New Wine Releases March 2013

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Monterey

Concannon Vineyard
2008 Reserve Grenache; $20
14/20 — A medium-bodied wine, it offers ripe cranberry, raspberry and cherry flavors with a hint of pepper and spice.

Darcie Kent Vineyards
2011 Rava Blackjack Vineyard Grüner Veltliner; $18
13.5/20 — This dry white wine features crisp citrus and stone fruit flavors marked by mineral and peppery notes.

Hahn Winery
2011 Monterey Chardonnay; $14
13/20 — Medium-bodied and crisp, this aromatic Chardonnay reveals peach and pineapple flavors on the palate and a hint of creamy banana on the finish.

Wrath
2010 Swan/828 Pinot Noir; $35
14/20 — Proudly advertising its clonal components, this complex Pinot Noir boasts dark berry flavors with earthy notes.

Paso Robles

Vina Robles
2011 WHITE4; $16
13.5/20 — Composed of 53 percent Viognier, 18 percent Vermentino, 17 percent Verdelho and 12 percent Sauvignon Blanc, this creative white blend offers crisp citrus flavors and acidity.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Lucia
2007 Pinot Noir; $34
14/20 — A well-structured wine, it boasts fragrant aromas and flavors of cherry, strawberry and spice balanced by silky tannins.

Santa Maria Valley

Riverbench
2010 Estate Chardonnay; $26
14.5/20 — This full-bodied Chardonnay features rich apple and pear flavors followed by toasty notes.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Clarksburg

Clarksburg Wine Company
2010 Chenin Blanc; $16
14/20 — Displaying fragrant fruity and floral aromas, this crisp white wine reveals citrus, pear and mineral flavors in the mouth.

Dunnigan Hills

Matchbook
2010 Syrah; $16
14/20 — Blended with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, this robust, full-bodied red wine offers dark fruit flavors and a touch of chocolate on the long finish.

Lodi

Weinstock Cellar Select
2010 Zinfandel; $20
13/20 — This kosher red wine features rich, jammy fruit flavors with a hint of spice.

NORTH COAST

Anderson Valley

Copain
2010 Les Voisins Pinot Noir; $42
15/20 — A medium-bodied Pinot, it boasts fragrant floral aromas, complex red fruit flavors and velvety tannins.

Navarro Vineyards
2011 Cluster Select Late Harvest Riesling; $29
14/20 — Made with botrytis-affected grapes, this 10.1 percent alcohol dessert wine displays sweet flavors of honey, apricot and peach.

Carneros

Domaine Chandon
2011 Pinot Meunier; $35
14.5/20 — Typically blended with other Champagne varietals, this delicate and fruity wine proves that Pinot Meunier can stand on its own.

Marilyn Wines
2010 Blonde de Noirs; $39
13.5/20 — Featuring a vintage Marilyn Monroe image on the label, this sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir is dry and crisp.

Knights Valley

Lawer Family Wines
2010 Hooker "Home Pitch" Syrah; $24
13.5/20 — A thick red wine, it offers spicy black fruit aromas, a dry mouthfeel and a touch of vanilla on the finish.

Pont de Chevalier
2010 Chardonnay; $45
14/20 — This full-bodied Chardonnay boasts rich apple and pear flavors and a creamy mouthfeel.

Napa Valley

B Cellars
2009 Blend 24; $49
14/20 — An unusual mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah, it features strawberry and blackberry notes on the nose with a wild game and musk note lingering in the background.

Conn Creek
2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $28
13/20 — This typical Napa Cab offers the usual dark fruit flavors and dry mouthfeel that pair well with juicy steaks and burgers.

Franciscan Estate
2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $28
14/20 — Despite its youth, this Bordeaux-style red features an abundance of aromas and flavors, from cherry and violet to plum and mocha.

Yao Ming Family Reserve
2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $625
16.5/20 — Like the Yao Ming 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the Family Reserve is a well-balanced wine, but with more concentrated fruit flavors and more peppery notes on the finish.

Oak Knoll District

Mira
2010 Chardonnay; $28
14.5/20 — Displaying honeysuckle and apricot on the nose, this full-bodied Chardonnay reveals tropical fruit flavors in the mouth.

Trefethen
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon; $60
14.5/20 — This complex and hearty red wine would pair well with meatloaf, sausage lasagna or blue cheeses.

Oakville

Robert Mondavi
2010 Reserve Fumé Blanc, To Kalon Vineyard; $40
14.5/20 — One of Robert Mondavi's most classic offerings, it boasts bright tropical and citrus flavors with plenty of acidity and minerality.

Russian River Valley

Acorn Winery
2000 Dolcetto; $18
14.5/20 — Showing well-integrated blueberry flavors and soft tannins, it would pair well with rich, meaty dishes and mature cheeses.

