| 74223 | 74222 | US | From an extreme coastal site, this earthy wine from Ryan Carr offers root beer, cola, red roses, sage, and hibiscus on the nose as well as pomegranate and stewed strawberries. Tangy red cherry fruit shows on the acid-laced palate, with warmer cinnamon, cappuccino and lavender florality. | Paredon Vineyard | 89 | 35 | California | Santa Barbara County | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Carr 2013 Paredon Vineyard Grenache (Santa Barbara County) | Grenache | Carr |
| 74224 | 74223 | Italy | Dark-skinned berry, scorched earth, clove, worn leather and oak-driven spice scents present themselves to the nose. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, roasted coffee bean, vanilla and a green note of powdered sage alongside close-grained tannins that grip the finish and leave an astringent, tongue-drying finish. | Castello di Bibbione Gran Selezione | 89 | 45 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Castelli del Grevepesa 2011 Castello di Bibbione Gran Selezione (Chianti Classico) | Sangiovese | Castelli del Grevepesa |
| 74225 | 74224 | Australia | The Adelaide Hills is one of Australia's best sources of high-quality Chardonnay. This is a fine example, marrying toasted grain aromas with peach and citrus flavors and a touch of vanilla. It's soft, lush and promises easy drinking over the next year or two. | The Handshake | 89 | 29 | South Australia | Adelaide Hills | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Penny's Hill 2013 The Handshake Chardonnay (Adelaide Hills) | Chardonnay | Penny's Hill |
| 74226 | 74225 | France | A wine made entirely from Pinot Meunier is unusual. This perfumed wine with its soft acidity and open fruitiness suggests there should be more. It's an easy, apple and ripe pear flavored wine with acidity that gives everything an attractive lift. | Blanc de Noirs Brut | 89 | 59 | Champagne | Champagne | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | H. Blin NV Blanc de Noirs Brut Pinot Meunier (Champagne) | Pinot Meunier | H. Blin |
| 74227 | 74226 | US | When botrytis struck, the Bien Nacido Vineyard-owning Miller family (who plan to steadily up production on this brand) made this dessert wine. This show honey, concentrated honey blossoms, golden raisin and baklava notes on the nose. The palate is expectedly viscous yet intriguingly grippy, with flavors of dried lemon peel, chamomile and honey butter, finishing on peanut brittle. | Late Harvest | 89 | 30 | California | Santa Maria Valley | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | J Wilkes 2012 Late Harvest Pinot Blanc (Santa Maria Valley) | Pinot Blanc | J Wilkes |
| 74228 | 74227 | Italy | Showing the heat of the vintage, this opens with aromas of charred earth, stewed prune, blackberry compote and grilled herb. The big, chewy palate offers dried black cherry, blackberry compote and nutmeg accompanied by velvety tannins. You'll also detect the heat of evident alcohol on the mid-palate. Give it another few years then drink sooner rather later. | | 89 | 74 | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Celestino Pecci 2011 Brunello di Montalcino | Sangiovese | Celestino Pecci |
| 74229 | 74228 | US | Light and floral, this is a complex, well-integrated Chardonnay that's bursting in just-sliced pineapple, with a layering of butterscotch and caramel. It's richly textured yet nicely balanced between savory and sweet. The acidity upholds the wine from entering into dense territory, a celebration of one heck of a sunny vintage in a glass. | Westside Farms | 93 | 45 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Gary Farrell 2012 Westside Farms Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) | Chardonnay | Gary Farrell |
| 74230 | 74229 | US | Juicy strawberry and raspberry fruits form the base of an aromatic profile that also picks up some sagebrush and dried cake frosting. Though lighter in body, the flavors emerge continually on the palate, from ripe berries to tomato stew to cola to mint. Serve with roasted chicken or turkey or even a rich pasta. Bargetto has been making wine since 1933. | Regan Vineyard Estate Reserve | 93 | 40 | California | Santa Cruz Mountains | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Bargetto 2012 Regan Vineyard Estate Reserve Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains) | Pinot Noir | Bargetto |
| 74221 | 74220 | Italy | Ripe black-skinned berry, menthol, new leather and a whiff of iris lead the nose. The vibrant, juicy palate offers wild cherry, black raspberry, star anise and Mediterranean herb while fine-grained tannins provide an elegant, youthfully austere framework. Drink 2017–2022. | Montornello Riserva | 89 | 25 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Bibbiano 2013 Montornello Riserva (Chianti Classico) | Sangiovese | Bibbiano |
| 74222 | 74221 | US | Baked plum and stewed black cherry show on the nose of this precise blend of 35.6% Malbec, 28.75% Petit Verdot, 23.75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11.9% Cabernet Franc, with burned caramel, licorice and cherry cordial as well. The palate is rich with a decent tannic structure, showing a ripe blueberry-blackberry-chocolate-syrup flavor. | | 89 | 52 | California | Paso Robles | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Brecon Estate 2013 Meritage (Paso Robles) | Meritage | Brecon Estate |
