Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.





New Wine Releases December 2010

New wine releases from around the world

NORTH AMERICA

UNITED STATES

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Arroyo Grande Valley

Laetitia
2005 Brut Coquard; $28
13.5/20A clean and crisp wine, flavors of lemon citrus are touched by mineral water and tonic for a fresh finish.


Paso Robles

Austin Hope Winery
2009 Grenache; $42
14/20The spicy and earthy entry is followed by robust flavors of cherry, fig and licorice, leaving a smooth long finish of red berries.


Austin Hope Winery
Westside Red Troublemaker; $20
13.5/20Deep blackberry aromas lead to rich flavors of mocha and spice, followed by a long finish.


Liberty School Winery
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon; $11
14/20This fruit-forward selection from Paso Robles offers ripe red fruit on the nose, rich berry on the palate and a long finish.


Santa Maria Valley

Riverbench Vineyards
2007 Estate Pinot Noir; $28
13.5/20Riverbench's 2007 Estate Pinot Noir is ripe with strawberry and cherry on the tongue, leading to a lovely finish of the smoke and clove.


CENTRAL VALLEY

Madera

Woodbridge Winery
Brut; $10
12.5/20This sparkling wine displays flavors of green apple, ripe pear and bright citrus followed by a toasty finish.


NORTH COAST

Anderson Valley

Roederer Estate
Brut Multi-Vintage; $23
13.5/20Crisp and elegant with pear and spice flavors, this wine finishes with great depth and finesse.


Carneros

Gloria Ferrer
2002 Royal Cuvee; $32
13.5/20Abundant flavors of citrus, ripe apple and toast accompany vibrant acidity that refreshes the palate throughout an extremely long finish.


Dry Creek Valley

Quivira Winery
2008 Petite Sirah; $26
13.5/20Known for its big, thick texture and powerful black-purple fruit flavors, the 2008 vintage is concentrated powerful flavor on entry that stays through the finish.


Rosenblum Cellars
2008 Rockpile Road Vineyard Zinfandel; $40
15/20Rich and robust flavors of blackberry, black cherry and raspberry mingle with aromas of spice, tobacco and vanilla.


Napa Valley

Bennett Lane Winery
2008 Turn 4 Cabernet Sauvignon; $19
13/20This NASCAR-inspired red is made with 100 percent sustainably-farmed grapes. Aromas of bright cherry, berry and sage are followed by flavors of chocolate and raspberry.


Domaine Chandon
2003 Étoile Brut Sur Lees; $40
14.5/20A lingering and creamy wine, the Étoile Brut boasts an attractive bouquet of ginger and brown spice.


Frank Family Vineyards
Napa Valley Rouge Champagne; $35
13.5/20Fun and festive with aromas of strawberries and lychee, an essence of orange zest and sparkling fruit flavors tickle the taste buds.


Grgich Hills Estate
2009 Fumé Blanc Napa Valley; $30
14/20A certified organic and Biodynamic wine, the 2009 Fumé Blanc is crisp and elegant with a long finish.


Kristian Story
2007 Warrant Red; $38
13.5/20This wine resonates with flavors of cherries, raspberries and mocha, finishing with notes of espresso and tobacco.


Mumm Napa
2001 DVX; $55
14.5/20Toasted brioche with a hint of oak spice greets the nose, followed by flavors of green apple and ripe peaches.


Patz & Hall Winery
2008 Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay; $39
15/20A sophisticated and elegant Chard, made from only 40 percent new oak, this Patz & Hall offering pairs with a wide array of dishes.


Robert Mondavi Winery
2007 Robert Mondavi Winery Merlot; $23
13/20A sensual wine with a broad mouthfeel, this medium-bodied Merlot exhibits rich berry flavors.


Schramsberg
2001 Reserve; $105
15.5/20Aromas of spiced gingerbread and brioche lead to the fruitful notes of peach and pear. Flavors of mandarin orange and red grapefruit meld with a creamy essence for a lingering finish.


Russian River Valley

Frei Brothers Winery
2009 Sauvignon Blanc ; $17
13.5/20This wine's lovely acidity is complemented with aromas of citrus and melon which extend through to the palate and culminate in a crisp, light finish.


Iron Horse
2005 Ultra Brut; $50
14.5/20This sparkling wine showcases bright citrus flavors with a creamy mouthfeel.


