| 8101 | 8100 | New Zealand | Thick, unctuous and impressive, this is one seriously sweet Sauvignon Blanc. Honey and bergamot notes mark the nose, while the palate features more citrus and folds in hints of pineapple as well. Long and sticky on the finish. | The Brothers Late Harvest | 93 | 35 | Marlborough | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Giesen 2013 The Brothers Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) | Sauvignon Blanc | Giesen |
| 8102 | 8101 | US | An impressive blend of different vineyard sites, given a touch less oak than many of the producer's single-vineyard selections, this wine doesn't skimp on flavor nor complexity. It weaves steely minerality into warmer layers of nutmeg, apple and preserved lemon. | | 93 | 35 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Lynmar 2014 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) | Chardonnay | Lynmar |
| 8103 | 8102 | France | The aptly named vineyard is good at producing wines that are deceptively approachable when young and which age so well. This Meursault follows that model: a generous wine with its ripe spice and yellow fruits. They are balanced by the more citrus and green-plum flavors. Full of fruit while also structured for aging, the wine will be best from 2019. | Charmes Premier Cru | 93 | 113 | Burgundy | Meursault | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Olivier Leflaive 2014 Charmes Premier Cru (Meursault) | Chardonnay | Olivier Leflaive |
| 8104 | 8103 | France | From vines in the heart of this large appellation, this is a warmhearted and ripe wine. With wood and spice in equal balance with the white fruits, this is a juicy crisp wine full of great acidity and also with a ripe hint of yellow fruits. This fine wine will be best from 2020. | Poruzots Premier Cru | 93 | 117 | Burgundy | Meursault | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Olivier Leflaive 2014 Poruzots Premier Cru (Meursault) | Chardonnay | Olivier Leflaive |
| 8105 | 8104 | France | This vineyard, at 900 feet, gives a cool take on Chardonnay. It is tight, structured and mineral in character. Vanilla from the wood aging mingles with the taut citrus fruit. The richness will develop as the apricot flavors develop. Drink this fine wine from 2019. | Les Murgers des Dents de Chien Premier Cru | 93 | 80 | Burgundy | Saint-Aubin | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Roux Père et Fils 2014 Les Murgers des Dents de Chien Premier Cru (Saint-Aubin) | Chardonnay | Roux Père et Fils |
| 8106 | 8105 | US | Fresh, light and zesty on the nose, this bottling by South African winemaker Ernst Storm shows crushed raspberries, wild thyme and a touch of smoke on the nose. A tantalizingly vibrant energy excites the tongue once sipped, with flavors of tangy red fruit, smoked oregano and shaved pork roast showing on the palate. | John Sebastiano VIneyard | 93 | 55 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Storm 2014 John Sebastiano VIneyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) | Pinot Noir | Storm |
| 8107 | 8106 | US | Crushed slate, plush rose petals, red cherry, smoked beef, vanilla and a slightly feral quality arise on the nose of this bottling from the region's most iconic vineyard. There is great tension on the sip, with tart plum skin, bright raspberry and dark cranberry fruit meeting with black spice, sandalwood and incense flavors. Acidity binds it all together. | Pisoni Vineyard | 93 | 75 | California | Santa Lucia Highlands | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Testarossa 2014 Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) | Pinot Noir | Testarossa |
| 8108 | 8107 | Italy | This bold red opens with aromas of resin, stewed plum, leather, cake spice and a balsamic note. The chewy palate doles out dried black cherry, blackberry jam, candied nectarine zest and licorice while big velvety tannins provide enveloping support. A pipe tobacco sensation closes the finish. Drink 2018–2028. | Campomasua | 93 | 79 | Veneto | Amarone della Valpolicella Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Venturini Massimino 2010 Campomasua (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico) | Red Blend | Venturini Massimino |
| 8109 | 8108 | US | Vivacious on the nose, with hibiscus flowers, pomegranate, strawberry, rose petal and cola aromas, this bottling from a historic vineyard is both juicy and delicate at the same time. Vibrant flavors of cranberry, pomegranate, hibiscus and even red melon show on the palate, enhanced by dried fennel, sage and purple flowers. | Bien Nacido Vineyard | 93 | 65 | California | Santa Maria Valley | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Gary Farrell 2014 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley) | Pinot Noir | Gary Farrell |
| 8110 | 8109 | Italy | Wild berry, leather, tobacco, tilled earth, aromatic herb and floral aromas meld together on this impressive red. The full-bodied structured palate delivers black cherry marinated in spirits, dried plum, chocolate and licorice alongside a backbone of firm velvety tannins. Drink 2018–2026. | Costasera Riserva | 93 | 77 | Veneto | Amarone della Valpolicella Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Masi 2011 Costasera Riserva (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico) | Red Blend | Masi |
