26521 | 26520 | US | This is the producer's inaugural offering of the variety, made in tiny amounts, but boy oh boy, it's good. Bright blue and black-berry succulence exude vibrancy and freshness on the palate complemented by savory hints of tar, black licorice and char. Velvety soft tannins allow the fruit to speak. | Pellet Vineyard | 93 | 75 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Pellet Estate 2014 Pellet Vineyard Merlot (Napa Valley) | Merlot | Pellet Estate |
26522 | 26521 | US | From a site on the edges of Santa Rosa, this vineyard-designate shows a wealth of baked strawberry and is noteworthy for its vibrantly fruity aromatics. Ripe, velvety and lush on the palate, it delivers sensually and deliciously, with a lasting imprint of cola spice on the finish. | Parsons' Vineyard | 93 | 52 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Siduri 2014 Parsons' Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | Pinot Noir | Siduri |
26523 | 26522 | US | Being 100% varietal, the aromas of black currant, boysenberry, graphite and cherry are piercing and pure. The palate puts and emphasis on texture, showing layers of lightly jammy dark fruit flavors that pique the interest, with a long finish only upping the enjoyment. | Super Substance Cs Stoneridge Vineyard | 93 | 55 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Substance 2013 Super Substance Cs Stoneridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Substance |
26524 | 26523 | US | There's no question about the variety, with its jazzy aromas of raspberries, blackberries and graphite that lead to plump plush layered fruit flavors. It brings an unabashed sense of deliciousness, with a finish that won't quit. | Super Substance Me Stoneridge Vineyard | 93 | 45 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Substance 2013 Super Substance Me Stoneridge Vineyard Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Merlot | Substance |
26525 | 26524 | US | This displays the immaculate freshness of all the Eyrie white wines, with an extra serving of phenolic bite. There's a sense of real depth to the gooseberry, grapefruit and pineapple flavors. Subtle and a bit enigmatic, this compelling effort should be tucked away and tasted again in 2020. Drink 2020–2030. | Original Vines | 93 | 60 | Oregon | Dundee Hills | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | The Eyrie Vineyards 2014 Original Vines Chardonnay (Dundee Hills) | Chardonnay | The Eyrie Vineyards |
26526 | 26525 | US | Cinnamon and clove show alongside hibiscus and mulberry on the distinctive nose of this bottling that also offers hints of maple, juniper, eucalyptus and turned earth. It's soft on the sip with elegant tannins and flavors of black cherry, cherry tomato, anise and camphor on the finish. | Tondre Grapefield | 93 | 40 | California | Santa Lucia Highlands | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Tondré 2013 Tondre Grapefield Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) | Pinot Noir | Tondré |
26527 | 26526 | Australia | This is a ripe Clare Valley Riesling, but it balances its peachy overtones with powerful citrus zest and hints of crushed stone. There's a touch of roundness to the midpalate, then plenty of length on the finish. | St. Andrews Single Vineyard Release | 93 | 40 | South Australia | Clare Valley | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Wakefield 2015 St. Andrews Single Vineyard Release Riesling (Clare Valley) | Riesling | Wakefield |
26528 | 26527 | US | Pale to the point of being Pinot-esque, this wine draws you in with its aromas of earth, cigar box, crushed flowers, herb and sour cherry. The palate is ethereally light and elegant, fully of savory flavors and made in a transparent style. It might be too elegant for some tastes but others will swoon. | Guido Jack's Vineyard | 93 | 45 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | K Vintners 2013 Guido Jack's Vineyard Sangiovese (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Sangiovese | K Vintners |
26529 | 26528 | US | This wine showcases the producer's historical devotion and prowess with the variety, leaving a light-bodied impression of floral honeysuckle, wet stone and succulent peach. Fleshy and creamy, it works on every level, and offers value at the same time. | Six Ridges | 93 | 22 | California | Sonoma Coast | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Kenwood 2015 Six Ridges Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma Coast) | Sauvignon Blanc | Kenwood |
26530 | 26529 | US | A classic Cab in the Santa Cruz Mountains style, this savory bottling shows black pepper, charcoal and grilled blueberries on the nose along with tons of dried herbs. Blackberry, anise, dill, cedar and pencil lead show on the sip, where intriguing depth and a silky texture combine. | Fellom Ranch | 93 | 55 | California | Santa Cruz Mountains | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Left Bend 2013 Fellom Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Left Bend |
