43141 | 43140 | France | There is rich fruit behind the severe opening tannins, giving a sumptuous although firmly structured wine. The raspberry and crushed strawberry flavors are developing well, ready to balance with the tannins after another year. | Beaune Grèves | 93 | | Burgundy | Beaune | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Jacques Prieur 2009 Beaune Grèves (Beaune) | Pinot Noir | Domaine Jacques Prieur |
43142 | 43141 | US | Some Pinots are light and simple. This one's light and wonderfully complex. It's so translucent, the minerals of the earth seem to be speaking through the fruit. Silky and delicate in the mouth, it conveys rich flavors of raspberries, cherries, cinnamon and smoky sandalwood. Drink over the next few years. | Black | 93 | 55 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Roadhouse Winery 2009 Black Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | Pinot Noir | Roadhouse Winery |
43143 | 43142 | France | This powerful wine reveals its style and breeding from the start. It has weight and concentration allied to great tangy fruit flavors. The nervy edge is very evident, with wood, structure from green apple skins and aging potential. | Preuses | 93 | 70 | Burgundy | Chablis | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Simonnet-Febvre 2008 Preuses (Chablis) | Chardonnay | Simonnet-Febvre |
43144 | 43143 | US | Fruit sourced from Red Mountain's top vineyards––Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun and Kiona––comes on rich and fruity, with big and powerful black cherry and cassis interwoven with threads of smoke, coffee, graphite and baking chocolate. Deep, dark and dense. | Wild Eyed | 93 | 45 | Washington | Red Mountain | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Mark Ryan 2008 Wild Eyed Syrah (Red Mountain) | Syrah | Mark Ryan |
43145 | 43144 | Italy | If you love the biggest and boldest of Barolos, this beautiful wine is for you. It puts forth power and determination with confidence thanks to its aromas of barbecue spice, mesquite, roasted espresso bean, vanilla and ripe red cherry. Give it five more years. | Parafada | 93 | 95 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Massolino 2007 Parafada (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Massolino |
43146 | 43145 | Italy | This beautiful expression of Nebbiolo from the Cannubi cru opens with elegant and defined aromas of forest fruit, white chocolate, drying minerals, violets and moderate, spicy barbecue-like aromas. The wine shows excellent structure and tight, drying tannins that need 5–8 more years of cellar aging. | Cannubi | 93 | 104 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Michele Chiarlo 2007 Cannubi (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Michele Chiarlo |
43147 | 43146 | Italy | Reyna is a top-notch Barbaresco and this vintage delivers extra soft and supple smoothness followed by dark concentration and excellent intensity. There are so many aromatic descriptors here: espresso, black fruit, licorice, root beer, tar, tobacco and more. Drink from 2015–2020. | Reyna | 93 | 40 | Piedmont | Barbaresco | | | | Michele Chiarlo 2007 Reyna (Barbaresco) | Nebbiolo | Michele Chiarlo |
43148 | 43147 | Italy | Gorgeous fullness and generosity characterize this bold Barolo as do its aromas of black cherry, spice, teriyaki and toasted hazelnut. San Giuseppe presents a classic expression of Nebbiolo that is especially evident in the fine, polished nature of the mouthfeel. | San Giuseppe | 93 | | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Pecchenino 2007 San Giuseppe (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Pecchenino |
43149 | 43148 | Italy | A beautiful wine that needs to age, this Basarin cru selection shows thick layers of berry fruit, cedar wood, almond and dark licorice. The oak element is strong, but the wine is still young and all its many elements will surely come into focus in 10 years or more. | Basarin | 93 | 65 | Piedmont | Barbaresco | | | | Moccagatta 2008 Basarin (Barbaresco) | Nebbiolo | Moccagatta |
43150 | 43149 | US | Hugely delicious, just a joy to drink. So soft and velvety, so rich in blackberry jam, cassis and chocolate flavors, with the tannins so smooth and round. Really wonderful over the next few years, although the softness and high alcohol suggest it's not an ager. | | 93 | 66 | California | Napa County-Sonoma County | Napa-Sonoma | | | Pride Mountain 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa County-Sonoma County) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Pride Mountain |
