| 8993 | 8992 | US | Using fruit mostly from the Bassi Ranch property he recently acquired, Mike Sinor delivers a bright, minerally wine, with aromas of scratched grapefruit skin, orange and peach juice, burned lemons, sea salt, ripe apples and nectarines and fresh-cut herbs. Flavors of salty, lime-juice nectarines emerge once sipped, with hints of butter and white flowers. | | 93 | 24 | California | San Luis Obispo County | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Sinor-LaVallee 2013 Chardonnay (San Luis Obispo County) | Chardonnay | Sinor-LaVallee |
| 8994 | 8993 | US | The variety is unmistakable on this wine with its aromas of mortared fresh herbs, flowers, dry chocolate and cherry. The flavors show a mixture of lightness, intensity and richness, along with a captivating sense of texture and acidity. | Katherine Corkrum Estate Grown | 93 | 50 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Spring Valley Vineyard 2012 Katherine Corkrum Estate Grown Cabernet Franc (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Franc | Spring Valley Vineyard |
| 8995 | 8994 | US | This mountaintop winery puts much effort in single-vineyard expressions, but this blend rivals even those, with nose-tingling aromas of concentrated hibiscus and pomegranate, plus dried sour cherries and graphite. Prominent herbs like oregano, thyme and dried sage mix with eucalyptus and menthol on the palate, where soft cranberry fruit serves as backbone. | | 93 | 36 | California | Santa Cruz Mountains | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Thomas Fogarty 2012 Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains) | Pinot Noir | Thomas Fogarty |
| 8996 | 8995 | France | Named after the steep slopes that back the Bourgeois winery, this powerful, concentrated wine shows both wonderful white and yellow fruits and a mineral character that gives a superb tension. Packed with fruit and impressively textured, it can still age. Drink from 2017. | La Côte des Monts Damnés | 93 | 35 | Loire Valley | Sancerre | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Henri Bourgeois 2013 La Côte des Monts Damnés (Sancerre) | Sauvignon Blanc | Henri Bourgeois |
| 8997 | 8996 | Spain | Jammy, concentrated aromas of boysenberry, violet petal and oak spice are about as rich and lusty as Rioja gets. This wine from a warm vintage is lush and lusty but less structured than other vintages. Jammy blackberry and blueberry flavors end in a jammy fashion. Drink through 2020. | El Carretil | 93 | 190 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Artadi 2012 El Carretil (Rioja) | Tempranillo | Artadi |
| 8998 | 8997 | Spain | This is yet another dense, powerful single-vineyard wine from Artadi. The palate is pure silk and very ripe. Saturated blackberry, boysenberry, toast, chocolate and herbal flavors finish plump and smooth. This delicious, unctuous heavyweight from a hot year is made for early consumption; drink through 2019. | La Poza de Ballesteros | 93 | 110 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Artadi 2012 La Poza de Ballesteros (Rioja) | Tempranillo | Artadi |
| 8999 | 8998 | US | Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) takes the lead on this wine followed by Merlot (15%) and equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aromas of high-toned dried herbs, flowers, black currant, coffee and barrel spices lead to densely packed black fruit flavors that need time to strut their stuff. Drink after 2021. | Arctos | 93 | 43 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Baer 2012 Arctos Red (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Baer |
| 9000 | 8999 | US | This is a fun discovery, a tantalizing mix of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown from estate vineyards in cool, acid-driven sites within the appellation ideal for sparkling. Light pink and gold in color, it celebrates the tangy flavors of pomegranate, strawberry and grapefruit against a mineral-laden backdrop and remarkable depth. | Methode Traditionelle Brut | 93 | 42 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Balletto 2011 Methode Traditionelle Brut Sparkling (Russian River Valley) | Sparkling Blend | Balletto |
| 8971 | 8970 | US | Dark gold in color, this decadent wine is robust in toasted chestnut and hazelnut layers which are rich and powerful on the seamless palate. The oak shows prominently on the nose and palate but finds its balance on the finish, allowing the wine to end with polish and reserve. | Estate Grown Cave Fermented Finch Hollow | 93 | 115 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Jarvis 2013 Estate Grown Cave Fermented Finch Hollow Chardonnay (Napa Valley) | Chardonnay | Jarvis |
| 8972 | 8971 | US | The aromas draw you in with notes of kiwi, pineapple and mango. Brown sugar and tropical fruit flavors are intensely sweet and rich, with an unctuous feel. | Estate Bottled Ice Wine | 93 | 25 | Washington | Red Mountain | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Kiona 2014 Estate Bottled Ice Wine Chenin Blanc (Red Mountain) | Chenin Blanc | Kiona |
