35922 | 35921 | US | Sourced from two vineyards, including Sangiacomo Amaral Ranch, a cool site near the bay, this is a tremendous offering for the price. The wine is light, bright and brambly in raspberry and cherry kirsch, with a mischievous streak of cola. Pretty and fresh, it finishes in a tease of black tea. | | 91 | 24 | California | Sonoma Coast | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Bench 2013 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) | Pinot Noir | Bench |
35923 | 35922 | US | This 100% varietal wine celebrates what the variety can do when planted in the right place. Remarkable layers of dried plum and cherry come with additional flavors of cocoa powder, coffee and leather. Smooth and medium bodied, it has a grip of tannin on the finish that mellows going down. | Estate St. Helena Vineyard | 91 | 32 | California | St. Helena | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Benessere 2013 Estate St. Helena Vineyard Sangiovese (St. Helena) | Sangiovese | Benessere |
35924 | 35923 | France | Tight and textured, this wine is still young. Minerality from the chalk soil gives it a nervy, crisp character. The citrus and fresh pear flavors are balanced with the bright, juicy acidity that is too intense at the moment and needs to soften. Drink from 2017. | | 91 | 50 | Loire Valley | Sancerre | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Bernard Reverdy et Fils 2014 Sancerre | Sauvignon Blanc | Bernard Reverdy et Fils |
35925 | 35924 | France | This is a ripe, richly fruity wine. It has the full-bodied character associated with Pouilly Fumé, bringing out ripe green fruits, apricots and a tangy, zesty background that gives a lift. The wine is ready to drink, although it will be better from 2017. | | 91 | 50 | Loire Valley | Pouilly-Fumé | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Bertrand Jeannot et Fils 2014 Pouilly-Fumé | Sauvignon Blanc | Bertrand Jeannot et Fils |
35911 | 35910 | US | Dry and sappy, this potent effort is heavily influenced by botanical flavors, to the point of being almost grassy. Dry extract and lemon/lime acidity keep the riper fruit flavors in check, but with ample breathing time the wine fills in with highlights of fresh peaches. | | 91 | 24 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Penner-Ash 2015 Riesling (Willamette Valley) | Riesling | Penner-Ash |
35926 | 35925 | Italy | Made with dried Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes, this offers intense aromas of candied fruit and maple syrup. The concentrated palate doles out dried apricot, caramel, pine nut and lavender honey. Fresh acidity brightens the sweet flavors and lends balance. | | 91 | 40 | Tuscany | Vin Santo del Chianti Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | I Sodi 2008 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico | White Blend | I Sodi |
35927 | 35926 | Bulgaria | This Bulgarian red blend is produced under the supervision of flying winemaker Michele Rolland. It consists of 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. It has aromas of black raspberry, black plum and a touch of graphite. In the mouth, there are flavors of dark cherry, blackberry and pomegranate with chewy tannins and a pleasantly tart finish. | CR | 91 | 30 | Thracian Valley | | | Jeff Jenssen | @worldwineguys | Castra Rubra 2010 CR Red (Thracian Valley) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Castra Rubra |
35928 | 35927 | US | Cabernet makes up three-quarters of this blend. Appealing aromas of dried herbs, blue fruit, coffee and spice lead to sweet, full-feeling cherry and plum flavors backed by a light grip of tannins. | Post No. 35 | 91 | 14 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Charles & Charles 2014 Post No. 35 Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah | Charles & Charles |
35929 | 35928 | France | This is a pretty traditional blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault that's backed up by the aromas of clove and ripe cherries. It's firm yet silky in texture, adding notes of dried herbs and baking spices on the palate. Drink 2017–2025. | | 91 | 55 | Rhône Valley | Châteauneuf-du-Pape | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Clos de L'Oratoire des Papes 2013 Red (Châteauneuf-du-Pape) | Rhône-style Red Blend | Clos de L'Oratoire des Papes |
35930 | 35929 | US | Full-figured tannins wrap luxuriously around textured layers of cranberry and black cherry in this blockbuster wine. A subtle minerality forms in the background, represented best by the taste of orange peel, before it finishes densely concentrated. Drink now through 2021. | | 91 | 50 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Corner 103 2013 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | Pinot Noir | Corner 103 |
