| 74131 | 74130 | South Africa | This Chenin-based blend—with 10% Clairette Blanc and 10% Viognier—offers great richness and a lush texture. Notes of beeswax and brioche add depth to the orange oil, pear, melon and honeysuckle aromas and flavors. The medium weight mouth offers a fresh lemony citrus and green plum tartness, keeping the palate clean and vibrant. Drink now–2014. | | 90 | 28 | Swartland | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Mullineux 2010 White (Swartland) | White Blend | Mullineux |
| 74150 | 74149 | US | Half Zinfandel from Jack Rabbit Flat, half Petite Sirah, aged together in entirely new French oak, this is a weighty, brooding wine, rich in dark plum, blackberry, leather and black licorice. With a touch of espresso on the tightly tannic finish, it's a wine for cold nights and warm fires. | Private Stock | 89 | 36 | California | Amador County | Sierra Foothills | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Fiddletown Cellars 2011 Private Stock Red (Amador County) | Red Blend | Fiddletown Cellars |
| 74151 | 74150 | Italy | This blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Alicante opens with earthy aromas of turned soil, espresso, tobacco leaf and black fruit. The earthy element carries over to the palate together with black cherry, white pepper, licorice and coffee alongside firm but refined tannins. | Riserva | 89 | 40 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Fietri 2009 Riserva (Chianti Classico) | Red Blend | Fietri |
| 74152 | 74151 | Germany | Unctuously honeyed and floral, this is an irressistably pretty auslese that's sweet with peach and pear nectar, but vibrant, almost searing, with citrus acidity. It's not the most complex in style, but it's appealing for its decadent style and lingering sugar-laced finish. | Berg Rottland Auslese | 89 | 95 | Rheingau | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Georg Breuer 2011 Berg Rottland Auslese Riesling (Rheingau) | Riesling | Georg Breuer |
| 74153 | 74152 | Israel | A nose of cooked cherry, vanilla and orange zest are a nice introduction to flavors of cherry, allspice, violet and citrus peel. A pleasant interplay of brightness and soft tannins make for an enjoyable, easy-drinking wine. | Gilgal | 89 | 15 | Galilee | | | Mike DeSimone | @worldwineguys | Golan Heights Winery 2009 Gilgal Cabernet Sauvignon (Galilee) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Golan Heights Winery |
| 74154 | 74153 | Israel | There is an interesting balance of fruit and cooling herbs here, with cherry and raspberry mingling seamlessly with mint and eucalyptus. Smooth tannins continue uninterrupted through the lingering finish. | Yarden | 89 | 32 | Galilee | | | Mike DeSimone | @worldwineguys | Golan Heights Winery 2010 Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon (Galilee) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Golan Heights Winery |
| 74132 | 74131 | Spain | This is sweet, easy, powdery and entirely inviting on the nose. It feels pure and correct on the palate, with apple, white grape, kiwi and lime flavors. The finish is long, sweet and totally comfortable. Only 2,500 were cases made. | Cuvée 21 Brut | 90 | 18 | Catalonia | Cava | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Parxet NV Cuvée 21 Brut Sparkling (Cava) | Sparkling Blend | Parxet |
| 74155 | 74154 | Italy | From one of the denomination's leading producers, this wine has a lovely floral and fruit fragrance of violets, iris, and woodland berries punctuated with a note of exotic spices. The straightforward palate offers juicy black cherry, black pepper and clove alongside elegant tannins. | Moris | 89 | 15 | Tuscany | Morellino di Scansano | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Morisfarms 2012 Moris (Morellino di Scansano) | Red Blend | Morisfarms |
| 74133 | 74132 | France | This wine—made using fruit from 60-year-old Marsanne vines—is full bodied but crisp and reined in at the same time. Hints of toast accent citrus and melon notes that turn more lemony and lean on the finish. Could improve with 3–5 years of cellaring. | Domaine de Roure | 90 | 60 | Rhône Valley | Crozes-Hermitage | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2009 Domaine de Roure Marsanne (Crozes-Hermitage) | Marsanne | Paul Jaboulet Aîné |
| 74134 | 74133 | South Africa | There's a natural essence to this wine, exhibiting the best qualities of the grape as well as a sense of terroir. Soft herbal and mineral accent the clean, fruity core. Green pear, melon rind and a hint of peach pit unfold on the palate and follow through to the long, slightly spiced finish. Perfectly drinkable now, but will cellar nicely for another 3-5 years. | Organic Grapes | 90 | 30 | Stellenbosch | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Reyneke 2010 Organic Grapes Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch) | Chenin Blanc | Reyneke |
