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14.8 | Red | US | The name is a play on “pheromones.” The wine itself is dense and dry. Soft in the manner of Paso Robles, it has a deep core of blackberries, coffee and violets, assisted by oak. The tannins are really hard now, and it's difficult to tell where the wine is going. But it's one to watch. | Westside | 95 | 89 | California | Central Coast | Paso Robles | PharaohMoans 2005 Westside Syrah (Paso Robles) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/pharaohmoans-2005-westside-shiraz-syrah-syrah-central-coast-paso-robles/ | Syrah | 2,005 | PharaohMoans |
13.2 | Red | France | Starts off with vanilla and black cherry scents, with just a sprinkling of dried herbs. This blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc is creamy and supple through the mocha-tinged midpalate, then finishes crisper than expected, with some dusty tannins. Drink 2008–2015. Imported by Acadia Imports. | null | 35 | 89 | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion | null | Château Vignot 2003 Saint-Émilion | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-vignot-2003-red-saint-emilion/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,003 | Château Vignot |
null | Red | France | A deliciously attractive wine, perfumed and floral, with an immediately attractive and open structure. This wine will develop relatively fast, but over the next decade will be very enjoyable. | null | null | 89 | Bordeaux | Margaux | null | Château Siran 2004 Margaux | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-siran-2004-red-margaux/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Siran |
13.7 | White | US | This is quite a distinctive wine, not quite like anything else out there, which makes you think about it. Dry and creamy, it shows the flavors of dried fruits, such as apricots and peaches, with a streak of fresh green herbs, and a stony, metallic taste, like white chalk. Really notable for its uniqueness. | null | 20 | 89 | California | Central Coast | Paso Robles | Clautiere 2005 Roussanne (Paso Robles) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/clautiere-2005-roussanne-central-coast-paso-robles/ | Roussanne | 2,005 | Clautiere |
14.2 | White | Australia | Plump and a bit sweet, this is a rare example of Australian Gewürztraminer. Smells honeyed yet floral, boasting scents of apples and orange blossom, then offers flavors of ripe apples and a touch of peach, underscored by intense citrus. Long and crisp on the finish. Drink now. | null | 35 | 89 | Tasmania | Tasmania | null | Spring Vale 2005 Gewürztraminer (Tasmania) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/spring-vale-2005-gewurztraminer-tasmania/ | Gewürztraminer | 2,005 | Spring Vale |
14.2 | Red | US | This is a good Cask 23, but it's by no means among the top ranks. Fairly tannic now, it shows oatmeal raisin cookie, blackberry, coffee, gingerbread and vanilla flavors. The tannins are wonderfully smooth, rich and intricate. It doesn't have the balance for longterm cellaring, so drink by 2009, if not earlier. | Cask 23 | 175 | 89 | California | Napa | Napa Valley | Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2003 Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/stags-leap-wine-cellars-2003-cask-23-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley/ | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2,003 | Stag's Leap Wine Cellars |
14 | Red | Australia | The best vintage yet for this full-bodied Shiraz boasts complex, pungent aromas of hickory smoke, black pepper, filled out by ripe blackberries. In the mouth it's not quite as complex, but delivers plenty of intensity and a potent dose of supple tannins, ending crisp and clean. | Old Vine | 20 | 89 | South Australia | Barossa Valley | null | Sheep's Back 2002 Old Vine Shiraz (Barossa Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/sheeps-back-2002-old-vine-shiraz-syrah-shiraz-barossa-valley/ | Shiraz | 2,002 | Sheep's Back |
15.5 | White | US | Distinctly Zin, with its briary, brambly aromas and flavors of wild berries, freshly picked off thorn bushes in the heat of the summer sun. The freshness perseveres with vibrant cherry, blackberry, loganberry and pepper flavors that finish smooth and dry. Perfect with roasts, barbecue, rich hard cheeses. | Wheelhouse | 19 | 89 | California | Central Coast | Paso Robles | Sextant 2005 Wheelhouse Zinfandel (Paso Robles) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/sextant-2005-wheelhouse-zinfandel-central-coast-paso-robles/ | Zinfandel | 2,005 | Sextant |
14.5 | Rose | US | There's a fine red Bordeaux wine somewhere in here, and all it needs is a little time to express itself. Right now, it's tannic and tight. But then the enormous core of fruit detonates on the palate, exploding in cherries and blackberries, wrapped into firm, ripe tannins. Should have a nice little window, between 2007–2010. | null | 30 | 89 | California | Central Coast | Paso Robles | Justin 2004 Petit Verdot (Paso Robles) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/justin-2004-petit-verdot-central-coast-paso-robles/ | Petit Verdot | 2,004 | Justin |
null | Red | France | With the 2003 vintage, Lilian-Ladouys returned to its previous form after a fallow period. This 2004 is a good follow up. It has ripe black plum and mint flavors, and solid, dense tannins, leavened by juicy acidity. | null | null | 89 | Bordeaux | Saint-Estèphe | null | Château Lilian Ladouys 2004 Saint-Estèphe | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-lilian-ladouys-2004-red-saint-estephe/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Lilian Ladouys |
null | Red | France | Named after Jean-Baptiste Audy, a wine merchant and the grandfather of the present owner, this is the top wine from Courlat. It's highly polished, the new wood smoothing out the rough edges of the dry fruit tannins. It has good fresh fruit and acidity to finish. | Cuvée Jean-Baptiste | null | 89 | Bordeaux | Lussac Saint-Émilion | null | Château du Courlat 2004 Cuvée Jean-Baptiste (Lussac Saint-Émilion) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-courlat-2004-cuvee-jean-baptiste-red-lussac-saint-emilion/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château du Courlat |
null | Red | France | One of the Rolland family properties, Rolland-Maillet is punching well above its station with this 2004. It is dense, dusty, packed with ripe black Merlot and soft, rich tannins. A dense, chocolate wine with fine structure. | null | null | 89 | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion | null | Château Rolland-Maillet 2004 Saint-Émilion | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-rolland-maillet-2004-red-saint-emilion/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Rolland-Maillet |
null | Red | Australia | A new producer to Larchet's lineup, this starts off with smoky, cola-like aromas, then adds cooler-climate cherry and berry flavors. Mouthwatering and long on the finish. | null | 37 | 89 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | null | Coates 2004 Shiraz (McLaren Vale) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/coates-2004-shiraz-syrah-shiraz-mclaren-vale/ | Shiraz | 2,004 | Coates |