Ancient Oak Cellars
2010 Pinot Noir; $25
14/20 — Nicely balanced, its subtle up-front flavors of cherry and berry evolve as the wine crosses the palate.

La Rochelle
2010 Dutton Ranch - Morelli Lane Vineyard Chardonnay; $65
15/20 — This big-bodied Chardonnay boasts peach and pear aromas, ripe apple and lemon flavors and some mineral notes on the finish.

River Road
2012 Nouveau; $15
13/20 — A rosé of Pinot Noir, it offers refreshing strawberry flavors and a dry finish.

Rutherford

Beaulieu Vineyard
2010 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon; $32
14/20 — This full-bodied red wine features ripe blackberry and cherry flavors with a touch of vanilla and firm tannins.

Staglin Family Vineyard
2008 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $185
17/20 — Incredibly well-structured, this complex red wine is bursting with red fruit, bright acidity and silky tannins.

Sonoma Coast

Folie à Deux
2011 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir; $20
13/20 — This food-friendly red wine offers dark red fruit flavors, earthy notes on the finish and medium tannins.

Ten Acre
2010 Green Acre Hills Sangiacomo Chardonnay; $48
14/20 — A crisp, cool-climate Chardonnay, it displays fresh citrus flavors and would pair well with seafood and herb-rubbed chicken.

Sonoma County

Decoy
2010 Sonoma County Merlot; $25
14/20 — This medium-bodied red wine features dark cherry and cranberry flavors and soft, smooth tannins.

Donelan
2010 Cuvée Moriah; $40
14/20 — Composed of 54 percent Grenache, 26 percent Syrah and 20 percent Mourvèdre, this complex GSM blend features rounded red fruit flavors with earthy notes.

SOUTH COAST

Sierra Pelona Valley

Reyes Winery
2009 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon; $23
13/20 — This dry red wine offers ripe blackberry flavors with herbal notes and firm tannins.

Temecula Valley

Wilson Creek
Grand Cuvée Champagne; $18
13/20 — A light and toasty sparkler, it would make an excellent accompaniment to weekend brunch either on its own or mixed with orange juice.

MULTIPLE AVAS

Echelon
2010 Red Blend; $13
13/20 — A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, this fruit-forward red wine displays peppery notes and a dry finish.

HandCraft
2011 Chardonnay; $12
12.5/20 — Offering honeyed and floral aromas on the nose, it reveals lemon, apple and pear flavors in the mouth.

Kendall-Jackson
2009 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $28
13.5/20 — This Bordeaux-style red wine boasts complex dark fruit flavors with earthy notes and supple tannins.

Ménage à Trois
2011 California Rosé; $10
13/20 — An interesting blend of Merlot, Syrah and Gewürztraminer, this aromatic and fruity rosé offers a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

NEW YORK

FINGER LAKES

Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars
2010 Lemberger; $20
14/20 — A pleasingly delicate wine, its primary fruit flavors are of ripe cherry and tart apple.

Tierce
2010 Dry Riesling; $30
14/20 — A combined effort of Anthony Road, Fox Run and Red Newt, this crisp Riesling boasts lemon and mineral flavors and a racy acidity.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Treveri Cellars
Blanc de Blanc Brut; $14
13.5/20 — An easy-drinking sparkling wine, it offers fresh fruit flavors and a dry, toasty finish.

NON-APPELLATION

Biltmore Estate
Sec; $22
13/20 — Made mostly from Chardonnay and Muscat Canelli grown in North Carolina, this fragrant sparkling wine displays apple, persimmon and lime flavors with just a hint of sweetness.

BAJA CALIFORNIA

Guadalupe Valley

Baron Balche
2009 Double Blanc; $28
13/20 — Composed of 75 percent Sauvignon Blanc, 23 percent Chenin Blanc and 2 percent Viognier, this crisp white blend features crisp lime and fig flavors.

AUSTRIA

Traisental

Huber
Hugo Sparkling Rosé; $17
13/20 — Made from Zweigelt and Pinot Noir grapes, this refreshing sparkling rosé boasts cherry and red grapefruit flavors.

FRANCE

Louis Bouillot
Perle Noire Blanc de Noirs Brut; $18
13/20 — Composed of Pinot Noir and Gamay from the Rhône Valley, Languedoc and Loire Valley, this elegant sparkling wine is dry and well-balanced.

Alsace

Pierre Sparr
Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé; $19
13.5/20 — This dry sparkling rosé made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes features refreshing strawberry and raspberry flavors.

Burgundy

Jaillance
Crémant de Bourgogne Brut; $17
13/20 — A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay and Aligoté, it displays complex fruity and floral aromas and a creamy mouthfeel.

