| 9709 | 9708 | US | Made in a complex style rather than simply fruity, this smells like toasted almonds and vanilla bean. Tastes suggest not-quite-sweet Bosc pears, butter and walnuts. While the texture is luxurious the body is actually light, and the wine is not at all cloying. | Estate | 90 | 21 | California | Sierra Foothills | Sierra Foothills | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Naggiar 2014 Estate Viognier (Sierra Foothills) | Viognier | Naggiar |
| 9710 | 9709 | Italy | A savory blend of 40% Sangiovese, 30% Monica and 30% Carignano, this vibrant red offers aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, tilled soil, leather, cooking spice, carob and violet. The chewy palate delivers ripe black cherry, juicy blackberry, ground clove and dried Mediterranean herb alongside round, enveloping tannins that give it a velvety texture. | Silenzi | 90 | 15 | Sicily & Sardinia | Isola dei Nuraghi | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Pala 2014 Silenzi Red (Isola dei Nuraghi) | Red Blend | Pala |
| 9711 | 9710 | Italy | Fragrant and structured, this opens with aromas of perfumed berry, rose petal and spice. The tightly woven palate offers ripe red cherry, crushed strawberry and grilled herb alongside tightly packed tannins and brisk acidity. | Bricco San Giuliano | 90 | 38 | Piedmont | Barbaresco | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Pasquale Pelissero 2012 Bricco San Giuliano (Barbaresco) | Nebbiolo | Pasquale Pelissero |
| 9712 | 9711 | Italy | Scorched earth, black-skinned berry, orange zest and baking spice are some of the aromas that emerge on this vibrant red. It's still nervous, offering flavors of raw red berry, white pepper and grilled herb alongside bracing tannins. A coffee note signals the close. Drink 2018–2026. | Nervo Vigna Giaia Riserva | 90 | 50 | Piedmont | Barbaresco | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Piazzo Armando 2010 Nervo Vigna Giaia Riserva (Barbaresco) | Nebbiolo | Piazzo Armando |
| 9713 | 9712 | US | Another big, dense expression of the vintage, this has a softness to the tannins that makes it accessible, though the wine will benefit from time in the cellar, through 2017. Cinnamon and clove intermingle with black cherry and currant, finishing in a hint of tobacco. | Barrel Select | 90 | 47 | California | Rutherford | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | Provenance Vineyards 2012 Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Provenance Vineyards |
| 9714 | 9713 | Moldova | Made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Saperavi and 5% Rara Neagra, this wine has a nose of leather, cherry, black raspberry, fig and black plum. Flavors of fresh fig, spice and black plum slowly dissipate on the enduring finish. | Negru de Purcari | 90 | 38 | Moldova | | | Jeff Jenssen | @worldwineguys | Purcari 2010 Negru de Purcari Red (Moldova) | Red Blend | Purcari |
| 9715 | 9714 | Moldova | Crafted from 50% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Gris and 5% Pinot Blanc, this straw-colored wine offers aromas of lemongrass and almond blossom. It is balanced in the mouth, with flavors of tropical fruit, pineapple and understated flowers. | Alb de Purcari | 90 | 38 | Moldova | | | Jeff Jenssen | @worldwineguys | Purcari 2012 Alb de Purcari White (Moldova) | White Blend | Purcari |
| 9716 | 9715 | Portugal | A big, ripe wine that is full of tannins as well as rich black plum fruit flavors. It is dark with bitter chocolate, smoky bacon flavors as well as a concentrated structure that promises aging. This 100% Touriga Nacional is still so young, still tough, so drink from 2018. | Casaboa Reserva | 90 | 39 | Lisboa | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Quinta da Casaboa 2011 Casaboa Reserva Touriga Nacional (Lisboa) | Touriga Nacional | Quinta da Casaboa |
| 9691 | 9690 | Argentina | Savory, baked cassis and blackberry aromas show form and solidity, while the palate is deep and a little soft, with lush, slightly roasted berry and black currant aromas. Chocolaty on the finish yet not too heavy or forced. Not all that Syrah-like but it still smells and tastes good. | Reserve | 86 | 11 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Trivento 2008 Reserve Syrah (Mendoza) | Syrah | Trivento |
| 9692 | 9691 | US | This shows the sharper, more herbaceous side of the grape, though perhaps without being fully ripe. It seems to fall away quickly into simple lemon juice flavors, with a hint of herb. | LEHM | 86 | 20 | Washington | Chelan County | Washington Other | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Vin du Lac 2008 LEHM Sauvignon Blanc (Chelan County) | Sauvignon Blanc | Vin du Lac |