null | Red | France | As an indication of the ripeness of Merlot in 2004, this is a hugely rich wine, very ripe, almost raisiny in character. The fruit is dark and black, with a texture of jelly and flavors of blackberries. | null | null | 89 | Bordeaux | Pomerol | null | Clos l'Eglise 2004 Pomerol | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/clos-leglise-2004-red-pomerol/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Clos l'Eglise |
14.4 | White | US | Front-loaded with fruit, this extraordinarily ripe Chard fortunately has the benefit of coastal acidity, without which it would be flat. Boosted by crispness, the pineapple, tangerine meringue, peach custard, banana cream pie and passionfruit flavors explode into a clean, spicy finish. | Rosella's Vineyard | 44 | 90 | California | Central Coast | Santa Lucia Highlands | Testarossa 2005 Rosella's Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/testarossa-2005-rosellas-vineyard-chardonnay-central-coast-santa-lucia-highlands/ | Chardonnay | 2,005 | Testarossa |
14.1 | Red | US | It's curious that the winery held this back a year longer than their '04 Monterey Syrah, with which it was co-released. But then, this one has a firmer structure, with finer tannins and brighter acidity. It's really a very good wine, showing layers of complexity in the blackberry, cassis, coffee, leather, cocoa and spice flavors. | null | 24 | 90 | California | Central Coast | Paso Robles | San Simeon 2003 Syrah (Paso Robles) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/san-simeon-2003-shiraz-syrah-syrah-central-coast-paso-robles/ | Syrah | 2,003 | San Simeon |
13.5 | Red | Australia | Veteran winemaker Wayne Thomas has crafted a prototypical Australian Cabernet, mingling mint and eucalyptus notes with cassis fruit and a touch of chocolaty oak. The texture is creamy enough to suggest early drinkability, yet there are also velvety-dusty tannins that should enable the wine to develop over the next several years. | null | 22 | 90 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | null | Wayne Thomas 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (McLaren Vale) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/wayne-thomas-2004-cabernet-sauvignon-mclaren-vale/ | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2,004 | Wayne Thomas |
null | White | Australia | Floral on the nose, this captures Viognier's elusive fragrance in a peachy, spiced wine that's plump but not overly heavy. | Gill's Farm | 22 | 90 | South Australia | Clare Valley | null | Pikes 2006 Gill's Farm Viognier (Clare Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/pikes-2006-gills-farm-viognier-clare-valley/ | Viognier | 2,006 | Pikes |
13.8 | Red | Australia | A top-notch offering, Moorilla's 2005 Pinot Noir shows the potential of this variety in cool-climate Tasmania. Cola and black cherry scnets ride easily above a vaguely mushroomy backdrop, and although the flavors are earthy and feature plenty of sous-bois notes, they're balanced by ripe black cherry fruit. It's round and soft, with a silky lingering finish and framed by well-judged oak that never intrudes on the overall picture. Imported by USA Wine Imports, Inc. | Estate | 35 | 90 | Tasmania | Tasmania | null | Moorilla 2005 Estate Pinot Noir (Tasmania) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/moorilla-2005-estate-pinot-noir-tasmania/ | Pinot Noir | 2,005 | Moorilla |
null | Red | US | The flagship Petite Sirah from the winery's own vineyards in the Livermore Valley is the biggest and richest wine in the lineup. The nose is filled with intense blueberries, but also picks up hints of licorice, flowers and grilled meat, while the flavors feature lush fruit and spice. Full-bodied and richly tannic, this should evolve well for years to come. | Heritage | 50 | 90 | California | Central Coast | Livermore Valley | Concannon 2004 Heritage Petite Sirah (Livermore Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/concannon-2004-heritage-petite-sirah-central-coast-livermore-valley/ | Petite Sirah | 2,004 | Concannon |
null | White | France | Aromas of white peaches set the scene for a deliciously poised, spice and white currant flavored wine. It is delicate, charged with freshness and acidity; a lively crisp wine. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Pessac-Léognan | null | Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2004 Pessac-Léognan | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-smith-haut-lafitte-2004-white-pessac-leognan/ | Bordeaux-style White Blend | 2,004 | Château Smith Haut Lafitte |
null | Red | France | With its Rothschild family ownership, Clarke is the superstar of Listrac. This 2004 is a wine that shows great ripe fruit along with new wood, but also the proper structure of Listrac, with dry tannins and a foursquare character. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Listrac-Médoc | null | Château Clarke 2004 Listrac-Médoc | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-clarke-2004-red-listrac-medoc/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Clarke |
null | Red | France | A rich, dense, deep velvet structured wine, layering dusty tannins with ripe sweet black plums and wood flavors. Obviously, to judge by the generosity and body of this wine, it has benefited from the advice of consultant Michel Rolland. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Moulis-en-Médoc | null | Château Brillette 2004 Moulis-en-Médoc | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-brillette-2004-red-moulis-en-medoc/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Brillette |
null | Red | France | A properly velvet-textured Pomerol, showing some of the richness of the Merlot in 2004. This is a well-balanced, intensely rich wine, the black plum fruit flavors powering through the tannins, and with a good lift of fresh acidity to finish. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Pomerol | null | Clos du Clocher 2004 Pomerol | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/clos-clocher-2004-red-pomerol/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Clos du Clocher |
14.5 | White | US | Calera Chard, a tightly wound wine that's the opposite of a fruit bomb. It's marked by mineral, dried herb and oak flavors, and what fruit there is veers toward mangoes and pineapples. The acidity makes it mouthwateringly clean. The model is Chablis, and the wine will age well for 10 years. | null | 25 | 90 | California | Central Coast | Mt. Harlan | Calera 2003 Chardonnay (Mt. Harlan) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/calera-2003-chardonnay-central-coast-mt-harlan/ | Chardonnay | 2,003 | Calera |
14 | Red | Spain | and pretty dense for an '02, with sweet aromas of baked plums, blueberry, sandalwood and exotic spices. The palate is ripe and fairly pure, showing black cherry and dark plum flavors. Really good for an off year, with a touch of spice, chocolate and vanilla. Not a complicated RdD; best from 2008–2010. | null | 65 | 90 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | null | Alion 2002 Ribera del Duero | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/alion-2002-tempranillo-ribera-duero/ | Tempranillo | 2,002 | Alion |
