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1.1k
91,803
us
hot, soft and uninteresting. it's not a bad wine, being clean and somewhat dry, but that softness results in a serious absence of structure, and there's not enough fruity essence to compensate.
Richard Sauret Vineyard
83
25
14,637
us
curious hints of candied citrus peel, dried fig and apricot abound in this exotically spiced riesling. laced with honey and sweet apple flavors, it's off dry in style, yet impeccably balanced by a strike of spine-tingling acidity. while deft and dainty in mouthfeel, it finishes on a lingering cardamom note.
Tanzen Dame Auten Vineyard 2nd Harvest
90
60
71,171
italy
this is an attractive 50-50 blend of cab and syrah with thick, lush notes of sweet vanilla, black pepper and ripe cherry. it takes a modern, new world approach and stands on its own in terms of complexity and persistence; it's clean and fresh in the mouth with polished tannins.
Cacciacone
92
50
97,492
argentina
with floral violet aromas, leather and meaty notes, this smells bold and ready. a firm, slightly reduced-feeling palate offers blue and black flavors of blueberry, prune and bitter chocolate. the finish is a bit hot and narrow, but shows power and intensity.
Made with Organic Grapes Reserve
88
18
42,410
us
big, deep and hard in tannins, this wine shows the estate's power and concentration, bearing blasts of cherries, currants, persimmons and cola. the flavors are pinpointed with laserlike focus, with hints of cocoa powder and tamari. it should begin to open by 2017, and develop for many years afterward.
Ten
93
82
86,996
italy
made with friulano, chardonnay and sauvignon, this offers aromas of white flower, tropical fruit, tomato leaf and citrus. the bright linear palate offers yellow peach, candied lemon zest and dried herb alongside tangy acidity.
Broy
89
35
208
south africa
a stony, flinty character leads the nose of this blend of 54% sauvignon blanc and 46% sémillon, followed by scents of ripe peach, nectarine, freshly dried grass and herbs. the medium-weight palate offers more clean fruit flavors that result in a smooth, slightly creamy mouthfeel. ample acidity lends freshness to the finish, alongside a lingering yellow flower character. drink now–2019.
Reserve
90
40
71,470
germany
fresh, green herbal notes and stony minerality add freshness to sweet stonefruit and yellow flowers on this crisp, dainty kabinett. bristling with acidity, the finish extends long on a lusciously ripe citrus note.
Ayler Kupp Kabinett
89
23
29,635
australia
this full-throttle blend of grenache, shiraz and mourvèdre comes across as almost zinfandel-like, with bold, briary fruit and hints of damp earth. shows a bit of warmth on the finish, but also a flourish of bright berry fruit. drink now and over the next several years.
The Cadenzia
88
25
75,737
austria
zesty, superfresh citrus and apple notes set the tone of this light-footed, slender fizz that is dry, vivacious and refreshing, with just a little yeastiness. its a classy little apéritif whose lightness of touch will make every conversation sparkling.
Flaschengärung
89
30
102,625
us
marked by aromas of raspberry liqueur, this is a sweet, listless grenache. sourced from a good site in mendocino.
Rhodes Vineyards
81
22
116,708
us
feels harsh and tart in the mouth, with sharp acidity that gives the oaky-cherry flavors the taste of chinese sweet-and-sour sauce.
Crazy Creek Vineyard Estate Bottled
82
40
30,756
argentina
dark and concentrated, this has jammy, raisiny aromas that are marked with a strong current of green. it feels full but a touch flat, with sweet berry flavors and a core of mint. the finish ends abruptly.
Perlita
85
10
95,627
us
classic aromas of lemon custard, white-peach meringue, toasted oak and roasted nuts show on the nose of this bottling by the carmel valley-based producer. the fat lemon-cream flavors meet with savory smoked alder on the sip, with a sea-salt touch leading into the finish.
