe red-fruit flavored wine that comes from the Douro village of Murça. It has light tannins as well as red-berry fruits and balanced acidity. There is a mineral textured touch at the end.	88	18	Douro	15Portuguese Red
Argentina	Grassy aromas of red currant suggest cowhide. This has a grabby narrow palate with green-leaning raspberry flavors. Overall, this is fresh and wiry in style, with a choppy, mildly tannic finish.	86	13	Mendoza Province	9Malbec
US	Picture perfect Sonoma Zin, said to be made from old-vine vineyards. It's dry, softly tannic and sweetly ripe in black raspberry, cherry and blackberry fruit, with a rich earthiness and even an umami touch of grilled bacon. Delicious for drinking now.	92	34	California	29Zinfandel
Spain	Roasted and rubbery, this features potent leather and compost aromas that settle with airing. Angular, aggressive and full of power and lemony oak, it also has raw wood and heavily toasted black-fruit flavors. Long, peppery and choppy, it's powerful and stomping. Best to hold this for 3–5 years before drinking, when it should emerge as a better, more approachable wine.	91	70	Northern Spain	26Tempranillo
Germany	Zesty lime and fresh green herbs abound in this leaner, steelier expression of dry Riesling. Tart tangerine and orange flavors are concentrated but crisp, edged in cool, stony minerals. Drink now through 2021.	90	20	Mosel	19Riesling
France	In this lightly fruity wine, apples and citrus flavors come with a bright, crisp character. Ready to drink. Screwcap.	85	10	Bordeaux	1Bordeaux-style White Blend
US	Made from 75% Syrah with the rest Malbec and a smidgeon of Cabernet Sauvignon, it brings notes of dried cherry, vanilla and barrel spices. The palate is luscious and rich with abundant cherry flavors and barrel accents leading to a cranberry-filled finish.	90	18	Oregon	17Red Blend
Chile	Full, dense and minty on the nose, with leather and a controlled sharpness. The palate is round and wide, with mouthfilling flavors of cherry, plum, resiny spice and leather. Finishes grabby and slightly herbal, with plenty of oak and chewable tannins.	87	15	Limarí Valley	25Syrah
Italy	Plush and velvety, this has loads of red fruit, leather, tobacco and overall intensity. The finish is smooth and soft, with a touch of black pepper.	90	18	Tuscany	25Syrah
US	Tangy red fruit sits atop leathery texture in this dark, brooding wine, blended with 13% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. Violets and blueberries play on the palate while integrated oak and tannin lend body and power to the proceedings. The finish is smoky.	91	60	California	3Cabernet Sauvignon
US	Consulting winemaker Michel Rolland oversees this bottling in the Long Shadows series. Fans of his forward, sometimes voluptuous style may find this vintage a bit thin. The fruit is peppery and the tannins chewy, while the barrel flavors of chocolaty oak have not quite assimilated. Further bottle age might improve the wine.	89	60	Washington	10Merlot
France	This is a serious, rich, concentrated wine. It has weight, density and a powerful structure that offers black cherry and plum fruits. Dominated at this stage by a dry, tannic core, it needs to age. Drink from 2017.	92	50	Burgundy	14Pinot Noir
France	This is an extremely faint and subtle rosé, with delicate aromas and flavors of pineapple, tart cherry and orange rind. It's light-weight and thin on the palate, with a clean but fleeting finish.	84	13	Languedoc-Roussillon	20Rosé
Portugal	Old vines in this case means an average age of 70 years, from a vineyard that is a mix of different varieties. The result is impressive, very floral with sweet black fruit, licorice and the ripest of tannins. Age this wine for 5–6 years.	94	43	Douro	15Portuguese Red
Australia	The result of a joint venture between the Chapoutier and Laughton families, this is a full-bodied, superripe wine. Aromas and flavors of chocolate and raisined cassis are almost Amarone-like, while the tannins are softly dusty in texture and the finish long.	91	70	Victoria	23Shiraz
New Zealand	This brooding, dark Syrah is medium to full in body, built upon layers of of firm, dusty tannins. Intense blackberry and hickory smoke notes fill out the flavor profile. The chewy tannins come close to being overdone, but mouthwatering stone fruits save the day on the lingering finish. Drink 2018–2028.	92	30	Hawke's Bay	25Syrah
France	As Belgrave improves each year, it reveals a character that is close to the elegance and style of Saint-Julien, right next door. This 2010, while dense, is balanced, and its rich blackberry flavor is already integrating into its firm tannins. This should age well for the medium term.	91	60	Bordeaux	0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
US	Coming mostly from Stillwater Creek Vineyard, this wine is co-fermented with 4% Viognier. Dark fruit and orange peel aromas mix with sweet barrel spices. The blue fruit flavors are sweet and lush, carrying some warmth along with them.	88	45	Washington	25Syrah
US	Vibrant aromas of pear and apple lead to a creamy, full-feeling palate. It's a strong example of the variety and style.	88	12	Washington	5Chardonnay