13.5 | Red | US | I don't always give high scores to Cigare, but it's almost always an interesting wine that marches to its own beat. The '03 is really good. Syrah gives sturdy tannins and full body. Grenache adds a wealth of cherry and raspberry flavors. It's hard to say what Mourvèdre brings, perhaps a chocolaty richness. The result is a soft, appealing and complex Rhône-style red. | Le Cigare Volant | 30 | 90 | California | California Other | California | Bonny Doon 2003 Le Cigare Volant Red (California) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/bonny-doon-2003-le-cigare-volant-red-other/ | Rhône-style Red Blend | 2,003 | Bonny Doon |
15 | Red | US | The vineyard is a well-regarded source of a Williams Selyem bottling, from this hilly region midway between Anderson Valley and inland Mendocino County. The Pinots always seem to have a more rustic quality than, say, Russian River to the south, although in this hot vintage, the wine is extraordinarily sweet and soft. It has lip-smacking flavors of raspberry jam, cinnamon spice and melted cherry-vanilla ice cream, although it's actually dry. | Weir Vineyard | 40 | 90 | California | North Coast | Yorkville Highlands | Bink 2004 Weir Vineyard Pinot Noir (Yorkville Highlands) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/bink-2004-weir-vineyard-pinot-noir-north-coast-yorkville-highlands/ | Pinot Noir | 2,004 | Bink |
14.1 | Red | US | Halleck has established itself as a notable Pinot player in the valley, crafting wines made solidly in the New World style of soft, ripe, complicated flavors. Here the fruit brims in cherries, pomegranates, root beer, cola and new oak, wrapped into a classically silky, seductive mouthfeel. Undoubtedly this wine is best in its youth. | Three Sons Cuvee | 38 | 90 | California | Sonoma | Russian River Valley | Halleck 2005 Three Sons Cuvee Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/halleck-2005-three-sons-cuvee-pinot-noir-sonoma-russian-river-valley/ | Pinot Noir | 2,005 | Halleck |
12.5 | White | Australia | In blind tastings of young wines such as we do for these reviews, the ultimate heights certain wines may achieve can be hard to discern. Such is the case for Grosset's Polish Hill Riesling, a wine that impresses for its power and clarity at this age, but clearly has much more to give. Floral and mineral notes open, followed by strident apple and lime flavors. It's zingy, bold and intense—impressive now, but try to give it at least five years to see how badly this rating underestimates its apogee. | Polish Hill | 33 | 90 | South Australia | Clare Valley | null | Grosset 2006 Polish Hill Riesling (Clare Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/grosset-2006-polish-hill-riesling-clare-valley/ | Riesling | 2,006 | Grosset |
15 | Red | Australia | A consistent performer over the years, Yangarra's Grenache is one of the rare examples that appears to have the stuff to improve for two or three years. Aromas are dominated by oak at this young age—cedar, vanilla and coffee—but there's plenty of dense, plummy fruit that comes through on the palate and a firmly tannic finish that promises better things ahead. Imported by Sovereign Wine Imports. | Single Vineyard Old Vine | 25 | 90 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | null | Yangarra Estate Vineyard 2005 Single Vineyard Old Vine Grenache (McLaren Vale) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/yangarra-estate-vineyard-2005-single-old-vine-grenache-mclaren-vale/ | Grenache | 2,005 | Yangarra Estate Vineyard |
14.5 | Red | Spain | Smoky and subtle on the nose, except for some robust coconut that had to come from the barrel aging. In the mouth, vanilla and coconut remain present, sitting alongside stately berry fruit and tobacco flavors. This is a rock-steady wine with all the characteristics of a high-flying Ribera del Duero. While it's an excellent example, does it sing to the tune of $70? You be the judge. 208 cases produced. | Pago de Santa Cruz | 70 | 90 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | null | Viña Sastre 2001 Pago de Santa Cruz (Ribera del Duero) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/vina-sastre-2001-pago-santa-cruz-tempranillo-ribera-duero/ | Tempranillo | 2,001 | Viña Sastre |
null | Red | France | Since the Bonnie family took over this property, it has improved enormously, and still represents good value. This is balanced and fresh, with aromas of eucalyptus and mint, finishing with ripe, sweet fruit. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Pessac-Léognan | null | Château Malartic-Lagravière 2004 Pessac-Léognan | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-malartic-lagraviere-2004-red-pessac-leognan/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Malartic-Lagravière |
null | Red | France | Solid tannins, black fruits and dark chocolate go into this dense wine. It is a powerful statement of Pauillac; this will develop slowly and take its time to soften out. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Pauillac | null | Château Haut Bages Libéral 2004 Pauillac | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-haut-bages-liberal-2004-red-pauillac/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Haut Bages Libéral |
14.5 | Red | Australia | Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, The Blend combines cassis and blackberry fruit, adds vanilla and cinnamon touches from barrel aging and just a slight herbal note. It's crisp and youthfully tannic, with hints of coffee and a dustiness to the finish. Should be better in another couple of years. | The Blend | 20 | 90 | South Australia | Coonawarra | null | Balnaves of Coonawarra 2004 The Blend Red (Coonawarra) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/balnaves-coonawarra-2004-blend-red-coonawarra/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Balnaves of Coonawarra |
14.5 | Red | US | A beautifully crisp Pinot, dry and silky and loaded with ripe cherry, raspberry, cola and Asian spice flavors. Tastes so opulent in fruit, yet has a subtle complexity leading to a long, spicy finish. This Pinot, from one of Monterey County's top growing areas, is a sommelier's dream. | Seco Highlands Estate | 35 | 90 | California | Central Coast | Arroyo Seco | Kendall-Jackson 2005 Seco Highlands Estate Pinot Noir (Arroyo Seco) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/kendall-jackson-2005-seco-highlands-estate-pinot-noir-central-coast-arroyo-seco/ | Pinot Noir | 2,005 | Kendall-Jackson |
14.5 | Red | Australia | A consistent performer in recent vintages, Schild Estate should be turning heads with values like this. The bouquet is intoxicatingly rich and dense, filled with cassis and chocolate fudge, while the texture in the mouth is supple and creamy. Yet the flavors are surprisingly fresh, offering cassis flavors enlivened with dashes of mint and rhubarb. It's a drink-now style, but a delicious one. | null | 24 | 90 | South Australia | Barossa | null | Schild Estate 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Barossa) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/schild-estate-2004-cabernet-sauvignon-barossa/ | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2,004 | Schild Estate |
19 | Dessert | US | Made with original Port varieties, this is a very sweet wine, with a rich array of milk chocolate, blackberry jam, cassis, cherry pie, butterscotch and vanilla caramel flavors. It's not an ager, so drink now. | Estate Port | 69 | 90 | California | Central Coast | Paso Robles | Clautiere 2004 Estate Port Port (Paso Robles) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/clautiere-2004-estate-port-port-blend-port-central-coast-paso-robles/ | Port | 2,004 | Clautiere |