Soberanes Vineyard
91
40
91,143
us
angels is made from a majority of merlot, the balance nearly equal parts cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. black pepper, clove and a whiff of dr pepper give it a spiciness that's also fruity, while a softness of texture and medium body maintain approachability.
Angels' Peak
88
50
91,595
us
there's a reduced, bitter quality to this wine, which remains light-bodied and somewhat elusive in the glass. an extreme sense of earthiness and mushroom, veering on dampness, keeps it a sensory quandary.
Estate Grown Proprietor's Reserve
83
45
69,833
france
bunan's 18th-century castle is called belle raisin—bélouvé in the old provençal dialect (beautiful grapes in english). with a range of varieties in the blend, it is an attractively integrated wine that has red cherry, raspberry and crisp apple flavors. it is lively and full of ripe fruits, with just a touch of pepper at the end.
Bélouvé
88
15
94,836
us
full-bodied and a little forwardly sweet, this deeply colored blush bubbly has flavors of raspberries and cherries, accented with smoky yeast, vanilla cookie and peppery spice. drink now through 2010.
Brut Rosé
89
28
41,986
portugal
this is a deliciously fruity wine with tropical fruit tones, a light mineral texture and fine, crisp acidity. from vines planted at 1500 feet above the river, it is fresh, cool and ready to drink.
Fronteira Branco
88
15
47,582
spain
despite originating in a hot year, this smells lightly herbaceous and green, with scents of olive, bell pepper and tomato leaf. the mouthfeel is chunky and solid, with tomatoey acidity. herbal, spicy flavors of tomato and plum finish peppery, spicy and with moderate heat.
Reserva Privada
88
70
119,496
france
beautifully fruity wine, bright, citrus and yellow fruit dominated. packed with crisp acidity, light floral flavors and a steely texture. it's for drinking now. screwcap.
Classic
86
10
105,407
us
foursight's 2011 pinot, from a very cool vintage, is savory, with mushroom and herb alongside a streak of red cherry. light in color and texture, it's subtle yet expansive on the palate, with a peppery, juicy finish. it's a wine that can be enjoyed now, but put some away for a couple of years and the seams will come together even better.
Charles Vineyard Clone 05
90
49
25,405
us
this is a big and complex wine by napa-turned-paso winemaker david galzignato. dense aromas suggest ripe plums, black licorice, vanilla and mint. flavors are juicy with purple fruits and grounded with herbs and mint, all hanging on an excellent tannic structure that's substantial but not pushy.
Jack of Hearts
93
52
1,267
us
soft, sweet and fruity, tasting like a granola bar, with roasted almonds, raspberry filling and cinnamon spice.
The Franc
85
20
90,466
france
from a parcel of malbec that is planted at 6,666 plants to the hectare (about 2.5 acres), this is such a concentrated wine. with powerful and brooding tannins, it is structured and richly endowed with black fruits. the natural acidity of the malbec is enhanced by the mineral character coming from the stony soil. drink this young wine from 2019.
Château de Mercuès Cuvée 6666
93
49
6,400
portugal
the local baga grape, better known for producing structured red wines, also lends itself to fruity sparkling rosé. bright acidity gives this crisp wine its tangy, red currant character. drink now.
Marquês de Marialva Rosé Bruto
86
12
123,136
australia
there are some attractive dried-spice notes built into this wine, but on the whole it's dominated by confected, jammy berry fruit. the texture is slightly syrupy, and the wine finishes soft. despite the impressive moniker, it's an easy, entry-level shiraz for the casual drinker.
Benchmark
84
15
36,241
us
this has lots of fresh berry aromas, blending raspberry, strawberry and deeper blackberry. full bodied, it features ripe flavors, velvety mouthfeel and firm tannins. dry and well balanced, it will make a great dinner wine because of all the palate-cleansing texture. drink now through 2022.
