| 44911 | 44910 | France | It's a shame that the producer used too much wood in this difficult vintage. The fruit is delicate, with the black-currant flavors and acidity smothered by a burnt, toasty character that's hard to taste through. It will soften, although the wood will always be there. Vignobles Roux bought this Cru Bourgeois in 2013. The blend is 50-50 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. | Cru Bourgeois | 85 | | Bordeaux | Médoc | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Taffard de Blaignan 2013 Cru Bourgeois (Médoc) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Château Taffard de Blaignan |
| 44912 | 44911 | US | This wine shows unusually prominent aromas and flavors of dried rice that are followed by wilted flowers, dried leaves, cocoa and dark fruit. It doesn't all come together. | Reserve | 85 | 35 | Washington | Horse Heaven Hills | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Columbia Crest 2013 Reserve Syrah (Horse Heaven Hills) | Syrah | Columbia Crest |
| 44913 | 44912 | US | This wine comes in with a low, unheard-of (in Washington) 12.2% alcohol. The aromas offer reticent and unusual notes of wheat, lemongrass, tobacco, vanilla and herbs while the flavors are tart and supple. It doesn't seem outright underripe but comes off as faint. | Estate Grown | 85 | 35 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Cougar Crest 2012 Estate Grown Malbec (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Malbec | Cougar Crest |
| 44914 | 44913 | Chile | With a mix of graham cracker, coffee, herb and jammy, unfocused berry aromas, this lacks cohesion on the nose. A fat, wide palate offers no point of focus, while herbal flavors of cassis and olive finish with green notes of tobacco and oregano. | Riscos de Puquillay Alto | 85 | 17 | Colchagua Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Luis Felipe Edwards 2013 Riscos de Puquillay Alto Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Luis Felipe Edwards |
| 44915 | 44914 | Chile | Chunky, meaty, saucy plum and berry aromas are green and gritty. This is solid feeling on first blush, but then it collapses and turns clampy and tannic. Minimal berry and cassis flavors battle with herbal, green notes in front of a chubby, imprecise finish. | Special Reserve | 85 | 16 | Colchagua Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Siegel 2013 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Siegel |
| 44916 | 44915 | Italy | This opens with unusual aromas of celery, medicinal herb, saline and a vegetal note with the barest whisper of dark fruit in the background. The unusual medicinal aromas carry over to the palate along with a hint of candied cherry and menthol before finishing abruptly, leaving a bitter aftertaste. | | 85 | 26 | Sicily & Sardinia | Terre Siciliane | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | FiàNobile 2013 Nero d'Avola (Terre Siciliane) | Nero d'Avola | FiàNobile |
| 44917 | 44916 | US | Some oxygen exposure seems to peek through on the aromas along with notes of blue fruit and herbs. This wine is lightly flavored with a gritty feel to the tannins and the oak dialed back. | | 85 | 20 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Wilridge 2013 Sangiovese (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Sangiovese | Wilridge |
| 44918 | 44917 | US | This wine has a lighter-than-usual color, fresh aromas like cucumbers and jicama, and clean, straightforward apple flavors backed by good, crisp acidity. It's simply good and refreshing. | | 85 | 8 | California | California | California Other | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2014 Chardonnay (California) | Chardonnay | Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi |
| 44919 | 44918 | Chile | Peach pit, matchstick and almond skin aromas come across a bit harsh. This is chunky on the palate, with pulpy, pithy melon and lees flavors that take on a briny characteristic on the finish. | | 85 | 15 | Colchagua Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Rubus 2014 Chardonnay (Colchagua Valley) | Chardonnay | Rubus |
| 44920 | 44919 | Chile | Aromas of vanilla and pear are mild on the nose. This feels heavy and chunky, with low acidity. Vanilla, melon and papaya flavors taste as though they're on the way out, while this soft Chardonnay feels oily on the finish. | Reserva de Familia | 85 | 20 | Limarí Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Santa Carolina 2013 Reserva de Familia Chardonnay (Limarí Valley) | Chardonnay | Santa Carolina |
