New Wine Releases July 2011

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Deep Sea
2008 Chardonnay; $24
13/20 — A fresh nose of citrus, apple and honey is echoed on the palate with layered minerality and hints of oak, vanilla and toffee.

Robert Mondavi
Private Selection 2010 Sauvignon Blanc; $11
13/20 — The gentle, citrus acidity of this crisp and zesty wine allows it to pair well with crab salad, calamari and roasted chicken.

The Vegan Vine
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon; $15
13/20 — Made entirely without animal products, this softer style red wine is distinguished by moderate tannins and a smooth finish.

Arroyo Seco

J. Lohr
2009 October Night Chardonnay; $25
14/20 — Lemon and vanilla aromas segue to a complex bouquet of pear and barrel spice.

Radog Wines
2007 Pinot Noir Monterey County; $28
13/20 — Flavors of blackberry, cherry, cola and spice combine with good acidity for a long, solid finish.

Paso Robles

Eberle Winery
2009 Steinbeck Vineyard Syrah; $21
14/20 — A rich palate of blackberry fruit, smoky oak and coffee combine with firm tannins for a full bodied wine.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Talbott
2009 Sleepy Hollow Pinot Noir; $40
14.5/20 — Lush cherry and plum aromas are complemented by layers of cherry, blueberry, rose, violet and cinnamon on the palate.

Santa Ynez Valley

Beckmen Vineyards
2009 Cuvee Le Bec; $18
14.5/20 — This warm vintage is soft and bright with flavors of blueberry, grenadine, smoke and spice.

NORTH COAST

Alexander Valley

Bella Vineyards
2008 Two Patch Alexander Valley Zinfandel; $38
14.5/20 — With aromas of cola, raspberries and spice, this medium-bodied red finishes with blueberry and oak flavors on the palate.

Frei Brothers
2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $27
14/20 — Intense aromas of crushed berries open to flavors of raspberry, blackberry and cedar. Velvety tannins and a rich, round mouthfeel yield to a long, lingering finish.

Carneros

Bouchaine
2008 Estate Chardonnay; $25
14/20 — Acidic and concentrated, this elegant wine boasts vanilla cream and butterscotch on the palate, pairing well with white freshwater fish.

Gloria Ferrer
2005 Blanc de Blancs; $24
14/20 — The sweet perfume of lemon blossom and Asian pear greet the nose, leading to a creamy texture and flavors of pear, tangerine and white chocolate.

Dry Creek Valley

Eristavi Family Winery
2009 Zinfandel; $32
14.5/20 — Aromas of red cherry and raspberry lead to a silky mouthfeel with touches of dark chocolate and spicy oak.

Quivira
2009 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel; $20
14/20 — Made by winemaker Hugh Chappelle, this organic, deep red Zinfandel, with a touch of Syrah and Cabernet, features a plum and briar patch character on the nose and mouth that pairs well with barbecued meats.

Mendocino

La Follette
2008 Manchester Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir; $50
15/20 — Cherry and hibiscus aromas are echoed on the palate with deeper notes of hickory and earth.

Napa Valley

Chappellet
2008 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon; $135
15/20 — Leaning more in style toward Bordeaux than classic Napa Cabernet, the wine's flavors are rich and ripe with teasing red fruit acidity and layers of hazelnut, chocolate, clove and coffee.

J. Lohr
2007 Carol's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon; $40
14.5/20 — Elegant aromas of cherry and current lead to a complex bouquet of black plum and cassis layered with hints of cocoa, cedar and coconut.

Sequoia Grove
2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $38
14/20 — Blackberry and black cherry aromas mix with rich spice on the nose, leading to ripe raspberry flavors on the palate and a long finish.

William Hill
2009 Napa Valley Chardonnay; $25
13.5/20 — Aromas of Meyer lemon and honeysuckle are followed by sweet flavors of white peach and pear balanced with refined acidity and hints of toasty oak, butter and brown spice.

Russian River Valley

Hayman & Hill
2008 Reserve Chardonnay; $15
13/20 — Mineral spice and green apple on the nose lead to flavors of honeydew melon and pear, with hints of vanilla.

Iron Horse
2005 Brut Rosé; $50
14.5/20 — A nose of raspberry, melon and tangerine opens to flavors of ripe strawberry and a dry mouthfeel.

J Vineyards & Winery
J Cuvée 20 Brut NV; $20
14/20 — Crisp lemon peel and honeysuckle aromas lead to apple and grapefruit on the nose, followed by a lingering pear finish.

Korbel
California Champagne Chardonnay; $12
13/20 — Made according to the traditional méthode champenoise, this sparkling wine pairs well with chicken, seafood and creamy pasta dishes.

Mossback
2009 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir; $25
13/20 — Dominated by black cherry flavors, this blend of local grapes is elegant, silky and smooth.

Sonoma County

Clos du Bois
2009 Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay; $18
13.5/20 — Aromas of spiced apple and jasmine lead to flavors of ripe pear and citrus touched by hints of oak spice and nutmeg.

Patz & Hall
2009 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay; $35
14.5/20 — The minerality, structure and stone fruit flavors of this vintage reflect its windswept coastal terroir.

SIERRA FOOTHILLS

Amador County

Eristavi Family Vineyards
2009 Syrah; $30
13.5/20 — This deep purple wine reflects its Amador terroir with richness and sweetness up front, rounded out by a big, earthy finish.

Yorba
2006 Zinfandel; $28
14.5/20 — Robust and full-bodied, with firm tannins, this bold wine tastes of blackberries, raspberries and cherries.

