| 34003 | 34002 | Italy | The nose has pretty elements of hazelnut and chocolate in a Nutella-like twist that is accented by smoke, black stone, leather and wild berries. The wine has good intensity, acidity and a streamlined mouthfeel that suggests it needs at least five more years in the bottle. | Margheria | 91 | 100 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Massolino 2005 Margheria (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Massolino |
| 33991 | 33990 | US | Very lively and jumpy, with bright cherry fruit supported by high-voltage acidity. It hits the high notes, but lacks the bass below, and therefore is ultimately a bit out of balance. Very much a cherry-fruit dominated, one-dimensional wine | Estate | 84 | 12 | Oregon | Oregon | Oregon Other | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Eola Hills 1998 Estate Pinot Noir (Oregon) | Pinot Noir | Eola Hills |
| 34004 | 34003 | Italy | This plump and fruit-driven Barbaresco offers nuances of ripe cherry and forest berry backed by lingering tones of licorice, vanilla, dark chocolate and clove. The wine is distinguished by a precise and focused mouthfeel that is shaped by acidity and firm tannins. | Bricco Rio Sordo | 91 | 40 | Piedmont | Barbaresco | | | | Musso 2005 Bricco Rio Sordo (Barbaresco) | Nebbiolo | Musso |
| 33992 | 33991 | US | Sweet pink grapefruit and cherry aromas and flavors abound in this Sonoma pinkster. Fizzy and soft, it tastes slightly sweet and low in acidity. Ends with decent length, and is better for near-term easy drinking. Will be enjoyed by those who don’t enjoy dry, crisp bubblies. | Blanc de Noirs | 84 | 18 | California | Sonoma County | Sonoma | | | Gloria Ferrer NV Blanc de Noirs (Sonoma County) | Champagne Blend | Gloria Ferrer |
| 33993 | 33992 | US | At first the aroma is sharp, even clumsy, showing herbs, peanuts and even bacon fat. The fruit is in the big-plum range. A heavy dose of oak has been thrown at this wine, so it’s buttery on the palate and coffee-tinged on the finish. | Reserve | 84 | 30 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Benton-Lane 1998 Reserve Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | Benton-Lane |
| 33994 | 33993 | US | Quite a strong essence of grape extract as well as blackberry and vanilla run over and through this one. Heavy and full in the mouth, but also a bit sharp on the back palate; finishes with a mild tannic burn. Best up front. The intent and body are there, but overall it misses a beat. | Reserve | 84 | 45 | America | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Flynn 1998 Reserve Pinot Noir (America) | Pinot Noir | Flynn |
| 33995 | 33994 | France | There are soft grapefruit-peach aromas and flavors, tart lime notes and a medium body here. It's not complex, but it's not supposed to be. It has no bad marks at all, and even a little length to show. A good bar pour or gallery opener. | | 84 | 7 | Bordeaux | Bordeaux | | | | Calvet 1998 Bordeaux | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Calvet |
| 33996 | 33995 | US | Clove, black-licorice gumdrops, some mint and a meaty quality mark the nose. It’s weighty, with raspberry fruit touched by the taste of tomato. It doesn’t offer a lot of finesse, and the oak is heavy on the end. | | 83 | 28 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Beran 1998 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | Beran |
| 33997 | 33996 | US | Some rosés are darker in color than this flyweight. But the bouquet and palate each pack some punch. Orange-rind and cranberry scents pave the way for the chocolate and black-plum flavors that blanket the thick palate. At the end, though, it lacks the sleekness mandatory for a very good Pinot Noir. | | 83 | 10 | Oregon | Oregon | Oregon Other | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Firesteed 1998 Pinot Noir (Oregon) | Pinot Noir | Firesteed |
| 34005 | 34004 | Italy | Oddero's Barolo Bussia Soprana is laced with loads of mineral nuances that recall ash, granite and slate roof. But you'll also get defined tones of Indian spice and aromas from an Asian bazaar. In the mouth, the wine delivers drying tannins and fresh menthol-like layers. | Bussia Soprana | 91 | 86 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Oddero 2004 Bussia Soprana (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Oddero |
| 34006 | 34005 | Australia | Dark and smoky on the nose, with meat, cedar and blackberries combining into an attractive bouquet. This is a meaty, savory wine that should drink well from 2010–2020, backed by tart blackberries and showing some dusty tannins on the finish. | Chockstone | 91 | 22 | Victoria | Grampians | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | A.T. Richardson 2005 Chockstone Shiraz (Grampians) | Shiraz | A.T. Richardson |