35912 | 35911 | US | A vivid buttered-popcorn aroma and luscious vanilla and lemon-meringue flavors make this wine frothy and mouthfilling. Made in 100% new Hungarian oak barrels and aged for 20 months, it's full-bodied, so rich in texture that it seems almost sweet, with good balancing support from mild acidity. | Boon Fly's Hill | 91 | 50 | California | Carneros | Napa-Sonoma | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Poseidon 2013 Boon Fly's Hill Chardonnay (Carneros) | Chardonnay | Poseidon |
35931 | 35930 | France | On the south side of the village of Chablis, the Vaillons vineyard is on the cool, left bank of the river Serein. It is fruity with a creamy texture and a line of steely acidity that often marks out the premier crus, giving this wine the chance to age. Drink from 2017. | Les Vaillons Premier Cru | 91 | 40 | Burgundy | Chablis | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Louis Moreau 2014 Les Vaillons Premier Cru (Chablis) | Chardonnay | Domaine Louis Moreau |
35932 | 35931 | France | Beautifully perfumed, this offers crisp sliced apples lifted by juicy acidity. Lively, mineral and still young and textured, it needs to age. Drink this complex, long-lived wine from 2018. | Chambrates | 91 | 65 | Loire Valley | Sancerre | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Vacheron 2014 Chambrates (Sancerre) | Sauvignon Blanc | Domaine Vacheron |
35933 | 35932 | US | This wine entices with its nuanced aromas of mineral, spice, almond butter, lemon pith, tropical fruit and chamomile. The flavors are concentrated while still showing exquisite restraint along with pitch-perfect balance. The extended finish kicks it up a notch. | Lola | 91 | 35 | Washington | Ancient Lakes | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Efeste 2013 Lola Chardonnay (Ancient Lakes) | Chardonnay | Efeste |
35913 | 35912 | Portugal | The wine is rich and spicy with layers of dried raisin and prune flavors along with a light touch of acidity. Its ripe fruit is tempered by the bite of spirit that gives the wine a lift as well as adding extra richness. On the dry side of Ports, it is made to be drunk now. | Late Bottled Vintage | 91 | 28 | Port | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Quinta de la Rosa 2012 Late Bottled Vintage (Port) | Port | Quinta de la Rosa |
35934 | 35933 | Italy | Underbrush, mature berry, leather and grilled herb aromas lead the way. The ripe, chewy palate offers juicy wild cherry, cinnamon, menthol and a hint of anise while seasoned tannins give the finish a firm grip. It's rather straightforward but enjoyable. Drink 2018–2025. | | 91 | 55 | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Fattoria dei Barbi 2011 Brunello di Montalcino | Sangiovese | Fattoria dei Barbi |
35935 | 35934 | US | Integrated and low in oak, this bright, clean and refreshing white doesn't skimp on body or texture. Lemon and lime rind play off toasted almond and apple crisp for a satisfying seesaw of savory and succulent. | | 91 | 25 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Fritz 2013 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) | Chardonnay | Fritz |
35936 | 35935 | France | This white wine seems to channel the stony soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, displaying aromas of crushed stone and melon. That's backed up by ample weight and more stoniness on the palate and a long, mouthwatering finish featuring hints of ginger and white pepper. | Château de Beaucastel | 91 | 108 | Rhône Valley | Châteauneuf-du-Pape | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Famille Perrin 2013 Château de Beaucastel White (Châteauneuf-du-Pape) | Rhône-style White Blend | Famille Perrin |
35937 | 35936 | Spain | This Long Island winery's venture into making overseas wines offers rewards courtesy of this Petit Verdot-led blend from Mallorca. Rubbery, smoky aromas of blackberry and black olive set up a chunky, chewy palate with full ripeness. Flavors of baked blackberry, core spice and chocolate end with warmth but subdued richness. Drink through 2022. | Brau | 91 | 35 | Spanish Islands | Vi de la Terra Mallorca | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Finca Wölffer 2010 Brau Petit Verdot (Vi de la Terra Mallorca) | Petit Verdot | Finca Wölffer |
35938 | 35937 | US | Owned by the producer, this vineyard is planted to small-cluster Dijon clones in the heart of the appellation, near San Pablo Bay. Rich and voluptuous, it's intensely oaken and decadent in tropical pineapple, guava and pear, finishing clean and full bodied. | Lewis Vineyard Reserve | 91 | 50 | California | Carneros | Napa-Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Frank Family 2013 Lewis Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay (Carneros) | Chardonnay | Frank Family |