SOUTH COAST

Temecula

Thornton Winery
NV Cuvée Rouge; $26
13/20 — Plum and black cherry aromas lead to a mouth of big red fruit flavors with a touch of lavender and white chocolate.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Apothic Red
2009 California Winemaker's Blend; $10
13/20 — Strong aromas and flavors of black cherry are complemented by undertones of vanilla and mocha.

Barefoot Bubbly
Premium Extra Dry; $10
13/20 — This medium-bodied sparkling wine boasts ripe apple aromas, a creamy texture and tangy tangerine and lime on the palate.

Big House Wine
2009 Cardinal Zin; $9
12.5/20 — Intense flavors of blackberry mingle with touches of oak, vanilla and dry herbs for a decadent, spicy Zinfandel.

Concannon Vineyard
Pinot Grigio; $9 (1.5L)
13/20 — A light-bodied wine that bursts with citrus and melon flavors, this Pinot Grigio would pair well with spicy cuisine.

FlipFlop Wines
2009 Pinot Noir; $7
11.5/20 — Cola and vanilla aromas lead to flavors of bright cherry and spice, culminating in a velvety finish.

Mirassou Winery
2010 California Moscato; $12
13/20 — Mostly sourced from San Luis Obispo County vineyards, this sweet white wine boasts intense fruity aromas and flavors.

NEW YORK

Finger Lakes

Shaw Vineyard
2006 Chardonnay; $15
12/20 — This crisp Chardonnay exhibits floral aromas and bright flavors of citrus with a buttery base.

NORTH CAROLINA

Asheville

Biltmore Estate
NV Brut Blanc de Blancs; $24
12.5/20 — Plum and black cherry aromas lead to a mouth of big red fruit flavors with a touch of lavender and white chocolate.

EUROPE

AUSTRIA

Wachau

Domäne Wachau
2009 Riesling; $18
13.5/20 — This refreshing wine displays zesty stone fruit flavor balanced by firm acidity.

FRANCE

Bordeaux

Château Le Grand Verdus
2009 Bordeaux Rosé; $10
13/20 — This crisp and refreshing wine made on the estate of a sixteenth century chateau reflects the richness of its terroir.

Domaine de Cantemerle Montcabrier
2005 Bordeaux Superieur Rouge; $22
14/20 — This wine exhibits fine tannins and rich red fruit flavors of berries and plum with undertones of earth.

Burgundy

Joseph Drouhin
2009 Rully; $20
13.5/20 — Refined, restrained and distinctly French in the mouth, this Chardonnay finishes reasonably long with an interesting hint of spice.

Corsica

Pinot Evil
Pinot Noir; $24 for 3L
12.5/20 — From the Ile de Beauté, this boxed wine is light-bodied, with ripe cherry flavors and a smooth finish.

Maconnais

Georges Duboeuf
Pouilly-Fuissé; $20
14/20 — A bouquet of roasted almonds, lime tree and verbena is supple and fruity with hints of vanilla.

Saint-Véran

Joseph Drouhin
Saint-Veran; $17
13.5/20 — An intense, flowery nose leads to refreshing flavors that would pair well with charcuterie and shellfish.

ITALY

Cupcake Vineyards
NV Prosecco; $14
13/20 — White peach, grapefruit and honeydew melon on the nose give way to light and refreshing lemon flavors and a toasted brioche finish.

Da Vinci
2009 Pinot Grigio; $14
13.5/20 — Aromas of citrus and tropical fruit lead to flavors of ripe apples and lemon in the mouth balanced by minerals and vibrant acidity.

La Marca
2008 Prosecco Spumante; $17
12.5/20 — This sweet, sparkling wine from Northern Italy carries citrus and floral notes on the nose with a light, crisp finish.

Campania

Tenuto Cavalier Pepe
2009 "Nestor" Greco di Tufo; $21
13/20 — This light, crisp white wine pairs well with grilled seafood and steamed mussels.

Castello Ducale
2010 Pallagrello del Ventaglio; $19
13/20 — Honey of acacia and vanilla scents lead to a well-balanced warmth on the palate, with aromatic notes that melt together for a pleasant finish.

Tre Venezie

Ecco Domani
2010 Pinot Grigio delle Venezie; $12
13/20 — Delicate floral aromas lead to light citrus and tropical fruit flavors, ending with a crisp and refreshing finish.

PORTUGAL

Douro

Quinta de Roriz
2008 Prazo de Roriz Douro DOC; $14
13/20 — A well-balanced palate of raspberry and black cherry are accompanied by bright acidity and a mineral edge.

SPAIN

Tapeña
2007 Tempranillo; $9
12/20 — Intense flavors of plum and violets with a hint of orange peel are rounded out with fine tannins and a balanced, lingering finish.

NEW ZEALAND

Craighall

Dry River
2006 Late Harvest Riesling; $45
14.5/20 — Pure and powerful, this Riesling displays bright and spicy aromas of lime zest and minerals.

SOUTH AMERICA

ARGENTINA

Mendoza

Masi
Tupungato Passo Doble 2009; $14
13/20 — Firm and full-bodied on the nose, the Malbec character comes through with flavors of plum, cherry and balsamic herb.

Santa Julia
2010 Torrontes; $10
12.5/20 — Fresh fruit flavors and a light body make this a balanced wine for a balanced budget.

Valentin Bianchi
New Age Rosé; $9
12.5/20 — Aromas of wild raspberries precede the sweet red fruit and violet flavors, with the dryness balanced by fresh effervescence.

More New Releases

PBH061311

(Updated: 05/17/13 BH)