Esta lista traz uma certeza e uma grande surpresa: a certeza se dá pela maciça presença dos vinhos 2005 de Bordeaux e de CHateauneuf-du-Pape. A grande surpresa é o inédito 1º lugar alcançado por um vinho sulamericano, um feito grandioso, principalmente pelos concorrentes mencionados!
Top 100 Wines of 2008
Rank Wine Vintage Score Release Price
1 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley 2005 96 $75
Gorgeous aromas of warm ganache and mocha lead to a rich, velvety palate loaded with currant, fig paste, black licorice, cassis bush and bramble notes. The long, juicy finish has great grip and density, with echoes of graphite, dark fruit and mineral. Should greatly reward cellaring. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2009 through 2019. 5,987 cases made. –JM Country: Region: Chile Rapel
2 Château Rauzan-Ségla Margaux 2005 97 $100
Very beautiful aromas of crushed berry, flowers, currant and Indian spices follow through to a full body, with ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. Extremely polished and beautiful, with a seamless texture. Best after 2014. 10,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
3 Quinta do Crasto Douro Reserva Old Vines 2005 95 $40
Deeply colored, with intense yet refined aromas and flavors of kirsch, boysenberry, dark cherry and spice. The fruit is supported by focused notes of mineral and graphite, and the finish is loaded with dark chocolate and medium tannins. Drink now through 2015. 7,000 cases made. –KM Country: Region: Portugal Portugal
4 Château Guiraud Sauternes 2005 97 $57
Delivers lots of botrytis spice, with lemon tart and cooked apple. Full-bodied, with loads of cream and vanilla and an intense tropical fruit and honey aftertaste. Long and viscous, with a layered and beautiful spicy finish. Hard not to drink it now. Best after 2014. 8,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Sauternes
5 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 2005 95 $55
This is dense and chewy, but not tiring to drink, thanks to fresh acidity and an edgy, gravelly feel that drives the blackberry, currant and sweet spice notes. The long finish has great briary grip, with notes of garrigue and hot stone checking in. Best from 2010 through 2030. 15,830 cases made. –JM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
6 Pio Cesare Barolo 2004 94 $62
Extremely attractive aromas of blackberry, fresh mushroom and mahogany. Full-bodied, with lovely fruit, soft tannins and a long finish. Chewy, yet balanced and pretty. Builds on the palate. A big and juicy red. Best after 2010. 7,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Piedmont
7 Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac 2005 96 $100
Black in color, with aromas of blackberry, black licorice, tar, mineral and fresh flowers. Full-bodied and powerful, with ultrafine tannins that last for minutes on the palate. A polished, thought-provoking wine. Shows wonderful purity of Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2014. 20,830 cases made. –JS Country: Region:
France Bordeaux
8 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2005 96 $95
Really dense and locked up now, this is packed with dark fig, currant and blackberry fruit shrouded by layers of tar, hot stone, bittersweet licorice and espresso. The long, dense finish has a great tug of iron buried within it. Best from 2011 through 2030. 15,000 cases made. –JM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
9 Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnival of Love 2007 95 $90
Big, rich and terrifically ripe. A lithe mouthful of pure wild blueberry and Asian spices, with swirls of plum and other berries as the finish rolls on, unimpeded by tannins. In the end, this has elegance to go along with its power. Drink now through 2017. 2,596 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Australia Australia
10 Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County 2007 93 $24
A seductive and vigorous Zinfandel offers smoky black cherry and blueberry aromas that lead to youthful wild berry, sage and cracked pepper flavors, with a lingering finish and zesty tannins. Drink now through 2012. 68,000 cases made. –TF Country: Region: California Sonoma
11 Château Clerc Milon Pauillac 2005 95 $57
Offers fabulous aromas of currant, tar, lead pencil and mineral. Full-bodied, with supersoft tannins that caress the palate. Beautiful and impressive. A fabulous wine. The best Clerc in a very long time. Best after 2014. 10,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