US	A blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, this unoaked wine has complex citrus fruit, vanilla bean, wildflower and spice flavors, brightened by a brisk scour of acidity. It's actually better than many Lodi whites made from the individual varieties, showing the importance of the art of blending.	87	16	California	28White Blend
France	Some foliage aromas are echoed in the mouth along with dark fruit and banana. Medium weight and structured tannins provide a full body, leading into a strong but somewhat waxy finish.	85	20	Languedoc-Roussillon	18Rhône-style Red Blend
Australia	This has gone up in price over the years, but it's still a solid, relatively affordable example of Barossa Valley Shiraz. This is youthful and edgy, with meaty, savory notes accenting mixed berries and a hint of mint. The finish is a bit chewy right now, but mouthcoating and long.	93	37	South Australia	23Shiraz
South Africa	This is a stunning Bordeaux-style white wine, dominated by Sauvignon Blanc with 18% Sémillon. Ripe, attractive aromas of honeydew, clove-spiked orange, wood-grilled apple and fresh honeycomb lead the charge on the nose, while the palate offers brighter notes of green plum, lime and melon rind. Vibrant acidity lifts the medium-weight palate, while a saline accent graces the close. Drink now–2021.	92	65	Cape Peninsula	1Bordeaux-style White Blend
US	Subtle honeysuckle, orange and apricot aromas lead to nicely tangy fruit flavors, medium body and good crisp acidity. This is a well-balanced, vibrant and refreshing wine.	89	24	California	27Viognier
US	The bright cherry fruit is a bit high-toned, and the mouthfeel has a slight soapiness. Fruit flavors are full and broad, the blackberries augmented with a streak of graphite.	87	40	Washington	3Cabernet Sauvignon
US	Lipsmacking currents of raspberry and cherry offer a refreshing brightness and juicy profile to this silky wine that's also well-integrated in terms of acidity and oak. Medium bodied and restrained in alcohol, the finish is abbreviated, but spicy.	90	65	California	14Pinot Noir
France	This is a fresh but also full and rich wine with ripe pear and raspberry fruits. The wine is balanced and ready to drink.	89	10	Bordeaux	20Rosé
France	With judicious wood aging, this is a rich wine. Red berry and red-currant fruits dominate the acidity, giving a wine that is ripe and juicy. The aftertaste brings in attractive red cherries and acidity. Drink from 2017.	87	20	Burgundy	14Pinot Noir
US	Yellow cherry and blossom notes soften the bracing lemon-lime backbone in this light-footed dry Riesling. Crisp honeydew and quince flavors are sprightly and bright, finishing brisk and clean.	87	17	New York	19Riesling
Italy	“Abboccato” Orvieto Classico means the wine has just enough residual sugar to make it taste playfully sweet in the mouth. This expression delivers that soft sweetness with one-dimensional flavors of melon and stone fruit. Try it as an aperitivo wine.	84	null	Central Italy	28White Blend
US	Another terrific Napa ‘99, this one packed with opulent flavors of cassis, green olives and herbs, wrapped generously in fine toasty oak. The wine is very dry and the tannins are fine and complex. The delicious finish goes on and on.	92	40	California	3Cabernet Sauvignon
US	Very dense in the mouth and full-bodied, with a dry, soft feeling. Lots of toasty oak, too. Feels somewhat inert, but the delicious cherries, toast and spices make it a pleasant sipper.	87	32	California	25Syrah
Chile	Grass and bell pepper aromas define the nose on this lithe white. Following the nose, the palate is tangy, angular and sharp. Lively flavors of lemon, scallion and tarragon finish long, with hard-driving acidity.	88	18	Leyda Valley	22Sauvignon Blanc
France	Blanchot is at the southeastern end of the great Grand Cru slope that dominates the village of Chablis. Perfumed, elegant and with plenty of aging potential, this smoothly textured wine is shot through with tangy spice and zest. It is very rich, full of fruit and acidity that cuts through the texture and structure. Drink from 2019.	93	null	Burgundy	5Chardonnay
US	Brûléed banana and peach lead the aromatics and flavors of this French oak-aged Chardonnay blended with 15% Petit Manseng. A rich, creamy palate is balanced by a tart pineapple and lemon-curd vein, moving to a toasted vanilla finish.	88	38	Virginia	5Chardonnay
US	This medium-bodied red wine doesn't quite track the classic Pinot Noir profile, but will make an appetizing refreshment for lunch or dinner. The aromas and flavors suggest prune and berries, while the texture is lean but palate-cleansing.	84	10	California	14Pinot Noir
Spain	Watermelon, cantaloupe and peach aromas are just as they should be, while the palate is whole, fresh and full of tangerine and nectarine. Compact, defined and complete, with a smooth, light finish. Nothing miraculous but great for summer sipping.	87	12	Northern Spain	20Rosé
US	A little ungainly at first blush, with tannicly sharp elbows and some green, minty flavors. But it shows some pretty cherries and spices, and is dry and silky.	85	42	California	14Pinot Noir
Argentina	Pulpy aromas of applesauce are a bit flat. This feels chunky on the palate, with low acidity. White-fruit flavors suggest canned peach and pear, and it tastes sweet on the finish.	84	10	Mendoza Province	5Chardonnay

