| 105211 | 105210 | US | If you are allergic to sulfites or insist on certified organic wines, this one fits the bill. Unfortunately it's heavy on the grape-juice characteristic, with sharp acids running the show. Dense and chewy, and there's an odd grapefruit note at the end. | Eco Wine Cattrall Brothers | 80 | 14 | Oregon | Oregon | Oregon Other | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Amity 1999 Eco Wine Cattrall Brothers Pinot Noir (Oregon) | Pinot Noir | Amity |
| 105212 | 105211 | US | Ripe and solid, this is a thoroughly enjoyable California example of this Rhône varietal. The wine presents an enticing bouquet of tropical fruits, floral scents, vanilla, even a hint of banana. The palate is medium weight, with citrus and more vanilla flavors. Closes nicely with light spice and toasty accents. | Estate Bottled | 87 | 14 | California | Dunnigan Hills | Central Valley | | | R.H. Phillips 1999 Estate Bottled Viognier (Dunnigan Hills) | Viognier | R.H. Phillips |
| 105213 | 105212 | US | If this isn't the best $50 Merlot in the world, I don't know what is. Dark, thick and jammy, with dense layers of fruit, spice and oak. Scents of sandalwood, coffee, mint, pepper and more, much more. In the mouth it offers a seamless, achingly rich mix of fruits, woods and spices. Big, rich, long and deep, it's nonetheless best enjoyed right now, not cellared. | | 94 | 50 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Leonetti Cellar 1998 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Merlot | Leonetti Cellar |
| 105214 | 105213 | US | A blend of mainly Syrah, with Grenache, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Opens with brilliant, beautiful aromas of berries and fruit, chocolate, violets, herbs and spices, and smoky oak. In the mouth, there's fabulous complexity and an opulent, velvety smooth texture. Very dry and elegant, and the sweet, spicy finish goes on forever. | | 94 | 40 | California | Santa Barbara County | Central Coast | | | Io 1997 Red (Santa Barbara County) | Rhône-style Red Blend | Io |
| 105215 | 105214 | US | Defines Carneros in its rich, nuanced aromas of fig, ripe peach, tangerine, nutmeg and oaky vanilla. Winemaker-induced complexities from barrel fermentation and lees aging. Tremendous depth of flavor, it just sings on the palate and is so rich and spicy. The ultralong finish is sweet and satisfying. | | 93 | 18 | California | Carneros | Napa-Sonoma | | | Schug 1998 Chardonnay (Carneros) | Chardonnay | Schug |
| 105216 | 105215 | US | 75% Syrah and 25% Cinsault from the oldest continually cultivated vinifera vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. The spicy, intensely aromatic nose mixes black cherry, concentrated cassis, coffee, bacon, leather and roasted nuts. It unfolds in layer upon layer of rich fruit, tannin, leather and smoke. Dense, deep and Rhône-like, it finishes with a montage of meaty, peppery, bacon-smoke flavors. | Basket Press Reserve | 93 | 55 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Glen Fiona 1997 Basket Press Reserve Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Syrah | Glen Fiona |
| 105217 | 105216 | US | The nose leaps out of the glass: fat, meaty and jammy, laden with ripe, seductive fruit. The palate impression is still young, firm and tight, with tart loganberry fruit that has a nice tang to it. It's all wrapped in big, toasty layers of oak, with coffee, bitter chocolate and licorice running through the long finish. This one needs more time to knit itself together and open up. | | 93 | 55 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Leonetti Cellar 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Leonetti Cellar |
| 105218 | 105217 | US | What a pleasant surprise awaits you here: It's delectable, decadent and downright delicious. Fabulous mango, lime, and peach aromas parade upward in advance of vivid nectarine and pink grapefruit flavors. This charmer, which features perfect vitality and acidity, is almost too easy to drink and enjoy. | Ice Wine | 92 | 25 | Washington | Yakima Valley | Columbia Valley | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Hyatt 1998 Ice Wine Black Muscat (Yakima Valley) | Black Muscat | Hyatt |
| 105219 | 105218 | France | Very light mango, pineapple and banana aromas are joined by flowers and minerals. Nutty notes are brought to the fore on the dry and stony palate. Finishes broad and long, with echos of the floral and mineral notes on the nose. Now it's pretty tight; best in 2002 and beyond. | Les Blanchots | 92 | 85 | Burgundy | Chablis | | | | Domaine Laroche 1997 Les Blanchots (Chablis) | Chardonnay | Domaine Laroche |
| 105220 | 105219 | US | A two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, one-third Merlot blend, this is the winery’s prestige cuvée. Lushly perfumed with blueberry, black cherry and red fruits, it’s high-toned and assertive. A serious effort that is still tight as a drum, tannic and deeply streaked with black spices, smoke, tar and coffee. | Red Mountain Reserve | 92 | 45 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Hedges 1997 Red Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot | Hedges |
