| 27972 | 27971 | US | Rich and ripe, this has a plushness of red currant and cassis counterbalanced by blackberry on the underbelly. A well-hewn texture leans leathery, with seasonings of black pepper giving it a piquant and lengthy finish. | Bench Blend | 91 | 60 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | William Hill Estate 2012 Bench Blend Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | William Hill Estate |
| 27973 | 27972 | US | Stemmy in earthy pine and clove-like spice, this is a powerfully dense and delicious wine. It's on the higher side in terms of alcohol, though doesn't reflect it in bouquet or taste. Savory dark berry wraps itself around mushroomy truffles and black tea to linger on the tongue through a lengthy, weighty finish. | Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard | 91 | 58 | California | Sonoma Coast | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Pali 2013 Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) | Pinot Noir | Pali |
| 27974 | 27973 | US | There's an intriguing herbaceous character of juniper and chaparral scrub on this appellation-blend bottling, along with red currant fruit and iron minerality. The palate shows complex flavors of pine sap and eucalyptus oil, orange rinds and rosemary against a backdrop of blackberry fruit. | | 91 | 35 | California | Santa Cruz Mountains | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Rexford 2010 Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains) | Pinot Noir | Rexford |
| 27975 | 27974 | US | The producer's most popular and widely made Zin has a loyal following, and this vintage merits further admiration, offering soft, plummy juiciness on the palate. Not over-oaked, it sparks with black pepper, finishing with elegance. | Black Chicken | 91 | 45 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Robert Biale 2013 Black Chicken Zinfandel (Napa Valley) | Zinfandel | Robert Biale |
| 27976 | 27975 | US | From an historic site replanted and restored to new heights, this wine has good grip and high-octane fruit that plays on the palate, veering from jammy to juicy and back again. Anise and black pepper linger on the lengthy finish, with a touch of smoky oak and toffee. | Old Kraft Vineyard | 91 | 50 | California | St. Helena | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Robert Biale 2013 Old Kraft Vineyard Zinfandel (St. Helena) | Zinfandel | Robert Biale |
| 27977 | 27976 | US | Warm aromas of lemon preserves, smoked honeysuckle and lightly honeyed Marcona almonds are cut with a citrus freshness on the nose of this estate-grown wine. A citrus-blossom character starts the sip followed by rounded saltiness and apple-flesh flavor in the midpalate. It's altogether very luscious and yet enlivening to the mouth. | | 91 | 28 | California | Ballard Canyon | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Stolpman 2013 Roussanne (Ballard Canyon) | Roussanne | Stolpman |
| 27978 | 27977 | US | Chocolaty, this fun blend of 56% Zinfandel, 31% Petite Sirah, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot hails from estate, dry-farmed vineyards. Big, mountainous tannins soften in the glass to reveal juicy notes of dark and red cherry. | Por Que No? | 91 | 30 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Tres Sabores 2012 Por Que No? Red (Napa Valley) | Red Blend | Tres Sabores |
| 27979 | 27978 | Italy | Bold and brawny, this opens with aromas of pressed violet, dried plum and a whiff of cake spice. The full-bodied palate doles out brandied black cherry, licorice, black pepper and nutmeg alongside tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. | | 91 | 55 | Veneto | Amarone della Valpolicella | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Monte Zovo 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella | Red Blend | Monte Zovo |
| 27961 | 27960 | US | A bright, floral violet bouquet invites in this blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petite Sirah that follows through with earthy cherry and strawberry highlights. Softly textured, the wine is deeply structured and in balance, a delicious offering of several varieties married well. | Mixt | 91 | 55 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Sequum 2012 Mixt Red (Napa Valley) | Red Blend | Sequum |
| 27962 | 27961 | US | A fascinating wine from one of the oldest wineries in the Sierra Foothills, this has deep boysenberry and blackberry aromas. Flavors include allspice, cardamom and black cherries, with a meaty nuance. Medium to full bodied, it's not a monster Zin but distinctive and clearly delicious. | Cougar Hill | 91 | 18 | California | California | California Other | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Sobon Estate 2012 Cougar Hill Zinfandel (California) | Zinfandel | Sobon Estate |