Chile

Gritty citrus aromas are oily but adequate. This basic SB tastes of citrus and green vegetables. Beyond that, it's mostly fresh in feel.

85

10

Central Valley

22Sauvignon Blanc

France

From one of the estates that Duboeuf bottles separately, the wine is fruity and soft. It has attractive red fruits and light, well-integrated tannins. A touch of cherry pepper character gives it a lift. Drink now.

86

15

Beaujolais

6Gamay

US

Labeled reserve, this young wine has a bit more heft than the Willamette Valley bottling. Black cherry, cola and Dr. Pepper flavors wrap into an earthy, chalky, tannic finish.

86

20

Oregon

14Pinot Noir

US

This has dry, edgy tannins that make the palate feel a bit rough. It has rich, forward flavors of blackberries and oak.

85

25

California

3Cabernet Sauvignon

US

The bouquet is dark and serious, with brooding black-cherry, leather and cedar aromas. In the mouth, flavors of black plums, mint-menthol and tobacco—all with a foresty accent—fill the palate. On the heavy side of medium-weight, with a supple texture, it has a long, toasty finish with fine tannins. Hold until 2004.

91

70

California

3Cabernet Sauvignon

US

Abundant acidity gives this wine a tart, puckery feel, balanced by a range of fruit flavors—lemons and limes through pears and mangoes. It's dry in style, making it an ideal companion for cocktail snacks, like goat cheese or prosciutto-wrapped melon.

86

14

California

22Sauvignon Blanc

France

This solid, structured wine has black currant fruit, balanced acidity and firm tannins. The wine has a solid texture, a core of dryness and the potential to age 3–4 years.

87

12

Bordeaux

0Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Italy

Made with a blend of native grapes Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia and Friulano, this opens with scents of mature peach, baked apple, candied citrus zest and aromatic herb. The structured palate offers yellow apple, ripe apricot and toasted almond underscored by a touch of ginger. A mineral note closes the finish.

90

null

Northeastern Italy

28White Blend

Italy

Here's a light and easy Chardonnay with clean mineral notes backed by dried hay, sage, stone fruit and honey. The wine has good density and length and ends on a spicy, fresh note.

86

12

Southern Italy

5Chardonnay

Chile

The aromas are not that inviting: roasted tomato, bramble, burnt earth, etc. The mouth is textured and solid, with savory, herbal berry flavors. Grabby and full on the finish, with a reduced, weighty overall persona. Strained but still pretty good for the money.

84

7

Colchagua Valley

3Cabernet Sauvignon

US

A proprietary blend of 57% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot, all homegrown, this is dense and powerful, rich in red fruit but also savory in tobacco, black tea and leather. Reflective of the appellation's ability to combine power with elegance, it fully represents and should continue to meld beautifully together in the cellar. Drink now through 2022.

94

96

California

0Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Italy

This Amarone opens with slightly rustic but not unpleasant aromas of earth and farmland that burn off to reveal dark fruit and spice notes. The palate shows ripe black cherry, plum and raisin flavors, spiced with a black pepper accent.

87

45

Veneto

17Red Blend

France

Dark, rich and sensuous, this is a ripe Champagne, boasting pear and apricot flavors. Although the aftertaste appears dry, the richness gives it a very sumptuous mouthfeel, leaving a long, full aftertaste.

91

40

Champagne

4Champagne Blend

US

The scents mingle rose petals, sandalwood and a touch of bitter greens. That dusting of incense continues on the palate, with Indian spices and tart red fruit. Tannins are firm and proportionate, with a bit of stem flavoring the finish.