| 34007 | 34006 | US | Abacela's tenth vintage of Tempranillo suggests it's time to call the “experiment” a success. It's savory and scented with cured meats; a spicy red that marries black currant fruit to pepper and more exotic spices—curry, cumin and five spice. Tannins are tongue-scrapingly dry, but is there a better match for a thick steak? | Estate | 91 | 35 | Oregon | Southern Oregon | Southern Oregon | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Abacela 2006 Estate Tempranillo (Southern Oregon) | Tempranillo | Abacela |
| 34008 | 34007 | Portugal | It's very rare to find a 100% Petit Verdot, the Bordeaux variety that adds a percentage or two of spice to wines in the Médoc. The color is dark, almost black, while the wine's tannins are sweet, chocolaty and flavored with toasty spice. With its big blackberry jam texture, this is dense and solid, a powerful, ripe wine. | | 91 | 30 | Alentejano | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Azamor 2005 Petit Verdot (Alentejano) | Petit Verdot | Azamor |
| 34009 | 34008 | Spain | Sensational for the price. This die-hard bargain is loaded with berry richness, sweet pulp, coconut and balance. It's a little creamy, but generous and integrated. Smells, tastes and finishes like something that costs three times more. | Crianza | 91 | 13 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Condado de Oriza 2005 Crianza (Ribera del Duero) | Tempranillo Blend | Condado de Oriza |
| 34010 | 34009 | Italy | Tenuta Secolo has aged beautifully over the years to culminate in the full, round and intense wine it is today. There's heft and brawn here supported by cola, cherry liqueur, black licorice, earthy tones and a distinct note of natural rubber or Band Aid that only adds to the complexity. It's full and tasty with a long finish of candied fruit. | Tenuta Secolo | 91 | 60 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Contratto 2000 Tenuta Secolo (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Contratto |
| 34011 | 34010 | France | A bouquet of summer desserts—strawberry soup, apricot pie and lemon meringue pie—pull you into the glass. Although not quite as nuanced, the palate delivers enticing apricot and wet stone notes. The unctuous palate and noticeable residual sugar will partner well with fish in an Asian-fusion preparation. | Herrenweg | 91 | 22 | Alsace | Alsace | | | | Domaine Ehrhart 2006 Herrenweg Riesling (Alsace) | Riesling | Domaine Ehrhart |
| 34012 | 34011 | Spain | Meaty, cuddly and kind is the best way to describe this big-boned, ultra ripe Toro. What makes it great is the price ($20 is a steal for this) and the complete lack of fierceness. It's easygoing but complex, with pulsing blackberry, plum and chocolate flavors. With modest but measurable tannins, it should age nicely for at least five years and maybe more, making it a bargain hunter's dream. | El Albar Barricas | 91 | 20 | Northern Spain | Toro | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | J. & F. Lurton 2005 El Albar Barricas (Toro) | Tinta de Toro | J. & F. Lurton |
| 34013 | 34012 | France | Sexy aromas of expensive perfume, exotic spices and honey give way to a strikingly intense palate accented by caramelized apple notes. Finish is long and a bit sweet. Serve this luxurious wine with lobster in a fruit preparation. | Cuvée Cécile | 91 | 31 | Alsace | Alsace | | | | Lucien Albrecht 2005 Cuvée Cécile Pinot Gris (Alsace) | Pinot Gris | Lucien Albrecht |
| 34014 | 34013 | US | There's a good wine in here that wants to get out, but it will take some time. Even though this Bordeaux blend is more than four years old, it's still stiff in tannins, with a dry, withering mouthfeel. But there's a solid core of black currants. Give it until 2010, at least. | Sonnet #63 | 91 | 60 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Madrigal 2004 Sonnet #63 Red (Napa Valley) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Madrigal |
| 34015 | 34014 | Italy | This base Barolo offers impressive complexity and harmony thanks to its medley of black fruit, spice, smoke, granite and licorice. The wine is tightly woven together and compact in texture with an elegant, tempered feel and drying tannins: Linear and polished to the end. Drink 2012–2018. | | 91 | 55 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Marchesi di Barolo 2004 Barolo | Nebbiolo | Marchesi di Barolo |
| 34016 | 34015 | Italy | Sheltered in the Broglio stream valley, the eponymous cru is considered among the best in Serralunga d'Alba. This is a mineral-driven Barolo that will not appeal to fruit bomb enthusiasts. Instead, the focus here is on elegance, linearity and smoky subtones. Pencil shavings and campfire ash form a tannic finish that is tight as a shell but smooth as a pearl. | Vigna Broglio | 91 | 75 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Palladino 2004 Vigna Broglio (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Palladino |