Grandpere Special Reserve
92
50
21,644
us
a crowd-pleasing chardonnay aromatically suggestive of candied fruit and dried apricot, it offers a healthy dose of minerality amidst a well-composed structure. striking the right balance between fleshy and firm, it'll go well with just about anything.
Reserve
89
25
43,264
france
made from 65% syrah and 35% grenache, this salmon-colored rosé is ripe and fruity, boasting attractive aromas and flavors of red cherry, raspberry and plum, all laced by a hint of white chocolate. the medium-weight palate is fleshy and flavorful, with a medium-length close.
Col de l'Orb
85
12
41,896
france
now developing into a delicious wine, this is ripe, full and perfumed. it is rich with yellow fruits, spice and red apple flavors. the wine still has hints of the intense youthful steeliness although it is now balanced, full in the mouth and ready to drink.
Les Deux Cailloux
90
27
38,735
greece
in a word: stately. the wine starts with cedar, leather and olive aromas, followed by complex flavors of cinnamon, red fruit and a touch of spicy smoke. this wine will age well but is delicious now.
Reserve
90
50
63,962
portugal
a rounded wine, this gives pleasure with its pear and ripe apple flavors. lightly touched with acidity, this has a soft finish.
Point West
84
9
99,240
us
a blend of red willow merlot (61%) and angela's vineyard cabernet sauvignon, this wine offers savory aromas of herbs, nori and peanut shells. the palate shows good concentration to the sweet coffee and cherry flavors that display a supple feel and are backed by lightly chewy tannins.
Nana
88
44
67,098
germany
the wonderful minerality imparted by the doctor vineyard is somehow able to keep this intensely sweet, rich wine from being heavy or cloying. dried apricot notes mark the nose, followed by scents of mango, peach and pineapple; this wine virtually gushes with sweet tropical fruit and honey, yet maintains a wonderful sense of balance throughout.
Berncasteler Doctor Beerenauslese Goldkap
96
160
62,693
us
ripe, opulent blackberry, cherry, butterscotch and vanilla bean flavors mark this soft wine. you can drink it now with everyday fare like beef tacos and cheeseburgers.
California Square
85
23
10,410
us
this is the third separate cuvée of grüner veltliner from reustle, and given the name (which means emerald), it's clearly meant to be modeled after the austrian style. for those who relish a crisp, mineral-driven wine, with ripe fruit flavors of meyer lemon, green apple and pink grapefruit, this rings all those bells and more. the length and definition are most impressive.
Smaragd
91
32
50,405
us
an early-release, single-vineyard wine that clocks in at a mere 12.5% abv in a warm vintage? yes! this is quite aromatic with dark coffee, poblano pepper and herbs followed by a light, elegant styling that brings delicacy and nuance. much like the variety, the wine is not for all comers.
Clarke Vineyard
88
20
106,616
us
a little rough around the edges, with some green tannins and minty, herbal flavors. you get some candied cherries and currants, but the wine is pretty rustic.
Reserve Selection
82
15
2,865
us
one of the best stoller vineyard designates from anywhere, this bright and spicy effort is bursting with flavors of red currants, accented with smoky chocolate. tannins are fine tuned and the wine has excellent balance throughout.
Stoller Vineyard
91
30
25,277
us
the combination of mouthwatering acidity, steely flavors of citrus fruits, apricots, white flowers and honey, and finesse make this slightly oaked albariño super drinkable. with a trace of honey, it will be perfect with vietnamese fare, smoky ham dishes, or fried chicken with potato salad.
Querida
86
25
53,535
greece
fresh aromas of citrus, white flowers and exotic fruit are followed by ripe and round flavors of pineapple and preserved lemon. the wine is balanced by good acidity and a clean finish. a dependable everyday wine.
Amethystos
89
18
33,558
spain
a blend of bready aromas along with crisp apple and pear scents leads to a citrusy palate of lime and green melon. the lasting finish is a good way for things to conclude.