| 8111 | 8110 | Argentina | Rich aromas of raisin, cassis and blackberry are supported by notes of vanilla, smoke and sweet almond paste. While this is dense and ripe, it's also a touch edgy and raw on the palate. Flavors of blackberry, cassis, dark spices and chocolate finish with a primary wave of residual fruit then a final dose of peppery spice. Drink through 2025. | Unus | 93 | 50 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Mendel 2013 Unus Red (Mendoza) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Mendel |
| 8112 | 8111 | US | Made from equal proportions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this vintage sparkler is dry and doughy, with an inviting brightness of acidity. It sizzles in a lovely display of peach, nectarine and strawberry, with a slight nuance of vanilla and hazelnut, remaining dry and balanced through the lengthy finish. | DVX | 93 | 65 | California | Napa County | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Mumm Napa 2009 DVX Sparkling (Napa County) | Sparkling Blend | Mumm Napa |
| 8113 | 8112 | US | This 100% varietal wine opens in crayon wax, pencil lead and black pepper. Brooding acidity complements the big, ripe fruit and sizable tannins, accented by hints of dried tobacco and cinnamon. This wine could stand a decant, vigorous swirl or cellaring, through 2028. | Grigsby Vineyard | 93 | 85 | California | Yountville | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Rocca 2013 Grigsby Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Yountville) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rocca |
| 8114 | 8113 | Italy | Alluring aromas of exotic spice, purple flower, dark-skinned berry and a balsamic note lead the nose. The concentrated palate delivers dried cherry, ripe plum, mint, licorice and a hint of game alongside velvety tannins that wrap around the finish. It nicely balances weight and finesse. | La Marega | 93 | 92 | Veneto | Amarone della Valpolicella Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Le Salette 2013 La Marega (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico) | Red Blend | Le Salette |
| 8115 | 8114 | South Africa | What a bold and powerful selection this is. It opens with intense aromas of blackberry, black plum and boysenberry that are hit with spicy notes of black pepper, cured meat, leather and Thin Mint. The plush and concentrated palate is like crushed velvet in texture, with gripping yet balanced tannins to support the rich, dense black-fruit flavors. The finish transitions from black cherry and boysenberry fruit to menthol, followed by lingering cocoa nib and charred oak tones. Drink 2019–2024. | Estate Wine Black Label | 93 | 275 | Simonsberg-Stellenbosch | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Kanonkop 2013 Estate Wine Black Label Pinotage (Simonsberg-Stellenbosch) | Pinotage | Kanonkop |
| 8116 | 8115 | US | Blended with 10% Merlot, this wine sources grapes both from its famous estate, as well as from nearby Pickberry and Murray vineyards. It delights in luxuriously bright acidity and a jammy explosion of blackberry, chocolate, clove and tobacco, the texture roundly approachable. | Counterpoint | 93 | 40 | California | Sonoma Mountain | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Laurel Glen 2014 Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Mountain) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Laurel Glen |
| 8117 | 8116 | US | This wine is a blend of Seven Hills, Loess, Mill Creek Upland, Serra Pedace and Leonetti Old Block. Aromatically brooding at present, it shows intricate notes of barrel spice, thyme, coffee, cranberry, black tea and red and black fruit. The palate is tightly wound, with bright acid and lightly chewy tannins that need some time in the cellar to stretch their legs. Best from 2021 to 2030. | | 93 | 95 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Leonetti Cellar 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Leonetti Cellar |
| 8118 | 8117 | US | This bottling combines all the intriguing facets of this grape, from freshness to rusticity. The nose begins with strawberry, plum and mulberry wrapped in dust, leather and tan tobacco. Cinnamon and allspice kick off the palate, with light, refreshing cranberry fruit in the midpalate, dried leather and earth on the edges, and a thyme-oregano finale. | Hastings Ranch Vineyard | 93 | 38 | California | Adelaida District | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Anglim 2013 Hastings Ranch Vineyard Mourvèdre (Adelaida District) | Mourvèdre | Anglim |
| 8119 | 8118 | US | There's lovely vibrancy to the nose of this bottling, with tangy cranberry, hibiscus and strawberry aromas, yet those are deftly cut by peppercorns, brown spice and turned earth. The mouthfeel is engagingly peppery, with spicy bay leaf and thyme herbs, a touch of cured Kalamata olives and an underlying, underripe raspberry and cranberry fruit base. | | 93 | 40 | California | Santa Cruz Mountains | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Comartin 2014 Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains) | Pinot Noir | Comartin |
