| 3541 | 3540 | Italy | Giuseppe Nada and his son Enrico have produced an earthy and gripping Barbaresco, with floral, truffle aromas punctuated with Alpine herbs. The palate shows layers of dark cherry-berry fruit, balsamic notes of sage and mint, all backed up by a firmly tannic backbone. Best after 2016. | Casot | 92 | 30 | Piedmont | Barbaresco | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Nada Giuseppe 2010 Casot (Barbaresco) | Nebbiolo | Nada Giuseppe |
| 3542 | 3541 | Italy | From the Basarin vineyard area in the village of Neive, this shows power and finesse in its typical Nebbiolo sensations of underbrush, floral notes and truffle. The palate has creamy dark-cherry fruit layered with spices and balsamic herbs and a long finish. It will develop fully over the next few years and should age well. | Cascinotta | 92 | 50 | Piedmont | Barbaresco | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Negro Angelo e Figli 2010 Cascinotta (Barbaresco) | Nebbiolo | Negro Angelo e Figli |
| 3543 | 3542 | US | This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from one of Washington's most iconic vineyards, is aromatically appealing with barrel notes of toast, chocolate, and spice alongside earth and dark cherry. It's wound up at present with tart acids and tightly coiled tannins, showing impeccable restraint and elegance. | Champoux Vineyard | 92 | 55 | Washington | Horse Heaven Hills | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Januik 2010 Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Januik |
| 3544 | 3543 | US | L'Ecole's Columbia Valley Cabernet is again 100% varietal; the blending magic comes from a mix of excellent vineyards. This is a classy, classic wine, with pinpoint structure and spot-on varietal character. The compact palate is packed with details, and though it's drinking well, it is clearly a wine to cellar for a while longer. Notes of clean earth, clover, herb and light chocolate add depth to a core of black cherry and cassis. | | 92 | 32 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | L'Ecole No. 41 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Sauvignon | L'Ecole No. 41 |
| 3545 | 3544 | Italy | From a vineyard at the peak of the Sarmassa hill, this shows ripe berry and balsamic aromas and a hint of orange peel. The palate delivers juicy cherry flavors, mint and licorice notes, and has a firm tannic backbone. It also shows the warmth of the vintage, so it's best to drink in 5–10 years. | Bricco Sarmassa | 92 | 70 | Piedmont | Barolo | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Brezza 2009 Bricco Sarmassa (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Brezza |
| 3546 | 3545 | US | Bella's only 2010 Zinfandel from the Russian River Valley is high in alcohol, but manages somehow to maintain balance. It's softly tannic and incredibly rich in chocolate, mulberry jam, cassis liqueur, prune and peppery-spice flavors. Delicious, but heady. | Block 10 | 92 | 45 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Bella 2010 Block 10 Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) | Zinfandel | Bella |
| 3547 | 3546 | US | Another dry, ageable Pinot from this fine winery. The light, silky texture and brisk acidity make it feel especially stimulating and easy. There's tremendous weight to the red fruits and currants. Give it 6–8 years in a good cellar. | Bella Una | 92 | 56 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Benovia 2010 Bella Una Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | Pinot Noir | Benovia |
| 3548 | 3547 | Australia | An austere Riesling in the traditional Australian style, the 2012 Isolation Ridge Riesling appears destined to have a long life. Penetrating lime aromas lead into a palate that's high strung and tight, but lined with mouthwatering fruit. An electric vibrancy of citrus and wet stones lingers on the finish. Drink now–2030. | Isolation Ridge Vineyard | 92 | 40 | Western Australia | Frankland River | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Frankland Estate 2012 Isolation Ridge Vineyard Riesling (Frankland River) | Riesling | Frankland Estate |
| 3549 | 3548 | Italy | From Serralunga, this has a classic fragrance of wild cherry, rose petal, truffle, leather and hints of menthol. The palate delivers a juicy core of black cherry, mint and spice. It has a warm midpalate and big but ripe tannins, but it's a bit shy on acidity—typical for the vintage. | Vigna Lazzairasco | 92 | 44 | Piedmont | Barolo | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Guido Porro 2009 Vigna Lazzairasco (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Guido Porro |
