| 45061 | 45060 | US | Smooth and silky, this lovely Viognier begins with flavors of citrus, lemongrass and fresh herb, before continuing into a well-rounded, full-flavored midpalate that hints at just a touch of residual sugar. | | 91 | 28 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Mark Ryan 2010 Viognier (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Viognier | Mark Ryan |
| 45062 | 45061 | France | The toast character lends a firm structure to this solid, rich wine. A spice note pairs well with the white plum and apricot fruit, and there is a sense that this needs to age for several years in order to bring out its richness and full potential. | Clos Rochette | 91 | 30 | Burgundy | Mercurey | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Faiveley 2010 Clos Rochette (Mercurey) | Chardonnay | Domaine Faiveley |
| 45063 | 45062 | France | Full and rounded, this has ripe apple and peach fruits that are contrasted with the taut, minerally line of citrusy acidity. It has weight and structure from the flavors of apple skin and orange zest. It needs to age at least four years. Screwcap. | Les Vaudevey Premier Cru | 91 | | Burgundy | Chablis | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Laroche 2010 Les Vaudevey Premier Cru (Chablis) | Chardonnay | Domaine Laroche |
| 45064 | 45063 | France | Using grapes sourced from 102-year-old vines, this is superripe and concentrated. Yet despite its richness, it has tight acidity that meshes with plum and damson fruits. Age for at least five years. | Vieilles Vignes | 91 | | Burgundy | Chambolle-Musigny | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Perrot-Minot 2010 Vieilles Vignes (Chambolle-Musigny) | Pinot Noir | Domaine Perrot-Minot |
| 45065 | 45064 | France | Opulent and ripe, this is full of sweet red fruit, with tannins that have absorbed into the fruit. The wood aging acts as support to the rich texture. It is developing well, but could certainly age for four years or more. | Château de Chamirey Les Cinq Premier Cru | 91 | 68 | Burgundy | Mercurey | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaines Devillard 2009 Château de Chamirey Les Cinq Premier Cru (Mercurey) | Pinot Noir | Domaines Devillard |
| 45066 | 45065 | US | Sleek and elegant, showing a great sense of control, the cherry and currant fruits are strong, yet restrained, pulled in by crisp acidity and taut tannins. It should develop over the next six years or so. | Hallberg Vineyard | 91 | 55 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Gary Farrell 2009 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | Pinot Noir | Gary Farrell |
| 45067 | 45066 | US | Big and quite tannic, this is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot. The combination of Red Mountain fruit and the naturally tannic Petit Verdot is balanced against by the tart, juicy berry flavors and the influence from having aged in 100% new French oak. Nothing shy here, but the floral and citrusy aromatics add a welcome layer of complexity. | The Bully | 91 | 45 | Washington | Red Mountain | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Gorman 2008 The Bully Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Gorman |
| 45068 | 45067 | US | It's labeled simply Columbia Valley but in fact it's made from all Red Mountain fruit. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, with a splash of Petit Verdot, this is quite ripe and sweetly juicy—like a big bowl of blackberries. Aged in once-used French oak, it has picked up some char and graphite notes. | Zachary's Ladder | 91 | 30 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Gorman 2009 Zachary's Ladder Red (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Red Blend | Gorman |
| 45069 | 45068 | France | This is firm, rich and closed, with the fruit showing potential richness under the tight exterior. Packed with notes of wood, spice and a taut texture, this is a wine to enjoy several years down the road. Age for at least five years. | Morgeot Premier Cru | 91 | 75 | Burgundy | Chassagne-Montrachet | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Henri de Villamont 2009 Morgeot Premier Cru (Chassagne-Montrachet) | Chardonnay | Henri de Villamont |
| 45070 | 45069 | US | Based on Petit Verdot, this blend is tart and toasty as well as tangy and seemingly slightly sweet from its luscious black fruits. Peppery tannins and highlights of cedar and roasted meat add further interest. | Trentenaire | 91 | 50 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Brian Carter Cellars 2008 Trentenaire Red (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Red Blend | Brian Carter Cellars |
