| 70457 | 70456 | Germany | Lavishly perfumed with hints of honeysuckle, musk melon and pear, this animated Riesling exhilarates the senses. Juicy and fresh with pristine stone-fruit flavor, it glides effortlessly yet endlessly on the palate. Enjoy now for its gorgeous perfume, but save a few bottles through 2020 to let the stately elegance shine through. | Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Spätlese | 92 | 44 | Mosel | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Fritz Haag 2013 Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Spätlese Riesling (Mosel) | Riesling | Fritz Haag |
| 70458 | 70457 | Italy | Juicy red berry, brimstone, leather, licorice, mint and thyme are just some of the aromas and flavors of this powerfully structured wine. Despite the muscular build, it's also loaded with finesse, boasting firm but noble tannins that accompany the layers of savory flavors. Drink 2016–2022. | Contrada C | 92 | 54 | Sicily & Sardinia | Terre Siciliane | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Passopisciaro 2012 Contrada C Nerello Mascalese (Terre Siciliane) | Nerello Mascalese | Passopisciaro |
| 70459 | 70458 | US | Co-fermented with about 2% Viognier, this aromatic Syrah offers a bouquet of floral, citrus and berry scents. It's clean, focused and pure, not fleshy but concentrated. The finish hits a full spectrum of dark flavors—coffee grounds, cacao, smoke, tar and black olive. | | 92 | 32 | Oregon | Oregon | Oregon Other | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Penner-Ash 2012 Syrah (Oregon) | Syrah | Penner-Ash |
| 70460 | 70459 | US | This tastes dry, though the 12.5 g/L residual sugar does round off the mouthfeel. Powerful, juicy fruit flavors of lemon pith, orange peel, pink grapefruit and white peach abound, with a touch of honey in the finish. Two-thirds was sourced from the excellent Hyland Vineyard. | | 92 | 24 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Penner-Ash 2013 Riesling (Willamette Valley) | Riesling | Penner-Ash |
| 70461 | 70460 | US | Plum and pomegranate play off each other in this monument to Howell Mountain, the wine dense and Rubenesque, suggesting further time in cellar, through 2022. With 1% Cabernet Franc blended in, the tannins and oak are well-integrated, spiking in tobacco and licorice. | | 92 | 90 | California | Howell Mountain | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Pine Ridge 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Pine Ridge |
| 70462 | 70461 | Italy | Elegant and structured, this opens with delicate aromas of Spanish broom, pear and Mediterranean herb. The linear, vibrant palate delivers juicy green apple, creamy pear and citrus alongside an energizing mineral and crisp acidity. This will continue to develop. Drink through 2020. | Bianco | 92 | 24 | Sicily & Sardinia | Etna | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Planeta 2013 Bianco (Etna) | Carricante | Planeta |
| 70463 | 70462 | Portugal | Foot trodden in traditional open granite lagars, this is an elegant wine. Ripe black plum jelly flavors are balanced by firm tannins and a fresher edge. It's a wine that will develop over a long time, although with its fruit it's almost ready to drink now. Ideally, though, keep it until 2025. | Adelaide Vintage | 92 | 110 | Port | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Quinta do Vallado 2012 Adelaide Vintage (Port) | Port | Quinta do Vallado |
| 70464 | 70463 | Portugal | It's old-gold color says it all. This luscious, liquorous wine has a tangy edge to go alongside the acidity, the raisin fruits and flavors of long wood aging. It's not so much fresh as still very alive and poised. Drink now. | 40 Years Old Tawny | 92 | 80 | Port | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Quinta do Vallado NV 40 Years Old Tawny (Port) | Port | Quinta do Vallado |
| 70441 | 70440 | Germany | A streak of grapefruit acidity lends a racy edge to sweet white-peach and Meyer-lemon flavors in this lip-smacking spätlese. It's delicately filigreed in texture, yet powerfully concentrated in fruit. Touches of mineral and herb add complexity to the lingering finish. | Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland Spätlese | 92 | 44 | Rheingau | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Johannishof 2013 Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland Spätlese Riesling (Rheingau) | Riesling | Johannishof |
| 70465 | 70464 | US | This stylish, tightly wound, concentrated effort features yellow fruits adorned with layers of toast, butter and caramel. It will continue to open gracefully over a 48-hour window, suggesting that it may be cellared successfully. But if you have the patience to decant/aerate properly, it is immensely enjoyable right now, and a very fine value. | | 92 | 30 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Shea 2012 Chardonnay (Willamette Valley) | Chardonnay | Shea |
