31261 | 31260 | US | With 20% barrel fermentation, this wine is surprisingly rich and spicy for a low-end Chard. The aromas and flavors bring to mind pears and golden-delicious apples, before turning tart on the finish. | Peacock | 84 | 9 | New York | Long Island | Long Island | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Pindar Vineyards 1998 Peacock Chardonnay (Long Island) | Chardonnay | Pindar Vineyards |
31262 | 31261 | Italy | After an unusual, almost saline note passed, this wine presented a bouquet of dark cherry, chocolate and toast. This opens to a mouth of mild cherry flavors with a dry even feel and a black-plum and cocoa finish that displays slightly edgy tannins. | | 84 | 15 | Tuscany | Chianti Colli Senesi | | | | Poggio Salvi 1998 Chianti Colli Senesi | Sangiovese | Poggio Salvi |
31263 | 31262 | Italy | The cherry fruit in this lighter-style wine shows definite herb accents. Bright acidity and a touch of mint come out on the palate, and it finishes with tart fruit flavors and slightly prickly tannins. | | 84 | 11 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | | | Piccini 1998 Chianti Classico | Sangiovese | Piccini |
31280 | 31279 | US | From a winery atop Summit Road between Santa Cruz and San Jose comes this wine with a hefty, rich nose of fresh-pressed raspberry, black plum and strawberry notes, boosted by Dr Pepper and light licorice spice. Notes of nutmeg and allspice mix with juniper, dried plum and boysenberry on the lush palate. | Principal's Choice Estate Reserve | 91 | 39 | California | Santa Cruz Mountains | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Burrell School Vineyards 2011 Principal's Choice Estate Reserve Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains) | Pinot Noir | Burrell School Vineyards |
31264 | 31263 | Italy | Opens with an appealing bouquet of dark cherry and chocolate, cedar and leather accents. In the mouth simple berry flavors sporting wood and leather accents take over. Finishes with tart cherry notes and moderate length. | | 84 | 11 | Tuscany | Chianti Colli Aretini | | | | Vasari 1998 Chianti Colli Aretini | Sangiovese | Vasari |
31265 | 31264 | US | A juicy, ready-to-drink Merlot for this evening's dinner table. Sweet black-cherry fruit is accented by just a dash of sweet peppers. | Eastend Select | 84 | 12 | New York | North Fork of Long Island | Long Island | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Pellegrini Vineyards 1999 Eastend Select Merlot (North Fork of Long Island) | Merlot | Pellegrini Vineyards |
31266 | 31265 | US | Sophisticated and subtle, this lovely wine expresses varietal elegance, with a bouquet of roses and raspberries to begin. The jumble of pretty fruits is framed with citrus peel and a dusting of chocolate. | La Paulée | 91 | 39 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Scott Paul 2013 La Paulée Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | Scott Paul |
31267 | 31266 | US | This is a floral, zesty and vibrant white wine, given six months in French oak, half of it new. With a complex hit of briny salt and citrus, it flirts between layers of savory and sweet, finding just the right balance of structure and acidity. | | 91 | 18 | California | Carneros | Napa-Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Waterstone 2013 Chardonnay (Carneros) | Chardonnay | Waterstone |
31268 | 31267 | US | This block selection is supple, almost silky, and coats the palate with lip-licking cherry-fruit goodness. Streaks of hazelnut and nougat extend the finish. This delicious wine spent 15 months in 50% new French oak. | Hannah | 91 | 55 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Willamette Valley Vineyards 2013 Hannah Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | Willamette Valley Vineyards |
31269 | 31268 | US | Young and stiff upon being opened, this is striated with flavors and scents of earthy beet, rhubard, raspberry and strawberry. The palate brings in accents of iron filings, mushroom and further complexity. It's a sturdy, medium-weight, earthy wine, with moderate aging potention. Drink now through 2023. | | 91 | 48 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | William Hatcher 2013 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | William Hatcher |
31270 | 31269 | France | A closed nose shows the faintest notes of quince. The palate is dry and fresh with lots of lemony zestiness. It's slender and clean with a wonderful, straightlaced backbone. Freshness and tautness signal a purposeful, lively wine, full of apple fruit and aromatic overtones of quince. | Kirchberg de Barr Grand Cru | 91 | 22 | Alsace | Alsace | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Willm 2013 Kirchberg de Barr Grand Cru Riesling (Alsace) | Riesling | Willm |