| 8120 | 8119 | New Zealand | Always one of New Zealand's top Syrahs, Le Sol delivers again in 2014. On this occasion it was surprisingly reticent on the nose, yet the class on the palate is undeniable. It's full-bodied, rich and velvety in texture, with pristine flavors of vanilla and black cherries that ease gently through a long, creamy finish. The most elegant Le Sol to date. Drink now–2025. | Le Sol Gimblett Gravels | 93 | 105 | Hawke's Bay | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Craggy Range 2014 Le Sol Gimblett Gravels Syrah (Hawke's Bay) | Syrah | Craggy Range |
| 8121 | 8120 | France | This Premier Cru is situated in the southern half of Savigny, close to Beaune proper. Here it has produced a ripe generous wine full of spicy smoky red fruits and balanced acidity. The wine is still showing its baby fruit and needs time. Drink from 2019. | Les Hauts Jarrons Premier Cru | 93 | 70 | Burgundy | Savigny-lès-Beaune | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine de Bellene 2014 Les Hauts Jarrons Premier Cru (Savigny-lès-Beaune) | Pinot Noir | Domaine de Bellene |
| 8122 | 8121 | France | This is a rounded full-bodied wine that has red-fruit fleshiness as well as fine tannins for the future. It comes from 70-year-old vines on the southeast facing slopes that make up Volnay's Premier Cru vineyards. Rich in black fruits and dark smoky tannins, the wine also has intense young acidity. Drink this impressive wine from 2020. | Champans Premier Cru | 93 | 106 | Burgundy | Volnay | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Henri Delagrange 2014 Champans Premier Cru (Volnay) | Pinot Noir | Domaine Henri Delagrange |
| 8123 | 8122 | New Zealand | Plummy yet cool, with a greenish, floral note that adds lift and interest to the dark-fruit aromas and flavors. This is a bit austere and dusty, but long on the finish, so drink 2018–2030. | Pahi Single Vineyard | 93 | 59 | Martinborough | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Escarpment 2014 Pahi Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (Martinborough) | Pinot Noir | Escarpment |
| 8124 | 8123 | US | Brooding aromas of huckleberry, orange peel and flowers are followed by seamless full-bodied palate-coating blue-fruit flavors. It's far from shy but delivers the goods. | Grand Klasse Reserve Lawrence Vineyards | 93 | 50 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Gård 2013 Grand Klasse Reserve Lawrence Vineyards Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Syrah | Gård |
| 8125 | 8124 | US | Ripe black cherry, roasted meat, wet stone and caramel notes show on the nose of this bottling of a grape rarely seen in this region. It's slightly sweet on the palate, with ripe blueberry and cocoa flavors, but compelling for its novelty. | Estate Vineyards | 88 | 75 | California | Santa Maria Valley | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Grevino 2014 Estate Vineyards Dolcetto (Santa Maria Valley) | Dolcetto | Grevino |
| 8126 | 8125 | US | Darker in color than many other versions of the variety, this bottling shows hearty charred meat, blackberry, gravel and condensed rose petal aromas. There's a leathery structure to the palate, where peppercorn, tobacco and red fruit notes lead into a mocha-laced finish.While it lacks the typical Cabernet Franc freshness, it has plenty of depth. | Old Vine Reserve | 88 | 40 | California | Temecula Valley | South Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Hart 2014 Old Vine Reserve Cabernet Franc (Temecula Valley) | Cabernet Franc | Hart |
| 8127 | 8126 | Italy | Subdued aromas of ripe orchard fruit and pressed yellow flower slowly take shape on this. The big soft palate shows ripe apricot, candied lemon drop and a buttery note. | Vigneti di Foscarino | 88 | | Veneto | Soave Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Inama 2015 Vigneti di Foscarino (Soave Classico) | Garganega | Inama |
| 8128 | 8127 | New Zealand | Cinnamon is prominent on the nose of this wine, while bright berry, cherry, black olive and floral notes linger in the background. The acidity is a little slow to arrive on the palate but when it does it mingles seamlessly with fine grained tannins. The midpalate is a little flat but the fruit creeps back in at the end. | | 88 | 25 | Central Otago | | | | | Innocent Bystander 2015 Pinot Noir (Central Otago) | Pinot Noir | Innocent Bystander |
| 8129 | 8128 | France | Dominated by Pinot Meunier, this soft rich wine is immediately accessible. It has apple and crisp pear fruits along with a dry crisp texture. The nonvintage Champagne from this producer is attractive, fruity and dry at the end. | L'Extra Brut Premier Cru | 88 | 58 | Champagne | Champagne | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | J. Dumangin Fils NV L'Extra Brut Premier Cru (Champagne) | Champagne Blend | J. Dumangin Fils |
| 8130 | 8129 | US | Barrel influences takes over aromatically, with notes of wood, toast and dark chocolate in front of golden raisins, with the fruit seeming somewhat dried out. The palate brings tart cranberry and cherry flavors that show a sense of liveliness. Good things are going on but the aromas and palate seem a bit disconnected at present. | Heart of the Hill Vineyard | 88 | 45 | Washington | Red Mountain | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Auclair 2014 Heart of the Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Auclair |