| 44921 | 44920 | US | Barrel aromas of vanilla and woodspice are out front and lead to light, elegant fruit and barrel flavors that vie for attention through the finish. | | 85 | 20 | Washington | Wahluke Slope | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Seven Falls 2014 Chardonnay (Wahluke Slope) | Chardonnay | Seven Falls |
| 44922 | 44921 | Chile | Earthy, scratchy, herbal aromas of cassis and raspberry lead to a punchy, wiry palate. Generic cherry and berry flavors are herbal and lightly green, while this is grabby and tannic on the finish. | | 85 | 12 | Central Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Albamar 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Albamar |
| 44923 | 44922 | France | Produced in the Entre-deux-Mers region, this light, fresh wine has young tannins and stalky black-currant flavors. It is crisp with lively acidity and a juicy aftertaste. Give it another few months and drink from late 2016. | | 85 | 11 | Bordeaux | Bordeaux | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Blouin 2014 Bordeaux | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Château Blouin |
| 44924 | 44923 | France | Still not in balance, this wine shows blackberry flavors and acidity pushed up against dark, lean tannins. It may fill out although that is not certain. The Castaing family has farmed crops and grazing animals since 1800s. The 13-acre vineyard, 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, was added in 1995. | | 85 | | Bordeaux | Pessac-Léognan | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Jaulien 2013 Pessac-Léognan | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Château Jaulien |
| 44925 | 44924 | France | This light wine has red berry flavors and lots of acidity. With only the lightest texture, it's all about fruitiness. Drink now. | Les Terrasses de Colas | 85 | 16 | Bordeaux | Graves | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Lapinesse 2013 Les Terrasses de Colas (Graves) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Château Lapinesse |
| 44926 | 44925 | France | This wine has the ripe fruitiness of the vintage, fresh and crisp although with a rich background of apple and pear flavors. Not aged in wood, the wine is all fruit with lively final acidity. | | 85 | 16 | Bordeaux | Graves | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Lapinesse 2014 Graves | Bordeaux-style White Blend | Château Lapinesse |
| 44927 | 44926 | US | A nice Russian River Chard, firm in acidic minerals, with an edge of dried herbs and wood char to the pineapple, green apple and cream caramel flavors. | Ritchie Vineyard | 88 | 40 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | De Loach 2006 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) | Chardonnay | De Loach |
| 44928 | 44927 | US | This Bordeaux blend is full-bodied and ripe in blackberry, cherry, currant and cola flavors, with smoky, oaky notes. Tasted in the winter of 2008, it had a dry, tannic astringency that suggested pairing with rich, marbled meats. Should develop in the bottle through 2012. | Rhinefarm Vineyard Mountain Cuvée | 88 | 24 | California | Sonoma Valley | Sonoma | | | Gundlach Bundschu 2004 Rhinefarm Vineyard Mountain Cuvée Red (Sonoma Valley) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Gundlach Bundschu |
| 44929 | 44928 | Austria | Fruity, immediately appealing berry flavors dominate this wine. It has an edge of wood, but that simply smoothes out the fruit rather than adding tannins. Lively, delicious, drinkable now. | Ried Hochberg | 88 | 23 | Mittelburgenland | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Hans Igler 2005 Ried Hochberg Blaufränkisch (Mittelburgenland) | Blaufränkisch | Hans Igler |
| 44930 | 44929 | France | From the Villamont domaine, this is a soft, rounded, quite generous wine that is dominated by enjoyable bright red fruits. It's fresh, ripe, just lightly touched by tannins, and with a juicy, friendly aftertaste. | Le Village | 88 | 30 | Burgundy | Savigny-lès-Beaune | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Henri de Villamont 2005 Le Village (Savigny-lès-Beaune) | Pinot Noir | Henri de Villamont |
| 44931 | 44930 | France | There is some good depth of flavor to this wine, the strawberry flavors going right through until they meet the tannic core. The acidity balances well, pushing the fruit through the dryness, leaving freshness and juicy fruits. | Clos du Roi Premier Cru | 88 | 41 | Burgundy | Beaune | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Bouchard Aîné & Fils 2005 Clos du Roi Premier Cru (Beaune) | Pinot Noir | Bouchard Aîné & Fils |
