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4
1.1k
114,713
austria
fresh green pear and hints of ivy on nose and palate create a light-bodied, friendly, easy-drinking summer white. zippiness and fruitiness are the hallmarks. drink as soon as possible while fruit flavors are at their peak.
Von den Rieden
88
21
93,911
australia
the nose is cagey, with yeast tones hiding behind apple and melon fruit. some nice minerality emerges in the mouth, along with a ripe green pea tone that slides into fresh apple on the medium finish. the mousse could hang around a bit longer, but the irresistible fruit here means that it probably won't be in your glass long enough to matter. drink now, with hors d'oeuvres.
Emeri Sparkling
85
13
83,985
france
while it does have a light texture, this wine is also rich. with intense red-currant fruit, totally crisp acidity and a fine citrus lift, the wine is both fruity and zesty. it will be best drunk from 2018.
Baroque
88
24
108,783
us
oddly, among a nice selection of chehalem rieslings, this seems disjointed, with sour flavors and other components that don't quite knit together. finished with a screwcap closure, there's no bad cork to point the finger at. maybe more bottle age will help to pull it together.
Wind Ridge Block
85
29
117,586
australia
it's dark and inky in color and concentration, filled with superripe blackberry and plum fruit edged in chocolate and mint, but it seems to lack a bit of richness and texture on the midpalate despite its 15.2% alcohol. ends with vanilla and tangy fruit and a touch of warmth. drink now–2015.
Lily's Garden
89
60
117,045
spain
this high-end cava opens with an attractive bouquet of bready, yeasty white-fruit aromas. it's about as complex as cava gets, with impeccable balance and a blend of creamy weight and fresh acidity supporting dry orange, papaya and white pepper flavors. a dry, peppery finish is cut like a marble statue. drink through 2020.
Manuel Raventós
93
120
86,092
austria
cherries and fresh berry fruits dominate this smoothly ripe wine. it has light tannins, a smooth leather and sweet plum skin texture which gives it a round character. the acidity, cutting through the sweetness, gives a lift, finishing the wine on a fresh, mineral character.
Selection
89
22
22,868
portugal
dark ruby with tawny gold highlights, this intense wine comes from ramos-pinto's bom retiro estate. it is dried raisins, toffee with beautifully integrated spirit and acidity. it's a rich wine, with some sweetness that is freshened with the final acidity. like any tawny, drink now.
RP 20 Quinta do Bom Retiro 20 Years Old Tawny
93
70
43,274
france
delicate herbal accents add depth to the fruity tones of apple flesh, pear and white nectarine. the palate is surprisingly round and toasty, with rich baked apple and peach pit flavors that fall somewhat flat on the midpalate. drink now.
Villa Blanche
85
13
2,719
chile
this merlot excels beyond its bargain classification by showing purity and a high level of fruit quality. the bouquet exudes plum, chocolate and some creaminess, while the palate bursts with blackberry, bitter chocolate and espresso. round and satisfying, with enough structure to last a year or two—or until the next vintage comes around.
Xplorador
87
7
24,972
france
a touch of passion fruit plays around the peach aromas on the nose. there is a lovely touch of smoke, too. the palate is off dry and the fruit is made richer, riper and more intense by the residual sweetness. zesty lemony freshness acts as counterpoint. this is lovely, compact and full of fruit.
Cuvée Saint-Jacques
90
22
75,274
us
a small-production grenache from 100-plus-year-old vines, this wine is dusty and fragrant with ripe cherry and strawberry flavors. light in weight and easy to drink, the undercurrent whispers licorice.
Testa Vineyard Old Vine
88
28
95,033
germany
subtle notes of crushed mineral and lime on the nose contrast the lush tangerine and orange flavors in this off-dry, concentrated wine. it's harmoniously sweet, balanced neatly by strikes of steel and acid that tighten the finish. drink now through 2019.
