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





New Wine Releases November 2010

New wine releases from around the world

NORTH AMERICA

UNITED STATES

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Monterey County

Blackstone Winery
2009 Winemaker's Select; $9
13/20Brilliant flavors of Meyer lemon, Pippin apple and vanilla combine with well-balanced acidity to create a smooth, layered palate with a lingering finish.


Darcie Kent Vineyards
2009 Grüner Veltliner; $18
13/20This white wine has a nose of lime and white fruits. Crisp, clean citrus flavors round out the flavor profile.


Paso Robles

Niner Wine Estates
2007 Merlot, Bootjack Ranch; $24
14/20Displaying flavors of cherry and raspberry, this rich Merlot has excellent balance and good length.


Santa Maria Valley

Riverbench Vineyards
2008 Mesa Pinot Noir; $48
13.5/20This Santa Maria Valley wine combines aromas of rose petals and pomegranate with flavors of earthy mushroom, leading to a bright, clean finish.


Santa Rita Hills

Sea Smoke Cellars
2008 Southing Pinot Noir; $52
14.5/20The nose exhibits clove, dusty blueberry, cola and violets. The voluptous mouthfeel and fine tannins are balanced by a subtle acidity.


NORTH COAST

High Valley

Two Angels
2006 Divinity Rhône Blend; $24
14/20 This red blend has aromas of anise and blueberries with a palate of raspberry, cherry, vanilla and oak. Serve with duck, turkey or semi-hard cheeses.


Napa Valley

Chappellet Vineyard
2007 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon; $46

15/20 This California red begins with scents of cinnamon and cocoa followed by flavors of espresso and red fruit; The finish has a hint of bittersweet chocolate.

Franciscan Estate
2006 Magnificat Red Wine; $50

14.5/20Aromas of dark cherry, sage and plum are followed by full-bodied flavor of cocoa and cassis. The rich finish is interwoven with blackberry and mocha.

Hyde Vineyard
2007 Carneros Chardonnay; $55

15/20 This single-vineyard Chardonnay has a plush, creamy quality. Aromatics of white flower and marmalade lead into flavors of peach and spicy pear.

Kristian Story
2006 "Rhapsodie"; $60

14.5/20Inviting aromas of black cherry and fresh earth give way to mocha and blueberries interlaced with graphite on the palate, leading into a long finish.

Melka Winery
2008 CJ Cabernet Sauvignon; $52

13.5/20 Ripe with blueberry, black currant and black cherry flavors, this Cabernet has a hint of anise on the back of the palate leading into a lingering caramel finish.

Waterstone Wines
2008 Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon; $12

13/20 Flavors of strawberry, rose and hibiscus lead to a dry, acidic finish.

Sonoma

B.R. Cohn Winery
NV Boater's Barbera; $22

13.5/20 Full of aromas of cherry, ripe jam and plum, this wine is tart with toasty vanilla flavors.

Dashe Cellars
2007 Late Harvest Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley; $24

14/20Less than 1,000 cases of this wine were produced. Floral aromas of lavender and raspberry lead into flavors of cherry and vanilla; The acidity is balanced.

Perception
2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir; $53

15/20This complex wine starts with ripe dark fruits on the nose with flavors of black cherry and violet balanced by spice and toasted oak. The balance leads to a long, persistent finish.

Perception
2007 Russian River Valley Zinfandel; $38

13.5/20 This wine has aromas of cherry cola and blackberry which lead to flavors of tart cherry, black licorice and bramble. The medium finish is touched by black pepper.

Ravenswood Winery
2008 Vinters Blend Petite Sirah; $10

13.5/20 Powerful flavors of cherry and chocolate are backed with well-structured tannins. This red pairs well with turkey and chicken.

Rodney Strong Vineyards
2007 Knotty Vines Zinfandel; $20

13.5/20 Powerful flavors of cherry and chocolate are backed with well-structured tannins. This red pairs well with turkey and chicken.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Domain Chandon
Blanc de Noirs; $22

14/20A delicate salmon color, this versatile wine pairs well with everything from fruity to spicy to salty foods. Full fruit flavors dominate the palate and the lingering finish is soft.

Mirassou Winery
2008 Sauvignon Blanc; $12

13/20 This bright California white balances delicate aromas with crisp fruit flavors; The finish is soft.

MICHIGAN

OLD MISSION PENINSULA

Peninsula Cellars
2007 Pinot Blanc; $17
13.5/20 Only 254 cases of this crisp white were produced. Aromatics of pear, apple and honey carry into the flavor profile. The mouthfeel is rich and ripe.


OREGON

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Argyle Winery

14/20 The aromas offer a bouquet of honeysuckle, casaba and soft vanilla. Highly effervescent in the mouth, this sparkling wine has flavors of red currant underscored by a stony minerality.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Gramercy Cellars
2008 "The Third Man"; $45

14/20 A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, this red blend exhibits flavors of granite, mushroom and sweet red fruits.

EUROPE

FRANCE

BURGUNDY

Beaujolais

Georges Duboeuf

Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2010 ; $11
13.5/20
Generous notes of strawberry and black currant dominate the nose, with silky tannins that bring smoothness to the palate. The long finish has subtle touches of sweet Griottine cherry.

Aisne

Charles de Fère

Cuvée Jean-Louis Rosé Brut; $9
12/20
Made from 95 percent percent Chardonnay, this wine has a fine steely character. Bright and fresh, there are flavors of grapefruit and a crisp finish.


LOIRE VALLEY

Sancerre

Domaine Chatelain

2008 French Blonde Sauvignon Blanc; $24
13.5/20
Grown by a 12th generation winemaker, this wine has a fine steely character. Bright and fresh, there are flavors of lemon and grapefruit and a crisp finish.


ITALY

APULIA

Li Veli

2008 "Primonero" Salento IGT ; $18
14/20
Fermented in French oak barrels, the wine features a bouquet intense with red fruits and flowers. The acidity and sweetness are balanced, leading to a lingering finish of sweet tannins and fruit.

Li Veli
2007 Pezzo Morgana Salice Salentino; $20
13/20
Cherry jam and prune aromas are enhanced by flavors or caramel, raisins and almonds. The finish is lengthy with earthy notes.

BOLGHERI

Antinori
Guado al Tasso Vermentino; $25
14/20
Straw gold in color, this medium-bodied wine delivers intense fruit flavors of apricots and nectarines followed by mineral notes. Pair with shellfish or seafood.


COLLIO

Russiz Superiore

Col Disôre Collio Bianco; $21
13.5/20
This well-structured wine begins with an elegant bouquet of acacia flowers and grapefruit followed by a warm finish with almond undertones.

SOUTH AMERICA

ARGENTINA

MENDOZA

Alamos
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon; $13
13/20Deep garnet in color, this robust wine displays flavors of brown spices and dark berries. The wine will continue to age well.

Bodegas Chandon
NV Baron B Extra Brut; $17
13/20This dry sparkler with delicate foam offers lively flavors of pears and apples .

CHILE

COLCHAGUA VALLEY

Casa Silva
2009 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc; $10
13/20Light gold in color with a nose of apples and flowers, this wine has a short, round finish following a crisp pear flavor.

Viu Manent
2007 San Carlos Estate Malbec; $15
14/20This dense purple wine delivers aromas of plum and fig followed by flavors of dark chocolate and mocha; The finish lingers.

New Releases Main Page


PJC111710
(Updated: 05/22/13 BH)


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