| 74231 | 74230 | US | Bloody, barely charred game aromas meet with slightly dusty raspberry and tomato in this unforgettable and unfiltered Bonny Doon experience, a blend of 30% Syrah, 28% Grenache, 22% Mourvèdre and 20% Cinsault. The sanguine sense carries to the palate, but so does a basket of red fruit, from cherry to pomegranate. A chalky tannic backbone will keep it drinking nicely for as long as patience holds. | Le Cigare Volant Reserve | 93 | 78 | California | Central Coast | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Bonny Doon 2009 Le Cigare Volant Reserve Red (Central Coast) | Rhône-style Red Blend | Bonny Doon |
| 74232 | 74231 | US | This estate Chardonnay is keeping stylistically with the winery's other offerings, though a tad weightier and richer in oak and crème brûlée. Fresh peach, pineapple and anise intermingle on the palate, with a silky yet complex texture. There is a palate-refreshing hint of lime on the finish. | Estate | 93 | 29 | California | Green Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Iron Horse 2012 Estate Chardonnay (Green Valley) | Chardonnay | Iron Horse |
| 74233 | 74232 | Austria | Candied apricots, blossom honey and notions of orange zest take turns in dazzling the nose and palate, while musky botrytis lends a rounded note to the mouthfeel, melding all together into sweet BA harmony. Simply lovely, now or in future years. | Beerenauslese Exquisit | 93 | 23 | Burgenland | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Nittnaus Hans und Christine 2012 Beerenauslese Exquisit White (Burgenland) | White Blend | Nittnaus Hans und Christine |
| 74234 | 74233 | US | An extremely nuanced nose recalls a tomato-based beef stew full of dried fruit, nuts, root vegetables and powerful spice. The flavors suggest black dirt, sautéed mushrooms and eucalyptus tree bark, with olive tapenade-like spice on the finish. | Turner Vineyard | 93 | 50 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Joyce 2012 Turner Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) | Pinot Noir | Joyce |
| 74235 | 74234 | France | This wine is rich, smooth, perfumed and opulent. It shows the power of Malbec without completely losing its elegance. With generous black fruits that are round and dense, it's almost sweet in its ripeness. Conveying a dark, brooding character, this is a wine for serious aging, wait until 2018. | Cuvée Réserve de l'Aïeul | 93 | 30 | Southwest France | Cahors | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Eugénie 2011 Cuvée Réserve de l'Aïeul Malbec-Tannat (Cahors) | Malbec-Tannat | Château Eugénie |
| 74236 | 74235 | France | This is a mineral-driven wine, austere at first then showing great black fruits that are sustained by acidity. It's a wood-aged and complex wine that is likely to develop into something powerful and impressive. Drink from 2019. | L'Excellence | 93 | 20 | Southwest France | Cahors | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château la Reyne 2011 L'Excellence Malbec (Cahors) | Malbec | Château la Reyne |
| 74237 | 74236 | France | At the moment, the 2010 Réservée is intense but moody, showing a smoky, gamy, feral side. The fruit is subdued but concentrated, picking up multiple earthy, spicy nuances including iodine and licorice. It's a big wine, with chewy tannins that leave the impression of fine suede behind on the long finish.Give it another five years in the cellar. | Cuvée Réservée | 93 | 65 | Rhône Valley | Châteauneuf-du-Pape | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Domaine du Pegau 2010 Cuvée Réservée Red (Châteauneuf-du-Pape) | Rhône-style Red Blend | Domaine du Pegau |
| 74238 | 74237 | Austria | Lovely red apple and biscuit notes emanate here to create the perfect balance between fruit and yeasty autolysis. Acidity streamlines the generous, full-fruited body while soft mousse amplifies all the rich, layered apple flavors. The midpalate texture and finish are impressive. This is the full, delicious package and will make a classy apéritif with enough character to accompany delicate, fine cuisine. The length speaks for itself: pure class. Zero dosage. | Blanc de Blancs | 93 | 49 | Österreichischer Sekt | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Ebner-Ebenauer 2007 Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay (Österreichischer Sekt) | Chardonnay | Ebner-Ebenauer |
| 74239 | 74238 | US | The most immediately accessible of Will's three Horse Heaven Hills wines, it brings notes of scorched earth, herbs, incense, toast and abundant dark fruit. The palate is densely packed with dark fruit, tart acids and firm, tightly coiled tannins with a beautiful sense of balance. A classically styled wine that should have a healthy life in front of it. | Champoux Vineyard | 93 | 52 | Washington | Horse Heaven Hills | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Andrew Will 2011 Champoux Vineyard Red (Horse Heaven Hills) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Andrew Will |
| 74240 | 74239 | US | Steely in wet stone and high-toned citrus, this Chardonnay is from Hyde-Old Wente clones and deftly made in a light style that doesn't skimp on delicious complexity. Apple and herb figure prominently, as does a remarkable mouthfeel of minerality, a testament to the winery's cool growing sites. | Native Yeast | 93 | 48 | California | Green Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Iron Horse 2012 Native Yeast Chardonnay (Green Valley) | Chardonnay | Iron Horse |
