| 9980 | 9979 | Chile | Very good Carmenère with requisite tea, herbal and bold berry aromas. The palate is just right in that it's neither heavy nor sharp, and the flavors of cola, burnt brown sugar and roasted berries are smooth and deep. Finishes with notes of coffee, herbs and sweet fruits as it hits the target close to the bull's eye. | Ecos de Rulo | 89 | 19 | Colchagua Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Viña Bisquertt 2007 Ecos de Rulo Carmenère (Colchagua Valley) | Carmenère | Viña Bisquertt |
| 9981 | 9980 | Italy | Here's a plush, modern and thickly extracted Barbera d'Asti Superiore with a polished bouquet and well-dosed aromas of cherry, blackberry, spice, chocolate and tobacco. The wine is drying and crisp at the same time with polished tannins on the close. | Vigne Vecchie | 89 | | Piedmont | Barbera d'Asti Superiore | | | | Vinchio-Vaglio Serra 2007 Vigne Vecchie (Barbera d'Asti Superiore) | Barbera | Vinchio-Vaglio Serra |
| 9982 | 9981 | US | Good price for a dry, lusty Malbec that shows the variety's huge fruit, in a balanced, elegant package. While it's very tannic, the wine is softly drinkable now for its vast wealth of blackberry, black currant, dark chocolate, anise and sandalwood flavors. | McDermaid Family Vineyard | 89 | 25 | California | Red Hills Lake County | | | | McDermaid 2007 McDermaid Family Vineyard Malbec (Red Hills Lake County) | Malbec | McDermaid |
| 9983 | 9982 | Chile | Smells good and true, with dry spice and catchy red-fruit aromas. The palate is solid but not at all heavy, with lively red berry and exotic spice flavors. Lengthy and pure through the long finish, and overall this is the best Montes Pinot we've come across and also one of the best from Chile. | Limited Selection | 89 | 20 | Casablanca Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Montes 2009 Limited Selection Pinot Noir (Casablanca Valley) | Pinot Noir | Montes |
| 9984 | 9983 | New Zealand | Winemaker Nick Goldschmidt plies his trade mainly in California, but this effort from his native country is a winner, featuring a lush mix of nectarine, melon and tomato leaf that finishes long and harmoniously. | Boulder Bank | 89 | 15 | Marlborough | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Nick Goldschmidt 2008 Boulder Bank Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) | Sauvignon Blanc | Nick Goldschmidt |
| 9985 | 9984 | New Zealand | Among St. Clair's 2009 range of block Savvies, this is among the sweatiest, with pungent nettle and almost-asparagus notes on the nose. Yet on the palate, the wine is full-bodied, round and concentrated, with nectarine and honey elements punched up by bright herbal tones. Long and intense on the finish. Drink now. | Pioneer Block 20 Cash Block | 89 | 24 | Marlborough | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Saint Clair 2009 Pioneer Block 20 Cash Block Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) | Sauvignon Blanc | Saint Clair |
| 9986 | 9985 | Australia | Sidewood's 2009 Chardonnay is a throwback to the sort of delicious, well-priced Chardonnays Australia used to be known for, but with a touch more class. It delivers a big blast of upfront melon and peach fruit nestled in toasted cashew-like oak, then finishes fresh and citrusy. Good value for drinking over the next 6–12 months. | | 89 | 26 | South Australia | Adelaide Hills | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Sidewood 2009 Chardonnay (Adelaide Hills) | Chardonnay | Sidewood |
| 9987 | 9986 | Chile | A strong, smoky set of aromas gets this going in the proper direction. There's also spice, earth, herbal aromas and leather to give it variety. The palate is deep and big, with blackberry, smoked meat and richness. Smooth on the finish, with black olive and additional herbal accents. | | 89 | 19 | Colchagua Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Arboleda 2008 Carmenère (Colchagua Valley) | Carmenère | Arboleda |
| 9961 | 9960 | Spain | Leesy mango and lime aromas are fleshy, but attractive. A plump, juicy palate is holding its own, while flavors of pithy orange and melon end in a friendly, round fashion. | | 87 | 16 | Northern Spain | Rueda | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Paramus 2013 Verdejo (Rueda) | Verdejo | Paramus |
