37240 | 37239 | US | Blueberry, sage and vanilla swirl into an admirable nose on this wine from a property far up the Santa Ynez River valley. There is distinct tar on the palate, like other wines from the property, with smashed black cherry fruit and tobacco herbaceousness present as well. | Paradise Road Vineyard | 90 | 40 | California | Santa Ynez Valley | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Summerland 2012 Paradise Road Vineyard Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley) | Syrah | Summerland |
37231 | 37230 | US | Expertly integrated butter elements mix with peach and lime spritz on the nose. This single-vineyard Chardonnay offers stone fruit flavors, slight sea saltiness and a long vanilla finish for very easy drinking. | Harman Vineyard | 90 | 35 | California | Santa Cruz Mountains | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Clos La Chance 2012 Harman Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains) | Chardonnay | Clos La Chance |
37241 | 37240 | US | Big flavors and full body make this deep-colored Grenache stand out. It combines aromas of ripe raspberry and boysenberry jam with hints of tobacco and cedar in the flavors. All are supported by a firm, tannic texture that is rounded out by a sensation of richness. | Melée | 90 | 34 | California | California | California Other | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Tuck Beckstoffer 2012 Melée Grenache (California) | Grenache | Tuck Beckstoffer |
37232 | 37231 | France | This soft wine shows a rounded character. It's balanced, with acidity giving a supporting freshness and texture to the full, rich creaminess. Full in the mouth and dense, it could age further. Drink from 2015. | Vieilles Vignes | 90 | 21 | Alsace | Alsace | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Schoffit 2012 Vieilles Vignes White (Alsace) | White Blend | Domaine Schoffit |
37242 | 37241 | Italy | Earthy, alluring fragrances suggest bright berry, rose petal and tilled soil. The palate delivers ripe, wild cherry completed by notes of vanilla, white and black pepper alongside youthful, bracing tannins. Drink 2016–2024. | Ovello Vigna Loreto | 90 | 60 | Piedmont | Barbaresco | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Albino Rocca 2011 Ovello Vigna Loreto (Barbaresco) | Nebbiolo | Albino Rocca |
37243 | 37242 | US | The vineyard for this 100% Grenache is certified sustainable, organic and Biodynamic. Bright and light in strawberry and mint, the wine has a strong herbal component intertwined with tartness and tingling acidity. | Delta The Difference | 90 | 35 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Ampelos 2010 Delta The Difference Grenache (Sta. Rita Hills) | Grenache | Ampelos |
37233 | 37232 | Italy | Ripe berry, tilled earth, violet, grilled herb and coffee aromas lead the nose on this firmly structured wine. The palate delivers black cherry, crushed raspberry, chocolate, anisette and black pepper. It's supported by a backbone of bracing, astringent tannins. | Pajana | 90 | 90 | Piedmont | Barolo | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Domenico Clerico 2010 Pajana (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Domenico Clerico |
37244 | 37243 | Slovenia | This sweet wine is nut brown in color, with aromas of dried prunes, caramelized pears and raisins. The palate is driven by sweet, dried fruit tones, balanced by bright acidity. | Valentino Sweet Red | 90 | 60 | Vipavska Dolina | | | Jeff Jenssen | @worldwineguys | Batič 2007 Valentino Sweet Red Merlot-Cabernet Franc (Vipavska Dolina) | Merlot-Cabernet Franc | Batič |
37234 | 37233 | US | Concentrated and generous in sweet red fruit, this is a gangbuster Oakville Merlot for the price. Balanced in fruit, herb and dry tannin, it's a lovable quaff from a well-known vineyard. | Money Road | 90 | 24 | California | Oakville | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Gibbs 2010 Money Road Merlot (Oakville) | Merlot | Gibbs |
37245 | 37244 | US | Full-bodied and lush on the palate, this exuberant wine offers a brightness of red raspberry fruit followed by acres of lively clove and ginger spice. High in acidity, it has years to go before it sleeps, the finish savory in leather. | Rosemary's Block | 90 | 55 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Brown Estate 2012 Rosemary's Block Zinfandel (Napa Valley) | Zinfandel | Brown Estate |