87

30

Oregon

14Pinot Noir

France

A both heady and leafy swirl of passion fruit adds a tropical touch to the nose. The palate brims with sweetness and zesty passion fruit and grapefruit spice. The flavors are intense and the palate is medium sweet, aptly countered by lemon and passion fruit. This strikes a lovely balance and gives tons and tons of fruit and flavor.

92

27

Alsace

7Gewürztraminer

Spain

Despite a tan-meets-orange color, this Priorat white is fresh on the nose with apricot aromas. A solid texture with grip controls the palate, while dry white-fruit and orange-peel flavors end with slightly rubbery white-grape tannins.

91

90

Catalonia

28White Blend

France

This perfumed wine comes from the home vineyard of the producer. With soft tannins and juicy red-berry fruit, the wine is straightforward, delicious and very much in the style of the vintage. It has a crisp end of acidity that gives it just the right lift. Drink from 2018.

90

35

Burgundy

14Pinot Noir

US

Thick in cherry-vanilla, big oak and tannin, this vineyard-designate contains handfuls of Petite Sirah and mixed blacks that are, as the producer puts it, too long to list. Given 10 months in American oak, it offers a balance of fruit and leathery power, from raspberry and blackberry to Sunday morning bacon. Drink now through 2020.

90

37

California

29Zinfandel

US

More of a Zinfandel than a red blend, this has plenty of flavor and more tannin than usual. Containing 40% Petite Sirah, it offers a surplus of juicy plum and black cherry flavors, good balance and just enough grippy tannin to make it robust.

89

35

California

17Red Blend

Italy

You can't beat this low price. No wonder Vitiano is a constant feature on wine lists at restaurants across Rome. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese offers spicy oak notes, with suggestions of ripe cherry, blackberry and spice.

88

13

Central Italy

17Red Blend

US

Creamy in mouthfeel and spicy with acidity, this is a well-heeled, lightly crafted wine with integrated crispness and peach and lemon highlights.

90

18

California

22Sauvignon Blanc

Italy

This is a mineral-driven wine from the blackened slopes of Mount Etna with delicate shadings of pear, peach, jasmine and honeysuckle. The overall impression is one of elegance—thanks to the jasmine notes in particular. It's a very special wine. A Marc de Grazia selection, various American importers.

87

19

Sicily & Sardinia

28White Blend

US

This is a fresh, approachable style of Viogner, offering a combination of apple, honey and toast on the nose and balanced flavors of curvy fruit and flowers on the palate. The viscous mouthfeel and lingering finish give the wine an opulent appeal. Not terribly complex, but good overall.

85

28

Virginia

27Viognier

US

This is a delicious, memorable wine that does the vineyard justice, offering layers of baked strawberry fruit tempered by moderate acidity. As it slowly opens, it reveals rose petal, cherry and pomegranate flavors, its texture broad yet defined.

93

69

California

14Pinot Noir

Argentina

This oaky number offers enough meaty fruit to keep itself on an even keel. Gritty berry and sawdust aromas lead to a full-bodied, resiny palate. Woody, drying flavors rest heavily atop a core of medicinal, herbal berry fruit. It's ripe and resiny on the finish, which is consistent with what came beforehand.

87

13

Mendoza Province

9Malbec

France

The top wine from this château is a solid, textured effort. It has a full-bodied feel with very ripe black fruits. With its tarry texture, firm structure and generous fruits, it merits medium-term aging, although it could be drunk now.

89

25

Bordeaux

0Bordeaux-style Red Blend

US

Good structure on this dry table wine, with firm tannins and cleansing acidity. But there's not a whole lot of flavor, with watered-down notes of blackberries.

83

25

California

10Merlot

Israel

Aromas of blueberry and clove, with a soft hint of cinnamon set the scene for flavors of blackberry, anise, black pepper, vanilla and white chocolate. A grid of smooth tannins makes way for a finish dotted by flavors of dark berry, spice, and cranberry sauce.

93

17

Judean Hills

23Shiraz

Argentina

La Piedra (stone) opens with the same ripe berry, plum, licorice and oaky aromas as La Arena, La Grava and El Limo (the other wines in this series). The palate is bright and fairly juicy, with black cherry, dark plum, baking spice and peppery flavors. A firm, lightly toasted, racy finish seems right for this wine. Drink through 2020.

91

30

Mendoza Province

9Malbec

Portugal

A generous wine that still manages to keep elegance and style. It offers black, juicy fruits that are blended with the spice from wood aging. There are blackberries, plenty of acidity and a dry but always fruity aftertaste. Drink from 2016.