31271 | 31270 | Australia | At 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a firm, cassis-scented wine, but one that includes hints of ripeness and generous fruit. Dried herbs and brown sugar add nuance, while the velvety finish picks up some meaty, savory notes. Drink now–2025. | Church Block | 91 | 20 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Wirra Wirra 2013 Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Shiraz (McLaren Vale) | Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Shiraz | Wirra Wirra |
31272 | 31271 | US | This wine has gorgeous, obvious cedar and toasted-bread aromas. Oozing with fruit and oak richness, it tastes like blueberry syrup and cocoa. Very full bodied, it wallops the taste buds, weaves around the mouth and lingers on the finish. | Estate Reserve | 91 | 36 | California | Livermore Valley | Central Coast | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Dante Robere 2013 Estate Reserve Syrah (Livermore Valley) | Syrah | Dante Robere |
31273 | 31272 | US | This vineyard is often featured in designate bottlings from some of Oregon's best producers. Here the black fruits impress immediately, with dense and powerful black cherry and cassis flavors. At first tight and slightly chalky, this wine responds very well to aggressive aeration, and the AVA's typical minerality emerges. | Momtazi Vineyard | 91 | 65 | Oregon | McMinnville | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Dobbes Family Estate 2012 Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir (McMinnville) | Pinot Noir | Dobbes Family Estate |
31274 | 31273 | France | Very gentle, perfumed honeysuckle notes are distinct and enticing on the nose. The palate follows this with a perfumed, opulent medium-sweetness that is reminiscent of sugar-plums and candied fruit pastilles: there are peach and plum and unbridled richness with a slight phenolic grip. | Sonnenglanz Grand Cru | 91 | 37 | Alsace | Alsace | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Domaine Bott-Geyl 2011 Sonnenglanz Grand Cru Gewurztraminer (Alsace) | Gewürztraminer | Domaine Bott-Geyl |
31275 | 31274 | France | The promise of aromatic, ripe stone fruit is immediately evident: vine-ripened peach and baked apple are lush and perfumed. The palate is equally fruitful, but tempered by dryness and a stony, taut and structured background. This is clean and poised and is ready now but will develop beautifully until 2020. | Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé Grand Cru | 91 | 30 | Alsace | Alsace | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Domaine Jean Sipp 2012 Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé Grand Cru Riesling (Alsace) | Riesling | Domaine Jean Sipp |
31276 | 31275 | South Africa | This rich yet balanced barrel-fermented Chenin opens with enticing aromas of honeycomb, melon flesh, toasted brioche, orange oil and apple skin. The medium-weight palate is creamy and lush, boasting notes of apple and citrus rind that linger on the spicy finish. It's delicious now, but it should also age well through 2020. | Barrel Fermented | 91 | | Swartland | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Doran 2013 Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc (Swartland) | Chenin Blanc | Doran |
31277 | 31276 | US | One of the more anticipated alternative whites from Santa Barbara County each year, this wine shows light honey brittle, sour tangerine and a touch of sour cream on a bright and lithe nose. The palate offers delicate cherimoya and soft nectarine fruit cut by lime juice and orange rinds, proving light but bursting with energy and flavors. | Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard Old Vines | 91 | 25 | California | Santa Maria Valley | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Foxen 2014 Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard Old Vines Chenin Blanc (Santa Maria Valley) | Chenin Blanc | Foxen |
31278 | 31277 | US | Situated in the McMinnville AVA, this vineyard delivers a sleek, well-proportioned wine. Though tight and unyielding at first, it is aromatically promising, with a mix of rose petals, berries and chocolate. Those flavors expand as it breathes open, finishing with the AVA's characteristic gun-metal minerality. Drink 2018–2028. | Riverside Vineyard | 91 | 55 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Aubichon Cellars 2013 Riverside Vineyard Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | Aubichon Cellars |
31279 | 31278 | US | Incredibly pure and pristine on the nose, notes of citrus cream, sea spray and white flowers hover over a base of white peach in this northern Michigan Chardonnay. With two years in French oak (25% new) and extended lees aging, the palate is round and sultry, boasting lightly brûléed lemon and zesty mineral notes that build to toasted hazelnut. A preserved-lemon finish lingers and leaves the palate wanting more. In time, the acidity will soften and this wine will truly sing. Drink now–2018. | | 91 | 28 | Michigan | Leelanau Peninsula | | Alexander Peartree | | Bel Lago 2013 Chardonnay (Leelanau Peninsula) | Chardonnay | Bel Lago |