| 45071 | 45070 | US | Softly tannic, fully dry, and with a peppery edge, this is an elegant Cabernet ready to drink now with a good steak. It has a nice core of juicy blackberries, black cherries and cassis. | | 87 | 24 | California | Paso Robles | Central Coast | | | San Simeon 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) | Cabernet Sauvignon | San Simeon |
| 45072 | 45071 | New Zealand | Intensely perfumed, this is herbal but ripe, too, with fig and melon fruit aromas. It's boldly flavored in the same vein, with the only quibble being that it finishes a little short. A solid effort. | | 87 | 18 | Nelson | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Seifried 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (Nelson) | Sauvignon Blanc | Seifried |
| 45073 | 45072 | South Africa | The spirit of South Africa's Swartland region shines through on this rustic but fun Shiraz. On the nose, red fruit and a spicy edge lead into big flavors of spice, smoke and fruit. Sturdy tannins give the wine an ageworthy appeal. Pair with grilled meat and heartier flavors for extra enjoyment. | | 87 | 19 | Swartland | | | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Spice Route 2005 Shiraz (Swartland) | Shiraz | Spice Route |
| 45074 | 45073 | South Africa | This is an elegant, slightly restrained Pinotage that maintains the local character but offers a more palatable choice for everyday drinking. Pepper, rich berry and spice are balanced by a quiet acidity and long, rich finish. Pair with Moroccan or Indian cuisine. | | 87 | 10 | Western Cape | | | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Stormhoek 2006 Pinotage (Western Cape) | Pinotage | Stormhoek |
| 45075 | 45074 | Australia | Always difficult to evaluate young, Steingarten Rieslings typically take several years to even begin opening up and revealing their true charms. This one is bone-dry and medium-bodied, offering austere mineral and lime aromas and flavors. Cellaring through 2015 will undoubtedly be rewarded, and perhaps this rating will appear stingy at that time. | Steingarten | 87 | 28 | South Australia | Barossa | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Jacob's Creek 2006 Steingarten Riesling (Barossa) | Riesling | Jacob's Creek |
| 45076 | 45075 | New Zealand | A mouthfilling, off-dry Pinot Gris, Kim Crawford's 2007 continues his success with this variety. Pear and citrus notes finish clean, a refreshing blend of sugar and acid. Drink now. | | 87 | 17 | Marlborough | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Kim Crawford 2007 Pinot Gris (Marlborough) | Pinot Gris | Kim Crawford |
| 45077 | 45076 | Italy | Thinner and more traditional in style and appearance, this Riserva has nice balsam- and almond-like intensity. These qualities make it a perfect companion to pork with glazed onions or vegetables au gratin. It's a bit thorny and nervous in the mouth—qualities that probably won't be appreciated by those seeking soft, dense flavors. | Riserva | 87 | | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | | | Lamole di Lamole 2004 Riserva (Chianti Classico) | Sangiovese | Lamole di Lamole |
| 45078 | 45077 | Chile | Fairly big and full-bodied, but not overoaked or overripe, so you get true plum and red-berry flavors, some of Carmenère's herbal side, and a solid finish that offers good spice flavors and proper tannins. Sometimes simple is better, and this wine's no-nonsense approach is what works. | Reserva | 87 | 10 | Colchagua Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Luis Felipe Edwards 2006 Reserva Carmenère (Colchagua Valley) | Carmenère | Luis Felipe Edwards |
| 45079 | 45078 | Australia | From its slight tinge of copper this wine appears to have had some skin contact, and perhaps that can account for it's almost Pinot Noir-like aromas of strawberries and sous bois. Stone fruit and citrus flavors are round on the palate, then finish fresh and vibrant, underscored by crisp acidity. Drink now. | | 87 | 16 | South Australia | Adelaide Hills | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Marlargo 2006 Pinot Grigio (Adelaide Hills) | Pinot Grigio | Marlargo |
| 45080 | 45079 | US | The vineyard sits at nearly a half-mile in elevation, and you'll find true mountain concentration to the blackberry jam, black cherry, raspberry, licorice, pepper and molasses flavors. The alcohol is quite high, but the wine feels rich and balanced. | Reserve Smith Orchard | 87 | 40 | California | Dry Creek Valley | Sonoma | | | Mazzocco 2005 Reserve Smith Orchard Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley) | Zinfandel | Mazzocco |
