| 29761 | 29760 | France | This sweet soft wine is lightly perfumed and gentle on the palate. Crushed strawberry flavors have just the lightest acidity to keep the wine from being cloying. Drink now. | Loire Valley | 83 | 13 | Loire Valley | Rosé d'Anjou | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Sauvion 2016 Loire Valley (Rosé d'Anjou) | Rosé | Sauvion |
| 29762 | 29761 | New Zealand | Initially this wine smells buttery and nutty from oak influence, which morphs into notes of bruised yellow apple and very ripe melon. The palate is more vibrant, with zippy acidity and green fruit tones. The finish, however, falls a little flat. | | 83 | 16 | Marlborough | | | | | White Clover 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) | Sauvignon Blanc | White Clover |
| 29763 | 29762 | Italy | This extremely simple sparkler has subdued aromas suggesting adhesive bandage that carry over to the lean, brisk palate along with freshly squeezed lemon and a candied note. It's tart, with bracing acidity and vigorous bubbles. | Extra Dry | 83 | 14 | Veneto | Prosecco | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Carletto NV Extra Dry (Prosecco) | Glera | Carletto |
| 29764 | 29763 | New Zealand | There's red fruit and spice to be found in this Marlborough Pinot Noir, but unfortunately they're overpowered by a chemical, menthol quality, along with vanilla from the oak influence. The palate is medium bodied with lightly grippy tannins and a bitterness on the finish. | | 83 | 23 | Marlborough | | | | | Opawa 2014 Pinot Noir (Marlborough) | Pinot Noir | Opawa |
| 29765 | 29764 | New Zealand | This sunset-hued bubbly starts with notes of overripe berries and watermelon candy. The mousse is satisfying but the cloying sweetness on the palate may turn many off this less-than-subtle sparkler. | Rosé | 83 | 16 | New Zealand | | | | | Sophora NV Rosé Sparkling (New Zealand) | Sparkling Blend | Sophora |
| 29766 | 29765 | US | A dull, unformed nose gives way to sweet dried prune notes in this highly ripe, earthy wine. | | 83 | 23 | California | Dry Creek Valley | Sonoma | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Pech Merle 2014 Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley) | Zinfandel | Pech Merle |
| 29767 | 29766 | Spain | Honeyed aromas of orange marmalade lead to a flat palate. Bitter flavors of melon and almond skins confirm that this oddball blend of Moscatel, Doradilla and PX from the mountains outside Málaga is lackluster. | La Encina del Inglés | 83 | 18 | Andalucia | Málaga | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Finca la Melonera 2015 La Encina del Inglés White (Málaga) | White Blend | Finca la Melonera |
| 29768 | 29767 | Spain | Foxy plum and other jumpy aromas set up a raw, choppy palate. This Merlot tastes of salty, herbal plum and cherry, while the finish is lasting, which might not be a benefit. | Mureda Organic | 83 | 10 | Central Spain | Tierra de Castilla | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Mureda 2016 Mureda Organic Merlot (Tierra de Castilla) | Merlot | Mureda |
| 29769 | 29768 | US | This wine smells and tastes quite mature but is still interesting to drink. It has sun-baked earth aromas, raspberry and Madeira flavors and a soft texture. | | 82 | 25 | California | El Dorado | Sierra Foothills | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Jodar 2013 Barbera (El Dorado) | Barbera | Jodar |
| 29770 | 29769 | Argentina | Stewy, earthy berry aromas are mulchy and lack freshness. This has a cooked and rubbery mouthfeel to go with stalky, savory berry and plum flavors. A green, leathery character shows on the finish. | La Madras Vineyard | 82 | 20 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Ricardo Santos 2016 La Madras Vineyard Malbec (Mendoza) | Malbec | Ricardo Santos |
| 29771 | 29770 | US | This Reserve is higher in alcohol, oakier and contains more Cabernet Sauvignon than Bello's regular '10 Cab. But, like its sibling, the wine is all elbows, with the black currant and dark chocolate flavors sticking out from the other parts. The wine should have no trouble negotiating the years. Try it in 2020. | Reserve | 92 | 250 | California | Rutherford | Napa | | | Bello Family Vineyards 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Bello Family Vineyards |
| 29772 | 29771 | US | This is classic Beringer Private Reserve Chard, ripe, oaky, lush, balanced and utterly delicious. There's a lot of everything, from massive tropical and citrus fruits to creamy lees. The malolactic fermentation helps make it buttery and 80% new French oak brings buttered toast and vanilla-bean richness. Balance comes by way of acidity and minerality. | Private Reserve | 92 | 44 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Beringer 2012 Private Reserve Chardonnay (Napa Valley) | Chardonnay | Beringer |
