New Wine Releases September 2010

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Cupcake Vineyards
2008 Pinot Noir; $13
13.5/20 — This smooth California red has the aroma of cherries and flavors of red currants and spices; The tannins are soft.

Livermore Valley

Darcie Kent Vineyards
2006 Crown Block Merlot; $13
14/20 — Bold fruit flavors of deep black cherry and plum create a rich, smooth palate; The finish has subtle, earthy tobacco notes.

Monterey Bay

Pietra Santa Winery
2009 Pinot Grigio; $18
13/20 — Intense flavors of white peaches are complemented by subtle mineral notes. This crisp wine has a refreshing finish with hints of lemon and grapefruit.

Paso Robles

Eberle Winery
2008 Mill Road Viognier; $20
13.5/20 — A floral bouquet of lychee, honeysuckle and apricot complements flavors of peach and melon; The finish is long with hints of candied ginger.

Santa Clara Valley

Guglielmo Winery
2007 Private Reserve Zinfandel; $19
14/20 — Displaying aromas of fruit, spice, and oak, this wine is well-balanced. Lively fruit flavors of strawberry and tangerine make up the palate; Serve with lamb, steak, spicy pasta dishes and well aged cheeses.

Santa Ynez Valley

Jorian Hill
2007 BEEspoke; $38
14/20 — An equal blend of Grenache and Syrah, this wine displays elements of raspberry, cherry, blackberry and spice.

Windmill
2006 Syrah; $12
13/20 — A bright and fruity wine with strong notes of raspberry and blueberry; The soft body is followed by a peppery finish.

NORTH COAST

Dry Creek Valley

Bella Vineyards
2007 Lily Hill Estate Zinfandel; $38
14.5/20 —A big, full wine, this Zinfandel has aromas and flavors of ripe, red cherry, black currant and a bit of baking spice; The finish has a hint of coffee and soft tannins.

Dashe Cellars
2007 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel; $24
13/20 —Black cherry, blackberry and chocolate aromas comprise the nose of this velvety Zinfandel. The spicy fruit flavors are followed by a long sweet finish.

Mendocino County

Duckhorn Vineyards
2007 Goldeneye Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley; $55
15/20 —Harvested from 10 vineyards in the Anderson Valley, this Pinot Noir has a medium-weight with layers of fruit and firm tannins. Aromas of star anise, toasty oak and morel mushrooms give way to flavors of ripe berry and bittersweet chocolate.

Scharffenberger Cellars
NV Brut, Anderson Valley; $20
14/20 —This fruit-forward brut has flavors of litchi nut and mango; The flavors are complemented by notes of freshly baked bread and vanilla cream.

Napa Valley

Chappellet Winery
2007 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon; $135
15/20 — The color of this complex Cabernet is deep violet. Aromas offer notes of violet and blackberry that lead into flavors of espresso and chocolate; The mouthfeel is silky.

Mount Veeder Winery
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $40
15/20 — This big and bold wine shows flavors of black cherry and boysenberry with hints of vanilla and mocha; The tannins are round and mouth-filling.

Robert Mondavi Winery
2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $135
17/20 — This intensely fragrant red wine has aromas of graphite and notes of lavendar and bay. Rich flavors of berry are present with a soft earthiness and a hint of minerality; The tannins are firm and sweet.

Russian River Valley

Duckhorn Wine Company
2008 Migration Russian River Chardonnay; $35
14.5/20 —Less than 800 cases of this wine were produced. Abundant with lemon and floral aromas, this wine has flavors of white peaches and Asian pear.

Dutton-Goldfield Winery
2008 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay; $35
14.5/20 —Less than 2,500 cases of this Chardonnay from the Green Valley were produced. In the nose, aromas of lemon zest are balanced by scents of buttercream and a hint of caramel. Lively citrus flavors make up the palate.

Iron Horse Vineyards
Joy! Rosé; $160
15.5/20 —Showing flavors of red berries and a bright acidity, this limited production sparkler has an underlying meaty note. Pair with tuna tartar or roasted chicken with lemon.

Iron Horse Vineyards
1996 Green Valley Sparkling Cuvée; $145
14/20 —Displaying toasted hazelnut, orange marmalade and ripe red apple on the nose, this limited production sparkler has flavors of ripe red apple and creamy butter.

Iron Horse Vineyards
2004 Ultra Brut, Green Valley; $50
13.5/20 — Aromas of mild hazelnut and green apple are present with flavors of key lime and a touch of orange peel. Serve with oysters, sushi, sashimi, and cured or smoked fish.

