| 39961 | 39960 | US | Vanilla, butterscotch and some harsher oak-derived compounds dominate the modest citrus fruit that might have been wine before it was turned into oak juice. For wood lovers only. | Reserve | 80 | 18 | New York | North Fork of Long Island | Long Island | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Laurel Lake 1998 Reserve Chardonnay (North Fork of Long Island) | Chardonnay | Laurel Lake |
| 39962 | 39961 | Australia | As unevolved as they are, the dense and multilayered aromas and flavors are truly impressive here. Black currant, herb, tea, oak, vanilla, maple, anise, blueberries and more--it could be an excercise in overkill, if all the parts weren't in such fine harmony. Really big, but with excellent balance, this reveals much less now than the RWT. It is everything a flagship wine in its infancy should be--immaculate component parts, superbly full on the palate, possessed of great length and incredible potential. An absolute keeper to visit in 7, 15 or 25 years. To be released 5/01. | Grange | 96 | 185 | South Australia | South Australia | | | | Penfolds 1996 Grange Shiraz (South Australia) | Shiraz | Penfolds |
| 39963 | 39962 | Australia | Seamless luxury from stem to stern, this ‘baby Grange' is impressive juice. Blackberry, menthol and smoke play unusually elegantly on the nose, the texture is velvet on the tongue with dark berry, coffee, licorice and muted black pepper flavors. The superb, very long finish combines all the elements with wonderful finesse and a rare grace. Not inexpensive, but fairly priced; you could pay twice as much for half the wine, almost any day in any fine wine store in the country. To be released 5/01. | RWT | 95 | 70 | South Australia | Barossa Valley | | | | Penfolds 1998 RWT Shiraz (Barossa Valley) | Shiraz | Penfolds |
| 39964 | 39963 | US | A juicy, jammy, alcoholic style, tannic and young. This is gutsy, high-toned wine, with fat, extracted fruit. Very dry tannins, good balance. This wine needs time; it's a very different style from the other Claudia Springs Zins. But it shows the same attention to detail, intense fruit, and stylish, sensitive winemaking. | Rhodes Vineyard | 93 | 24 | California | Redwood Valley | | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Claudia Springs 1998 Rhodes Vineyard Zinfandel (Redwood Valley) | Zinfandel | Claudia Springs |
| 39965 | 39964 | US | There's a lovely sweetness to the fruit, which tastes like ripe, just-picked blackberries. Old vines, 100+ years, deliver sweet, supple, sexy fruit. The wine has very dry tannins, and it might profit from some blending, but with a vineyard this special you have to admire the single-vineyard approach. | Live Oak Vineyard | 93 | 28 | California | Contra Costa County | Central Coast | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Cline 1998 Live Oak Vineyard Zinfandel (Contra Costa County) | Zinfandel | Cline |
| 39966 | 39965 | France | A voluptuous blockbuster in the style we are becoming accustomed to from über-consultant Michel Rolland: big, deeply fruited (black cherries) and plush, with elegantly etched spice shadings from new oak. The tannins are supple but substantial; it should age for a long time. Made entirely from old-vine Malbec and named after the pigeon coop in the Château's courtyard. | Le Pigeonnier | 93 | 60 | Southwest France | Cahors | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Château Lagrézette 1997 Le Pigeonnier Malbec (Cahors) | Malbec | Château Lagrézette |
| 39967 | 39966 | US | Zin with a Pinot sensibility; it's bright, spicy and forward. Sweet, delicious fruit, with accents of cinnamon, cardamom and anise. This is an elegant and subtle wine, but unusually long and complex, with wonderful structure. Enticing, enchanting wine. | Eagle Point Ranch | 93 | 20 | California | Mendocino | | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Claudia Springs 1998 Eagle Point Ranch Zinfandel (Mendocino) | Zinfandel | Claudia Springs |
| 39968 | 39967 | US | A blast of spice, mint, bramble and pepper explodes from the glass. The wine is dense, dark, deep and mysterious; the flavors pungent, penetrating and persistent. Tannic, layered with herbs and spices, powered with big, punchy fruit. This is classic Cline. | Big Break Vineyard | 93 | 28 | California | Contra Costa County | Central Coast | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Cline 1998 Big Break Vineyard Zinfandel (Contra Costa County) | Zinfandel | Cline |
| 39969 | 39968 | US | Tastes like a dessert pastry, with baked cherry, cassis, peppermint, milk chocolate and anise flavors that are a little sweet and honeyed. Pleasant, but not impactful. Drink now. | Estate | 84 | 42 | California | Santa Ynez Valley | Central Coast | | | Sunstone 2005 Estate Merlot (Santa Ynez Valley) | Merlot | Sunstone |
