| 21601 | 21600 | US | This Red Mountain cuvée falls nicely between the winery's Columbia Valley and single-vineyard offerings. Raspberry and cassis fruit, young and compact, is underscored with chalky minerality and suggestions of dried herbs. The tannins are ripe and astringent. This is a spot-on steak wine. | | 91 | 40 | Washington | Red Mountain | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Januik 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Januik |
| 21602 | 21601 | France | One of the two luxury wines from Château d'Esclans, Les Clans is rich, wood-aged and full of ripe and rounded fruit flavors. With the extra year of aging, it has lost some initial freshness but has gained complexity and structure. The wine is full-bodied while remaining very stylish. Drink now. | Les Clans | 91 | 70 | Provence | Côtes de Provence | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château d'Esclans 2012 Les Clans Rosé (Côtes de Provence) | Rosé | Château d'Esclans |
| 21603 | 21602 | France | This ripe wine has jammy red fruit flavors. The fruitiness is given structure by the stalky tannins and the dry, wood-aging flavors. Black cherries and juicy black currants show strongly. It needs to age, so drink from 2016. | Verité du Terroir | 91 | 20 | Provence | Côtes de Provence | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château la Gordonne 2010 Verité du Terroir Red (Côtes de Provence) | Red Blend | Château la Gordonne |
| 21604 | 21603 | France | The wine feels rich, dense and packed with ripe fruitiness. Delicious, refreshing acidity gives these red fruits a lift and crispness. This is a serious wine, demanding food. | Le Cloître de Sainte Roseline | 91 | 25 | Provence | Côtes de Provence | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Sainte Roseline 2013 Le Cloître de Sainte Roseline Rosé (Côtes de Provence) | Rosé | Château Sainte Roseline |
| 21605 | 21604 | Argentina | Generous, sizable aromas of cassis, blackberry and violet are inviting. This is juicy, with slightly wiry acidity creating a racy mouthfeel. Flavors of berry and cassis are loamy on their own but ride comfortably on a wave of tartaric acidity, while the finish is lifted and lively, with black-fruit flavors. | | 91 | 27 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Doña Silvina 2011 Malbec (Mendoza) | Malbec | Doña Silvina |
| 21606 | 21605 | Italy | This Taurasi, made from Southern Italy's noble Aglianico grape, unfolds with earthy aromas of tilled soil, black fruit and flint. The palate delivers a core of tight black cherry, tobacco, white pepper and smoke notes along with big velvety tannins. | Riserva | 91 | 50 | Southern Italy | Taurasi | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Donnachiara 2008 Riserva (Taurasi) | Aglianico | Donnachiara |
| 21607 | 21606 | Argentina | Ripe berry, cassis and grilled meat aromas presage a fresh, zesty palate with free-flowing acidity that pumps up cherry, red plum, cassis and loamy earth flavors. It stays fruity, stout and smooth on the finish. The wine is ripe and fully representative of Mendoza and winemaker Alejandro's Vigil's style. | | 91 | 30 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | El Enemigo 2011 Cabernet Franc (Mendoza) | Cabernet Franc | El Enemigo |
| 21608 | 21607 | South Africa | Toasty peach and guava notes unfold on the bouquet, followed by secondary hints of orange essence, woody spice, peach pit and honeycomb. Round and smooth, this shows a certain decadence on the palate. Lush tropical and melon notes are spiced by touches of vanilla and sweet spice but finish clean and mouthwatering. Drink now–2016. | Signature | 91 | 30 | Western Cape | | | Lauren Buzzeo | @laurbuzz | Jean Daneel 2012 Signature Chenin Blanc (Western Cape) | Chenin Blanc | Jean Daneel |
| 21609 | 21608 | US | Made from a blend of 62% Grenache and 38% Syrah, this is a classically dry, refreshingly crisp rosé, pink-salmon in color that's intense yet soft, crafted in a Provence style. The grapes come from Rutherford, Atlas Peak and Sonoma County's Kick Ranch, tasting of fresh raspberry and spring flowers, a bite of wet stone on the finish. | | 91 | 22 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Kale 2013 Rosé (Napa Valley) | Rosé | Kale |
| 21610 | 21609 | Italy | Made with organically farmed fruit, this wine opens with an enticing fragrance of white flower and stone fruit. The savory palate delivers juicy white peach, saline and mineral sensations alongside bright acidity. | Vigna di Mandranova | 91 | 29 | Sicily & Sardinia | Sicilia | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Alessandro di Camporeale 2012 Vigna di Mandranova Grillo (Sicilia) | Grillo | Alessandro di Camporeale |
| 21611 | 21610 | US | Viognier is half the blend, with the rest Roussanne and Riesling, yielding a delightfully aromatic, lightly honeyed wine, with a lush array of ripe fruits. Apricot, papaya, pineapple and banana are all here, with supporting acidity. Overall, this is one of the most delicious and unique white wines in Washington. | Oriana | 91 | 22 | Washington | Yakima Valley | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Brian Carter Cellars 2012 Oriana White (Yakima Valley) | White Blend | Brian Carter Cellars |