| 9693 | 9692 | Spain | A solid but seemingly standard blend of Tempranillo, Syrah and Garnacha with berry and cherry aromas along with touches of mint and leather. The palate is woody, with spiced berry flavors and decent body and structure. Vanilla and then oak-based bitterness define the finish. A good wine but hardly a knockout. | Corpus del Muni Roble | 86 | 20 | Central Spain | Vino de la Tierra de Castilla | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Bodegas del Muni 2008 Corpus del Muni Roble Red (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla) | Tempranillo Blend | Bodegas del Muni |
| 9694 | 9693 | Spain | Begins with muddled, murky, syrupy aromas of caramel and berries. The palate is more high-toned, with lemony accents to tomato, baked fruit and savory flavors. Finishes solid albeit lightly damp and bitter. Comes around with time but always seems a bit murky. | Glorioso Crianza | 86 | 13 | Northern Spain | Rioja | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Bodegas Palacio 2006 Glorioso Crianza (Rioja) | Tempranillo | Bodegas Palacio |
| 9695 | 9694 | Spain | Roasted and mildly leafy, and then clacky and a bit tannic in the mouth. The fruit flavors are good and mostly pure as they settle on black cherry and blackberry, while the finish is jammy but short. For $8 this should not disappoint. | | 86 | 8 | Central Spain | Vino de la Tierra de Castilla | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Capa 2008 Tempranillo (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla) | Tempranillo | Capa |
| 9696 | 9695 | US | A menthol/eucalyptus note shoots through the aroma of this pleasant Cabernet. It shows quickly maturing flavors of plum and pie cherry, an easy-drinking softness throughout the mid-palate, and just a hint of heat in the finish. | Barrel Select | 86 | 35 | Washington | Columbia Valley (WA) | Columbia Valley | Paul Gregutt | @paulgwine | Domaine Pouillon 2007 Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA)) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Domaine Pouillon |
| 9697 | 9696 | Portugal | A lean style bringing out acidity from the juicy black currant fruits. It has definite tannins supporting the fruit, while it finishes with fresh, perhaps too fresh, acidity. | Barco Negro | 86 | 13 | Douro | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | J. & F. Lurton 2008 Barco Negro Red (Douro) | Portuguese Red | J. & F. Lurton |
| 9698 | 9697 | Australia | The Nugan Vision Cabernet Sauvignon over-delivers for its price point. The fruit expression is bold and ripe, with intense raspberry and blackberry liqueur scents followed by tangy cherry pie filling in the mouth. Ends up on a lingering mocha note. Drink now to 2011. | Vision | 86 | 12 | New South Wales | Riverina | | | | Nugan Family Estates 2008 Vision Cabernet Sauvignon (Riverina) | Cabernet Sauvignon | Nugan Family Estates |
| 9699 | 9698 | Spain | Fresh berry aromas carry some spice notes, while the palate is rugged and a little hot. Juicy berry flavors are forward but not overly evolved or complex, and the the finish is tight and aggressive. Spunky and clean, with honest flavors. | Urban Ribera | 86 | 14 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | O. Fournier 2008 Urban Ribera (Ribera del Duero) | Tinto del Pais | O. Fournier |
| 9700 | 9699 | Spain | Aromas of balsam wood, dry leather, and slightly herbal berry fruit are generally appealing, while the palate has size, balance and a healthy feel to it. More woody and spicy than outright fruity, with a touch of zesty raspberry and strawberry at the core. Nice but simple red wine. | Azagador Viñedos Propios Crianza | 86 | 10 | Central Spain | La Mancha | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Pago de la Jaraba 2007 Azagador Viñedos Propios Crianza Red (La Mancha) | Tempranillo Blend | Pago de la Jaraba |
| 9701 | 9700 | Portugal | Going for structure as much as fruit, this is a cool wine with black currant flavors giving high acidity. It feels light, fresh, although there are tannins and spice to give some final weight. | Bridão Classico | 86 | 8 | Ribatejo | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Adega Cooperativa do Cartaxo 2007 Bridão Classico Red (Ribatejo) | Portuguese Red | Adega Cooperativa do Cartaxo |
| 9702 | 9701 | Spain | Opens with a blast of cola and minty grass, and then comes a raisiny wave and mossy herbal notes that are typical of Navarran Merlot, which makes up 60% of this three-grape blend. Gritty in the mouth, with black cherry, licorice, herbs, raisin and lasting sweetness on the finish. | Finca la Moneda | 86 | 40 | Northern Spain | Navarra | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Alzania 2004 Finca la Moneda Red (Navarra) | Red Blend | Alzania |