91

10

Douro

15Portuguese Red

Australia

This wine earns every penny of its modest price tag with a bright palate of petrol, talcum powder and wet stones propping up aromas of white flowers, cumin and lime. The finish could be longer but with this stunning nose and palate, we're not complaining. Drink now.

89

12

South Australia

19Riesling

US

Uriah is Spring Valley's Right Bank-style blend, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc sharing the lead. It's lively and fine-tuned, with a lovely mix of red fruits, spices, and fresh acidity. It spent 21 months in 65% new French oak, to good effect.

91

50

Washington

0Bordeaux-style Red Blend

US

This creamy and viscous white from one of the valley's cooler appellations is kept fresh and lively by moderate acidity. Its fruit is of the lush peach and nectarine variety, laced with vanilla.

90

25

California

22Sauvignon Blanc

France

Black cherries and chocolate combine on the palate, but there's also a certain weediness to the aromas. This blend of approximately 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon finishes strong, with tart fruit and a dose of chocolate.

87

15

Bordeaux

0Bordeaux-style Red Blend

US

Scents and flavors of rosemary-crusted charred meat, raspberry and cassis liqueur balance savoriness with fruitiness. The palate bears firm, chewy tannins that are buttressed by uplifting acids.

86

38

Virginia

11Nebbiolo

Germany

Billowing with scents of marmalade, wildflower honey and raspberry preserves, this is an intoxicatingly perfumed TBA, but the palate doesn't disappoint either. Rich and creamy with undulating streaks of peach preserve and tangerine, it lingers on and on, with its tea and honey-kissed finish.

94

99

Rheingau

19Riesling

US

Oaky and seemingly sweet, this is a showy wine whose appeal comes from its ripeness and richness. Vanilla and buttered toast notes from the oak dominate the tropical fruit and pineapple flavors. With its creamy, buttery mouthfeel, this is made to appeal to fans of the modern Chardonnay style.

87

35

California

5Chardonnay

US

From one of the four Pinot Noir vineyards that this producer controls as monopoles, this dark-hued bottling shows blackberry, black plum, clove and star anise aromas. Tart cranberry, sour cherry and strawberry fruit marks the palate, rounded with rose petal and sage elements.

90

65

California

14Pinot Noir

US

Raspberry and pastry notes are inviting on this voluptuously foamy, yet bright and fruity sparkling. Primary red-fruit flavors dominate, but it's a brisk wine, with penetrating acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.

85

25

New York

14Pinot Noir

US

This wine is a blend of Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (26%), Petit Verdot (21%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Tempranillo. Aromas of red fruit, herbs, pencil eraser and tobacco are followed by full-feeling red and black fruit flavors backed by grainy tannins.

88

22

Washington

17Red Blend

US

Dark gold in color, this is a viscous, ripe and creamy white, layered in minerality and fresh-cut stone fruit. From a mighty mountainous vineyard, it offers bold, full-bodied flavor and texture, a testament to its site, and finishes big in juicy Golden Delicious apple and pear.

90

65

California

5Chardonnay

Portugal

This simple fruity wine is perfumed and attractively fragrant. With a blend that includes the unusual Perrum grape (also known as Pedro Ximenez in the Sherry region of Spain), it is smooth, refreshingly creamy and ready to drink.

85

8

Portuguese Table Wine

16Portuguese White

France

A ripe, rich and deliciously spicy wine, it has a light touch of white pepper, red berry fruits and a broad brush of acidity. It's rounded, although with some tannic structure, and can certainly be drunk now.

87

13

Southwest France

17Red Blend

US

Pretty scents of rose petal and white chocolate introduce this smooth, mouth-coating wine. There's a hint of peppery herb and a finishing touch of light toast, with clean, well-structured red fruits displaying excellent varietal character.

89

26

Oregon

14Pinot Noir

France

The 2016 rosés from the Southern Rhône provide a glimpse into the superb quality of the vintage. This one boasts notes of crushed stone and lime, then rounds that out with bits of cinnamon or clove and hints of red berries. It's medium in body, with a plump feel and silky texture that lingers through the finish.

90

15

Rhône Valley

20Rosé

US

This is a soft, soothing and light-bodied wine with fresh fruit and herb aromas. Mild but bright flavors recall apple and lemon, and a touch of sweetness rounds off any edges.

85

7

California

22Sauvignon Blanc

Italy

Made with Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla and Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of beeswax, acacia flower and yellow apple. The bright palate offers peach, pear, nectarine zest and mineral alongside vibrant acidity. It's racy but balanced.

89

24

Northeastern Italy

28White Blend

France

This is a limited production wine from small parcels of limestone soil. Aged in acacia barrels, it has subtle spice and toast flavors. They wood aging has had the effect of broadening the wine and giving it extra richness. It's an impressive wine, ready to drink from 2018.