12 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Don Melchor 2005 96 $69
Still very tight, but the tannins that lead the way now are sleek and refined, and should easily meld into the huge core of roasted chestnut, black currant paste, warm fig and tar. Has a long, coffee- and loam-tinged finish. Best from 2009 through 2019. 18,000 cases made. –JM Country: Region: Chile Maipo
13 Mount Eden Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 2004 94 $42
Ultraripe, rich and opulent, yet maintains a sense of balance and proportion, with layers of honey, fig, melon and a hint of marshmallow, ending with a full-bodied aftertaste and a hint of minerality. Drink now through 2012. 1,568 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Bay Area/Central Coast
14 Aldo & Riccardo Seghesio Barolo Vigneto La Villa 2004 95 $65
What a beautiful nose, with flowers, licorice, ripe fruit and fresh leather. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a wonderful ripeness of fruit, yet this is balanced and structured. Very smooth. The best wine I have ever had from this producer. Best after 2012. 1,700 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Piedmont
15 Sette Ponti Toscana Oreno 2006 96 $110
Shows loads of black licorice, blackberry and toasty oak. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long, long finish. Has wonderful concentration and balance. Structured. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. Best after 2013. 3,250 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
16 Elderton Ode To Lorraine Barossa 2005 95 $53
Rich, focused and superbly concentrated to show off its intense, rosemary-accented black cherry, plum and blueberry flavors, riding smoothly on a dense, generous frame that feels plush and seductive, yet the flavors come through transparently. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Drink now through 2017. 400 cases imported. –HS Country: Region: Australia Australia
17 Argyle Extended Tirage Willamette Valley 1998 95 $50
Haunting stuff, ethereal in texture, with amazingly delicate bubbles that carry wave after wave of rich toast, spice and baked apple flavors, persisting on the elegant finish. This has harmony, intensity and refinement. Drink now. 640 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Oregon Oregon
18 Château Malescot-St.-Exupéry Margaux 2005 97 $100
Exhibits blackberry, mineral, currant and dark chocolate. Full and velvety, with lots of fruit and chewy tannins. Long and caressing, with incredibly sweet fruit and tannins on the finish. Goes on for minutes. A thoroughly gorgeous wine. Best after 2015. 6,615 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
19 Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte Pessac-Léognan White 2005 96 $83
Honey, apple tart, light toffee, cream and piecrust. Very complex and full-bodied, with lively acidity and beautiful clove honey, red apple and lemon flavors. Long, balanced and very lively. A massive white. Layered and beautiful. Made to age, but who can wait to drink this? Best after 2010. 3,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
20 Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley T6 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 2005 97 $95
Powerful, dark, superrich and deeply concentrated. Massive yet elegant, offering a dense core of mocha-laced currant, blackberry, wild berry and toasty, cedary oak, with an intense, persistent finish. Best from 2009 through 2016. 250 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Napa
21 Château L'Evangile Pomerol 2005 100 $260
Dark in color, almost purple black, with pure tapenade and hints of ripe plum and berry. Full-bodied, with layer upon layer of velvety tannins and chocolate, berry, vanilla and tea flavors. Lasts for minutes. I am blown away by this wine. This has been amazing since the moment I tasted it from barrel. Reminds me of the superb 1950. Best after 2015. 3,500 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
22 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Grandi Annate Riserva 2004 95 $63
Exhibits notes of chocolate-covered cherry, with raspberry jam and hints of coffee bean and vanilla bean. Full-bodied, with polished tannins and a long, rich finish. An exotic and exciting Tuscan red. Best after 2010. 2,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
23 Jean-Paul & Jean-Luc Jamet Côte-Rôtie 2005 96 $100