Essence
89
13
44,721
italy
as the cloudy sediment at the bottom of the bottle indicates, this intriguing prosecco was refermented in the bottle as opposed to in steel tanks. it opens with a heady aroma of white flower, green apple and kiwi. these carry over to the palate with a hint of exotic fruit and lime alongside a soft, persistent mousse and brisk acidity. it has a dry, crisp finish.
Giade
88
15
102,756
argentina
baked plum, molasses, balsamic vinegar and cheesy oak aromas feed into a palate that's braced by a bolt of acidity. a compact set of saucy red-berry and plum flavors features tobacco and peppery accents, while the finish is mildly green in flavor, with respectable weight and balance.
Felix
87
30
10,411
us
burly in black fruit, leather and cigar, this is a smoky, full-bodied and powerful wine, richly textured in toasted oak and supple tannin. blackberry and black currant play off each other to provide a juicy core of consistency. drink now through 2020.
Diamond Selection
91
80
58,360
us
a dramatic cabernet, complex and layered, this shows deeply concentrated blackberry essence, black currant, dark chocolate and raisin flaors that are intricately woven with a sweet, smoky oak influence. the tannic structure is thick and furry, but just about perfect. should age for many years, gradually losing primary fruit, but it's drinkable now after decanting.
Plus Game Ranch Single Vineyard Selection
96
150
36,809
us
this is a very high alcohol wine, porty and fruity-sweet on the finish, with raisin, milk chocolate, caramel and mulberry flavors. it's made in a certain old-fashioned paso style that calls for barbecue and a designated driver.
Pure
85
42
10,572
france
soft, fruity and gently ripe, this is a light, easygoing wine. it has a touch of pepper as well as strawberry fruit flavors. drink now.
Collection Grande Réserve
84
18
117,601
italy
floral and refined, this opens with alluring scents of violet, iris, perfumed berry, earth and a whiff of pressed powder. the savory, elegant palate offers up juicy wild cherry, raspberry, truffle, anise and white pepper framed in a network of silky tannins. it's already extremely accessible and will offer fine drinking pleasure for the near and mid-term.
Pertimali
94
55
84,185
germany
this starts off with some odd wet wool and fresh tar notes, but quickly rights itself, delivering a medium-bodied mouthful of crisp lime and melon fruit. if possible, give it a quick splash in a decanter before drinking.
Kabinett
88
25
120,251
us
intense with cherry and surprising tart citrus notes, this vineyard-designated wine is a perennial knockout. high in acidity, it offers a lively structure, soft texture and a muscularity of tobacco and dusty, brambly flavors.
Pagani Ranch
92
52
54,182
argentina
floral berry, olive and spice aromas make for a rustic nose with polish. this wine feels lively and a bit jumpy, with woody plum and berry flavors that are braced and framed by crisp patagonian acidity. a lightly herbal, salty finish is powerful but steady. drink through 2020.
Reserva
90
19
28,964
italy
a bit shy or closed on first nose, this easy soave opens slowly to reveal standard aromas of peach and citrus. there's a note of zesty acidity that gives the wine lively, food-friendly appeal.
Vigneto Terre Lunghe
86
17
11,541
us
this is essentially ddo's reserve pinot noir; it requires some patience at first, because it is quite tight, almost inscrutable. with many hours of breathing it fleshes out and opens up, revealing a wine with interesting nuances of cured meat, mushroom and light earth. the fruit is a notch more concentrated and full than the regular ddo, but retains a sense of tart berry and light cherry rather than being sweet or jammy. this absolutely must be decanted well in advance.
Laurène
92
65
15,905
us
hints of tropical fruit, yellow pear and apricot show on the nose of this bottling by a sierra foothills-based producer. there is a slight sweet touch to the sip, but then it dries out nicely, offered pear, apple and honeysuckle flavors against a decent textural grip.
Stepping Stones
88
27
10,005
us
full-throttle burgundian technique marks this chardonnay. it's explosive with buttered toast and popcorn and apricot and orange jam flavors. there's a fine streak of lime acidity. it's an exciting wine, as opulent as california chard gets, if a little over-the-top, venturing beyond balance into opulence for its own sake.
