New Wine Releases August 2011

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Conway Family Wines
2008 Deep Sea Red; $28
14/20 — A vibrant nose of blackberry and plum aromas leads to a pleasant acidity and soft tannins on the palate.

Mandolin
2009 Central Coast Syrah; $10
13/20 — A mature and full-bodied wine, this Syrah boasts layers of dark berries, spice and vanilla on the palate.

The Vegan Vine
2010 Sauvignon Blanc; $10
13/20 — With racy lemon and lime acidity, this vegan wine cleanses the palate and quenches thirst with a background of subtle tropical fruit, lemongrass and just a note of minerality.

Arroyo Seco

J. Lohr Vineyards
2009 Fog's Reach Pinot Noir; $35
13.5/20 — Boasting aromas of strawberry, cherry and a touch of vanilla on the nose, this approachable Pinot Noir is bright on the palate.

Radog Wines
2007 Syrah; $28
14/20 — Made in the traditional Northern Rhone style, this medium-bodied red wine is balanced and smoky with notes of white pepper.

Monterey County

Talbott
2009 Kali Hart Pinot Noir; $21
14/20 — Blueberry, cherry and plum flavors on the palate lead to a long and rich finish, with hints of vanilla and oak.

Santa Clara Valley

Solis Winery
2009 Vino Roseo di Sangiovese; $16
13/20 — Made in an off-dry rather than bone-dry style of rosé, this summery wine offers candied strawberry flavors with zesty lemon acidity.

Solis Winery
2009 Fiano; $20
13/20 — Crisp flavors of melon, green apples and orange peel are well balanced with a pleasant sweetness, followed by a long apricot finish.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Sequana
2009 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir; $32
14.5/20 — Earthy aromas and flavors of dried cranberry, strawberry and rhubarb make for a rich mouth-feel and silky finish.

Santa Ynez Valley

Jorian Hill Vineyards
2008 Syrah; $24
13.5/20 — Aromas of black cherry, cinnamon and smoke on the nose lead to a rich, velvety mouthfeel and bright acidity on the palate.

NORTH COAST

Dry Creek Valley

Trattore Estate Wines
2009 Tractor Red; $18
13/20 — A blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, this robust wine pairs well with meaty lasagna, buffalo burgers and grilled lamb chops.

Mendocino

Clif Family Winery
2010 Climber Sauvignon Blanc; $14
13/20 — With the addition of Riesling, Viognier and Muscat Blanc, this crisp, acidic white wine carries delightful citrus flavors and a vibrant finish.

Napa Valley

Chateau Montelena
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $49
16/20 — Plum, blackberry and blackcurrant on the nose lead to cherry and raspberry flavors on the palate and a spicy finish.

Frank Family
Blanc de Blancs; $35
14/20 — Crisp and dry, this sparkling Chardonnay goes well with appetizers like shrimp cocktail, prosciutto with melon or Waldorf salad.

Schramsberg
2007 Blanc de Blancs; $36
14/20 — This dry sparkling Chardonnay boasts citrus aromas on the nose and flavors of green apple and honeydew melon on the palate.

Waterstone
2007 Study in Blue; $45
14.5/20 — A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot, this complex and expressive wine offers distinctive blueberry and black plum aromas.

Russian River Valley

Foppiano Vineyards
2010 Estate Bottled Sauvignon Blanc; $18
14/20 — Similar in style to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, this wine features a lively acidity and palate-cleansing freshness.

Iron Horse
2009 "M" Chardonnay; $48
14.5/20 — A potpourri of citrus and herbs on the nose gives way to lime and nectarine on the palate, leading to a long finish and dense mouthfeel.

Patz & Hall
2009 Dutton Ranch - Russian River Valley Chardonnay; $39
14.5/20 — Produced from some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in western Sonoma County, this wine boasts a dry acidity and crisp minerality.

Sequana
2009 Dutton Ranch Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir; $45
14.5/20 — From one of the smallest appellations of Sonoma County, this full-bodied wine boasts tea leaf and Asian spice aromas.

SIERRA FOOTHILLS

Amador County

Yorba
2007 Shake Ridge Red; $28
13/20 — A blend of Syrah, Primitivo, Petite Syrah, Mourvedre, Malbec and Merlot, this robust wine balances fruit flavors with hints of spice.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Big House Wine Co.
2010 The Birdman Pinot Grigio; $10
12.5/20 — Light and refreshing, with a whimsically illustrated bottle label, this wine pairs well with Thai basil chicken, smoked trout and spaghetti with clam sauce.

Domaine Chandon
Extra-Dry Riche; $22
14/20 — A honeyed, floral bouquet on the nose is balanced by peach, nectarine and apricot flavors on the palate.

Red Rock Winery
2009 California Pinot Noir; $14
13/20 — This robust red wine displays layers of strawberry, red cherry and raspberry balanced by hints of caramel.

Robert Mondavi
2010 Private Selection Pinot Grigio; $11
13/20 — Mostly sourced from Central Coast vineyards, this fresh, fruity white wine pairs well with California rolls, grilled chicken and Caesar salad.

NEW YORK

FINGER LAKES

Château Frank
2002 Blanc de Noirs; $29
13.5/20 — Made mostly from Pinot Noir grapes, with a small amount of Pinot Meunier added to lighten the color, this dry sparkling wine is full-bodied and well-structured.