Intense, with warm roasted fig, currant confiture and melted licorice notes that almost gush forth, but the briar patch, sweet tobacco, mineral and incense notes lend both definition and refinement. The long, long finish shows terrific intensity and a lingering note of sweet macerated black olive. Best from 2010 through 2020. 2,000 cases made. –JM Country: Region: France Northern Rhône
24 Chappellet Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard Napa Valley 2005 96 $125
Big, ripe and complex, but light on its feet. An elegant, spicy mix of rich currant, anise, toasty oak, espresso and subtle herbal scents, all of which fold together nicely, ending with a long, persistent finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2010 through 2016. 1,426 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Napa
25 Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills 2005 94 $58
Seamless and harmonious, with beautifully articulated, ripe black cherry, cassis and violet-tinged floral notes that mingle with hints of cedar and dark chocolate as the finish plays out against polished tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2009 through 2015. 1,185 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Washington Washington
26 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays 2005 95 $155
A red of purity and suppleness. Reveals a dense core of cherry, spice and mineral aromas and flavors allied to a firm structure, while great energy propels this to a long, lingering aftertaste. A combination of power and finesse. Best from 2014 through 2030. 425 cases imported. –BS Country: Region: France Burgundy
27 Peter Michael Les Pavots Knights Valley 2005 97 $175
Shows gorgeous Cabernet purity, with a profound offering of ripe, fleshy currant, black cherry, blackberry, anise and mineral. Amazingly supple and harmonious, with tannins that are both gentle and tender and then just firm enough to let you know they're there. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2017. 3,600 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Sonoma
28 Château Cos-d'Estournel St.-Estèphe 2005 98 $206
Black in color, with aromas of orange peel, new leather, currant, berry and Christmas pudding. Full-bodied, with layers of velvety tannins and a long, long finish of fruit and spices. The cashmere texture is all there. 2003 plus 2000 equals 2005. Best after 2015. 25,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
29 A. Clape Cornas 2005 96 $100
A dense, racy red, with a terrific beam of raspberry and red currant fruit laced with a taut, chalky spine. Tightly drawn for now, with the structure dominant, but the core and balance are evident. A great tug of war between the minerality and the racy fruit plays out on the superlengthy finish. Best from 2012 through 2028. 1,330 cases made. –JM Country: Region: France Northern Rhône
30 Byron Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley 2005 93 $25
Ultrarich and concentrated, with layers of fig, citrus and tangerine flavors that are shaded by toasty oak, filling out the flavor profile and ending with a complex marshmallow edge. Drink now through 2011. 9,798 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California South Coast
31 La Massa Toscana 2006 93 $28
Rich, almost decadent aromas of crushed berry, meat and mole. Turns floral. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. A beauty. Best after 2011. 7,900 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
32 Château Puygueraud Côtes de Francs 2005 92 $18
Shows lovely black currant, floral and black licorice notes. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a tight bead of fruit and mineral throughout. Has a long finish. Best after 2009. 10,830 cases made. –JS Country: Region:
France Bordeaux
33 Winzer Krems Grüner Veltliner Qualitätswein Trocken Kremstal Edition Chremisa 2006 93 $18
A ripe, full-bore style, with golden raisin, baked peach, cream and spice. Shows lots of tropical fruit notes as well, including mango and guava. The rich finish features nutmeg and crème fraîche. Drink now through 2015. 1,250 cases made. –KM Country: Region: Austria Niederösterreich
34 Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero Crianza 2005 93 $34
This red packs a lot of flavor on a supple frame. Black cherry, blackberry, smoke, mineral and espresso notes show focus and depth, backed by firm but well-integrated tannins that dissolve on a finely etched, floral-scented finish. Drink now through 2018. 40,000 cases made. –TM Country: Region: Spain Spain
35 Pride Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma-Napa Counties Reserve 2005 96 $125