43151 | 43150 | Italy | The Ravera cru is celebrated for its power and elegance and this beautiful Barolo definitely delivers both. The wine shows beautifully linear aromas of red fruit, blue flower, smoke and exotic spice backed by bright intensity and firm tannins. | Ravera | 93 | 65 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Principiano Ferdinando 2006 Ravera (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Principiano Ferdinando |
43152 | 43151 | US | This single-vineyard wine tastes young and dense in youth. It shows deliciously ripe and forward cherry, raspberry, bacon and spice flavors, in a silky clean texture. There's an edge of tannins, but not so much that you couldn't enjoy it now and over the next six years. | Clos Pepe Vineyard | 93 | 52 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | | | Siduri 2009 Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) | Pinot Noir | Siduri |
43153 | 43152 | Italy | This is a lovely wine that is packed tight with spicy oak renderings, chocolate Nutella, almond paste, red fruit and roasted espresso bean. The wine shows elegant, drying tannins with creamy mocha flavors that last long in the mouth. Drink after 2015. | Ciabot Berton | 93 | 80 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Ciabot Berton 2007 Ciabot Berton (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Ciabot Berton |
43154 | 43153 | Italy | This wonderfully elegant cru expression is full bodied and rich with smoky tones of cedar and tobacco over blackberry, cassis and red rose aromas. The tannins are big, firm and lend a sturdy, powerful feel in the mouth that will become silkier and even smoother with time. | Liste | 93 | 85 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Damilano 2006 Liste (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Damilano |
43155 | 43154 | France | For a Volnay, this is a very structured wine. It has huge richness laced with firm tannins and dark fruits. It is the firmness that dominates, suggesting some extra extraction, although the acidity does push right through to the finish. | En Caillerets Premier Cru | 93 | 130 | Burgundy | Volnay | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine de la Pousse d'Or 2009 En Caillerets Premier Cru (Volnay) | Pinot Noir | Domaine de la Pousse d'Or |
43156 | 43155 | US | A Sierra Foothills Sauvignon Blanc with incredibly inviting aromatics of grass, grapefruit and melon that evolves into a delicious texture that's light, dry and yet still somehow rich with crisp acidity. So good for summer and fall. | Monarch Mine Vineyard | 93 | 18 | California | Sierra Foothills | Sierra Foothills | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Easton 2009 Monarch Mine Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Sierra Foothills) | Sauvignon Blanc | Easton |
43157 | 43156 | Italy | From the celebrated Ravera cru, Elvio Cogno delivers a classic and elegant expression of Nebbiolo with tight tannins, long aging potential and nuanced aromas of small berry fruit, cola, leather, licorice and smoky cedar tones. Save this wine in your cellar 10 years or more. | Ravera | 93 | 75 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Elvio Cogno 2007 Ravera (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Elvio Cogno |
43158 | 43157 | Italy | There's a special elegance and finesse evident in this pretty expression of Nebbiolo. Fine aromas of cola, white cherry and black pepper are featured on the bouquet. In the mouth, this Barolo delivers strength, structure and endurance. | Vigneto Rocche | 93 | 100 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Andrea Oberto 2007 Vigneto Rocche (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Andrea Oberto |
43159 | 43158 | US | Obviously from a superior terroir, this Pinot shows gorgeously ripe berry fruit and spices, brisk acidity, firm tannins and a rich coating of oak. But the parts haven't come together. It's like a team that needs practice. Should peak sometime in 2012, and hold for a couple years. | Bien Nacido Vineyard | 93 | 45 | California | Santa Maria Valley | Central Coast | | | Longoria 2009 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley) | Pinot Noir | Longoria |
43160 | 43159 | New Zealand | Representing a new level of quality for Waiheke Syrah, this wine boasts captivating aromas of peppered meat, violets and cassis. It's full bodied without being heavy, and the flavors seamlessly blend fruity with savory for a thrilling ride. Finishes long, with firm tannins and a hint of espresso. Drink now¬–2018. | Dreadnought | 93 | 35 | Waiheke Island | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Man O' War 2008 Dreadnought Syrah (Waiheke Island) | Syrah | Man O' War |
