New Wine Releases December 2015

CALIFORNIA

MULTIPLE AVAS

Kendall-Jackson
2012 Avant Red Blend; $17
13.5/20 — This red blend is mostly comprised of Merlot and Syrah. It has flavors of plum, raspberry, strawberry and hints of vanilla and chocolate that leave a smooth finish.

NORTH COAST

Anderson Valley

Navarro Vineyards
2013 Cluster Select Late Harvest Gewürztraminer; $35
14/20 — Hailing from Anderson Valley, this Gewürztraminer is sourced from late harvest grapes, which gives the wine a sweeter flavor. The 2013 vintage balances the sweetness with high acidity.

High Valley

Brassfield Estate Winery
2013 Pinot Noir; $21
13/20 — This Pinot Noir is fruit forward with flavors of raspberry, cherry and plum balanced by rich hints of walnut, vanilla and toasted bread.

Bassfield Estate Winery
2013 Eruption Proprietary Red Wine; $18
14/20 — Sourced from the steep slopes of the Volcano Ridge Vineyard, this red wine is a blend of Malbec, Syrah, Mourvedre and Petite Sirah. It presents aromas of blackberry, fresh baked bread and plum that leads to a full-bodied palate of berry, tobacco leaf and toasty vanilla notes.

Napa Valley

Cairdean Vineyards
2011 Acquaintance Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon; $60
15/20 — This wine offers a well-balanced palate with developed tannins and a smooth finish. It features flavors of red berries, herbs and oak.

Castello di Amorosa
2013 Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay; $38
15/20 — Flavors of tangerine, pear, fig and melon are combined with rich flavors of hazelnut and peach to give this wine a crisp and creamy mouthfeel.

Mira Winery
2013 Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir; $75
15/20 — Made from 100 percent Pinot Noir sourced from Mira's Hyde Vineyard, this wine has flavors of black cherry, raspberry and pomegranate with a deep, earthy finish.

Mira Winery
2013 Pinot Noir Rosé; $27
14/20 — This light copper colored wine offers aromos of fresh strawberry and wild flowers, like the smell of spring. On the palate, a clean citrus character creates a finesse like that of a Champagne.

Mira Winery
2011 Hyde Vineyard Syrah; $44
15/20 — Made of 100 percent Syrah, this rich wine boasts flavors of espresso, charcoal, salty caramel, boysenberry and licorice.

Shafer Wines
2013 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay; $52
15/20 — This 100 percent Chardonnay is sourced from Shafer's Red Shoulder Ranch Vineyard and aged in new French oak barrels for 14 months. It boasts flavors of honey crisp apple, lemon and vanilla.

Sequoia Grove
2013 Napa Valley Chardonnay; $28
14/20 — Hand harvested and whole cluster pressed to preserve the pure Chardonnay characteristics, this creamy wine presents itself with aromas of tropical fruit and pear. On the palate, a profile of bright fruit flavors is balanced by rich crème brûlée notes for a custard-like finish.

Starmont Winery and Vineyards
2013 Stanly Ranch Estate Pinot Noir; $65
15/20 — Handpicked from the Stanly Ranch Estate, this 100 percent Pinot Noir showcases aromas of cherry, black tea and citrus. It has a rich texture that features flavors of strawberry and cranberry, followed by notes of toasted spices.

Trefethen Family Vineyards
2014 Dry Riesling; $25
14/20 — Featuring a tropical palate with highlights of apple and dried aprictot, this dry riesling pairs well with crab, shellfish and delicate fish.

Russian River Valley

Imagery Estate Winery
2013 Viognier; $29
14.5/20 — Opening with fresh floral aromas, this Viognier has a full body with flavors of melon, apricot and pear.

Toad Hollow Vineyards
2013 Merlot; $16
13.5/20 — Toad Hollow's 2013 Merlot features black raspberry and cranberry aromas that lead to a rich palate of oak, baking spices, dark cherry and blackberry flavors.