| 3550 | 3549 | US | With only 12.5% alcohol by volume, this young-vine Chardonnay is one of the lightest, most delicate Chardonnays the winery has ever produced. But it's not shy on flavor, delivering waves of tropical fruits, peaches, vanilla and buttered toast. Long and sweet in honey, it finishes dry and racy. Defines the new elegant style of Chardonnay. | Kent the Younger | 92 | 36 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Joseph Swan Vineyards 2011 Kent the Younger Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) | Chardonnay | Joseph Swan Vineyards |
| 3551 | 3550 | Austria | Now approaching maturity, the wine is showing its tropical fruit flavors and aromas. Ripe and full in the mouth with a rich, but lively acidity, it's an impressive expression of Sauvignon Blanc. Glass stopper. | Zieregg Grosse Lage | 92 | | Südoststeiermark | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Manfred Tement 2010 Zieregg Grosse Lage Sauvignon Blanc (Südoststeiermark) | Sauvignon Blanc | Manfred Tement |
| 3552 | 3551 | US | By far the best Dewpoint to date, this tastes bone dry, yet it's succulent, concentrated, and lightly honeyed. The deep flavors of ripe Meyer lemon and citrus just keep on going and going. | Bacchus Vineyard Dewpoint | 92 | 17 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Convergence Zone 2012 Bacchus Vineyard Dewpoint Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Riesling | Convergence Zone |
| 3553 | 3552 | Germany | There's an intense punch of sweet yellow peach on this lip-smackingly delicious Spätlese. Hints of savory spice and struck flint, and a deep, rippling minerality adds complexity and depth through the finish. | Graacher Himmelreich Spätlese | 92 | 30 | Mosel | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler 2011 Graacher Himmelreich Spätlese Riesling (Mosel) | Riesling | Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler |
| 3554 | 3553 | US | A lovely Pinot Noir that shows fine Russian River character. Made from some good vineyards, including Keefer Ranch, it shows an elegant deliciousness of cherry and raspberry jam, cola and pomegranate flavors, touched with new oak. Silky and dry, this polished wine is good to drink now, and will hold for 6–8 years. | | 92 | 44 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Freeman 2011 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | Pinot Noir | Freeman |
| 3555 | 3554 | Australia | This luxury cuvée from Thorne Clarke combines ripe berries with cinnamon and clove, then adds dollops of vanilla and chocolate, yet never seems overly sweet. Likewise, it's full bodied and rich, yet never goes over the top, maintaining a sense of freshness and structure. Drink now–2020, and possibly beyond. | William Randell | 92 | 50 | South Australia | Barossa | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Thorn Clarke 2010 William Randell Shiraz (Barossa) | Shiraz | Thorn Clarke |
| 3556 | 3555 | Austria | This wine is one of a series of single vineyard wines from this Cistercian estate. The wine exhibits the pepper side of Grüner, full and flavorsome, along with spiced pear laced with citrus acidity. The wine is rich aging potential over the next 3–5 years. | Steinsetz Reserve | 92 | | Kamptal | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Schloss Gobelsburg 2012 Steinsetz Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal) | Grüner Veltliner | Schloss Gobelsburg |
| 3557 | 3556 | US | This single vineyard Malbec belongs with Washington's best. The mix of purple fruits and intense barrel flavors of clove, cocoa and dusty mocha inspires an impromptu “wow” once in the mouth. Smooth, satiny and seamless, it has a gentle hint of earth and herb threaded through the finish. | Sagemoor Vineyard | 92 | 30 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Walla Walla Vintners 2010 Sagemoor Vineyard Malbec (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Malbec | Walla Walla Vintners |
| 3558 | 3557 | Austria | Aging for 18 months in oak has given this rich wine a smooth character, balancing juicy red berry flavors with complex barnyard and wild undergrowth flavors. The powerful combination demands aging even after four years, so give it another 3–4. | Leithagebirge | 92 | 38 | Burgenland | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Kollwentz 2009 Leithagebirge Blaufränkisch (Burgenland) | Blaufränkisch | Kollwentz |
| 3559 | 3558 | US | L'Ecole's Walla Walla Cabernet has a soft-focus silkiness, an almost gauzy character. Behind that film is a wine tasting of wild berries, Bing cherries and fresh herbs, with light streaks of coffee and moist earth. Give this one plenty of decanting and the scrim lifts away and reveals a firm, beautifully balanced and nuanced wine. | | 92 | 40 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | L'Ecole No. 41 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Sauvignon | L'Ecole No. 41 |
