| 28122 | 28121 | Austria | Very crisp and fresh, this is a product of the relatively cool conditions of 2007. It is a lively, green and white fruit-flavored wine, all tense structure and perfumed acidity with a layer of concentration. | Terrassen Smaragd | 90 | 28 | Wachau | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domäne Wachau 2007 Terrassen Smaragd Riesling (Wachau) | Riesling | Domäne Wachau |
| 28123 | 28122 | Italy | Pietracalda (“hot stone”) is Fiano di Avellino done in a vibrant and lively style to enhance its natural aromas of pear, peach and white stone. The wine has crisp acidity and a creamy, pulpy feel in the mouth. | Pietracalda | 90 | 33 | Southern Italy | Fiano di Avellino | | | | Feudi di San Gregorio 2006 Pietracalda (Fiano di Avellino) | Fiano | Feudi di San Gregorio |
| 28124 | 28123 | US | This unoaked Sauvignon Blanc shows the crisp tartness that Anderson Valley brings to white wines. Fully dry, its flavors suggest lemongrass, grapefruit and pepper, with a racy tang of cold steel. The aftertaste is long and powerful. | | 90 | 20 | California | Anderson Valley | | | | Foursight 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (Anderson Valley) | Sauvignon Blanc | Foursight |
| 28125 | 28124 | US | This lovely, single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc showcases bright, ripe fruit with crisp acidity, and manages to finish dry. It's creamy textured, packed with lemon, lime and pink grapefruit flavors, and richer notes of melons, figs, wild honey, vanilla and smoke. | Kick Ranch | 90 | 21 | California | Sonoma County | Sonoma | | | Carica 2006 Kick Ranch Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County) | Sauvignon Blanc | Carica |
| 28126 | 28125 | Italy | This compact Aglianico embraces a traditional style with a leaner appearance and elegant tones of bramble, forest berry and balsam notes that recall cola and dried mint. It tastes fresh and offers enduring notes of berry fruit on the finish. Made with grapes from 70-year-old vines. | Satyricon | 90 | | Southern Italy | Irpinia | | | | Tecce 2004 Satyricon Aglianico (Irpinia) | Aglianico | Tecce |
| 28127 | 28126 | Australia | A full-bodied, mouthfilling wine, Giaconda's 2005 Aeolia Roussanne showcases aromas of toasted cashews, then balances them against bold peach and citrus fruit. The oak lends a slightly charred quality to the wine, which comes through on the finish as a hint of espresso. Drink now and over the next few years. | Aeolia | 90 | 100 | Victoria | Victoria | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Giaconda 2005 Aeolia Roussanne (Victoria) | Roussanne | Giaconda |
| 28128 | 28127 | Australia | This 60-40 blend provides excellent value at this price. It's full-bodied but silky-soft in texture, with aromas and flavors that range from plum to earth and cola to dried spices. The tannins melt away on the palate, leaving behind a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now. | Twelve Staves | 90 | 17 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Longwood 2006 Twelve Staves Shiraz-Grenache (McLaren Vale) | Shiraz-Grenache | Longwood |
| 28129 | 28128 | US | Textbook Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot, big and bold, yet with great textural balance and complexity. Strikes the palate with concentrated cherry, red currant, licorice, orange zest, root beer, clove, cinnamon and pepper flavors that are totally dry, with a full-bodied weight. | | 90 | 38 | California | Santa Lucia Highlands | Central Coast | | | Lucienne 2005 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) | Pinot Noir | Lucienne |
| 28111 | 28110 | Australia | With its knockout nose of blackberries and baking spices, this is an instant stunner. It follows that overture with complex flavors in a similar theme. It's full bodied and mouthcoating in intensity. The only question mark is whether the firm tannins will help it mature gracefully or leave it with a persistent drying quality on the finish. Imported by Wine Brokers Unlimited. | Clarendon | 91 | 65 | South Australia | Clarendon | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Clarendon Hills 2005 Clarendon Grenache (Clarendon) | Grenache | Clarendon Hills |
| 28112 | 28111 | Austria | From the Kellerberg vineyard, this is a powerfully rich wine, with its cream and nutmeg flavors complemented by creamed baked apples. There is strong pepper and spice character here. | Kellerberg Smaragd | 91 | 39 | Wachau | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Domäne Wachau 2007 Kellerberg Smaragd Grüner Veltliner (Wachau) | Grüner Veltliner | Domäne Wachau |
| 28113 | 28112 | Italy | Made from equal parts Greco and Fiano, Campanaro is Feudi's flagship white wine and exhibits fleshy tones of mature peach, honey and pear. Thanks to its crisp acidity, it would make an idea companion to cheesy pasta dishes. A wonderful wine overall. | Campanaro | 91 | 48 | Southern Italy | Campania | | | | Feudi di San Gregorio 2006 Campanaro White (Campania) | White Blend | Feudi di San Gregorio |
