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





New Wine Releases January 2010

New wine releases from around the world

NORTH AMERICA

UNITED STATES

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Paso Robles

Bianchi
2006 Merlot; $22

13/20A dark, robust Merlot offering cherry fruit and meaty flavors; pairs will with barbequed salmon.

Eberle
2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $33

14/20Displaying flavors of rich black currant, dark cherry and hints of mocha, this robust Cabernet pairs well with filet mignon, lamb or barbecued ribs.

Purple Cowboy
2007 Night Rider Merlot; $12

13/20Smooth and full-bodied, this dark Merlot displays flavors of cherry pie and cassis, with cocoa tannins on the finish.

Santa Maria Valley

Bianchi
2006 Garey Vineyard Pinot Noir; $30

14/20This vintage offers fruity flavors of berry and dried cherries, and stands up well to braised lamb shanks.

La Fenetre
2007 Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay; $38

15.5/20A bouquet exhibiting fresh citrus leads to an entry dominated by lime, lemon zest, sour apple and quince; A smooth finish of creme brulee followed by toasted coconut.

Sierra Madre Vineyard
2007 Pinot Noir; $42

14/20French oak-aged, this spicy and elegant Pinot Noir offers smoky, red cherry fruit aromas and displays notes of vanilla and subtle earthiness.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Madera

Quady
2007 Essensia; $16

13.5/20Composed from 100 percent Orange Muscat grapes, this dessert wine pairs well with sweets, particularly chocolate and those containing almonds, peaches and apples.

NORTH COAST

Bennett Valley

Matanzas Creek Winery
2005 Merlot; $49

14.5/20This full-bodied, well balanced Merlot is a beautifully rich crimson color with notes of cassis and hay on the nose and clove, coffee and white pepper on the palate. Enjoy today or over the next ten years.

Dry Creek Valley

Dashe Cellars
2006 Louvau Vineyard Old Vines Zinfandel; $32

14.5/20Conveying scents of raspberry, cherry and spice, this dark purple Zin’s palate consists of round, chalky tannins and flavors of black raspberry, cherry, lavender, anise and clove.

Napa Valley

Antica
2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $55
15.5/20This vintage offers currant, blackberry and black cherry flavors, with a full-bodied and powerful palate.


Joseph Phelps
2005 Insignia; $200
17.5/20Comprised of 92 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 7 percent Petit Verdot and 1 percent Merlot, this elegant blend is classically structured with balanced tannins and a persistent finish.


Krupp Brothers
2005 Veraison Synchrony; $60

14.5/20This meritage fills the palate with strong fruit flavors of blueberries, raspberries and black cherry; A bit too young, it's best to let it age.

Robert Mondavi Winery
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $28

13.5/20This well-structured vintage offers blueberry and black plum flavors with a hint of black olive.

Russian River Valley

Blackstone
2007 Sonoma Reserve Pinot Noir; $20

13/20Red fruit flavors and a hint of vanilla and spice complement the fleshy mouthfeel and a silky finish.

Stags Leap District

Clos Du Val
2002 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $52

16/20Aromas of dark fruit, spice and dried herbs give way to fleshy dark fruit flavors and silky tannins; This rich and full-bodied red will age well.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Candor
Merlot; $20

14/20Rich and full-bodied, this Californian Merlot offers flavors of blackberry and plum, with smoke and vanilla accents.

Dancing Bull
2008 Sauvignon Blanc; $12

13.5/20This crisp and clean wine exhibits bright citrus tanginess balanced with a hint of cut grass.

Robert Mondavi Winery
2007 Fume Blanc; $20

14/20Aromas of lemon verbena and orange blossoms lead to fresh flavors of white peach and kumquats, complemented by a creamy texture.

MICHIGAN

OLD MISSION PENINSULA

Chateau Grand Traverse
2005 Riesling Ice Wine; $70

14/20This concentrated dessert-style wine abounds with fruit flavors and sweet nectar-like qualities; we recommend serving slightly chilled.

OREGON


ROGUE VALLEY

Rockblock
2001 Del Rio Vineyard Syrah; $30
15.5/20This dark and complex wine displays a palate of wild black cherry, anise, dark chocolate and leather.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Seven Hills
2007 Merlot; $22
14/20This balanced wine with gentle tannins offers aromas of red plum and blackberry, complemented by sweet oak tones of toffee and spice.


Gordon Brothers
2006 Syrah; $20
13.5/20Flavors of cranberry and currants are framed by black licorice; The lingering finish complements grilled meats.

SOUTH AFRICA

STELLENBOSCH

Simonsig
2005 Pinotage; $14

12.5/20Plum and berry fruit aromas lead to ripe berry and sour cherry fruit flavors; Best served with rich and aromatic dishes.

New Releases Main Page


PET122309
(Updated: 05/22/13 BH)


Sip on GAYOT's picks of the best small-production craft beers.

Sip straight or mix up a margarita with GAYOT's picks of the best tequilas under $100.