| 70466 | 70465 | US | Smoke, dried reed and herb tones persist throughout this earthy, semidry Riesling. Pressed apple and pear flavors are savory as well, but brightened by a shower of tart tangerine acidity on the finish. | Semi-Dry | 84 | 17 | New York | Finger Lakes | Finger Lakes | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Serenity 2012 Semi-Dry Riesling (Finger Lakes) | Riesling | Serenity |
| 70467 | 70466 | US | Demure on the nose with hints of dust, smoke and dried herbs, this is a dry, decidedly savory style of Sauvignon Blanc. It's crisp and spry on the palate with pleasant lemon-lime flavors, but finishes briskly. | Estate Reserve | 84 | 16 | New York | Finger Lakes | Finger Lakes | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Stony Lonesome 2013 Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (Finger Lakes) | Sauvignon Blanc | Stony Lonesome |
| 70442 | 70441 | US | This perfumed wine is a superb expression of Oregon Pinot Gris, and the best Tikka's ever from Lemelson. Apples, oranges and ripe melons fill the fruit bowl, bright and luscious and accented with perfectly proportioned barrel notes of toasted coconut and almond. | Tikka's Run | 92 | 19 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Lemelson 2013 Tikka's Run Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Gris | Lemelson |
| 70468 | 70467 | US | This wine's nose is all about earth and minerality, showing iron, rust, mushrooms and eucalyptus, but in a rather pungent way. The flavors are sanguine, nearly metallic, with Indian spices and cranberry fruit combining for a sip that is lean in body but grippy with tannins. | Vintner's Select | 84 | 25 | California | Santa Maria Valley | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Summerland 2013 Vintner's Select Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley) | Pinot Noir | Summerland |
| 70443 | 70442 | US | A rich, evocative, sensual aroma greets the first sniff. The mix of purple fruits, hints of baking spices, and tannins dusted with chocolate is irresistible. Sweet toast comes up next, with pretty fruit flavors in proportion, and a taste of brioche to finish. Aging until 2016–2017 should open it up further. | Karen's Pommard | 92 | 55 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Lenné Estate 2012 Karen's Pommard Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir | Lenné Estate |
| 70469 | 70468 | US | Aromas arise slowly, though toasted oak, struck match and slightly sour fruits do emerge eventually. Flavors are straightforward, with scorched lemon and apple sauce. | North Highlands Cuvee | 84 | 30 | California | Santa Lucia Highlands | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Manzoni 2013 North Highlands Cuvee Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands) | Chardonnay | Manzoni |
| 70470 | 70469 | France | This is a tough wine, packed more with tannins than fruit. A bitter chocolate character comes from over-extraction of the tannins. The fruit is slow in coming, although there are hints of juiciness. Give it until 2017. | | 84 | 15 | Bordeaux | Haut-Médoc | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Fonsèche 2012 Haut-Médoc | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Château Fonsèche |
| 70444 | 70443 | Germany | Earthy whiffs of dust and pollen belie radiant flavors of mango and peach on the palate. It's a ripe, rather voluptuous beerenauslese, yet elegantly honed along a line of tart tangerine acidity. Complex and layered, it keeps the palate on its toes through a long, exciting ride. | Monzinger Halenberg Beerenauslese | 92 | 65 | Nahe | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Weingut Weber 2011 Monzinger Halenberg Beerenauslese Riesling (Nahe) | Riesling | Weingut Weber |
| 70445 | 70444 | US | A study in dusty tannins and crisp, classic cassis and cranberry, this wine offers plenty of the beloved herbaceousness of old-school Cabernet, along with a soft-hearted structure and compelling notes of violet and soy. Medium-bodied, it's enjoyable now but has the legs to age through 2026. | | 92 | 125 | California | Oakville | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Aiken 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Aiken |
| 70446 | 70445 | US | This blend of 45% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 25% Syrah from Bob and Lynn Tillman's Adelaida Road estate offers an intriguing, aromatic mix of sanguine blood elements alongside ripe black cherries and white pepper. Solid acidity and good tannins frame the palate, which delivers espresso, elderberry, licorice and forest-floor flavors. | Estate | 92 | 38 | California | Paso Robles | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Alta Colina 2010 Estate G-S-M (Paso Robles) | G-S-M | Alta Colina |