| 8973 | 8972 | US | Brawny in flavorful black cherry, this well-crafted wine from a prime vineyard is plush with cinnamon and structured tannins. Floral in aroma, it tastes of strawberry and black cherry, with a seasoning of black pepper on the finish. Drink now through 2023. | Gap's Crown Vineyard | 93 | 60 | California | Sonoma Coast | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Lutum 2013 Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) | Pinot Noir | Lutum |
| 8974 | 8973 | US | With the fruit coming from Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills and Yellow Jacket vineyards, this winery's inaugural Walla Walla Valley release displays complex aromas of coffee, smoked meat, mineral, blueberries, violets and licorice. The dark coffee flavors are concentrated and dense, coming in waves and leading to an extended finish. | Voyageur | 93 | 55 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Maison Bleue 2012 Voyageur Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Syrah | Maison Bleue |
| 8975 | 8974 | Italy | Aromas of pressed violet, dark berry, baking spice, aromatic herbs and a whiff of leather lead the way. The firmly structured palate offers juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, mocha and espresso alongside velvety, compact tannins that still need to unwind. | Castelletto | 93 | 55 | Piedmont | Barolo | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Mauro Veglio 2011 Castelletto (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Mauro Veglio |
| 8976 | 8975 | US | Gravel, asphalt and iron drive the minerally nose of this bottling, which also shows cigar box, cherry leather, stewed strawberry and chocolate-caramel aromatics. There is plenty of both tannic grip and vibrant acidity once sipped, with cherries, cranberries and oregano elements making for a saucy palate. Drink 2017–2025. | Honea | 93 | 70 | California | Santa Barbara County | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Palmina 2008 Honea Nebbiolo (Santa Barbara County) | Nebbiolo | Palmina |
| 8977 | 8976 | Spain | Ripe aromas of prune, cassis and blackberry come with notes of spice cake, minerals and lemon peel. This feels grabby and strong, with pronounced acidity and tannins. Baked blackberry, black currant and toasty flavors are supported by a beam of firm acidity that carries onto the finish. Drink this powerful Rioja now through 2022. | La Nieta | 93 | 149 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Viñedos de Paganos 2012 La Nieta (Rioja) | Tempranillo | Viñedos de Paganos |
| 8978 | 8977 | US | A brand-new offering from this producer that usually traffics in Anderson Valley Pinot Noir from its own estate, this initial attempt at a white wine is stunning, a well-honed marriage between site and winemaker. Thick and expansive on the palate, it's a complex study in succulent apple and ginger, with a mineral-laden finish. | Gap's Crown Vineyard | 93 | 45 | California | Sonoma Coast | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Black Kite 2013 Gap's Crown Vineyard Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) | Chardonnay | Black Kite |
| 8979 | 8978 | Italy | Enticing aromas of wild berry, pine forest, aromatic herbs, iris and a hint of leather emerge on this full-bodied red. The bold, chewy palate delivers crunchy red berry, anise white pepper, clove and sage alongside youthfully assertive tannins and bright acidity. The ripe fruit seamlessly supports the hefty alcohol level. | Albe | 93 | 40 | Piedmont | Barolo | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | G D Vajra 2011 Albe (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | G D Vajra |
| 8980 | 8979 | Italy | This has a rather subdued nose that offers aromas of mature dark-skinned fruit, leather, tobacco, cooking spice and a balsamic note. The tightly woven, structured palate offers dried black cherry, ground pepper and intense licorice framed in a backbone of firm, refined tannins. | Rabajà Riserva | 93 | 100 | Piedmont | Barbaresco | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Giuseppe Cortese 2008 Rabajà Riserva (Barbaresco) | Nebbiolo | Giuseppe Cortese |
| 8981 | 8980 | France | Produced from flint soil (silex), this wine is intense, delicious and has a great future. Lemongrass and grapefruit flavors give a lift to the tight, strongly mineral texture. Spice and just a hint of wood bring out riper fruits as well as a refreshing, tangy texture. Drink from 2017. | Sancerre d'Antan Terroir de Silex | 93 | 60 | Loire Valley | Sancerre | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Henri Bourgeois 2013 Sancerre d'Antan Terroir de Silex (Sancerre) | Sauvignon Blanc | Henri Bourgeois |
| 8982 | 8981 | US | This wine is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc. It's aromatically brooding, with notes of high-toned dried herbs and dark cherries. The flavors are textured and palate-coating, with firm tannins backing them up. Just a baby now, it has a long life in front of it. Enjoy after 2021. | Tapteil Vineyard | 93 | 45 | Washington | Red Mountain | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Cadence 2012 Tapteil Vineyard Red (Red Mountain) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Cadence |
