| 35581 | 35580 | Austria | This huge, rich wine is great Grüner Veltliner. Despite the alcohol, Rupert Summerer has managed to keep the intense freshness, the lifted, crisp pear flavors and the exuberant pepper in control. Impressive. | Käferberg | 91 | 44 | Kamptal | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Summerer 2006 Käferberg Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal) | Grüner Veltliner | Summerer |
| 35582 | 35581 | Australia | This Barossa Shiraz eschews the superripe character found in many from the region in favor of a more balanced, Rhône-ish approach. There's a base of raspberry and vanilla sweetness, but also lots of herbal and spice complexity—notably cracked pepper and black olives. Has enough soft tannins to suggest drinking now–2018. Imported by 34th Parallel, LLC. | | 91 | 20 | South Australia | Barossa | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Jenke 2006 Shiraz (Barossa) | Shiraz | Jenke |
| 35583 | 35582 | US | This has been the source of some good to excellent Zins for Kunde over the years. They say the vines are 125 years old. The wine is dense and layered, with dried briary fruit, sweet black currant, licorice, leather and Asian spice flavors that are wrapped into punchy, somewhat aggressive tannins. The alcohol is very high, but the wine doesn't taste hot or unbalanced. | Shaw Vineyard Reserve Century Vines | 91 | 35 | California | Sonoma Valley | Sonoma | | | Kunde 2004 Shaw Vineyard Reserve Century Vines Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley) | Zinfandel | Kunde |
| 35584 | 35583 | US | Big, rich and heavy in its youth, this Pinot has a Rhône-like feeling; its cherry and currant flavors suggest Grenache. Yet for that style, it's a good wine, showing cherry, currant and pine cone flavors that lend interest. A smoky grilled steak or pork will negociate its tannins, but you might want to age it for up to eight years. | Doña Margarita Vineyard | 91 | 45 | California | Sonoma Coast | Sonoma | | | Marimar Estate 2005 Doña Margarita Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) | Pinot Noir | Marimar Estate |
| 35585 | 35584 | US | A very nice Cab, rich and textured and soft, with intricate flavors of cherries, blackberries, currants, mocha and toasty, smoky oak and vanilla. Notable for its tannins, which are very fine. Great now and through 2012 or so. | Reserve | 91 | 60 | California | Santa Cruz Mountains | Central Coast | | | Martin Ray 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Martin Ray |
| 35586 | 35585 | Argentina | Quite spicy, with the Syrah element offering a meaty, leathery quality that varietal Malbecs just don't have. The nose is rich, with some mocha giving it oaky warmth. the mouthfilling palate is packed with kirsch, cassis and blackberry, while the finish is smoky with some fiery heat. Needs another year or two to come together. | Gran Corte | 91 | 38 | Mendoza Province | Uco Valley | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Flechas de los Andes 2006 Gran Corte Red (Uco Valley) | Red Blend | Flechas de los Andes |
| 35587 | 35586 | US | The blend includes 2% Muscat, an experiment that may not be repeated, though it worked quite well, boosting the aromatics and adding pretty floral notes at the top. The fruit is solidly anchored in citrus, pear and peach; and the barrels add a pleasing toastiness to the finish. There's a hint of anise as well. Lovely balance and fullness throughout. | | 91 | 25 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Forgeron 2006 Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Chardonnay | Forgeron |
| 35588 | 35587 | France | Soft and opulent, relishing its rich fruits and round, velvet structure, this wine hits all the right notes. It's not all padded and soft: There are tannins there, wrapped in the richness and delicious fruit. | Les Châtelots Premier Cru | 91 | 62 | Burgundy | Chambolle-Musigny | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Henri de Villamont 2005 Les Châtelots Premier Cru (Chambolle-Musigny) | Pinot Noir | Henri de Villamont |
| 35589 | 35588 | US | This opens with a powerful, sharp and spicy set of aromas mixing dense blackberry and boysenberry fruit with sweet smoke and chocolate-covered raisins. This is a fine effort, with sappy fruit, tart acids, streaks of leaf and vanilla, a burst of tobacco in the mid-palate, and a smooth finish with polish and verve. | Alder Ridge Vineyard | 91 | 40 | Washington | Washington | Washington Other | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Coeur d'Alene 2005 Alder Ridge Vineyard Syrah (Washington) | Syrah | Coeur d'Alene |
| 35590 | 35589 | US | Opulence is the winery's reserve Syrah, and it is a robust, tooth-staining wine that takes no prisoners. Dense scents suggest a pig roast on a pile of licorice sticks; the aromas are almost visceral. The fruit has been very well handled and the tannins, though full and powerful, have been polished to a satiny sheen. There's a little chalkiness to the finish, perhaps from acidification, but that may well resolve with a little more bottle age. | Opulence | 91 | 40 | Washington | Washington | Washington Other | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Coeur d'Alene 2005 Opulence Syrah (Washington) | Syrah | Coeur d'Alene |
