1717 | 1716 | US | Here's a likeable Chard, with peach, pear and fig flavors that have a distinctly herbal edge, like dried sage. Turns buttery and vanilla-y on the finish. | | 85 | 19 | California | Carneros | Napa-Sonoma | | | St. Clement 2006 Chardonnay (Carneros) | Chardonnay | St. Clement |
1718 | 1717 | Portugal | A soft, lightly sweet style of rosé, flavored with strawberries and a touch of caramel. Fresh, and flavorful, with balancing acidity, this is a good apéritif wine. | | 85 | 11 | Ribatejano | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Quinta da Alorna 2006 Touriga Nacional (Ribatejano) | Touriga Nacional | Quinta da Alorna |
1719 | 1718 | Spain | This wine is a “product” in every sense of the word. It's consistent from year to year, and if you know Esmeralda, with its sweet blend of Moscatel and Gewürz, then you know that it delivers simple but pleasant lime, kiwi and cantaloupe flavors with a certain watery freshness. | Viña Esmeralda | 85 | 15 | Catalonia | Catalunya | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Torres 2006 Viña Esmeralda Moscatel (Catalunya) | Moscatel | Torres |
1720 | 1719 | US | With a honeyed edge of sweetness to the pineapple and lime flavors, this wine also has a zesty acidity that makes it finish with mouthwatering cleanness. It's easy to like, a nice late afternoon cocktail sipper, and good with baked ham or pot stickers. | | 85 | 10 | California | Lodi | Central Valley | | | Renwood 2006 Pinot Grigio (Lodi) | Pinot Grigio | Renwood |
1721 | 1720 | Spain | Clean, wet, a bit sweet and rather formulaic, this Verdejo has a soft, chummy personality and seemingly more than a dash of residual sugar. Still, it manages to push tasty apple cider, papaya and other fuller-bodied, less acidic flavors. | | 85 | 10 | Central Spain | Vino de la Tierra de Castilla | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Tapeña 2006 Verdejo (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla) | Verdejo | Tapeña |
1722 | 1721 | Spain | The winery has dialed back the time in oak for its barrel-fermented Viura to two months from five or six, and it's a decidedly less oaky wine than in years prior. Now it shows a controlled lees character along with lemon and apple flavors. Limited in what it offers, but made well. | Blanco Fermentado en Barrica | 85 | 8 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Marqués de Cáceres 2006 Blanco Fermentado en Barrica White (Rioja) | White Blend | Marqués de Cáceres |
1723 | 1722 | Spain | White raisin and touches of lettuce and celery give this multigrape blend some richness but also a bit of green character. The palate shows lemon, green apple and pineapple, and this lean quality is confirmed by the wine's modest 11% alcohol level. Drink now to catch it at its scouring, sorbet-like best. | Versatus | 85 | 10 | Galicia | Ribeiro | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Bodegas Campante 2006 Versatus White (Ribeiro) | White Blend | Bodegas Campante |
1724 | 1723 | Australia | Tart blackberry and vanilla flavors mark this bold Shiraz that shows its 14.5% alcohol. There's a rubbery note on the nose that's a bit distracting but should be taken care of by a quick decanting, while black olive and coffee notes emerge on the slightly warm finish. | Nine Gums Vineyard | 85 | 30 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Brick Road 2005 Nine Gums Vineyard Shiraz (McLaren Vale) | Shiraz | Brick Road |
1711 | 1710 | US | This Central Coast vineyard has produced an extraordinarily rich, vibrant Viognier, brimming with tropical fruit, wildflower, honey and vanilla-spice flavors. It benefits from crisp acidity, and finishes clean and off-dry. | Vista Verde Vineyard | 86 | 25 | California | San Benito County | Central Coast | | | Vinum Cellars 2006 Vista Verde Vineyard Viognier (San Benito County) | Viognier | Vinum Cellars |
1725 | 1724 | US | The earthy spice character of this masculine but poised Pinot makes it a unique and stylish pick for red wine lovers. Flavors are balanced, the acids are in check and the finish is delicate but spicy. Overall, a nice wine with class. | Barrel Select | 85 | 22 | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Chaddsford 2005 Barrel Select Pinot Noir (Pennsylvania) | Pinot Noir | Chaddsford |
1726 | 1725 | US | Layers of round, appealing Chardonnay aromas lead into this nicely balanced offering from New York. Earthy spice and good acidity give the wine both complexity and elegance, and the finish is lengthy. A good wine for solo sips or pairing with poultry and fish. | | 85 | 18 | New York | New York | New York Other | Susan Kostrzewa | @suskostrzewa | Ventosa 2005 Chardonnay (New York) | Chardonnay | Ventosa |