| 3560 | 3559 | France | The Medieval Sancerre castle (Joan of Arc slept here) was built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress. Now owned by the producers of Grand Marnier liqueur, the vineyard produces an attractive, open style of wine. It has just the right tangy acidity along with delicious ripe apple and citrus fruits. The wine is ready to drink. | | 89 | 30 | Loire Valley | Sancerre | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château de Sancerre 2015 Sancerre | Sauvignon Blanc | Château de Sancerre |
| 3561 | 3560 | Hungary | This straw-colored wine made predominantely from Furmint has tropical aromas of passion fruit and mango and a touch of fresh white peach. White peach, yellow peach and guava flavors show on the palate before the zesty finish. | Dry | 89 | 16 | Tokaji | | | Jeff Jenssen | @worldwineguys | Chateau Dereszla 2015 Dry (Tokaji) | White Blend | Chateau Dereszla |
| 3562 | 3561 | US | Gamay is still fairly rare in Oregon but ripens well into a style more reminiscent of Zinfandel or Grenache than of Beaujolais. Robust and fruity, this has tart and spicy cranberry and cherry notes, with a nice acid/tannin balance that keeps the flavors moving along nicely through the finish. | Ridgecrest Vineyards | 89 | 25 | Oregon | Ribbon Ridge | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Chehalem 2015 Ridgecrest Vineyards Gamay Noir (Ribbon Ridge) | Gamay Noir | Chehalem |
| 3563 | 3562 | US | Very focused and deep aromas of boysenberry, violet, rose petal and anise make for a heady rich entry into this Grenache. There's a touch of caramel to the sip, where black cherry, clove, dried ginger and leather also show. It's a good example of how Grenache can ride the heavier side of the scale with style. | Reserve | 89 | 32 | California | Central Coast | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Clos La Chance 2013 Reserve Grenache (Central Coast) | Grenache | Clos La Chance |
| 3564 | 3563 | Italy | Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this opens with black-skinned berry, sun-baked earth and Mediterranean brush aromas. It's polished and savory on the palate and offers juicy black cherry, raspberry jam and white pepper notes alongside smooth tannins. It's made to be enjoyed young, so drink soon. | | 89 | 17 | Sicily & Sardinia | Terre Siciliane | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Colosi 2016 Nero d'Avola (Terre Siciliane) | Nero d'Avola | Colosi |
| 3565 | 3564 | Italy | This smooth red opens with blackberry, Mediterranean scrub and carob aromas. The easy-drinking, savory palate delivers ripe black cherry, clove and a peppr notes alongside velvety tannins. Enjoy through 2021. | | 89 | 15 | Sicily & Sardinia | Eloro | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Curto 2014 Nero d'Avola (Eloro) | Nero d'Avola | Curto |
| 3566 | 3565 | Portugal | This LBV Port is powered by jammy damson and plum fruits along with dried figs and a juicy aftertaste. The palate is dry, with tannins just in evidence, although the balance is just right. Drink now. | Late Bottled Vintage | 89 | 20 | Port | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Delaforce 2011 Late Bottled Vintage (Port) | Port | Delaforce |
| 3567 | 3566 | France | Aged for six months on its lees, this ripe smooth wine is both rich and crisply fruity. Balanced acidity partners the apricot and ripe pear. It is just ready to drink, although it will be better from 2018. | Première Lune | 89 | 20 | Loire Valley | Menetou-Salon | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine de l'Hermitage 2015 Première Lune (Menetou-Salon) | Sauvignon Blanc | Domaine de l'Hermitage |
| 3568 | 3567 | France | The wine is full of fruit that's soft and smooth. It has a broad ripe texture that is subtly contrasted with the acidity and more zesty character. The wine is refreshing and fruity and ready to drink. | | 89 | 20 | Loire Valley | Sancerre | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine de Rome 2015 Sancerre | Sauvignon Blanc | Domaine de Rome |
| 3569 | 3568 | Portugal | Bold and fruity, this wine shows the richness of the black fruits. It has fruit tannins, a lush texture and a dry core. With its density and its ripe fruit, it could age further. Drink from 2018. | Santos da Casa Reserva Sem Barrica Unoaked | 89 | | Alentejano | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Santos & Seixo 2015 Santos da Casa Reserva Sem Barrica Unoaked Red (Alentejano) | Portuguese Red | Santos & Seixo |
| 3570 | 3569 | Germany | Pristine peach, tangerine and blossom notes form the core of this fragrant fruity Riesling. Balanced in sweetness and reverberating with acidity, it's an exceptional value for such a juicy satisfying sip. Capture its youthful exuberance now through 2020. | Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Spätlese | 89 | 12 | Mosel | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | St. Christopher 2016 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Spätlese Riesling (Mosel) | Riesling | St. Christopher |