94

39

Loire Valley

22Sauvignon Blanc

US

This is a stellar wine. Dusty citrus spiked with clove comes to mind first aromatically and continues through to the palate. Tart acidity supports sublime texture and a lightness that never means lean. Red currant, grapefruit and orange provide additional lift and focus.

95

75

California

14Pinot Noir

Portugal

Grown on granite soil that is shot through with quartz, this is the epitome of a mineral, structured wine. On top of that texture, the wine has ripe lemon and green plum fruits that are full of juicy flavor. The wine is so fresh it could do with a few months aging. Drink from late 2016.

87

17

Beira Interior

16Portuguese White

Argentina

While this Cab may be a touch soupy and heavy on the nose, aromas of coffee grounds and berry fruits are good. A full, blocky palate features cheek-rubbing tannins, while this tastes of coffee, chocolate and herbal berry fruits. For everyday purposes, this makes the grade.

87

11

Mendoza Province

3Cabernet Sauvignon

US

Smooth, sweet in fruit and easy to like. With its jammy flavors of blackberries and mocha, it's delicious, although it would benefit from greater complexity and not so much reliance on sheer intensity and oak.

88

54

California

10Merlot

France

Strong wood aromas are more than compensated for by the ripe fruits and generous character of the wine. It is a solid effort, full of both fruit and rich texture. Drink from 2016.

87

10

Bordeaux

0Bordeaux-style Red Blend

France

This is an ageworthy wine from 60-year-old vines. There is a fine structure that offers rich tannins and equally rich black plum fruits. It is worth keeping this finely structured cru wine to allow its tannins to integrate and soften. Drink from 2018.

91

25

Beaujolais

6Gamay

France

This is a dense, dry wine, full of concentrated tannins and somewhat hard-edged. While it does have acidity, it misses out on the fruitiness and ends up being tough and tannic.

85

23

Bordeaux

0Bordeaux-style Red Blend

US

Merlot (48%) blends with Cabernet Franc (40%) and Cabernet Sauvigon on this earth-laden wine. Aromas of funk, earth, peat, savory herbs and dark flowers lead to soft, sweet, smoky flavors. The texture and richness keep the interest high.

92

90

Washington

0Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Portugal

This is a lightly off-dry rosé, with a soft texture and strawberry flavors. The wine is easy to drink now, bright with acidity and smoothly finished.

84

18

Alentejano

20Rosé

Argentina

Strong blackberry aromas come with hints of wood smoke, graphite and minerality. On the palate, it is high in acidity and a touch scouring, but also fresh and lively. Common blackberry and toasty oak flavors end fresh and crisp, but short.

89

15

Mendoza Province

9Malbec

US

A miracle for Grateful Dead fans who have matured into wine, there's lots to like in this red blend that's got bright, friendly cherry fruit, a lick of spice and surprising sophistication. It's medium in weight, with a shock of silky berry fruit on the finish. The blend is 60% Zinfandel, 23% Petite Sirah, 11% Barbera and 6% Sangiovese. Pair it with mushroom pizza or burgers. Jerry would approve.

88

15

California

17Red Blend

US

Still strong and jammy at the age of four-plus, with fresh blackberry, black currant and spicy oak flavors brightened with zingy acidity. It's a distinctly New World wine, and a very good one, but it needs a year or three in the cellar to mellow and resolve.

90

45

California

3Cabernet Sauvignon

US

Smoothness and richness describe this full-bodied wine. It smells plummy and raisiny, tastes ripe like dried fruit, and has a firm texture.

89

18

California

29Zinfandel

Portugal

A ripe red-fruit flavored wine that comes from the Douro village of Murça. It has light tannins as well as red-berry fruits and balanced acidity. There is a mineral textured touch at the end.

88

18

Douro

15Portuguese Red

Argentina

Grassy aromas of red currant suggest cowhide. This has a grabby narrow palate with green-leaning raspberry flavors. Overall, this is fresh and wiry in style, with a choppy, mildly tannic finish.

86

13

Mendoza Province

9Malbec

US

Picture perfect Sonoma Zin, said to be made from old-vine vineyards. It's dry, softly tannic and sweetly ripe in black raspberry, cherry and blackberry fruit, with a rich earthiness and even an umami touch of grilled bacon. Delicious for drinking now.

92

34

California

29Zinfandel

Spain

Roasted and rubbery, this features potent leather and compost aromas that settle with airing. Angular, aggressive and full of power and lemony oak, it also has raw wood and heavily toasted black-fruit flavors. Long, peppery and choppy, it's powerful and stomping. Best to hold this for 3–5 years before drinking, when it should emerge as a better, more approachable wine.