Virginia Marie Lambrix Wine
2013 Gewürztraminer; $23
14/20 — This wine offers bright floral aromas leading to a dry palate. It is a great food wine that pairs especially well with Asian cuisines.

Sonoma County

Cline Cellars
2012 Sonoma Zinfandel; $30
14/20 — Sourced from Cline Cellars' Indian Springs Vineyard in the heart of Sonoma Valley, this Zinfandel has bold character with firm tannin structure. On the palate, it offers rich notes of strawberry and baking spice.

Murphy-Goode Winery
2010 Liar's Dice Zinfandel; $21
13.5/20 — Co-founder Tim Murphy was the architect for Murphy-Goode's Zinfandel program. The Liar's Dice Zinfandel is a juicy wine with flavors of black cherry and black currants.

Fritz Winery
2010 Reserve Zinfandel; $60
14.5/20 — Only 200 cases of this Reserve Zinfandel were produced. It is sourced from six rows of 30-year-old vines from the Fritz Estate Vineyard. It opens with aromas of blackberry, blueberry and raspberry with a hint of cocoa that continues on the palate for a bright and balanced palate.

Stuhlmuller Vineyards
2012 Alexander Valley Estate Zinfandel; $28
14/20 — This Zinfandel is co-fermented with Petite Sirah, lending rich flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, plum, molasses, clove and vanilla that leave a silky, lingering mouthfeel.

Marin County

Dutton Goldfield
2012 Devil's Gulch Vineyard Pinot Noir; $68
16/20 — Sourced from a steep hillside in western Marin County, this rich wine boasts flavors of blueberry, raspberry and cherry and leaves a velvety finish.

Dutton Goldfield
2014 Chileno Valley Vineyard Riesling; $30
14.5/20 — This bright, sweet wine showcases flavors of white peach, grapefruit and apricot, which are echoed on the palate and leave a light finish.

CENTRAL COAST

Monterey

Carmel Road
2013 Unoaked Riesling; $16
13.5/20 — Capturing the vibrant flavor profile of Monterey, this Riesling boasts notes of apricot, papaya, lime and honeysuckle.

Paso Robles

Graham's Port
20 Year Tawny Port; $50
15/20 — This tawny-hued port revelas a rich, sweet mothfeel with flavros of orange peel and nuts.

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
2013 Gesture RVG; $30
13/20 — This white blend is sourced from J. Lohr's Gean Vineyard, which has a nearly identical climate to that of France's Norhern Rhône region — perfect for growing Roussanne, Viognier and Grenache Blanc varietals. The pale yellow wine offers aromas of ripe Anjou pear, lemon, apple and hazelnut, which lead to a rich, creamy palate of honey, citrus and pear.

Justin Wine Society
2012 Isosceles; $72
15/20 — Isosceles first vintage emerged in 1987 and was made to echo the style of the famous "First Growth' producers of Bordeaux. Adding Merlot and Cabernet Franc to this Cabernet Sauvignon creates a full-bodied wine with rich flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, vanilla, cinnamon and licorice.

William Hill Estate Winery
2013 Central Coast Merlot; $14
13.5/20 — This Merlot boasts rich flavors of blackberry, black cherry and toasty oak with hints of pepper and chocolate.

Santa Barbara County

Archium
2013 Faction; $40
14.5/20 — Only 24 cases of this 100 percent Syrah were produced. It is a dark red wine with great balance and structure. It offers rich flavors of plum, black currant and a hint of chocolate.

Kitá Wines
2013 Syrah; $30
14.5/20 — Displaying a deep ruby color, this Syrah offers aromas of blackberry, clove and blueberry. These flavors are echoed on the palate and combined with hints of tobacco and chocolate.

Kitá Wines
2013 Kalas; $50
14.5/20 — With a limited production of only 133 cases, this Bordeaux blend offers rich, complex flavors of baking spice, blackberry and black cherry.




