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France | Produced from a selection of old vines, this is a structured firm wine. Its black-cherry fruits and acidity are well integrated into the dense structure to give a spicy wine that is richly packed with fruits. Drink now and until 2020. | 90 | 25 | Beaujolais | 6Gamay
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Canada | Gorgeously aromatic with notes of freshly pressed apple, wildflower honey and tangerine peel, this is a richly textured, almost creamy, ice wine. Intense flavors of honey and fresh apple ripple on the palate, with striking lemon acidity that lends a squeaky clean finish. | 91 | 80 | Ontario | 19Riesling
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Chile | Smoke and a refreshing minty note open this Casablanca Valley Pinot. Black cherry and plum flavors are backed by smoke and syrupy molasses notes. Mouthfeel is on the rich side; finishes with modest tannins and spicy, briary flavors. | 85 | 11 | Casablanca Valley | 14Pinot Noir
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US | Break out the pizza with tomato sauce and gooey, oily mozzarella. That's what this tough, gritty Bordeaux-style blend with added Sangiovese needs to soften and mellow. It's a good wine, ripe in berries and spices, but rustic. | 85 | 17 | California | 17Red Blend
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US | Dry, acidic and simple, this has a vegetal along with flavors of cherry and blackberry. | 82 | 11 | California | 29Zinfandel
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Italy | This opens with aromas suggesting underbrush, tobacco and a whiff of cooking spice. The dense, full-bodied palate offers dark berry, licorice, vanilla and a hint of oak alongside bracing tannins. A hint of sage closes the finish. | 90 | 100 | Piedmont | 11Nebbiolo
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New Zealand | A dry style with just enough acid to lend focus and length, this is a fine effort from Simon Waghorn, the owner-winemaker. Hints of baking spices and ginger lend nuance to the apple, pear, melon and citrus fruit. | 90 | 24 | Marlborough | 13Pinot Gris
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US | From a vineyard 1,700 feet above the small town of Corralitos comes this tasty wine that begins with aromas of smoked apple, lemon zest, honeysuckle and sea salt, as well as a struck-match element. The palate shows flavors of fresh apple, chamomile and a dusting of crushed vanilla, all set against a chalky grip. | 92 | 30 | California | 5Chardonnay
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US | Lime zest and grassy herb notes infuse freshness into this dry, light-footed Riesling. It's particularly sprightly in feel, a crush of tart white grapefruit and pineapple flavors, but it penetrates long on the finish, accented by a kiss of citrus blossoms. Drink now–2017. | 90 | 17 | New York | 19Riesling
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France | Half-and-half Négrette and Syrah, this is typical blend for Fronton with its hints of the Mediterranean mixed in with a more Atlantic influence. The wine is soft and balanced with dusty tannins, red fruits and a perfumed aftertaste. Drink now. | 89 | 18 | Southwest France | 17Red Blend
|
US | Closed-up at present, this aromatic brooder has notes of red and black fruit, scorched earth and herbs, along with a floral top note. It has a mountain-fruit profile of firm, chewy tannins, tart acids and dense flavors. Time in the cellar is required to fully appreciate it. Let it be until at least 2020 but it should have a good 15 years beyond that. | 94 | 85 | Washington | 0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
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New Zealand | Not only does this wine show off some attractive floral notes, it also delivers that supple texture so desired in Pinot Noir. Mocha, herb and black cherry notes all make appearances, but the fruit dominates, gliding into a long, silky finish. Drink now–2017. | 91 | 39 | Marlborough | 14Pinot Noir
|
Germany | Delicate and sheen, this briskly structured kabinett balances zesty lemon-lime flavors with subtle kisses of white peach and yellow-cherry flavors. Its invigorating mineral finish makes it an irresistible thirst quencher. Enjoy now through 2021. | 90 | 23 | Mosel | 19Riesling
|
Argentina | Deep, lush aromas of black fruits, graphite and coconut are welcoming and friendly. The mouthfeel is pure and smooth, with elegance and power. Flavors of cassis, blackberry, hard spices and licorice filter into a long, mellow, classy finish. This is a pushy, full-bodied wine that doesn't throw punches; drink through 2020. | 92 | 30 | Mendoza Province | 9Malbec