Languedoc-Roussillon

Delatour
2011 Cuvée Premier; $9
13/20 — This crisp Chardonnay features floral aromas and fresh citrus flavors that would pair well with fish and fowl.

Les Fontanelles
2009 Merlot; $9
13.5/20 — A medium-bodied red wine, it boasts good complexity of flavor and silky tannins for the price.

Loire Valley

Deligeroy
Crémant de Loire Rosé; $12
13/20 — This dry sparkling rosé, which gains its salmon color by the addition of Cabernet Franc, shows fresh berry flavors and a crisp acidity.

Provence

Avivé
Natural Peach Flavored Wine; $10
13/20 — Sweet and low in alcohol, this sparkling wine would work well as an aperitif or brunch wine.

South West France

Domaine du Tariquet
2010 Chenin-Chardonnay; $11
13/20 — Composed of 75 percent Chenin Blanc and 25 percent Chardonnay, this dry white wine offers crisp apple flavors balanced by a creamy mouthfeel.

GERMANY

Mosel

Weingut Dr. H. Thanisch
2010 Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Kabinett; $42
14.5/20 — Boasting an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity, this food-friendly white wine offers intense citrus and chamomile flavors.

Rheinhessen

Georg Albrecht Schneider
2011 Niersteiner Hipping Riesling Spätlese; $18
13.5/20 — This late harvest Riesling displays sweet lemon and peach flavors that finish cleanly.

GREECE

Santorini

Hatzidakis
2009 Nikteri; $19
13/20 — Made from old vine Assyrtiko grapes, this potent white wine shows nutty and dried fruit flavors.

ITALY

Piedmont

Ceretto
2011 I Vignaioli Santo Stefano Moscato d'Asti DOCG; $15 (375 ml)
14/20 — This aromatic Moscato contains just 5.5 percent alcohol and features an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity.

Trentino

Altemasi
2003 Riserva Graal; $36
13.5/20 — Composed of 80 percent Chardonnay and 20 percent Pinot Nero, this well-aged sparkling wine offers delicate honeyed aromas and toasty notes.

Tuscany

CastelGiocondo
2007 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG; $75
16/20 — This rich Sangiovese boasts complex berry and floral aromas, firm tannins and spicy notes on the long finish.

Ruffino
2007 Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG; $40
14.5/20 — Made mostly of Sangiovese, this well-balanced red wine features a medley of red fruit flavors and baking spice notes.

Tenuta Guado al Tasso
2011 Scalabrone Bolgheri Rosato DOC; $25
14.5/20 — Composed of 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 percent Merlot and 30 percent Syrah, this dry rosé boasts luscious cherry flavors.

PORTUGAL

Alentejo

Montes Claros
2008 Garrafeira; $23
15/20 — This full-bodied red wine made from Aragonez, Tinta Caiada and Trincadeira grapes features ripe fruit flavors and soft, dry tannins.

SPAIN

Castile-La Mancha

Tarantas
Monastrell; $12
13.5/20 — An organic certified red wine, it offers floral and spice aromas, dark fruit flavors and moderate tannins.

Catalonia

Freixenet
Elysia Gran Cuvée Brut; $18
13.5/20 — Blended from Chardonnay, Macabeo, Parellada and Pinot Noir, this dry sparkling wine offers crisp lemon and honey dew melon flavors.

Segura Viudas
Extra Dry; $10
13/20 — A classic Cava blend of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo grapes, this light sparker features floral and fruity aromas and flavors.

Rías Baixas

Lo Nuevo
2011 Covello Albariño; $15
12.5/20 — This dry white wine displays floral and apricot flavors complemented by a bright acidity.

ARGENTINA

Mendoza

Val de Flores
2007 Malbec; $85
15/20 — A robust and dense red wine containing 15 percent alcohol, it boasts concentrated dark fruit flavors and peppery notes on the long finish.

CHILE

Aconcagua Valley

Outer Limits
2011 Limited Edition Sauvignon Blanc; $28
14/20 — Offering heady aromas of passion fruit and lime, it offers crisp citrus flavors and mineral notes in the mouth.

AUSTRALIA

Coonawarra

Jacob's Creek Reserve
2009 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon; $12
13.5/20 — This full-bodied red wine features ripe black fruit flavors complemented by dry, earthy notes.

NEW ZEALAND

Marlborough

Echo Bay
2012 Sauvignon Blanc; $13
13.5/20 — Crisp and fresh, it displays citrus and tropical fruit flavors that would pair well with ceviche and sushi.

Villa Maria Estate
2011 Cellar Selection Dry Riesling; $22
13.5/20 — This dry white wine offers floral aromas on the nose and citrus flavors on the palate complemented by a lively acidity.

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