| 39970 | 39969 | Italy | This Aglianico from Irpinia is thin in appearance and offers awkward notes of apple cider, black mineral, cherry, blueberry and spice. The nose is a bit muddled but the wine drinks well thanks to its solid structure and polished tannins. | | 84 | | Southern Italy | Irpinia | | | | Tenuta Ponte 2005 Aglianico (Irpinia) | Aglianico | Tenuta Ponte |
| 39971 | 39970 | US | Floral, spicy and sweet on the nose, and with a straightforward, refreshing blend of typical Riesling flavors, this wine is dependable and pretty, and will pair well with spicy Asian and Indian cuisine. A touch sweet but clean. | | 84 | 22 | Michigan | Leelanau Peninsula | | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Jana 2007 Riesling (Leelanau Peninsula) | Riesling | Jana |
| 39972 | 39971 | Australia | Modest cherry and strawberry notes appear on the nose and the palate, with some slightly herbal flavors as well. It's light in body, with soft acids and a relatively quick finish. | Circle Collection | 84 | 10 | Australia Other | South Eastern Australia | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Jindalee 2007 Circle Collection Rosé (South Eastern Australia) | Rosé | Jindalee |
| 39973 | 39972 | US | An elegant nose of deep spice and fruit leads on this Meritage from the Snake River Valley of Idaho—an emerging region to watch for interesting reds. The wine offers sturdy red fruit, spice and structure, and seems made for hearty fare like grilled steaks or, if you feel like splurging, a kobe burger. | Cuvée Alden Private Reserve Red | 84 | 50 | Idaho | | | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Koenig Vineyards 2004 Cuvée Alden Private Reserve Red Meritage | Meritage | Koenig Vineyards |
| 39974 | 39973 | Spain | A bit funky and gassy on the nose, and while the wine offers ripeness and sweetness on the palate, there's always a little something strange and sulfuric lingering. It has its plum and acidity, but the tannins and overall mouthfeel are grabby. | Joven | 84 | 14 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Martín Berdugo 2006 Joven (Ribera del Duero) | Tempranillo Blend | Martín Berdugo |
| 39975 | 39974 | US | With just a touch of oak, this is a pretty good Sauvignon Blanc. It's a little sweet in fig, citrus, passionfruit and melon flavors, but those Monterey acids are brisk and provide a clean balance. | | 84 | 15 | California | Monterey | Central Coast | | | Morgan 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (Monterey) | Sauvignon Blanc | Morgan |
| 39976 | 39975 | Australia | De Bortoli's unique approach to harvest timing and extensive use of new oak leaves this wine seeming rather disjointed: coffee and cola notes dominate the tart, cranberryish fruit flavors. I suspect it will show better with a few years' of cellaring, but until then, I remain unconvinced. | Reserve Release | 84 | 60 | Victoria | Yarra Valley | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | De Bortoli 2006 Reserve Release Pinot Noir (Yarra Valley) | Pinot Noir | De Bortoli |
| 39977 | 39976 | US | This wine is a solid, stylish Meritage with assertive red fruit, a black pepper backbone and plenty of structure for aging. A touch of oaked spice adds dimension. A good overall red to pair with hearty winter fare. | Red Table Wine | 84 | 25 | New York | Finger Lakes | Finger Lakes | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Atwater 2005 Red Table Wine Meritage (Finger Lakes) | Meritage | Atwater |
| 39978 | 39977 | US | There's a disagreeable sharpness and harshness to this Merlot. Despite some pleasant cherry, berry and oak flavors and a lush texture, that rough tartness persists through the finish. | | 84 | 30 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Bell 2004 Merlot (Napa Valley) | Merlot | Bell |
| 39979 | 39978 | US | Smoky, elegant and soft aromas of leather, pepper and berry lead into flavors of cherry and cigarbox spice on the palate of this approachable Cabernet. The wine is not terribly complex, but good structure and acidity give it cellaring potential, and paired with duck, lamb or beef dishes, it will make a very nice addition to the table. | | 84 | 19 | New York | Finger Lakes | Finger Lakes | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Bellangelo 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Finger Lakes) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Bellangelo |