Rich and complex, brimming with dense, opulent yet elegant layers of mocha, black cherry, blackberry and wild berry fruit that's pure, focused, deep and persistent, ending with mouthcoating flavors and ripe, fleshy tannins. Drink now through 2015. 1,291 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Other California
36 Bodegas y Viñedos Maurodos Toro San Román 2004 94 $62
Alluring plum, blackberry, cola and spice cake flavors are rich and balanced in this expressive Spanish red. There's plenty of structure, but it doesn't get in the way of the flavors, and the spicy, floral finish is long and fresh. Best after 2009. 6,100 cases made. –TM Country: Region: Spain Spain
37 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2006 93 $27
Distinctive, with rich melon, peach and nectarine flavors that are fleshy, spicy and complex. Ripe, elegant and focused. Drink now. 3,000 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Sonoma
38 Bodega Colomé Malbec Calchaquí Valley 2006 92 $25
Very inviting, with crushed plum and boysenberry aromas that lead to a lush-textured palate of warm figs and currant paste backed by mouthwatering hints of mesquite, mineral and Turkish coffee. The long finish really holds your interest. Drink now through 2011. 14,250 cases made. –JM Country: Region: Argentina Salta
39 Perrin & Fils Gigondas La Gille 2005 93 $27
Dark and smoky, with alluring cocoa powder, mesquite and bacon fat notes leading the way for rich black currant, melted licorice and espresso. The long, smoldering finish shows a nice wild side. Impressive now, but better with some cellaring. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2014. 3,000 cases made. –JM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
40 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2008 91 $19
Fragrant and complex, with a refreshing burst of lime, guava, grapefruit and grass flavors. Wet stone, passion fruit and oyster shell accents add interest, with bright acidity highlighting the vivid finish. Another outstanding Sauvignon from a perennial success. Drink now. 175,000 cases made. –DS Country: Region: New Zealand New Zealand
41 Domaine La Roquète Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2005 93 $35
Layers of exotic fig, boysenberry and loganberry fruit ripple across the lush, dense structure, while hints of red licorice, linzer torte, mesquite and plum sauce glide through the well-rounded finish. Drink now through 2025. 7,500 cases made. –JM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
42 Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2005 92 $25
This full-bodied, generous Cabernet is ripe and rich, focusing its dark-toned berry, black olive and pepper flavors beautifully. The tannins are present on the finish, but can't stop the fruit. Best from 2010 through 2017. 4,910 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Washington Washington
43 Château Pipeau St.-Emilion 2005 92 $30
Beautiful blackberry, cherry and light vanilla aromas follow through to a full body, with coffee, smoke and berry character. Long and stylish. Velvety and balanced. Best after 2013. 15,830 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
44 Leasingham Riesling Clare Valley Magnus 2007 91 $12
Impressive for its harmony and seamless structure, offering a joyous mouthful of lemon curd, quince and lime on a steely frame. The flavors just don't quit. Drink now through 2015. 2,500 cases imported. –HS Country: Region: Australia Australia
45 Jermann Venezia-Giulia Vintage Tunina 2006 94 $80
Really complex, with apple tart, apricot, lavender, hints of cream and toasty oak. Full-bodied, with loads of fruit and character. There's masses of spicy mineral and fruity character, yet this is refined and balanced. Gorgeous. Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia and Picolit. Drink now. 5,800 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Northeast
46 Warwick Estate Reserve Simonsberg-Stellenbosch 2005 93 $28
Dark and exotic, with notes of fig paste, hoisin sauce, graphite and macerated plum, this stays driven and focused thanks to racy, fine-grained tannins. The lingering finish lets black tea and bittersweet cocoa chime in. A big step up for this wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This wine is labeled as Trilogy outside the U.S. market. Drink now through 2011. 3,500 cases made. –JM Country: Region: South Africa Coastal Region
47 Beringer Chardonnay Napa Valley Private Reserve 2006 92 $35