14.5 | Red | US | This is a young, immature wine, but a charming one with a good future. It's showing cassis and cherry flavors, with a rich French cured olive and toasty oak edge, and is also firm in tannins. Should soften up in a few years. If you open it now, decant. | Herrick Vineyard | 45 | 90 | California | Napa | Yountville | Conn Creek 2003 Herrick Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Yountville) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/conn-creek-2003-herrick-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-yountville/ | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2,003 | Conn Creek |
12 | White | Germany | From 60-80-year-old vines, this is a mostly dry Riesling with unusual heft for the Mosel. The aromas start off a bit understated, then open with air to reveal some apple and citrus, but the flavors are more like spiced baked apples and mineral oil. Picks up hints of clover blossom and honey on the steely, lime-driven finish. | Trittenheimer Apotheke Alte Reben | 40 | 90 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | null | null | Clusserath-Weiler 2005 Trittenheimer Apotheke Alte Reben Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/clusserath-weiler-2005-trittenheimer-apotheke-alte-reben-riesling-mosel-saar-ruwer/ | Riesling | 2,005 | Clusserath-Weiler |
12 | Sparkling | US | The winery's brut has been a remarkably consistent wine over many years, offering plenty of real Champagne quality at a relatively affordable price. The '03 is dry, crisp and clean, with a fine, silky mouthfeel. It's also subtle, with suggestions of limes, cherries, brioche and toast. | Brut Cuvée | 25 | 90 | California | Napa-Sonoma | Carneros | Domaine Carneros 2003 Brut Cuvée Sparkling (Carneros) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/domaine-carneros-2003-brut-cuvee-sparkling-napa-sonoma-carneros/ | Sparkling Blend | 2,003 | Domaine Carneros |
14.9 | Red | US | Ravenswood's priciest Zin, Old Hill comes from a field blended vineyard, containing many varieties other than Zin, that winemaker Joel Peterson says is probably Sonoma's oldest. The '04 is a young wine. It is very rich in slightly stewed blackberry, cherry, plum, pomegranate, prune and raisin flavors, with Zin's distinctively brambly, spicy finish. Fairly tannic, the wine is fully dry. It will age for a long time, gradually losing fruit, and is best enjoyed now–2012. | Old Hill | 60 | 90 | California | Sonoma | Sonoma Valley | Ravenswood 2004 Old Hill Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/ravenswood-2004-old-hill-zinfandel-sonoma-valley/ | Zinfandel | 2,004 | Ravenswood |
9 | Dessert | Australia | Wonderfully botrytized dessert wine, with dried apricot and orange marmalade scents and grace notes of dried spices. It's moderately rich and viscous, perhaps just a bit low in acidity but delicious just the same, combining flavors of honey, apricots and citrus on a finish that's not overly sweet. Drink now. | Limited Release Botrytis | 25 | 90 | Tasmania | Tasmania | null | Tamar Ridge 2005 Limited Release Botrytis Riesling (Tasmania) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/tamar-ridge-2005-limited-release-botrytis-riesling-tasmania/ | Riesling | 2,005 | Tamar Ridge |
12.5 | White | Australia | A classically-styled Australian Riesling, Tamar Ridge's 2004 offers plenty of mineral and lime scents, wrapped around a lean, crisp, racy structure and steely flavors of green apples and lime. Long and piquant on the finish, yet surprisingly elegant at the same time. Drink now, although it should easily hold another five years or so. | null | 20 | 90 | Tasmania | Tasmania | null | Tamar Ridge 2004 Riesling (Tasmania) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/tamar-ridge-2004-riesling-tasmania/ | Riesling | 2,004 | Tamar Ridge |
14.5 | Red | US | This is the first Talley Pinot I've had from this vineyard, which is in Edna Valley. It shows young vine fruit, bright in cherries, raspberries and cola, with a deeper, earthier streak of dark chocolate and soy-splashed wild mushrooms. This is a wine to watch, as the vines gain age. | Stone Corral Vineyard | 45 | 90 | California | Central Coast | Edna Valley | Talley 2004 Stone Corral Vineyard Pinot Noir (Edna Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/talley-2004-stone-corral-vineyard-pinot-noir-central-coast-edna-valley/ | Pinot Noir | 2,004 | Talley |
14 | Red | Australia | From the makers of Kangarilla Road but from purchased McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Peninsula fruit, this is an outstanding value. It's a high-intensity Aussie Shiraz, powerful but not without nuance, combining smoky, meaty scents with blackberry and spice, even some white pepper on the finish. Tannins are creamy-smooth, so there's no need for further aging. | null | 14 | 90 | South Australia | South Australia | null | 2 Up 2005 Shiraz (South Australia) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/2-up-2005-shiraz-syrah-shiraz-south/ | Shiraz | 2,005 | 2 Up |
null | Red | France | Yes, there is a huge amount of new wood here. It tastes highly toasty, making wood tannins the only ones at present. But there is something more that comes from the almost hidden layer of perfumed fruit. Give this wine the benefit of the doubt—Beychevelle is performing well at the moment. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Saint-Julien | null | Château Beychevelle 2004 Saint-Julien | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-beychevelle-2004-red-saint-julien/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Beychevelle |
null | Red | France | Red wine is new to André Lurton's property, only since 2002. This third vintage is dominated by new wood that works well, giving a smooth, velvet texture and a modern, polished feel. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Pessac-Léognan | null | Château Couhins-Lurton 2004 Pessac-Léognan | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-couhins-lurton-2004-red-pessac-leognan/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Couhins-Lurton |
null | Red | France | A dense, satisfying wine that shows some Margaux elegance while at the same time having a dark, dry side of tannins that dominate the ripe fruit. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Margaux | null | Château Monbrison 2004 Margaux | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-monbrison-2004-red-margaux/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Monbrison |
null | Red | France | Dark, bitter chocolate flavors come together with dusty tannins, new wood and smoky aromas. Despite a slight vegetal hint, the main effect is elegance, with a smooth aftertaste. | null | 95 | 90 | Bordeaux | Pessac-Léognan | null | Château Pape Clément 2004 Pessac-Léognan | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-pape-clement-2004-red-pessac-leognan/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Pape Clément |