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US | A glorious, grapefruity, lusciously fresh Pinot Gris, this new vintage from Seven Hills is made for a summer afternoon. This has notes of citrus and melon, with highlights of mint and a hint of pepper, keeping it lively and interesting all through the refreshing finish. | 91 | 17 | Oregon | 13Pinot Gris
|
Italy | Dark concentration and an inky black appearance characterize the appearance of this bold and beautiful Barolo. On the nose, the wine offers an enticing bouquet peppered with notes of cola, menthol, wet earth, cured beef, plum and drying minerals. Drink after 2018. | 94 | 105 | Piedmont | 11Nebbiolo
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France | With that extra concentration that comes from low-yielding old vines, this has great depth of flavor. It has an apple flavor and crisp, citrusy acidity as well as a more toasty character. Complex and certainly ageworthy, this should keep for at least five years. | 91 | 54 | Burgundy | 5Chardonnay
|
Argentina | Big, lush and tightly structured, with cola and mocha aromas along with serious black fruit power and brightness. A pure and delicious Malbec-Cabernet wine with the full allotment of berry character, cola accents, dark spice and clarity. Drink now through 2014. | 92 | 40 | Mendoza Province | 17Red Blend
|
France | The grapes to make this rich, ripe wine were sourced from vines that were planted in the 1980s. The vineyard, which is located next to Bonnes Mares, yields wines that have an open, generous style, plus elements of structure that lend aging potential. Ready to drink in two years, but it should age well for many more. | 92 | null | Burgundy | 14Pinot Noir
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US | This off-the-wall blend of 55% Zinfandel, 37% Barbera and 8% Shiraz works quite well, with aromas of pressed elderberries, crushed violets and dark chocolate. The sip starts off juicy, fresh and approachable for many palates, showing cooked black plum, more tart plum skin and salt and pepper spices. | 91 | 35 | California | 17Red Blend
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Germany | Whiffs of bramble and dried thyme on this semi-sweet Riesling suggest a decidedly savory wine, yet the palate surprises, brimming with sweet stone fruit, melon and red berries. It's a honeyed, almost candied wine, but zesty acidity keeps everything in check. Enjoy now through 2021. | 89 | 22 | Mosel | 19Riesling
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Argentina | Supposedly Doña Paula's top selection for 2005, and while the wine shows some earthy darkness and plenty of fruit on the bouquet it doesn't follow up with the mouthfeel or overall balance that it should. It's ripe for sure, but also aggressive, with a disjointed acid-to-tannin ratio and an almost syrupy mouthfeel. | 84 | 35 | Mendoza Province | 9Malbec
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France | The tannins and density of this wine are impressive. With its strong structure and concentrated fruit, the wine is ripe and likely to age well. Blackberry and red-cherry flavors dominate a wine that is going to be ready to drink from 2022. | 93 | 110 | Bordeaux | 0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
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Chile | This starts with dense, murky, earthy aromas of stewed black fruits and rubber. In the mouth, it feels full and aggressive, with rubbery tannins supporting thick, herbal flavors of rooty black fruits. A chunky, chewy, layered finish is generous in every way. | 88 | 18 | Cachapoal Valley | 25Syrah
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US | What a roll Mumm Napa is on with their new releases. This blush wine shows the level of richness and elegance the winery has achieved lately. Made from 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay, it has deliciously forward flavors of raspberries, strawberries, gingersnap cookies and vanilla lemon custard, with the bubbly froth and tart yeastiness of a fine sparkling wine. | 93 | 24 | California | 24Sparkling Blend
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Portugal | This wine from well-known winemaker Luis Duarte is structured, with a lean character that brings out acidity as well as black currant fruits. The tannins are still severe and firm, giving a dry, tight wine that is just lifted by acidity. It is really too early to drink, so wait until 2017. | 88 | 18 | Alentejano | 15Portuguese Red
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Italy | Brut Milledì is an elegant sparkling wine made from Chardonnay. It offers aromas of yellow spring flowers and crisp zesty citrus flavors. This has nice length, and finishes on an almond note. | 90 | 60 | Lombardy | 5Chardonnay
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Australia | This is a nice Bordeaux-style blend with pretty cherry and currant fruit and some cedar shadings, but lack the complexity of others in its style. It's straight forward, polite and restrained. | 89 | 125 | Victoria | 0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
