| 105151 | 105150 | US | This is a classic, concentrated but elegant wine, from the wonderful black cherry and forest underbrush aromas to the ripe fruit flavors, full body and polished texture. Aging in 30% new Hungarian barrels gave a subtle spicy accent. | Estate | 92 | 32 | California | Carneros | Napa-Sonoma | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Poseidon 2015 Estate Pinot Noir (Carneros) | Pinot Noir | Poseidon |
| 105152 | 105151 | Austria | A faint touch of hazelnut plays on the lemon aromas of the nose. The palate has a lingering combination of the two, plus a zesty, phenolic texture that has slight but pleasantly bitter edges plus more fruit, akin to ripe, yellow apple. This is a rounded Pinot Blanc with potential. Drink now–2022. | Ried Seeberg | 92 | 25 | Burgenland | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Prieler 2016 Ried Seeberg Pinot Blanc (Burgenland) | Pinot Blanc | Prieler |
| 105153 | 105152 | US | With 94% Syrah and 6% Viognier and coming from the Rocks District, this wine brings aromatically expressive aromas of green olive, fresh violet, sea salt, black pepper, orange peel and earthy funk. The palate is soft and silky in feel, showing an appealing sense of balance and restraint. It delivers a sense of elegance. | Northern Blend | 92 | 48 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Rôtie Cellars 2015 Northern Blend Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Rhône-style Red Blend | Rôtie Cellars |
| 105154 | 105153 | US | Earthy aromas of juniper and forest floor give depth to the rusty cherry, tart cranberry, dried hibiscus and pepper-dust scents on the nose of this bottling from the historic vineyard. Soft in structure at first, it then delivers a firmer tannic edge in the midpalate, all the while delivering vivacious red fruit and pine-forest flavors. It will age very well. | Sanford & Benedict Vineyard | 92 | 70 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Sanford 2014 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) | Pinot Noir | Sanford |
| 105155 | 105154 | Austria | Fresh lime and ivy hits you first, followed by a leesy hint and some pear on the nose. The palate comes in with salty savoriness that suggests yeasty miso, chervil and lovage, with lots of white pepper accented by a little spritz. Brightened by fresh lemon notes, this makes for a spicy, elegant and slender wine with a light touch and real depth. | Ried Steinsetz | 92 | 19 | Kamptal | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Schloss Gobelsburg 2016 Ried Steinsetz Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal) | Grüner Veltliner | Schloss Gobelsburg |
| 105156 | 105155 | US | Inspired by the Loire Valley, where the “rocks decide” (as this bottling's name suggests), this wine is very light and almost cloudy in color, and shows tons of chalk, wet wool, lime peel and seashore on the nose. The texture is immensely intriguing, presenting flavors of just-ripe Anjou pear, cut grass, and iodine-like kelp tones, with a flash of petrol on the finish. | Les Pierres Qui Decident | 92 | 65 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Shared Notes 2015 Les Pierres Qui Decident Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley) | Sauvignon Blanc | Shared Notes |
| 105157 | 105156 | Austria | Aromatic notions of summer blossom and freshly cut pear appear on the nose. The palate brings out ripe, rounded and juicy pear notes alongside a textured, slightly phenolic midpalate that adds backbone. Rounded with rich fruit, it has a briskly clean finish. | | 92 | 25 | Thermenregion | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Stift Klosterneuburg 2016 Zierfandler-Rotgipfler (Thermenregion) | Zierfandler-Rotgipfler | Stift Klosterneuburg |
| 105158 | 105157 | Austria | A touch of peach is edged with leafy notes of citrus foliage and a touch of elderflower. The palate brings out the peach but also a zestiness reminiscent of grapefruit peel, making for a crisp texture. Full of flavor this has a rounded midpalate despite the slender body. | Ried Gamlitzberg | 92 | 22 | Südsteiermark | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Strauss 2016 Ried Gamlitzberg Sauvignon Blanc (Südsteiermark) | Sauvignon Blanc | Strauss |
| 105159 | 105158 | Spain | Intense, rubbery aromas of blackberry, cassis and raisin lead off. This Tinto Fino is full bodied, saturated and ripe in feel. Blackberry, cassis, toast and chocolate flavors finish with a covering of burnt oak and spice. Drink through 2026. | | 92 | 32 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Tionio 2014 Ribera del Duero | Tinto Fino | Tionio |
| 105160 | 105159 | US | All coming from Block 1, this wine was fermented 65% whole cluster and aged for 20 months in neutral barrels. Pretty aromas of spice, flower, herb, cherry and earth give way to a full fruit-forward palate that shows a dazzling sense of purity and richness while also maintaining its restraint. It's a bit of a stylistic departure for the winery in terms of its richness but it still delivers big time. | Gorgeous Destiny Ridge Vineyard | 92 | 30 | Washington | Horse Heaven Hills | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | W.T. Vintners 2014 Gorgeous Destiny Ridge Vineyard Syrah (Horse Heaven Hills) | Syrah | W.T. Vintners |