| 21612 | 21611 | France | A perfumed, aromatic wine, dry yet full of fresh, fragrant white fruit flavors. A steely edge is followed by hints of currants and a complex, still-youthful texture. Drink from 2015. | Osterberg Grand Cru | 91 | 38 | Alsace | Alsace | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Cave de Ribeauvillé 2010 Osterberg Grand Cru Riesling (Alsace) | Riesling | Cave de Ribeauvillé |
| 21613 | 21612 | US | This is certainly dramatic in structure, akin to a young Pauillac from Bordeaux, with concentrated currant, cherry, pencil lead and cedar flavors wrapped into youthfully hard tannins. It needs time, and should soften with increased complexity by 2009. Could reward with even longer cellaring, but '04 was not a great vintage. | Pickett Road | 93 | 150 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Vine Cliff 2004 Pickett Road Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Vine Cliff |
| 21614 | 21613 | US | A lush Cabernet that feels soft and delicious right now, but has layers of complexity that make it a cellar candidate. Dry and oaky, the wine is enormously rich in blackberry, cassis, cocoa and cedar flavors, with considerable tannins. The wine is wonderfully balanced. Drink now through 2010, at least. | | 93 | 90 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Etude 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Etude |
| 21615 | 21614 | US | L'Attitude needs a warm vintage to succeed, and it got one in '04. The wine, a blend of Carignane, Syrah and other Rhône reds, is dry and complicated, offering rich, earthy, Provençal herb flavors with fruitier tastes of cherries, blackberries and cola. Notable for balance, elegance and power. Drink now through 2010. | L'Attitude 39 | 93 | 18 | California | Mendocino | | | | Fife 2004 L'Attitude 39 Red (Mendocino) | Rhône-style Red Blend | Fife |
| 21616 | 21615 | Portugal | The white and red Pêra-Manca are cult wines in Portugal, only released in the best years. The white has partial barrel fermentation, giving great richness and depth of flavor, as well as smooth toastiness. With its high proportion of Antâo Vaz, it is very white Burgundy in its richness and sense of mineral terroir. Delicious acidity rounds the wine out. | Pêra-Manca | 93 | | Alentejo | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Cartuxa 2005 Pêra-Manca White (Alentejo) | Portuguese White | Cartuxa |
| 21617 | 21616 | US | Raspberries, cherries, cola, tea, rhubarb pie, licorice, vanilla and sweet leather flavors flood the mouth, wrapped in a delicately silky, complex texture, and the finish goes on and on in oak-inspired fruit and Asian spices. Compellingly delicious; drinks now and through 2009. | Marimar Estate Vineyard | 93 | 48 | California | Sonoma Coast | Sonoma | | | W.H. Smith 2006 Marimar Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) | Pinot Noir | W.H. Smith |
| 21618 | 21617 | US | The vineyard is source of high-quality fruit, but also intense mountain tannins that require time to melt. Under those tannins is dramatically rich black currant and carob fruit flavor, easily big enough to sustain 100% new French oak. By 2009 this 100% Cab should begin to soften and sweeten, and it will drink beautifully for at least six more years. | Hillside Reserve | 93 | 108 | California | Rutherford | Napa | | | Flora Springs 2004 Hillside Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Flora Springs |
| 21619 | 21618 | Germany | Rich and thickly textured, this wine features intense botrytis aromas of dried apricots, backing them up with flavors of honey and orange marmalade. Long and intensely sugary on the finish, with enough sugar to genuinely stand up to desserts. Imported by Chapin Cellars, LLC. | Erdener Treppchen Trockenbeerenauslese | 93 | 144 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Stephan Ehlen 2005 Erdener Treppchen Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | Riesling | Stephan Ehlen |
| 21620 | 21619 | Germany | Sweet and bracingly tart at the same time, with racy acidity framing sweet orange and lime flavors. Flourishes of bergamot and cinnamon add complexity on the nose and reprise on the long finish. | Graacher Himmelreich Vat 46 Eiswein | 93 | 143 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | S.A. Prüm 2001 Graacher Himmelreich Vat 46 Eiswein Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | Riesling | S.A. Prüm |
| 21621 | 21620 | Germany | Made from an early picking of botrytized grapes from the Bernkasteler Lay vineyard, this is a sweet, plump wine, filled to the brim with lush tropical fruit flavors. The aromas show remarkably pure pear and pineapple scents, with just a touch of dried apricots but also a sense of slate-driven minerality. With 300 cases imported, it should prove relatively easy to find. | Beerenauslese | 93 | 55 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Dr. Loosen 2006 Beerenauslese Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | Riesling | Dr. Loosen |