35939 | 35938 | Spain | The most aged of the Palmas series, Cuatro displays powerful, almost fiery aromas of caramel and briny stone fruits. The palate is so charged up and acidic that it's no walk in the park to get through, while nutty flavors of rancio and burnt toast finish with heat. Of all the Palmas wines, this is the one that shows afterburners. | Cuatro Palmas Amontillado | 91 | 114 | Andalucia | Jerez | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | González Byass NV Cuatro Palmas Amontillado Sherry (Jerez) | Sherry | González Byass |
35940 | 35939 | US | This vineyard is a premier site for this variety, taming the mean, green aromas and flavors it can be associated with. Aromas of peppery spices, green herbs and cherry are followed by soft, sultry dark fruit flavors that show exquisite balance and length. | Seven Hills Vineyard | 91 | 36 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Merry Cellars 2013 Seven Hills Vineyard Carmenère (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Carmenère | Merry Cellars |
35914 | 35913 | Spain | Ripe, earthy aromas of cola, coconut, blackberry and cassis are healthy and heady. Reflecting a warm year, this wine feels both flush and fleshy, with mild tannins. Flavors of blackberry, mocha and coffee finish clean, open and easy, with nothing overbearing. Drink through 2019. | Crianza | 91 | 35 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Resalte 2012 Crianza (Ribera del Duero) | Tempranillo | Resalte |
35915 | 35914 | US | Burly and powerful, this is an explosively complex and satisfying wine, full bodied and brooding in black cherry and tobacco, its tannins mild and lengthy. | Venom Rattlesnake Hill Vineyard | 91 | 54 | California | Alexander Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Seghesio 2012 Venom Rattlesnake Hill Vineyard Sangiovese (Alexander Valley) | Sangiovese | Seghesio |
35916 | 35915 | US | This well-made wine opens in earthy compost and black licorice before unwinding a topknot of grippy tannin. Even with its power and concentration, it offers velvety mouthfeel and an expansive wave of juicy, robust acidity, particularly on the finish, making good use of smaller additions of Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot. | Reserve | 91 | 80 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Amici 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Amici |
35917 | 35916 | US | This unusual rosé is all Pinot Gris, picked for thick skins, chewy tannins, high acidity, and given a 36-hour cold soak prior to fermentation. It's a pale salmon/copper shade, full-bodied and juicy, with fruit flavors of peach and citrus. Highlights of hibiscus tea and floral aromatics contribute further complexity. | Aurosa | 91 | 28 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Antiquum Farm 2015 Aurosa Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Gris | Antiquum Farm |
35918 | 35917 | Italy | Vibrant and elegant, this radiant sparkler has enticing aromas of wild flower, apple, graphite, Alpine herb and a whiff of bread crust. The fresh linear palate delivers ripe pear, nectarine, mineral and a hint of toasted almond alongside lively acidity. The bone-dry finish closes crisp and clean. | Pas Dosé Metodo Classico | 91 | 45 | Northeastern Italy | Trento | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Altemasi 2008 Pas Dosé Metodo Classico Sparkling (Trento) | Sparkling Blend | Altemasi |
35919 | 35918 | France | This pale-pink wine is stylish, crisp and relatively dry. Full of wild strawberry and citrus, it is lively, bright and lightly perfumed. The texture shows a touch of tannin as well as delicate minerality. Drink this well-balanced wine now. | Brut Rosé | 91 | 80 | Champagne | Champagne | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Billecart-Salmon NV Brut Rosé (Champagne) | Champagne Blend | Billecart-Salmon |
35920 | 35919 | US | This very small-production offering deserves its reserve labeling, a nicely balanced and concentrated wine with aromas and flavors of baked bread, big leather, cigar and black peppercorn. Tense on the finish, it shows promise of opening further in time. Drink now through 2023. | Reserve | 91 | 75 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Apriori 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Apriori |
35921 | 35920 | US | The famous growers branch out into their own wines with aplomb in this 100% varietal wine, tangoing with a much sought-after grape from their property. Sanguine and gamy, it's structured in good acidity and low oak, showing a succulence of blackberry. | Estate | 91 | 48 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Bacigalupi 2013 Estate Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) | Zinfandel | Bacigalupi |