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US | Though this is just the first vintage from the estate vineyard's Viognier grapes, it is immensely satisfying, with juicy, rich, dense flavors of limoncello and tropical fruits. Peach and papaya, mango and pineapple, all sharply defined by just enough tangy acid. | 91 | 25 | Oregon | 27Viognier
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US | A very good Zinfandel, rich and complex. Shows the balanced elegance of a fine Napa Cabernet, but the peppery, wild berry, leather, cola and anise flavors are pure Zinfandel. Contains a few splashes of Petite Sirah. | 92 | 34 | California | 29Zinfandel
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US | Simple and sugary sweet, with peach, pineapple and mango flavors that taste like a supermarket fruit juice. It's okay for an everyday Chard. | 83 | 12 | California | 5Chardonnay
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US | Blended with 10% Viognier, this wine brings notes of flowers and peach while showing little oak influence. A touch of residual sugar sweetens the finish. | 88 | 20 | Washington | 5Chardonnay
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US | Dark red cherry and baked red currant fruit meet a slightly meaty aroma on the tangy nose of this bottling from Chuck Carlson. It's lively on the palate, with punchy acidity and grippy texture, showing dried herb and tart red fruit flavors, making a strong case for growing Cabernet Franc in the region. | 91 | 25 | California | 2Cabernet Franc
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US | A mix of 48% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, all from Pickberry Vineyard, this wine is surprisingly light bodied and lean, despite a big presence of tobacco and grippy leather. The fruit is elusive, finishing with a flurry of cedar and clove. | 86 | 50 | California | 17Red Blend
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US | This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Zinfandel shows aromas of green olive, lemongrass, herb and woodspice. The style is elegant with sweet fruit flavors backed by lightly astringent tannins. | 87 | 12 | Washington | 17Red Blend
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Portugal | This is a flagship wine for DFJ owner and winemaker José Neiva Correia. It is generous while preserving great style and elegance. The black berry fruits and layers of tannins are well balanced with the acidity and the light wood aging. A wine to savor, it will be ready to drink from 2018. | 92 | 29 | Lisboa | 15Portuguese Red
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Argentina | Jumbled jammy berry aromas lack specificity. This has a forceful tartaric mouthfeel that supports tart plum and currant flavors. Keeping things consistent, this is angular and acidic on the finish, with sour plum and racy berry flavors. | 86 | 20 | Mendoza Province | 9Malbec
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France | Full bodied without being heavy and fruit driven without being confected, this is a well-made Châteauneuf-du-Pape imported in sufficient quantities to make it reasonbly available (2,000 cases). Plum and licorice flavors finish dusty and long. Drink now–2015. | 89 | 33 | Rhône Valley | 18Rhône-style Red Blend
|
France | With all the freshness of the vintage, this fruity wine shows good balance between tangy acidity and crisp apple and green-plum fruits. Subtle touches of wood give a spicy, nutmeg flavor to complement the bright fruitiness. Drink from 2018. The vineyard is next door to the Grand Cru Montrachet vines. | 92 | 75 | Burgundy | 5Chardonnay
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Spain | Charred chocolaty aromas are forceful but not convincing. This feels choppy and raw on one hand, but sticky and chocolaty on the other. Herbal stewy currant and raw-wood flavors are challenging, while this tastes herbal and woody on the finish. | 83 | 12 | Northern Spain | 26Tempranillo
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US | Fresh and zesty on the nose, this bottling shows dried elderberry fruit laced with oregano, thyme, dill, eucalyptus and black pepper. A strong tobacco flavor shows once sipped, with black-cherry fruit, cedary cigar box and sticky tannins contributing to a leathery mouthfeel. | 87 | 29 | California | 3Cabernet Sauvignon
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US | This is the least expensive McCrea Syrah, compiled from the same excellent sources as the higher end wines. It's a solid effort, with black fruits threaded with cedar, smoke, licorice and coffee liqueur. It was aged 32 months in 2–6 year old French oak. | 89 | 25 | Washington | 25Syrah
