| 5723 | 5722 | US | Plum, sassafras and dark cherry form a contingency of flavor in this brooding, velvety smooth wine with a sizable finish. Cinnamon and clove are peppered throughout this full-bodied, well-made effort from the famous vineyard site. | Estate | 90 | 65 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Bacigalupi 2014 Estate Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | Pinot Noir | Bacigalupi |
| 5724 | 5723 | US | Bursting with citrus and savory aromas, this wine is an extrovert that layers spicy, herbal notes on top of ripe and delicious melon and citrus flavors. It has the at-first almost pungent aroma of oak-aged Sauvignon, and slowly reveals more interesting layers of fruit and spice with each sip. | | 90 | 20 | California | Big Valley District-Lake County | | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Boatique 2014 Sauvignon Blanc (Big Valley District-Lake County) | Sauvignon Blanc | Boatique |
| 5725 | 5724 | US | Sharp lime skins, rich petrol and yellow grapefruit juice combine for that familiarly fresh Riesling aroma, yet this one is a tad richer, with a lemon pastry note. Dried lemons and apples show on the palate, where a zesty, tangy yuzu acidity meets with ginger and lemongrass notes. A complex bottling. | | 90 | 24 | California | Santa Ynez Valley | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Brooklyn West 2012 Riesling (Santa Ynez Valley) | Riesling | Brooklyn West |
| 5726 | 5725 | Austria | Notes of tart strawberry and wood sorrel rise delicately from the glass and scent the light, softly hued palate beautifully. There is interest here beyond mere fruit and the spicy core mingles beautifully with ripe lemon freshness. Drink soon but slowly to savor the spice. | Langenloiser | 90 | 25 | Niederösterreich | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Bründlmayer 2015 Langenloiser Rosé (Niederösterreich) | Rosé | Bründlmayer |
| 5727 | 5726 | Italy | This offers aromas of wild berry, baking spice, toast and a floral note. On the firm palate, notes of vanilla, clove and powdered sage accent a sour cherry core alongside nervous acidity. Close-grained tannins grip the finish. Drink 2018 through 2026. | Rocche di Castiglione | 90 | 200 | Piedmont | Barolo | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Vietti 2011 Rocche di Castiglione (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Vietti |
| 5728 | 5727 | US | Ripe blueberries, toasted oak, caramel, brown coffee, black pepper and crushed grape seeds combine for a pleasant smoke and fruit combo on the nose of this bottling. There is a nice chalky texture on the energetic palate, where dense elderberry and blackberry notes meet with tobacco ash flavors. | Bunkhouse | 90 | 30 | California | Paso Robles | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Hearst Ranch 2013 Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Hearst Ranch |
| 5729 | 5728 | US | Plum clafouti and a marriage of cherry and clove provide a foundation above which lies a spicy mix of dried herb and cedar in this integrated, softly approachable wine of medium-build and length. | Special Reserve | 90 | 42 | California | Alexander Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Herzog 2012 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Herzog |
| 5730 | 5729 | US | From a replanted single vineyard, single clone site, the first vintage since that replanting in 2009, there's a youthful awkwardness still at play here, though the wine is quite juicy in black cherry and a lingering suggestion of soy. The oak and tannin are fairly firm and pronounced. | Q | 90 | 85 | California | Green Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Iron Horse 2013 Q Pinot Noir (Green Valley) | Pinot Noir | Iron Horse |
| 5701 | 5700 | Italy | This earthy wine opens with aromas of meat juices, baking spices and black fruit together with notes of leather and balsam. The rich palate delivers dark red cherry layered with mint and a tad of milk chocolate alongside dusty tannins. It' well balanced and should age moderately well. Drink 2016–2024. | Grazia | 91 | | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Bolsignano 2009 Grazia (Brunello di Montalcino) | Sangiovese | Bolsignano |
| 5702 | 5701 | US | A beautiful wine to pair with desserts based on white fruits or simple but delicious vanilla sponge cake. Made from late-harvested Chardonnay, it's very sweet in apricots, lemons, vanilla and buttered toast, with a brisk edge of acidity for balance. | Bouche d'Or | 91 | 30 | California | Carneros | Napa-Sonoma | | | Bouchaine 2012 Bouche d'Or Chardonnay (Carneros) | Chardonnay | Bouchaine |