GEORGIA

Chateau Elan
2014 Muscadry; $15
12.5/20 — The muscadine grape, which thrives in the hot climate of southeastern United States, is often referred to as "America's First Grape." This 2014 Muscadry is a straw green color with a palate featuring sweet floral flavors and hints of baking spices.



MICHIGAN

Chateau Grand Traverse
2014 Semi-Dry Riesling; $12
13.5/20 — This wine presents fresh flavors of pear, lemon and honey. It is a versatile semi-dry riesling, pairing well with a wide range of cuisines.

L. Mawby
Grace Brut Rosé; $23
14/20 — Hailing from Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, this brut rosé is produced from 98 percent Pinot Noir and 2 percent Regent grapes. The pale pink brut has aromas of ripe fruit and a crisp, clean finish.



NEW MEXICO

D. H. Lescombes
2010 Limited Release Cabernet Franc; $36
13/20 — This robust Cabernet Franc has a dark red hue. The wine's heavy viscosity leads to a rich mouthfeel highlighted by flavors of black currant, plum and a hint of pipe tobacco.



NEW YORK

Finger Lakes

Dr. Konstantin Frank
Chateau Frank Célèbre; $20
13/20 — Made in New York's Finger Lakes appellation from 100 percent Riesling grapes, this fruity Crémant-style sparkling wine has flavors of apple, honey and baking spices.




TEXAS

Dell Valley

Llano Estacado
2014 Sauvignon Blanc; $8
13/20 — Hailing from the Dell Valley in west Texas, this 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc has refreshing hints of citrus and lemongrass.




VIRGINIA

Rockbridge Vineyard
2013 V d'Or; $20
14/20 — A blend of Vignoles, Riesling, Vidal Blanc and Traminette, this "ice wine" is a dessert wine made using refrigeration technology during the fermentation process. It is a sweet wine with flavors of honey and mandarin oranges.



WASHINGTON

Columbia Valley

Columbia WInery
2012 Columbia Valley Merlot; $16
14/20 — Aromas of cherry and plum lead to a rich palate of oak, vanilla, mocha and dark fruits in the 2012 Merlot.

Michelle
Brut Rosé; $13
13/20 — This brut rosé is made of 93 percent Pinot Noir and 7 percent Pinot Meunier. It has essences of berries on the nose and finishes with a dry, fruity aftertaste.

Walla Walla Valley

Va Piano Vineyards
2012 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $40
14/20 — This Cabernet Sauvignon is well structured with firm tannins. It has flavors of dark fruits and a long finish highlighted by earthy notes.

SOUTH AFRICA

Graham Beck
2009 Brut Rosé; $20
14/20 — Made of 82 percent Pinot Noir and 18 percent Chardonnay, this brut rosé is a bright salmon pink color. It offers aromas of strawberry from the Pinot Noir grapes and a creamy texture from the Chardonnay. On the palate, flavors of raspberry lead to a lingering, creamy finish.

FRANCE

Champagne Montaudon
Grande Rosé; $40
15/20 — A lively pink wine with abundant bubbles, this wine offers aromas of strawberry candy. On the palate, flavors of currant, raspberry and strawberry leave a lingering finish.

ITALY

Il Feuduccio
2013 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Cerasuolo; $18
14/20 — Displaying a light cherry color, this wine has fresh aromas of dried flowers, peach and apricot leading to a well-rounded palate of cherry and almonds.

Hauner
2012 Malvasia Delle Lipari Passito; $36
14/20 — This rich amber-hued dessert wine offers a rich bouqet of fig, apricot, honey and sweet spice that leads to a velvety palate.

Pietradolce
2014 Etna Rosato; $17
13.5/20 — This wine is sourced from a sloping vineyard in Etna, Italy where one of Europe's highest volcanoes is located. The wine has complex fruit flavors and a distinct minerality.

SLOVENIA

Palmieri
White Truffle Dessert Wine; $25
14/20 — This dessert wine is made from white truffles from the finest areas of Italy and grapes harvested in the Koper region of Slovenia. The wine has a powerful aroma and features savory flavors of white truffle.

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