| 105221 | 105220 | US | Gary Figgins works his usual magic and adds layers of rich, buttery, nutty oak to the light, pleasant Sangiovese fruit. The oak doesn't overwhelm, it underscores, and the effect is exciting, sensuous and fat. The wine floats across the palate, with light fruit and buttery oak melding into a sinuous, delicious whole. Beautiful winemaking. | | 91 | 50 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Leonetti Cellar 1998 Sangiovese (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Sangiovese | Leonetti Cellar |
| 105222 | 105221 | US | Darker and more closed-up than the Ciel du Cheval bottling, this is a medium-bodied red wine with dusty cherry and cassis scents, and hints of tar, coffee, herb and leather. It's muscular and edgy, with tons of potential. | Pepper Bridge | 91 | 23 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Andrew Will 1999 Pepper Bridge Sangiovese (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Sangiovese | Andrew Will |
| 105223 | 105222 | US | This patiently aged wine delivers a dynamic and rich nose with aromas of plums, cassis, cola, Dr Pepper, chocolate syrup and well-spiced German chocolate cake. Those ripe elements are tamed on the tart and lively palate that shows sour plum skins alongside star anise, beef blood and dank herbs. | Series | 90 | 52 | California | Temecula | South Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Lorenzi Estate 2009 Series Zinfandel (Temecula) | Zinfandel | Lorenzi Estate |
| 105224 | 105223 | US | This has compelling intensity, with the extra dimensions that vines more than four decades old can offer. The concentrated apple and pear fruit is pure, deep and lingering. The wine is finished off dry. | Juliard Vineyard Old Vine | 90 | 24 | Oregon | Dundee Hills | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Lundeen 2013 Juliard Vineyard Old Vine Riesling (Dundee Hills) | Riesling | Lundeen |
| 105225 | 105224 | US | This rarely explored grape, also known as Trebbiano, proves quite exciting in this bottling. Aromas recall ripe lime flesh, white flowers, green apples, Asian pears and white peach, with a nearly tropical banana sap character. The palate tightens around the limey acidity, showing some ripe red apple, but remaining bright, ready to pair with everything from roast chicken to shellfish. | Kiler Grove Vineyard | 90 | 27 | California | Paso Robles Willow Creek District | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Paix Sur Terre 2014 Kiler Grove Vineyard Ugni Blanc (Paso Robles Willow Creek District) | Ugni Blanc | Paix Sur Terre |
| 105226 | 105225 | US | Floral and lush, this majority Cabernet Sauvignon contains 10% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, combining for a structured, layered wine accented in black cherry, cedar and dried herb. From vineyards strewn across the Napa Valley, including mountainside sites, it offers power and finesse and should sit well in cellar through 2022. | Reserve | 90 | 80 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Amici 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Amici |
| 105227 | 105226 | US | Juicy and big-bodied, this is a balanced expression of earthy black cherry and well-honed structure. Soft and lush on the palate, it'll appeal to fans who like a bit more meat on their Pinot bones, yet appreciate the fine texture of the tannins. | The Ringneck | 90 | 55 | California | Sonoma Coast | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Armanino Family Cellars 2012 The Ringneck Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) | Pinot Noir | Armanino Family Cellars |
| 105228 | 105227 | US | Rich and fruity, this reserve adds layers of spice and citrus to the peachy core of the regular bottling. Details of rind put a frame on the fruit, while a lightly toasty finish brings a lingering note of banana along for the ride. | Reserve | 90 | 45 | Oregon | Chehalem Mountains | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Blakeslee 2013 Reserve Chardonnay (Chehalem Mountains) | Chardonnay | Blakeslee |
| 105229 | 105228 | France | Big, dark tannins dominate this concentrated wine that is powerful, dry and firm. Under the structure lies a smoother layer of ripe plum and berry fruits. At 90% Malbec and 10% Merlot, it will certainly need more time to mature; drink from 2018. | | 90 | 19 | Southwest France | Cahors | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Lamartine 2012 Malbec-Merlot (Cahors) | Malbec-Merlot | Château Lamartine |