Marques de Gelida MIM Natura Brut Reserva
88
21
33,037
us
this earthy meritage is a standout of the virginia wine scene. the nose is suave and subtle, dominated by notes of forest floor, strawberry and espresso. gripping tannins frame the palate which is packed with fresh black cherry fruit. finishes dense and black. give it a few years in the cellar.
Meritage
87
40
109,950
us
a classic style of wine, this has reserved aromas but great texture and structure supporting deep black currant and dark plum flavors, accented by subtle spicy oak. with each sip more nuances of cedar, tobacco, sage and black olive come out. although delicious now, it will be best after 2020.
Clone 337
92
40
42,636
france
a broad, ripe wine, with peach and apricot flavors to go with a fine citrus tang. full in the mouth, very fruity and attractively textured with green plum skin juiciness.
Princesse de Cleves
87
17
58,954
germany
crushed granite notes add an austere elegance to pristine white-peach and citrus notes on this dry but lusciously mouthfilling riesling. it's rich and round on the palate, with savory tones of fresh herbs that linger on the finish.
Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten Trocken
90
35
75,383
us
red cherry, red currant, mushroom and sandalwood flavors mark this appealing wine. bone dry, with good acidity, it's a fine wine to drink now, but it should also age for quite some time, without necessarily gaining in complexity.
Estate
87
37
124,202
us
disgorged in october 2015, this sparkler opens with sublime green-apple tones, offering both tartness and stony minerality. a crisp, lemony mousse adds freshness and vibrancy to the complex hazelnut and brioche characteristics. this wine has long legs and memorable completeness.
Carneros Cuvée
94
75
48,207
us
this is a beautiful, intricate and appealing cabernet to drink with upscale fare, like a very fine steak. it's bone dry, but very rich and sweet in blackberry, cherry and currant fruit, and there's a nice cut of acidity for balance. steven kent is producing today's greatest livermore cabernets, wines that hearken back to the valley's roots as one of california's best wine regions. drink now–2013.
Estate Grown
93
45
68,931
us
this is a wine that's been tremendously variable over the years, but with the '07, craig has produced his best bottling since the late 1990s. succeeds not only with dramatically ripe blackberry, currant, chocolate and sweet, smoky cedar flavors, but also with a structure of finely ground tannins and a long, dry, spicy finish. drink now and for the next few years.
Affinity
92
48
87,836
us
this newish producer pays honor to its persian roots with yalda, a rhône-style blend of 41% shiraz, 26% mourvedre, 25% grenache and 8% cinsault that's intense, coated like chocolate-strawberry jam, tobacco, leather and earth with a subtext of cheese rind. this wine definitely has character.
Yalda
88
48
9,804
us
from the winery's dry-farmed vineyard comes this bottling with seamlessly integrated aromas of boysenberry, black-pepper sauce and black sesame. a tarry character kicks off the palate and then evolves into roasted lamb with lavender-pepper crust, dried mint and tarragon flavors. a soft and deftly sewn acidity hums throughout the sip.
Tinaquaic Vineyard
93
48
62,423
germany
firm and steely in structure yet decadently fruity, this light-footed spätlese offers substance and pleasure in spades. luscious yellow-peach and tangerine flavors are plush on the palate but balanced judiciously with racy acidity and a deep tang of minerality. gorgeous already but could hold well through 2021.
Kreuznacher Mönchberg Spätlese
92
22
70,882
france
a complex name for this finely crafted wine. it shows green fruits and oak, some intensity of flavor and a great layer of acidity, cutting through the rich fruits. the finish brings all this acidity forward, giving a classic chablis minerality.
Les Clos Grand Cru Clos des Hospices dans Les Clos
90
108
40,639
us
pricey, yes, but madrigal pulled out all the stops on this flashy wine, making it their best cabernet ever. it's a big, tannic and dry wine, stuffed with blackberry, currant and oak flavors. voluptuous and dramatic, but it needs age, possibly a lot. give it a rest until 2015 and see how it's doing then.