Elegant, rich and complex, with supple layers of ripe pear, apple, melon and appealing ginger spice notes that unfold gracefully and end with a succulent array of flavors, polish and finesse. Drink now through 2010. 21,100 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Napa
48 DeLille Doyenne Aix Red Columbia Valley 2005 93 $37
Ripe, focused and beguiling for the espresso and caramel notes that swirl through the dark plum and currant fruit, remaining focused and vibrant through the long finish. Time in the cellar should polish the tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2009 through 2015. 1,900 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Washington Washington
49 Dierberg Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley 2005 92 $42
Beautifully crafted, rich, intense and elegant, with a stylish mix of earthy raspberry, wild berry and blackberry fruit that's complex and concentrated, offering depth and length. Drink now through 2013. 4,700 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California South Coast
50 Firriato Nero d'Avola-Syrah Sicilia Santagostino Baglio Soria 2006 91 $28
Shows focused aromas of boysenberry, blackberry and light vanilla. Full-bodied, with soft, round tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Beautiful and juicy. Drink now. 45,830 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Sicily
51 Fattoria di Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga 2006 90 $17
Lavender and blackberry aromas follow through to a medium-to-full body, with a solid core of fruit and a tangy aftertaste of citrus fruit and dried cherry. Best after 2009. 15,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region:
Italy Tuscany
52 Bodegas LAN Rioja Reserva 2004 90 $17
A silky texture carries expressive flavors of black plum, violet, licorice and smoke in this focused, balanced red. Has good intensity yet remains vibrant and accessible. Drink now through 2012. 50,000 cases made. –TM Country: Region: Spain Spain
53 François Pelissié Cahors Croix du Mayne 2005 90 $18
There's a rich, spicy aroma, and this is dripping with concentrated flavors of kirsch, dark plum and dark cherry. Shows plenty of dark chocolate and raspberry ganache on the tannic finish. Drink now through 2013. 12,000 cases made. –KM Country: Region: France Southwest France
54 Robert Eymael (Mönchhof) Riesling Kabinett Mosel Ürzig Würzgarten 2007 91 $22
Peach and Golden Delicious apple notes combine with the slate edge in this sleek, well-defined kabinett. Brilliant and succulent, with a lime and mineral aftertaste. Drink now through 2022. 6,000 cases made. –BS Country: Region: Germany Germany
55 Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley 2007 91 $19
Lithe and appealing for its gorgeous apricot, pear and floral flavors, gliding smoothly over a silky frame and lingering effortlessly. Drink now through 2011. 1,600 cases imported. –HS Country: Region: Australia Australia
56 St.-Urbans-Hof Riesling QbA Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2007 90 $15
Needs a little air to reveal its floral, apricot and slate aromas and flavors. Beautifully integrated, with a lingering, stony, savory finish. Drink now through 2018. 10,000 cases made. –BS Country: Region: Germany Germany
57 Sogrape Dão Callabriga 2005 90 $16
A ripe, rich and powerful red, with concentrated flavors of blackberry, dark plum, smoke and spice. The long finish has blueberry and dark chocolate. Drink now through 2012. 10,000 cases made. –KM Country: Region: Portugal Portugal
58 Louis Latour Marsannay 2005 90 $20
Lean and solidly built, despite its ripe cherry notes up front. Tannins and acidity dominate now, but this has a stony character and length, with loads of mineral on the aftertaste. Best from 2010 through 2020. 8,000 cases made. –BS Country: Region: France Burgundy
59 Terredora Falanghina Irpinia 2007 90 $18
A vivid white, with peach, lemon, mineral and light honey. Full-bodied, with lots of fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Very delicious. Very good value as well. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Campania
60 La Sauvageonne Coteaux du Languedoc Les Ruffes 2006 91 $16
This rich, refined red is very pure-tasting, showing mineral, smoke, dried cherry and sandalwood flavors, with powerful undercurrents of currant and French roast. The long finish echoes spice and roasted meat. Best from 2009 through 2014. 1,000 cases imported. –KM Country: Region: France Languedoc-Roussillon
61 Januik Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2005 93 $30