J Vineyards & Winery
1998 Late Disgorged Brut; $65
15.5/20This bottle offers brioche and honey on the nose with spice, cinnamon and caramel flavors.


SIERRA FOOTHILLS

Amador County

Andis Winery
2008 Painted Fields; $22
13/20Flavors of ripe raspberry, white pepper and cocoa create a more full-bodied version of the 2007 Painted Fields.


SOUTH COAST

Temecula

Thornton Winery
1999 Brut Reserve; $38
14/20This sparkler has a nose of apple and yeast. Crisp, clean fruit flavors round out the flavor profile.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Red Rock Winery
2008 California Merlot; $13

13/20This wine exhibits aromas of ripe cherry and strawberry framed by a touch of vanilla. The palate is rich, giving flavors of blackberry and raspberry fruits.

Schramsberg
2003 J. Schram; $100

15.5/20Weighty on the palate, the wine fills the mouth with rich, holiday flavors of caramelized apple, vanilla and spice with a hint of sourdough to add yeasty complexity.

NORTH CAROLINA

ASHEVILLE

Biltmore Estate
2006 Château Reserve Blanc de Blancs; $35

13.5/20 This refreshing sparkling wine displays citrus notes and a touch of yeast and honey.

VIRGINIA

CHARLOTTESVILLE

Kluge Estate Winery & Vineyard
2007 SP Blanc de Blancs; $26

14/20 Made from Kluge Estate's finest Chardonnay grapes and in the méthode traditionelle, this brut blanc de blanc is rich and creamy with a fresh citrus finish.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Hogue Cellars
Genesis 2007 Meritage; $15

14/20 Aromas of brambly blackberry and fig lead to a smooth palate of blueberry, huckleberry and spice. The long finish includes earth notes and cassis.

WOODINVILLE

Domaine Ste. Michelle
Brut; $10

12/20 Bright acidity and effervescence cleanse the palate, while the delicate flavors complement a wide array of dishes.

CANADA

ONTARIO

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE

Jackson-Triggs Vintners
2007 Proprietors' Reserve Vidal Icewine; $65
16/20Exhibiting aromas of papaya, mango and apricot and bold fruit on the palate, this lovely icewine calls for strong cheeses or foie gras.

EUROPE

FRANCE

ALSACE


Domaine Agapé

Crémant d'Alsace; $18
13/20
The spicy and floral bouquet has cider-like flavors of apples and spices accompanied by tart acidity.

CHAMPAGNE

Champagne Taittinger

2003 Comtes de Champagne Brut Rosé; $350
17/20
Ripe strawberry and raspberry flavors team with lemon and yeast to form a complex bouquet.

Champagne Bollinger
La Grande Année Rosé
; $160
16.5/20
This rich and full-bodied rosé has subtle bubbles and complex fruit flavors.

Champagne Delamotte
Brut Rosé; $105
16.5/20
Made by the traditional saignée method, this elegant wine has tiny bubbles with strong red fruit aromas and flavors.

Champagne Henriot
1996 Cuvée des Enchanteleurs; $215
16.5/20
An aroma of fresh fruit and candied citrus fruit is followed by an airy bouquet of dried fruit, caramel and spice.

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
1999 Palmes d'Or Brut; $130
16.5/20
This Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend offers white flower aromas of acacia and honey with a clean palate, followed by a strong, lingering finish.


Champagne G.H. Mumm
Mumm de Cramant; $75
16/20
Elegant on the palate, this wine boasts fresh lime and grapefruit flavors with hints of fragrant white flowers.


Champagne Gosset
Grande Reserve; $64
16/20
Aromas of red blackcurrants, dried fruits and gingerbread meet the nose, while the palate is inundated with refreshing mineral notes and flavors of ripe fruit.


Champagne Perrier-Jouet
2002 Brut Fleur de Champagne Rosé; $299
16/20
This rich rosé offers a vibrant bouquet of strawberry and citrus, leading to a nicely balanced finish.

Champagne Perrier-Jouet
2002 Brut Fleur de Champagne; $150
16/20
Flavors of gingerbread, honey, and grapefruit dominate in this vibrant Champagne, finishing with a nutty note.

Champagne Henriot
NV Brut Rosé; $80
15.5/20
A wine full of freshness, this rosé features a complex bouquet dominated by raspberry and mineral notes, leading to a balanced finish.