Las Vinas del Señor Reserve
93
80
74,975
us
this wine is electric pink in color, with notes of strawberry bubblegum and cranberry. it drinks off dry, with watermelon and red fruit flavors that linger on the finish.
Grenache
89
24
83,849
us
this has aromas of prunes and burnt rubber, but it tastes better than that. it's a pretty raw effort.
Top Chef
80
18
81,908
us
spectactular chardonnay, so pure, clean and delicious. defines the cool coastal climate of the sonoma coast, with brilliant, citrusy acidity brightening long hangtime flavors of tropical fruits, green apples and succulent peaches and pears. a stunningly good, upscale chard to drink with very rich fare, such as ricotta cheese-filled gnocchi with grilled rock shrimp and parmesan cheese.
Charles Heintz Vineyard
95
55
21,447
italy
fragrant and enjoyable, this offers aromas of ripe berry, mediterranean herb, pressed violet and a whiff of pine forest. on the round easygoing palate, savory notes of brown cooking spice accent a core of red cherry and black raspberry. enjoy through 2017.
Bellamarsilia
88
14
71,783
spain
nectarine and white-flower aromas are young and pulsing. this viura feels fresh and elegant, with grip and weight. oak-driven flavors are controlled and sit atop a white-fruit base, while this finishes clean and easy, with finesse.
Viña Real
90
18
9,192
spain
generic berry and plum aromas come with sweet vanilla notes and a briney pinch. the wine feels fresh but clacky, with juicy acids giving drive to standard dark cherry and berry flavors. peppery and lightly oaked on the finish.
Urban Ribera
86
14
58,511
us
this blend of 55% syrah, 29% grenache, 10% mourvèdre and 6% counoise offers boisterous yet elegant aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and dried violet that are met with hints of crushed marjoram and white pepper. once sipped, mulberry and exotic plum flavors mesh with wild mint on a brooding yet bright and fresh palate.
Patelin de Tablas Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre-Counoise
92
25
36,247
us
showing a light whiff of funk, this seems a bit reductive at first, but opens gracefully with adequate aeration. black cherry and dark chocolate flavors combine and thread into a medium finish with some of that same earthy character.
Red Hills Estate
92
85
63,825
france
this complete wine has all the elements of delicious rosé right in place. it is fresh and fruity, crisply mineral and with a lively acidity. the texture makes it a good food wine. it comes from vineyards that are certified organic. drink now.
Rosé d'une Nuit
92
24
3,913
france
a fresh, citrus flavored wine with attractive fruitiness and a crisp texture. there is a yeasty edge that should vanish and leave just fruit. because it is mainly made from chenin blanc, there is a nutty, honeyed aftertaste.
Platine Brut
87
22
105,337
us
grapes come from heritage selection off the osgood farm, and the wine shows licorice-berry-chocolate syrup aromas, as well as espresso with condensed milk and pipe smoke. the tannins coat the mouth and tickle the tongue in a pleasant way, offering rich plum fruit, graphite minerality and lifting mint, all balanced with strong acidity.
Old Hat
91
48
13,759
us
a smooth, earthy wine, this smells a bit like tobacco and cedar, tastes mellow and meaty, and has enough tannin and acidity for a firm texture.
Estate
83
19
101,183
us
tight and tart, this wine shows aromas of delicate roses and raspberries that follow through on the palate. flavors are pure and true, somewhat simple, with a fruit-forward aspect that suggests young vines.
Leroy Vineyard
87
40
45,858
germany
medium-bodied and lush, powered by ripe fruit flavors of apple, peach and pineapple. there's a bit of a flinty note on the nose and a slight vinyl-like element on the finish, which add either complexity or detract from the fruit, depending on your perspective.
