New Wine Releases October 2010

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Thomas Fogarty Winery
2005 Coyote Springs Vineyard Barbera; $26
13.5/20 — Rich black fruits with hints of spice give this rich wine a nice balance and firm acidity. The wine drinks well now, but will continue to age well.

Edna Valley

Surfrider Wines
2008 Chardonnay; $16
13.5/20 — Crisp and lean with a medium mouthfeel, this wine offers flavors of pear, apple and apricot. It is refreshing and easy to drink.

Livermore Valley

Darcie Kent Vineyards
2007 Zinfandel; $30
14/20 — Rich and zesty, this wine has flavors of black cherry, nutmeg and clove. Tannins are rich and dense and this wine will continue to age well.

Monterey

Mandolin
2007 Chardonnay; $10
13/20 —This wine offers a lush palate of tropical fruits balanced by a nice acidity and a hint of oak.

Paso Robles

Eberle Winery
2006 Syrah; $20
13.5/20 —This wine exhibits aromas of baking spices, wild berry and black cherry; With a bold and rich texture, it pairs well with peppered red meats, winter stews and barbeques.

Santa Barbara

Palmina Wines
2007 Alisos; $28
13.5/20 — The bouquet is striking with aromas of black plum, raspberry and orange peel. Flavors of cranberry and cherry are followed by notes of sandlewood during a lasting finish; acid is slightly harsh.

Palmina Wines
2008 Tocai Friulano; $20
13.5/20 — Opening with a nose of apricot, white citrus flavors and ocean air, this wine is dry in the mouth with zippy acidity. Flavors offer layers of pineapple, sage and lime with a zesty hint of hazelnut.

Riverbench Vineyard and Winery
2008 Estate Chardonnay; $26
14.5/20 — This luscious white has a balance between rich fruit flavors and delicate toasty notes; The lasting finish has nuances of pear and honey.

Santa Clara Valley

Guglielmo Winery
2007 Private Reserve Petite Sirah; $19
13.5/20 — Opening with notes of pepper and flower, this wine has approachable tannins and round flavors of berries. Pair with grilled steaks or aged cheeses.

NORTH COAST

Mendocino County

Patz and Hall
2006 Alder Springs Vineyard Chardonnay; $60
15.5/20 — This Chardonnay from the Alder Springs Vineyard has aromas of peach, pear and lemon. Tropical fruit flavors and acidity are balanced by toasty notes at the back of the palate.

Sterling Vineyards
2007 Sauvignon Blanc; $13
13.5/20 — Made from organic grapes, this bright wine offers aromas of lime, guava and fig. Flavors of grapefruit are matched with a light acidity.

Napa Valley

Duckhorn Vineyards
2009 Sauvignon Blanc; $27
14.5/20 — This complex Sauvignon Blanc combines mouth-filling fruit with a refreshing acidity. Aromas of bright citrus are echoed on the palate with flavors of fresh apple, vanilla and key lime pie.

Duckhorn Vineyards
2007 Paraduxx Napa Valley Red Wine; $48
14.5/20 — Bold and elegant, this wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Aromas of dark cherry and raspberry mingle with flavors of cedar and molasses. The mid-palate has a lasting nuance of oak leading to a long, balanced finish.

Mount Veeder Winery
2005 Reserve; $80
15.5/20 — This powerful, dense wine has rich aromas of coffee and berry, followed by well-structured flavors of blackberry, sage and chocolate.

Shafer Vineyards
2007 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, Carneros; $48
15/20 — This California white begins with floral and white fruit aromas followed by flavors of tangerine blossom and apricot. The wine is well-balanced with a bright acidity.

Sylk Cellars
2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $59
15/20 — Aromas of raspberry, truffles and cinnamon are integrated with flavors of toasty oak, plum and ripe cherry. The finish is ripe and elegant.

Twomey Cellars
2009 Sauvignon Blanc; $23
14.5/20 — Exhibiting light acidity with flavors of pears and melon, this wine has hints of minerals.

William Hill Estate Winery
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $28
13.5/20 — Enticingly rich, this bold Cabernet Sauvignon offers berry aromas and flavors of jam, dark olive and vanilla; the finish displays dark chocolate.

Sonoma County

Deloach Vineyards
2006 Chardonnay; $16
13.5/20 — Ripe fruit and meyer lemon scents offer counterpoints to flavors of cinnamon and oak. The mid-palate is rich and creamy with a well-balanced tannic structure.

Iron Horse Vineyards
2002 Classic Vintage Brut; $31
14/20 — Abundant, fine bubbles are exhibited in this rich and creamy sparkler offering bright fruit notes; pairs well with anything salty.

J Vineyards & Winery
1998 Vintage Brut Late Disgourged; $95
15/20 — Only 600 cases of this honey and citrus aroma wine have been produced. It offers a creamy and warm spiced flavor with a slightly acidic finish.

La Follette Wines
2008 Sangiacamo Chardonnay; $30
15/20 — This food-friendly Chardonnay has a bright acidity. Aromas of pear and toast are followed with lingering flavors of vanilla and caramel.

La Follette Wines
2008 Pinot Noir; $29
14.5/20 — Earthy in character, this wine displays juicy fruit that intensifies across the palate with notes of star-fruit and kiwi. Soft tannins linger with hints of candied pork belly through the finish.

