#16

“This bottling of an obscure grape originally from France shows crushed violets and tart boysenberry on the nose. Best served with a slight chill, it packs black plum skin, potpourri and marjoram flavors onto the palate.” 90pts, BEST BUY

#21

“It tastes smoky and spicy, weaving herbaceous, savory nuances with meaty ones while a rich and relatively gentle texture coats the palate and holds onto the charred, beefy flavors on the finish.” 91pts, BEST BUY

#29

“The aromas here offer notes of freshly sliced pear, cantaloupe, banana, melon rind and papaya. The bone-dry palate brings an abundant tropical-fruit flavor and a strong sense of acidity.” 91pts, BEST BUY

#44

“It’s great to return to an excellent honest-tasting fruit-driven wine that has very good balance, an appetizing texture thanks to fine-grained tannins and light spicy elements to complement the pure cherry and berry core.” 90pts, BEST BUY

#49

“This wine is intensely sweet and concentrated, overflowing with late-harvest aromas like pear syrup and honeysuckle and full of dried apricot and honey on the palate.” 89pts, BEST BUY

#51

“Fresh, vivid notes of juicy, ripe pear make for an inviting nose. The palate has the same easy, fruit-driven freshness: plenty of pear edged by lemon freshness. . This is light, dry, easy and moreish.” 89pts, BEST BUY

#6

Calvarino sets a new benchmark…It’s concentrated yet elegant and thoroughly delicious.” 96pts, CELLAR SELECTION

#13

“It’s savory and loaded with finesse, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, licorice, orange zest and pipe tobacco alongside firm yet polished tannins and fresh acidity.” 100pts, CELLAR SELECTION

#23

“This is like drinking liquid black currants and blackberries. The wine has great intensity and richness from the superbly generous Merlot.” 100pts, CELLAR SELECTION

#41

“Rich aromas of stewed black plum, blackberry pie, vanilla, clove and prune cake show on the nose. The mouthfeel is rich overall, but with firm tannins in the background…” 96pts, CELLAR SELECTION

#87

“Vibrant whiffs of orange blossom and lemon peel are offset by savory bramble and earth notes in this dry, full-bodied white blend. Its juicy lemon and tangerine flavors are edged by salty, saline complexities that are just starting to develop.” 93pts, CELLAR SELECTION

#56

“Smooth but dense, this wine is unusually supple for the variety. It shows a great combination of ripe, rich fruit flavors of black fig, black pepper, wood smoke and blackberry…” 92pts, EDITORS’ CHOICE

#78

“Aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit and exotic spice are front and center on this delicious red. On the fresh palate, tightly knit, polished tannins carry mouthwatering black cherry, blackberry compote, mocha and cinnamon.” 91pts

#87

“Wrapped in a rose petal aroma, this is lightly textured on the palate and offers a light touch of tangy cranberry and red-currant flavors. This is a lovely wine for the dinner table or as an aperitif.” 91pts, EDITORS’ CHOICE

#91

“Bright, crisp and clean, this has a classic Sauvignon Blanc character of vibrant citrus aromas and flavors that are framed by notes of grass and melon rind…” 90pts

#27

“Extremely complex aromas that show the classic Graham character of black-fruit marmalade and burnt oranges. Follows through to a full body with great grip at the finish. Lightly sweet. Chewy and powerful. Such a focus at the end.” 99pts

#29

“Aromas of sweet berries, fresh herbs, currant bush and licorice. Terracotta. Full body, layered and soft, velvety and focused tannins. Breathtaking texture. The focus ad polished is phenomenal.” 99pts

#38

“Breathtaking aromas of perfectly ripe fruit with blackberries, black olives, licorice, cedar and sweet tobacco. Full body, incredible depth and power, yet this is always in reserve and check.” 100pts

#53

“Full-bodied, layered and multi-dimensional. Chocolate underlines the character above. The perfect tannin texture, length and balance make you think you’re dreaming. All about harmony and beauty.” 100pts

#58

“Exceptionally complex, spicy and ripe, this delivers profoundly concentrated and pure black cherries with plenty of sweet spice and an ethereal, undergrowth edge.” 98pts

#90

“Extremely complex aromas of iodine, dark fruit, oyster shell, forest floor and blackberries follow through to a full body. Great intensity and integrity.” 99pts

#96

“Grilled hazelnuts, grilled peaches, grapefruit and lemon citrus, as well as a layer of spiced nougat-like aromas. There’s a very long, concentrated and dense palate that starts out cloaked in flavors of rich peaches and glossy fruits.” 99pts