| 8983 | 8982 | US | With just 1% each of Cabernet and Merlot, this wine is darker in color, and offers pretty while dense aromas of concentrated violet, hot brick and boysenberry juice. It's dense and grippy on the palate, but quite lively with flavors of dried blackberry, pepper spice, black slate minerality and, on the finish, semisweet chocolate. | BuoniAnni | 93 | 36 | California | Santa Ynez Valley | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Cent'Anni 2010 BuoniAnni Sangiovese (Santa Ynez Valley) | Sangiovese | Cent'Anni |
| 8984 | 8983 | France | The flint soil of the Fiou domaine has given a magnificent rich wine. Yellow fruits, ripe citrus and beautifully perfumed acidity all contribute to a wine that is packed with flavor. The fruit is still crisply fresh and the mineral texture from the soil shows how well it will age. Drink from 2017. | Le Grand Roc | 93 | 40 | Loire Valley | Sancerre | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Gérard Fiou 2012 Le Grand Roc (Sancerre) | Sauvignon Blanc | Domaine Gérard Fiou |
| 8985 | 8984 | US | Substantive in oak and weight, this concentrated, estate-grown wine is impressive in velvety texture and a savory conjuring of tobacco and black tea. Dark, brambly blackberry and dark cherry join in on the fun, providing vibrancy amid all the sophistication. Finishing with a dash of cardamom, this wine will cellar nicely through 2020. | West Slope | 93 | 90 | California | Carneros | Napa-Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Donum 2012 West Slope Pinot Noir (Carneros) | Pinot Noir | Donum |
| 8986 | 8985 | US | This exceptional wine explodes in classic, characteristic aromas of rose water, dried rose petals and orange blossom, so floral and sublime. Edgy in taste, with a trace of salt, it exhibits no oak, celebrating instead an exuberance of fresh pear and grapefruit. | Dutton Ranch Green Valley Vineyard | 93 | 25 | California | Green Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Dutton-Goldfield 2014 Dutton Ranch Green Valley Vineyard Gewürztraminer (Green Valley) | Gewürztraminer | Dutton-Goldfield |
| 8987 | 8986 | Italy | Structured and elegant, this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot offers aromas of blackberry, red currant, blue flowers, clove and oak. The concentrate palate doles out black cherry, plum, sage, anise and tobacco alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins. Drink 2016–2022. | Saffredi | 93 | 100 | Tuscany | Maremma Toscana | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Fattoria Le Pupille 2012 Saffredi (Maremma Toscana) | Red Blend | Fattoria Le Pupille |
| 8988 | 8987 | US | This wine smells like moist earth after a rainfall. Aromas of earth, smoke, peat, olive tapenade and tobacco lead to abundant savory flavors with a lightly chalky feel. It captivates the senses. | Impulsivo | 93 | 90 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Cayuse 2012 Impulsivo Tempranillo (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Tempranillo | Cayuse |
| 8989 | 8988 | France | Hints of toast from wood aging give this wine its richness. It doesn't detract from the ripe apricot and peach fruit flavors while also keeping great freshness. All the elements have produced a ripe, full wine that could still age another year. Drink from 2017. | Grande Cuvée | 93 | 30 | Loire Valley | Sancerre | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Jean-Paul Balland 2013 Grande Cuvée (Sancerre) | Sauvignon Blanc | Domaine Jean-Paul Balland |
| 8990 | 8989 | Italy | Firmly structured, this opens with aromas of cedar, dried herbs, black currant and sweet pipe tobacco. The smooth, rich palate delivers mature wild cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate, ground black pepper and a graphite note alongside a backbone of velvety tannins. | | 93 | 120 | Tuscany | Costa Toscana | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Duemani 2011 Cabernet Franc (Costa Toscana) | Cabernet Franc | Duemani |
| 8991 | 8990 | Italy | Enticing aromas of woodland berry, menthol, baking spices, tobacco and a balsamic note float from the glass. The savory, classically structured palate delivers wild cherry, crushed strawberry, white pepper, clove and licorice alongside a backbone of firm but refined tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2019–2031. | Bussia Dardi Le Rose | 93 | 80 | Piedmont | Barolo | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Poderi Colla 2011 Bussia Dardi Le Rose (Barolo) | Nebbiolo | Poderi Colla |
| 8992 | 8991 | US | Pale in color, this 100% Grenache has arresting, complex aromas of candied strawberries, pomegranate, herbs, plum and orange peel. The red fruit and savory flavors are sweet and generous, showing an exquisite sense of purity and richness. It's a knee-buckler but all about delicacy and restraint. | Little G | 93 | 65 | Washington | Washington | Washington Other | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Rôtie Cellars 2013 Little G Grenache (Washington) | Grenache | Rôtie Cellars |