| 74135 | 74134 | South Africa | This wine starts off with an enticing honeycomb and baked apple aroma, followed by secondary accents of baking spice and orange zest. The fully textured mouth is loaded with dried peach and apricot flavors, followed by a nice citrus zip that adds spring to the long finish. | Noble Late Harvest | 90 | 27 | Stellenbosch | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Rudera 2008 Noble Late Harvest Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch) | Chenin Blanc | Rudera |
| 74136 | 74135 | Spain | Among bone-dry Cavas, this is one of the best in Spain. It's focused pastry and pear aromas lead directly onto the tangy, citric palate. The flavors of orange, grapefruit and mineral are developed and crisp, remaining firm on the finish. | Brut Nature Gran Reserva | 90 | 30 | Catalonia | Cava | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Sumarroca 2007 Brut Nature Gran Reserva Sparkling (Cava) | Sparkling Blend | Sumarroca |
| 74137 | 74136 | US | This pure Cabernet is stubbornly unyielding at first, showing a lean and herbal expression. But with extensive (overnight) breathing time, the fresh and bright flavors of boysenberries and cassis pop into focus, the tannins are ripe and polished, the finish still tightly wound but textural and long. | | 90 | 25 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Fidelitas 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Fidelitas |
| 74138 | 74137 | Spain | This reserva blend of Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of lead pencil and mossy berry. The lively palate deals coconut, spice, lemon peel and wild berry flavors. This is a powerful wine that will benefit from airing. | Reserva | 90 | 40 | Northern Spain | Navarra | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Finca Albret 2007 Reserva Red (Navarra) | Red Blend | Finca Albret |
| 74139 | 74138 | US | A bit heavy and creamy, but there's something exotic about the oily, fat richness that suggests cashew nuts. With Meyer lemon flavors, it's an unctuous wine, and a very good value. | Avant | 90 | 15 | California | California | California Other | | | Kendall-Jackson 2010 Avant Chardonnay (California) | Chardonnay | Kendall-Jackson |
| 74140 | 74139 | US | Polished and creamy, this is made to appeal to the popular style. It's rich and ripe in tangerine, apricot and lime fruit, with toasty, vanilla overtones. Brightened by crisp acidity, it's a lovely wine to drink now. | Golden Slope | 90 | 50 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | | | Liquid Farm 2010 Golden Slope Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) | Chardonnay | Liquid Farm |
| 74156 | 74155 | US | From a vineyard in southern Oregon that is actually its own, self-contained AVA (Red Hill Douglas County), this wine is approaching full maturity at 5+ years of age. Soft, round and rather delicate, it has the light color and pleasant charm of a simple Bourgogne. Rhubarb, pomegranate, cherry, white pepper and a splash of root beer capture your interest; there is more going on than you'd suspect at first sip. | Red Hill Vineyard | 89 | 24 | Oregon | Oregon | Oregon Other | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Oak Knoll 2008 Red Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir (Oregon) | Pinot Noir | Oak Knoll |
| 74157 | 74156 | US | Spicy pear and yellow-apple fruit flavors roll through this well-structured Pinot Gris. The relatively low alcohol, high acidity and threshhold-level residual sugar give it both texture and tangy vitality. | | 89 | 14 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Oak Knoll 2012 Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Gris | Oak Knoll |
| 74158 | 74157 | Morocco | Soft and refreshing on the palate, this wine has flavors of pear, fennel bulb and honeysuckle. Very subtle tannins lead to a lingering and bright finish. | Un-Oaked | 89 | 18 | Zenata | | | Mike DeSimone | @worldwineguys | Ouled Thaleb 2011 Un-Oaked Chardonnay (Zenata) | Chardonnay | Ouled Thaleb |
| 74159 | 74158 | Croatia | This wine is rich garnet colored, with flavors of pomegranate, dark plum and cranberry that excite the palate. Fruit forward, well-structured and thoroughly enjoyable. | | 89 | 25 | North Dalmatia | | | Jeff Jenssen | @worldwineguys | Piližota 2009 Babić (North Dalmatia) | Babić | Piližota |
