| 48901 | 48900 | US | The fragrance is almost otherworldly; sweet, dense and lightly lifted. This is a sinewy wine, that begins with compact power and focused, tart red fruits—predominantly raspberry and currant. At first juicy and tart, with hours of breathing time the wine broadens out into a wider spectrum of Cabernet fruits; cassis, blackberry and black cherry. | Père de Famille | 97 | 55 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Betz Family 2005 Père de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Betz Family |
| 48902 | 48901 | US | Bob Betz calls this his first-ever “reserve style” wine from Bordeaux varieties. It started with a single barrel of Red Willow Cabernet Franc and evolved into this six-barrel blend. Le Parrain opens with whiffs of smoke, gun metal and rock weaving through the dense red fruits. Pipe tobacco and licorice flavors come into play from the barrel aging. As the wine slowly opens, the flavors expand and blend, and the textural quality that Betz refers to expresses itself in a graceful, three-dimensional finish. | Le Parrain Red Wine | 96 | 85 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Betz Family 2005 Le Parrain Red Wine Red (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Red Blend | Betz Family |
| 48903 | 48902 | US | This very expensive release is one of the rare examples of Chardonnay that absolutely requires bottle age. Dry and leesy now, with a mineral compactness, it shows a rich core of baked peach, spiced apple, butterscotch and smoky honey. As it warms in the glass, it develops great flavor and textural complexities. Should come into its own by 2009, and improve for many years after. | Ambassador's 1953 Vineyard | 96 | 180 | California | Sonoma Valley | Sonoma | | | Hanzell 2005 Ambassador's 1953 Vineyard Chardonnay (Sonoma Valley) | Chardonnay | Hanzell |
| 48904 | 48903 | France | Beautiful, aromatic wine, with raspberry fruit floating above the spice and toast. This is shot through with acidity and some dense tannins, but above all it is the piercing fruit that dominates. One of Jadot's signature wines, it is wonderful, with considerable aging potential. | Clos Saint Jacques Premier Cru | 96 | 125 | Burgundy | Gevrey-Chambertin | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Louis Jadot 2005 Clos Saint Jacques Premier Cru (Gevrey-Chambertin) | Pinot Noir | Louis Jadot |
| 48905 | 48904 | France | Domaine de l'Arlot owns just over one acre of this grand cru vineyard in Vosne-Romanée. This 2005 shows intense, complex fruits and tannins, both finely intertwined. There is power, but the strawberry flavors are just as important, flattering the palate. | | 95 | | Burgundy | Romanée-St.-Vivant | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine de l'Arlot 2005 Romanée-St.-Vivant | Pinot Noir | Domaine de l'Arlot |
| 48906 | 48905 | Spain | Dalmau, the ultrapremium Tempranillo blend from Marques de Murrieta, is 65% pricier in 2004 than '03. And that might be justified. This is a spectacular wine in every sense of the word. The nose blends alluring scents of smoke, asphalt, rubber and black fruit. The palate is saturated and smooth, with black cherry and blackberry flavors leading the way. Coffee, berry pie and mocha help the finish hold court and then fade away. Already good but best from 2010–2020. | Dalmau | 95 | 165 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Marqués de Murrieta 2004 Dalmau (Rioja) | Tempranillo Blend | Marqués de Murrieta |
| 48907 | 48906 | US | This is the smoothest, most polished of Standish's quartet of new Pinots. It's a best-of-barrels selection, and really impressive in cherry, currant, licorice, cola and Provençal herbs. With near-perfect balance, it exemplifies Anderson Valley and also is a standout in the great 2005 vintage. It was crafted, under Standish's “guest winemaker” program, by Zach Rasmussen, of Goldeneye. | Mayflower | 95 | 80 | California | Anderson Valley | | | | Standish 2005 Mayflower Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley) | Pinot Noir | Standish |
| 48908 | 48907 | US | If you know Goldeneye's new Gowen Creek bottling, this is a near identical Pinot, and little wonder, for the vineyards are right next to each other. This wine dazzles with exotic, feral notes of wild blackberries and blueberries, and forest scents of pine needle, roasted mushroom, grilled meat, chocolate, anise, cinnamon, nutmeg and coriander. New oak adds even richer nuances of smoky caramel and vanilla to this compelling wine. | Savoy Vineyard | 95 | 55 | California | Anderson Valley | | | | Breggo 2006 Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley) | Pinot Noir | Breggo |
