| 35551 | 35550 | Italy | This is richly concentrated and dense, showing an inky dark color with blackberry, leather and cured meat notes. A soft chocolate tone appears on the close. | Riserva | 91 | 28 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | | | Carpineto 2008 Riserva (Chianti Classico) | Sangiovese | Carpineto |
| 35552 | 35551 | France | This is a mature, rich wine from an excellent vintage in Champagne. The wine has toast as well as lemon and grapefruit flavors, giving weight and complexity. Although this is ready to drink, it could probably age a few more years. | Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Réserve Brut | 91 | 48 | Champagne | Champagne | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Chapuy 2004 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Réserve Brut Chardonnay (Champagne) | Chardonnay | Chapuy |
| 35553 | 35552 | US | This is clearly an elegant Chardonnay, well grown and made to impress. It's rich, dry and creamy, with a good hit of acidity accompanying oak-influenced flavors of tropical fruit, pear and peach. | Ulises Valdez Diablo Vineyards | 91 | 64 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Ram's Gate 2010 Ulises Valdez Diablo Vineyards Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) | Chardonnay | Ram's Gate |
| 35554 | 35553 | Austria | This is the top wine from Kirnbauer, produced from vines in the Mittelburgenland region—one of the best areas for Blaufränkisch. This serious, wood-aged and complex wine has both intense bitter-cherry acidity and a firm, dense and tannic texture that shows aging potential. | Goldberg Reserve | 91 | | Mittelburgenland | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Kirnbauer 2009 Goldberg Reserve Blaufränkisch (Mittelburgenland) | Blaufränkisch | Kirnbauer |
| 35555 | 35554 | Austria | With a color more red than gold, this is an intensely rich wine, with flavors of jellied plum, honey and bottled cherry. The tannins give the wine structure as well as sweetness and richness. In the end, acidity offers a pleasant counterbalance. | Beerenauslese | 91 | 32 | Burgenland | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Kracher 2011 Beerenauslese Zweigelt (Burgenland) | Zweigelt | Kracher |
| 35556 | 35555 | Italy | Here is a smooth, supple sparkling wine, with bright aromas of citrus, stone fruit, apricot, baked bread and even a touch of piquant white peppercorn. The mouthfeel is full and generous, with fine, tonic perlage on the finish. | Brut Millesimato | 91 | | Lombardy | Franciacorta | | | | La Montina 2007 Brut Millesimato Sparkling (Franciacorta) | Sparkling Blend | La Montina |
| 35557 | 35556 | Spain | Expansive and generous on the nose, this has all the bold berry aromas for which Ribera del Duero is known. It feels tight as a drum, with staunch acidity. Flavors of dark fruit and chocolate are typical for a small-production—150 cases—modern wine. It's tight, spicy and integrated on the finish, with a lasting note of lemony oak. Best 2014–2018. | Collection | 91 | 55 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Loess 2009 Collection (Ribera del Duero) | Tempranillo | Loess |
| 35558 | 35557 | France | This balances crisp citrus and apple flavors with a touch of toast to make for a dry, full-bodied wine. | Blanc de Blancs Brut | 91 | | Champagne | Champagne | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Pannier 2004 Blanc de Blancs Brut Chardonnay (Champagne) | Chardonnay | Pannier |
| 35563 | 35562 | US | This excellent estate-grown Merlot is a standout in the current Goose Ridge lineup. A scent of violet introduces a dark and potent wine. Plum and black cherry are enhanced by streaks of rock and tar. The tannins are supple and substantial. | | 91 | 30 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Goose Ridge 2008 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Merlot | Goose Ridge |
| 35564 | 35563 | US | This is one of those wines that's a little soft and heavy by itself, but when paired with the right food, it will explode. Made from Syrah, Malbec and Petite Sirah, it's bone dry, with blackberry, red currant, bacon and white pepper flavors that are wrapped into firm tannins and finished with a touch of smoky oak. It begs for a simple, sweet, charcoal-grilled steak. | Renegade Margarita Vineyard | 91 | 23 | California | Paso Robles | Central Coast | | | Ancient Peaks 2010 Renegade Margarita Vineyard Red (Paso Robles) | Red Blend | Ancient Peaks |