37246 | 37245 | Chile | Jammy blackberry, rubber, graphite and raw oak aromas set up a full, weighty palate. Flavors of mint, licorice, creamy oak and chocolate accent brambly black-fruit flavors, while a minty finish simmers with power and subtle warmth. Drink through 2016. | Quiron | 90 | 30 | Colchagua Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Viña La Ronciere 2011 Quiron Carmenère (Colchagua Valley) | Carmenère | Viña La Ronciere |
37247 | 37246 | US | This exotic and memorable white wine brings a floral, perfumed aroma, ripe fruit flavors and a nicely viscous texture. Rather light in body for its richness level, it delivers a lingering finish. It has the generous texture of a Chardonnay but with more intense fruit flavors. | Estate Grown | 90 | 30 | California | Sierra Foothills | Sierra Foothills | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Wise Villa 2013 Estate Grown Torrontés (Sierra Foothills) | Torrontés | Wise Villa |
37248 | 37247 | France | This is an exceptionally young wine, still tight, textured and mineral. The potential shows in the white fruits, lemon crispness and rich background. It's full of both fruit and a firm, steely structure. Drink from 2017. | Eichberg Grand Cru | 90 | 20 | Alsace | Alsace | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Wolfberger 2013 Eichberg Grand Cru Riesling (Alsace) | Riesling | Wolfberger |
37249 | 37248 | US | Whiffs of lemon and lime zest lend verve to waxy white-floral notes on this honey-touched Riesling sparkling. Juicy and a touch sweet with ripe stone-fruit flavors, it's elegantly balanced with a streak of high-pitched acid and soft, delicate bubbles. | Célèbre Crémant | 88 | 21 | New York | Finger Lakes | Finger Lakes | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Château Frank NV Célèbre Crémant Riesling (Finger Lakes) | Riesling | Château Frank |
37250 | 37249 | Chile | Herbal, saucy aromas of tomato and spice accent dark-berry fruit, while the palate carries a tight, fresh, crisp feel. This brings herbal, spicy notes along with berry and cassis flavors, while the finish rolls out in loamy yet short fashion. | Casillero del Diablo Reserva | 88 | 11 | Central Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Concha y Toro 2012 Casillero del Diablo Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Concha y Toro |
37251 | 37250 | Austria | A closed nose opens into a light-bodied, citrus-led palate of mild sweetness, with that lovely killer acid that is Riesling's own. This auslese will make a great companion to soft, ripe cheeses or lemon drizzle cake. | Auslese | 88 | 30 | Niederösterreich | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Markus Huber 2013 Auslese Riesling (Niederösterreich) | Riesling | Markus Huber |
37235 | 37234 | US | Though designated simply as Washington state, this five grape, Cab-dominated, Bordeaux-style blend is sourced entirely from Kiona's Red Mountain vineyards. Aromatic—almost pungent—it's built around soft, ripe red fruits, augmented with a touch of leather and toast. Round, full, and ready to drink, it spent a year in 60% new oak. | | 90 | 25 | Washington | Washington | Washington Other | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Kiona 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Kiona |
37236 | 37235 | US | Named after winemaker David Corey's son, this 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot begins with nose-tickling scents of berry syrup and smoked cigars. The maduro cigar flavor consumes the palate, with black cherry fruit and smooth tannins. It can stand up to a fat stogie or gamy meats like lamb. | Cuvée Nolan Santa Barbara Highlands | 90 | 42 | California | Santa Barbara County | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Kuyam 2007 Cuvée Nolan Santa Barbara Highlands Red (Santa Barbara County) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Kuyam |
37237 | 37236 | Chile | With tight, crisp aromas of berry fruit, toast, mineral and mint, this Cabernet Sauvignon blend is high toned—coming across racy and snappy. Jumpy, lively plum and raspberry flavors are backed by leafy, herbal notes and resiny oak. A spicy mint finish concludes this energetic yet oaky blend. Drink through 2021. | Catalina | 90 | 50 | Maipo Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Santa Ema 2011 Catalina Red (Maipo Valley) | Red Blend | Santa Ema |
37238 | 37237 | Chile | Early aromas of menthol and oak settle on floral red berry scents and woodspice. The flavor profile of black cherry and berry is initially narrow, but with time rounds out to deliver a bright, pleasant overall character. The blend consists of 75% Carmenère, 25% Syrah and 5% Carignan. | Amplus One | 90 | 24 | Peumo | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Santa Ema 2012 Amplus One Red (Peumo) | Red Blend | Santa Ema |