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US | A blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane, this wine is dry and rigid in tannins. It's briary and brambly with berry flavors accented with tobacco, currant and spice. There's a raw power to this wine that would suit barbecue or a hearty beef stew. | 88 | 38 | California | 17Red Blend
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US | This lip-smackingly complex, pure varietal wine from a prime Napa Valley location is awash in floral chewing tobacco and roasted coffee aromas. These expand on the palate into cedar and black currant, remaining softly alluring through a base of power. Decant or cellar through 2020–2022. | 93 | 95 | California | 3Cabernet Sauvignon
|
South Africa | This is a perfect everyday wine, with immediately attractive notes of Thin Mint, mocha, black raspberry, brambly boysenberry and cassis that abound on the nose and mouth. Touches of purple flowers and cocoa powder add decadence, while soft tannins lend an approachable structure to the palate. Drink now. | 86 | 11 | Coastal Region | 3Cabernet Sauvignon
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France | Produced from vines around the showpiece medieval château of Monbazillac, this is a lightly honeyed, fresh and orange marmalade-flavored wine. It has botrytis to give the proper dry core along with a rich feel that is just cut with acidity. It's delicious now and will get better. Drink now, or wait until 2016. | 87 | null | Southwest France | 1Bordeaux-style White Blend
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US | Lemon rind, orange juice and chalk show on the nose of this bottling, which is a tad simple but very quaffable. Lemon wedge, green and yellow apples, and a bit of citrus pith show on the sip. | 87 | 13 | California | 5Chardonnay
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US | In Pinot Noir, you get what you pay for. Granted, MaManis's 2010 is a pretty simple wine. But it is classic in the silky structure and pleasant raspberry and cherry flavors, touched with smoky oak, and is one of the better Pinots at this price. | 85 | 11 | California | 14Pinot Noir
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Germany | Bracing acidity offsets plush and penetrating peach and marmalade flavors in this delightfully honeyed auslese. It's bold in flavor yet so sprightly in demeanor, finishing long on lingering tones of saffron and spice. It's delicious now but structured enough to continue to improve through at least 2026. | 93 | 68 | Mosel | 19Riesling
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US | Less exuberant on the nose than its counterparts, this bottling offers dried cherry and licorice aromas. The palate shows tart but dark berry and plum skin flavors, with a graphite minerality that leads into a touch of caramel on the finish. | 88 | 39 | California | 2Cabernet Franc
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France | Darkly hued with considerable wood flavor, this wine puts toast before fruit. The wine certainly needs time to soften and reveal its fruit profile. Drink from 2017. | 88 | null | Bordeaux | 0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
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Austria | Fresh lime and ivy hits you first, followed by a leesy hint and some pear on the nose. The palate comes in with salty savoriness that suggests yeasty miso, chervil and lovage, with lots of white pepper accented by a little spritz. Brightened by fresh lemon notes, this makes for a spicy, elegant and slender wine with a light touch and real depth. | 92 | 19 | Kamptal | 8Grüner Veltliner
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Canada | There's a touch of green here, noticeable principally as a streak of green olive. It's a feature, not a problem, and smoothes out into a subtle mix of dates, figs and a touch of prune. Notes of smoke and earth come along with well-balanced tannins through a lingering finish. | 90 | 22 | British Columbia | 2Cabernet Franc
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US | This Pinot is joyous in fresh berry fruit aromas and flavors, from wild strawberry to taut cherry, the fruit buoyed by lush, velvety tannins and generous acidity. Pretty on the nose and tongue, it discloses a trace of vanilla on the clean, distinct finish. | 92 | 39 | California | 14Pinot Noir
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US | Soft and honeyed, with vanilla-tinged flavors of all sorts of tropical fruits that finish with a spicy hit of butterscotch. A blend of Chardonnay, Muscat and Chenin Blanc. | 86 | 10 | California | 28White Blend
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France | 92–94. Barrel sample. With so much spicy fruit, intensely ripe blackberry flavors and solid tannins, all the elements of excellence are here, and powered by a firm structure. This wine has weight and a fine Cabernet concentration. | 93 | null | Bordeaux | 0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