| 5703 | 5702 | US | Since planting in 1997, Bucher Vineyard has been a renowned source of Pinot Noir for exceptional local wineries. Now the Bucher family is making their own wine, with good results. The wine is dry, fresh and keen in acidity, and has considerable weight, with ripe, forward raspberry, cherry, bacon, sautéed wild mushroom and exotic spice flavors. However, it's still too young. Begin to enjoy it around 2018. | | 91 | 40 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Bucher 2012 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | Pinot Noir | Bucher |
| 5704 | 5703 | Austria | An unlikely but enticing mix of woodsmoke and citrus, of earthiness and lemon oil already hint at the complexity of this nutty wine. A central seam of acidity brings spicy, almost soy-sauce-like savoriness and a bruised-apple edge into focus and suggests that this is best drunk with hearty food. | Spiegel | 91 | 40 | Thermenregion | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Johanneshof Reinisch 2012 Spiegel Zierfandler (Thermenregion) | Zierfandler | Johanneshof Reinisch |
| 5705 | 5704 | Italy | From one of the best vintages in the last 15 years, this classic Barolo needs to be opened a couple of hours ahead of time to breathe. It's a bit shy on aromas but the palate delivers dried cherry, fig, tobacco, white pepper and black tea flavors. Youthful acidity accompanies silky tannins in this wine that is just starting to develop complexity. Drink through 2024. | Riserva | 91 | 50 | Piedmont | Barolo | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Villadoria 2004 Riserva (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Villadoria |
| 5706 | 5705 | US | This excellent Merlot speaks to many of Reininger's proven strengths. It's quite smooth and supple, loaded with ripe plum and cherry fruit, seamless and chocolaty. The balance is right on, the length and texture captivating. | | 91 | 39 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Reininger 2010 Merlot (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Merlot | Reininger |
| 5707 | 5706 | US | A pure varietal Syrah, this opens with a mix of peppery herbs, a hint of stem, and a whiff of tomato leaf. Give it some breathing room and the red currant fruit fleshes out, melding with darker flavors of licorice, soy and espresso, in a wine of medium length, with natural acidity and crisp tannins. | | 91 | 44 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Reininger 2010 Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Syrah | Reininger |
| 5708 | 5707 | US | The proportions favor Grenache 55% to 45%. Four vineyards from three widely different AVAs contributed grapes, yielding compelling aromas of wild berry, raw meat and a brambly character. This is a wine that wants you to take a walk on the wild side, so put on some Lou Reed while you enjoy it. | | 91 | 25 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Syncline 2011 Grenache-Carignan (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Grenache-Carignan | Syncline |
| 5709 | 5708 | Austria | Aloe vera, green pear peel and ripe Mirabelle plums charm nose and palate on the soft and ripe palate. Despite the ripeness nothing is overdone and reaches a center of gravity. | Bergdistel Smaragd | 91 | 30 | Wachau | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Tegernseerhof 2012 Bergdistel Smaragd Grüner Veltliner (Wachau) | Grüner Veltliner | Tegernseerhof |
| 5710 | 5709 | Argentina | Blackberry, blueberry and creamy vanilla aromas comprise a sweet, chunky, very ripe bouquet. The mouthfeel is full, succulent and bouncy, while flavors of creamy oak, baking spices and black fruits finish with juicy acidity and plenty of wood, chocolate and licorice notes. 150 cases made; drink through 2018. | | 91 | 95 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | TeHo 2012 Malbec (Mendoza) | Malbec | TeHo |
| 5711 | 5710 | Austria | Conference pear and lemony acidity produce a clean-cut mouthfeel and real refreshment factor. The wine is concentrated but also is lean and soaring, supported by stony minerality. | Federspiel Selection | 91 | 27 | Wachau | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Jäger 2012 Federspiel Selection Grüner Veltliner (Wachau) | Grüner Veltliner | Jäger |
| 5712 | 5711 | US | 20% whole-cluster fermented, this rich, brooding blend of Alder Ridge (86%) and Snipes Mountain Grenache brings notes of licorice, dark cherry, black pepper and mortared herbs. It's broad in feel, tart, fruit filled, and tightly wound, needing time in the cellar to unfurl. | | 91 | 40 | Washington | Horse Heaven Hills | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Kerloo 2011 Grenache (Horse Heaven Hills) | Grenache | Kerloo |