| 44932 | 44931 | US | A multiple vineyard blend, this includes 10% Merlot, which seems to open up the middle a bit. The fruit is generous and sweet, a mix of berries and cherries and plums, with a streak of coffee running through it. There is a high-toned spicy quality to the aromas, just a hint of volatility, but well-managed. | | 88 | 27 | Washington | Washington | Washington Other | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Camaraderie 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Camaraderie |
| 44933 | 44932 | US | This is classic Washington Merlot, with flesh and a full-bodied middle. It offers a generous palate of cherries and berries, trailing into light tannins with a streak of green tea and coffee. The wine is balanced and bright, with lightly lifted aromas and a solid midpalate. | | 88 | 25 | Washington | Washington | Washington Other | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Camaraderie 2003 Merlot (Washington) | Merlot | Camaraderie |
| 44934 | 44933 | Romania | An elegant, memorable wine with balance and poise. The nose offers red berry, warming spice and a touch of smoke, while on the palate, smooth, dark berry and spice flavors are harmonious and rich. The wine can age but is good now. Pair with a succulent duck dish or pate and cheeses. | Villa Zorilor Prince Matei Gran Riserva | 88 | 100 | Dealu Mare | | | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | VinArte 2002 Villa Zorilor Prince Matei Gran Riserva Merlot (Dealu Mare) | Merlot | VinArte |
| 44935 | 44934 | US | This has been 10% barrel fermented and aged for about two months. There's a hint of barrel toast but it's very light; the varietal character is nicely displayed. Crisp acidity and a strong citrus mix of orange blossom and lemon rind flavors define the midpalate, leading into pineapple and grapefruit as it winds through the finish. Nice bottle! | | 88 | 19 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Whitman Cellars 2007 Viognier (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Viognier | Whitman Cellars |
| 44936 | 44935 | US | Pretty straightforward Cabernet, done well and blended with bits of Petit Verdot and Merlot. Vanilla, tobacco and cassis aromas mark the nose, while the flavors are similar, but with a slightly plummy edge. Soft and supple on the finish, there's no need to cellar this wine. | Charles Wetmore | 88 | 28 | California | Livermore Valley | Central Coast | | | Wente 2005 Charles Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Wente |
| 44937 | 44936 | US | The winemaking has a slightly Australian flavor, aging primarily in American oak and going into barrel while still fermenting, resulting in a fairly soft wine with good intensity and varietal character. Some slightly smoky, earthy notes and cured meat aromas give way to blackberry and cola flavors on the palate, finishing up with a hint of coffee. Drink now–2015. | The Nth Degree | 88 | 50 | California | Livermore Valley | Central Coast | | | Wente 2005 The Nth Degree Syrah (Livermore Valley) | Syrah | Wente |
| 44938 | 44937 | Argentina | Trapiche's Broquel is definitely one of Argentina's most consistent Bonardas. It opens with balsamic notes that accent chocolate and blackberry aromas, while the palate is sweet and steady as it delivers plum and ripe berry flavors. Good structure and feel, with just enough acidity to keep it in balance. | Broquel | 88 | 17 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Trapiche 2006 Broquel Bonarda (Mendoza) | Bonarda | Trapiche |
| 44939 | 44938 | Greece | This single-vineyard Agiorgitiko has an earthy olive nose and smooth, integrated flavors of red berry, herbs and spice. Soft but structured tannins and a spin of spice on the finish recommend it for heartier dishes, but it's good enough to savor on its own. Elegant, but with some muscle. | Old Vines Single Vineyard | 88 | 26 | Nemea | | | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Papaioannou 2003 Old Vines Single Vineyard Agiorgitiko (Nemea) | Agiorgitiko | Papaioannou |
| 44940 | 44939 | Spain | The aromas of sarsparilla, tree bark, dried raspberry and cumin take you back to traditional Rioja winemaking. With lighter-weight fruit, herb and tomato leaf flavors, this is a solid old-school wine that will hit the right marks with tapas or roast meats. It's got some tea and tang as well, courtesy of zesty acids. | Gran Reserva | 88 | 34 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Baron De Ley 1998 Gran Reserva (Rioja) | Tempranillo | Baron De Ley |