| 52801 | 52800 | US | Tastes jammy and sharp, like a barrel sample, with acidic flavors of raspberries, black cherries and spices. The tannins are rich and smooth. A very good wine, but bristly and tough in youth. Give it a few years to mellow. | Scherrer Vineyard | 87 | 27 | California | Sonoma County | Sonoma | | | Greenwood Ridge 2008 Scherrer Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma County) | Zinfandel | Greenwood Ridge |
| 52802 | 52801 | South Africa | There's not a ton of assertive character to this wine aside from its gripping tannins and firm structure. The fruit is faint and shy, with notes of dark berries, black tea and licorice spice hiding in the background. Open well in advance, give it a good decant, or try cellaring for another couple of years before drinking. | | 87 | 35 | Simonsberg-Stellenbosch | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Kanonkop 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Simonsberg-Stellenbosch) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Kanonkop |
| 52803 | 52802 | US | A rich, elegant and accessible blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre with well-ripened cherry, berry, currant, spice and cedar flavors. Showing its best now, so drink up. | Les 3 Cépages | 87 | 40 | California | Santa Ynez Valley | Central Coast | | | Koehler 2008 Les 3 Cépages G-S-M (Santa Ynez Valley) | G-S-M | Koehler |
| 52804 | 52803 | US | Good price for a rich, textured Syrah. Shows delicious cherry, black raspberry, chocolate, anise, pepper and sandalwood flavors, wrapped into smooth tannins. Drink this soft, fruity Syrah now. | | 87 | 16 | California | Santa Barbara | Central Coast | | | Krow Shore 2008 Syrah (Santa Barbara) | Syrah | Krow Shore |
| 52805 | 52804 | Italy | The Greco Bianco grape (a native variety of Calabria in southern Italy) offers compelling aromas of pear, Golden Delicious apple and stone fruit. Librandi does a great job with this wine that shows density and creamy spice on the close. Pair it with white meat or fish. | | 87 | | Southern Italy | Cirò | | | | Librandi 2009 Cirò | Greco Bianco | Librandi |
| 52806 | 52805 | Italy | This darkly colored Primitivo opens with sweet notes of Christmas spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, blackberry jam and plum cake. The wine is sticky and chewy on the close with sweet, succulent tannins. | | 87 | | Southern Italy | Puglia | | | | Masseria del Fauno 2010 Primitivo (Puglia) | Primitivo | Masseria del Fauno |
| 52807 | 52806 | US | This is a good, dry, spicy Cabernet. It shows the briary character of Dry Creek Valley, with flavors of wild berries and tobacco, and sandpapery tannins. Good price for a wine that gets better as it breathes in the glass. | | 87 | 20 | California | Dry Creek Valley | Sonoma | | | Pezzi King 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Creek Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Pezzi King |
| 52808 | 52807 | Chile | Sweet, jammy and friendly on the nose, with a bit of herbs, olive and leather. The palate is firm and healthy, with some oaky residue along with jammy, grainy blackberry, baked plum and bitter chocolate flavors. Sweet and chewy in terms of feel, with a nicely baked overall character. | | 87 | 19 | Aconcagua Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Arboleda 2009 Syrah (Aconcagua Valley) | Syrah | Arboleda |
| 52809 | 52808 | US | This is Pinot on the edge of ripeness, with layers of herb and tomato leaf threaded in with tart wild berry fruit. The tannins are a little rough, but overall the balance is right and the wine does not overreach. | Ferris Wheel | 87 | | Oregon | Umpqua Valley | Southern Oregon | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Brandborg 2008 Ferris Wheel Pinot Noir (Umpqua Valley) | Pinot Noir | Brandborg |
| 52810 | 52809 | New Zealand | A light- to medium-bodied Sauvignon, the 2009 Discovery is more delicate than many of its counterparts, with hints of stuck flint, accenting stone fruit and citrus flavors. Turns chalky and crisp on the finish. Drink now. | | 87 | 15 | East Coast | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Discovery 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (East Coast) | Sauvignon Blanc | Discovery |