| 29773 | 29772 | Argentina | With its reliance on old-vines vineyards, Renacer often comes out with great wines. This is one of them. Smoky, leathery berry aromas are inviting, while the mouthfeel is silky and plush. Oaky flavors of chocolate, smoked meat and vanilla accent ripe berry flavors, then clove and baking spices pour onto the finish. | Punto Final Reserva | 92 | 20 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Bodega Renacer 2011 Punto Final Reserva Malbec (Mendoza) | Malbec | Bodega Renacer |
| 29774 | 29773 | Italy | Rose, violet, iris and red berry aromas lead the nose on this delicious wine made entirely with Sangiovese. The smooth palate delivers juicy black cherry, raspberry and crunchy strawberry, while notes of nutmeg, black pepper and cinnamon add depth. It's polished and already enjoyable but hold a few years for complexity. | Baruffo | 92 | 22 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Cantalici L'Antica Fornace di Ridolfo 2011 Baruffo (Chianti Classico) | Sangiovese | Cantalici L'Antica Fornace di Ridolfo |
| 29775 | 29774 | New Zealand | This impressive operation covers much of eastern Waiheke, although only a small portion of the property is planted to vines. The 2010 vintage was especially good on the island, and this wine is crammed with ripe, peachy fruit, framed by smoky oak and roasted nuts. Despite being weighty and round in the mouth, it finishes well, on a lingering citrusy note. Drink it over the next couple of years. | Valhalla | 92 | 35 | Waiheke Island | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Man O' War 2010 Valhalla Chardonnay (Waiheke Island) | Chardonnay | Man O' War |
| 29776 | 29775 | Argentina | Jammy, ripe and loaded with inky, sweet black-fruit aromas, the bouquet on this modern Cab Franc draws you in. Once there, look for a big but balanced palate with blackberry, roasted notes, loam and chocolate flavors. The satisfying finish is pure and long, with toasty blackness. | Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard | 92 | 110 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | El Enemigo 2010 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc (Mendoza) | Cabernet Franc | El Enemigo |
| 29777 | 29776 | US | Zinfandel fans will celebrate this powerfully ripe, exuberant wine. It's classic Russian River Zin, dry, tannic, heady and enormously rich in black currants, raisins, prunes, beef jerky and exotic baking spices. The finish is so fruity, it's almost sweet, yet is actually quite dry, making it clean and zesty. | Old Vine Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard | 92 | 55 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Hartford Court 2011 Old Vine Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) | Zinfandel | Hartford Court |
| 29778 | 29777 | New Zealand | Clearview's Chardonnays are always opulent and textural, and this ultra-luxe offering exemplifies the house style. Aromas of grilled fruit mesh beautifully with toasted whole grain on the nose, while similar flavors swirl endlessly in the mouth. Yet despite being warm and welcoming, full bodied and broad on the palate, it's refreshingly firm on the lengthy finish. Drink now–2016. | Endeavour | 92 | 80 | Hawke's Bay | | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Clearview 2009 Endeavour Chardonnay (Hawke's Bay) | Chardonnay | Clearview |
| 29779 | 29778 | Australia | Endowed with plenty of fruit, this wine swirls together notes of raspberry and vanilla, then tops off that delicious blend with hints of mint and other herbs. The lovely creamy texture turns silky and fresh on the finish. Drink now–2020. | Stonehorse Estate Grown | 92 | 37 | Australia Other | South Eastern Australia | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Kaesler 2010 Stonehorse Estate Grown Shiraz (South Eastern Australia) | Shiraz | Kaesler |
| 29780 | 29779 | Portugal | From selected grapes, this is a powerful, complex wine. It has huge richness, tasting of the Alentejo sun. At the same time, the fruit is firm and structured, slowly revealing its fresher berry character to balance the density. The delicious juicy aftertaste promises a fine future for this wine. Drink from 2016. | Esporão Private Selection | 92 | 60 | Alentejano | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Herdade do Esporão 2008 Esporão Private Selection Red (Alentejano) | Portuguese Red | Herdade do Esporão |
| 29781 | 29780 | US | Big, rich and complex, this is a Cabernet you want to lay down. Tasted in the late Fall of 2013, it's tannic, oaky and dry, brimming with spectacularly ripe blackberry, cherry and cassis flavors. The alcohol is a bit high, giving the wine some heat, and yet the balance is so good that the wine should easily develop over the next eight years. | | 92 | 110 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Hestan 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Hestan |