| 35591 | 35590 | Germany | This is a prototypical Saar Riesling, with classic green apple and citrus flavors underscored by slate-driven minerality that lingers for a long time on the finish. Despite the sensation of plumpness, the wine is light on its feet. Imported by Chapin Cellars, LLC. | Ockfener Bockstein Spätlese Goldkap | 91 | 29 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Dr. Wagner 2006 Ockfener Bockstein Spätlese Goldkap Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | Riesling | Dr. Wagner |
| 35592 | 35591 | US | Syrah and Dry Creek Valley have long been good partners, and this dry, rich wine shows why. It's firm in tannins, but they're finely ground, giving the wine a nice grit to play against fine grilled beef or lamb. The flavors are textbook, suggesting black currants, black raspberries, violets, anisette and dark chocolate. | | 91 | 24 | California | Dry Creek Valley | Sonoma | | | Tamayo Family 2005 Syrah (Dry Creek Valley) | Syrah | Tamayo Family |
| 35593 | 35592 | Germany | This smells superripe—the fruit seems almost caramelized—but there's also a refreshing bright beam of citrus as well, bringing the sweetness into balance. At the moment, there's a bit of a disconnect between the honeyed flavors and crisp, lime-like acids, but these elements should come into better harmony over the next few years. | Abtsberg Spätlese | 91 | 33 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Maximin Grünhäuser 2006 Abtsberg Spätlese Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | Riesling | Maximin Grünhäuser |
| 35594 | 35593 | Austria | Adding Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt gives an intense wine that explodes with black fruits and intense, dark tannins. It is maybe less of a bomb than 2004, but that means it is more sophisticated, ripe but elegant, and finely structured. | Vulcano | 91 | 35 | Mittelburgenland | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Hans Igler 2005 Vulcano Red (Mittelburgenland) | Red Blend | Hans Igler |
| 35595 | 35594 | Australia | From Margaret River in Western Australia, this is a full-bodied, impressively endowed Shiraz at a reasonable price. Superripe aromas of blackberries and licorice mark the nose, while the palate features similar flavors, supple tanins and a creamy-textured finish. Good to go now, with enough concentration to hold until 2015. | Eagle Bay | 91 | 21 | Western Australia | Margaret River | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Wise 2005 Eagle Bay Shiraz (Margaret River) | Shiraz | Wise |
| 35596 | 35595 | Spain | Past vintages of Imperial Gran Reserva have seemed sharp and dilute; not the 1998, which is resolute in its delivery of cumin, root beer and subtle raspberry aromas. The palate has nice primary cherry and berry flavors, solid tannins and welcome but not overwhelming acidity. Notice a touch of dill and butter on the finish, a reflection of traditional American oak aging. | Imperial Gran Reserva | 91 | 70 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | CVNE 1998 Imperial Gran Reserva (Rioja) | Tempranillo Blend | CVNE |
| 35597 | 35596 | France | A bruiser of a wine: dark tannins, brawny structure, tough and hard around the edges. That said, its tannins are true to its Nuits-St.- Georges origins in its dry core surrounded by dense fruit. | Clos des Forêts St Georges Premier Cru | 91 | | Burgundy | Nuits-St.-Georges | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine de l'Arlot 2005 Clos des Forêts St Georges Premier Cru (Nuits-St.-Georges) | Pinot Noir | Domaine de l'Arlot |
| 35598 | 35597 | Australia | This is a full-bodied, firmly structured Shiraz with plummy, intense aromas tinged with licorice and framboise. Bits of chocolate, mint and spice accent the plum and raspberry flavors, and the wine finishes crisp, dry and deeply textured. It should drink well from now through 2015. | Reserve | 91 | 40 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Longwood 2005 Reserve Shiraz (McLaren Vale) | Shiraz | Longwood |
| 35599 | 35598 | US | This is one of the more New Zealand-like Sauvignon Blancs out there, and that's a compliment. The wine is thoroughly dry and very crisp in acidity, with a grassy, lemony, minerally profile that makes it savory. Approximately one-fifth was barrel fermented, adding just the right touch of cream and smoke. | | 91 | 24 | California | Sonoma County | Sonoma | | | Matanzas Creek 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County) | Sauvignon Blanc | Matanzas Creek |
| 35600 | 35599 | Germany | On the full side for a Mosel Riesling, this mouthcoating, succulent wine features piercingly pure fruit aromas of apple, citrus and honey. It's richly fruity on the palate as well, adding in hints of strawberries, which fade slowly and elegantly on the finish. | Josephshöfer Spätlese | 91 | 37 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2006 Josephshöfer Spätlese Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | Riesling | Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt |
