| 15779 | 15778 | Portugal | The original vineyard owned by winemaking husband and wife Jorge Borges and Sandra Tavares da Silva, this is halfway up the Pinhão Valley, close to some of the greatest Douro vineyards. Pintas is now well established as a Douro classic. It is powered by tannins at this stage, but the structure, the lush fruit that comes from fermentation in open lagars and the sheer density of the wine, speak of greatness. Drink from 2019. | Pintas | 95 | 100 | Douro | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Wine & Soul 2012 Pintas Red (Douro) | Portuguese Red | Wine & Soul |
| 15780 | 15779 | Portugal | Made from vines planted over a century ago and fermented in open lagars, this is a powerful and magnificent wine. With great tannins forming the base for opulent fruits black fruits and a serious structure, it should age for many years. Drink from 2020. | Quinta da Manoella Vinhas Velhas | 95 | 100 | Douro | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Wine & Soul 2012 Quinta da Manoella Vinhas Velhas Red (Douro) | Portuguese Red | Wine & Soul |
| 15751 | 15750 | Uruguay | A rich, heady bouquet offers aromas of blackberry, sandalwood, prune and coconut. The palate is tightly layered, displaying a firm grip along with woody blackberry, spice, tea and herbal flavors. The well-built finish is muscular through the final note. This blend of Tannat, Merlot and Tempranillo resembles a modern Rioja. Drink through 2022. | Monte Vide Eu Tannat-Merlot-Tempranillo | 91 | 60 | Montevideo | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Bouza 2015 Monte Vide Eu Tannat-Merlot-Tempranillo Red (Montevideo) | Red Blend | Bouza |
| 15752 | 15751 | Uruguay | Beautifully composed white-flower and citrus aromas open this Uruguayan Albariño that in many ways is similar to those from Galicia in Spain. A juicy, bright palate offers flavors of lemon and orange, while bright acidity provides backbone and length to the finish. Drink through 2018. | | 91 | 25 | Montevideo | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Bouza 2017 Albariño (Montevideo) | Albariño | Bouza |
| 15753 | 15752 | Italy | Aromas of underbrush, baked plum, dried mint and a balsamic note emerge in the glass. Brawny and dense, the meaty palate delivers licorice, ripe black cherry, raisin and clove alongside chewy tannins. Drink 2018–2025. | | 91 | | Central Italy | Montefalco Sagrantino | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Cantina Fratelli Pardi 2013 Montefalco Sagrantino | Sagrantino | Cantina Fratelli Pardi |
| 15754 | 15753 | US | A very nice Pinot Noir, made in a style to drink now. Despite the approachability, it shows elegance and style in the crisp structure that frames cherryskin, cola, anise, clove and pepper flavors. | | 88 | 27 | California | Carneros | Napa-Sonoma | | | Trinitas 2006 Pinot Noir (Carneros) | Pinot Noir | Trinitas |
| 15755 | 15754 | Argentina | High Note reaches the high notes, the middle notes and the bass notes. It starts with dark berry aromas and clarity, while the palate is lively and fresh, with cherry and a light undercurrent of olive for flavors. A full, honest Malbec with size, character and balance. | Elevated | 88 | 13 | Mendoza Province | Uco Valley | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | High Note 2007 Elevated Malbec (Uco Valley) | Malbec | High Note |
| 15756 | 15755 | Italy | This is a very pretty wine with lush richness and bursting notes of black cherry and plum. The wine boasts thick, dark concentration and background aromas of cola and white peppercorn. The tannins are tight and solid and the wine would work with braised or grilled meat. | Donna Lisa Rosso | 88 | 16 | Southern Italy | Salice Salentino | | | | Leone de Castris 2003 Donna Lisa Rosso Red (Salice Salentino) | Red Blend | Leone de Castris |
| 15757 | 15756 | Italy | Here is a distinctive “super Calabrian” blend of Gaglioppo and Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers black olive and capers beyond subtle notes of blackberry and cherry. It has sharp, crisp dimension in the mouth with good structure and should be paired with a cream- or butter-based dish for balance. | Gravello | 88 | 33 | Southern Italy | Val di Neto | | | | Librandi 2005 Gravello Red (Val di Neto) | Red Blend | Librandi |
| 15758 | 15757 | Italy | Compelling and sweet-smelling, Archimede offers pretty tones of spice, black cherry, molasses, espresso and cola. The ruby-colored wine is zippy and fresh with soft tannins and medium length in the mouth. | Archimede Eloro | 88 | 40 | Sicily & Sardinia | Sicilia | | | | Marabino 2006 Archimede Eloro Nero d'Avola (Sicilia) | Nero d'Avola | Marabino |