#77

“This is really beautiful with so much mango, pineapple and lemon character. Hints of honeysuckle, too. Full body, intense dried fruit and vibrant acidity. Great Italian white blend.” 96pts

#79

“This shows serious density and balance with a blackberry, licorice and blueberry character. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Sleek and racy.” 96pts

#96

“Let yourself sink into this seductive world of velvet! So fragrant, fine and elegant. This is an Alto Adige Pino Noir masterpiece that plays in the same league as Grand Cru red Burgundy.” 95pts

#97

“I love the smoky and toasted-almond nose of this concentrated Soave. There’s a great interplay of ripeness and discreet tannins and a very long, fresh and mineral finish. From organically grown grapes.” 95pts

#99

“The complex, plum-cake and spice nose leads into a rich and sophisticated red, in which the tannins and fruit are already perfectly integrated. Long, complex, herbal and spicy finish. From organically grown grapes.” 95pts

LIGHT WHITES

“Peach and quince flavors are backed by saline minerality in this fresh, lively and expressive white. Parellada, Macabeo and others.” 89pts

ROSÉ

“This plush rosé offers cherry and spice flavors, with lots of tangy zip.” 89pts

ROSÉ

“A sunny day in a glass, with floral strawberry and peach aromas and lively, lingering flavors. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.” 89pts

ELEGANT REDS

“Starts out with earthy aromas, then eases into black cherry, plum, earth and spice flavors, with ample fruit on the finish.” 91pts

ELEGANT REDS

“A stylish red, showing expressive flavors of crushed cherry, raspberry, wild herb and spicy mineral.” 89pts

ELEGANT REDS

“This snappy red offers raspberry, licorice and smoked pepper flavors that finish on a livelynote. Grenache, Syrah and Tempranillo.” 89pts

BIG REDS

“A fruit-forward red, offering dark plum and boysenberry flavors flanked by forest floor notes, with rich spicy accents on the juicy finish.” 89pts

#95

“Complex and spicy, offering wild plum, blackberry, spice and tea flavors that show subtle herb shadings, ending with dusty, loamy tannins and good length.” 90pts

#97

“Polished and refined, with expressive apple, ripe cantaloupe and spice flavors that take on richness on the long finish.” 91pts

BEST CHAMPAGNES

“Its pale gold color is deepening with age, as are its delicate rose spice, scents of honeysuckle and creamy flavors of pear, all intertwined, each note playing off the energy of the others so the wine reverberates with complexity.” 96pts

BEST PORTOS

“This second release of Stone Terraces combines the energy of its powerful tannins with the voluptuous richness Malvedos can give in the best years. It has the green esteva note of great young Porto—a scent close to Thai basil—and has a purity to the structure that makes it feel grand.” 96pts

BEST ROSÉS

“The wine is markedly aromatic, with scents of hibiscus and plums, but the flavors are tart and savory, bringing to mind ruby-red grapefruit and cured meats. Farmed organically, it produces a wine that’s more an edgy red than a rosé, built to chill for charcuterie.” 93pts

BEST SICILY RED

“Nerobufaleffj comes from 35-year-old vines grown in a mix of black clay, red sand and white limestone…its flavors of black plum and braised mushroom accented with notes of brushy herbs and bright salinity…” 95pts

The Blandy family is working to bring a historic, fortified, volcanic wine into the modern day.

With old albarello-trained vines, organic farming methods and a devotion to Sicily’s flagship red variety, Gulfi shows Nero d’Avola’s ability to produce nuanced wines.

Bruno Paillard and his daughter, Alice, craft long-aged cuvées from impressive reserve stocks.

Two childhood friends teamed up to make single-cru Barolo’s from Monforte d’Alba that marry tradition and innovation.