31281 | 31280 | Germany | Breathtaking lime acidity pierces through this ebulliently fruity kabinett. The palate is a crush of sweet, fresh yellow peach and apricot flavors, lined by a steely edge of minerality. It's fleeting and frail in mouthfeel yet packs a firm punch through a lingering finish. Drink now through 2020 to enjoy its youthful vitality. | Kaseler Dominikanerberg Kabinett | 91 | 19 | Mosel | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | C. von Nell-Breuning 2014 Kaseler Dominikanerberg Kabinett Riesling (Mosel) | Riesling | C. von Nell-Breuning |
31282 | 31281 | US | This excellent entry-level Pinot is bursting with a delightful bouquet of cherries and white chocolate. It's crisp and direct, with well-defined raspberry fruit at the core. The finish is a little stiff and tight, but unpacks well with ample aeration. | | 91 | 32 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Adelsheim 2013 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | Adelsheim |
31283 | 31282 | Argentina | Dry, mossy berry aromas carry punch, while this well-built Malbec feels concentrated but not heavy. Peppery, blackened berry flavors spill over with a black-coffee note on a slightly hot finish. Drink through 2020. | Reserva | 91 | 20 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Don Manuel Villafañe 2013 Reserva Malbec (Mendoza) | Malbec | Don Manuel Villafañe |
31284 | 31283 | South Africa | There's a spicy soul to this beautiful Syrah, as forward notes of white pepper, licorice and sweet spice abound on the nose and mouth, infusing the raspberry, cherry and brambly blackberry fruits throughout. Additional notes of purple violets, fynbos and black tea add depth and interest. Medium weight, the approachable palate boasts a crushed satin texture, with fine yet gripping tannins that hang on through the spicy finish. Drink now–2020. | | 91 | 70 | Tulbagh | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Fable Mountain 2012 Syrah (Tulbagh) | Syrah | Fable Mountain |
31285 | 31284 | France | The appetizing perfume is a perfect fusion of lemon zest and tart apple. The palate also pitches that same, ripe freshness against zingy tang. The palate is dry, textured and juicy and thus very moreish. This is very alive and appetizing with a super-clean, lip-smacking finish. | Frankstein Grand Cru | 91 | 50 | Alsace | Alsace | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Domaine Charles Frey 2014 Frankstein Grand Cru Riesling (Alsace) | Riesling | Domaine Charles Frey |
31286 | 31285 | France | The wine is young and still firm with dry tannins. It has really fresh red-berry fruits that are going to need time to broaden out. For now, the wine shows the fruitiness of the vintage and with a solid texture for aging. Drink from 2017. | | 91 | | Loire Valley | Sancerre | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Delaporte 2014 Sancerre | Pinot Noir | Domaine Delaporte |
31287 | 31286 | US | The storied Carneros producer dips a toe into Oregon with this new release. It's got ample herbal aromatics and bright, brambly berry fruit, with cinnamon-stick highlights. Quite young and tight, it has a few rough edges to be smoothed out with additional bottle age. This will drink best from 2020–2025. | Yamhill Vista Vineyard | 91 | 60 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Etude 2013 Yamhill Vista Vineyard Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir | Etude |
31288 | 31287 | US | The color is light, which is natural for the variety, while aromas are lightly fruity, earthy and tobacco-like. Bright raspberry and cranberry flavors come with cedar and dried-herb accents that add complexity. It's medium bodied, well balanced and light in tannins, with a very appetizing texture. | Lodi Native Stampede Vineyard | 91 | 30 | California | Clements Hills | Central Valley | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Fields Family 2013 Lodi Native Stampede Vineyard Zinfandel (Clements Hills) | Zinfandel | Fields Family |
31289 | 31288 | France | Subdued but promising apple-ripeness on the nose leads to a rounded, fully mature palate that rings with fresh and dried apple. There are hints of hay and and a wonderfully, clean core of lemon freshness that is supremely well cushioned on these rich, intense flavors. Drink 2016–2019. | Rosacker Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes | 91 | 27 | Alsace | Alsace | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Frédéric Mallo 2010 Rosacker Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes Riesling (Alsace) | Riesling | Frédéric Mallo |
31290 | 31289 | Israel | Dark ruby in color, this wine has a bouquet of black cherry, green pepper and pomegranate. Smooth tannins provide a backdrop for flavors of black cherry, cranberry, smoke and Mediterranean herbs that recede slightly on the bright cherry finish. | Adama | 91 | 22 | Galilee | | | Mike DeSimone | @worldwineguys | Tabor 2011 Adama Cabernet Sauvignon (Galilee) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Tabor |