| 105161 | 105160 | Austria | The nose still gives away little. The palate also remains tightly curled in itself. This wine needs a little time but promises to blossom with another year of bottle age. It has a gamy streak on the firm, grippy midpalate as well as bright, enlivening freshness. The finish is lip-smacking and the tannins still edgy, but the juiciness of dark fruit is undeniable. Drink 2018–2020. | Horitschoner | 92 | 22 | Mittelburgenland | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Weninger 2015 Horitschoner Blaufränkisch (Mittelburgenland) | Blaufränkisch | Weninger |
| 105162 | 105161 | Austria | The bright, tart flesh of early-season apples tingles enticingly on the nose. The palate follows with tart sweetness, mimicking the sweet but refreshing crunch of a ripe but tart apple. The body is delicate, with a balance that teeters between sweet and tart. Totally refreshing, it finishes with lasting echoes of apple. | Besse Fleur | 92 | 36 | Weinland Österreich | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Weszeli 2016 Besse Fleur Riesling (Weinland Österreich) | Riesling | Weszeli |
| 105163 | 105162 | US | Savory aromas of roasting meat and beef jerky are enhanced by pretty touches of lilacs, violet and chocolate syrup on the nose of this bottling. The slightest kiss of strawberry shows on the sip, followed by riper blackberry, purple flowers, rosemary and pepper. The firm tannic structure ensures ageability. | Eight Barrel | 92 | 48 | California | Santa Ynez Valley | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Zaca Mesa 2013 Eight Barrel Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley) | Syrah | Zaca Mesa |
| 105164 | 105163 | Spain | Milagros means “miracles,” and the marvel is how good this wine is considering how rough in general 2013 was in the Ribera del Duero region. Oaky aromas of root beer and blackberry are smooth and heady. This wine is intense, with big tannins and firm acidity. Faith will be rewarded down the line with potent berry and chocolaty oak flavors. Bottle age should help this soften up; drink from 2020–2030. | Milagros | 92 | 100 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | García Figuero 2013 Milagros (Ribera del Duero) | Tempranillo | García Figuero |
| 105165 | 105164 | France | Round and harmonious on the palate, this wine is a terrific value. Floral notes mark the nose, backed up by raspberry and strawberry fruit, while an undercurrent of crushed stone provides depth and backbone. The finish is berry-filled, but balanced and savory. | | 92 | 16 | Rhône Valley | Tavel | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Domaine Corne-Loup 2016 Tavel | Rosé | Domaine Corne-Loup |
| 105166 | 105165 | US | From an historic block of the famous vineyard long known as Robert's Block, this white is incredibly complex and concentrated, with richly woven layers of pear, Key lime and peach. A handful of Sémillon is blended in, adding extra oomph and flavor, the finish balanced in acidity and marked by freshness. | Reserve To Kalon Vineyard | 92 | 52 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Robert Mondavi 2015 Reserve To Kalon Vineyard Fumé Blanc (Napa Valley) | Fumé Blanc | Robert Mondavi |
| 105167 | 105166 | US | Aromas of pear, lees and tropical fruit lead to a rich flavorful palate, absolutely loaded with tropical-fruit flavors that show a delightful sense of balance. The oak usage (25% new French) is judicious, allowing the fruit to shine. | Ysabella Bjork | 92 | 45 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Morell-Peña 2015 Ysabella Bjork Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Chardonnay | Morell-Peña |
| 105168 | 105167 | | A lively whiff of white blossom, Muscat grapes and lemon enticingly streaks the nose. These flavors continue on a feather-light and dry palate where fresh acidity makes them shine even brighter. This wine is all about expressing the most delicious, dry but totally aromatic lightness. Refreshing and made for summer, it has an irresistible lemon finish. | Steirische Klassik | 92 | 21 | | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Neumeister 2016 Steirische Klassik Gelber Muskateller | Gelber Muskateller | Neumeister |
| 105169 | 105168 | France | Full bodied and opulent, yet remarkably refreshing at the same time, wines like this are why the commune of Laudun is so highly regarded as a white-wine terroir within the warm Southern Rhône. Honey, pineapple and stone fruit notes linger through the finish, balanced by hints of crushed stone and citrus. Drink now. | | 92 | 17 | Rhône Valley | Laudun | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Pierre Henri Morel 2014 White (Laudun) | Rhône-style White Blend | Pierre Henri Morel |
| 105170 | 105169 | US | Blended with 6% Marsanne, the aromas are light (considering the appellation and producer), bringing notes of herb, smoked meat, white pepper, mineral and earth. The flavors are tart and bright, creating a real sense of freshness and vibrancy. | Estate The Contender In the Rocks Vineyard | 92 | 85 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Reynvaan Family Vineyards 2014 Estate The Contender In the Rocks Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Syrah | Reynvaan Family Vineyards |