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Italy | Made with Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Barbera, Merlot and Cabernet, this wine opens with dominant oak aromas that carry through to the palate alongside subdued notes of prune and fig. It lacks fruit richness and freshness to support the oak. | 84 | 18 | Central Italy | 17Red Blend
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Italy | Aromas of wild cherry, leather and truffle are quintessential Barolo. On the palate, rich black cherry, raspberry, vanilla, cocoa, balsamic herbs, sage and black pepper all come together supported by brooding tannins and brisk acidity. Best after 2020. | 94 | 75 | Piedmont | 11Nebbiolo
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US | The blend in 2006 is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot and 9% Cabernet Franc. It spent 30 months in 90% new oak. Released a year ago, it has a feminine grace and softness in the aromas, a lovely mix of flowers and spice. The Syrah brightens up the fruit, accenting berry flavors with a hint of pepper, while the Petit Verdot adds clover and violet aromas and density to the tannins. | 92 | 50 | Washington | 17Red Blend
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Chile | Herbal, briary raspberry and plum aromas come with a green hint of eucalyptus as well as leather. This Syrah-led blend is grabby and showing tannic grip. Flavors of briny red fruits, herbal notes and olive end with roasted overtones and rubbery tannins. | 87 | 16 | Casablanca Valley | 17Red Blend
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US | Made from 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir, with detectable residual sugar, this wine is moderately complex in its mix of peach, cherry and citrus flavor. The acidity is simple and direct. The palate is thick and creamy. | 88 | 35 | California | 24Sparkling Blend
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Italy | Aromas include rose petal, grilled herb, forest floor, coffee and ripe berry. The palate is still rather closed but offers black cherry, vanilla and espresso alongside astringent tannins that give it an abrupt, drying finish. | 89 | 103 | Piedmont | 11Nebbiolo
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US | This is clean and brisk in lemony acidity, and it offers concentrated, complex flavors of honeyed pineapples, limes, oranges and mangoes. It's dry and finessed. | 90 | 25 | California | 5Chardonnay
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US | Intensely ripe blackberry and cherry flavors burst throughout this full-bodied Cabernet Franc. It's lush and juicy on entry but anchored tightly by crisp acidity and a pretty violet undertone. Pillowy tannins cushion a gentle finish. Drink now through 2021. | 88 | 22 | New York | 2Cabernet Franc
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France | This fruity wine is full of bright acidity. Crisp and clean, it shows yellow fruits and a shot of citrus. The aftertaste is lively and bright. Drink now. | 87 | 19 | Burgundy | 5Chardonnay
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US | This is pale in color, with light aromas and strawberry, spice and herb notes. The fruit flavors are also restrained, seeming faint but still bringing appeal. | 87 | 17 | Oregon | 14Pinot Noir
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France | Fresh and fruity, it has ripe blackberries, soft tannins and a fresh aftertaste. It presents an attractive smoky character along with vanilla and a rich aftertaste. | 85 | 19 | Bordeaux | 0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
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US | Strong in oak and ripe fruit, this tastes overworked. It's dominated by buttered toast, butterscotch and pineapple jam flavors. It will satisfy legions of Chardonnay lovers who like this popular style. | 86 | 30 | California | 5Chardonnay
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US | A blend of three vineyards, located between Corralitos and the Summit area, this bottling conveys rusty, earthy cranberries, cherries and Earl Grey tea on the nose. The earthy character also shows on the sip, where animal hide, sour cranberry, red plum, rose petal and pine-forest flavors converge. | 90 | 39 | California | 14Pinot Noir
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France | Structured, tight and mineral, this wine comes from a selection of old vines in a northwest-facing vineyard on the Rimauresq estate. It offers a tang, along with a firm structure and concentration. A fruitier aftertaste will show through more strongly by late 2016. | 92 | 25 | Provence | 20Rosé
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France | Peppery and crisp, this is a ripe and fruity wine. A bite of spice and tangy orange zest adds character to the peach and red berry fruits. It's a rich wine that could age, so drink from 2015. | 91 | 45 | Provence | 20Rosé