| 52811 | 52810 | Chile | It's not easy distinguishing one Emiliana Chardonnay from the other; they're all more or less similar. Novas shows a touch of match stick and aromatic harshness, which is offset by softer melon and peach aromas. The palate is full and pulpy, with melony, obtuse flavors. Good for Chile, and decidedly not bitter or pithy | Novas Limited Selection | 87 | 15 | Casablanca Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Emiliana 2010 Novas Limited Selection Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley) | Chardonnay | Emiliana |
| 52812 | 52811 | Chile | A nice Cabernet for everyday usage largely because it's balanced, mild and under total control. The nose is pure red fruits with a touch of leather, while the palate is snappy, alert and full of tight, almost narrow cherry flavors and fine tannins. Dry and light on the finish. | Urban Maule | 87 | 13 | Maule Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | O. Fournier 2009 Urban Maule Cabernet Sauvignon (Maule Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | O. Fournier |
| 52813 | 52812 | South Africa | Sweet mocha and coffee notes overwhelm the bouquet of this Pinot, with red raspberry and cherry skin notes providing support. Lively acidity and a satiny texture fill the mouth, while white pepper spice lingers on the finish. | | 87 | 40 | Elgin | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Oak Valley 2008 Pinot Noir (Elgin) | Pinot Noir | Oak Valley |
| 52814 | 52813 | South Africa | This wine is tart and mouthwatering with strong notes of green gooseberry, lemon supremes, hay and a touch of green banana rind throughout. Balanced but bracing with a lively citrus finish. Drink now. | | 87 | 18 | Elgin | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Oak Valley 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (Elgin) | Sauvignon Blanc | Oak Valley |
| 52815 | 52814 | US | Packaged in an unusual plastic-style recyclable bag, with a seal you have to figure out how to open, this is a fine Sauvignon Blanc. At the equivalent of 10 bucks for a regular bottle, it's dry, crisp and fruity, with lime and gooseberry flavors. Delivers lots of bang for the buck. | | 87 | 20 | California | North Coast | North Coast | | | Indulge 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (North Coast) | Sauvignon Blanc | Indulge |
| 52816 | 52815 | Chile | Starts out a little sharp and heavy on the olive aromas, but it brings enough freshness to override any roasted, herbal qualities that come with the variety. The palate is big and chunky, with sweet, jammy black fruit flavors. Long, chocolaty and slightly herbal on the finish. | Reserva | 87 | 16 | Limarí Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Los Molles 2009 Reserva Syrah (Limarí Valley) | Syrah | Los Molles |
| 52817 | 52816 | Italy | A super Campania blend of Coda di Volpe, Fiano, Greco and Falanghina (basically all of the region's white indigenous grapes), Mastro is a fabulously crisp, cheerful and enjoyable wine. It drinks like a charm with a no-fuss, direct approach. | Mastro | 87 | | Southern Italy | Campania | | | | Mastroberardino 2009 Mastro White (Campania) | White Blend | Mastroberardino |
| 52818 | 52817 | Germany | Although this is not particularly intense or complex, there's no denying its easy appeal. It's nearly dry, with a creamy midpalate and medium body, and features easy-to-like notes of apple, melon and citrus. Finishes refreshingly clean. Drink it over the next year or two. | Trocken | 87 | 19 | Mosel | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Melsheimer 2009 Trocken Riesling (Mosel) | Riesling | Melsheimer |
| 52819 | 52818 | New Zealand | Even at a considerable 15 g/l of residual sugar, this wine comes across as almost dry, thanks to its crisp acidity. Scents of petrichor, green apple and lime start things off, while those razor-sharp acids show up on the finish. Drink now. | | 87 | 14 | Nelson | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Nelson Bay 2009 Riesling (Nelson) | Riesling | Nelson Bay |
| 52820 | 52819 | Italy | This is a hearty, meaty wine that opens with aromas of smoked bacon, mesquite and A1 Steak Sauce. It feels smooth, rich and ends with a touch of bitter cherry. | Vigna Pezza la Corte | 87 | | Southern Italy | Aglianico del Taburno | | | | Ocone 2004 Vigna Pezza la Corte (Aglianico del Taburno) | Aglianico | Ocone |