CA’ROME BAROLO RAPET 2014

ALLEGRINI POGGIO AL TESORO SONDRAIA 2015

MONTENIDOLI VERNACCIA CARATO DI SAN GIMIGNANO 2013

ALLEGRINI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2014

BORTOLOMIOL GRANDE CUVEE DEL FONDATORE MOTUS VITAE 2016

RUGGERI GIUSTINO B. PROSECCO EXTRA DRY DOCG 2017

SANTADI TERRE BRUNE IGT 2014

JERMANN CAPO MARTINO 2016*

*Winery Only Exclusive

TENUTA BELLAFONTE MONTEFALCO SAGRANTINO 2014

COSTARIPA CHIARETTO MOLMENTI 2015*

FERGHETTINA FRANCIACORTA PAS DOSE RISERVA 33 2011*

*Winery Only Exclusive

PIETRADOLCE CONTRADA RAMPANTE ETNA ROSSO 2016

TORNATORE TRIMARCHISA ETNA ROSSO 2016

LE CASEMATTE FARO 2016

#19

“…Chocolate brownie, campfire smoke, and sweet cocoa aromas that yield to a pleasantly oily, rounded whiskey with citrus, Jolly Rancher hard candy, chocolate cake, spices, and coffee notes, with a finish of festive spices.” 90pts

Their research turned up an original bottle of Bogart’s from 1900, which they reproduced, mimicking the “lady leg” bottle shape as well as the label. Their new version of Bogart’s adds depth and spice to drinks with its notes of chocolate, cola and spice; just a dash or two will round out an Old-Fashioned.

#13

“Brewed to celebrate Unibroue’s 25th anniversary, this “Blonde from Hell” (as the translation suggests) is a bold, bombastic brew that isn’t shy on personality, presence or flavor, though it’s remarkably—and dangerously—smooth and well balanced.” 92pts

RYE WHISKEY

“…opening with red fruit aromas and a silky palate that offers -cinnamon, oak, vanilla and crème brûlée, with a hint of juicy red fruit emerging on the mouthwatering fade. A splash of water integrates fruit, sweetness and spice.” 94pts

TEQUILA

“The zesty jalapeño aroma and sweet tomato undercurrent suggests what is to come. The savory palate delivers fresh mint, basil, jalapeño and green pepper, finishing with a hint of black pepper smoothed by vanilla-mint sweetness. Sip or mix.” 94pts

LIQUEURS

“Look for a tawny hue and bold orange peel scent. This liqueur opens with orange flesh sweetness but isn’t cloying, thanks to a spicy hit of ginger and cayenne. It offers a bit more alcohol heat and spice compared to most orange liqueurs, but still pleasing overall.” 91pts

BLENDED SCOTCH

“The light, smooth palate unfolds toasty oak, vanilla, fresh pear, hints of gingery spice and a faint whiff of smoke—amazingly, every sip is different, right into the elongated finish. Limited edition, 8,520 bottles available worldwide.” 97pts

“It earns its power from grand cru vine-yards in the Côte des Blancs, and it includes reserve wines going back to 1985….its flavors hinting at kumquat and loquat, fruity chanterelles and crunchy apples, lasting long after each sip. The wine manages its intensity with grace, so it’s delicious now and well worth aging.” 95pts

“This is a fascinating wine, the most vinous of Paillard’s current releases, offering quiet scents of fresh pear, dried caramel and honeycomb without any hint of sweetness. While Champagne without dosage can sometimes be aggressive in its textures or flavors, this one is delicate.” 94pts

“There is a small amount of chardonnay in the blend, which may add to the wine’s substantial Burgundy- like richness, but the emphasis is on red fruits—sour cherry and ripe strawberry notes, fading into roses and rosehips, then a ghosting of fraises des bois in the end.” 94pts

“…Paillard and his daughter, Alice, to create a wine with quiet persistence— a sophisticated style with limestone clarity to its honeyed peach flavors and floral bee-pollen scents. Juicy, round and clean, it’s the most approachable of Paillard’s Champagnes.” 92pts, BEST BUY

“Their 2014 has black spice and floral notes, the warm-cool of a west-facing hillside at altitude. Its mountain-grown depth of fruit digs down into earthy tannins, the wine substantial but remarkably accessible for a young Howell Mountain Cabernet.” 93pts

“This wine has the dark chocolate density and smoky earthiness of cabernet grown in volcanic soils. That earthiness surrounds lasting red-plum flavors, almost liqueur- like in their richness. This is a powerful and gracious mountain wine with a long life ahead.” 93pts

“This is a powerful vintage of Martha’s Vineyard, a huge wine following a graceful line, so it’s neither overwhelming nor oversaturated. It has the structural elasticity of 2013 in its tannins, a salty umami note that highlights the dark currant and green fig flavors.” 92pts

“The Scholar is the fruitiest, its dark cherry and cassis flavors dripping with juiciness. It’s an unusual Howell Mountain red, mountain grown in the service of overt deliciousness, immediately rich and accessible.” 92pts