null | Red | France | This finely structured wine offers good aging possibilities. But, for the moment, it has great acidity, juicy red fruits, solid tannins and a powerful new wood element that has come well into balance. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Pauillac | null | Château Clerc Milon 2004 Pauillac | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-clerc-milon-2004-red-pauillac/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Clerc Milon |
null | Red | France | influence of über-consultant Michel Rolland is evident in this wine; a superripe, dense wine with vibrant juicy fruits, plenty of black currant and eucalyptus flavors and a long, smooth aftertaste. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Haut-Médoc | null | Château Citran 2004 Haut-Médoc | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-citran-2004-red-haut-medoc/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Citran |
null | Red | France | One of the largest Médoc estates, with 230 acres of vines, Greysac is a good, reliable source of classically styled Bordeaux. The style has become more modern in recent years, with an increased use of new wood, as in this 2004, which currently dominates. Enjoy it now for its toasty character, or wait for it to calm down. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Médoc | null | Château Greysac 2004 Médoc | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-greysac-2004-red-medoc/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Greysac |
14.5 | Red | US | A blend of the two Cabernets and Merlot, it's dry and elegant, with new oak flavors framing blackberry, plum, herb, cedar and spice flavors. Decant now, or cellar for up to eight years to let the tannins mellow. | Reserve | 50 | 90 | California | Sonoma | Alexander Valley | White Oak 2004 Reserve Red (Alexander Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/white-oak-2004-reserve-red-sonoma-alexander-valley/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | White Oak |
14.8 | Red | US | Fisher's been on a roll with this wine. While the ‘03 could use greater structure in terms of acids and tannins, it has that plush, opulent Napa feel of world-class Cabernet, with its succulent cassis and chocolate flavors and sweet oak. Drink through 2008 for freshness. | Coach Insignia | 70 | 90 | California | Napa | Napa Valley | Fisher 2003 Coach Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/fisher-2003-coach-insignia-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley/ | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2,003 | Fisher |
14.8 | Red | US | Here's a big, bold Pinot Noir, the kind that's been much discussed in critical circles over the years for not being “typical.” No, it's not Burgundy. It could almost be Grenache, it's so rich and ripe in almost sweet cherry-filled chocolate candy flavors. But there's no denying the deliciousness factor, while the acidity is just right to make it clean and balanced. | The Farm Vineyards | 55 | 90 | California | Sonoma | Russian River Valley | Halleck 2005 The Farm Vineyards Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/halleck-2005-farm-pinot-noir-sonoma-russian-river-valley/ | Pinot Noir | 2,005 | Halleck |
14.8 | Red | US | Shows the earthiness that always characterized Atlas Peak Bordeaux reds, but today's riper approach gives the wine impossibly rich cherry jam, crème de cassis and milk chocolate flavors, wrapped into the softest, sweetest tannins. It's almost like a dessert wine, except it's dry and balanced. | Mountainside Vineyards | 35 | 90 | California | Napa | Napa Valley | Erba 2003 Mountainside Vineyards Merlot (Napa Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/erba-2003-mountainside-merlot-napa-valley/ | Merlot | 2,003 | Erba |
13 | White | Australia | Simultaneously floral and minerally on the nose, the 2006 Hanlin Hill Riesling is an all-around delight. Filled with apple, nectarine, melon and lime fruit, it manages to conceal the Clare Valley's sometimes hard edges with ripe fruit. Finishes dusty, minerally and long; this should have a long, positive evolution. | Hanlin Hill | 20 | 90 | South Australia | Clare Valley | null | Petaluma 2006 Hanlin Hill Riesling (Clare Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/petaluma-2006-hanlin-hill-riesling-clare-valley/ | Riesling | 2,006 | Petaluma |
15 | Red | US | Great Zin. From this hot vintage, it's thick, soft and almost sweet, but the deliciousness factor is high, and the finish is entirely dry. That comes at the cost of fairly high alcohol, but the cassis, cherry, mocha and cola flavors, with their spicy finish, define Alexander Valley Zin. | Big River Ranch | 34 | 90 | California | Sonoma | Alexander Valley | Bella 2004 Big River Ranch Zinfandel (Alexander Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/bella-2004-big-river-ranch-zinfandel-sonoma-alexander-valley/ | Zinfandel | 2,004 | Bella |
13.8 | Red | US | Superior viticulture and winemaking has pulled this Merlot from the fire of a hot vintage and allowed it to be subtle and elegant. Although it's powerful upfront in cherry, chocolate, coffee and violet flavors, it's a balanced wine, with just enough Cab added to give it extra depth. | null | 42 | 90 | California | Napa | Napa Valley | Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2004 Merlot (Napa Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/stags-leap-wine-cellars-2004-merlot-napa-valley/ | Merlot | 2,004 | Stag's Leap Wine Cellars |
12.5 | Sparkling | Australia | A well-made sparkler, Jansz's Premium Cuvée shows lovely nuances of toast and superfresh lemon zest layered over ripe apple scents. It's light and fresh, with a slight creaminess to the texture, with flavors that lean toward apple and citrus, but with some savory undercurrents of toast and mushrooms. Drink now. | Premium Cuvée | 20 | 90 | Tasmania | Tasmania | null | Jansz NV Premium Cuvée (Tasmania) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/jansz-nv-premium-cuvee-sparkling-tasmania/ | Champagne Blend | null | Jansz |
14.5 | Red | US | Here's a dense, intricately layered Pinot with an earthy spray of sage, dill and thyme to the cherries, plums, blackberries and coffee-cola fruit. The wine has the weight and texture almost of a heavier Rhône variety, like Grenache. But the silky mouthfeel is all Pinot Noir. Good now–2010. | Babcock Vineyard | 45 | 90 | California | Central Coast | Sta. Rita Hills | Kenneth-Crawford 2004 Babcock Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/kenneth-crawford-2004-babcock-vineyard-pinot-noir-central-coast-sta-rita-hills/ | Pinot Noir | 2,004 | Kenneth-Crawford |
14.5 | Red | Spain | Sastre does not make mass-market, inexpensive wines; this is the base-level offering. And it's a delicious, moderately complex Ribera that is fat and fruity but also exotic and a touch beguiling. It will make an excellent accompaniment to basic grilled meats; drink now or through 2008. 1,600 cases produced. | Roble | 19 | 90 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | null | Viña Sastre 2005 Roble (Ribera del Duero) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/vina-sastre-2005-roble-tempranillo-ribera-duero/ | Tempranillo | 2,005 | Viña Sastre |