91

70

Northern Spain

26Tempranillo

Germany

Zesty lime and fresh green herbs abound in this leaner, steelier expression of dry Riesling. Tart tangerine and orange flavors are concentrated but crisp, edged in cool, stony minerals. Drink now through 2021.

90

20

Mosel

19Riesling

France

In this lightly fruity wine, apples and citrus flavors come with a bright, crisp character. Ready to drink. Screwcap.

85

10

Bordeaux

1Bordeaux-style White Blend

US

Made from 75% Syrah with the rest Malbec and a smidgeon of Cabernet Sauvignon, it brings notes of dried cherry, vanilla and barrel spices. The palate is luscious and rich with abundant cherry flavors and barrel accents leading to a cranberry-filled finish.

90

18

Oregon

17Red Blend

Chile

Full, dense and minty on the nose, with leather and a controlled sharpness. The palate is round and wide, with mouthfilling flavors of cherry, plum, resiny spice and leather. Finishes grabby and slightly herbal, with plenty of oak and chewable tannins.

87

15

Limarí Valley

25Syrah

Italy

Plush and velvety, this has loads of red fruit, leather, tobacco and overall intensity. The finish is smooth and soft, with a touch of black pepper.

90

18

Tuscany

25Syrah

US

Tangy red fruit sits atop leathery texture in this dark, brooding wine, blended with 13% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. Violets and blueberries play on the palate while integrated oak and tannin lend body and power to the proceedings. The finish is smoky.

91

60

California

3Cabernet Sauvignon

US

Consulting winemaker Michel Rolland oversees this bottling in the Long Shadows series. Fans of his forward, sometimes voluptuous style may find this vintage a bit thin. The fruit is peppery and the tannins chewy, while the barrel flavors of chocolaty oak have not quite assimilated. Further bottle age might improve the wine.

89

60

Washington

10Merlot

France

This is a serious, rich, concentrated wine. It has weight, density and a powerful structure that offers black cherry and plum fruits. Dominated at this stage by a dry, tannic core, it needs to age. Drink from 2017.

92

50

Burgundy

14Pinot Noir

France

This is an extremely faint and subtle rosé, with delicate aromas and flavors of pineapple, tart cherry and orange rind. It's light-weight and thin on the palate, with a clean but fleeting finish.

84

13

Languedoc-Roussillon

20Rosé

Portugal

Old vines in this case means an average age of 70 years, from a vineyard that is a mix of different varieties. The result is impressive, very floral with sweet black fruit, licorice and the ripest of tannins. Age this wine for 5–6 years.

94

43

Douro

15Portuguese Red

Australia

The result of a joint venture between the Chapoutier and Laughton families, this is a full-bodied, superripe wine. Aromas and flavors of chocolate and raisined cassis are almost Amarone-like, while the tannins are softly dusty in texture and the finish long.

91

70

Victoria

23Shiraz

New Zealand

This brooding, dark Syrah is medium to full in body, built upon layers of of firm, dusty tannins. Intense blackberry and hickory smoke notes fill out the flavor profile. The chewy tannins come close to being overdone, but mouthwatering stone fruits save the day on the lingering finish. Drink 2018–2028.

92

30

Hawke's Bay

25Syrah

France

As Belgrave improves each year, it reveals a character that is close to the elegance and style of Saint-Julien, right next door. This 2010, while dense, is balanced, and its rich blackberry flavor is already integrating into its firm tannins. This should age well for the medium term.

91

60

Bordeaux

0Bordeaux-style Red Blend

US

Coming mostly from Stillwater Creek Vineyard, this wine is co-fermented with 4% Viognier. Dark fruit and orange peel aromas mix with sweet barrel spices. The blue fruit flavors are sweet and lush, carrying some warmth along with them.

88

45

Washington

25Syrah

US

Vibrant aromas of pear and apple lead to a creamy, full-feeling palate. It's a strong example of the variety and style.

88

12

Washington

5Chardonnay

US

A blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, this unoaked wine has complex citrus fruit, vanilla bean, wildflower and spice flavors, brightened by a brisk scour of acidity. It's actually better than many Lodi whites made from the individual varieties, showing the importance of the art of blending.

87

16

California

28White Blend

France

Some foliage aromas are echoed in the mouth along with dark fruit and banana. Medium weight and structured tannins provide a full body, leading into a strong but somewhat waxy finish.

85

20

Languedoc-Roussillon

18Rhône-style Red Blend

Australia

This has gone up in price over the years, but it's still a solid, relatively affordable example of Barossa Valley Shiraz. This is youthful and edgy, with meaty, savory notes accenting mixed berries and a hint of mint. The finish is a bit chewy right now, but mouthcoating and long.