| 35601 | 35600 | Germany | Made in a powerful, almost dry style with 12% alcohol, this is not a typical kabinett. The aromas boast admirably pure pear and pineapple scents, but the flavors show slaty, spicy complexity—this is much more than simply fruity. The texture is creamy and the lingering finish shows off more spice and stones. Might age, but it's so impressive now, why wait? | Rotlack Kabinett | 91 | 35 | Rheingau | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Schloss Johannisberger 2006 Rotlack Kabinett Riesling (Rheingau) | Riesling | Schloss Johannisberger |
| 35602 | 35601 | Germany | This wine's aromas of baked apple, honey, cinnamon and brown sugar are immediately attractive, and in the mouth it doesn't disappoint. It's broad and mouthfilling but avoids heaviness, finishing long, with hints of orange rind. | Brauneberger Juffer Spätlese | 91 | 28 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Willi Haag 2006 Brauneberger Juffer Spätlese Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | Riesling | Willi Haag |
| 35603 | 35602 | Spain | Varietal Graciano will never fit into the mold of “tried and true,” but this 2004 from top-level producer Contino shows the grape in its most positive light. The nose is natural, with hints of cola and ripe berries. The feel is brawny and intense, with semi-searing acids offset by ripe tannins. Finishes well, with a cleansing wave of red fruit and citrusy flavors. More of a novelty than anything, but a fine wine in and of itself. | Single Vineyard | 91 | 138 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Contino 2004 Single Vineyard (Rioja) | Graciano | Contino |
| 35604 | 35603 | Australia | Has the peripatetic Michel Chapoutier found his new Côte Rôtie? The aromas of this wine are simply intoxicating, combining peppery spice, raspberries and olives, while the flavors fold in bloody-meaty notes and blueberry fruit. Its remarkable complexity is packed onto a relatively light frame, with delicate, silky tannins suggesting early drinkability. Drink now–2012. | | 91 | 25 | Victoria | Victoria | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier 2005 Shiraz-Viognier (Victoria) | Shiraz-Viognier | Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier |
| 35605 | 35604 | US | Ah, this is a wonderfully dry and bracing wine that avid wine drinkers will appreciate for its great balance, sense of reserve and mouthwatering quality. The aromas and flavors are like cucumber, grapefruit and white pepper, the acidity is almost electric and the finish lingering. | | 91 | 28 | California | Lake County | | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Bell 2014 Sauvignon Blanc (Lake County) | Sauvignon Blanc | Bell |
| 35606 | 35605 | US | Sage-tinted cedar and black cherry combine in this proprietary blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Sangiovese, 13% Syrah and 13% Zinfandel, from the producer's estate vineyard. Lean and refined, it shares a generosity of chocolate on the palate, with a slight spiciness to the finish. | Phenomenon Estate | 91 | 50 | California | St. Helena | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Benessere 2012 Phenomenon Estate Red (St. Helena) | Red Blend | Benessere |
| 35607 | 35606 | US | Beef teriyaki, lavender, lilacs, black pepper, smoked meat and blueberry jam combine for a dynamic nose. The palate is also very much the full Syrah package: black pepper dust, blackberry fruit, soy, charcoal, teriyaki-plum sauce, contained by both strong tannic structure and zesty acidity. | Presence Colson Canyon | 91 | 30 | California | Santa Barbara County | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Bernat 2009 Presence Colson Canyon Syrah (Santa Barbara County) | Syrah | Bernat |
| 35608 | 35607 | US | This wine is a blend of Merlot (63%), a whopping 22% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of smoke, cedar, dried herbs, licorice, pencil lead, crushed flowers and red and black berries are followed by soft, plump fruit flavors. It brings an undeniable warm vintage appeal but with a compelling sense of elegance and balance. | Clos de Betz | 91 | 57 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Betz Family 2013 Clos de Betz Red (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Betz Family |
| 35609 | 35608 | US | This wine hails from a new vineyard region high above famed Seven Hills. Baking spice, cocoa and herb aromas are followed by focused black-fruit flavors, with espresso and vanilla notes that linger. It captures the attention. | XL Vineyard | 91 | 30 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Bridge Press 2013 XL Vineyard Cabernet Franc (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Franc | Bridge Press |
| 35610 | 35609 | Austria | Grapefruit zest, yeast and freshly cut kitchen herbs add to the enticing flavor of green pear on this light-footed, energetic wine. There is lots of drive, joy and ease. Yet there's nothing facile here—just the most nimble expression of clean-cut, refreshing Grüner. | L&T | 91 | 25 | Niederösterreich | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Bründlmayer 2015 L&T Grüner Veltliner (Niederösterreich) | Grüner Veltliner | Bründlmayer |