| 48909 | 48908 | France | Opulent yet so elegant, this wine has already achieved great balance. It comes from the soft richness of the generous fruit, the spice from both the wood and the fruit, and the roundness of the texture, which envelops you in its warmth and ripeness. And, at the end, just to give a great lift, along comes the acidity. | Les Baudes Premier Cru | 95 | 90 | Burgundy | Chambolle-Musigny | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Louis Jadot 2005 Les Baudes Premier Cru (Chambolle-Musigny) | Pinot Noir | Louis Jadot |
| 48910 | 48909 | Spain | For the second vintage in a row, Vall Llach's signature red blend is out on its own. The bouquet is round and deep, with alluring cola, mint and blackberry aromas. The palate is alive but still quite dark, with huge black plum and blackberry flavors. Super long on the finish, with a subtle streak of vanilla and coconut. Delicious but also deft. 450 cases produced. | | 95 | 85 | Catalonia | Priorat | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Vall Llach 2005 Red (Priorat) | Red Blend | Vall Llach |
| 48911 | 48910 | Spain | Year in and year out, this around where this wine shakes out. The nose is clean and nice for an under-$10 white, with minerality and fresh white-fruit aromas. A light, focused palate offers up green melon, apple, herb and white pepper flavors in front of a crisp finish. This varietal Viura outperforms its price. | | 87 | 9 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Marqués de Cáceres 2012 Viura (Rioja) | Viura | Marqués de Cáceres |
| 48912 | 48911 | US | A very good Merlot, representing a huge increase in quality over the 2008, and a return to the charms of the 2007. It's ripe and tasty in fruit, currants and sweet oak, and earns extra points for the fine structure. Ready now. | | 87 | 38 | California | Oak Knoll District | Napa | | | Materra Cunat Family Vineyards 2009 Merlot (Oak Knoll District) | Merlot | Materra Cunat Family Vineyards |
| 48913 | 48912 | US | This is just the second varietal bottling of Marsanne—single vineyard at that—from McCrea. Firm and fleshy, with clear melon flavors, it shows a dash of cinnamon along the way. The finish brings on graham cracker accents, though only neutral oak was used. | Boushey Vineyard | 87 | 25 | Washington | Yakima Valley | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | McCrea Cellars 2010 Boushey Vineyard Marsanne (Yakima Valley) | Marsanne | McCrea Cellars |
| 48914 | 48913 | US | This wine gives plenty of sheer Zinny delight. The ripe, lush raspberry and blackberry flavors have a briary edge, with notes of wild nettles that give it a wildland personality. While the alcohol is high, it's in keeping with the wine's overall structure. Drink now with a great barbecued steak. | Gesture | 87 | 25 | California | Paso Robles | Central Coast | | | J. Lohr 2010 Gesture Zinfandel (Paso Robles) | Zinfandel | J. Lohr |
| 48915 | 48914 | Italy | This is a thick and sticky white wine from Northern Italy that shows a fragrant bouquet of exotic fruit and white flower backed by a waxy, thick texture in the mouth. That cool climate, mountain acidity helps to keep the palate refreshed. | | 87 | 22 | Northeastern Italy | Alto Adige | | | | Josef Weger 2011 Gewürztraminer (Alto Adige) | Gewürztraminer | Josef Weger |
| 48916 | 48915 | US | No shrinking violet at 15.9% abv, La Folia's Zin is exuberant in juicy red and black fruit, cinnamon spice and a taste of cola. Inviting, full and round with a softness in the mouth, the finish slips away ever so quickly. It's otherwise a swell example of Sierra Foothills fruit. | | 87 | 30 | California | Sierra Foothills | Sierra Foothills | Virginie Boone | @vboone | La Folia Winery 2010 Zinfandel (Sierra Foothills) | Zinfandel | La Folia Winery |
| 48917 | 48916 | Chile | Although the bouquet is a touch herbal and raspy, this Cab offers good balance and body in the mouth along with plum, cherry, cassis and spice in moderate measures. A bright, fresh-feeling finish ensures a positive lasting impression. | Block Selection Reserve Block N. 6 | 87 | 12 | Colchagua Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | La Playa 2010 Block Selection Reserve Block N. 6 Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | La Playa |
| 48918 | 48917 | Chile | With dark-berry aromas and pointed toughness, this is a solid wine with creamy oak, some stickiness and a lactic element. Flavors of herbal dark fruits and minty oak lead to a dry, minty, hot and spicy finish with more than enough residual oak flavor. | Casa Grand Selection | 87 | 12 | Rapel Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Lapostolle 2011 Casa Grand Selection Merlot (Rapel Valley) | Merlot | Lapostolle |
| 48919 | 48918 | US | This Pinot is lovely—it's dry, silky and moderate in alcohol, yet rich in fruit, with raspberry and cherry jam, tobacco and oak flavors. Give it some time in the decanter and drink now. | Lovely Rita | 87 | 32 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | | | Longoria 2011 Lovely Rita Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) | Pinot Noir | Longoria |