| 9962 | 9961 | New Zealand | A bright, fresh example of Pinot Noir, this is medium bodied and slightly creamy in texture as well. Bold notes of red cherries and beet greens add hints of button mushroom on the palate, then finish tart and refreshing. Drink now–2016. | | 87 | 25 | Marlborough | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Lake Chalice 2012 Pinot Noir (Marlborough) | Pinot Noir | Lake Chalice |
| 9963 | 9962 | US | While the nose shows sweet aromas of cherry bubblegum and vanilla, the palate brings notes of ripe cherry and currant balanced by zippy acidity. Soft tannins provide just enough grip, giving this fun and fruity wine adequate structure. | Reserve | 87 | 40 | Virginia | Virginia | | Alexander Peartree | | Winery at La Grange 2012 Reserve Cabernet Franc (Virginia) | Cabernet Franc | Winery at La Grange |
| 9964 | 9963 | Argentina | Slightly reduced aromas of red and black fruits are rustic and come with a whiff of animal hide. This Malbec-led blend is a touch shallow in feel, with candied berry flavors that suggest wild herbs and garrigue. A light, jumpy, fruity finish eschews weight for freshness. | Brazos de los Andes | 87 | 18 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Zuccardi 2011 Brazos de los Andes Red (Mendoza) | Red Blend | Zuccardi |
| 9965 | 9964 | Germany | While the nose is demure, suggesting only a hint of muted apple and pear, the sweet-tart palate on this spry wine is full of yellow-cherry flavor. Bracing acidity wraps the finish up tight and brisk. | Goldtröpfchen Spätlese | 87 | 33 | Mosel | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2013 Goldtröpfchen Spätlese Riesling (Mosel) | Riesling | Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt |
| 9966 | 9965 | Spain | Clean, simple and fresh on the nose, this is showing aromas of lime and apple cider. The palate is creamy and melony more than sharp and acidic, with leesy pear and apple flavors that finish short but bright. Drink now. | Arindo | 87 | 11 | Northern Spain | Rueda | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Shaya 2013 Arindo Verdejo (Rueda) | Verdejo | Shaya |
| 9967 | 9966 | Italy | A blend of Grillo, Catarratto and Inzolia, this vibrant wine opens with delicate aromas of white flower, tropical fruit and a hint of beeswax. On the palate, creamy white peach is energized by nectarine zest and crisp acidity. | Don Pietro | 87 | 23 | Sicily & Sardinia | Terre Siciliane | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Spadafora 2013 Don Pietro White (Terre Siciliane) | White Blend | Spadafora |
| 9968 | 9967 | US | Strawberry and raspberry fruit carry a nice touch of bright spice, notably saffron. Some 30% new French oak was used, and the wine expresses it with highlights of toasted coconut. The wine has medium concentration and length, and will benefit from aggressive aeration. | | 87 | 23 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Stanton Vineyard 2012 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | Stanton Vineyard |
| 9969 | 9968 | Italy | Aromas suggest passion fruit, crushed tomato vine and cut grass. The palate offers juicy grapefruit, lemon-lime and mint alongside crisp acidity. | Kheirè | 87 | | Sicily & Sardinia | Sicilia | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Tenuta Gorghi Tondi 2013 Kheirè Grillo (Sicilia) | Grillo | Tenuta Gorghi Tondi |
| 9970 | 9969 | Italy | The nose isn't very expressive but the palate eventually reveals raw red berry, espresso, brimstone and grilled rosemary alongside astringent and rather drying tannins. | Cirneco Rosso | 87 | 45 | Sicily & Sardinia | Etna | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Terrazze dell'Etna 2009 Cirneco Rosso (Etna) | Nerello Mascalese | Terrazze dell'Etna |
| 9988 | 9987 | Italy | Here's a sweet and luscious Barbera d'Alba with bright, thick concentration and immediate aromas of blackberry, cassis and cherry. There is an obvious wood element here that adds tones of spice, vanilla and tobacco. The high density and richness of the wine leaves purplish glycerin trails on the side of the glass. | Giuli | 89 | | Piedmont | Barbera d'Alba | | | | Cascina Ballarin 2007 Giuli (Barbera d'Alba) | Barbera | Cascina Ballarin |
| 9971 | 9970 | US | A hazelnut-infused dessert wine based upon Pinot Noir, it's raisined, slightly volatile and impressively nutty. It turns creamy in the mouth, with rich flavors of hazelnut, toffee plus a hint of dried leaves. | Ternion | 87 | 39 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Treos NV Ternion Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | Treos |