| 74241 | 74240 | Italy | Concentrated and delicious, this is made with organically grown Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo and Colorino. It delivers ripe black cherry, blue flower, leather, white pepper, cinnamon and a hint of vanilla alongside firm, velvety tannins. It's already accessible so enjoy now–2016. | | 93 | 30 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | La Porta di Vertine 2011 Chianti Classico | Red Blend | La Porta di Vertine |
| 74242 | 74241 | US | Named for proprietor Marimar Torres' mother, the Doña Margarita Pinot is a study in cool-climate nuance and sophistication, elegant yet retaining plenty of stuffing. It is bright in wild strawberry and a decadent hint of kirsch—earthy, lithe and structured, with soft and silky tannins. On the finish is a touch of forest, as inviting as a walk in the woods. | Doña Margarita Vineyard Mas Cavalls Unfiltered | 93 | 44 | California | Sonoma Coast | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Marimar Estate 2011 Doña Margarita Vineyard Mas Cavalls Unfiltered Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) | Pinot Noir | Marimar Estate |
| 74243 | 74242 | US | Buttered toast, oaky smoke and a slight mango tropicality converge for an epic nose on this Chardonnay from a vineyard that was planted in 1976. There are layers of flavor too, lime citrus at first evolving toward brioche with a butterscotch finish, and some salt and cracked pepper throughout. | Wolff Vineyard | 93 | 20 | California | Edna Valley | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Mount Eden Vineyards 2012 Wolff Vineyard Chardonnay (Edna Valley) | Chardonnay | Mount Eden Vineyards |
| 74244 | 74243 | Austria | Smelling this is like sticking your nose into a basket of supremely ripe yellow plums and greengages. Despite all the ripeness and sweetness, there is something deliciously tempered and fresh here, too. The acidity from Furmint works a treat. The palate hits with the full force of concentrated yellow plum. This is for those who like it ultrasweet; the oak-aging is supremely well-handled. | Ruster Ausbruch Auf den Flügeln der Morgenröte | 93 | 61 | Burgenland | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Heidi Schröck 2012 Ruster Ausbruch Auf den Flügeln der Morgenröte White (Burgenland) | White Blend | Heidi Schröck |
| 74245 | 74244 | US | This Syrah-dominated, estate-grown red is loaded with the savory highlights for which the Rocks region is noted. A small addition of Cabernet Sauvignon adds muscle to the tannins, while a splash of Mourvèdre contributes a bit of earth and stone. Tightly wound raspberry fruit anchors a compact and tangy core. This is a beautifully balanced wine that should cellar well through 2024 or longer. | Rediviva of the Stones | 93 | 60 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Buty 2011 Rediviva of the Stones Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Red Blend | Buty |
| 74246 | 74245 | Italy | Underbrush, leather, tilled soil and game aromas lead the nose on this delicious, structured wine. The big, warm palate delivers juicy black cherry, carob, mocha and cinnamon alongside big, velvety tannins. This is aging well with nice depth, but it's in its ideal drinking window. Enjoy now through 2017. | Vigneto Montecasi | 93 | 35 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Castello San Donato in Perano 2007 Vigneto Montecasi (Chianti Classico) | Sangiovese | Castello San Donato in Perano |
| 74247 | 74246 | France | This Beaujolais comes from a dense granite vineyard that has produced an equally powerful wine. It's mineral in texture, with aromatic black fruits that have been given a taste of wood from 12 months barrel aging. The acidity at the end as well as the tannins promise aging, so drink from 2017. | Clos de Rochegrès | 93 | 50 | Beaujolais | Moulin-à-Vent | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château des Jacques 2012 Clos de Rochegrès (Moulin-à-Vent) | Gamay | Château des Jacques |
| 74248 | 74247 | US | From high atop the hills above Freestone, this Pinot Noir saw 10% stem inclusion during fermentation and was aged in 20% new oak for just over a year to achieve enviable structure and bite amid an intensity of raspberry and strawberry kirsch flavor. This gorgeous wine will open up even more if held in bottle until 2017–2019. But it's so good now you'll find it hard to wait. | Platt Vineyard | 93 | 68 | California | Sonoma Coast | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Red Car 2012 Platt Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) | Pinot Noir | Red Car |
| 74249 | 74248 | US | Boysenberry and blueberry form the fruit aromas on this wine made by the family of former Los Angeles Laker Sasha Vujacic. In addition, it features a dark black-dirt minerality, black olive, cinnamon bark and absinthe-like scents. The tannins coat the mouth along with blue and purple fruit flavors, and it ends with strong acidity. | Aleksander Reserve | 93 | 95 | California | Paso Robles | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | S&G; Estate 2010 Aleksander Reserve Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) | Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon | S&G; Estate |
| 74250 | 74249 | US | Scents of sesame oil rise to the forefront of the nose on this east Paso Robles estate wine, accompanied by violet, strawberry and black sage. The nicely balanced flavors touch upon cotton candy and pretty pink fruit. | | 93 | 38 | California | Paso Robles | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Still Waters 2010 Petite Sirah (Paso Robles) | Petite Sirah | Still Waters |