26531 | 26530 | France | The wine comes from the Côte de Py, regarded as the finest site in Morgon. It has produced a rich mineral-textured wine. The structure is balanced by fine acidity and generous fruitiness. Red berries and cherry flavors are sustained by the firm tannins that will allow the wine to age. Drink from 2019. | Côte de Py | 93 | 50 | Beaujolais | Morgon | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Lucien Lardy 2015 Côte de Py (Morgon) | Gamay | Lucien Lardy |
26532 | 26531 | US | This is a robust, full-bodied wine, balanced and complex, with a lush, plush mouthfeel that's seductive and velvety. Black pepper, clove and characteristics of earthy forest floor define it most, while dark cherry nips at its sides. | Quail Hill Vineyard | 93 | 65 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Lynmar 2014 Quail Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | Pinot Noir | Lynmar |
26533 | 26532 | Spain | Pure but restrained violet, plum and berry aromas are on the money. This feels racy but also saturated, with kick as well as commendable overall balance. Flavors of plum, ripe tomato, schist and spice finish smooth, peppery, herbal and slightly warm, with a note of coffee. Drink through 2022. | Clos Fontà | 93 | 60 | Catalonia | Priorat | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Mas d'en Gil 2010 Clos Fontà Grenache-Carignan (Priorat) | Grenache-Carignan | Mas d'en Gil |
26534 | 26533 | US | Named for the senior partner in the Rex Hill wine group, this single cuvée is always interesting, and never better than in 2014. The lush aromas of new French oak recall young Burgundy, and the tart, tightly wound fruit is clearly built to age. Compact and complex, the balance of ripe berries, crisp acids, sweet toast and polished tannins is spot on. | | 93 | 55 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | William Hatcher 2014 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | William Hatcher |
26535 | 26534 | Italy | Iris, rose petal, fresh red berry and chopped mint aromas mingle together on this stunning red. The vibrant palate delivers crushed raspberry, red cherry, baking spice and star anise. Firm polished tannins provide structure and impeccable balance. Drink 2018–2028. | Reyna | 93 | 42 | Piedmont | Barbaresco | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Michele Chiarlo 2013 Reyna (Barbaresco) | Nebbiolo | Michele Chiarlo |
26536 | 26535 | Argentina | Cool, piercing aromas suggest wood grain and maple alongside blackberry and cassis scents. This massive wine is tannic, but meaty and friendly at its base. Savory, inky flavors of plum and floral-berry fruits finish with strong oak; fortunately this has the structure and fruit to handle it. Drink through 2024. | Magdalena Toso Barrancas Vineyards Paul Hobbs Barrels Selection Limited 23 Barrels | 93 | 130 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Pascual Toso 2013 Magdalena Toso Barrancas Vineyards Paul Hobbs Barrels Selection Limited 23 Barrels Malbec-Cabernet (Mendoza) | Malbec-Cabernet | Pascual Toso |
26537 | 26536 | US | This wine from a single 25-acre vineyard in the appellation is lushly spicy in red currant, plum and clove, with seasonings of black pepper. Lively in the glass with balanced acidity and sumptuous weight and texture, it's lovely, focused and bold. | | 93 | 85 | California | Oakville | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Pine Ridge 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Pine Ridge |
26538 | 26537 | Germany | Lusciously ripe yet pristine white grapefruits, tangerines and lemons abound from nose to finish in this sleek, stately dry Riesling. It's lithe and lean on the palate yet piercing in concentration. High toned acidity and darker tones of smoke and nuts lend complexity to a long, meandering finish. Beautiful now but sure to meld beautifully through at least 2030. | Wallhäuser Felseneck GG Erste Lage Trocken | 93 | 70 | Nahe | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Prinz Salm 2014 Wallhäuser Felseneck GG Erste Lage Trocken Riesling (Nahe) | Riesling | Prinz Salm |
26539 | 26538 | Germany | Hits of salt and crushed earth mingle amidst sweet tangerine and apricot in this revitalizing spätlese. It's intensely mineral yet chock full of summer fruit catapulted by searing lemon-lime acidity. The finish is marked with lingering notes of caramelized sugar and pollen. | Graach Josephshöfer Monopol Spätlese Grosse Lage | 93 | 34 | Mosel | | | Anna Lee C. Iijima | | Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2015 Graach Josephshöfer Monopol Spätlese Grosse Lage Riesling (Mosel) | Riesling | Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt |
26540 | 26539 | Australia | As always at Leeuwin Estate, the Art Series Chardonnay is a star. Now incorporating some natural ferments and slightly more solids, the 2013 features some more savory elements than in the past. A hint of pencil shavings highlights the pear and pineapple fruit, which offers plenty of flesh without being overbearing. | Art Series | 93 | 89 | Western Australia | Margaret River | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Leeuwin Estate 2013 Art Series Chardonnay (Margaret River) | Chardonnay | Leeuwin Estate |