| 9703 | 9702 | France | Simple juicy fruit, just touched by tannins, but more driven by ripe plum juice and the brightest, delicious acidity. | | 86 | | Beaujolais | Beaujolais-Villages | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Barton & Guestier 2008 Beaujolais-Villages | Gamay | Barton & Guestier |
| 9704 | 9703 | Spain | Opens with good berry fruit aromas, mineral notes and coconutty sweetness, which is followed by a plump, well-balanced palate of black fruits, plum and licorice. Finishes solid and warm, with enough vitality and juiciness to maintain balance. More or less what you want from affordable Monastrell. | Castillo de Jumilla | 86 | 10 | Levante | Jumilla | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Bodegas Bleda 2008 Castillo de Jumilla Monastrell (Jumilla) | Monastrell | Bodegas Bleda |
| 9705 | 9704 | Argentina | This concentrated, almost syrupy Malbec smells mossy and mulchy while also displaying scents of coffee grinds, tree bark and blackberry jam. A bolt of tartaric acidity keeps it from being flabby, while flavors of blackberry and black currant are salty, woody and finish resiny. Drink through 2020. | Vineyard Selection | 90 | 50 | Mendoza Province | Mendoza | | Michael Schachner | @wineschach | Matias Riccitelli 2012 Vineyard Selection Malbec (Mendoza) | Malbec | Matias Riccitelli |
| 9706 | 9705 | US | A rare 100% Petit Verdot, this is dense in red and black fruit, from plum and blueberry to blackberry, ripe enough to be in a cobbler. Cinnamon dusts the top, with a puff of smoke in the background. Balanced despite its heft, it finishes soft, ready to be paired with meaty foods. | Scarlett Estate Grown | 90 | 50 | California | Rutherford | Napa | Virginie Boone | @vboone | McGah Family 2012 Scarlett Estate Grown Petit Verdot (Rutherford) | Petit Verdot | McGah Family |
| 9707 | 9706 | Italy | This youthful, full-bodied red is restrained but slowly reveals aromas and flavors of crushed violet, bright red berry, baking spice and tobacco. The tannins are tightly packed so give it a few years to unwind. Drink 2018–2025. | Asili | 90 | 90 | Piedmont | Barbaresco | | Kerin O’Keefe | @kerinokeefe | Michele Chiarlo 2012 Asili (Barbaresco) | Nebbiolo | Michele Chiarlo |
| 9708 | 9707 | Portugal | From limestone and granite soils, this is a structured, mineral, textured wine. It already has a fine balance between berry fruits and their acidity and a dense, dry tannic core that gives the wine a solid character and considerable potential. Drink from 2018. | | 90 | | Alentejano | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Monte da Ravasqueira 2013 Red (Alentejano) | Portuguese Red | Monte da Ravasqueira |
| 9717 | 9716 | Portugal | This Alvarinho comes from vines grown outside the classic Vinho Verde appellation in the larger Minhao region of northern Portugal, but you'd never know it. It has all the intensity and richness of the grape, with a rich texture and apricot and pineapple flavors. It's a fine wine that could age, so drink from 2016. | | 90 | | Minho | | | Roger Voss | @vossroger | Quinta de Lourosa 2014 Alvarinho (Minho) | Alvarinho | Quinta de Lourosa |
| 9718 | 9717 | US | This unique wine offers light aromas of white pepper, bay leaf, coffee and dried leaves. The cherry flavors are elegant with a creamy feel and a tart finish, seeming a big compact at present but developing over time. | Vox Poluli | 90 | 50 | Oregon | Walla Walla Valley (OR) | Oregon Other | Sean P. Sullivan | @wawinereport | Rasa 2013 Vox Poluli Mourvèdre (Walla Walla Valley (OR)) | Mourvèdre | Rasa |
| 9719 | 9718 | US | This smells toasty, spicy and nicely oaky. Rich and plummy, it tastes blackberry-like, jammy and opulent with hints of clove and cassis. Stylish and polished, it's big in flavors and full in body, with soft tannins. It's a sophisticated wine that offers plenty of enjoyment. | | 90 | 40 | California | Amador County | Sierra Foothills | Jim Gordon | @gordone_cellars | Renwood 2012 Syrah (Amador County) | Syrah | Renwood |
| 9720 | 9719 | US | One of the winery's special block bottlings, this shows purple aromas of blackberry, violet and lilac alongside graphite and toasted oak. The palate is meaty, bitter and spice-driven, without much overt fruit, showing anise, pencil shavings, tar and concentrated cranberry skins. | Mesa | 90 | 48 | California | Santa Maria Valley | Central Coast | Matt Kettmann | @mattkettmann | Riverbench 2013 Mesa Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley) | Pinot Noir | Riverbench |