| 9972 | 9971 | France | This wine is all spice and sweetness. If the sense of terroir is missing, it does offer ripe swathes of apricot and spiced pear flavors lathered with honey. Drink now. | Steingrubler Grand Cru | 87 | 34 | Alsace | Alsace | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Wunsch & Mann 2012 Steingrubler Grand Cru Gewurztraminer (Alsace) | Gewürztraminer | Wunsch & Mann |
| 9989 | 9988 | Italy | Thick, black and extracted, this dense Barbera d'Asti Superiore opens with intense aromas of black fruit and fresh oak. Definitely give this wine at least two more years in the bottle for those smoky wood notes to find balance. At this young stage, the wine tastes new, chewy and raw. | Del Beneficio | 89 | | Piedmont | Barbera d'Asti Superiore | | | | Castello di Razzano 2007 Del Beneficio (Barbera d'Asti Superiore) | Barbera | Castello di Razzano |
| 9990 | 9989 | Italy | Pretty coffee notes are offset by ripe aromas of raspberry, black cherry and chocolate: There is nice softness and density in this wine that is balanced against the natural acidity of the fruit. Pair this wine with cheesy pasta al forno. | La Tota | 89 | 28 | Piedmont | Barbera d'Asti | | | | Marchesi Alfieri 2007 La Tota (Barbera d'Asti) | Barbera | Marchesi Alfieri |
| 9973 | 9972 | Italy | Aromas of smoke, bacon, mature black-skinned fruit and allspice waft out of the glass. The aromas follow through to the dense, monolithic palate, along with oak extract, vanilla, and a confectionary note. | Kaid | 87 | 29 | Sicily & Sardinia | Sicilia | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Alessandro di Camporeale 2011 Kaid Syrah (Sicilia) | Syrah | Alessandro di Camporeale |
| 9974 | 9973 | Italy | Made with Nero d'Avola grapes that were partially left to wither on the vine, this offers aromas of fig, date, prune and vanilla. The soft, one-dimensional palate doles out ripe blackberry, mocha and a confectionary note alongside smooth, round tannins. | Appassimento | 87 | 20 | Sicily & Sardinia | Terre Siciliane | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Barone Montalto 2013 Appassimento Nero d'Avola (Terre Siciliane) | Nero d'Avola | Barone Montalto |
| 9975 | 9974 | France | This warm, ripe wine has a balance between spice, rich fruit and a fresher background. It has enough spice to make it completely typical Gewurztraminer while keeping style and elegance. Drink now. | Réserve Particulière | 87 | 15 | Alsace | Alsace | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Cave de Beblenheim 2013 Réserve Particulière Gewurztraminer (Alsace) | Gewürztraminer | Cave de Beblenheim |
| 9976 | 9975 | US | Made in a firm, dry style that will appeal to Cabernet drinkers, this smells like black cherries and blackberries and tastes full and fruity. It feels moderately tannic, well-balanced, and lingers a bit on the finish. | Red No. 249 | 87 | 17 | California | North Coast | North Coast | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Chloe 2012 Red No. 249 Red (North Coast) | Red Blend | Chloe |
| 9977 | 9976 | Italy | Subdued aromas of Spanish broom and brimstone float from the glass. The vertical palate offers yellow apple, citrus zest and mineral alongside crisp acidity. | Animalucente Bianco | 87 | 45 | Sicily & Sardinia | Etna | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Contrada Santo Spirito di Passopisciaro 2012 Animalucente Bianco (Etna) | White Blend | Contrada Santo Spirito di Passopisciaro |
| 9978 | 9977 | US | Mostly Lemberger, from a 1979 planting, this is an explosion of sweet berry and milk chocolate—what's not to like? Luscious and full across the palate, it's a raspberry truffle in a bottle. Not sweet, so not for dessert, but in a way it is dessert all by itself. | Old Vines | 89 | 18 | Washington | Yakima Valley | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Kana 2006 Old Vines Red (Yakima Valley) | Red Blend | Kana |
| 9979 | 9978 | Chile | Smooth, tropical and pure on the nose, with pineapple as the lead fruit. The palate is solid and full-bodied, with pineapple, papaya, honey and toasted flavors. Not “oaky” but it is well oaked, and thus the finish is warm, toasty and creamy. Drink now. | Cuvée Alexandre Atalayas Vineyard | 89 | 24 | Casablanca Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Lapostolle 2008 Cuvée Alexandre Atalayas Vineyard Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley) | Chardonnay | Lapostolle |