Poised and refined, almost elegant, this has a gorgeous core of currant, blackberry and dark plum flavors that ride on a sleek, seamless frame. The finish picks up hints of coffee and sweet spices as this lingers enticingly against a backbone of judicious acidity. A Cabernet with power and finesse. Best from 2010 through 2018. 1,451 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Washington Washington
62 Neyers Syrah Sonoma Coast Old Lakeville Road 2006 93 $30
Ripe and grapey, with rich, elegant spice, pepper and juicy, dusty wild berry flavors that are sleek and focused, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2012. 1,155 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Sonoma
63 Montirius Vacqueyras Le Clos 2005 93 $30
This Rhône red is dark and really packed, but also seamless, with a round, juicy texture carrying the fig sauce, black licorice, Turkish coffee and iron notes. The long finish is filled with blackberry and mineral. Best from 2009 through 2013. 2,500 cases made. –JM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
64 Achával-Ferrer Malbec Mendoza Finca Altamira 2006 96 $112
Piercing aromas of violet, iron and blueberry fruit are followed by a massively rich, yet amazingly pure and precise palate of boysenberry and blackberry flavors. The riveting finish is loaded with minerality and dark, velvety fruit. This is still young, with loads in reserve. Best from 2009 through 2018. 755 cases made. –JM Country: Region: Argentina Mendoza
65 Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva 2004 91 $30
Focused and balanced, this vivacious red delivers black cherry, mineral, mint and citrus peel flavors, with firm but well-integrated tannins and a fresh, floral finish. Drink now through 2012. 4,000 cases imported. –TM Country: Region: Spain Spain
66 Altocedro Malbec La Consulta Reserva 2006 92 $30
Rich and dark, but pure, with nice drive to the beam of raspberry, plum sauce and macerated black currant fruit. Creamy tannins and a long, well-integrated finish just sail through, with fine buried minerality. Drink now through 2014. 1,400 cases made. –JM Country: Region: Argentina Mendoza
67 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain 2005 93 $45
Dense and powerful, yet wonderfully rich, supple and well-structured at the core. Offers aromas of blackberry, fresh loamy earth and smoky toast, with ripe yet focused wild berry, mocha-espresso and white pepper flavors. Drink now through 2012. 950 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Napa
68 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Evenstad Reserve 2005 93 $58
Lithe in texture, with a distinctive range of red cherry, black cherry, cinnamon and mocha flavors that ride smoothly over a graceful frame, lingering nicely on the clear, expressive finish. Drink now through 2015. 6,500 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Oregon Oregon
69 Hewitt Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford 2005 94 $85
Intense and concentrated, big and expressive, with layers of ripe currant, plum, sage, pencil lead and black cherry, all flowing rather seamlessly. Tightly focused, this is rich without being heavy, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2014. 4,750 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Napa
70 Attems Pinot Grigio Collio 2007 90 $19
A full-bodied style with lots of character, from peach tart to lemon seed to mineral. Crisp and lively. Drink now. 12,900 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Northeast
71 Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Rioja Crianza 2004 90 $20
Plum, chocolate, tobacco and leaf flavors mingle in this round red. Shows good ripeness and concentration, but maintains a traditional style. A bit austere, but balanced. Drink now through 2012. 3,000 cases imported. –TM Country: Region: Spain Spain
72 Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Alsace 2006 91 $24
A dry white that's well put together, with integrated acidity and a compact structure that mesh nicely. A pleasant orange blossom note accents flavors of quince and honey, while the lingering finish shows a hint of minerality. Drink now through 2020. 1,000 cases made. –AN Country: Region: France Alsace
73 Cardwell Hill Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2006 91 $23
Smooth, round, generous and harmonious, layering its red plum, black currant and boysenberry flavors with a hint of cream and a touch of mint. This is lovely now, but should develop with cellaring. Drink now through 2016. 1,139 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Oregon Oregon