Finch Hollow Estate Grown Cave Fermented
91
110
100,929
portugal
because it comes from vines in one of the coolest parts of the douro, high on the plateau north of the river, this is a fresh, fruity wine. it has crisp apple acidity that is made richer by touches of apricot and light spice. the wine is tight, a straight line of clean acidity. drink from the end of 2016.
Porrais
86
11
64,570
us
very rich and fruit-forward in currants, cola, cedar and figs, with an exotic complexity suggesting dried dates and figs. delicious, but a bit full-bodied and heavy. could develop.
Cargasacchi Vineyard
87
50
120,286
austria
a wine that is soft, fragrant and very fruity. there's a touch of spice, pepper as well as tangy lemon zest. sandgrube 13 is the address of the krems cooperative. screwcap.
Sandgrube 13
84
10
51,685
us
crisp, steely and linear with grapefruit and pineapple flavors, this is a refreshing pinot gris from one of lake county's newer sub-appellations. it's an interesting contrast to the winery's upfront and fruity pinot grigio. on the finish there's a hint of tree nuts.
High Serenity Ranch
86
22
27,132
germany
a blossomy, perfumed edge lends lift and vibe to earthier notes of pressed apple and pear in this light-footed medium-sweet riesling. it's racy and sharp in mouthfeel with a finish that's brisk and bright.
Oppenheimer Sachträger Spätlese
87
16
22,221
us
this is a chunky, blocky, rather stolid take on what is usually a floral, perfumed grape. here it is limited to thick fruit components —orange and guava—tart acids and some residual sweetness.
Estate
84
15
126,086
france
this is a soft, rather unfocused wine that is pleasantly fruity with flavors of apples and currants. it's lightly perfumed and ready to drink now.
Cuvée Particulière
84
15
71,806
us
coral in color, this dry wine's light, fresh watermelon aromas lead to tasty raspberry and cherry flavors, backed by bright acidity. it's medium bodied and mouth-filling, maintaining a refreshing, appetizing quality through the finish.
Grenache
90
24
9,814
us
a lightly colored, earthy and yet intense and powerful wine, this comes from a tremendous vineyard site along westside road. pretty roses and cups of black tea are evoked on the entry before supple, well-built layers of lush, juicy cranberry, pomegranate and tangy cherry come into focus, finishing complex and rich.
Bacigalupi Vineyard
93
60
75,135
italy
this wine starts with aromas of espresso, underbrush, berries and menthol along with a slightly medicinal note. the palate opens with black cherry, coffee, licorice and espresso alongside assertive tannins but then finishes abruptly, closing on an astringent note.
Riserva
87
25
44,245
us
another terrific offering from shafer, this is a wine that seems to do well regardless of the vintage. it always shows a firm minerality and slight herbaceousness, with tropical fruit flavors and a smoky coating of fine oak. it's a shade less opulent than the 2009, making this very elegant and refined, yet still rich and complex. don't drink it too cold—airing brings out subtle nuances.
Red Shoulder Ranch
93
48
129,804
italy
having endured up to 8 months of oak aging, this offers modern touches of chocolate, spice and espresso bean that sit behind fresh aromas of black cherry and plum. the medium finish shows depth and length.
Podere Bertarole
88
25
34,222
germany
an intensely purple hue and whiffs of vanilla and cherry cola make this ruddy, rich wine stand out in a line-up of german red blends. the palate is unabashedly forward and fruity, with a slightly grapy tone, framed in soft, slightly bitter tannins.
Mettenheimer Rheinhessen Red Estate Bottled
86
14
120,144
france
medium sweet in character, this is a rich wine that's driven by its rich terroir. the chalk and gravel soil of the goldert vineyard produces great spiciness that is balanced by delicate acidity and the possibility of aging further. drink now, but it will be better from 2016.
Goldert Grand Cru
91
48
108,767
italy
the nose is extremely shy but eventually reveals a hint of dark-skinned fruit and toast. the hefty one-dimensional palate offers raw red berry and oak-driven spice but not much fruit richness.