Bernkasteler Badstube Spätlese
89
28
52,527
italy
aromas of grilled herb, french oak, sage and a balsamic note lead the nose while the firm palate shows tart red cherry, licorice and toasted notes. it's still tightly wound, with bracing, astringent tannins. give the tannins a few years to unfurl then drink up.
Tresuri
87
43
8,457
us
a beautiful cabernet, this has all the hallmarks of a fine wine. it's dry, rich in tannins and elegant, with long, deep flavors of blackberries, currants and dark chocolate. it's already throwing some sediment, so give it a careful decant.
Estate Grown
92
40
8,492
france
a delicate but complex nose of peony, bergamot, anjou pear and hard melon transition to a somewhat surprisingly lean mouth flooded with citrus flavors. the nuances of the bouquet are mostly missing on the palate, but this remains a clean and refreshing white.
Blanc
86
13
118,319
us
vanilla soda, pineapple and a touch of herbaceousness hit the nose first in this chardonnay, which is grown high in the santa lucia range by a family that's ranched the land since the 1850s. on the palate, some creaminess emerges alongside flavors of tart green apple and toffee nuts. serve with lemon-herb chicken or well-seasoned fish dishes.
Estate
91
38
101,573
uruguay
at first, this tannat smells chalky and minerally; later it's leafy and a touch soapy in aromas. a fierce angular palate delivers tart black-plum flavors with tea notes. the finish is linear and long due to hard-driving acidity.
Amat Cerro Chapeu
86
32
50,699
italy
aromas of ripe red berry, cake spice, tilled earth and a balsamic note unfold on this structured, elegant red. on the full-bodied palate, notes of mint, anise and a hint of mocha accent the juicy black cherry core while firm but refined tannins provide the framework. drink 2018–2031.
Prapò
93
70
43,491
us
citrus blossoms and lime zest perfume this fragrant little showstopper. dry in style, it's a spry, delicately-framed wine, yet lusciously concentrated in peach and melon flavors. streaks of lemon-lime acidity catapult a long, penetrating finish.
Dry
90
16
11,323
austria
very subtle hints of blueberry emerge first, while on the palate they color both texture and flavor of this elegantly structured wine. peppery spice tinges the aftertaste. this is fine-boned and defined, but with upright, well-bred poise and a subtle rather than in-your-face charm. drink this now with game and venison or treasure it for another 3–5 years.
Pannobile
93
55
124,695
australia
this international venture based out of the former nepenthe winery in the adelaide hills sources fruit from a number of vineyards in south australia. this bottling is light on its feet for its 15% stated abv, showcasing fresh cherry fruit, gentle herbal notes and silky tannins. drink now–2022.
Thorny Devil Old Vine Single Vineyard
92
30
97,031
italy
toasted oak, hazelnut and fresh herb aromas carry over to the lean, linear palate, along with lemon drop, yellow apple and a confected notes. crisp acidity lends a racy elegance.
Where Dreams Have No End
88
69
54,125
france
this blend of equal parts of pinot noir and chardonnay is impressive. on the dry side of brut, it is crisp, tight with intense acidity and a nervy texture that will soften. it's a perfumed, structured wine full of potential with its citrus and spice flavors. drink this bottling from 2019.
Tzarina No 1 Brut
93
140
2,163
us
high-toned aromatics complement aggressive, unintegrated flavors of raw wood. it's lumber, not toast, that you taste, along with bitter tannins and little evidence of ripe fruit.
Premier Cuvée
84
85
49,298
us
very light in the glass and nimble throughout the sip, this is a promising young wine that may wind up quite excellent with some bottle age. tightly wound black raspberry and strawberry fruit notes meet cinnamon, camphor and dewy eucalyptus on the nose, while the palate packs an array of thyme and bay leaf against a lighter cranberry fruit base.