| 5713 | 5712 | US | This is a good price for a Cabernet this rich and satisfying. It's dry, tannic and opulent in blackberries, black currants and mocha, with a complex note of green olives. It's fully ready to drink now. | Series | 91 | 20 | California | Oakville | Napa | | | Kirkland Signature 2011 Series Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Kirkland Signature |
| 5714 | 5713 | Italy | Round and velvety, it has aromas of ripe berry, chocolate and exotic spices. The rich palate delivers juicy black cherry punctuated with ground black pepper, cinnamon, carob, pipe tobacco and mint. Forward and sweet, this is already extremely accessible so enjoy soon. Drink through 2018. | Poggio Abate Riserva | 91 | 78 | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | La Poderina 2008 Poggio Abate Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino) | Sangiovese | La Poderina |
| 5715 | 5714 | Italy | Made entirely with Syrah, this concentrated wine delivers plum, black pepper, cocoa, coffee, fleshy black cherry and notes of bay leaf. It's plush, soft and savory but it also seems shy on vibrancy and essential energy. Drink sooner rather than later. | Scrio | 91 | 160 | Tuscany | Toscana | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Le Macchiole 2010 Scrio Syrah (Toscana) | Syrah | Le Macchiole |
| 5716 | 5715 | France | An impressive wine, it already shows signs of its potential. It is elegant, with ripe fruits and layers of dark tannins. As it opens, blackberry fruits come through strongly, balancing the firm structure. Drink from 2018. | | 91 | 20 | Bordeaux | Haut-Médoc | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Beaumont 2011 Haut-Médoc | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Château Beaumont |
| 5717 | 5716 | France | The estate is under the same ownership as Château la Dominique in Saint-Émilion. This dense wine balances acidity with intense fruitiness. The tannins are now softening, giving a rich structure plus a concentrated leather and spice character. Drink from 2016. | | 91 | | Bordeaux | Haut-Médoc | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Clément-Pichon 2010 Haut-Médoc | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Château Clément-Pichon |
| 5718 | 5717 | France | Spicy new wood flavors dominate this otherwise strongly fruity wine. The tension between the two promises a rich, full and ripe wine for the future. There is enough weight, acidity, blackberry fruit and richness to balance out the wood aging. Give this dense wine until 2018. | | 91 | | Bordeaux | Listrac-Médoc | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Fonréaud 2011 Listrac-Médoc | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Château Fonréaud |
| 5719 | 5718 | France | Firm and closed this is a dark and tannic wine, although black currant flavors are also very present. It feels austere with a mineral texture and concentrated final acidity. Drink Lafite's second wine from 2017. | Carruades de Lafite | 91 | | Bordeaux | Pauillac | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Lafite Rothschild 2011 Carruades de Lafite (Pauillac) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Château Lafite Rothschild |
| 5720 | 5719 | France | Almost black in color, this is a solid, firm and ripe wine. It has a smooth wood character that is round and rich with black plum and berry fruit flavors. With its dark underlying texture, it will age, so drink from 2017. | | 91 | 40 | Bordeaux | Haut-Médoc | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Larose Perganson 2011 Haut-Médoc | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Château Larose Perganson |
| 5721 | 5720 | France | This structured wine is the second wine of Château Montrose. It is balanced, the smooth, fresh fruits and plum-skin texture making it already accessible. With its juicy aftertaste, it will be ready to drink soon. | La Dame de Montrose | 91 | | Bordeaux | Saint-Estèphe | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Montrose 2011 La Dame de Montrose (Saint-Estèphe) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Château Montrose |
| 5722 | 5721 | Italy | Structured and elegant, this lovely Pinot Grigio opens with delicate scents of white Alpine flower, citrus and a whiff of herb. The bright palate offers creamy white peach, crisp green apple and juicy nectarine while a mineral note backs up the finish. Bright acidity provides lift and balance. | | 90 | 19 | Northeastern Italy | Alto Adige Valle Isarco | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Abbazia di Novacella 2015 Pinot Grigio (Alto Adige Valle Isarco) | Pinot Grigio | Abbazia di Novacella |