| 52821 | 52820 | US | Lots of acidity and black pepper in this bone-dry wine, giving it a scoury mouthfeel. But you'll find very rich, elaborate blackberry and cherry jam, chocolate and bacon flavors. Drink now. | Estate Bottled | 87 | 25 | California | Monterey | Central Coast | | | Pianetta 2007 Estate Bottled Syrah (Monterey) | Syrah | Pianetta |
| 52822 | 52821 | US | Good price for a white wine this classy. At first it tastes a little sweet, with jammy apricot and pineapple fruit flavors, but the acidity is so good, it leaves behind a clean, dry aftertaste. | | 87 | 12 | California | Santa Barbara County | Central Coast | | | Red Pony Ranch 2009 Pinot Gris (Santa Barbara County) | Pinot Gris | Red Pony Ranch |
| 52823 | 52822 | US | A smooth, ripe Syrah, easy and soft in the mouth, with richly extracted berry, mocha, white pepper and sandalwood flavors. It's a dry, balanced wine showing some real elegance. | | 87 | 24 | California | Los Carneros | Napa-Sonoma | | | Taj 2007 Syrah (Los Carneros) | Syrah | Taj |
| 52824 | 52823 | Italy | The nose is shy but eventually offers suggestions of black cherry, underbrush, grilled herb and a balsamic note. The firm palate offers raspberry jam, licorice and a hint of coco alongside austere, drying tannins that leave an astringent finish. | Brunate | 89 | 210 | Piedmont | Barolo | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Vietti 2012 Brunate (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Vietti |
| 52825 | 52824 | France | The wine is crisp and lightly herbal. It has a good citrus edge that is filled out with warmer peach and currant flavors. There is a good tangy texture as well that gives an attractive bite. The wine is ready to drink. | Château Lalande Bellevue | 89 | 16 | Bordeaux | Bordeaux Blanc | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Vignerons de Tutiac 2015 Château Lalande Bellevue (Bordeaux Blanc) | Bordeaux-style White Blend | Vignerons de Tutiac |
| 52826 | 52825 | Spain | Plum, cherry and cassis aromas are mildly woody. This feels firm, choppy and rugged. Flavors of cherry, plum and cassis reflect the nose, while this finishes ripe, with fresh acidity that comes with a controlled citrusy character. | Reserva | 89 | 19 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Viña Eguía 2011 Reserva (Rioja) | Tempranillo | Viña Eguía |
| 52827 | 52826 | Italy | Aromas of pressed rose, toast, menthol and a whiff of cellar floor emerge after a few minutes in the glass. The palate shows dried cherry, coffee, vanilla and a hint of mocha alongside bracing tannins that leave an astringent finish. | Barolo del Comune di Barolo | 89 | 55 | Piedmont | Barolo | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Virna Borgogno 2012 Barolo del Comune di Barolo (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Virna Borgogno |
| 52828 | 52827 | US | This wine is equal parts Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet takes the lead on the aromas, with notes of dark cherry and dried herbs along with hints of toast, coffee and cocoa. The elegant milk chocolate and cherry flavors are brightened by the Sangiovese's tart acidity. | Bello Rosso | 89 | 38 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Walla Walla Vintners 2013 Bello Rosso Red (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Red Blend | Walla Walla Vintners |
| 52829 | 52828 | Austria | Rich, almost rose-petal like aromas of summer blossom dance across the wonderfully light but still textured palate. There is a suggestion of passion fruit and juicy, yellow plum on the palate. An incredible amount of fruit and aroma on such a light-bodied, almost frivolous wine. | | 89 | 24 | Vienna | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Weingut Christ 2015 Gelber Muskateller (Vienna) | Gelber Muskateller | Weingut Christ |
| 52830 | 52829 | US | This medium-bodied wine has lightly spicy aromas, good, mouthfilling fruit flavors and a smooth texture. Words like suave and velvety come to mind. It's a very nice effort for the winery's first Barbera. | Cooper Vineyard | 89 | 28 | California | Amador County | Sierra Foothills | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Sierra Starr 2013 Cooper Vineyard Barbera (Amador County) | Barbera | Sierra Starr |