7231 | 7230 | US | This is a sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated, Bordeaux-style blend, with 9% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec. It carries a note of leather and drying tannins, suggesting that you should drink it fairly soon. It should be delicious with a grilled steak. | | 87 | 14 | Washington | Rattlesnake Hills | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Roza Ridge 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rattlesnake Hills) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Roza Ridge |
7232 | 7231 | Spain | This is an exotic wine with aromas of graham cracker, blueberry, violet petal and pastry. It feels lush, grabby, chewy and tannic, with heavy flavors of clove, black licorice, savory berry and baked plum. The finish is dominated by oak, with clove and resiny barrel notes that compete with the wine's fresher dark-fruit component. | | 87 | 16 | Central Spain | La Mancha | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Senda 66 2010 Tempranillo (La Mancha) | Tempranillo | Senda 66 |
7233 | 7232 | Spain | Fresh and fairly perky smelling, this has aromas of lettuce, white flower and peach. It feels smooth but not soft, with pear, melon and apple flavors that feed nicely into the healthy finish that seems to bear some residual sweetness. Very nice for simple sipping. | Arindo | 87 | 11 | Northern Spain | Rueda | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Shaya 2011 Arindo Verdejo (Rueda) | Verdejo | Shaya |
7234 | 7233 | Italy | “Il Re Pazzo,” which is Italian for “the crazy king,” delivers a cheerful berry note, with enough spice, tobacco and leather tones to give the wine heft and staying power. The sharp note of acidity would make this pair well with cheesy pasta. | Il Re Pazzo | 87 | 20 | Veneto | Valpolicella Classico | | | | Terre di Leone 2010 Il Re Pazzo (Valpolicella Classico) | Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara | Terre di Leone |
7235 | 7234 | South Africa | Notes of red apple, pear and a touch of sweet spice lead on the nose. It's balanced and refreshing, with apple skin and orange flavors on the palate that linger well onto the finish. | Sutherland | 87 | 15 | Elgin | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Thelema 2010 Sutherland Chardonnay (Elgin) | Chardonnay | Thelema |
7236 | 7235 | Spain | This is clean, fruity and appealing, with no aromas or flavors of heavy oak or weedy, roasted fruit. It offers cherry and berry flavors, with a healthy, quick finish that ends on a vanilla and mild spice note. | | 87 | 10 | Central Spain | Vino de la Tierra de Castilla | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Volteo 2010 Tempranillo (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla) | Tempranillo | Volteo |
7237 | 7236 | US | Notes of ripe, fleshy red fruit on the nose and palate are grazed with hints of smoked meat, nuts and dried sage—an appetizing mélange of sweet and savory elements. While it's full bodied, the zesty acidity makes for a refreshing yet satisfying sip. | | 87 | 19 | New York | Finger Lakes | Finger Lakes | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Keuka Spring 2010 Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes) | Cabernet Franc | Keuka Spring |
7238 | 7237 | France | From Tramier's own vineyards, this is a soft, fleshy wine with a light touch. The tannins are already gentle and the red berry fruits are highlighted by crisp acidity. For short-term aging only. | Château Mi-Pont | 87 | 35 | Burgundy | Mercurey | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | L. Tramier & Fils 2010 Château Mi-Pont (Mercurey) | Pinot Noir | L. Tramier & Fils |
7239 | 7238 | US | Delicate aromas of apple blossoms and fresh pears belie a surprisingly textured, mouthfilling Gewürztraminer, with concentrated stone-fruit flavors and a bristling minerality. Drink now. | Estate Bottled | 87 | 15 | New York | Finger Lakes | Finger Lakes | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Lamoreaux Landing 2011 Estate Bottled Gewürztraminer (Finger Lakes) | Gewürztraminer | Lamoreaux Landing |
7240 | 7239 | South Africa | Ripe notes of pineapple and firm guava are framed by bracing acidity that lends a slight prickle to the palate. Flavors of sweet grass and Key lime develop and carry onto the clean finish. Drink now. | Beyond | 87 | 12 | Coastal Region | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Buitenverwachting 2011 Beyond Sauvignon Blanc (Coastal Region) | Sauvignon Blanc | Buitenverwachting |