| 105230 | 105229 | France | Harvested at the end of October, this gently sweet wine has hints of botrytis along with ripe apricot and honey flavors. It is shot through with delicious acidity that gives the wine a great lift and final freshness. | Ballet d'Octobre | 90 | 18 | Southwest France | Jurançon | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Cauhapé 2013 Ballet d'Octobre (Jurançon) | Gros and Petit Manseng | Domaine Cauhapé |
| 105231 | 105230 | France | This rich and ripe wine is full of apricot and almond flavors. It is beautifully textured with a strongly mineral character as well as an orange-zest flavor and tangy, spicy aftertaste. The wine should age, so drink from 2017. | Pierre de Lune | 90 | | Southwest France | Jurançon Sec | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Nigri 2013 Pierre de Lune (Jurançon Sec) | Gros and Petit Manseng | Domaine Nigri |
| 105232 | 105231 | France | This wine has an intense structure while not losing sight of fruit. It's a solid wine with dominant tannins. It also has intense acidity and, in the background, red berry fruits. It needs time to come together into an impressive wine. Drink from 2017. | Les Gravels | 90 | 40 | Southwest France | Gaillac | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domaine Rotier 2013 Les Gravels Red (Gaillac) | Red Blend | Domaine Rotier |
| 105233 | 105232 | Greece | This blend of Roditis and Moscofilero offers floral, flirty aromas and a palate that's both fresh and layered. Flavors of lemon, violet and orange are rounded but balanced by lively acidity. | Zoe | 90 | 12 | Peloponnese | | | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Skouras 2013 Zoe White (Peloponnese) | White Blend | Skouras |
| 105234 | 105233 | Germany | Decadent white floral tones persist throughout this dry, gorgeously perfumed Riesling. Concentrated white peach and apricot flavors feel plush and concentrated on the palate but zesty acidity adds a vivacious kick. Drink now through 2017. | Nik Weis Schodener Saarfeilser Marienberg Grosse Lage | 90 | 29 | Mosel | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | St. Urbans-Hof 2012 Nik Weis Schodener Saarfeilser Marienberg Grosse Lage Riesling (Mosel) | Riesling | St. Urbans-Hof |
| 105235 | 105234 | Italy | Here's a fresh, savory white made from Trebbiano and Sémillon grapes. It opens with aromas of pineapple, exotic fruit and white wildflowers that carry over to the linear palate alongside Mediterranean herb, yellow peach and lemon zest. Tangy acidity provides balance and generates a crisp, clean finish. | Memorino | 90 | 32 | Tuscany | Toscana | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | I Giusti e Zanza 2014 Memorino White (Toscana) | White Blend | I Giusti e Zanza |
| 105236 | 105235 | Chile | Cherry and berry aromas are direct and vivid, with a slight touch of spice. There's energy to the palate, which is slightly jammy and creamy. Ripe plum and cherry flavors show mild oak notes, while the finish is bright, bold and deals some chocolaty oak. | Coastal Cool Climate Estate Bottled | 90 | 19 | Casablanca Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Lomas del Valle 2014 Coastal Cool Climate Estate Bottled Pinot Noir (Casablanca Valley) | Pinot Noir | Lomas del Valle |
| 105237 | 105236 | US | Fresh black cherries and a bit of licorice are laced through the nose of this appellation blend by single-vineyard star Brian Loring. The palate is all about exotic spice, from ginger and black sage to anise seeds and cola, also showing some umami flavors reminiscent of shiitake mushrooms. | | 90 | 32 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Loring Wine Company 2013 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) | Pinot Noir | Loring Wine Company |
| 105238 | 105237 | Germany | Whiffs of sweet pastry and sun-kissed nectarines lend richness to this zesty, off-dry Riesling. Sweet and tart, it's lip smackingly juicy, finishing on a deliciously astringent lemon pith note. Drink now through 2017. | Haus Klosterberg Feinherb | 90 | 20 | Mosel | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Markus Molitor 2012 Haus Klosterberg Feinherb Riesling (Mosel) | Riesling | Markus Molitor |
| 105239 | 105238 | US | This is a full-bodied but easy-drinking wine with ample ripe fruit flavors and attractive accents from oak aging, like vanilla, nutmeg and a touch of brown sugar. It coats the mouth with rich fruitiness and lingers on the finish in a compelling manner. | | 90 | 39 | California | Lodi | Central Valley | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Mikami Vineyards 2012 Zinfandel (Lodi) | Zinfandel | Mikami Vineyards |
| 105240 | 105239 | Italy | This opens from aromas of dried black fruit, spiced plum, sage, pipe tobacco and mocha. The rich palate offers ripe blackberries, anisette, coffee and a chocolate note alongside smooth, velvety tannins. While it's concentrated, it manages its heft with surprising finesse. Drink through 2019. | | 90 | 39 | Lombardy | Sforzato di Valtellina | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Nera 2009 Sforzato di Valtellina | Nebbiolo | Nera |