Riserva
85
90
66,483
us
this ripe wine is intense and full bodied, with sultry layers of baked apple and peach. a flinty note marks the finish.
Director's Cut
86
21
94,717
us
as the producer's first 100% syrah, this impressive wine shows the vibrancy of cool-climate influence in distinct notes of saddle leather and white pepper on the nose. integrated in oak and smooth on the palate, it takes time to come around in floral raspberry.
Don Miguel Vineyard Estate Grown and Bottled Unfiltered
91
49
41,542
us
the aromas bring notes of herb, dark fruit and spice, seemingly a bit muddled. the palate packs a big mouthful of fruit and savory flavors that show a sense of purity, while bringing a lightly tacky feel. a lack of aromatic clarity holds it back.
Ciel du Cheval
88
40
106,278
portugal
generous and ripe, this is a wine that is finely balanced and very ready to drink. ripe tannins, soft texture and final acidity make for an easy-drinking wine.
Portada Winemakers Selecton
86
9
87,877
israel
medium-straw in color, this wine offers aromas of asian pear, guava and juniper berry. featuring flavors of seckel pear, honeysuckle and anise seed, it is bright on entry, goes through a short cool phase, and then brings the brightness back with a finish that includes lingering notes of white peach.
Reserve
88
18
47,060
italy
a blend of 90% sangiovese and 10% montepulciano, this opens with aromas of violet, toast and spiced plum. the ripe palate offers dried black cherry, licorice and espresso. it's balanced with round, hearty tannins.
Poggio ai Grilli Riserva
88
18
8,139
spain
clean white-fruit aromas include a note of pastry. this brut is tight and crisp on the palate, with flavors of green apple, lime and green herb that lead to a fresh finish.
Marrugat Brut Selection
87
14
62,308
france
a high proportion of pinot noir gives this deutz prestige cuvée richness as well as a strong green fruit character. citrus, green apples and intense acidity underpin this finely understated wine. drink from 2018.
Cuvée William Deutz
94
70
45,358
australia
paler than typical for australian rosés, this is more in the style of southern france. it's light to medium in weight, with a crisp, refreshing feel and bright berry and lime zest flavors. drink now.
Mathilda
88
15
99,514
us
it's sharp, young and citrusy, nicely spiced with herb and leavened with earth. the flavors are just beginning to blossom. although it will continue to open up over the next year or more, showing more of the earthy, composty underpinnings, it doesn't seem to have the depth to develop significantly. it finishes with distinctly herbal and somewhat earthy tannins.
Wild Eyed
89
45
118,453
us
elegant aromas suggest tar, prune, cherry preserves and mint. it's soft on the mouth with unfolding tannins, featuring flavors of italian herbs and cedar. it's a very austere and extremely dry wine, with very little overt fruit.
Test Pilot Sabre Jet F-86
89
39
89,777
spain
apricot aromas are singular and firmly in control of the bouquet of this galician blend of 70% albariño, 15% loureira and 15% caiño blanco. this is juicy and fresh, but low on cushion and leesy framework. apple and pineapple flavors run quick and finish with minerality and zest.
O Rosal
89
26
110,436
argentina
this creamy, oaky malbec opens with aromas of rubber and raw oak, although with airing black plum, blackberry and chocolate scents rise up. full, creamy and jammy in feel, this tastes of black plum, blackberry, chocolate and vanilla. a heady, oaky, sticky finish wraps it up.
Reserva
88
25
68,961
us
fresh raspberry and peach perfume collide into a zesty crush of minerality on the nose and palate of this invigorating dry rosé. it's feather light on the palate but zippy and bright in acidity. the finish is marked by a lingering but delicate bite of astringency. a rosé worth seeking out far beyond the summer months.
Rosé of
89
16
117,642
argentina
mint and graphite aromas make for a cool nose on this 50/50 malbec-cabernet sauvignon. rubbery tannins mixed with extracted berry flavors create more noise than poise on the palate. a spicy, herbal, chocolaty finish is punchy and borderline punishing.