| 29782 | 29781 | Turkey | Aromas of black cherry, brambly berry, violet and oregano give way to sophisticated flavors of dark fruit, spice and leather. This nicely balanced Syrah offers harmonious tannins, with just a touch of grippiness, leading to a smooth, somewhat savory finish. | Pendore | 92 | 38 | Aegean | | | Mike DeSimone | @worldwineguys | Kavaklidere 2010 Pendore Syrah (Aegean) | Syrah | Kavaklidere |
| 29783 | 29782 | US | Lutum is a project from Santa Barbara vintner Gavin Chanin. The brand sources fruit from well-known vineyards, in this case Rinconada, situated in a favorable terroir in the southern part of the appellation. The wine is quite pale and the alcohol level is low, giving it great delicacy. But it's potent in raspberry, red currant, spicy red licorice and softened cola flavors. Delicious now, it will age well until at least 2022. | La Rinconada Vineyard | 92 | 50 | California | Sta. Rita Hills | Central Coast | | | Lutum 2011 La Rinconada Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) | Pinot Noir | Lutum |
| 29784 | 29783 | Portugal | This wine, with its black color, barely escapes being too much. Initially, it seems too rich, too concentrated. But slowly its more elegant character, ripe and smooth, comes through. The acidity gives surprising freshness considering the weight and density. It does need time, so drink from 2017. | Mux Tinto | 92 | 30 | Douro | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Muxagat 2011 Mux Tinto Red (Douro) | Portuguese Red | Muxagat |
| 29785 | 29784 | US | This is the winery's best Dijon Clones Chardonnay ever. It shows the balanced, long hangtime fruit of the vintage, bursting with ripe flavors of pineapples, oranges, honeydew melons and pears, along with toasty new French oak and vibrant acidity. What a yummy wine to drink with scallops or crab. | Dijon Clones | 92 | 34 | California | Carneros | Napa-Sonoma | | | Pine Ridge 2012 Dijon Clones Chardonnay (Carneros) | Chardonnay | Pine Ridge |
| 29786 | 29785 | US | Tasted in early December, this Cabernet, which was blended with Merlot and Petit Verdot, was in a funny place in its evolution. It's not exactly fresh and fruity, but it hasn't evolved to the complexity of an aged wine. You'll find plenty of restrained blackberry, cherry, currant, violet, oak and tannic notes that require another 6–8 years to resolve and shine. | Brokenrock Vineyard | 92 | 65 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Prime Solum 2009 Brokenrock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Prime Solum |
| 29787 | 29786 | Australia | Bin 389 is always a Cab-Shiraz, although the 2009 is only just, at 51% Cabernet and 49% Shiraz. This year's version is chocolaty and ripe, with plenty of weight and a slightly creamy feel. Cassis and vanilla notes fill out the palate, which finishes long, with an elegant texture akin to fine suede. Drink now–2025. | Bin 389 | 92 | 50 | South Australia | South Australia | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Penfolds 2009 Bin 389 Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz (South Australia) | Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz | Penfolds |
| 29788 | 29787 | US | A blend of blocks and clones from this impressive property, this Pinot delivers pretty raspberry and cherry fruit, dusted with baking spices. From the opening aromas of fruit and flower, on through to the bigger barrel flavors of clove and cinnamon, this is a lovely wine, drinking well, but certainly fit for cellaring through 2020–2022. | Estate | 92 | 35 | Oregon | Chehalem Mountains | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Alloro 2010 Estate Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains) | Pinot Noir | Alloro |
| 29789 | 29788 | US | Barrel fermented and put through full malolactic with regular batonnage, this superbly balanced, graceful Chardonnay is orchestrated around a complex mix of pear, tropical fruit, biscuit, cream soda and light baking spices. The acidity carries a hint of mineral, and the palate impression is lively and smooth. | Estate | 92 | 28 | Oregon | Chehalem Mountains | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Alloro 2011 Estate Chardonnay (Chehalem Mountains) | Chardonnay | Alloro |
| 29790 | 29789 | US | This Syrah is addictively drinkable. It's so round and smooth, so complete, and above all so delicious in flavors. They range from crushed, ripe summer blackberries and cassis to black pepper and dark chocolate and, if you're familiar with it, the Jewish dessert, hamantaschen, which are prune-filled pastry tarts. The grapes come from the well-regarded Rancho Sisquoc Vineyard. | Upper Crust | 92 | 40 | California | Santa Maria Valley | Central Coast | | | Babcock 2011 Upper Crust Syrah (Santa Maria Valley) | Syrah | Babcock |