74 Gemtree Shiraz McLaren Vale Uncut 2006 92 $24
Polished to a gleam, this fleshy wine shows an expressive array of red cherry, raspberry, Santa Rosa plum and sweet spices, mingling effortlessly through the plush finish. For all that, it actually feels like there's some restraint along the way. Drink now through 2016. 4,000 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Australia Australia
75 Suavia Soave Classico 2007 90 $19
Lots of lemon, white peach and mineral character, with hints of orange peel and dry almond. Medium-bodied, with good acidity and a crisp finish, leaving a lingering citrus aftertaste. Racy, nervy and delicious. Minerally, almost flinty. Drink now. 6,000 cases made. –JC Country: Region: Italy Veneto
76 Marchesi de' Frescobaldi Chianti Rufina Castello di Nipozzano Riserva 2005 90 $25
Offers plummy fruit, with hints of flowers, citrus and light chocolate. Medium-bodied, with a balanced and tasty palate, fine tannins and a clean finish. Structured. Best after 2009. 83,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
77 Duval-Leroy Brut Champagne NV 91 $38
This rich, sumptuous bubbly is marked by clover honey, candied citrus and hints of malt and mineral. It's beautifully integrated, with medium weight and a lingering, ginger-infused aftertaste. Drink now through 2010. 35,000 cases made. –BS Country: Region: France Champagne
78 Domaine de Nizas Coteaux du Languedoc 2004 90 $17
An intriguing aroma of pine and spice leads into fresh flavors of cherry, garrigue and mineral. Distinctive, with a rich finish of dried aged beef and plum. Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Drink now through 2014. 1,200 cases imported. –KM Country: Region: France Languedoc-Roussillon
79 Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Riesling Kabinett Mosel Piesporter Goldtröpfchen 2007 90 $24
This is unevolved, revealing hints of floral and black currant aromas and flavors, but also yeast and carbonic gas elements. Yet it's vibrant and juicy, with a lingering finish. Best from 2009 through 2022. 2,500 cases made. –BS Country: Region: Germany Germany
80 Les Verrières de Montagnac Coteaux du Languedoc Clos des Soutyères 2006 92 $33
A muscular style, offering a concentrated, intense mix of crushed red fruit and bittersweet chocolate flavors, with big structure and big tannins. Mint, tannins and spice fill the long, intense finish. Tempting now. Best from 2009 through 2014. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,000 cases made. –KM Country: Region: France Languedoc-Roussillon
81 Querciabella Chianti Classico 2006 91 $32
A rich, round wine, with plum and berry character and soft tannins. Full-bodied, with berry and dark chocolate character and a long finish. Juicy. Outstanding value. Drink now through 2012. 12,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
82 Luca Malbec Uco Valley 2007 93 $35
Really goes for the gusto, with dark fig sauce, melted purple licorice, mocha, fruitcake and crushed boysenberry and blueberry fruit, all gliding along rich, velvety tannins. Long, mouthfilling finish. Drink now through 2012. 1,700 cases made. –JM Country: Region: Argentina Mendoza
83 Two Hands Shiraz McLaren Vale Angels Share 2007 92 $35
Big, bold and expressive, with some unexpected transparency to the black cherry, raspberry, red plum and Asian spice aromas and flavors, lingering on the open-textured finish. The aftertaste just keeps coming. Drink now through 2015. 6,300 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Australia Australia
84 Stefano Farina Barolo 2004 91 $39
Plum skin on the nose, with a hint of licorice. Full-bodied, with round, velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish that shows coffee and dark chocolate undertones. Beautiful. Best after 2011. 2,500 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Piedmont
85 Ghost Block Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2005 93 $55
A big, rich, expressive style that's intense and concentrated, with ripe, firm, vibrant black cherry, blackberry, currant, anise and spicy, toasty oak, which adds a nice flavor dimension. Best from 2009 through 2014. 1,700 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Napa
86 Adegas Morgadío Albariño Rias Baixas Legado del Conde 2007 90 $16
A smoky gunflint note adds interest to this firm white. Ripe peach and light herbal flavors pick up floral and citrus zest notes on the finish. Shows balance, depth and verve. Drink now through 2009. 5,000 cases made. –TM Country: Region: Spain Spain
