New Wine Releases June 2011

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Conway Family Wines
Deep Sea 2008 Pinot Noir; $28
14.5/20 — Blackberry and bramble on the nose give way to more earthy, spicy notes, including cinnamon and anise, on the palate.

Conway Family Wines
Deep Sea 2009 Viognier; $26
14/20 — Sweet aromas of white flowers and pear lead to crisp flavors of honey, vanilla and fresh peach.

Monterey County

Radog Wines
2007 Santa Lucia Highlands Riesling; $14
13/20 — Dark fruit flavors of dark cherry and raspberry are framed by hints of caramel and black pepper, leading to a smooth, lingering finish.

Radog Wines
2007 Dry Gewürztraminer; $20
14/20 — Classic floral and spicy aromas lead to flavors of stone fruit with undertones of ginger and lemon.

Paso Robles

Bridlewood Estate Winery
2009 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon; $15
13/20 — Aromas of earth and black currant reveal intense flavors of blackberry and chocolate with hints of pomegranate, earth and molasses.

Hope Family Wines
Troublemaker; $18
13/20 — Intense black cherry and licorice flavors evolve to reveal rich texture and hints of cocoa and leather.

Hope Family Wines
Treana 2008 Red; $35
14/20 — Plum and pomegranate aromas are followed by intense flavors of figs, spice and cocoa for a long, lingering finish.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Modesto

The Naked Grape
Pinot Noir; $9
12.5/20 — This medium-bodied wine exhibits aromas and flavors of blueberry and black cherry.

NORTH COAST

Anderson Valley

Castello di Amorosa
2006 Anderson Valley Gewürtztraminer; $16
13.5/20 — Complex floral aromas of honeysuckle, roses and apricot lead to rich flavors of white pear and clove spice balanced with crisp acidity.

Carneros

Gloria Ferrer
1998 Carneros Cuvée; $50
15/20 — A creamy mousse carries flavors of pear, lemon and toast for a long, rich finish.

Sequoia Grove
2009 Napa Valley Carneros Chardonnay; $24
13.5/20 — A light and fruity wine with floral notes on the nose and a smooth finish.

Napa Valley

Frank Family Vineyards
Blanc de Noirs; $35
13/20 — Aromas of strawberry, toasted hazelnuts and baked bread open to flavors of red berries and peaches.

Chappellet
2008 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon; $48
15.5/20 — Spicy aromas of clove and cinnamon lead to vibrant flavors of cherry, blackberry and pomegranate layered with hints of spice and espresso.

Robert Mondavi Winery
2007 Chardonnay Reserve; $40
14.5/20 — Fresh aromas of Meyer lemon and honeysuckle mingle with flavors of apple, toasty oak and subtle minerals for a long, toasty finish.

Mount Veeder
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon; $40
14/20 — A full bodied wine with complex flavors of blackberry and cocoa, with hints of dark cherry.

Mumm Napa
Reserve Brut; $30
13.5/20 — Rich aromas of melon, apricot and biscuit greet the nose, leading to ripe fruit flavors of apple, pear and citrus with undertones of vanilla.

Shafer
2008 One Point Five; $70
14.5/20 — Aromas of mocha and spice are followed by blackberry, cherry and plum in the mouth with undercurrents of cedar and chocolate.

Mendocino

La Follette
2008 Manchester Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay; $48
15/20 — Sweet aromas of white peach, gardenia and honeydew lead to tropical flavors of papaya, guava and pineapple in the mouth.

Navarro Vineyards
2007 Muscat Blanc; $19
13.5/20 — Floral and tropical fruit aromas and flavors yield to a dry finish with hints of yeast and vanilla.

Sonoma County

Clos du Bois
2007 Sonoma Reserve Merlot; $22
13.5/20 — This full-bodied wine displays aromas of toasted oak, baking spice and blackberry, segueing into rounded flavors of black cherry and blackberry.

Dutton Goldfield
2009 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir; $38
14.5/20 — This wine delivers flavors of cranberry and blackberry with a touch of spice, finishing with long, sweet notes of boysenberry.

Dutton Goldfield
2009 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay; $35
14.5/20 — Citrus and tropical fruit aromas amp up the fresh flavors of Meyer lemon, pineapple and pear.

Frei Brothers
2008 Dry Creek Valley Reserve Merlot; $20
14/20 — Intense flavors of blackberry and cherry are accompanied by hints of barrel spices.

J Vineyards
2009 Russian River Valley Vin Gris; $20
14.5/20 — Crisp fruitiness is followed by plush flavors of strawberry and cherry for a dry finish.

MacRostie Winery and Vineyards
2008 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay; $34
14.5/20 — Aromas of vanilla and lemon custard open to rich flavors of tropical pineapple, green apple and lime.