14.9 | Red | US | Made more in a Côtes-du-Rhône style than Northern Rhône, even though it's all Syrah, this wine is medium-bodied and gentle, with approachable blackberry, cherry, cedar and milk chocolate flavors. It's almost jammy, but rich tannins and brisk acidity make it a serious red wine. | Donna's | 36 | 90 | California | Central Coast | Sta. Rita Hills | Melville 2004 Donna's Syrah (Sta. Rita Hills) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/melville-2004-donnas-syrah-sta-rita-hills-67462/ | Syrah | 2,004 | Melville |
14.8 | Red | US | An interesting Cab that's taking the lead in this variety up in the Foothills. From 30-plus year old, low-yielding vines, and aged in considerable new French oak, it's made along Bordeaux lines. Better structured than your typical Napa Cab, it has ripe varietal flavors. This is a wine of charm and elegance. | Estate Bottled | 30 | 90 | California | Sierra Foothills | Shenandoah Valley (CA) | Easton 2003 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon (Shenandoah Valley (CA)) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/easton-2003-estate-bottled-cabernet-sauvignon-sierra-foothills-shenandoah-valley-ca/ | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2,003 | Easton |
null | Red | France | The Despagne family returned to tradition with the making of Girolate, planting a vineyard to the former high density, keeping winemaking simple. This is the 2004, the latest release. Reflecting the heat of that vintage, it is soft, textured, rich and spicy, with a southern warmth, pure superripe Merlot. | null | 120 | 90 | Bordeaux | Bordeaux | null | Girolate 2004 Bordeaux | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/girolate-2004-red-bordeaux/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Girolate |
null | Red | Australia | A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this is a creamy, dense wine filled with black cherry, tobacco and mocha flavors. Soft enough to drink now. | Olmo's Reward | 29 | 90 | Western Australia | Frankland River | null | Frankland Estate 2002 Olmo's Reward Merlot-Cabernet Franc (Frankland River) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/frankland-estate-2002-olmos-reward-bordeaux-style-red-blend-merlot-cabernet-franc-frankland-river/ | Merlot-Cabernet Franc | 2,002 | Frankland Estate |
null | Red | France | What a big-hearted wine this is. It is generous, smooth and ripe, with lovely fruit. There is more than this immediate pleasure, though, because its dense tannins promise a good evolution. Langoa-Barton is the second estate owned by Anthony Barton of Léoville-Barton, and it offers some of the pleasures of Léoville at a lower price. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Saint-Julien | null | Château Langoa Barton 2004 Saint-Julien | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-langoa-barton-2004-red-saint-julien/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Langoa Barton |
13.5 | Red | France | A Merlot-dominated Saint-Emilion, this is a big, but balanced wine. New wood is present, but this doesn't diminish the ripe blackberry and cherry fruits. It is firm, dry and tannic at this stage, with a hint of coffee, but the aftertaste is fresh, with red currant flavors and acidity. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion | null | Château Laforge 2004 Saint-Émilion | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-laforge-2004-red-saint-emilion/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Laforge |
null | Red | France | When they are not traveling, this is home to Michel and Dany Rolland. The sense of structure gives this wine its sophistication. Along with the structure are layers of black fruit, cocoa, new wood and a solid core of richness. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Fronsac | null | Château Fontenil 2004 Fronsac | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-fontenil-2004-red-fronsac/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Fontenil |
14.5 | Red | Australia | This is an attractive Rhône-style blend of 40% Grenache, 32% Mourvèdre and 28% Shiraz, showing facets of each variety. There's a bit of cola or chocolate from the Mourvèdre, blackberry and spice from the Shiraz and superripe stone fruit from the Grenache, which also contributes a lovely textural component. This is intense without being weighty or heavy, lingering elegantly on the finish. | Grenache-Mourvèdre-Shiraz | 23 | 90 | South Australia | Barossa Valley | null | Cigale 2005 Grenache-Mourvèdre-Shiraz Red (Barossa Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/cigale-2005-grenache-mourvedre-shiraz-red-barossa-valley/ | Rhône-style Red Blend | 2,005 | Cigale |
null | Red | France | Named after the coaching stage (Patache d'Aux) which was part of the château, this property is looking good, after investment. The 2004 has good ripe fruits, a very open, polished wine, with intense blackberry and spice flavors. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Médoc | null | Château Patache d'Aux 2004 Médoc | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-patache-daux-2004-red-medoc/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Patache d'Aux |
null | Red | France | This is the second wine of Léoville-las-Cases, big and black, stunningly perfumed with eucalyptus and violets. Herbs and ripe black fruit flavors are given shape by the tannins that go straight through the wine. The aftertaste has great acidity. | null | null | 90 | Bordeaux | Saint-Julien | null | Clos du Marquis 2004 Saint-Julien | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/clos-marquis-2004-red-saint-julien/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Clos du Marquis |
15 | Red | Australia | Reilly's Clare Valley location tends to give its wines a little more focus than some of the wines coming out of nearby Barossa, like in this fine example of old vine Grenache. Aromas of brandied cherries sprinkled with star anise add touches of chocolate and earth on the palate. It's full, round and generous, yet finishes firm and focused. Drink now and over the next few years. | Old Bushvine | 19 | 91 | South Australia | Clare Valley | null | Reilly's 2004 Old Bushvine Grenache (Clare Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/reillys-2004-old-bushvine-grenache-clare-valley/ | Grenache | 2,004 | Reilly's |
9 | White | Germany | This wine blends intense green apple and lime fruit aromas with scents of rock dust and petrol. It's medium-bodied and plump in texture, easily gliding along with flavors of apple seed oil, honey and ripe citrus, finishing soft, yet persistent. Imported by Chatham Imports, Inc. | Graacher Himmelreich Auslese | 25 | 91 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | null | null | Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium 2005 Graacher Himmelreich Auslese Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/friedrich-wilhelm-gymnasium-2005-graacher-himmelreich-auslese-riesling-mosel-saar-ruwer/ | Riesling | 2,005 | Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium |
14.5 | Red | US | Like the winery's Cabernet and Merlot—grown in the same Atlas Peak estate vineyard—this is a soft, voluptuous wine, made in the modern style. It's as rich as a dessert, with cherry, cassis, chocolate, plum pudding, pumpkin pie and datenut bread flavors, although it's totally dry. It takes a lot of effort and expense to make a wine this deliciously balanced. Drink now. | Mountainside Vineyards | 40 | 91 | California | Napa | Napa Valley | Erba 2003 Mountainside Vineyards Syrah (Napa Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/erba-2003-mountainside-shiraz-syrah-syrah-napa-valley/ | Syrah | 2,003 | Erba |