Special Blend Reserva
85
22
110,480
france
aged in wood, this is an unusual style of pinot blanc for alsace. the toast flavors are subtle, leaving plenty of room for fresh fruits, light acidity and creamy texture. it's ready to drink.
Barriques
88
25
56,956
australia
you may have to scour the country to secure some of this (only 14 cases were imported), but this is a treasure worth the search. it's full bodied without seeming overly rich or heavy, framing the lush notes of dark berries, grilled meat, mint and licorice with supple tannins. spice-driven flavors linger elegantly on the lengthy finish. it's delicious now, but should age gracefully through 2030.
Andelmonde
97
95
128,108
portugal
the three castas (grapes) in the blend are chardonnay, arinto and vital. it is a clean, fresh wine that is soft and round. the chardonnay acidity lifts the two portuguese grapes. this lightly textured wine is ready to drink now.
3 Castas
85
10
91,738
us
dusty mineral and herbal aromas contrast against a palate that's chock full of raspberry and cherry flavor. it's forward with fruit, but a bit strikingly acidic, spiked by a razor-like edge of cranberry and lemon.
Dry
86
16
79,474
argentina
ithe nose is all prune and dessicated berry, while the palate is low on acid and feels heavy. flavors of baked berry and raisin finish the same.
Reserva
86
25
87,004
france
this is a delicious and textured wine. it has great swathes of crisp citrus and gooseberry fruits that are bright and still young. drink this steely flinty wine from 2018.
Renaissance La Magie des Caillottes
89
25
94,462
france
the name of the wine comes from the red rocks that make up the vineyard. it is fruity with ripe red-plum fruit and a generous tannic structure. with its youthful vigor, the wine is likely to develop further, although it is bright and fruity now.
Lo Sang del Païs
87
18
27,697
spain
starts out stewy, with exotic spice aromas that are uncommon but not unpleasant. that unusual spicy character persists throughout, and the feel is chewy and meaty while the fruit veers toward stewed blackberry, nutmeg and anise. a different breed of cat but a good one nonetheless. drink now.
Agnus de Valdelana Reserva
88
53
21,526
us
lightly silky, this has mouth-cleansing acidity and delicious red-cherry pie, spice and sandalwood flavors. it's really easy to drink now, elegant and complex. you can even give it a little chill on a hot night.
Cheval Sauvage
92
60
31,106
italy
definitely on the ripe side, this aged cabernet offers aromas of green pepper, chocolate, vanilla bean and black cherry. it delivers a pretty, modern approach and a nice, gritty texture in the mouth.
Campora
86
75
32,161
france
this flamingo-pink wine comes across as a bit confected, with bubble-gum aromas and flavors of cherry and melon. it's a simple but clean fruit-driven rosé to casually quaff during warm weather.
Prieurs de St-Julien
86
13
64,740
us
they pulled out all the stops on this white burgundy-inspired chard. it tastes quite leesy, with a champagne-like yeastiness riding over the tropical fruit and oaky, caramelized flavors. complex and intriguing, this unfined, unfiltered chard should drink well for the next few years.
Unfined & Unfiltered Estate
90
45
61,736
portugal
this sparkling wine from touriga nacional grapes is dry, not just with acidity but also its firm tannic structure. an acquired taste, perhaps, but great with fresh sardines or other oily fish. drink now.
Encontro Q do E Tinto Bruto Classico
85
8
5,361
italy
this deeply colored wine unfurls with aromas of dark berry, juniper flower and a hint of vanilla. the concentrated palate delivers sour cherry, plum and pipe tobacco alongside firm but fine-grained tannins.
I Vasari Old Vines
89
25
128,889
portugal
while the wine is young, it is made in a style that makes it very ready to drink. the tannins are so soft, with rounded black fruits just crispened by acidity. drink now.