| 48920 | 48919 | Chile | Matetic makes a clean, tropical, racy style of Gewürz that's a lot like Torrontés from Argentina. The palate is fresh with kick, while flavors of lemon-lime, lychee and passion fruit are true to the grape and set up a medium-length finish with exotic spice notes. This is perfect for Asian foods. | Corralillo | 87 | 20 | San Antonio | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Matetic 2012 Corralillo Gewurztraminer (San Antonio) | Gewürztraminer | Matetic |
| 48921 | 48920 | Chile | Baked apple, pulpy citrus and oak aromas create a soft nose. In the mouth, this feels wide and resiny, and the flavors match that lead: oak, resin, vanilla, tropical fruit and citrus are all registering. On the finish, this is oaky and resiny. | Alpha | 87 | 25 | Casablanca Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Montes 2011 Alpha Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley) | Chardonnay | Montes |
| 48922 | 48921 | US | A lush, crisp Chardonnay from a cool-ish vintage that tastes most specifically of green apple with a tropical twist on the finish. | Small Lot Blend | 87 | 13 | California | Mendocino County | | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Parducci 2011 Small Lot Blend Chardonnay (Mendocino County) | Chardonnay | Parducci |
| 48923 | 48922 | Spain | Chunky, ripe black-fruit aromas come with violet accents. The mouthfeel is good but gritty, with hard tannins and a lot of oak that creates a buttery topping to plum, cassis and molasses flavors. This ripe wine finishes stable but quick, with some chocolate flavor but not much else. | Crianza | 87 | 35 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Portia 2009 Crianza (Ribera del Duero) | Tempranillo | Portia |
| 48924 | 48923 | Italy | Aged 18 months in barrique, Oinos opens with a crisp and snappy quality of berry fruit followed by clean lines, good acidity and light spice shadings. Bitter chocolate and cherry liqueur appear on the close. | Oinos | 87 | 30 | Central Italy | Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane | | | | San Lorenzo 2009 Oinos (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane) | Montepulciano | San Lorenzo |
| 48925 | 48924 | Chile | Welcoming but basic cassis and berry aromas carrry a leathery accent and a hint of rubber. The palate is mildly creamy and comfortable, with cassis, cherry and plum flavors but little beyond that. A clean finish cements this well-made wine's value position. | Selección del Directorio Gran Reserva | 87 | 10 | Colchagua Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Santa Helena 2011 Selección del Directorio Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Santa Helena |
| 48926 | 48925 | Austria | Styria's trademark Sauvignon Blanc in its purest, freshest form. It has delicious acidity, pear and white peach flavors and a burst of grapefruit freshness. Drink now, or hold for a year. Screwcap. | Vom Sand | 87 | 19 | Südsteiermark | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Sattlerhof 2012 Vom Sand Sauvignon Blanc (Südsteiermark) | Sauvignon Blanc | Sattlerhof |
| 48927 | 48926 | US | It's all about flashy, ripe berry jam, red currant and chocolate flavors in this softly tannic wine. Despite the impression of sweetness, the finish is dry, and a little bitter. Hard to tell if it's going anywhere. Give it some decanting and drink now. | Kidd Ranch | 87 | 38 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Sequum 2009 Kidd Ranch Syrah (Napa Valley) | Syrah | Sequum |
| 48928 | 48927 | US | The pedigree of this Cabernet shows in the incredible depth of flavor and softly gentle, complex tannins. With intensely concentrated blackberry jam, cassis liqueur and oak flavors, it's distinctly Napa-esque. It is, however, compromised by sharp acidity that's noticeable throughout the palate experience. | Estate Grown | 87 | 90 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Signorello 2010 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Signorello |
| 48929 | 48928 | Italy | This expression of Sauvignon offers very nice richness in the mouth thanks to its creamy density and medium structure. The aromas, instead, recall peach, apricot, yellow rose and honey. Pair this wine with chicken tandoori. | | 87 | 15 | Northeastern Italy | Venezia Giulia | | | | Talis Wine 2011 Sauvignon (Venezia Giulia) | Sauvignon | Talis Wine |
| 48930 | 48929 | Italy | This Riserva Sangiovese from Central Italy opens with sweet notes of candied fruit and cherry followed by a light and lean feeling in the mouth. Try pairing it with a simple pizza marinara (with tomato, garlic and oregano). | Petrignone Riserva | 87 | 17 | Central Italy | Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore | | | | Tre Monti 2009 Petrignone Riserva (Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore) | Sangiovese | Tre Monti |