MacMurray Ranch
2008 Pinot Gris; $20
13.5/20 — Refreshingly crisp, this fruit-forward wine displays primary flavors of citrus and spice, with aromas of fig, peach and white pear.

Patz & Hall
2007 Pinot Noir; $42
14/20 — Bright red fruit aromatics are accompanied by flavor layers of butter and cinnamon spice. The finish is crisp with a slight acidity.

Toasted Head
2006 Russian River Valley Chardonnay; $18
13/20 — Bright tangerine and pear fruit aromas are highlighted by clove in this California white. This medium-bodied wine has a crisp acidity and a long finish with pear and butterscotch flavors.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Blackstone Winery
2007 Winemaker Select Syrah; $9
12/20 — Full-bodied and expressive, aromas of rose petals and violets are found in the nose, followed by rich fruit flavors. Try pairing with pork chops or a potato and sausage stew.

Conundrum Wines
California White Wine; $17
14/20 — Offering green apple and tangerine flavors with hints of vanilla and pear, this robust wine has a smooth texture and is exceptionally food-friendly.

Domaine Laurier
NV Brut; $12
12.5/20 — Warm toasty aromas are followed by a palate of sweet berry and apple. Deep and complex, this sparkler has a soft finish.

VIRGINIA

Monticello

Kluge Estate
2004 SP Blanc de Noir; $45
14.5/20 — Elegant and bright, this sparkling wine is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir; Only 107 cases were produced. Citrus and strawberry flavors are on the palate and the texture is creamy with a soft, lingering finish.

SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA

McWilliams Hanwood Estate
2007 Merlot; $12
12.5/20 — Opening with blackberry and plum flavors, this wine has a slight fizz. Enjoy with roasted pumpkin.

FRANCE

BURGUNDY

Louis Bouillot
Perle D'Ivoire Blanc de Blanc Brut; $19
13/20 — This young wine is lively and fresh with excellent effervescence. Flavors of ripe red berries are follwoed by a crisp, refreshing finish.

LOIRE VALLEY

Marquis de la Tour
N.V. Sparkling Wine; $11
13/20 — Pale gold in color, this delicate sparkler is crisp and clean with ripe melon flavors.

ITALY

FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA

Marco Felluga
2007 Ronco dei Moreri; $19
13/20 — Rich and robust, this red wine has aromas of warm toast and caramel. Flavors of ripe berries and plum lead into a smooth finish backed by strong tannins.

PIEDMONT

Beni di Batasiolo
2004 Barolo; $46
14.5/20 — Deep garnet in color, this velvety wine displays flavors of spices and dried fruits. The structured backbone leads to a dry finish.

UMBRIA

Bella Sera
2008 Chianti; $7
12/20 — Made from 100 percent Sangiovese, this red has fresh aromas of cherries and spice. Medium-bodied with soft tannins, the wine is exceptionally food friendly; Try with pizza, pasta and pork.

Cantina Novelli
2008 Trebbiano Spoletino; $24
14/20 — Made from the Spoletino grape, this white has faint aromas of grapefruit and fresh herbs. On the palate it is crisp with flavors of peaches; the finish is long and dry.

VENETO

Caposaldo
NV Prosecco; $14
14/20 — Hand-harvested from 20-year-old vines, this Italian-style bubbly has acacia flowers and green apple on the palate.

SPAIN

Bodegas Osborne
Osborne Seven Red Wine; $21 (3 liters)
12.5/20 — Housed in Octavin's unique boxed-wine packaging, this blend of seven grapes offers soft fruit flavors and a balanced acidity.

RIBERA DEL DUERO

Xavier Flouret
2005 Pavo Real; $25
13.5/20 — This full-bodied red has a nose of coconut, vanilla and toffee. Dry, with flavors of tart cherries, this wine pairs well with meats and dry cheeses.

TIERRA DE CASTILLA

Tempra Tantrum
2009 Tempranillo/ Cabernet Sauvignon; $10
13/20 — This warm and juicy blend has flavors of blackberry and dark plum. Well-structured with a nice acidity, this food-friendly wine is perfect for picnics.

ARGENTINA

MENDOZA

Alamos
2009 Mendoza Chardonnay; $13
13/20 — This wine exhibits flavors of ripe apple and tropical fruit. The finish is soft and has a hint of butterscotch.

Bodega Catena
2007 Malbec; $21
14.5/20 — Deep garnet in color, this robust wine displays flavors of spices and dark berries. Pair with spicy foods or barbeque.

Don Miguel Gascón
2008 Reserva Malbec; $25
13.5/20 — Rich with aromas of black cherry and chocolate; The palate exhibits rounded tannins and flavors of brown spice and oak.

CHILE

CENTRAL VALLEY

Casa Silva
2008 Carmenère; $12
14/20 — On the nose, this wine shows black cherries and plums with hints of spices. On the palate the wine has soft sweet tannins and earthy tobacco notes.

LONGLANDS

Te Awa
2006 Sauvignon Blanc; $22
13.5/20 — Scents of zesty citrus, ripe gooseberry and nectarine open into flavors of stone fruit and mineral notes. Pair with seafood and mildly spicy dishes.

WESTERN CAPE

Nederburg
2008 Pinotage; $9
13/20 — Upfront plum, cherries and oak spice on the nose; The rich palate shows layers of red fruits complemented by soft tannins.

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