Tinto
85
12
113,659
australia
with only 30 cases imported, you might have to search a little to find this, but if you happen to stumble across some, don't hesitate. it's a very good pinot noir, with varietally correct aromas and flavors that range from flowers to cherries, all framed by hints of coffee and vanilla.
Giles
89
45
43,446
bulgaria
ruby red with garnet hues in color, this easy-drinking merlot brings aromas of cherry, black berry and black raspberry on the nose. tones of black plum and black cherry are ripe and persistent on the finish.
Veni Vidi Vici
87
9
55,282
us
classic with grassy scents on the nose, this also shows lime peel, lemongrass, ripe honeydew and slight passionfruit aromas. ripe anjou pear powers the tip of the palate, with sharper grass elements and a sour citrus flavor emerging later.
Signture Selection
87
16
119,514
us
cabernet sauvignon from champoux and weinbau vineyards make up the heart of this wine, with a balance of merlot, cabernet franc and malbec. cocoa, vanilla, dark plum, spice and herb aromas are followed by generous dark fruit flavors that coat the palate from end to end, with a lingering coffee note. at once hedonistic and balanced, it has a long life ahead of it. best after 2022.
Reserve
92
65
118,663
austria
fleshy, ripe notes of yellow pear lead to a yeasty palate that fizzes with citric lift. lively and fresh, light-footed, concentrated and energetic, this is a sip of austrian life. the extra dollop of fresh acidity brightens the entire wine and makes for very appetizing, spicy drinking with a zesty finish.
Privat Reserve
91
25
109,646
france
the vineyards of this ancient castle in the aube region have produced a a crisp and balanced rosé. it is tangy, with a dosage that balances the ripe fruit and tight acidity. a touch of minerality gives it a good edge. drink now.
Grande Réserve Brut Rosé
88
60
114,820
italy
this chianti classico is composed of 80% sangiovese and 20% merlot. this last variety really shines through, rendering jammy aromas of cherry and blackberry followed by dense, chewy fruit.
Gherardino
88
22
35,954
us
this may be the quintessential site among the extensive milbrandt vineyards that produce much of the k vintners syrah lineup. the northridge bottling has amazing purity and concentration, with a beguiling mix of deep berry fruits and gravelly minerality. supple power, muscular and dense.
Northridge Vineyard
94
35
94,160
austria
there are regular, small explosions of citrus on the slender, taut palate of this exciting wachau riesling. this is so lively and energetic that you just want to keep sipping. it is slender, brisk and crisp and leaves the mouth feeling totally clean and invigorated. not for the faint-hearted but thrilling for true acidhounds.
Ried Kirnberg
93
18
68,893
chile
herbal, earthy plum and berry aromas open this drawing, tannic cabernet. toasty, blackened flavors of hickory smoke and berry fruits make for a woody palate, while a lasting forced-oak flavor on the finish rides over the wine's fruity notes.
Über Cuvée
86
12
22,381
france
earth, apple, citrus and herb all mingle on nose. green apple tinged with chamomile edge strikes against bright lemon on the dry palate. this is full of refreshing citrus and a beautifully understated vigor which will live in this wine for years to come. the finish culminates in a gorgeously tart but ripe apple notion. very moreish now and approachable but with lots of future promise. drink 2017–2030.
Praelatenberg Grand Cru
94
30
82,156
us
this deep, grippy wine has the bones of a mastodon. its thick blackberry, black cherry and cassis fruit carries even darker streaks of chocolate and espresso. though still rare, tannat is making a home for itself in southern oregon. it's a meaty, steak-friendly alternative to pricier cabernets.
Barrel Select
91
30
97,476
italy
delicate scents of honeysuckle and white stone fruit mingle together on this. it's fresh and polished, with green-apple, white-peach and nectarine flavors balanced by crisp acidity and a silky perlage.
Brut
89
22
98,402
us
initially, this wine is all about strawberry tart, with layers of cardamom and white pepper as well as hints of blueberry and blackberry on the back palate. offering high-toned fruit and acidity, it settles on the finish, becoming rich and full bodied in style, with final notes of nutmeg, vanilla and chocolate.