| 74160 | 74159 | Portugal | The second wine of Roriz has much of the same structure as the main quinta wine, with dense, mineral tannins. The rich black fruits are likely to become approachable by 2016–2017. Concentrated and ripe, it has juicy berry flavors followed by a dry, tight aftertaste. | Quinta de Roriz Prazo de Roriz | 89 | 16 | Douro | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Prats & Symington LDA 2011 Quinta de Roriz Prazo de Roriz Red (Douro) | Portuguese Red | Prats & Symington LDA |
| 74141 | 74140 | US | This is a flamboyant wine made in the oaky style. It's opulent in pineapple, golden mango and pear flavors, with a coating of sweet oak. The richness is brightened by tart acidity. Drink this flashy wine now, with the richest fare you can. | Estate | 90 | 28 | California | Santa Lucia Highlands | Central Coast | | | McIntyre Vineyards 2010 Estate Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands) | Chardonnay | McIntyre Vineyards |
| 74142 | 74141 | US | This is the estate bottling, lush and round, with a Chardonnay-like mouthfeel from barrel fermentation. Flavors of citrus and apricot fruit, expressions of a cool vintage, pull it into sharp focus. A smattering of toast and butter threads through the finish. | Sparrow | 90 | 33 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | àMaurice 2010 Sparrow Viognier (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Viognier | àMaurice |
| 74143 | 74142 | South Africa | Made with grapes sourced from 40-year-old bush vines, this Chenin boasts savory herb notes alongside the creamy peach, fig and sweet lime fruit. The medium-weight palate shows well-integrated oak notes that complement the earthy, herbal character. The texture is somewhat nervy now, but this should really start to shine from 2014 on. | The Bernard Series Limited Release Old Vine | 90 | 50 | Coastal Region | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Bellingham 2011 The Bernard Series Limited Release Old Vine Chenin Blanc (Coastal Region) | Chenin Blanc | Bellingham |
| 74144 | 74143 | Austria | A wine that shows all the typicity of cool-climate Grüner. It has pear, baked-apple and lemon zest flavors that are combined in a delicious tangy texture. The wine is rich while remaining light and lively. Drink soon, or age over 1–2 years. Screwcap. | | 90 | 20 | Weinviertel | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Zull 2011 Grüner Veltliner (Weinviertel) | Grüner Veltliner | Zull |
| 74145 | 74144 | Spain | This is generous and ripe, with spicy black-fruit aromas. It feels full but shows elegance with its depth and layering. Flavors of blackberry, plum, tobacco and oak stick out on the palate. It's long, sturdy, leathery and somewhat complex on the finish. Drink now through 2016. | Señorio de Convey | 90 | 16 | Catalonia | Priorat | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Cellers Unió 2008 Señorio de Convey Red (Priorat) | Red Blend | Cellers Unió |
| 74146 | 74145 | US | This shows the meatier side of Mourvèdre, with flavors of soft leather, purple berries, fragrant wildflowers and earth. The finish is long and savory. | Estate | 90 | 26 | California | El Dorado | Sierra Foothills | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Miraflores 2009 Estate Mourvèdre (El Dorado) | Mourvèdre | Miraflores |
| 74147 | 74146 | US | Created only in exceptional years like 2010, this is a beautiful example of New York Chardonnay. Elegant on the nose and palate, with penetrating notes of Meyer lemons, honey and waxy white flowers, this is an opulent, full-bodied wine that's judiciously oaked and concentrated through the finish. Drinks gorgeously now, but could easily hold 3-5 years. | Grand Vintage | 90 | 36 | New York | North Fork of Long Island | Long Island | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Paumanok 2010 Grand Vintage Chardonnay (North Fork of Long Island) | Chardonnay | Paumanok |
| 74148 | 74147 | US | Dark, big, bold and extracted, this Syrah has tough tannins that are threaded with intricate flavors of blackberry, licorice, pepper, cola and grilled bacon. The astringency will stand up to big, rich roasted and grilled meats, but it doesn't seem likely to make gains beyond the next 3–4 years. | | 90 | 60 | California | Sonoma County | Sonoma | | | Pride Mountain 2009 Syrah (Sonoma County) | Syrah | Pride Mountain |
| 74149 | 74148 | Italy | A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Canaiolo, it opens with aromas of violet, raspberry and spice. The juicy, forward palate delivers black cherry accented with notes of white pepper and espresso. | San Giuseppe | 89 | 16 | Tuscany | Morellino di Scansano | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Fattoria Mantellassi 2011 San Giuseppe (Morellino di Scansano) | Red Blend | Fattoria Mantellassi |