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South Africa | Soft hints of talc and fresh hay accent the orange and lime core of this wine. Lightweight with medium-high acidity, fresh kiwi and white-melon rind flavors linger on the clean close. Drink now. | 87 | 20 | Constantia | 22Sauvignon Blanc
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Portugal | This limited production wine comes in a fancy bottle with wax seal. It is a rich blend of Touriga Nacional along with Merlot, which smooths out the structure and gives the wine its intensity and dense texture. It is a ripe smoky wine, packed with juicy black fruits and flavors of the wood aging. Drink now. | 93 | 50 | Lisboa | 15Portuguese Red
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Australia | A very good showing for this wine, which should be on all value-conscious shoppers' lists. Mint accents black cherry and cassis fruit enriched by some chocolaty notes. Tannins are plentiful but ripe, giving it the necessary heft to stand up to grilled steak. | 88 | 13 | South Australia | 3Cabernet Sauvignon
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Argentina | Heavy and stalky smelling, with burnt aromas. The leaden palate is weighty and short on freshness; tastes pithy and stalky, with some nectarine and plum thrown in. Seems to be fading. | 83 | 10 | Mendoza Province | 20Rosé
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US | You can almost just smell this wine and be completely satisfied: its earth, black currant, flower, vanilla and sandalwood aromas are so intoxicating. A further venture, however, is rewarded. The dark fruit flavors are dense and full yet still fresh and lively with a finish that sails. It's a compelling example of Washington Cabernet that drinks beautifully now, but a few years (or more) in the cellar will be rewarded as well. | 93 | 48 | Washington | 3Cabernet Sauvignon
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US | Slightly sour Meyer-lemon-pith aromas meet with honeysuckle and yellow pear on the nose of this bottling by veteran Bob Lindquist. There is a strong sizzle of acidity on the sip, where green-apple flavors meet with tart nectarine and lime-peel zip. It's very fresh and food-friendly. | 89 | 20 | California | 5Chardonnay
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Italy | Aromas of baked plum, exotic spice and vanilla almost jump out of the glass. The aromas follow through to the full-bodied, savory palate along with ripe black cherry, blackberry and mocha while velvety tannins give it a smooth, polished texture. It closes on a confectionary note. | 93 | 45 | Veneto | 17Red Blend
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Australia | Musky spiced pear and melon aromas lead off, backed up by lush ripe pear and melon flavors. Finishes with a tasty blend of tart pineapple and peppery, clove-like spice. | 87 | 12 | South Australia | 5Chardonnay
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US | This is a fruit-driven wine showing lots of apple and melon aromas, broad peach and apple flavors and a generous texture. It's very tasty and refreshing and has touch of sweetness. | 87 | 10 | California | 22Sauvignon Blanc
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France | Medium-intense notes of golden apple skin, lime peel and wild yellow flowers are graced by a hint of gingery spice. The medium-weight palate is slightly round and creamy, but not overly so, with a generous wood-grilled-apple flavor that lingers on the toasty finish. | 88 | 13 | Languedoc-Roussillon | 5Chardonnay
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US | Shows the crisp acidity and delicately silky mouthfeel of Carneros Chard, with ripe flavors of pineapples, guavas, kiwis and minerals. Could be a tad drier, but it's a pretty nice wine. | 87 | 23 | California | 5Chardonnay
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US | A classic style of barrel-fermented wine, this shows lots of buttery, oaky and vanillin aromas and flavors, with a rich texture and an almost-sweet balance. Delicious ripe pear, marzipan, butter and baking spice notes keep the taste buds busy. | 89 | 24 | California | 5Chardonnay
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US | A spray of lime pith mingles with white florals on the nose and palate of Prejean's Dry Riesling. It's dry on the palate, but softened considerably by a gorgeously concentrated apricot and white peach fruit profile. | 87 | 12 | New York | 19Riesling
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US | Opening with aromas of barbecued meat, this soft Cab is all about ripe, meaty tannins and smoky oak over any suggestion of fruit, which is hidden among its cedar and tobacco-lined walls. | 84 | 18 | California | 3Cabernet Sauvignon