37239 | 37238 | US | Delicate sprays of cherry blossom and raspberry waft from nose to finish on this salmon-pink blend of traditional Champagne grape varieties. Zesty lemonade acidity is lively on the palate, leading to a long, softly foamed finish. | Topaz Impérial Rosé | 90 | 37 | New York | North Fork of Long Island | Long Island | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Sparkling Pointe 2011 Topaz Impérial Rosé (North Fork of Long Island) | Champagne Blend | Sparkling Pointe |
37252 | 37251 | France | This structured wine discloses dark tannins and a firm, dense character. The granite soil comes through strongly in the cool minerality and tight texture. It has weight and potential richness, but it does need to age. Drink from 2016. | | 88 | 18 | Beaujolais | Chiroubles | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Henry Fessy 2012 Chiroubles | Gamay | Henry Fessy |
37253 | 37252 | US | In a challenging vintage, this shows excellent structure around rather light fruit. Strawberry and cherry come into play, with some well-managed tannic strength from the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc and a splash of Malbec. | | 88 | 25 | Washington | Red Mountain | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Hightower 2011 Merlot (Red Mountain) | Merlot | Hightower |
37254 | 37253 | US | Weighty and dry, Albariño is a rare sight in Sonoma. This one is well worth seeking, savory in nutty almond and a taste of grilled peach. Mouth quenching, it'll pair well with spicy Thai shrimp. | | 88 | 29 | California | Sonoma Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Imagery 2013 Albariño (Sonoma Valley) | Albariño | Imagery |
37255 | 37254 | US | Honey is the key word to describe the nose and flavor of this extremely aromatic and just slightly sweet wine, which also offers notes of honeysuckle and honeydew. Winemakers often turn the grape Symphony (a cross of Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris) into a sweet, dessert-style wine, but this shows how good it can be in a drier version. | Obsession | 88 | 12 | California | California | California Other | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Ironstone 2013 Obsession Symphony (California) | Symphony | Ironstone |
37256 | 37255 | US | This is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah, with a core of blueberry and cocoa. It's super-smooth and quite easy to sip and enjoy. But apart from that, and the seductive coffee/mocha flavors that run rampant through the finish, it shows little of the depth and complexity that Washington Cabernet can display. Drink 2017–2019. | Foreshadow | 88 | 45 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | J. Bookwalter 2011 Foreshadow Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Sauvignon | J. Bookwalter |
37257 | 37256 | US | Lively and full-bodied, the blend includes Chardonnay, Marsanne, Roussanne and Pinot Gris. Citrus fruits fill the mouth, with a streak of honey and appealing roundness. This is a great wine to just drink and enjoy, without too much contemplation. | Gossamer | 88 | 26 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Kontos 2013 Gossamer White (Columbia Valley (WA)) | White Blend | Kontos |
37258 | 37257 | Italy | This bold, sturdy wine brings together mature plum, black cherry, citrus, blue flower, clove, mocha, black pepper and licorice sensations. The savory palate is supported by a backbone of assertive, drying tannins. You'll also notice the evident alcohol. It's delicious but extremely forward so drink soon for freshness. | | 88 | 21 | Tuscany | Rosso di Montalcino | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | La Palazzetta 2012 Rosso di Montalcino | Sangiovese | La Palazzetta |
37259 | 37258 | Italy | Underbrush, leather, black pepper, clove and leather lead the nose on this brawny wine. The spicy palate offers allspice, anisette, concentrated black cherry and juicy raspberry alongside strapping tannins. It's one-dimensional but savory. Enjoy through 2015. | Tirso | 88 | 27 | Tuscany | Rosso di Montalcino | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Villa Le Prata 2012 Tirso (Rosso di Montalcino) | Sangiovese | Villa Le Prata |
37260 | 37259 | US | Adorned by a beautiful label, this aromatic white is resplendent in lychee, pear and orange blossom as well as marked minerality. Dry, the finish is slightly spicy and entirely memorable. | | 88 | 23 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | VML 2013 Gewürztraminer (Russian River Valley) | Gewürztraminer | VML |