87 William Fèvre Chablis Montmains 2005 92 $42
Shows classic Chablis character delivering plenty of mineral, seashore and lemon aromas and flavors, with a little melon and plum. Firm and steely, this is a bit severe now, but balanced. Should develop nicely. Best from 2010 through 2018. 600 cases imported. –BS Country: Region: France Burgundy
88 Château de St.-Cosme Gigondas 2006 92 $40
Packed with raspberry ganache, bittersweet cocoa, loam and briar notes, all pushed by a dark, muscular finish. Tangy minerality is buried deep on the finish, so cellar for maximum effect. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2010 through 2015. 3,165 cases made. –JM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
89 Stadt Krems Grüner Veltliner Qualitätswein Trocken Kremstal Sandgrube 2006 90 $18
Intense, with concentrated flavors of ripe pear, baked apple, apricot and spice. The long finish features lemon curd, spice and meringue. Drink now through 2015. 2,917 cases made. –KM Country: Region: Austria Niederösterreich
90 Churchill Douro Churchill Estates 2006 90 $24
Well-focused, with lots of cinnamon notes and flavors of red pear, cream, raspberry and smoke. There's plenty of structure to back it up, with an elegant finish that's long and lush. 60,000 cases made. –KM Country: Region: Portugal Portugal
91 Golan Heights Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee Yarden 2004 90 $27
Rich and refined, showing focused flavors of red plum, berry and spice, with appealing herbal overtones. Has excellent balance and structure, backed up by crisp acidity. Mineral and smoke notes fill the firm finish. Kosher. Drink now through 2012. 13,000 cases made. –KM Country: Region: Israel Israel
92 Domaine Gilles Noblet Pouilly-Fuissé 2006 90 $30
Rich and concentrated, showing lanolin, peach and lemon pie aromas and flavors. It's balanced and has the depth to improve over the next two to three years. Drink now through 2012. 3,300 cases made. –BS Country: Region: France Burgundy
93 Meinhard Forstreiter Grüner Veltliner Qualitätswein Trocken Kremstal Schiefer 2006 92 $21
Full-bodied, creamy and spicy, with ripe, rich flavors of peach, pear, apricot and grapefruit. There's plenty of acidity to back it up, with a long finish of white raspberry and custard. Drink now through 2015. 1,250 cases made. –KM Country: Region: Austria Niederösterreich
94 Château Giscours Margaux 2005 93 $65
Displays blackberry, cherry and hints of sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with soft, velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very pretty and solid. This is structured and chewy. Needs time. Best after 2013. 20,830 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
95 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 96 $135
Superrich, smooth and creamy. A seductive style that balances ripe, concentrated currant, cherry, fresh earth, mineral and sage notes with toasty, cedary oak. Ends with a powerful yet elegant finish that keeps pumping out the flavors. Fine-grained tannins bode well for the future. Drink now through 2015. 1,013 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Napa
96 Cabreo Toscana Il Borgo 2006 93 $60
This is dark and rich, with loads of blackberry and currant aromas. Full-bodied and very ripe, with soft, velvety tannins. Rich and luscious. Goes on and on. One of the best Cabreos in a long time. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2011. 3,500 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
97 Vincent Girardin Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2005 91 $50
High-toned, displaying violet, black currant and spice aromas and flavors. Starts out silky, with ripe, fine-grained tannins propping up the finish. Elegant and long. Best from 2010 through 2020. 500 cases imported. –BS Country: Region: France Burgundy
98 Niepoort Douro Vertente 2005 92 $32
The aroma is redolent of berry and cherry, with rich, lush flavors of plum, raspberry, cherry and spice, flanked by veins of mineral. The long finish is filled with mocha and cream. Drink now through 2014. 1,740 cases made. –KM Country: Region: Portugal Portugal
99 Domaine Clusel-Roch Côte-Rôtie 2005 93 $62
Very juicy, with an intense core of raspberry and blackberry fruit layered with dashes of sweet vanilla, iron, mocha, briar and spice. The long, juicy finish lets all the components take an encore, with plenty of grip in reserve. Best from 2009 through 2018. 1,000 cases made. –JM Country: Region: France Northern Rhône
100 Konzelmann Vidal Niagara Peninsula Ice Wine 2006 94 $55
