| 12841 | 12840 | US | This refreshing sparkling wine made mostly from Pinot Noir grapes has a light-gold color and slightly toasted or earthy aromas. It feels lively and frothy in texture, nicely crisp in balance, and medium bodied. Ripe apple and peach flavors emerge with each sip. | Blanc de Noirs Brut | 88 | 41 | California | North Coast | North Coast | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Schramsberg 2011 Blanc de Noirs Brut Sparkling (North Coast) | Sparkling Blend | Schramsberg |
| 12842 | 12841 | Italy | Baking spice, perfumed berry and crushed floral scents mingle together on this bright red. The straightforward palate offers black cherry, white pepper and clove accompanied by zesty acidity and fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2018. | | 88 | 25 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Setriolo 2013 Chianti Classico | Red Blend | Setriolo |
| 12843 | 12842 | US | The standout fruit flavors are melon and grapefruit, with a backing of wet stone and spice. It's a refreshing style, and a useful white-wine choice for shellfish and other white fish or simple poultry dishes. | | 88 | 24 | Oregon | Rogue Valley | Southern Oregon | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | South Stage 2014 Pinot Blanc (Rogue Valley) | Pinot Blanc | South Stage |
| 12844 | 12843 | Italy | A blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas suggesting mature dark-skinned fruit, toast, sunbaked earth and cooking spice. On the polished, straightforward palate, hints of clove, orange peel and anise back up a core of dried black cherry while close-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink through 2018. | | 88 | 20 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Tenuta Cappellina 2012 Chianti Classico | Red Blend | Tenuta Cappellina |
| 12845 | 12844 | Spain | Hot, tarry aromas of plum and berry rank as gritty and rough. Clampy, jagged tannins make for a tough mouthfeel, while a mix of herbal and jammy red-berry flavors turn salty before finishing with rubbery tannins. Drink through 2023. | Selectus | 88 | 70 | Central Spain | Vino de la Tierra de Castilla | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Aljibes 2010 Selectus Red (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla) | Red Blend | Aljibes |
| 12846 | 12845 | US | Full bodied, and firm textured, this wine emphasizes complexity and mouthfeel over simple fruitiness. It smells like ripe plums, tastes like cardamom and black cherry, and shows good balance between flavors, acidity and body. | | 88 | 14 | California | California | California Other | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Dachshund 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (California) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Dachshund |
| 12847 | 12846 | Portugal | While the Arinto is normally found further south in Lisboa, this wine comes from vines that have the same ocean influence. That keeps it fresh even through the oak aging, so the wine is both rich, toasty and cut with attractive citrus acidity. This one is still young and will be better from 2017, although it is ready to drink now. | Marquês de Marialva Reserva | 88 | 12 | Bairrada | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Adega de Cantanhede 2014 Marquês de Marialva Reserva Arinto (Bairrada) | Arinto | Adega de Cantanhede |
| 12848 | 12847 | US | Brisk and lively, this wine is a bit shy on the nose at first, then reveals red and purple flowers, dark fruit, brown spice and a touch of shattered asphalt. The palate is quite tarry despite being lighter, with blackberry-juice flavor and lots of acidic pizzaz. | | 88 | 48 | California | Paso Robles | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Alta Colina 2012 Grenache (Paso Robles) | Grenache | Alta Colina |
| 12849 | 12848 | Italy | Aromas of dark berry, toast, coffee and a whiff of forest floor lead the nose while the vibrant, light-bodied palate offers crushed black cherry, star anise and a note of grilled herb. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity lend polished, easygoing support. | | 88 | 23 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Borgo Salcetino 2013 Chianti Classico | Red Blend | Borgo Salcetino |
| 12850 | 12849 | Italy | A blend of Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, this offers aromas of red currant, espresso, aromatic herb and French oak. The taut palate shows tart red cherry, coffee, toast, star anise and powdered sage while close-grained tannins leave an astringent, mouth-puckering finish. | Riserva | 88 | 40 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Brancaia 2013 Riserva (Chianti Classico) | Red Blend | Brancaia |