| 45081 | 45080 | Italy | This interesting wine boasts a spice-driven nose with aromas that recall nutmeg, clove and cardamom. But the nose is not limited to spice. In fact, it makes ample room for the fresh red fruit tones you should expect. It has tight tannins with some sour cherry on the close. Only 200 cases made. | Vaggiolata | 87 | | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | | | Monterotondo 2006 Vaggiolata (Chianti Classico) | Sangiovese | Monterotondo |
| 45082 | 45081 | New Zealand | This is leaner and more citrusy than the majority of plump New Zealand Pinot Gris, but still offers plenty of interest. The apple and pear flavors are clean and precise, outlined by citrus and with a hint of stoniness on the finish. | | 87 | 23 | Marlborough | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Huia 2007 Pinot Gris (Marlborough) | Pinot Gris | Huia |
| 45083 | 45082 | South Africa | An elegant combination of citric zest and honeyed curve typifies this wine. On the palate, rounded, luscious honey flavors are balanced by acid and a clean finish. A wine with some substance that will pair well with richer seafood. | | 87 | 12 | Stellenbosch | | | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Kanu 2007 Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch) | Chenin Blanc | Kanu |
| 45084 | 45083 | US | Very ripe, soft and jammy in cherry, raspberry and blood orange pie-filling flavors, this Pinot is made to be opened now. New oak adds a touch of smoke and vanilla. The wine feels dry and silky and lightly elegant in the mouth. | | 87 | 45 | California | Sonoma Coast | Sonoma | | | MacPhail 2006 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) | Pinot Noir | MacPhail |
| 45085 | 45084 | Chile | Pretty on the nose, with mild apple and pear scents. The wine shows good balance and body, with flavors of pineapple, apple and green melon. It's got all the fruit you could ask for, but some of that fruit is of the sweet banana and plantain family. Which for some means too sweet. | | 87 | 20 | Casablanca Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Veranda 2007 Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley) | Chardonnay | Veranda |
| 45086 | 45085 | Italy | A sweet, almond- and vanilla-driven nose marks this pretty bottling. The oak element is evident, especially in the mouth, where the wine shows some bitterness in terms of its tannins. | Riserva | 87 | 33 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | | | Villa Calcinaia 2005 Riserva (Chianti Classico) | Sangiovese | Villa Calcinaia |
| 45087 | 45086 | US | A good wine for its classic structure and deep, complex black currant and cocoa flavors. But it's pretty oaky and tannic, giving it a hard, resistant feeling despite being nearly four years in age. Could surprise with up to 6 years in the cellar. | | 87 | 45 | California | Alexander Valley | Sonoma | | | Adobe Road 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Adobe Road |
| 45088 | 45087 | South Africa | This is a Sauvignon Blanc with more meat and punch than the average white. The nose, crisp, clean and fresh but rounded, leads into a balanced, substantial wine with good acidity and an assertive mouthfeel. Elegant but has character. Could pair with richer dishes. | | 87 | 15 | Constantia | | | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Buitenverwachting 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (Constantia) | Sauvignon Blanc | Buitenverwachting |
| 45089 | 45088 | France | Light, fresh style, demanding shellfish, with crisp, green acidity and just a hint of creamy baked apple. Just what a Muscadet should be, enjoyable now and for the rest of the year. | Réserve | 87 | 12 | Loire Valley | Muscadet Sèvre et Maine | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château de l'Hyvernière 2007 Réserve (Muscadet Sèvre et Maine) | Melon | Château de l'Hyvernière |
| 45090 | 45089 | France | An impressively rich Sancerre red, showing plenty of red berry fruits, tight tannins and balanced acidity. Yes, it is not Burgundy, but in 2005 Sancerre could really justify its red wines, and this example, with delicacy and elegance, works well. | | 87 | 22 | Loire Valley | Sancerre | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château de Sancerre 2005 Sancerre | Pinot Noir | Château de Sancerre |