1727 | 1726 | Spain | For classic Rioja, Monte Real is always a good bet. This offering delivers textbook aromas of dried raspberry and cherry offset by fallen leaves and a pinch of seashell. The palate is still quite fresh, while black cherry, raisin, spice and cocoa flavors finish smooth and long, with a touch of oxidation and a Sherry note for added complexity. Drink through 2022. | Monte Real Gran Reserva | 92 | 47 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Bodegas Riojanas 2006 Monte Real Gran Reserva (Rioja) | Tempranillo | Bodegas Riojanas |
1728 | 1727 | France | Laced with acidity, this is a complex, structured wine with great freshness as well as a dry core of botrytis. It has a rich potential, closed at the moment but holding dense texture and balance between lemon and honey. Drink from 2019. | | 92 | | Bordeaux | Sauternes | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château de Malle 2011 Sauternes | Bordeaux-style White Blend | Château de Malle |
1729 | 1728 | US | Coming from an extreme coastal vineyard three miles north of Cambria, this cool-climate study offers aromas of blistered cherry tomatoes, Eastern European goulash spices and crushed peppercorns of all colors. It's fresh and lively on the palate, with hints of rose and tart raspberry. At the same time, it's quite vegetal, with green notes that will evolve into more balanced umami flavors from 2017 to 2022. | Steiner Creek Vineyard | 92 | 48 | California | San Luis Obispo County | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Presqu'ile 2012 Steiner Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir (San Luis Obispo County) | Pinot Noir | Presqu'ile |
1730 | 1729 | US | From a vineyard 1,700 feet above the small town of Corralitos comes this tasty wine that begins with aromas of smoked apple, lemon zest, honeysuckle and sea salt, as well as a struck-match element. The palate shows flavors of fresh apple, chamomile and a dusting of crushed vanilla, all set against a chalky grip. | Split Rail Vineyard | 92 | 30 | California | Santa Cruz Mountains | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Sante Arcangeli 2013 Split Rail Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains) | Chardonnay | Sante Arcangeli |
1731 | 1730 | US | A blend of fruit sources used for the winery's three single-vineyard wines, this bottling saw no new oak and is light golden in color with reserved notes of mineral, almond, pineapple and lees. Full bodied, rich and layered with a creamy feel, it's appealing now but should have a long life ahead. | Uncovered | 92 | 35 | Washington | Washington | Washington Other | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Sixto 2012 Uncovered Chardonnay (Washington) | Chardonnay | Sixto |
1732 | 1731 | US | This blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Counoise, Grenache and Cinsault immediately appeals with its aromas of plum, candied raspberry and garrigue, with no oak influence anywhere in sight. It's fruit laden, focused and supple, with a feel that dazzles the senses and pure fruit flavors that just won't quit. | Subduction | 92 | 20 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Syncline 2013 Subduction Red (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Rhône-style Red Blend | Syncline |
1733 | 1732 | Italy | Classic Sangiovese aromas of underbrush, pressed powder, violet and wild berry mingle in the glass. The vibrant palate offers layers of black cherry, dried red cherry, white pepper, truffle and savory herb alongside firm but refined tannins and bright acidity. This is all about polish and finesse. Drink 2018–2028. | | 92 | 90 | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Lambardi 2010 Brunello di Montalcino | Sangiovese | Lambardi |
1734 | 1733 | France | Rounded and rich, this generous, full-bodied wine comes from a single parcel in the heart of Saint-Émilion. Black fruits are structured with dense tannins and a firm tension between ripeness and dryness. The wine is powerful, finishing with pepper and spice. Drink from 2018. | | 92 | 135 | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Le Carré 2012 Saint-Émilion | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Le Carré |