| 12851 | 12850 | Italy | Aromas of French oak, toast and spiced blueberry lead the nose. Showing the challenges of the cool, wet vintage, this is leaner than previous years but still offers wild cherry, coffee bean and anise alongside bright acidity and polished if not very persistent tannins. All in all an impressive effort for 2014. Drink soon. | | 88 | 28 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Castello di Fonterutoli 2014 Chianti Classico | Red Blend | Castello di Fonterutoli |
| 12852 | 12851 | Italy | Aromas of ripe dark-skinned berry, purple flower and a whiff of cake spice waft out of the glass. The firm palate offers black cherry, red plum and a note of ground pepper while fine-grained tannins and nervous acidity provide the framework. | Vigna Casi | 88 | 43 | Tuscany | Chianti Classico | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Castello di Meleto 2013 Vigna Casi (Chianti Classico) | Sangiovese | Castello di Meleto |
| 12853 | 12852 | France | This is the second wine of Château de Chambert, one that's made to be drunk young. It has bright red fruits and soft tannins that are well integrated into aromatic fruits that burst from the glass. Drink this wine now for its delicious fruitiness or wait until 2018 for the exuberant fruit to calm down. | La Tour Chambert Cuvée des Hauts Coteaux | 88 | 16 | Southwest France | Cahors | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château de Chambert 2014 La Tour Chambert Cuvée des Hauts Coteaux Malbec-Merlot (Cahors) | Malbec-Merlot | Château de Chambert |
| 12854 | 12853 | France | This pure Malbec is generous and ripe. It has concentration and dark berry fruits that come strongly through the tannic structure. As it develops, its texture will become increasingly more velvety, bringing out richness. Wait until 2018. | Tertre-Perdigous | 88 | 16 | Southwest France | Cahors | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Château du Port 2014 Tertre-Perdigous Malbec-Merlot (Cahors) | Malbec-Merlot | Château du Port |
| 12855 | 12854 | US | Slightly funky aromas of dried, composting red and purple roses meet with crushed mint, vanilla and red berries on the nose of this complex bottling. Pomegranate, red plum and strawberry fruit show on the palate, bolstered by wet gravel, thyme and black-pepper spice. | Reserve | 88 | 30 | California | Central Coast | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Clos LaChance 2013 Reserve Grenache (Central Coast) | Grenache | Clos LaChance |
| 12856 | 12855 | Australia | Really nicely done, with bold cassis aromas tinged with hints of tomato leaf and vanilla and then waves of cassis, vanilla and dried spices on the palate. It's full bodied and lushly textured, with a long, velvety feel to the finish. Best from 2010–2020. | Phoenix | 91 | 20 | South Australia | Coonawarra | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Penley Estate 2006 Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Penley Estate |
| 12857 | 12856 | Spain | Solabal captures the essence of Rioja reserva with this fairly oaked, fruity wine. The palate is tight and demanding, with proper acid-to-tannin balance. Flavors of wild raspberry and plum are lively, while the finish shows some creaminess, tobacco and warmth. Drink now and over the next two years. | Reserva | 91 | 28 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Solabal 2004 Reserva (Rioja) | Tempranillo Blend | Solabal |
| 12858 | 12857 | Australia | This intriguing stickie is predominantly (94%) Chardonnay—an unusual choice for a botrytized wine. Dried apricot and ripe pear aromas lead the way, with the flavors leaning toward intensely honeyed apricot preserves. It's full-bodied, lush and candy-sweet, with a mouthcoating finish. | The Noble | 91 | 19 | South Australia | Adelaide | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | D'Arenberg 2006 The Noble Chardonnay-Semillon (Adelaide) | Chardonnay-Semillon | D'Arenberg |
| 12859 | 12858 | US | Structure, minerals and lees mark this elegant Chardonnay. You'll find ripe pear and tropical fruits that taste like they were baked into a pie, but ripe fruit is easy to achieve these days. It's the architectural integrity that makes this wine so fine. | Dutton Ranch Kyndall's Reserve | 91 | 36 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Dutton Estate 2006 Dutton Ranch Kyndall's Reserve Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) | Chardonnay | Dutton Estate |
| 12860 | 12859 | Italy | Hekate is an amber-colored dessert wine made from a blend of overripe grapes in central Sicily. Its aromas recall apricot, orange peel and chestnut honey and the wine offers special floral notes that last long over its silky mouthfeel. Hekate is named after a Greek goddess who bestowed kindness and wealth and was a guardian of youth. | Hekate Passito | 91 | 30 | Sicily & Sardinia | Sicilia | | | | Feudo Arancio 2006 Hekate Passito White (Sicilia) | White Blend | Feudo Arancio |