| 28114 | 28113 | Spain | Sweet blueberry and floral/lilac aromas give this a more elegant, fragrant opening than many of the oak-ladened blockbusters it competes with. The palate is ripe and mixes in flavors of blackberry, cappuccino and bitter herbs. Feelwise, all is calm and lush. And best of all there's continuity from front to back. Only 1,000 cases made. | Selección | 91 | 50 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Rudeles 2004 Selección (Ribera del Duero) | Tempranillo Blend | Rudeles |
| 28115 | 28114 | US | In 2007 the excellent Celilo vineyard serves up a stunning Gewürztraminer. The brilliantly displayed floral, citrus and mineral scents lead into a soft, rich and thoroughly delicious wine with layers of green berry, citrus, melon and mineral, along with refreshing acids and a streak of toasty hazelnut. | Celilo Vineyard | 91 | 18 | Oregon | Columbia Gorge (OR) | Oregon Other | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Sineann 2007 Celilo Vineyard Gewürztraminer (Columbia Gorge (OR)) | Gewürztraminer | Sineann |
| 28116 | 28115 | US | With its black pepper, cassis, beef jerky and Provençal herb flavors, this Syrah offers rich, complex drinking at a fair price. Fully dry, its tannins are thick, but very finely ground. Shows class and elegance through the long, spicy finish. | Punchdown | 91 | 25 | California | Sonoma Coast | Sonoma | | | Spicerack 2006 Punchdown Syrah (Sonoma Coast) | Syrah | Spicerack |
| 28117 | 28116 | US | Sugar saves the day in this dessert wine. It's very sweet and fruity, like a blackberry tart with the smoky crust, sauced up with sweetened espresso, shaved chocolate, candied orange zest and roasted coconut flakes. | Port | 91 | 25 | California | Paso Robles | Central Coast | | | Sylvester 2005 Port Syrah (Paso Robles) | Syrah | Sylvester |
| 28118 | 28117 | Italy | Poema is an extraordinary wine that straddles a fine line between tradition and modernity. Its aromas include chocolate-covered cherry, vanilla, black volcanic mineral and exotic spice. It's got a chewy texture and huge intensity in the mouth thanks to its blockbuster tannins and long staying power. | Poema | 91 | | Southern Italy | Taurasi | | | | Manimurci 2004 Poema (Taurasi) | Aglianico | Manimurci |
| 28119 | 28118 | US | Still spritzy, very tart and tangy, with orange peel and lemon drop flavors. Perhaps showing just a bit more intensity than the 2006, this is a terrific follow-up with the same mix of delicacy and power that suggests that the Columbia Gorge AVA may well be the best site in the Pacific Northwest to grow Riesling. | Underwood Mountain Vineyard | 91 | 14 | Oregon | Columbia Gorge (OR) | Oregon Other | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Viento 2007 Underwood Mountain Vineyard Riesling (Columbia Gorge (OR)) | Riesling | Viento |
| 28120 | 28119 | US | Over the years this Rhône blend, based on Mourvédre, Grenache and Syrah, has been an excellent value, and the '05 is one of the best yet. Rich and soft, it's packed with opulent cherry and blackberry pie filling, cassis, red currant, licorice, pepper and smoke flavors, with a creamy, chocolaty taste throughout. Yet the wine is totally dry and balanced. | Z Cuvée | 91 | 18 | California | Santa Ynez Valley | Central Coast | | | Zaca Mesa 2005 Z Cuvée Red (Santa Ynez Valley) | Rhône-style Red Blend | Zaca Mesa |
| 28121 | 28120 | Australia | Ripe black cherry and cedary aromas can't hide the touch of alcohol that seems to emanate from the glass. But the wine is balanced on the palate, not showing any excessive warmth, framing its black cherry and chocolate flavors with bright acidity. The crisp acids on the finish accentuate the tannins, making this an uncommonly structured Grenache. Imported by Wine Brokers Unlimited. | Hickinbotham | 90 | 65 | South Australia | Clarendon | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Clarendon Hills 2005 Hickinbotham Grenache (Clarendon) | Grenache | Clarendon Hills |
| 28130 | 28129 | US | Very rich and honeyed, a powerhouse Chard oozing with pineapple jam, crème brûlée, and coconut candy flavors. For all its sweet mouthfeel, the wine is dry and crisp in brilliant acidity. | Premier Reserve | 90 | 24 | California | Anderson Valley | | | | Navarro 2006 Premier Reserve Chardonnay (Anderson Valley) | Chardonnay | Navarro |
| 28131 | 28130 | Italy | Taurasi can sometimes be a gritty, raw wine with overdone power and heft. But this expression is soft and yielding thanks to its aromas of blackberry, vanilla, black stone and spice. The tannins are rock-solid and hard. A Marc de Grazia selection, various American importers. | Vigna Cinque Querce | 90 | 72 | Southern Italy | Taurasi | | | | Salvatore Molettieri 2004 Vigna Cinque Querce (Taurasi) | Aglianico | Salvatore Molettieri |