“Impressive for its clean, fragrant, cherry-scented fruit, this is a rich cabernet with some mint in its tannins, along with notes of freshly turned earth. It’s sup-ple and solidly built —and a great buy at $24. This is the first vintage made by Chris Eberle, no relation to Gary Eberle…” 91pts

“Focused on malbec (47 percent), this blend includes Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, all from the Trefethen ranch in Oak Knoll. Its fruit is cool and generous, with some tobacco notes melding into darker graphite and chocolate richness in the tannins. It’s a big, dense wine that carries itself with grace.” 91pts

“It’s dark and smoky, with some restrained green-pepper notes lending a cool feeling. The toasty oak doesn’t get in the way of the flavors; instead, it adds tannic richness without impeding the direction and elegance of the wine.” 91pts

“It starts off hiding behind a wall of oak, with black-walnut scents and mineral inflected tannins. That oak integrates with air, adding richness to the tannins and bringing out a tapenade scent. Substantial, bold and smoky, this is a cabernet for aged beef.” 90pts

“A variation on RRD’s 2014 Reserve, this one includes 85 percent Howell Mountain Cabernet, softened by Coombsville merlot. It shares the plummy sweetness of The Scholar and The Ph.D., along with some of the violet highlights. The difference is in the tannins, which are beefy…” 90pts

“The 2015 feels somewhat cooler than past vintages, still savory in its cedar and cigar-wrapper scents, and spice notes of cardamom and capsicum; but there’s a leafy quality to the plum flavors that lends itself to the texture as well, creating a more elegant feel to the tannins. Ready to drink now, it will age beautifully…” 92pts

“The 2015 feels somewhat cooler than past vintages, still savory in its cedar and cigar-wrapper scents, and spice notes of cardamom and capsicum; but there’s a leafy quality to the plum flavors that lends itself to the texture as well, creating a more elegant feel to the tannins. Ready to drink now, it will age beautifully…” 92pts

“Big-shouldered, chewy and mouthfilling, this is American cabernet through and through, forward, generous and seductive. It leads with dark-cherry scents and juicy, cherrypie flavors, with chocolatey tannins guiding a suave, seamless finish.” 91pts

“…Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Indeed, it’s so savory, with notes of cedar, tobacco and anise, that the plum sauce and cassis notes took a day to arrive. It’s a mouthful, the flavors as dark and deep as balsamic syrup, the tobacco like tannins acting as a vise on the tongue; for a ribeye.” 91pts

“Dark as coal when first poured, this wine has a subtle, earthbound power that takes time in the glass to emerge. With its notes of plum skin and fig, and dark, muscular oak component, it’s a well priced cabernet for ribs.” 91pts, BEST BUY

“Fruit for Sorì Ginestra comes from some of Conterno Fantino’s oldest vines, some up to 40 years of age…The wine leads off with scents of green cardamom, mint and anise that follow through into cool herbal flavors.” 94pts

“Vigna Pressenda is a lively, buoyant Barolo with bright fruit tones and soaring aromatics. Scents of rosemary and juniper leap out at once, followed by notes of dark spice and florals. Flavors of fleshy plum and ripe berries mingle with sweet tomato notes, chalky tannins heightening the wine’s bright personality.” 94pts

“This wine’s flavors of red cherry and strawberry are impressively ripe for the vintage, vibrant with cool acidity that makes those fruit flavors pop. Notes of cayenne pepper and Mexican chocolate add to the wine’s lively personality.” 93pts

“Mosconi is the darkest in tone of Conterno Fantino’s 2014 Barolos, its flavors of black raspberry and plum deepened by notes of licorice and unsweetened cocoa. Hints of graphite add a cool mineral tone, and a whiff of mint brightens the finish.” 93pts

“Notes of sweet spice and vanilla accent its ripeness, the plum and warmed raspberry flavors feeling generous for the vintage. It’s already showing some evolution, notes of loamy earth balancing cool notes of menthol and pine.” 92pts

“The 2014 Arborina comes across as dark and brooding, lack-ing some of the verve and finesse displayed in his 2013 bottling. Notes of espresso and sweet spice open into flavors of dried plum and black cherry, with prominent acidity and tannins that need time to integrate.” 90pts

“Notes of vanilla and sweet spice weave through this wine’s plummy fruit. It’s a blend from several plots in La Morra, aged up to two years in a mix of large and small barrels. Give it a few years in the cellar for the tannins to soften and the oak flavors to integrate.” 90pts, BEST BUY