| 34017 | 34016 | US | Made in the modern cult style, this 100% varietal Cabernet is soft and lush. While it's technically dry, it tastes sweet, the result of ripe fruit, high alcohol and lots of charry new oak. Shows oodles of chocolate, black currant and plum flavors that end in a swirl of Asian spices. Now through 2012. | The Rocks | 91 | 60 | California | St. Helena | Napa | | | Rockledge Vineyards 2005 The Rocks Cabernet Sauvignon (St. Helena) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rockledge Vineyards |
| 34018 | 34017 | Italy | This Riserva Barolo offers a unique perspective on the Nebbiolo grape. There's a ton of natural spice in this expression but it's not the obvious vanilla and clove. Instead, this wine delivers dried currant, licorice, anise, earth and sweet cherry. It has a round, velvety feel and a soft finish. It's ready to drink now or could age more. | Riserva Bricco delle Viole | 91 | 75 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Viberti 2003 Riserva Bricco delle Viole (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Viberti |
| 34019 | 34018 | Spain | Licorice, leather, char and an overload of plum and berries are what greet you, and that's just the bouquet. In the mouth, this is thick, bruising stuff; the tannins are drawing and very tight, but the flavors of licorice, blackberry and chocolate are excellent. Finishes rock solid, which is to be expected given the wine's total package. If you can, hold until 2011 to let the tannins soften; it's meant for the cellar. | | 91 | 28 | Northern Spain | Toro | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Finca Anzil 2004 Toro | Tinta de Toro | Finca Anzil |
| 34020 | 34019 | Italy | Vigna La Rosa is always among Fontanafredda's best performing wines and this vintage will appeal to those who enjoy a riper, fuller style of Barolo. There are mature aromas of blackberry and raspberry backed by meaty tones of mesquite, smoke, cola, charcoal and powdery mocha. There's density and roundness here with velvety, plush tannins. | Vigna la Rosa | 91 | 122 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Fontanafredda 2004 Vigna la Rosa (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Fontanafredda |
| 33998 | 33997 | Spain | Linear, strapping and tight in style, with a keen focus on wiry red-berry fruit. There's a ton of cherry on the nose, and it's definitely natural and pure, with dry raspberry flavors and a solid finish. Firm, structured and delivers a real taste of the Priorat. Not overextracted; good with food. Drink now through 2012. | Elix | 91 | 50 | Catalonia | Priorat | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Cellers Melis 2005 Elix Red (Priorat) | Red Blend | Cellers Melis |
| 33999 | 33998 | Italy | Sorí Ginestra plays with wild berries, bramble, exotic spice, leather and toasted almond to produce a linear, elegant wine. The fruit is bitter in the mouth and the wine has good acidity that suggests a long life of bottle aging ahead. Pair it with duck roasted with scallions of black truffle. Drink after 2018. | Sorí Ginestra | 91 | 112 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Conterno Fantino 2005 Sorí Ginestra (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Conterno Fantino |
| 34000 | 33999 | US | Lovely scents of blue and black berries open into an excellent wine from this well-known vineyard. Cherry cola and molasses flesh out the midpalate flavors, and the fruit has a brambly quality that is almost like Zinfandel. Expressive and detailed. | Freedom Hill Vineyard | 91 | 42 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Panther Creek 2006 Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | Panther Creek |
| 34001 | 34000 | Italy | Two years of aging in French oak help shape the overall quality of this beautiful wine. It opens with a luminous garnet color and segues to aromas of spice, anise seed, mineral and black fruit. This is a penetrating interpretation of Nebbiolo with firm tannins and a powerful finish. | Campè | 91 | 120 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | La Spinetta 2004 Campè (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | La Spinetta |
| 34002 | 34001 | Italy | This vineyard designate Barbaresco delivers elegant mineral tones and pretty accents of chopped herbs, black fruit, forest floor, bramble and licorice. “Elegance” is the key word here and the wine finishes with soft tannins and impressive staying power. | Valeriano | 91 | 100 | Piedmont | Barbaresco | | | | La Spinetta 2005 Valeriano (Barbaresco) | Nebbiolo | La Spinetta |