7241 | 7240 | Italy | Aged partially in wood and stainless steel, this delivers a healthy dose of plump, ripe red fruit. Notes of cherry, plum, red currant and cassis are followed by soft tannins and a spicy touch of white pepper. | | 87 | 32 | Veneto | Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso | | | | Ca' Rugate 2009 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso | Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara | Ca' Rugate |
7242 | 7241 | South Africa | Delicate accents of green apple flesh, juicy orange and peach pit fill out the nose and mouth of this attractive sparkler. The slightly aggressive carbonation keeps the palate fresh and mouthwatering, and a hint of baking spice graces the brisk finish. | Brut Blanc de Blancs | 87 | 25 | Robertson | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Graham Beck 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs Sparkling (Robertson) | Sparkling Blend | Graham Beck |
7243 | 7242 | France | Peach and pear flavors give a rich feel to this warm wine. It has vanilla and cream flavors, with a citrus character that cuts through the ripeness on the finish. Ready to drink. | | 87 | 18 | Burgundy | Mâcon-Fuissé | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Denis Dutron 2010 Mâcon-Fuissé | Chardonnay | Denis Dutron |
7244 | 7243 | France | Bright grapefruit and lime flavors are made round with a note of creamed apple. This is a delicious, full-flavored wine that's finely balanced and crisp on the finish. | | 87 | | Burgundy | Bourgogne | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Bernard Millot 2010 Bourgogne | Chardonnay | Domaine Bernard Millot |
7245 | 7244 | France | This shows good crispness, with an apple flavor and zesty acidity. The fruitiness is balanced by a mineral edge and a touch of caramel. | | 87 | 24 | Burgundy | Chablis | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît Droin 2010 Chablis | Chardonnay | Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît Droin |
7246 | 7245 | US | This is immediately attractive in blackberry, cherry and red currant flavors, with a subtle coating of smoky oak. With plenty of elegance, it's wonderful for drinking now. It should be relatively easy to find, with nearly 20,000 cases in circulation. | | 87 | 20 | California | Alexander Valley | Sonoma | | | Folie à Deux 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Folie à Deux |
7247 | 7246 | France | Round and rich, this has delicious acidity and touches of tropical fruits. It's ripe and full bodied, with an attractive hint of wood. | Prestige | 87 | 18 | Burgundy | Bourgogne | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Henri de Villamont 2009 Prestige (Bourgogne) | Chardonnay | Henri de Villamont |
7248 | 7247 | Italy | Maculan is celebrated for its excellent expressions of international grapes grown in the Veneto. This easy blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon offers a cheerful bouquet of cherry fruit and mild exotic spice. | Brentino | 87 | 18 | Veneto | Veneto | | | | Maculan 2009 Brentino Red (Veneto) | Red Blend | Maculan |
7249 | 7248 | Spain | The riary aromas have a floral accent as well as a leathery side. It feels bouncy and composed, with a good mouthfeel and solid flavors of spiced raspberry and red plum. Oaky but vibrant on the finish. | | 87 | 19 | Galicia | Ribeira Sacra | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Peza do Rei 2009 Mencía (Ribeira Sacra) | Mencía | Peza do Rei |
7250 | 7249 | Spain | This smells like horseradish and beets at first, but with time it softens up to reveal cleaner black fruit and maple aromas. It feels grabby and gritty, with strong tannic bite and black fruit flavors. It retains a ruggedness on the finish, along with molasses and chocolate flavors. | 12 Meses | 87 | 30 | Northern Spain | Toro | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Pictor 2009 12 Meses (Toro) | Tinta de Toro | Pictor |
7251 | 7250 | France | Fragrant and perfumed, this has a smoky character and crisp fruit, while remaining attractively ripe. The tannins are soft, and the acidity on the finish is fruity. | Les Dames Huguettes | 87 | 20 | Burgundy | Hautes Côtes de Nuits | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Nuiton-Beaunoy 2010 Les Dames Huguettes (Hautes Côtes de Nuits) | Pinot Noir | Nuiton-Beaunoy |