| 39980 | 39979 | Spain | Warm and earthy at first, but more soupy as it opens. Crisp, snappy red-fruit flavors are also on the herbal side. Nervy yet it does show a reasonable amount of honest Rioja quality. Still, for a 2001 reserva it doesn't amount to much. | Reserva | 84 | 18 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Castillo Clavijo 2001 Reserva (Rioja) | Tempranillo Blend | Castillo Clavijo |
| 39981 | 39980 | Italy | Awkward notes at the beginning blow off quickly to reveal mature notes of plum, raisin and blackberry jam. The wine tastes thick and slightly sweet and has a chewy, dense mouthfeel. | Moi | 84 | 18 | Southern Italy | Primitivo di Manduria | | | | Vigne & Vini 2004 Moi (Primitivo di Manduria) | Primitivo | Vigne & Vini |
| 39982 | 39981 | US | This lush white starts with a nose of apricot and honey and leads into tropical fruit flavors balanced by a good acidity. Indulgent but fresh, it's a fun wine that will pair well with spicy Thai or Indian cuisine. | Ravat 51 | 84 | 7 | New York | New York | New York Other | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Bully Hill NV Ravat 51 White (New York) | White Blend | Bully Hill |
| 39983 | 39982 | Spain | Burnt oak, tire rubber and bramble vie with blackberry and vanilla aromas. The palate is brambly and a little lean, with strawberry and raspberry flavors taking on some grassy wildness. Simply stated, the fruit flavors just aren't of the highest order. Otherwise, it's good enough. | A10 Nuestra Perfección | 84 | 40 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Anta 2004 A10 Nuestra Perfección (Ribera del Duero) | Tempranillo Blend | Anta |
| 39984 | 39983 | US | Big spice and blackberry/cherry aromas start this wine out right, and on the palate, a rustic underlay of tobacco and pepper adds character. Good structure and acidity add a food-friendly edge. A wine that is easy to drink and well made. | | 84 | 18 | New York | Finger Lakes | Finger Lakes | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Billsboro 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Finger Lakes) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Billsboro |
| 39985 | 39984 | US | This wine has an elegant edge, with its hints of tea, spice and mint on the nose and its pleasant, harmonious plum and red berry flavors on the palate. Easy to drink and food-pairing friendly. | | 84 | 23 | New Mexico | New Mexico | | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Casa Rondeña Winery 2005 Meritage (New Mexico) | Meritage | Casa Rondeña Winery |
| 39986 | 39985 | US | Lemon citrus, toast, white flowers—the lead on this wine is feminine and light and, as the name suggests, feels like a warm weather match. Flavors of like style are sweet and simple but balanced by some crispness and finesse. It's a pretty wine that offers simple, easy drinking enjoyment. | Spring Wine | 84 | 13 | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Chaddsford 2007 Spring Wine White (Pennsylvania) | White Blend | Chaddsford |
| 39987 | 39986 | Spain | Slightly prickly and peppery on the nose, but there's enough clean red-fruit aromas and dustiness to bring it along. The palate is simple and nice enough, with tight acidity, stanching dryness and zest. A good but limited wine that delivers what it should but nothing beyond that. | | 84 | 10 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Darien 2006 Rioja | Tempranillo | Darien |
| 39988 | 39987 | Spain | Quite tannic and biting, but beyond those mouthfeel issues this affordable RDD has its positives. The bouquet of toast, mocha and coconut is alluring, and then the palate of dark-fruit flavors, while rock-hard, is masculine. But never does one escape the feel and balance shortcomings. It's a like a ride down a pocked and bumpy gravel road. | Monte Castrillo | 84 | 13 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Finca Torremilanos 2006 Monte Castrillo (Ribera del Duero) | Tempranillo Blend | Finca Torremilanos |
| 39989 | 39988 | US | Cherry and mocha on the nose start this wine nicely, and the flavors to follow—cherry, pepper, spice—are balanced and elegant. The tannins are somewhat aggressive and need time to soften. Give the wine 2–5 years and watch it unfold. | Keuka Hill Reserve Red Table Wine | 84 | 23 | New York | Finger Lakes | Finger Lakes | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Shaw NV Keuka Hill Reserve Red Table Wine Red (Finger Lakes) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Shaw |
| 39990 | 39989 | US | Simple and a little sweet, this Cab shows very ripe, jammy flavors of blackberries, cassis and cola. It's an easy sipper, with a pleasant scour of tannins. | | 84 | 13 | California | Dry Creek Valley | Sonoma | | | Sonoma Creek 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Creek Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Sonoma Creek |