Château Frank
Célèbre Rosé; $20
12.5/20 — This sparkling wine, made entirely from Pinot Meunier grapes, is bright and fruity.

WASHINGTON

FlipFlop Wines
2010 Washington Riesling; $7
12.5/20 — This sweet, medium-bodied wine carries peach, apricot and melon flavors on the palate, leading to a smooth, satisfying finish.

AFRICA

MOROCCO

Zniber Vineyards

Les Trois Domaines
2010 Gerrouane Gris; $10
13/20 — This refreshing rosé wine made from Cinsault grapes is characterized by currant flavors and a gentle acidity.

ASIA

ISRAEL

Galil

Barkan
2007 Classic Merlot; $12
13/20 — With ripe plum and strawberry aromas, this well-structured red wine boasts smooth, rounded tannins and is Kosher for Passover.

EUROPE

FRANCE

Le Grande Courtâge
Grand Cuvée Blanc de Blancs Brut; $20
13.5/20 — Light and fresh with citrus and floral notes up front, this sparkling wine finishes with a more sophisticated yeasty note.

Beaujolais

Joseph Drouhin
2009 Brouilly; $18
13.5/20 — With supple tannins and a long finish, this versatile Gamay pairs well with all kinds of food, especially simple and flavorful dishes.

Bordeaux

Château Ballan Larquette
2009 Bordeaux Blanc; $13
13.5/20 — Equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, this dry white wine boasts dominant apple aromas and flavors.

Château Garrineau
2008 Bordeaux Rouge; $19
13.5/20 — Two-thirds Merlot and one-third Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a pleasant, full-bodied wine with firm tannins.

Château Lacombe Cadiot
2007 Bordeaux Supérieur Rouge; $17
13/20 — Grown on an estate formerly owned by King Louix XIV, this red wine is warm and smooth with moderate tannins.

Château Lamothe-Vincent
2009 Bordeaux Rosé; $10
13/20 — Inspired by their namesake, St. Vincent, patron saint of wine growers, this family-run winery makes a crisp and refreshing, dry wine.

Bugey

Renardat-Fache
Cerdon Bugey; $20
14/20 — This rare, sparkling rosé from a little-known corner of France boasts fresh fruit flavors and a bright acidity.

Burgundy

Domaine Caillot
2007 Meursault Les Tessons; $52
15.5/20 — Hazelnut, honey and vanilla aromas and a creamy texture are balanced by stoniness and minerality.

Jurançon

Domaine de Nigri
1997 Jurançon Moelleux; $52
14/20 — With aromas of fruit and honey, this soft sweet wine pairs well with smoked salmon, pheasant and foie gras.

ITALY

Abruzzo

Caldoro
2009 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo; $11
13/20 — This medium red wine is well-balanced, boasting red fruit, prune and vanilla flavors on the palate.

Campania

Castello Ducale
2007 Pallagrello Nero; $24
13.5/20 — This dry red wine boasts cherry flavors, prickly tannins and a touch of vanilla.

Tenuta Cavalier Pepe
2006 "Opera Mia" Taurasi; $49
14.5/20 — Full-bodied and complex with firm tannins, this rich red wine pairs well with roast meats, spicy salami and mature cheeses.

Vesevo
Beneventano Falanghina; $16
13.5/20 — Made from grapes grown on volcanic highlands, this crisp, acidic wine boasts a minerality balanced by melon flavors.

Umbria

Lungarotti
Torre di Giano; $15
13/20 — A light acidity and intense floral aromas make this white wine an excellent accompaniment to risottos, fish and seafood.

Veneto

Adami
Garbèl Brut Prosecco; $15
13/20 — In local dialect "garbèl" means a dry, crisp and acidic wine, and this sparkling wine certainly fits that description.

Bertani
Secco-Bertani Ripasso; $19
13/20 — From prime estate vineyards in Verona's Valpolicella Valpantena district, this dry and well-balanced red wine is made using the traditional ripasso technique.

SPAIN

Rioja

Muga
2005 Selección Especial; $46
14/20 — A blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mazuelo y Graciano varietals, this full-bodied wine boasts both black and red fruit flavors.

SOUTH AMERICA

ARGENTINA

Mendoza

Santa Julia
2010 Malbec; $10
13/20 — This full-bodied red wine offers good structure and complexity, with notes of vanilla, coffee and chocolate on the nose.

Xavier Flouret
2007 La Pilar; $15
13/20 — Black ripe fruit, violet and spices on the nose are balanced by moderate and smooth tannins in the mouth.

Uco Valley

DiamAndes de Uco
2010 Malbec; $20
13/20 — Made from grapes grown at an altitude of more than 3,600 feet, this robust red wine is resplendent with pepper and spice.

CHILE

Colchagua Valley

Primus
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon; $20
13.5/20 — Aromas of ripe black berry fruit and a hint of oak on the nose lead to a long finish with smooth, firm tannins.

Maipo Valley

Haras
2007 Character Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmènére; $20
13/20 — With its spicy nose and rich, earthy flavors on the palate, this red blend pairs well with black pepper-marinated steak or corned beef hash.

Haras
2010 Chardonnay; $12
13/20 — A multi-layered bouquet of white peaches, butterscotch and mineral notes gives way to grapefruit flavors and a crisp acidity on the palate.

More New Releases

PBH071511

(Updated: 01/04/12 BH)