| 105171 | 105170 | US | An elegantly integrated dark-red-cherry component distinguishes the nose of this blend of 40% Mourvèdre, 35% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Counoise, with hints of sagebrush and baking spice. The food-friendly palate combines dark-berry flavors with dried herbs, graphite and light sarsaparilla, with well-integrated acidity and a silky yet firm texture. | Esprit de Tablas Grown and Bottled on the Estate Mourvèdre-Grenache-Syrah-Counoise | 92 | 55 | California | Adelaida District | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Tablas Creek 2014 Esprit de Tablas Grown and Bottled on the Estate Mourvèdre-Grenache-Syrah-Counoise Red (Adelaida District) | Rhône-style Red Blend | Tablas Creek |
| 105172 | 105171 | Austria | A touch of lemon zest, a hint of lime, a suspicion of yeast: the nose of this wine is fresh and restrained. Light but juicy, the body ripples with refreshing ease across the tongue. It's a slender, pure and uplifting wine with zestiness and enduring, almost-weightless freshness. | Terrassen Federspiel | 92 | 24 | Wachau | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Tegernseerhof 2016 Terrassen Federspiel Riesling (Wachau) | Riesling | Tegernseerhof |
| 105173 | 105172 | US | Pretty and pink, this light-bodied but nervy wine brims with white raspberry and pomegranate flavors and a texture that is crisp and mouth-cleansing. The balance between fruitiness and acidity is precise and appetizing, so it pays off sip after sip. It was made from Grenache, Mourvèdre, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. | Vin Gris d'Amour | 92 | 20 | California | Sierra Foothills | Sierra Foothills | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Terre Rouge 2016 Vin Gris d'Amour Rosé (Sierra Foothills) | Rosé | Terre Rouge |
| 105174 | 105173 | US | This is a great example of a lower alcohol, somewhat underripe Pinot Noir that shows solid depth and lovable freshness. Lively aromas of black-raspberry sorbet and dark strawberry show on the nose, while the palate picks up a tart cranberry character. White pepper, thyme and juniper enliven the fruity flavors. | Saveria Vineyard | 92 | 45 | California | Santa Cruz Mountains | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Tessier Winery 2015 Saveria Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains) | Pinot Noir | Tessier Winery |
| 105175 | 105174 | US | From the eastern side of the Napa Valley, this combines 84% Grenache with 16% Mourvèdre, harvesting the best clusters of the grapes specifically for this light, dry wine. The juice is left to ferment and rest in concrete egg and neutral French oak. Light-copper in color, it's perfumed in jasmine, with accents of white peach, lime and strawberry, light and ethereal with a backbone of focused acidity. | McGah Vineyard | 92 | 35 | California | Rutherford | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Kale 2016 McGah Vineyard Rosé (Rutherford) | Rosé | Kale |
| 105176 | 105175 | France | It's fading a bit at the rim, but it's a treat to know that mature releases like this are in the market. Age has mellowed its tannins to silky smoothness, while the aromas and flavors resemble thyme blossoms, cherries and leather. Hints of herbal tea and mocha linger elegantly on the finish. Drink now–2022. | Bel Air | 92 | 24 | Rhône Valley | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | L'Amandine 2011 Bel Air Red | Rhône-style Red Blend | L'Amandine |
| 105177 | 105176 | US | A full 13 years old, the aromas are still vibrant, with notes of cranberry sauce, leather, vanilla and baking spice. The palate displays a beautiful sense of balance between the fruit and barrel flavors. It's in an absolute sweet spot right now but still has life in front of it. | | 92 | 42 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Lawrelin 2004 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Syrah | Lawrelin |
| 105178 | 105177 | France | A fine vintage, which shows some age from a relatively fast-maturing year, but is now nicely poised between the initial fresh green fruits and grapefruit flavors, and the elements of toast and yeast that are developing well. This is a great food wine, with some weight and ripeness. | Grand Cru Brut | 93 | 80 | Champagne | Champagne | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Pommery 1998 Grand Cru Brut (Champagne) | Champagne Blend | Pommery |
| 105179 | 105178 | US | From Chiles Valley, this blend of 71% Semillon and 29% Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best wines of its type of the vintage. Cofermented and barrel aged in 15% new French oak, it shows extraordinary richness, and savory flavors of green and yellow tree fruits, green tea, cashew, Asian spices and gingery vanilla. It even has some dusty tannins that make for grip and structure. The finish is absolutely dry. | Gemini White Wine | 93 | 25 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Volker Eisele Family Estate 2006 Gemini White Wine White (Napa Valley) | Bordeaux-style White Blend | Volker Eisele Family Estate |
| 105180 | 105179 | Hungary | Though this dessert wine is already excellent, it's quite exciting to imagine how good it will be as its delicate flavors mingle over time. Made by the Szepsy family, whose roots go centuries (perhaps 1,000 years) deep in Hungary, the wine starts with a dense, slightly musky but floral nose. On the tongue, apricot, honey and spice mingle in a rich, opulent union, buoyed by a sparkling acidity that keeps the wine light and pretty. | Aszú 6 Puttonyos | 93 | | Tokaj | | | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Szepsy 2002 Aszú 6 Puttonyos Tokaji (Tokaj) | Tokaji | Szepsy |