| 70447 | 70446 | Italy | The intense floral fragrance suggests dog rose, broom, violet and perfumed berry. The vibrant, linear palate offers red cherry-berry, cinnamon, white pepper, Mediterranean herb, licorice and orange zest alongside assertive but polished tannins and vibrant acidity. It's beautifully balanced, with a mineral-driven finish. Drink 2017–2025. | Outis Rosso | 92 | 40 | Sicily & Sardinia | Etna | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Biondi 2013 Outis Rosso (Etna) | Red Blend | Biondi |
| 70448 | 70447 | France | This rich Gewurztraminer reflects the chalk soil of this prized grand cru. It gives a structured, firm wine, close to dry with spice and pepper flavors as well as a strongly mineral character. It needs proper aging, so drink from 2018. | Hengst Grand Cru | 92 | 48 | Alsace | Alsace | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Barmès-Buecher 2013 Hengst Grand Cru Gewurztraminer (Alsace) | Gewürztraminer | Domaine Barmès-Buecher |
| 70449 | 70448 | France | The chalk soil of Champagne makes a reappearance in the Pfersigberg vineyard. In this wine it shows as elegance and crispness. That's not to take away from the rich, rounded texture and exotic fruits; it adds complexity and great style. Drink from 2017. | Pfersigberg Grand Cru | 92 | 30 | Alsace | Alsace | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Charles Baur 2012 Pfersigberg Grand Cru Gewurztraminer (Alsace) | Gewürztraminer | Domaine Charles Baur |
| 70450 | 70449 | US | Sashi Moorman and Rajat Parr love to pick early, and it shows with aromas of stewed tomatoes, green olives, green cardamom and Eastern European spices. It's very savory and wakes up the palate with vinegar-laden flavors reminiscent of North African tagines, and would make an excellent extra-spice accompaniment to a wide variety of foods. Expect this wine to grow in complexity and approachability 2018–2024. | la Cote | 92 | 90 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Domaine de la Cote 2012 la Cote Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) | Pinot Noir | Domaine de la Cote |
| 70451 | 70450 | Israel | Deep ruby to the eye, this blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot has a bouquet of coffee and black currant preserves. It offers a frankly gorgeous interplay between fruit and cool herbal flavors, with black cherry joined on the palate by licorice, eucalyptus, butterscotch and flint. The drawn-out finish offers a surprisingly bright burst that inspires taking the next sip. | Grand Vin | 92 | 75 | Haut-Judeé | | | Mike DeSimone | @worldwineguys | Domaine du Castel 2011 Grand Vin Red (Haut-Judeé) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Domaine du Castel |
| 70452 | 70451 | France | Very aromatic, this ripe, full-bodied wine is still young—full of spice, exotic fruits and only a touch of acidity. With a density that can only come from a Grand Cru vineyard, this powerful wine needs to age. Drink from 2017. | Eichberg Grand Cru | 92 | 48 | Alsace | Alsace | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Zinck 2013 Eichberg Grand Cru Gewurztraminer (Alsace) | Gewürztraminer | Domaine Zinck |
| 70453 | 70452 | France | The Goldert Grand Cru with its stone and chalk soil gives powerful wines. That's the case here with this dense, tense bottling. The spice is intense, rich and concentrated. A touch of acidity keeps everything in check. Drink from 2017. | Goldert Grand Cru | 92 | 48 | Alsace | Alsace | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Zinck 2013 Goldert Grand Cru Gewurztraminer (Alsace) | Gewürztraminer | Domaine Zinck |
| 70454 | 70453 | France | Clos Windsbuhl in Hunawihr is the northernmost of Zind-Humbrecht's collection of vineyards. In 2012, it has produced an impressive wine that has all the right spice of Pinot Gris along with acidity and a fresh edge. That gives this rich wine a great lift, with a waft of pear to go with the yellow-fruit flavors. Drink from 2016. | Clos Windsbuhl Hunawihr | 92 | 80 | Alsace | Alsace | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2012 Clos Windsbuhl Hunawihr Pinot Gris (Alsace) | Pinot Gris | Domaine Zind-Humbrecht |
| 70455 | 70454 | US | There is a deeply sanguine sense to the nose of this appellation blend by the Buellton-based winery, with bloody meats and graphite giving way to ripe raspberry fruit, brown spices and chopped herbs. It's very spicy once sipped, with black pepper, mocha and red fruits upholding more iron and pencil-shaving flavors on the palate. | | 92 | 44 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Dragonette 2012 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) | Pinot Noir | Dragonette |
| 70456 | 70455 | US | One of the winery's tasty bottlings that are odes to Bill Foley's Texas ranch roots, this offers aromas of crushed chalk, fresh apple blossoms and a ruby-red grapefruit peel tartness. The flavors surround a very clean line of lemon juice and lime pith, with more chalk, ripe apples and brisk nectarine. It's still tight and will age well. | JA Ranch | 92 | 45 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Foley 2012 JA Ranch Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) | Chardonnay | Foley |