7252 | 7251 | US | Whiffs of cured meat and dark plum compote entice on the nose of this richly fruity Cabernet Franc. The palate is medium bodied and luscious, with flavors of sweet red plums and cherries. Green, leafy notes and nervy acidity add refreshment and verve. | Estate | 87 | 25 | New York | Finger Lakes | Finger Lakes | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Rooster Hill 2010 Estate Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes) | Cabernet Franc | Rooster Hill |
7253 | 7252 | US | Made in the popular style, this has flavors of pineapple and orange jam, buttered toast and buttered popcorn. Its acidity and firm minerality save it from seeming sweet. | | 87 | 29 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Saddleback Cellars 2010 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) | Chardonnay | Saddleback Cellars |
7254 | 7253 | US | Extremely dense blackberry, black peppercorns, asphalt, grape candy and violets show on the nose of this wine from a vineyard on a hillside north of the Santa Maria Valley. The palate packs in-your-face tannins and density, with flavors of black cherry, blueberry and blackberry. Give it time, then serve with the heartiest fare. | Colson Canyon Vineyard | 89 | 40 | California | Santa Barbara County | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Epiphany 2012 Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah (Santa Barbara County) | Syrah | Epiphany |
7255 | 7254 | US | With just a handful of Malbec, this wine takes time to open before becoming juicy, herbal and elegant, expressive in tobacco and black tea. The tannins fine and dry. | | 89 | 30 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Flora Springs 2013 Merlot (Napa Valley) | Merlot | Flora Springs |
7256 | 7255 | Chile | Deep purple in color, this Itata Valley blend of Carignan, Syrah and Garnacha is concentrated, cool and rubbery smelling, with underlying cassis and blackberry aromas. High acidity yields a scratchy mouthfeel, while flavors of lactic oak and saucy black plum finish short and choppy, with unabsorbed tartaric acidity. Drink through 2018. | Bravado | 89 | 20 | Itata Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Garcia Schwaderer 2012 Bravado Red (Itata Valley) | Red Blend | Garcia Schwaderer |
7257 | 7256 | France | A blend of 40% Bourboulenc, 30% Roussanne, 20% Vermentino and 10% Viognier, this boasts a highly aromatic bouquet, with forward aromas of fresh rosemary, thyme, lemon verbena, pressed yellow flowers, pear and white melon that continue through to the lush, round palate. Hints of toasted oak and sweet spice add depth, lingering on the finish alongside touches of straw and orange peel. Complex and layered, it's approachable now but should evolve well through 2018. | L'Hospitalet Grand Vin | 89 | 45 | Languedoc-Roussillon | La Clape | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Gérard Bertrand 2014 L'Hospitalet Grand Vin White (La Clape) | Rhône-style White Blend | Gérard Bertrand |
7258 | 7257 | US | Blue-fruit and spice aromas are vibrant and expressive. The palate is plush and flavorful with a supple feel, while the oak seems dialed back and the balance spot on. | | 89 | 13 | Washington | Yakima Valley | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Lone Birch 2013 Syrah (Yakima Valley) | Syrah | Lone Birch |
7259 | 7258 | US | Vanilla, baking spice, cranberry and cherry aromas lead to soft, medium-bodied fruit flavors with an elegant styling. It's a very pretty representation of the vintage with good balance. | Arbitrage | 89 | 32 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Market Vineyards 2011 Arbitrage Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Market Vineyards |
7260 | 7259 | US | A strong forest-floor character of juniper and damp pine needles blends with slate minerality, light cranberry, rose petals and violets on the nose of this bottling. The palate is complex and intriguingly funky, with composting rose petals, Earl Grey tea and stewed-fruit flavors. | | 89 | 20 | California | Santa Lucia Highlands | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Poiema 2012 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) | Pinot Noir | Poiema |