| 15759 | 15758 | Australia | I can't say I'm a big fan of the Marlargo labels, but what's in the bottle is pretty good. This medium-bodied Shiraz boasts soft, supple tannins that support aromas and flavors of coffee, cola, leather and black olive. For all its dark flavors, the finish is mouthwatering, inviting another sip. | | 88 | 20 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Marlargo 2005 Shiraz (McLaren Vale) | Shiraz | Marlargo |
| 15760 | 15759 | US | Finished at just 12.9% alcohol, the cuttings for this interesting wine came from Tablas Creek. It brings light, tart, cranberry and red fruit flavors. Somehow an impression of butter creeps into the finish, which lingers surprisingly given the lightness of the wine, over all. | | 88 | 33 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Morrison Lane 2005 Counoise (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Counoise | Morrison Lane |
| 15761 | 15760 | US | French oak fermentation and sur lie aging give this wine just a hint of toast and softness in the mouth. It is just at 14% alcohol, which keeps it from getting either too bitter or too hot in the finish. It's downright elegant, with a refreshing light touch that is all too often missing from Viognier. | | 88 | 14 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Watermill 2006 Viognier (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Viognier | Watermill |
| 15762 | 15761 | Portugal | Known as Tinta Amarela in the Douro, this ripe, spicy, minty grape has a strong medicinal character. But allied as it is here with dark plum skins, fine acidity and dense tannins, it makes a powerfully rich statement. | Vila Santa | 88 | 20 | Alentejano | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | J. Portugal Ramos 2007 Vila Santa Trincadeira (Alentejano) | Trincadeira | J. Portugal Ramos |
| 15763 | 15762 | Australia | Smells just gorgeous, combining classic lime sherbet notes with hints of petrol and fleurs blanches. But in the mouth it lacks the same finesse, and shows a riper, chunkier character that leans toward pineapple and peach. It's still very good, but don't expect it to age well past 5 or 6 years. | | 88 | 19 | South Australia | Clare Valley | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Koonowla 2007 Riesling (Clare Valley) | Riesling | Koonowla |
| 15764 | 15763 | Italy | Here is a well-made and extracted Negroamaro with blackberry, plum cake, molasses, black tea and cola. The wine has tight tannins with good structure and staying power: drink it with lamb or pork. | La Corte Solyss | 88 | 15 | Southern Italy | Puglia | | | | La Corte 2006 La Corte Solyss Negroamaro (Puglia) | Negroamaro | La Corte |
| 15765 | 15764 | Australia | This crisp, focused wine may not be quite as racy as its namesake dog breed, but it is very fresh. There's a touch of green apple, but the majority of the fruit leans more toward white grapeffruit, with a long finish. | Whippet | 88 | 18 | South Australia | Adelaide Hills | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Longview 2007 Whippet Sauvignon Blanc (Adelaide Hills) | Sauvignon Blanc | Longview |
| 15766 | 15765 | Italy | This blend of Chardonnay (that sees some time in barrique) and Insolia offers deep and sophisticated notes of exotic fruit, chalky mineral and toasted hazelnut. This interesting combination works very well and the wine ends with pretty flavors of spice and almond. | Bidis | 88 | 35 | Sicily & Sardinia | Sicilia | | | | Valle dell'Acate 2006 Bidis White (Sicilia) | White Blend | Valle dell'Acate |
| 15767 | 15766 | US | This barrel fermented Viognier delivers an intense nose mixing scents of flowers (lily of the valley), lime skin, green pineapple and a dash of papaya. Cool, crisp and utterly delicious, it is a perfect sipping wine, elegantly structured and under 14% alcohol. | Lonesome Spring Ranch | 88 | 16 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Viento 2006 Lonesome Spring Ranch Viognier (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Viognier | Viento |
| 15768 | 15767 | Portugal | A second wine from the Pintas range of Jorge Serodio and Sandra Tavares, this is a big, forward wine, pushing out ripe red plum and strawberry fruits. It's almost sweet in its ripeness. | Pintas Character | 88 | 38 | Douro | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Wine & Soul 2005 Pintas Character Red (Douro) | Portuguese Red | Wine & Soul |
| 15769 | 15768 | Italy | There's a unique quality to this wine that recalls bramble, forest floor, cola and small berry fruit. The wine is big and intense with succulent, chewy tannins and sweet tea flavors. | Graticciaia | 88 | | Southern Italy | Salento | | | | Agricole Vallone 2003 Graticciaia Red (Salento) | Red Blend | Agricole Vallone |