| 35565 | 35564 | US | A deep, dense blackberry flavor suggests that this is cellar worthy. Notes of ground coffee, cacao and clean earth abound. The finish is long and compact, with nicely polished tannins. | Ethos Reserve | 91 | 31 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Ethos Reserve Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Merlot | Chateau Ste. Michelle |
| 35566 | 35565 | Italy | With glittering diamonds encrusted in the glass of the bottle, Diadema would make a beautiful presentation at an elegant dinner. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this opens with modern tones of black fruit, chocolate and spice. The mouthfeel is smooth, long and rich. | Diadema | 91 | 150 | Tuscany | Toscana | | | | Diadema 2010 Diadema Red (Toscana) | Red Blend | Diadema |
| 35567 | 35566 | Austria | Opulent and rich, this is a fine expression of the dense mineral side of the Achleiten Vineyard. It has weight, and is packed with ripe peach and peppered pineapple flavors. It is obviously capable of aging for at least three years. Screwcap. | Achleiten Smaragd | 91 | 46 | Wachau | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domäne Wachau 2011 Achleiten Smaragd Grüner Veltliner (Wachau) | Grüner Veltliner | Domäne Wachau |
| 35568 | 35567 | US | This blend consists of 40% Mourvèdre, 40% Grenache and 20% Syrah, creating a strong base that's loaded with steely mineral and graphite notes, plus tart fruit flavors of cranberry and strawberry. A hint of strawberry leaf brings in an herbal accent. | Métier | 91 | 45 | Washington | Yakima Valley | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Doyenne 2010 Métier Red (Yakima Valley) | Rhône-style Red Blend | Doyenne |
| 35569 | 35568 | US | Consulting winemaker Matthew Loso knows his way around a blend, and this fine Cabernet-Merlot mix shines with focused, dark fruit flavors. It's threaded with streaks of clove, black olive and anise, with real muscle and tannic heft. | Jammin' Red | 91 | 19 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Elevation Cellars 2009 Jammin' Red Red (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Elevation Cellars |
| 35570 | 35569 | US | This shows an evident layer of oak in the form of buttered toast and vanilla notes, but the underlying wine is strong in pineapple and golden mango flavors. Fine coastal acidity and a hint of mineral provide structural balance. | | 91 | 23 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | | | Gainey 2010 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) | Chardonnay | Gainey |
| 35571 | 35570 | US | Merriam is concentrating on Cabernet Franc from various appellations, with excellent results. This Russian River bottling is terrific for drinking now. It's spicy and rich in red cherry jam, cherry liqueur and smoky sandalwood flavors that finish long and sweet. It would be great with Chinese-style roast pork. | Windacre Vineyard Estate | 91 | 40 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Merriam 2008 Windacre Vineyard Estate Cabernet Franc (Russian River Valley) | Cabernet Franc | Merriam |
| 35572 | 35571 | US | This is initially tight and closed, needing to be decanted to reveal its generous black cherry and persimmon flavors, plus lots of peppery spice. The texture is silky, yet there are some hefty tannins, suggesting the wine might improve over the next 5–6 years, even though it's drinkable now. | Bush Crispo Vineyards | 91 | 70 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Ram's Gate 2010 Bush Crispo Vineyards Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | Pinot Noir | Ram's Gate |
| 35573 | 35572 | Italy | Compelling, rich and darkly extracted, this would pair with succulent red meat, roasted pork or lamb. The wine shows blackberry, plum and prune, with leather, tobacco and bitter chocolate. The mouthfeel is soft, plush and velvety. | Riserva | 91 | 32 | Tuscany | Morellino di Scansano | | | | Suberli 2009 Riserva (Morellino di Scansano) | Sangiovese | Suberli |
| 35574 | 35573 | US | A perfect illustration of why Napa Valley Cabernet is so popular. Blended with a little Merlot and Petit Verdot, it's dry, softly tannic and balanced in acidity, with ripe blackberry, cherry, currant, cocoa and cedar flavors. Just gorgeous for drinking now and over the next few years. | Instant Napa | 91 | 60 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Swanson 2009 Instant Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Swanson |