Foss Vineyard
94
55
42,538
italy
a successful expression of sauvignon blanc, this has good structure, density and staying power. it delivers stone fruit, citrus, pear, exotic fruit flavors, with touches of spice and green herb on the crisp close.
Picol
90
28
27,470
france
the négrette wines come mainly from a small area northwest of toulouse although they are also found in pockets elsewhere in the southwest. this is a light and deliciously fruity wine, full of rosewater aromas and a bright aftertaste.
La Vie en Rose
86
11
71,934
australia
pretty black cherry fruit is overwhelmed by the wine's other elements: mint, cedar, vanilla and maple syrup. in case you haven't guessed by now, it's oaky, with some drying, woody tannins on the finish.
Directors' Cut
89
39
95,473
germany
waxy lemon peel aromas on the nose are amplified on the palate of this delicate auslese, exposing riper, sweeter shades of yellow peach and cherry. nervy acidity jolts the midpalate, finishing brisk and clean. drink now through 2020.
Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Auslese
89
19
96,846
portugal
the 50% malvasia in the blend gives this wine its perfumed character. it is ripe, touched by honey and spice. the wine has a fine, fresh streak at the end. drink now.
Cascas Winemaker Selection
85
10
103,308
italy
this blend of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and merlot opens with earthy aromas of leather, tobacco and button mushroom, followed by fresh cherry. crisp acidity makes this a good wine to pair with cheesy risotto or pork.
Amadio
87
23
64,021
us
consistent with the rather lean house style this opens with herbal aromas set against firm, varietal cassis and blue plum fruit. the grapes come from a block planted in 1985. some barrel spice adds cinnamon to the nose, and there's a touch of cab franc (6%) in the blend, which stiffens up the tannins. retasting this wine after it has spent a few extra months in bottle, it's smoothed out a bit, and the sweet black- cherry fruit has moved forward. this should age really well.
Estate
89
28
32,055
france
an earthy aroma with rich black fruits give a wine that is full-bodied, ripe and soft. it has a warm, juicy character, a dry core surrounded by fresh berry fruits. not for aging, but open while firm now.
Tradition de Calavon
88
30
89,237
italy
aromas of stewed prune, grilled pepper and roasted coffee bean join in this blend of 45% merlot, 35% cabernet sauvignon, 10% sangiovese and 10% cabernet franc. the evolved palate shows date, vanilla and coconut. drink sooner rather than later.
Chance
88
40
111,372
us
the oak spices (30% new american and french) are at the fore here along with notes of orange peel, game, and vanilla on this unusual blend of syrah, malbec and grenache. it's medium bodied with dry tannins.
Reserve Cherry Street
85
24
5,469
us
mango, presumably, is the dog pictured on the label. this is a heavily-extracted, somewhat bitter merlot, with fruit flavors of blackberry syrup, alcohol at 15%, and still a fair amount of green bitterness to the tannins. notes of iodine and anise come into play in the finish.
Mango's Vineyard
86
22
86,845
us
ripe blackberry juice, espresso, baking spices and savory roasted herbs hit the nose on this blend of 60% grenache and 40% syrah. dried black cherries dominate the palate, with extra seasoning from chopped mint, lilacs and all manner of brown and black spices. it's almost too flavorful.
Rubystone
87
28
71,005
us
aged in neutral oak and 100% varietal, this is a fine value. there is great fruit flavor—raspberry and bing cherry—supported with natural acidity and just a hint of chocolate. this could be a dry creek zinfandel, in terms of its bright berry fruit and lively acidity.
Wahluke Slope Vineyard
90
16
87,626
italy
despite the excessively hot vintage, this is a compelling riserva from one of la morra's top vineyards, crafted by a master barolo maker. the fragrance shows ripe plum and floral notes, while the palate delivers ripe black fruit laced with cinnamon and alpine herbs. with its lovely depth and balance, this is almost ready now.
Rocche dell'Annunziata Riserva
94
200