| 27963 | 27962 | US | This signature blend combines a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It takes a classical approach to the Bordeaux-inspired blend, capturing dried herb and peppercorn in abundance. The wild bouquet delves into floral, feral elements of forest and concentrated cassis, finishing lean. | Élu | 91 | 75 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | St. Supéry 2012 Élu Red (Napa Valley) | Red Blend | St. Supéry |
| 27964 | 27963 | US | This wine is polished in texture, sophisticated in flavor and a pleasure to sip. It exudes plum and blackberry aromas, adds rich plummy flavors and almost coats the mouth with richness. While full bodied, it has enough complexity and finesse for special occasions. | Home Vineyard | 91 | 30 | California | Amador County | Sierra Foothills | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Terra d'Oro 2013 Home Vineyard Zinfandel (Amador County) | Zinfandel | Terra d'Oro |
| 27965 | 27964 | US | Nicely layered, this offers an intensity of black plum and chocolate around a soft core of approachable, rounded tannins. Medium bodied, it has a mix of elegance and decadence that makes it drinkable now and impressive from start to finish. | | 91 | 37 | California | Alexander Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | The Calling 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | The Calling |
| 27966 | 27965 | France | Pear laced with subtle notes of smoke hints at a taut palate. The dryness and discipline of the poised flavors nonetheless allow the ripe, luscious pear fruit to glow and shine. Mouthfeel and texture are reminiscent of pear peel and bitter almond, and echo long after the last sip. | Réserve | 91 | 24 | Alsace | Alsace | | Anne Krebiehl MW | @AnneInVino | Trimbach 2013 Réserve Pinot Gris (Alsace) | Pinot Gris | Trimbach |
| 27967 | 27966 | US | Cabernet Sauvignon makes up just over two-thirds of this wine with the balance Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Dried herb, black cherry, licorice and spice aromas lead to full-feeling dark fruit flavors that show intensity and persistence. | Courageux | 91 | 49 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | William Grassie 2012 Courageux Red (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | William Grassie |
| 27968 | 27967 | US | Coming from the relatively new but priming Kimsey Vineyard, this shows intoxicatingly rich yet never treacly aromas of ripe cantaloupe, ambrosia melon and peach-apple syrup. Glazed apples, walnut oil and orange bitters decorate the heavily layered and dense palate. Serve it with many varieties of cheese. | | 91 | 28 | California | Ballard Canyon | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Zinke 2013 Roussanne (Ballard Canyon) | Roussanne | Zinke |
| 27969 | 27968 | US | Complemented by 9% Sémillon, this concentrated, creamy young wine is generous in pear, peach and subtle pineapple. Tart, it remains fresh and focused in the glass, with a lushness that's memorable and compelling. An impactful finish wraps things up nicely. | | 91 | 21 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Groth 2014 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley) | Sauvignon Blanc | Groth |
| 27970 | 27969 | France | Still firm, this wine is dominated by tannin and dark fruit, with a dry core typical of this Pommard vineyard. The red and dark plum-fruit flavors are developing slowly and the wine needs time to balance. Drink from 2019. | Les Rugiens Premier Cru | 91 | 109 | Burgundy | Pommard | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter 2013 Les Rugiens Premier Cru (Pommard) | Pinot Noir | Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter |
| 27971 | 27970 | Chile | Cherry and plum aromas are pure and appealing as peppery accents pop up. This is flush and a bit lush, with spiced red plum and oaky chocolate flavors that end dry, elegant and focused. Valle Secreto makes consistently good Syrah; this is one of the winery's best to date. Drink through 2018. | First Edition | 91 | 24 | Cachapoal Valley | | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Valle Secreto 2012 First Edition Syrah (Cachapoal Valley) | Syrah | Valle Secreto |