| 35575 | 35574 | Argentina | Minty and toasty upfront, this is layered with blackberry, licorice, leather and toast aromas. It feels raring and ready to go, courtesy of firm acidity and good overall framing. Flavors of wild berry are bright, with herb and oak accents. Long, toasty and solid on the finish. | Broquel | 91 | 15 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Trapiche 2010 Broquel Malbec (Mendoza) | Malbec | Trapiche |
| 35576 | 35575 | Austria | This wood-laden effort is polished and initially herbal. Beneath the wood, there is the weight of black fruit, spice and dark tannins. The result is a wine that's full and dense, powered by structure as well as acidity, and needing to age for several years. Screwcap. | Goldberg | 91 | | Mittelburgenland | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Johann Heinrich 2010 Goldberg Blaufränkisch (Mittelburgenland) | Blaufränkisch | Johann Heinrich |
| 35577 | 35576 | US | In this vintage, the blend is 66% Tempranillo and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon. The earthy funk is well integrated with black cherry and hints of stem and bark. Still tight and herbal, this is a well-balanced, well-crafted wine, with medium body and length. | En Chamberlin El Jefe | 91 | 65 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | K Vintners 2009 En Chamberlin El Jefe Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon | K Vintners |
| 35578 | 35577 | Austria | Smooth and rich, this shows notes of apricot, intense pepper and spice, with a dry, firm structure. There is a tangy orange zest character that gives some tightness, suggesting it can age. | Kremser Wachtberg Reserve | 91 | 23 | Kremstal | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Winzer Krems 2011 Kremser Wachtberg Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal) | Grüner Veltliner | Winzer Krems |
| 35579 | 35578 | France | This has a touch of toast and a rich character. A creamed pear note mingles with lime-driven acidity and a delicious, warm tropical-fruit aftertaste. | Séduction Brut | 91 | 60 | Champagne | Champagne | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Charles Ellner 2002 Séduction Brut (Champagne) | Champagne Blend | Charles Ellner |
| 35580 | 35579 | France | Though not indicated as such on its label, this is a sweet wine. It has spiced, ripe fruit flavors, notably pear, which are deliciously laced with honey and cinnamon notes. There is also a fine streak of lively acidity that keeps this very fresh. | Zinnkoepflé Grand Cru | 91 | 23 | Alsace | Alsace | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château d'Orschwihr 2008 Zinnkoepflé Grand Cru Pinot Gris (Alsace) | Pinot Gris | Château d'Orschwihr |
| 35559 | 35558 | Spain | Roasted meat, leather, animal and stout berry aromas make for an inviting bouquet. Like most serious Toro wines, this is hard but fresh and layered, with lively black-fruit flavors that darken under the control of oaky spice. Tobacco, menthol and mint ring loudly on the finish. Drink now–2018; 200 cases made. | 2V Premium | 91 | 143 | Northern Spain | Toro | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Dos Victorias 2008 2V Premium (Toro) | Tinta de Toro | Dos Victorias |
| 35560 | 35559 | Austria | Made from fruit that's sourced from over 50-year-old vines, this is a rich, concentrated single-vineyard wine. It shows notes of tropical fruit and pear, with just the right amount of crisp acidity. A dash of pepper gives spice to the wine. Showing its origins in the cool region of Weinviertel, the wine ends with a crisp bite of lemon. | Rabenstein Reserve | 91 | 27 | Weinviertel | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Dürnberg 2011 Rabenstein Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Weinviertel) | Grüner Veltliner | Dürnberg |
| 35561 | 35560 | US | This flashy, complex Zinfandel wants to be paired with a burger. It's just luscious in blackberry jam and teriyaki beef flavors, with tart acidity that can't wait to bite into greasy protein and fat. | | 91 | 27 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Frog's Leap 2010 Zinfandel (Napa Valley) | Zinfandel | Frog's Leap |
| 35562 | 35561 | France | Firmly tannic, this is a solid, chunky wine. It's full of dark plum, black currant and cherry flavors that fill out the firm, dry structure. Concentrated while also fruity, it's worth aging for a year. | Domaine Moulin à Vent | 91 | 14 | Beaujolais | Moulin-à-Vent | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Georges Duboeuf 2011 Domaine Moulin à Vent (Moulin-à-Vent) | Gamay | Georges Duboeuf |