Pali Wine Co.
2009 Bluffs Pinot Noir; $19
14/20 — Black cherry and sweet raspberry perfume contrast with softer scents of sage and lavender. On the palate, metallic notes intermix with bright blueberry and cherry flavors.

Patz & Hall
2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir; $42
14.5/20 — Layers of strawberry, cherry and cranberry combine on the nose with firm tannins and a vibrant mouthfeel that bode well for extended aging.

Pfendler Vineyards
2009 Chardonnay; $38
14.5/20 — Balanced with flavors that are a luscious fruit bowl of apples, Asian pears and tropical notes, it finishes with a sophisticated minerality and lingers pleasantly long on the palate.

Quivira
2008 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel; $20
13.5/20 — Cherry, raspberry and blackberry on the nose give way to rich spices on the palate and a long, lingering finish. Pair with spicy cuisine.

MULTIPLE AVAS

Barefoot Wine
Chardonnay; $7
11.5/20 — The creamy and smooth texture of this wine is accompanied by flavors of pineapple, Fuji apple and vanilla.

Big House Wine
The Usual Suspect Cabernet Sauvignon; $9
13/20 — A jammy and juicy profile gives way to hints of oak and vanilla for a vibrant and aromatic wine.

Glen Ellen
Proprietor's Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel; $9 (1.5L)
12.5/20 — This medium-bodied wine exhibits blackberry flavors with a hint of spice.

J Vineyards
2010 Pinot Gris; $16
14/20 — Flavors of lime and vanilla are complemented by honey and bright acidity for a long, lingering finish.

NEW YORK

FINGER LAKES

Shaw Vineyard
2009 Li Bella Pinot Grigio; $15
13.5/20 — Crisp and focused, this aromatic white has a summery feel. The fruit forward bouquet finishes with a lemony touch.

TEXAS

TEXAS HIGH PLAINS

Messina Hof Winery
2006 Angel Riesling; $15
13/20 — An appealing nose of sweet nectar and tropical fruit lead to lush flavors of tropical fruit and subtle minerality.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

The Hogue Cellars
2009 Columbia Valley Chardonnay; $12
13.5/20 — An aromatic nose of pear, pineapple and nutmeg opens to a fresh and crisp palate of apple, vanilla and toast.

EUROPE

AUSTRIA

Wachau

Domäne Wachau
2010 Terrassen Federspiel Grüner Veltliner; $15
13.5/20 — Dancing across the palate with almost spritzy brightness, this tart, acidic wine finishes with a cleansing, herbal note of lemongrass, white pepper and a faint minerality.

FRANCE

Burgundy

Joseph Drouhin
Laforet Pinot Noir; $16.50
13.5/20 — Raspberry and blackcurrant aromas on the nose lead to fresh and fruity berry flavors with light and elegant tannins.

Champagne

Champagne Drappier
Brut Blanc de Blancs; $50
15/20 — Aromas of honey and gingerbread lead to creamy flavors of coffee and toast. The long, lingering finish is touched by undertones of warm pastry.

Provence

Saint Roch Les Vignes
2010 Rosé; $13
13/20 — A blend of Grenache and Cinsault wines, this rosé is crisp on the palate with tangy fruit flavors leading to a clean finish.

Triennes
2010 Rosé; $19
13/20 — This fresh and elegant wine has an aromatic nose of red fruits and candy followed by a round, harmonious palate.

Xavier Flouret
2010 Nationale 7; $18
13.5/20 — Mineral and floral aromas of peach and strawberry are echoed on the palate, displaying good acidity and balance.

ITALY

Piedmont

Saracco
2010 Moscato D'Asti; $14
14/20 — Sweet grape aromas greet the nose and yield to a crisp and slightly fizzy palate with a hint of peach.

SPAIN

Catalonia

Alvaro Palacios
Les Terrasses 2007 Priorat; $47
15.5/20 — A solid value, this red blend composed of Carinena, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals is smooth on the palate.

Rioja Alta

Montecillo
2007 Crianza; $12
13/20 — Aromas of dark berries lead to flavors of blackberries with hints of vanilla and tobacco.

Toro

Dama de Toro
2006 Crianza; $14
13/20 — Complex flavors of pepper, vanilla and dark berry fruit come through on the nose and palate for an elegant wine.

ARGENTINA

Cafayate Valley

Xavier Flouret
2009 Flaca Torrontés; $16
13.5/20 — Fresh and fruity with intense floral aromas, this wine would pair well with seafood and salads.

AUSTRALIA

Adelaide

Penfolds
2008 Thomas Hyland Riesling; $13
13/20 — A delicate and aromatic nose of jasmine and lemon blossom continue on the palate, mixing with soft acidity for a clean finish.

New Releases Main Page

PJC051711

(Updated: 05/17/13 BH)