| 12861 | 12860 | Portugal | Toffee and vanilla aromas give an intensely sweet, molasses and caramel flavored wine in an almost syrup-like consistency. It is very ripe, with some honey, balanced with a surprisingly fresh citrus character. | Branco Colheita | 91 | 125 | Port | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Wiese & Krohn 1964 Branco Colheita (Port) | Port | Wiese & Krohn |
| 12862 | 12861 | Spain | A leader in user-friendly Monastrell from Jumilla is Luzón. Altos is the winery's high-expression baby, and if you like a bruiser with char, toast, coffee and other nocturnal characteristics, then look no further. Dynamite in terms of ripeness, with monster black-fruit, chocolate and coffee flavors. Not for the weak. | Altos de Luzón | 91 | 19 | Levante | Jumilla | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Bodegas Luzón 2006 Altos de Luzón Red (Jumilla) | Red Blend | Bodegas Luzón |
| 12863 | 12862 | Portugal | Beautifully balanced wine, showing slight age and maturity but also flavors of spice and orange marmalade. It has just the same balance between freshness and maturity as a 10-year old tawny, and gives as much pleasure. | 10 Anos White | 91 | | Port | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | J. H. Andresen NV 10 Anos White (Port) | Port | J. H. Andresen |
| 12864 | 12863 | US | The Meyer Vineyard, in the Red Hills of Dundee, ripened especially well in 2006, bringing forth concentrated fruits that mix raspberry, cranberry, pie cherry and finishing hints of rhubarb. Spice and sharp acids add definition to the midpalate, and the careful barrel aging has introduced accent notes of nutmeg, licorice and black tea. Despite its heft and substantial 14.6% alcohol, this wine has a sleekness that carries it gracefully into a lengthy, elegant finish. | Meyer Vineyard | 91 | 48 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Lemelson 2006 Meyer Vineyard Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | Lemelson |
| 12865 | 12864 | US | If you prefer your California Chards on the minerally side instead of the flamboyant, superripe style, try this one. With its stony or metallic and citrus-inspired flavors and extreme dryness at low alcohol, it can be described as Chablisian. Hard to believe the oak is 100% new, as it doesn't taste oaky despite the streamlined profile. | Cupa Grandis | 91 | 45 | California | Paso Robles | Central Coast | | | EOS 2006 Cupa Grandis Chardonnay (Paso Robles) | Chardonnay | EOS |
| 12866 | 12865 | US | This Bordeaux-style blend, which this year contains a bit of Syrah, seems to vary vintage to vintage. The '05 is based on Cabernet Franc. It shows a fine structure and is very dry and tannic, but needs time to soften. However, the oak-infused black cherry, black currant, violet and anise flavors are impressive. Best after 2010. | Proprietary Red Wine | 91 | 55 | California | Napa Valley | Napa | | | Corley 2005 Proprietary Red Wine Red (Napa Valley) | Red Blend | Corley |
| 12867 | 12866 | US | What's so interesting about this wine is the savory minerality, racy acidity and extreme dryness that make it completely different from 99% of the Sauvignon Blancs in California. It's not without fruit. You'll find mouthwatering Meyer lemons, sweet Kaffir limes and spicy figs. Just beautiful, and a real sommelier's wine. | | 91 | 22 | California | Russian River Valley | Sonoma | | | Crinella 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley) | Sauvignon Blanc | Crinella |
| 12868 | 12867 | Portugal | This small, independent producer has made a rich, unctuous, mouth-filling wine, with intense fruit and honey flavors, only just hinting at the spirit. A big, ripe wine, intensely flavored. | White | 91 | | Port | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | J. H. Andresen NV White (Port) | Port | J. H. Andresen |
| 12869 | 12868 | US | Le Cadeau's Equinoxe Cuvée is the winery's most limited offering, just 110 cases. Quite distinctive, it carries a high, piercing caraway note, but also offers rich, ripe, chunky cherry fruit and streaks of cola and caramel. It's concentrated and chewy, a substantial wine with a soft, lengthy finish incorporating earth, leaf and pepper. | Equinoxe | 91 | 47 | Oregon | Willamette Valley | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Le Cadeau 2006 Equinoxe Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) | Pinot Noir | Le Cadeau |
| 12870 | 12869 | Australia | This mature, ready-to-drink example of Coonawarra Cab offers complex aromas and flavors of leather, cedar and black cherry, plus hints of mint and roasted beef. The tannins are smooth, the mouthfeel moderately rich and the finish long and mouthwatering. Drink now-2015. | | 91 | 30 | South Australia | Coonawarra | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Leconfield 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Leconfield |