null | Red | France | As is the way in Pomerol, this chateau has had its name changed by the current manager, Christian Moueix, from Certan Guiraud (after the family that owned it) back to its original Certan Marzelle. Whatever the nomenclature, the wine itself is impressive, if tough. It is dense, dominated by black fruits, and a solid structure. Made from 100% Merlot. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Pomerol | null | Château Certan-Marzelle 2004 Pomerol | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-certan-marzelle-2004-red-pomerol/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Certan-Marzelle |
null | Red | France | is balance among all the ripe fruit flavors, elegance among the power. For a Pomerol, stuffed with ripe Merlot, this is powered as much by its fresh fruit as by its richness. A delicious wine that lingers long in the mouth. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Pomerol | null | Château le Bon Pasteur 2004 Pomerol | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-le-bon-pasteur-2004-red-pomerol/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château le Bon Pasteur |
null | Red | France | A wine with a great weight of fruit. While there is a good amount of new wood, the ripeness and density of the Merlot copes with the toast well. The tannins, dry as they are, show plenty of richness supporting a great well of fruits. | null | 59 | 91 | Bordeaux | Pomerol | null | Clos de la Vieille Eglise 2004 Pomerol | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/clos-vieille-eglise-2004-red-pomerol/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Clos de la Vieille Eglise |
13.5 | Red | Australia | It's labeled Cabernet-Merlot, but the reality is that the Merlot content is less than 10%. Still, it must bring something positive to the blend, as this is more richly textured and lush than Balnaves' straight Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark aromas and flavors sing gracefully, offering hints of chocolate, anise, cassis, coffee and spice. Finishes long, with velvety tannins; drink now–2015, possibly longer. | null | 28 | 91 | South Australia | Coonawarra | null | Balnaves of Coonawarra 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot (Coonawarra) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/balnaves-coonawarra-2002-bordeaux-style-red-blend-cabernet-sauvignon-merlot-coonawarra/ | Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot | 2,002 | Balnaves of Coonawarra |
null | Red | Australia | Smoky and bacony, with complex meat and spice elements balancing bold blackberry fruit. Long and tannic on the finish. | The Governor | 32 | 91 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | null | Aramis 2003 The Governor Shiraz (McLaren Vale) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/aramis-2003-governor-shiraz-syrah-shiraz-mclaren-vale/ | Shiraz | 2,003 | Aramis |
null | Red | France | This wine comes from a privileged 2.5-acre vineyard perched on the edge of the city of Saint-Emilion next to cru classé Clos Fourtet. It is beautifully perfumed, rich, opulent almost, but still with a strong sense of structure and dark, dry fruits. The texture is dense, packed with dusty tannins and black currant jelly flavors. It should age well, over at least 10 years. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion | null | Les Astéries 2004 Saint-Émilion | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/asteries-2004-red-saint-emilion/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Les Astéries |
15 | White | US | Calera's was the first California Viognier I ever fell in love with, years ago. It hasn't changed much. Still loaded with exotic fruits, it's an opulent wine that manages to be elegant and charming despite the size. Guavas, nectarines, peaches, lemon mousse, honeysuckle and crème brûlée begin to suggest the range of flavor sensations. | Thirtieth Anniversary Vintage | 28 | 91 | California | Central Coast | Mt. Harlan | Calera 2005 Thirtieth Anniversary Vintage Viognier (Mt. Harlan) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/calera-2005-thirtieth-anniversary-vintage-viognier-central-coast-mt-harlan/ | Viognier | 2,005 | Calera |
null | White | Australia | A medium-bodied dessert wine, with intense pineapple and citrus flavors that echo through the long, balanced finish. | Cordon Cut | 31 | 91 | South Australia | Clare Valley | null | Mount Horrocks 2006 Cordon Cut Riesling (Clare Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/mount-horrocks-2006-cordon-cut-riesling-clare-valley-71994/ | Riesling | 2,006 | Mount Horrocks |
13.3 | Red | US | This is a very fine Sauvignon Blanc. It reminds me of Rochioli's, so ripe and complex in apple, peach, citrus and melon flavors, although this one's sweeter. A touch of oak adds smoky cream and vanilla. For the technically minded, the acidity is 7.7 grams per liter, which is quite high for a California wine. | Little Sister | 28 | 91 | California | Sonoma | Russian River Valley | Halleck 2005 Little Sister Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/halleck-2005-little-sister-sauvignon-blanc-sonoma-russian-river-valley/ | Sauvignon Blanc | 2,005 | Halleck |
15.3 | Red | US | The ranch is in the warmer southeast corner of the AVA, yielding a ripe wine, but the weather still was cool enough for acidity to prosper. The wine is dramatically dark and viscous, erupting with white pepper, smoked meat, sweet kid leather and cherry-cassis aromas. In the mouth, it doesn't disappoint, it's a wine of depth, power and charm. Thoroughly dry, it's best now and through 2010. | Evans Ranch | 32 | 91 | California | Central Coast | Sta. Rita Hills | Kenneth-Crawford 2004 Evans Ranch Syrah (Sta. Rita Hills) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/kenneth-crawford-2004-evans-ranch-shiraz-syrah-syrah-central-coast-sta-rita-hills/ | Syrah | 2,004 | Kenneth-Crawford |
14 | Red | Australia | Full-bodied and lushly textured, this is a bold, lusty Shiraz that has been heavily dosed with oak, yet features fruit intensity to match. Toasted coconut and vanilla notes frame the nose, picking up hints of smoke and leather, but the fruit pours through on the palate, adding flavors of crushed blueberries. Has enough structure to suggesting aging another few years, although tannin pigs may want to slurp it down now. | Gumprs' | 18 | 91 | South Australia | McLaren Vale | null | Richard Hamilton 2005 Gumprs' Shiraz (McLaren Vale) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/richard-hamilton-2005-gumprs-shiraz-syrah-shiraz-mclaren-vale/ | Shiraz | 2,005 | Richard Hamilton |
7.5 | White | Germany | Light and fresh, this is a wonderfully appealing kabinett, true to its prädikat despite having an abundance of sugar. Lime and green apple aromas set the tone, while the flavors of peaches, apples and citrus fruit never seem heavy. Pure fruit finishes crisp and refreshing. | Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett | 22 | 91 | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer | null | null | Dr. Loosen 2005 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/dr-loosen-2005-wehlener-sonnenuhr-kabinett-riesling-mosel-saar-ruwer/ | Riesling | 2,005 | Dr. Loosen |