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
2003 Cuvée 225; $96
15.5/20
Abundant flavors of honey, spices, and yellow fleshy fruit lead to a fresh and well-structured finale.


Champagne Saint-Chamant
1999 Millesime Brut Blanc de Blancs; $80
15.5/20
Generous notes of white fruits, biscuit and chalky minerals dominate the flavor, finishing with a vibrant finesse.


Champagne Taittinger
Prélude NV Grands Crus; $75
15.5/20
Mineral aromas lead to floral scents and spicy cinnamon overtones, and the palate is intense with flavors of citrus and white peach.


Champagne Ayala
1999 Millesimé; $74
15/20
Consisting of 80 percent Pinot Noir and 20 percent Chardonnay, this unique blend provides the strength of the Pinot Noir with a light, fresh finish of Chardonnay.


Champagne G.H. Mumm
1998 Brut R. Lalou Cuvée Prestige; $150
15/20
Chardonnay grapes give fullness to this wine, while Pinot Noir grapes give it a powerful bouquet, blending into a lovely, long finish.


Champagne Gonet-Medeville
NV Rose Extra Brut; $69
15/20
This elegant wine is almost pastel in color and boasts subtle undercurrents of peach and raspberry.


Champagne Gosset
Brut Excellence; $44
15/20
White jasmine and honeysuckle perfume give way to flavors of sweet peaches and nectarines.


Champagne Henriot
Brut Souverain; $60
15.5/20
A lovely bouquet of white flower and citrus is followed by a well-balanced and harmonious palate.


Louis Roederer
Brut Premier; $45
15/20
This Champagne features flavors of grapefruit zest and citrus with a touch of toast. On the dry side, the finish has lingering notes of butter pastry.


Champagne Pol Roger
Brut Reserve 'White Foil' NV; $45
15/20
A delicate aroma of flowers and toast lead to a complex body that is balanced with a dry, harmonious finish.


Champagne Taittinger
Prestige Rosé; $45
15/20
Ripe strawberry and raspberry flavors team with lemon and yeast to form a complex bouquet that earns the “Prestige” of its title.


Champagne Veuve Clicquot
Rosé; $60
15/20
Based on Brut Yellow Label's traditional blend, this light Champagne has bright flavors of strawberries with a hint of smokiness, leading to a lengthy, intense finish.


Champagne Deutz
Brut Classic; $40
14.5/20
This well-rounded Champagne displays floral notes on the nose followed by aromas of toast and ripe fruits. The silky texture transitions into an intensely fruity finish.


Champagne Diebolt-Vallois
Brut Cuvée Tradition; $54
14.5/20
A blend of the region's three grape varieties (40 percent Chardonnay; 40 percent Pinot Noir; and 20 percent Pinot Meunier), this sparkler is fresh with lively notes of citrus.


Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
2004 Brut Blanc de Blancs; $46
14.5/20
Mineral aromas with touches of flower blossoms and acacia reveal a full-bodied and smooth palate.


Champagne Perrier-Jouët
Blason Rosé; $75
14.5/20
Ripe strawberries and raspberries dominate the aroma and lead to strawberry and citrus on the palate. Earthy notes lead into the long, persistent finish.


Champagne Pommery
Brut Apanage; $70
14.5/20
Aromas of fresh, buttery citrus fruits complement a creamy mouthfeel and flavors of hazelnuts, dried apricots and vanilla.


Champagne Saint-Chamant
Brut Blanc de Blancs; $56
14.5/20
This rich blend is introduced by vanilla and caramel aromas, followed by notes of peach and candied citrus. The lengthy finish includes a touch of coffee and roasted almond.


Champagne Ayala
Rosé Majeur; $52
14/20
This fleshy and vinous rosé is both an ideal aperitif and a great match for fatty fish or roasted lamb.


Champagne Collet
2000 Brut Millésime; $52
14/20
A clean nose of red currant and strawberry is a preview of the red fruit flavors in the mouth.


Champagne Diebolt-Vallois
Brut Rosé; $60
14/20
A lively pink champagne, the Brut Rosé has an aromatic bouquet of ripe raspberries, black cherry and pomegranate.


Champagne Gonet-Medeville
NV Blanc de Noirs 1er Cru; $60
14/20
The intensely mineral nose displays green apple and citrus, which persist through the impressive finishing lift.


Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
Brut Réserve Particulière; $30
14/20
The fresh opening has floral notes with a predominant white fruit flavor. Touches of apple and almond lead into a balanced finish.


Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
Brut Rosé; $48
14/20
This well-balanced rosé features raspberries, blackberries and strawberries in the light and elegant bouquet.


Champagne Perrier-Jouet
Grand Brut; $45
14/20
Aromas of tropical fruit and spice lead into flavors of fresh apples and lemons.


Champagne Taittinger
Brut La Francaise; $40
14/20
This rich Champagne with hints of toast, yellow fruit and coconut milk offers round flavors of peach and honey that lead to a long, dry finish.


Champagne Ayala
Brut Majeur; $39
13.5/20
A pale golden color, this sparkler offers appealing fruitiness and a long finish.


Champagne Besserat de Bellefon
Cuvée des Moines; $50
13.5/20
Floral aromas open to fresh fruit flavors of apricot, pineapple and bush peach for a long and assertive finish.


Champagne Collet
Brut Rosé; $45
13.5/20
This Champagne mixes Pinot Meunier in with the regular Pinot Gris and Chardonnay to help contribute to its unique flavor.


Champagne G.H. Mumm
Brut Rosé; $55
13.5/20
Intense summer fruit aromas are followed by rich flavors of red fruit, caramel and vanilla.


Champagne G.H. Mumm
Cordon Rouge; $30
13.5/20
Notes of peaches, pears and green apple are followed by the freshness of candied lemons and apricot on the palate.


Champagne Gonet-Medeville
NV Brut Tradition; $54
13.5/20
Aromas of strawberry, lemon, and honey lead to juicy red berry and orchard fruit flavors.


Champagne Bonnaire
Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs; $30
13/20
Powerful on the nose with floral scents, this Champagne has strong flavors of apple leading to a crisp, long finish.


LOIRE

Marquis de la Tour

Brut Rosé; $9
12/20
Elegant notes of strawberries and raspberries are followed by red fruit flavors, leading to a long finish.

GREAT BRITAIN

SUSSEX

Ridgeview Estate
Bloomsbury 2007; $35
14.5/20Chardonnay dominates in this English sparkling, bringing crisp fruit freshness and toasty notes all the way to the firm, short finish.


ITALY

LOMBARDY

Antinori Montenisa
Franciacorta Brut DOCG; $37
13.5/20Intense aromas of white peaches and apples are enhanced on the palate by ripe fruit flavors.


PIEDMONT

Mondoro
Sparkling Asti; $15
12/20Produced entirely from white muscat grapes, this refreshing wine has a delicately sweet character.


TRENTINO

Ferrari
Brut; $25
13.5/20Flavors of ripe golden apples, wild flowers and yeast lead to a pleasant finish of ripe fruit and a hint of bread crust.


Cavit
N.V. Lunetta Prosecco; $11
13/20Fine bubbles and enticing aromas of apple and peach are present in this sparkler. Crisp fruit flavors are followed by a dry finish.


VENETO

Lamberti
Rose Spumante Veneto VSAQ; $13
12.5/20The wine has powerful aromas of flowers and bananas, followed by fresh and fruity flavors.


Nino Franco
Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG; $18
13/20Fruity and floral, this wine features a fine bead with a persistent creaminess that retains crisp acidity.


SPAIN

CATALONIA

Castellblanch
Rosado Cava Seco; $12
13/20This fresh and silky Cava Seco offers a smoky, citrus aroma that balances nicely with flavors of peach and brown sugar.


DERRAMADOR VALLEY

Torre Oria
Cava Brut; $13
13/20A crisp, brunch-style sparkler, the Cava Brut has a medium-fine stream of bubbles and a clean finish.


VINO DE LA TIERRA DE CASTILLA Y LEON

Bodegas Farina
Peromato Tempranillo; $9
12.5/20This medium-bodied Tempranillo from Spain offers easy drinking with pure, juicy fruit. Flavors of blackberry and licorice are accompanied by bright acidity.

SOUTH AMERICA

ARGENTINA

MENDOZA

Alamos

2008 Malbec; $20
14/20
With ripe black fruits and black pepper spice on the nose, this bottle has blackberry and currant flavors mingled with a touch of leather.


Trapiche
Extra Brut; $15
13/20
The wine shows aromas of apples and pineapples with a toasted bread note. In the mouth, the Semillon and Malbec create a full, crisp character.

New Releases Main Page


PJC120810
(Updated: 05/22/13 BH)


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