43161 | 43160 | US | This meaty, gamy wine is 84% Mourvèdre, and marries its earthy flavors to the ripe black fruit of the Syrah. The two mix well, but could use a bit more bottle time to fully integrate. Blood, meat, cassis, and smoke mingle, and some heat slips in at the end, along with rich coffee grounds and dark chocolate. Big, flavorful, lingering. | Crazy Mary | 93 | 45 | Washington | Red Mountain | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Mark Ryan 2008 Crazy Mary Mourvèdre (Red Mountain) | Mourvèdre | Mark Ryan |
43162 | 43161 | Italy | Bold and beautiful, this elegant expression of Barolo delivers impressive intensity and personality. There's great complexity here in the form of cola, black fruit, licorice, cedar and cured meat aromas. Ripe concentration and plush fruit flavors help balance out the tight tannins. | Mirau | 93 | 95 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Negretti 2006 Mirau (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Negretti |
43163 | 43162 | Italy | This is a very impressive expression of Nebbiolo from the celebrated 2007 vintage that shows sweet vanilla and spice tones at the back of blueberry, cassis and cherry cola. The wine shows a softer, more immediate quality than compared to past vintages. | | 93 | 43 | Piedmont | Barolo | | | | Piazzo Armando 2007 Barolo | Nebbiolo | Piazzo Armando |
43164 | 43163 | US | This estate bottling showcases ripe apple and melon fruit, spiced with sweet barrel notes and toast. The wine spent some months in 20% new French oak. | Chalice Estate | 90 | 28 | Oregon | Oregon | Oregon Other | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Iris Vineyards 2014 Chalice Estate Chardonnay (Oregon) | Chardonnay | Iris Vineyards |
43165 | 43164 | US | Fragrant and generously fruity, this is a bowl of raspberries and cherries, with just the right acidity to keep it lively and fresh. Light suggestions of cola and nutmeg add further interest. | | 90 | 30 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | J. Christopher 2013 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | J. Christopher |
43166 | 43165 | US | Big, bold and brawny, this wine from a very famous vineyard shows off its savory edge with tufts of clove, leather, gun smoke and tea, providing the requisite dustiness on the palate for which the region is known. Medium bodied and integrated well, it represents the vintage and region in all good ways. | Georges III Vineyard | 90 | 95 | California | Rutherford | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Frisson Wines 2012 Georges III Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Frisson Wines |
43167 | 43166 | US | Made from half Merlot and half Petite Sirah, and aged in French oak, only 30% of it new, this wine shows well in a dusting of mocha powder and blackberry, the flavors built around a thick, dense torso of soft tannins. Succulent, it's full bodied but well mannered and easy to enjoy. | Dos Hermanos | 90 | 40 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Gallegos 2012 Dos Hermanos Red (Napa Valley) | Red Blend | Gallegos |
43168 | 43167 | France | Although Chenin Blanc from the Loire is better known, it does, in fact, have its origins in the Southwest. So it's a return of the native in this rich, smooth and floral wine. It is fruity while keeping a ripe, honeyed character that balances with a more citrus aftertaste. Drink now and until 2023. | Chenin de Mercuès | 90 | 25 | Southwest France | Côtes du Lot | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Georges Vigouroux 2013 Chenin de Mercuès Chenin Blanc (Côtes du Lot) | Chenin Blanc | Georges Vigouroux |
43169 | 43168 | US | A richly layered white, this wine opens in butterscotch and mango, making no bones about its ripeness and voluptuous nature. Acidity saves the day and keeps the proceedings from getting out of hand, allowing the finish to find balance. | Water Bend | 90 | 26 | California | Sonoma County | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Geyser Peak 2013 Water Bend Chardonnay (Sonoma County) | Chardonnay | Geyser Peak |
43170 | 43169 | US | This is a generous white from the famous vineyard site, robust in toasted oak and big flavors of butterscotch and vanilla. Youthful, it opens in the glass to find more of its ripe fruit, from Gravenstein apple to baked pear. | Estate | 90 | 56 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Bacigalupi 2014 Estate Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) | Chardonnay | Bacigalupi |