| 27980 | 27979 | US | Aromas of raspberry, black licorice, woodspice, toast and cherry are followed by abundant red- and black-fruit flavors. There's plenty of richness and a finish that won't quit. | | 91 | 50 | Washington | Walla Walla Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Northstar 2012 Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) | Red Blend | Northstar |
| 27981 | 27980 | US | Rose petals, red currants, red licorice and a bit of snapped sage stick entertain the nose on this bottling, which can be sampled at the producer's downtown Paso tasting room. Earl Grey tea, dried orange rind and dried violets play on the palate, which cuts the elderberry fruit with sharp, slightly bitter cherry pits. | | 91 | 38 | California | Paso Robles | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Anglim 2012 Grenache (Paso Robles) | Grenache | Anglim |
| 27982 | 27981 | US | The distinctive aroma resembles tamarind, cranberries and new oak barrels. Flavors are bright and pure, and the mouthfeel is firm with tannins while staying smooth and velvety. This is very tasty and unique, made in a full-bodied style. Zinfandel and Primitivo make up 77% of it, along with Barbera and Petite Sirah. | Coro Mendocino | 91 | 40 | California | Mendocino | | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Brutocao 2012 Coro Mendocino Red (Mendocino) | Red Blend | Brutocao |
| 27983 | 27982 | France | Rock Angel is the new name for the estate wine of Château d'Esclans. It is a ripe and full wine, yet so well balanced that it seems light and refreshing. A crisp element balances the full red fruits and offers elegance and poise. This is a style of rosé that could age, although it is delicious now. | Rock Angel | 91 | 35 | Provence | Côtes de Provence | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château d'Esclans 2014 Rock Angel Rosé (Côtes de Provence) | Rosé | Château d'Esclans |
| 27984 | 27983 | US | The caramel oakiness of this wine is offset by austere structure and a focused midpalate, the flavors leaning toward cool-climate green apple and kumquat. It returns to richness and intensity on the finish. | Low Vineyard | 86 | 34 | California | Oak Knoll District | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Piña 2014 Low Vineyard Chardonnay (Oak Knoll District) | Chardonnay | Piña |
| 27985 | 27984 | US | This bottling is ripe and tropical but approachable on the nose, with honeydew melon, banana and nectarine aromas. There is a decent punch of acidity and noticeable texture upon first sip, veering toward sweet apple and bubblegum flavors on the finish. | Estate Vineyard | 86 | 24 | California | Paso Robles | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Eberle 2015 Estate Vineyard Chardonnay (Paso Robles) | Chardonnay | Eberle |
| 27986 | 27985 | US | Spicy oak nuances and maturity give this full-bodied wine a broad range of peppery, leathery, cedary aromas and mellow flavors reminiscent of milk chocolate and tamarind. It's rustic but fun to taste. | True Red Lot 30 | 86 | 16 | California | California | California Other | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Fenestra NV True Red Lot 30 Red (California) | Red Blend | Fenestra |
| 27987 | 27986 | Argentina | Floral white-fruit aromas are yeasty and lack intensity. This feels mildly citric, with basic lime and green-apple flavors. A tangy easy simple finish sends this quaffable SB on its way. | | 86 | 10 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Lucky Frog 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Mendoza) | Sauvignon Blanc | Lucky Frog |
| 27988 | 27987 | Argentina | Although this San Juan SB offers almost nothing on the nose, it's fresh and popping with acidity on the palate. Flavors of briny citrus are entirely familiar, while this finishes with cleansing crispness. | Alma Mora | 86 | 10 | Other | San Juan | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Finca Las Moras 2016 Alma Mora Sauvignon Blanc (San Juan) | Sauvignon Blanc | Finca Las Moras |
| 27989 | 27988 | US | This straightforward, affordable dry wine is good and fruity, with medium body, moderate tannins and plenty of red cherry and blackberry flavors. | | 86 | 12 | California | California | California Other | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Guenoc 2014 Pinot Noir (California) | Pinot Noir | Guenoc |
| 27990 | 27989 | US | There's a touch of barnyard on the nose of this bottling, which also shows a soy and sweet black cherry scents. The palate is marked by beef char and cooked black fruit flavors, with a twist of funkiness, lending intrigue. | | 86 | 32 | California | South Coast | South Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Hawk Watch Winery 2013 Syrah (South Coast) | Syrah | Hawk Watch Winery |