| 21622 | 21621 | US | This is one of the most successful Pinots the winery has produced, and I have no doubt it's because the vintage was so cool. The wine is absolutely dry and has bracing acidity, with extraordinarily long, deep flavors of grapes that achieved maximum ripeness but remain balanced. Cherries, raspberries and blackberries flood the palate, enriched with earthier notes of balsam, cola, soy, licorice and spice. Drink now through 2011. | Chenoweth Ranch | 93 | 55 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Patz & Hall 2005 Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | Pinot Noir | Patz & Hall |
| 21623 | 21622 | US | Bill Smith is better known for his Pinot Noirs, but he founded La Jota and knows a thing or two about Howell Mountain Cabs. This is a big, dry, tannic mountain wine, virtually undrinkable now for its hard astringency. However, it's a fine cellar candidate. Brims with ripe blackberries and cherries that just need time. Should begin to open in 2008, and develop for another 8 years or so. | Purple Label | 93 | 54 | California | Howell Mountain | Napa | | | W.H. Smith 2005 Purple Label Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain) | Cabernet Sauvignon | W.H. Smith |
| 21624 | 21623 | Spain | This is sweet Amontillado in fine form. The nose is centered around a core of molasses and brown sugar, while the palate bubbles with maple and toffee. Yes, it's a sweeter-styled Amontillado, but the sugar fades on the palate, leaving only the complex residue of caramel, espresso and burnt cinnamon. A lovely wine for any fan of serious Sherry. | Amontillado | 93 | 20 | Andalucia | Jerez | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Bodegas Dios Baco S.L. NV Amontillado Sherry (Jerez) | Sherry | Bodegas Dios Baco S.L. |
| 21625 | 21624 | US | This is the best Potelle Syrah I've ever had, but be forewarned: It's an extraordinarily tannic wine that shows its 1,800-foot mountain origins. It clocks in at 13.9% alcohol, yet it's bone dry. The fruit is powerfully concentrated in blackberries enhanced with sweet, smoky oak. If ever there was a Syrah for the cellar, this is it. Best now (if you like young tannic wines, but please decant) and for at least eight years, as it gradually mellows. | VGS | 93 | 75 | California | Mount Veeder | Napa | | | Château Potelle 2004 VGS Syrah (Mount Veeder) | Syrah | Château Potelle |
| 21626 | 21625 | US | Shows the precision and control of Smith's previous Maritime Pinot, marked by a tense, exciting structure. Crisp acids and fine, dusty tannins dance with earthy cherry and cola fruit, herbs and oak to create a complex, tremendously rewarding palate experience. Best now through 2010. | Maritime | 93 | 54 | California | Sonoma Coast | Sonoma | | | W.H. Smith 2006 Maritime Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) | Pinot Noir | W.H. Smith |
| 21627 | 21626 | Germany | Sweet and slightly viscous in texture, this wine lacks some aromatic flourishes, sacrificing complexity for purity of its pineapple, apple and citrus flavors. Yet because of its balanced, crisp acidity, the wine still sings, finishing long and mouthwatering. Drink now–2030. | Niersteiner Oelberg Beerenauslese | 93 | 48 | Rheinhessen | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Seebrich 2006 Niersteiner Oelberg Beerenauslese Riesling (Rheinhessen) | Riesling | Seebrich |
| 21628 | 21627 | Spain | Ultra concentrated and sticky, with unctuous but wholesome raisin aromas taken to a level that's almost heavenly. In the mouth, the maple, cinnamon and brown sugar flavors are lusty and satisfying, and the finish never ends. This is P.X. in awesome form. | Don PX | 93 | 29 | Andalucia | Montilla-Moriles | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Bodegas Toro Albala, SL 2004 Don PX Pedro Ximénez (Montilla-Moriles) | Pedro Ximénez | Bodegas Toro Albala, SL |
| 21629 | 21628 | US | The Rutherford vineyard has been the source of well-regarded Cabs for Monticello and the '04 is the latest. Compact and ageworthy, it shows well-ripened blackberry, cherry and cola flavors that have been generously oaked. The tannins are firm and sticky now, suggesting development. Best 2008–2012. | Tietjen Vineyard | 92 | 58 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Monticello Vineyards 2004 Tietjen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Monticello Vineyards |
| 21630 | 21629 | US | This is Gainey's basic '05 Pinot, and it shows the quality of the vintage. The wine is dry, crisp in acidity and under 14% in alcohol, with dramatic cherry and boysenberry fruit complexed with leather, cola, Chinese five spice and balsamic notes. Fairly tannic, it's best now and for a few years. | | 92 | 30 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | | | Gainey 2005 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) | Pinot Noir | Gainey |