Saveria Vineyard
90
39
41,768
us
from the famed vineyard named for the colorful author, this wine remains a standout for the producer, and a tremendous deal for the quality. it exudes notes of eucalyptus on the nose, before unveiling big-boned but balanced tannins, with leather and cranberry notes meeting a tensile line of minerality. it finishes with a taste of mocha.
Jack London Vineyard
91
32
114,039
us
a blend of 54% petit verdot, 42% zinfandel and 4% cabernet sauvignon that doesn't hold back in ripeness or body, this offers brick, blackberry and chocolate in equal waves. the texture is lush, plush and softly layered, dusted in mocha and vanilla bean.
Rector Creek Vineyard Block 4
90
80
15,072
us
chardonnay grapes star in this rich bubbly. it's attractive in pear, orange, papaya and toast flavors, with a fine edge of sourdough yeast. the bubbles are a little scoury, but otherwise this is a good price for a vintage sparkling wine.
Blanc de Blancs
89
24
99,905
us
this is not entirely ripe, showing green flavors and hard tannins. while there is some decent cherry and berry flavors, this blend of zinfandel, petite sirah and carignane can charitably be described as rustic.
Il Campo Estate Field
82
40
68,813
us
medium bodied and lean in profile, this wine starts with floral aromas, then brings in fairly tart cherry and pomegranate flavors and firmly tannic texture.
Sage Canyon
86
26
25,274
us
thick in tannins and smoothly textured, graziano's old-vine carignane has a taste of baked plum in cinnamon and nutmeg spice.
Old Vine
86
18
4,679
germany
pristine, primary tangerine and grapefruit flavors shine brilliantly throughout this crisp, light-footed spätlese. it's dangerously quaffable, yet nuanced by shades of candlewax, mineral and saffron that extend the finish dramatically.
Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland Spätlese
91
40
122,775
portugal
made to be enjoyed young, this ripe wine has soft tannins, ripe red plum and damson fruits and plenty of refreshing acidity. the structure and the smooth texture all say drink me now.
Lote 138
85
10
65,570
italy
aromas of tropical fruit and a hint of vanilla lead the nose. the easygoing palate offers peach and apple alongside soft acidity. soft and simple, pour it for informal parties or picnics.
Orion
85
10
71,519
italy
la roverina is an easy valpolicella with aromas of red currant berry, white mineral and cola. the wine is simple and smooth in the mouth with a compact texture overall.
La Roverina
86
17
48,677
us
with 30% new oak, the wood stands out, giving the wine vanilla and buttered toast notes. crisp acidity kicks in right away, giving sour candy flavors of pineapples and lemons, while the underlying arroyo grande terroir gives this chard a minerally tug. dry and elegant, it's a wine to drink now, with decanting.
Rincon Vineyard
92
40
81,668
us
this wine shows the hand of the winemaker in the buttered toast, vanilla, crème brulée, honey and creamy lees that dominate the palate. the underlying fruit is a little thin, suggesting tangerines and papayas. the price-quality ratio is fair.
Barrel Fermented
89
35
47,339
us
plummy with a sour hint of leather, this light-bodied wine, is somewhat flat in structure and finishes lean.
Karren Vineyard
85
35
27,501
new zealand
cinnamon and clove notes accent fleshy fruit flavors of ripe pear and melon in this broad, nearly full-bodied wine. those attractive spice notes linger on the finish.
Estate Grown
89
20
114,389
georgia
deep red-violet in color, this wine has a bouquet of raspberry, strawberry and lavender. it is complex but eminently pleasing on the palate, with chewy tannins and flavors of blackberry, leather, smoke, chocolate and coffee and a soft touch of iodine on the tenacious finish.
Kondoli Single Vineyard
90
18
60,970
france
soft, creamy, rounded wine, which seems initially unfocused. but there are some good pear and kiwi flavors. the end, though, is dilute.
Cardinal Richard
86
20
55,515
us
aromas of slightly overripe fruit lead to just off-dry fruit flavors. it lacks a sense of cohesion.
Rascal
83
11