New Wine Releases May 2011

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Arroyo Grande Valley

Conway Family Wines
Deep Sea 2009 Sea Flower Rosé; $28
13/20 — Fresh cherry and peach aromas are followed by bright berry and citrus flavors.

La Maison de Vertuze
NV Rosé; $30
14/20 — Floral and woodsy notes dominate on the nose, opening to flavors of strawberry and tangerine.

Monterey County

Bridlewood Estate Winery
2008 Monterey County Pinot Noir; $20
13.5/20 — 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 Santa Lucia Highlands Evie's Blend Riesling; $10
12.5/20 — Sweet aromas of pear and gardenia lead to floral and spice notes on the palate.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Talbott Vineyards
2009 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Logan Chardonnay; $22
14/20 — The Logan is a beautiful balance of fruit and oak, with layers of apple, pear and vanilla flavors.

Santa Ynez Valley

Brander
2004 Sauvignon Blanc; $12
14/20 — The fruity and floral bouquet features lightly sweet flavor, crisp acidity and a clean finish.

Zaca Mesa
2007 Syrah; $24
14/20 — This wine showcases the signature Zaca Mesa sage spice aromas and flavors, along with rich blackberry fruit and espresso undertones.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Lodi

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
2009 Pinot Grigio; $6
12.5/20 — Flavors of lime and citrus dominate in this refreshing wine, culminating in a bright, lemony finish.

Modesto

The Naked Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon; $9
12/20 — This full-bodied wine displays rich aromas of dark black fruit and flavors of blackberry.

NORTH COAST

Napa Valley

Clif Family Winery
The Climber Pouch California Chardonnay; $16
13/20 — This crisp and unoaked Chardonnay displays aromas and flavors of grapefruit, apple and melon for a juicy finish.

Nicolette Christopher
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon; $50
15/20 — Silky flavors of Montmorency cherries and blackberries are accompanied by undertones of cola and truffles for a long, balanced finish.

Robert Mondavi
2008 Chardonnay; $20
14/20 — Aromas of ripe apples and pears are touched by exotic spices, opening to a persistent palate of stone fruit and pear.

Sonoma County

Bella Vineyards
2008 Maple Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel; $38
14.5/20 — A floral bouquet of jasmine and rhubarb lead to flavors of strawberry and cinnamon with touches of spice.

Clos du Bois
2007 Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $22
13/20 — Seductive scents of plum and blackberry are echoed in the deep and luscious palate, intermingling with hints of toasted oak, espresso and mocha.

Frei Brothers
2008 Russian River Valley Chardonnay; $20
13.5/20 — Flavors of orange and green apple are complemented by toasty and buttery notes in the nutty and rich wine.

Gloria Ferrer
Sonoma Brut; $20
13/20 — Aromas of pear and toasted almond lead to flavors of citrus and toast overlaid with persistent effervescence.

Iron Horse
2009 Heritage Clone Chardonnay; $48
15/20 — A powerful nose of lychee and honey leads to flavors of mandarin orange and lime with mineral undertones.

J Vineyards & Winery
2010 Hoot Owl Vineyard Viognier; $30
14/20 — The 2010 Viognier is bright and crisp with floral aromas opening to flavors of white peach and apricot.

Korbin Kameron
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon; $40
15/20 — Well-integrated scents of cedar, mint and dark cherry open to a rich palate of black currant touched by spice and chocolate.

Ravenswood
2008 Old Vine Zinfandel; $16
13.5/20 — Ripe red berry aromas morph into flavors of blackberry with hints of cinnamon.

MULTIPLE AVAS

Schramsberg
2009 Pinot Grigio; $6
12.5/20 —Aromas of fresh peach and guava give way to flavors of cherry, orange and watermelon, leading to a long, lingering finish.

GEORGIA

Dawsonville

Crimson 'n Scarlett's Vineyard
Peach Wine; $12
12/20 — This sweet and smooth white wine displays the flavors of juicy Georgia peaches in liquid form.

MICHIGAN

Old Mission Peninsula

Chateau Grand Traverse
2008 Dry Riesling; $13
13.5/20 — Green and red apple flavors open to undertones of lime and minerals for a long, lingering finish.

Leelanau Peninsula

L. Mawby
Blanc de Blancs; $20
14/20 — Aromas of crisp spiced apple and baked peach follow through to fresh and lively flavors of ginger and grapefruit.

NEW YORK

Finger Lakes

Shaw Vineyard
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $35
13.5/20 — On the nose, this wine offers raspberry aromas with hints of chocolate and espresso. Its raspberry and tart cherry flavors lead to a caramel finish.

WASHINGTON

Columbia Valley

Hogue Cellars
2008 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $12
13/20 — Big, bold flavors of cassis and currant are soft and smooth on the palate with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

CHILE

Casablanca Valley

Veramonte
2009 Reserva Pinot Noir; $13
13/20 — This Pinot Noir displays a round texture with complex flavors of spice and red berry fruit.

Colchagua Valley

Casa Silva
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon; $12
13/20 — Delicate on the nose with notes of black fruit, this wine is powerful on the palate with firm tannins and blackberry flavor.

CHINA

Shanxi

Grace Vineyards
2008 Chairman's Reserve; $130
14.5/20 — This well balanced wine has flavors of ripe red berries with a touch of smokiness, leading to a long, lingering finish.

EUROPE

AUSTRIA

Burgenland

Kracher
2008 Cuvée Beerenauslese; $28
14.5/20 — Aromas of peaches and apricots are echoed on the tongue with a hint of caramel.

FRANCE

Champagne

Champagne Collet
Brut Blanc de Blancs; $50
15/20 — Sweet floral aromas on the nose lead to flavors of citrus fruit and acacia blossom on the palate, culminating in a balanced finish.

Champagne Ruinart
Blanc de Blancs; $65
14.5/20 — Fine bubbles and intense citrus aromas reveal a fine mousse with hints of toast and brioche to accompany the lime and ginger flavors.

Loire Valley

Bouvet
Brut Rose Excellence; $16
13/20 — Fine bubbles and raspberry aromas lead to a crisp palate of red fruit flavor and subtle earthy notes.

GERMANY

Landwein Rhein

R. Müller
2009 Medium Sweet Riesling; $24 for 3L
13/20 — A nose of stone fruit opens to flavors of peaches and pears, leading to a crisp finish.

SPAIN

Toro

Fariña
2009 Dama de Toro Malvasia; $11
13/20 — This Malvasia has a lively acidity that is balanced by flavors of green apples, peaches and minerals.

SOUTH AFRICA

Stellenbosch

Simonsig Family Vineyards
Chenin Blanc; $10
12.5/20 — Aromas of ripe pear and apricots are followed by intense flavors of ripe Chenin Blanc grapes, leading to a fresh and lingering finish.

New Releases Main Page

PJC044011

(Updated: 04/17/12 BH)