MacMurray Ranch
2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir; $35
13.5/20 —Deep black cherry notes are complemented by flavors of subtle oak; The finish has richness and depth. Pairs well with lamb, grilled salmon and mushrooms.

Sonoma Valley

Gloria Ferrer Vineyards
2004 Blanc de Blancs; $24
13.5/20 — Aromas of Asian pear, lemon and star fruit flood from this creamy Blanc de Blancs; The texture is creamy with flavors of tangerine and white chocolate.

MacRostie Winery and Vineyards
2006 Syrah, Wildcat Mountain Vineyard; $34
15/20 — Aromas of dark plum and ripe blueberries give way to flavors of chocolate and blackberry jam with a long, creamy finish.

Matanzas Creek Winery
2007 Sauvignon Blanc; $24
14/20 — An enticingly fruity aroma opens into a palate of crisp citrus and melon. A hint of white herb is accompanied by a soft, round mouthfeel resulting in a fresh finish.

MULTIPLE AVAs

un4seen Wines
2008 California Red; $10
13/20 — Assertive scents of ripe cherry and hints of perfume open into deep, fruit flavors; The mouthfeel is rich and silky.

MICHIGAN

LEELANAU PENINSULA

Black Star Farms
2007 A Capella Riesling Ice Wine; $92
13.5/20 —This dessert wine is a combination of the rich flavors of ripe apricots, peaches, pineapple and subtle spices.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

RiverAerie Cellars
2007 Barbera; $16
13/20 — Dark ruby in color, this wine has aromas of plum and blackberry. The flavors are soft and the tannins are moderate; Hints of mocha and spice linger on the palate.

SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA

Black Swan Wines
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon; $8
13/20 — Flavors of dark berry fruit, lioght mint and chocolate are supported by structured tannins; This wine pairs well with dishes like Osso Bucco or roast pork.

Cupcake Vineyards
2008 Shiraz; $13
13/20 — This Shiraz from the Barossa Valley has a nose of plum and blackberry jam. Flavors of black fruit and creamy chocolate linger on the palate after a long, dry finish.

FRANCE

ALSACE

Helfrich
2008 Gewürztraminer, Grand Cru, Steinklotz; $24
14.5/20 — This wine shows substantial backbone and nice acidity, with aromas of lychee, melon and rose on the nose.

BORDEAUX

Xavier Flouret
2006 La Victoire, Premières Côtes de Blaye; $21
14/20 —Grapes for this wine are grown in the oldest producing region in Bordeaux. Fruity aromas of blackberry and cherry with a structure of smooth tannins create an elegant structure. Pair with chocolate.

CHAMPAGNE

Collet
Brut "Grand Art"; $39
13/20 — Layers of sharp citrus unfold with flavors of mineral and honey; The finish is balanced and well-structured.

LOIRE VALLEY

Domaine des Baumard
Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé Extra; $25
13/20 — This delicate sparkler is dry with flavors of fresh strawberry and red currant.

GERMANY

MOSEL

Xavier Flouret
2007 Kavalier; $24
14.5/20 — Bright gold green in color, this versatile dry wine has a bouquet of apples. Flavors of fruit and sharp acidity create a crisp palate followed by a dry finish.

ITALY

COLLIO

Russiz Superiore
2005 Cabernet Franc; $26
14.5/20 — Deep ruby in color, this wine has intense, ripe fruity aromas. The palate is elegant with flavors of dark fruit and green pepper; the body is rich.

UMBRIA

Cantina Novelli
2006 Montefalco Rosso; $25
13.5/20 — A blend of mostly Sangiovese with Sagrantino, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers good weight and complexity.

VENETO

Albino Armani
2009 Pinot Grigio; $19
14/20 — Pale yellow in color, this wine displays aromas of white flowers and white peaches. The palate is fruity and clean; the finish is long and complex with a hint of spice.

SPAIN

CATALONIA

Montsarra
NV Cava; $24
13/20 — Created from a blend of Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parella grapes, this Brut is straw-yellow in color. A fruity bouquet is accompanied by lasting bubbles and a crisp finish; This wine makes an ideal apertif.

CHILE

CENTRAL VALLEY

Terra Andina
2009 Carmenere; $12
13/20 — This wine combines ripe blackberry and blueberry with hints of pepper and caramel; It also displays soft tannins and a fresh finish.

MARLBOROUGH

Gunn Estate
2006 Skippers Pool Sauvignon Blanc; $18
14/20 — Showing fresh tropical fruit flavors, this crisp white has a hint of red pepper. The wine finishes with intensity and a clean length.

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