26541 | 26540 | US | This small, estate-grown red from the eastern edge of St. Helena shows meticulous care taken both in the vineyard and cellar, with its remarkably soft, integrated tannin, especially in this warm, ripe vintage. Given just 2% Petit Verdot, it shines in black pepper, black cherry and a tiny suggestion of vanilla. | Estate | 93 | 95 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Boeschen Vineyards 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Boeschen Vineyards |
26542 | 26541 | US | Brooding on the nose, this bottling by a newer producer shows crushed herbs, slate, leathery blackberry and blueberry fruit, smoked meats and a touch of minty tobacco. There is great structure on the palate, with fine-grained, chalky tannins presenting blackberry fruit, black-pepper spice, oak smoke and touches of crushed oregano. | Estate Limited | 92 | 65 | California | Santa Ynez Valley | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Brave & Maiden 2012 Estate Limited Merlot (Santa Ynez Valley) | Merlot | Brave & Maiden |
26543 | 26542 | US | This is the first vintage of the winery's flagship wine to receive a vineyard designation. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (61%), Merlot (24%), Merlot and Petit Verdot, it offers brooding aromas of dried herbs and tobacco along with coffee and barrel spice. The style is reserved but it still brings a lot of richness along with lively acidity, exceptional balance, well-integrated tannins and a lengthy finish. | Solesce Stone Tree Vineyard | 92 | 55 | Washington | Wahluke Slope | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Brian Carter Cellars 2010 Solesce Stone Tree Vineyard Red (Wahluke Slope) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Brian Carter Cellars |
26544 | 26543 | France | This wine has attractive acidity as well as ripe tannins. It is perfumed and offers structure as well as fresh black-currant fruit. It's still young, with layers of wood still very obvious. This medium-weight wine will need time to develop. Drink from 2019. | | 92 | | Bordeaux | Saint-Julien | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Beychevelle 2013 Saint-Julien | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Château Beychevelle |
26545 | 26544 | France | With fine, dusty tannins, this rich and juicy wine wears its fruit on its sleeve, all black plums and blackberry flavors. The acidity of the year is almost sweet with the fresh ripeness of the fruit. It is developing well, showing a medium-term future. Drink from 2018. | | 92 | 20 | Bordeaux | Saint-Estèphe | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Capbern 2013 Saint-Estèphe | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | Château Capbern |
26546 | 26545 | France | Fresh, fruity and fragrant, this wine has a pure line of acidity and crisp citrus alongside its tangy texture. The tightness shows its aging potential; drink from 2020. Founded in the 13th century by Benedictine monks, Château Carbonnieux is one of the oldest estates in the Bordeaux region. In 1956, Marc Perrin purchased the château and began vineyard and winery renovations that were continued by son Antony. The property is now run by grandsons Eric and Philibert. | | 92 | 42 | Bordeaux | Pessac-Léognan | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château Carbonnieux 2013 Pessac-Léognan | Bordeaux-style White Blend | Château Carbonnieux |
26547 | 26546 | Austria | Lovely verve and liveliness are evident in fresh, bright lemon notes and a clean-cut, light body of great precision. This has real, lasting focus and emphasises lemon juice and zest. The finish is almost cleansing. This provides great and lasting refreshment and has depth despite its lightness. | Gaisberg | 92 | 60 | Kamptal | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Hirsch 2014 Gaisberg Riesling (Kamptal) | Riesling | Hirsch |
26548 | 26547 | Austria | For now, wood smoke dominates nose and palate, enveloping generous fruit with a mellow, sonorous and even tannic coat. The dense, starched-velvet texture owes as much to ripe but fresh fruit as to new oak. This is big, bold and young. This will become much friendlier with time in bottle. Drink 2018–2025. | Diabas Reserve | 92 | 59 | Eisenberg | | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Jalits 2012 Diabas Reserve Blaufränkisch (Eisenberg) | Blaufränkisch | Jalits |
26549 | 26548 | US | This wine is a standout, with seasoned, full-bodied layers of peppercorn, clove, cinnamon and jammy plum, balanced in weight and length, with just a hint of sanguine character. While it plays the savory card successfully, it dabbles judiciously in dark chocolate, too, finishing like a chocolate kiss. | | 92 | 40 | California | Rutherford | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Joseph Carr 2012 Merlot (Rutherford) | Merlot | Joseph Carr |
26550 | 26549 | US | This is a lovely, 100% varietal wine, balanced between savory, almost sanguine meaty notes, and complex layers of cassis, plum and blueberry. Medium bodied with an elegance at its core, it has streaks of subtle cinnamon that give spiciness, and a finish dusted in Mexican chocolate. | Windfall Vineyard | 92 | 85 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Flora Springs 2012 Windfall Vineyard Merlot (Napa Valley) | Merlot | Flora Springs |