| 28132 | 28131 | Australia | This wine nicely captures Pinot Noir's elusive silky texture and weight without heaviness, then combines those attributes with complex earthy flavors and touches of sassafras and cola. Finishes long, with hints of maraschino cherries and caramel. Drink now–2014. | Reserve | 90 | 40 | Victoria | Mornington Peninsula | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | Stonier 2005 Reserve Pinot Noir (Mornington Peninsula) | Pinot Noir | Stonier |
| 28133 | 28132 | US | Perfectly fills the need in California for a bone-dry, racy white wine. Acidity is the star here, enriched with savory lemon and lime zest, grilled pineapple, pepper and mineral flavors. After all the oak and supersweetness of too many wines, it makes you want to sing and dance. | | 90 | 18 | California | Anderson Valley | | | | Navarro 2007 Pinot Gris (Anderson Valley) | Pinot Gris | Navarro |
| 28134 | 28133 | US | From a well-regarded vineyard that's source to several Pinots comes this fine '06. It's silky and dry and crisp and young, with raspberry and cherry jam flavors complexed with smoky oak, green tea and peppery spice. Should age well for the next six years. | Toulouse Vineyard | 90 | 40 | California | Anderson Valley | | | | Phillips Hill 2006 Toulouse Vineyard Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley) | Pinot Noir | Phillips Hill |
| 28135 | 28134 | US | Far better known as a Pinot Noir producer, Roessler has released this dry Riesling from 25-year-old vines, and it's a terrifically interesting, distinctive California white wine. At 4 years of age, it's bone dry, showing crisp, vibrant Anderson Valley acidity, and is showing the oily, diesel, peach, honeysuckle and hazelnut flavors of a maturing, Alsatian-style Riesling. Should continue to develop bottle complexity for another decade. | Wiley Vineyard | 90 | 18 | California | Anderson Valley | | | | Roessler 2004 Wiley Vineyard Riesling (Anderson Valley) | Riesling | Roessler |
| 28136 | 28135 | US | This single vineyard in the Dundee Hills recalls Oregon Pinots from days gone by. It's not too big, not too oaky, plenty ripe and delivers spicy berry fruit along with earthier streaks of leaf, herb, baking spices and a whiff of cinnamon. Stiff acids and earthy tannins betray its youth, but though still a little rough around the edges, this could be cellared for a decade or more. | La Colina Vineyard | 90 | 60 | Oregon | Dundee Hills | Willamette Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Torii Mor 2006 La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills) | Pinot Noir | Torii Mor |
| 28137 | 28136 | US | This blend mixes the estate fruit with several different vineyards, making a more fruit-forward, accessible wine than the single-vineyard offerings. Flavors show bright raspberry and tart cranberry, leading to some tangy acids, backed with earth, rock and hints of caramel. The new oak is gently applied, adding to the finish without taking away the wine's naturally juicy fruit. | La Cuillère Member's Reserve | 90 | 55 | Oregon | Oregon | Oregon Other | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Torii Mor 2006 La Cuillère Member's Reserve Pinot Noir (Oregon) | Pinot Noir | Torii Mor |
| 28138 | 28137 | US | The power of mountain fruit drives this young, impressive Zinfandel. It's a tight, tannic puppy right now, dry and aloof. But such are the massive blackberry, mulberry, espresso and pepper flavors that the wine should easily hold its own for many years. Best after 2008 and through 2013. | V.G.S. | 90 | 55 | California | Mount Veeder | Napa | | | Château Potelle 2005 V.G.S. Zinfandel (Mount Veeder) | Zinfandel | Château Potelle |
| 28139 | 28138 | Australia | This blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Shiraz and 5% Mourvèdre features surprisingly dark fruit flavors akin to blackberries and cola. A hint of mint or eucalyptus enlivens the bouquet and helps to lighten this otherwise rather full-bodied, brooding wine. Finishes long, with enough dusty tannins to warrant cellaring through 2015. | The Ironstone Pressings | 90 | 65 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | | Joe Czerwinski | @JoeCz | D'Arenberg 2005 The Ironstone Pressings G-S-M (McLaren Vale) | G-S-M | D'Arenberg |
| 28140 | 28139 | US | This is a big, strong, exuberant Zindandel that shows Dry Creek's briary, brambly personality at its best. It's a dry, full-bodied, tannic wine, with flavors of blackberries, cherries and currants. Black pepper, star anise and cinnamon provide the exotic spices. It's quite a good, rich Zinfandel at a very good price. | | 90 | 22 | California | Dry Creek Valley | Sonoma | | | Peterson 2006 Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley) | Zinfandel | Peterson |