14 | Red | Spain | An intense, dark-styled Tempranillo with a ton of oak. In fact, this might have more wood and toast than many people are looking for. That said, this is a generous wine with huge blackberry and plum flavors. And as it finishes with unctuous cream and vanilla, you are again reminded of how much the barrel influenced the final product. Excellent but so heavily oaked that we prefer the basic wine from this producer. | Nebro | 185 | 91 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | null | Finca Villacreces 2004 Nebro (Ribera del Duero) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/finca-villacreces-2004-nebro-tempranillo-ribera-duero/ | Tempranillo | 2,004 | Finca Villacreces |
14.8 | Red | US | The “Elder Series” designation seems to refer to 30-year vines, which would make them among the first planted at this esteemed vineyard. I'm not sure that vine age shows in the resulting wine, though, which tastes young and fruity and immature. The keen acidity and grape-sappy, primary fruit cherry and raspberry flavors aren't yet integrated with the oak. But the wine shows enormous promise. Open after 2008, and through 2013. | Bien Nacido Vineyard Elder Series | 56 | 91 | California | Central Coast | Santa Maria Valley | Testarossa 2005 Bien Nacido Vineyard Elder Series Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/testarossa-2005-bien-nacido-vineyard-elder-series-pinot-noir-central-coast-santa-maria-valley/ | Pinot Noir | 2,005 | Testarossa |
14.5 | Red | Spain | Moist soil, cola and molasses aromas all indicate depth, oak and ripeness, while the palate is full, fairly juicy and saturated with serious black fruit flavors. Additional prune and chocolate notes come on toward the finish, cementing this wine's meaty, somewhat modern personality. It gets better with airing and will not suffer from a few years in the cellar. | null | 45 | 91 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | null | Montecastro 2004 Ribera del Duero | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/montecastro-2004-tempranillo-ribera-duero/ | Tempranillo | 2,004 | Montecastro |
13.5 | Red | Spain | A couple of years ago the wine seemed heavy and stewy, but as it ages it seems to be showing the ripeness and richness from before, as well as intriguing notes of tobacco, chocolate and baked plum. More than the flavors, the wine impressed this time around courtesy of smooth tannins, flushness and mouthfeel. In a word, it has found a groove. | Alenza Gran Reserva | 89 | 91 | Northern Spain | Ribera del Duero | null | Condado de Haza 1999 Alenza Gran Reserva (Ribera del Duero) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/condado-haza-1999-alenza-gran-reserva-tempranillo-ribera-duero/ | Tempranillo | 1,999 | Condado de Haza |
14.4 | Red | US | Here's a very pure, expressive young Pinot, rich and tangy in forward cherry, cola, cranberry, herb tea and pomegranate flavors. It's likeable for its dryness and supple, silky mouthfeel. Drink this high-quality Pinot now–2010. | null | 45 | 91 | California | Central Coast | Sta. Rita Hills | Clos Pepe 2004 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/clos-pepe-2004-pinot-noir-central-coast-sta-rita-hills/ | Pinot Noir | 2,004 | Clos Pepe |
14 | Red | Australia | This is well-priced for the quality in the bottle. Aromas of thoroughly ripe black currant carry a whiff of shoe polish, picking up hints of dried herbs and coffee on the palate. Muscular and large-framed, with crisp acids to support the alcohol and a long, mouthwatering finish. | null | 22 | 91 | South Australia | Langhorne Creek | null | Lake Breeze 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (Langhorne Creek) | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/lake-breeze-2002-cabernet-sauvignon-langhorne-creek/ | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2,002 | Lake Breeze |
null | Red | France | Fresher and more floral than the 2003, with flavors that run toward mulberry while adding hints of vanilla and maple syrup. It's richer, creamier and longer than the 2003, showing the results of Seillan having full control over the property for the entire year. Drink now–2015. | null | 35 | 91 | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion | null | Château Vignot 2004 Saint-Émilion | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-vignot-2004-red-saint-emilion/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Vignot |
null | Red | France | One of the properties owned by insurance giant AXA, and under the same management as Château Pichon Longueville, this estate is making some impressive wines. The 2004 is modern, concentrated, polished, and dominated by intense, juicy fruits and new wood. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Pauillac | null | Château Pibran 2004 Pauillac | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-pibran-2004-red-pauillac/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Pibran |
null | Red | France | New wood and high extraction are the dominant characteristics of this wine. That makes it in a modern, polished style, which will certainly evolve well, eventually arriving at something that is big and bold. Give it 4–5 years for that. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Saint-Julien | null | Château Branaire-Ducru 2004 Saint-Julien | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-branaire-ducru-2004-red-saint-julien/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Branaire-Ducru |
null | Red | France | Dark, dry tannins are what good Saint-Estèphe is all about when young, and de Pez doesn't disappoint. But it does more, with refined black plum skin flavors, a rich mix of spices and mint, and a refreshing streak of acidity. In 4–5 years, this will be an outstanding wine. | null | 36 | 91 | Bordeaux | Saint-Estèphe | null | Château de Pez 2004 Saint-Estèphe | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-de-pez-2004-red-saint-estephe/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château de Pez |
null | Red | France | The Bourotte family, which also owns Clos du Clocher in Pomerol, uses consultant Michel Rolland, and the richness of this wine may well be done to his advice. It is very ripe, packed with smooth, velvet Merlot textures and flavors. The flavors are of cooked fruits, plums and blackberries, taking away some freshness, but substituting a fine intensity of taste. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Pomerol | null | Château Monregard la Croix 2004 Pomerol | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-monregard-croix-2004-red-pomerol/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Monregard la Croix |
null | Red | France | A big, dry wine, firm, and not offering much fruit at this stage. It is obviously concentrated, and as it evolves, the fruit will develop richness. This small, 20-acre property is mainly situated on gravel soils next to Pomerol church, at the heart of the appellation. | null | null | 91 | Bordeaux | Pomerol | null | Château Latour à Pomerol 2004 Pomerol | https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/chateau-latour-a-pomerol-2004-red-pomerol/ | Bordeaux-style Red Blend | 2,004 | Château Latour à Pomerol |