1712 | 1711 | Spain | While we'd suggest waiting for the 2007 to hit the market, this softer-styled wine is showing mature melon, tropical fruit and bee's wax aromas in front of mild citrus, lemon and pineapple flavors. It has a medium-weight body and almost a honeyed roundness. Drink now. | | 85 | 10 | Northern Spain | Rueda | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Analivia 2006 Verdejo (Rueda) | Verdejo | Analivia |
1735 | 1734 | US | Whereas many Syrahs from this vintage from the Rocks District show more fruit than usual, this wine is clearly rooted in the stones. It's aromatically expressive with black olive, crushed flowers, mineral, black pepper and an earthy funk. Flavors are silky soft in feel, with a well-balanced mixture of fruit and savory notes that leads to a lingering finish. | Some Days Are Stones Stoney Vine Vineyard | 92 | 40 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Two Vintners 2012 Some Days Are Stones Stoney Vine Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Syrah | Two Vintners |
1713 | 1712 | Australia | Seems almost sweet, with cherry and chocolate flavors that dominate the palate. Drink now. | | 85 | 20 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Battle of Bosworth 2005 Shiraz-Viognier (McLaren Vale) | Shiraz-Viognier | Battle of Bosworth |
1736 | 1735 | US | This blend of Les Collines (60%), Lewis (20%) and Portteus (20%) vineyards, which saw 25% new French oak, offers blueberry and huckleberry along with herb and dark chocolate accents. It's supple and soft in feel, deft but with depth to the fruit flavors. | | 92 | 40 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Va Piano 2012 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Syrah | Va Piano |
1714 | 1713 | Italy | This Sangiovese from a hot vintage definitely seems past its peak. It has a very sweet-smelling, cherry-driven nose with a touch of marmalade that is blasted by a sudden rush of oak wood. | Birba | 85 | 29 | Tuscany | Toscana | | | | La Gerla 2003 Birba Sangiovese Grosso (Toscana) | Sangiovese Grosso | La Gerla |
1737 | 1736 | Italy | This opens with an enticing fragrance of rose, violet, dark berry and underbrush. The firm palate delivers juicy wild cherry, cinnamon and star anise alongside firm but fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2018–2028. | Ugolforte | 92 | 50 | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Tenuta San Giorgio 2010 Ugolforte (Brunello di Montalcino) | Sangiovese | Tenuta San Giorgio |
1715 | 1714 | Portugal | A firm wine, with dark chocolate and coffee flavors. The fruit flavors are dark fig and stewed plums; there is a bitter edge to the tannins. | Reserva | 85 | 20 | Douro | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Quinta do Grifo 2004 Reserva Red (Douro) | Portuguese Red | Quinta do Grifo |
1738 | 1737 | US | Ian Brand explores fringe growing regions to deliver well-priced and fun wines for this label. This shows aromas of tight nectarine and Granny Smith apple, and the flavors are laser-focused with apple skins, yellow grapefruit pith and steely gunmetal. Its intense energy is a little wound up now, but will blossom with time. | Jack's Hill | 92 | 22 | California | Monterey County | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Le P'tit Paysan 2013 Jack's Hill Chardonnay (Monterey County) | Chardonnay | Le P'tit Paysan |
1739 | 1738 | Italy | Aromas of tilled earth, leafy forest floor, porcini mushroom, truffle and ripe berry lead the nose. The palate offers wild cherry layered with medicinal herb, black pepper and grilled sage supported by firm tannins. It's still young and a bit disjointed so give it time to come together. Drink after 2018. | Riserva | 92 | 80 | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Lisini 2008 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino) | Sangiovese | Lisini |
1740 | 1739 | US | The aging program for this Syrah, which comes from a vineyard near the intersection of the Carmel and Salinas valleys, results in a solidly balanced wine. Pepper, boysenberry and game consume the nose, with blackberry fruit, mint, tobacco and a greenish bitterness keeping the palate interesting. | | 92 | 29 | California | Arroyo Seco | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Mesa Del Sol 2009 Syrah (Arroyo Seco) | Syrah | Mesa Del Sol |
1716 | 1715 | Israel | Raspberry and cherry mingle with essence of mocha, tomato and pepper. Solid structure, full flavors and smooth tannins create a clean yet gripping texture, finishing strong and lengthy. | Kosher Reserve | 85 | 23 | Galilee | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Recanati 2004 Kosher Reserve Shiraz (Galilee) | Shiraz | Recanati |