| 15770 | 15769 | Portugal | Named after a Portuguese dance, this fresh, fruitcake and blackberry-flavored wine is easily ready to drink, a wine that powers through with its sweet, juicy fruit and final acidity. | Charamba | 88 | 8 | Douro | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Aveleda 2005 Charamba Red (Douro) | Portuguese Red | Aveleda |
| 15771 | 15770 | Italy | This is a unique wine that not everyone will like. It definitely has personality and complexity and is completely unlike the commercial passitos flooding the market. Aromas include cola, root beer, caramel, dried mint, chestnut and apricot. There's also a musky side of earth and white mushroom. It is thickly concentrated and syrupy in the mouth. A Marc de Grazia selection, various American importers. | | 88 | 44 | Sicily & Sardinia | Passito di Pantelleria | | | | Ferrandes 2004 Passito di Pantelleria | Zibibbo | Ferrandes |
| 15772 | 15771 | Italy | You'll love the succulent fruit in this wine and the deep intensity of its blueberry, almond and cola flavors. This is a brawny, modern wine with chewy density and big fruit flavors. Pair it with lamb or grilled beef. | Chiaramonte | 88 | 16 | Sicily & Sardinia | Sicilia | | | | Firriato 2006 Chiaramonte Nero d'Avola (Sicilia) | Nero d'Avola | Firriato |
| 15773 | 15772 | Australia | A blend of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc, Plantagenet's Hazard Hill white is fresh and grapefruity, with hints of melon to help round it out. Crisp acids and modest weight make it refreshing--it would be fine as an apéritif or with seafood. Drink now. | Hazard Hill | 88 | 14 | Western Australia | Western Australia | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Plantagenet 2007 Hazard Hill Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc (Western Australia) | Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc | Plantagenet |
| 15774 | 15773 | US | This wine greets you with evocative scents that showcase Carmenère's leafy, herbal nature without becoming too raw or vegetal. The fruit is subdued and tart; the flavors are spicy and very peppery and lead into tannins that have the scrapey austerity of green tea. It's 100% varietal and brings both the good and the challenging flavor aspects of the Carmenère grape. | Seven Hills Vineyard | 88 | 45 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Reininger 2005 Seven Hills Vineyard Carmenère (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Carmenère | Reininger |
| 15775 | 15774 | Germany | Blossomy pink-grapefruit perfume bursts from this fruity, floral, complex auslese. While lip-smackingly sweet with flavors of red berries and hibiscus nectar, it's grounded with a backdrop of acidity and steely minerality that resonates long through the finish. | Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese | 95 | 52 | Mosel | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Joh. Jos. Prüm 2013 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese Riesling (Mosel) | Riesling | Joh. Jos. Prüm |
| 15776 | 15775 | Germany | Sheer in texture, this honeyed nectar falls on the palate like a whisper, but its stone fruit, red berry and grapefruit flavors are powerful and compounding. Multifaceted with touches of sugar cookie and guava juxtaposed with lime zest and slate, it delivers a long, ponderous finish. | Bernkasteler Badstube Auslese | 95 | 50 | Mosel | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Joh. Jos. Prüm 2013 Bernkasteler Badstube Auslese Riesling (Mosel) | Riesling | Joh. Jos. Prüm |
| 15777 | 15776 | Portugal | This top wine from Quinta Vale Dona Maria comes from a small parcel of old vines on the estate close to the river Torto. Foot treading in lagars give the wine its richness and sumptuous character. It also provides tannins that are cushioned by the superripe black fruits and acidity. This long-term wine shouldn't be touched until 2020. | Vinha do Rio | 95 | 150 | Douro | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Quinta Vale Dona Maria 2012 Vinha do Rio Red (Douro) | Portuguese Red | Quinta Vale Dona Maria |
| 15778 | 15777 | US | From the vineyard that helped propel the appellation's reputation into the stratosphere, this wine delivers both in terms of its historical significance, but also in present-day refinement and complexity. A flinty, earthy layer of black truffle and coffee open the aromatic profile of the wine before offering bold, brawny flavors of leather and black currant. The oak is well integrated and the tannins sizable yet behaved. This is a beautiful wine. | Fay | 95 | 125 | California | Stags Leap District | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2012 Fay Cabernet Sauvignon (Stags Leap District) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stag's Leap Wine Cellars |