93

37

South Australia

23Shiraz

South Africa

This is a stunning Bordeaux-style white wine, dominated by Sauvignon Blanc with 18% Sémillon. Ripe, attractive aromas of honeydew, clove-spiked orange, wood-grilled apple and fresh honeycomb lead the charge on the nose, while the palate offers brighter notes of green plum, lime and melon rind. Vibrant acidity lifts the medium-weight palate, while a saline accent graces the close. Drink now–2021.

92

65

Cape Peninsula

1Bordeaux-style White Blend

US

Subtle honeysuckle, orange and apricot aromas lead to nicely tangy fruit flavors, medium body and good crisp acidity. This is a well-balanced, vibrant and refreshing wine.

89

24

California

27Viognier

US

The bright cherry fruit is a bit high-toned, and the mouthfeel has a slight soapiness. Fruit flavors are full and broad, the blackberries augmented with a streak of graphite.

87

40

Washington

3Cabernet Sauvignon

US

Lipsmacking currents of raspberry and cherry offer a refreshing brightness and juicy profile to this silky wine that's also well-integrated in terms of acidity and oak. Medium bodied and restrained in alcohol, the finish is abbreviated, but spicy.

90

65

California

14Pinot Noir

France

This is a fresh but also full and rich wine with ripe pear and raspberry fruits. The wine is balanced and ready to drink.

89

10

Bordeaux

20Rosé

France

With judicious wood aging, this is a rich wine. Red berry and red-currant fruits dominate the acidity, giving a wine that is ripe and juicy. The aftertaste brings in attractive red cherries and acidity. Drink from 2017.

87

20

Burgundy

14Pinot Noir

US

Yellow cherry and blossom notes soften the bracing lemon-lime backbone in this light-footed dry Riesling. Crisp honeydew and quince flavors are sprightly and bright, finishing brisk and clean.

87

17

New York

19Riesling

Italy

“Abboccato” Orvieto Classico means the wine has just enough residual sugar to make it taste playfully sweet in the mouth. This expression delivers that soft sweetness with one-dimensional flavors of melon and stone fruit. Try it as an aperitivo wine.

84

null

Central Italy

28White Blend

US

Another terrific Napa ‘99, this one packed with opulent flavors of cassis, green olives and herbs, wrapped generously in fine toasty oak. The wine is very dry and the tannins are fine and complex. The delicious finish goes on and on.

92

40

California

3Cabernet Sauvignon

US

Very dense in the mouth and full-bodied, with a dry, soft feeling. Lots of toasty oak, too. Feels somewhat inert, but the delicious cherries, toast and spices make it a pleasant sipper.

87

32

California

25Syrah

Chile

Grass and bell pepper aromas define the nose on this lithe white. Following the nose, the palate is tangy, angular and sharp. Lively flavors of lemon, scallion and tarragon finish long, with hard-driving acidity.

88

18

Leyda Valley

22Sauvignon Blanc

France

Blanchot is at the southeastern end of the great Grand Cru slope that dominates the village of Chablis. Perfumed, elegant and with plenty of aging potential, this smoothly textured wine is shot through with tangy spice and zest. It is very rich, full of fruit and acidity that cuts through the texture and structure. Drink from 2019.

93

null

Burgundy

5Chardonnay

US

Brûléed banana and peach lead the aromatics and flavors of this French oak-aged Chardonnay blended with 15% Petit Manseng. A rich, creamy palate is balanced by a tart pineapple and lemon-curd vein, moving to a toasted vanilla finish.

88

38

Virginia

5Chardonnay

US

This medium-bodied red wine doesn't quite track the classic Pinot Noir profile, but will make an appetizing refreshment for lunch or dinner. The aromas and flavors suggest prune and berries, while the texture is lean but palate-cleansing.

84

10

California

14Pinot Noir

Spain

Watermelon, cantaloupe and peach aromas are just as they should be, while the palate is whole, fresh and full of tangerine and nectarine. Compact, defined and complete, with a smooth, light finish. Nothing miraculous but great for summer sipping.

87

12

Northern Spain

20Rosé

US

A little ungainly at first blush, with tannicly sharp elbows and some green, minty flavors. But it shows some pretty cherries and spices, and is dry and silky.

85

42

California

14Pinot Noir

Argentina

Pulpy aromas of applesauce are a bit flat. This feels chunky on the palate, with low acidity. White-fruit flavors suggest canned peach and pear, and it tastes sweet on the finish.

84

10

Mendoza Province

5Chardonnay