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US | This is a substantial wine, from the dark, dark color to the ripe but dry fruit flavors and firm, tannic texture. Made from 75% Malbec plus Petit Verdot and Cabernet, it is full bodied and hefty in mouthfeel, blending oaky spice accents with blueberry and blackberry flavors. | 88 | 12 | California | 17Red Blend
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Germany | Hints of marzipan lend a delicately nutty, sweet tone to plush white peach and Meyer lemon flavors. Off-dry in style, it's juicy and ripe, while refreshingly composed, finishing on a penetrating tangerine streak. Drink now. | 89 | 12 | Rheinhessen | 19Riesling
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US | Lush and juicy, this has a grippy firmness of structure and the accompanying suggestion of years to go. Cassis and cedar lead over notes of black cherry and berry, with the support of a full, concentrated body. Drink now through 2022. | 92 | 110 | California | 3Cabernet Sauvignon
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Australia | Like many Mornington producers, Kooyong has a relatively short track record (founded 1996). For much of that time, winemaking was under the guidance of Sandro Mosele, including this stunning 2012. It shows Burgundian levels of complexity in its array of smoke, leather, root vegetable and black cherry notes, then backs that all up with a firm-yet-supple texture and tremendous length. Drink now through 2022. | 93 | 55 | Victoria | 14Pinot Noir
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Chile | Mild citrus and grassy aromas are quiet, while this feels pithy and flat for a young wine. Tangerine and persimmon flavors are not on the money for Sauvignon Blanc, with a mildly bitter and pyrazinic finish. | 82 | 9 | Central Valley | 22Sauvignon Blanc
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France | There is great texture in this wine. It is structured, tannic with a strong pepper bite balanced by acidity. Citrus fruit shows through with fresh acidity and a tangy aftertaste. | 89 | 25 | Provence | 20Rosé
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US | This rustic wine is overripe in prunes and raisins, and hot in alcohol. It's also as sweet as a minor Port. | 82 | 42 | California | 25Syrah
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US | Savory touches of herb-crusted poultry, leather and turned earth show on the nose of this bottling from East Paso. Dried red fruit, rich leather and smoked pork elements and a touch of coffee on the finish show on the palate, where the tannins are a touch firm right now. | 89 | 31 | California | 21Sangiovese
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US | The Barrel Select is given 26 months in 100% new oak, and it shows in both the nose and the mouth. Smoke and char are not accents here; they are the main event. The fruit flavors are simple cherry/berry, and thin out rather quickly in the finish. | 87 | 58 | Washington | 25Syrah
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France | This is a firm wine with solid tannins as well as layers of juicy black currant and cherry fruits. Acidity and a good sense of structure are still developing, meaning the wine needs to age longer. Drink from 2018. | 90 | 40 | Bordeaux | 0Bordeaux-style Red Blend
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Portugal | Concentrated and dense, very structured, swathed in sweet ripe plums, dark chocolate, spice and balancing acidity. This is complex, dark, while remaining stylish. For aging over 5–6 years. | 93 | 43 | Douro | 15Portuguese Red
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France | This rounded wine is soft and ripe. Along with its smooth, warm texture it offers generous pear and melon flavors. Acidity adds an attractive final crispness. Drink now. | 88 | 25 | Burgundy | 5Chardonnay
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US | Made from a single-vineyard source of Pinot Noir grapes, this lovely pinkish-red wine is a celebration of wild strawberry. Dry, crisp and refreshing, it offers a twist of citrus on the finish and a floral backbone of honeysuckle. | 92 | 25 | California | 14Pinot Noir
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US | A big, full-bodied Cabernet, dry and smooth in tannins, with blackberry, blueberry and oak flavors. There's an earthiness that grounds this wine, making it less flamboyant than a Napa Cab, but food friendly and easy to drink. | 88 | 35 | California | 3Cabernet Sauvignon
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Argentina | Jumbled and jumpy on the nose, which struggles to find itself. Time gives this wine a chance to strut, and while it doesn't ever find a great groove it does offer youthful plum and berry flavors followed by resiny tannins. A little too scattered and pocked to rate better. | 84 | 12 | Mendoza Province | 9Malbec
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