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





New Wine Releases April 2011

New wine releases from around the world


NORTH AMERICA

UNITED STATES

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Clif Family Winery
The Climber Pouch California Cabernet Sauvignon; $16
12.5/20
Lively flavors of plum, black currant and blackberry jam lead to a warm, soft finish.


Monterey County

Bridlewood Estate Winery
2009 Monterey County Chardonnay; $15
13/20
Juicy tropical flavors of mango and pineapple give way to notes of vanilla and honey.

Paso Robles

Bianchi Winery
2008 Signature Selection Chardonnay; $10
13.5/20
Aromas of citrus and vanilla open to flavors of peach and toasty oak in the mouth.

Château de Deighton
2003 Cuvée Rouge; $15
12.5/20
This wine is a blend of Grenache and Mourvedre, displaying flavors of red cherry, mocha and pepper.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Talbott Vineyards
2008 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay; $40
14/20
Stone fruit and guava dominate on the palate with racy, citrus acidity and hazelnut at the back of the palate.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Lodi

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon; $7
12.5/20 Dark fruit flavors mingle with coffee and toasted oak nuances for a rich and spicy finish.


NORTH COAST

Carneros

Bouchaine Vineyards
2007 Estate Pinot Noir; $40
13.5/20
Earthy notes dominate on the nose and palate with hints of espresso and black plum.

Castello di Amorosa
2007 Carneros Pinot Bianco; $24
14/20
Crisp and lively, this wine features flavors of grapefruit and apple, which are balanced by good acidity.

Patz & Hall
2008 Hudson Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay; $55
15/20
Bright aromas of peach and pear reveal vibrant flavors of spice cake and caramel apple.

Napa Valley

Chappellet
2009 Napa Valley Chardonnay; $32
15.5/20
Aromas of peach and apricot blend with notes of butter and vanilla for a silky and mineral mouthfeel touched by hints of spicy oak and nutmeg on the finish.

Frank Family Vineyards
2008 Napa Valley Zinfandel; $36
15.5/20
Flavors of black cherry and blueberry emerge from aromas of blackberry, pepper and spice in this lush wine.


Sonoma

Bella Vineyards
2007 Barrel 32, Lily Hill Estate Zinfandel; $48
14.5/20
Aromas of sweet cassis and cocoa reveal lush cherry and black raspberry flavors with hints of cinnamon.


Bella Vineyards
2008 Big River Ranch Petite Sirah; $38
14/20
This dark and intense Petite Sirah offers a luscious bouquet of plum and sweet molasses.


Freestone Vineyards
2008 Chardonnay; $55
14/20
Mineral-driven citrus and honey form a delicate bouquet with richness and depth.


Patz & Hall
2008 Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir; $70
14.5/20
Vibrant red fruit drives this lush wine along with underscores of mocha and nutmeg spice.


Rosenblum Cellars
2008 Maggie's Reserve Zinfandel; $45
14.5/20
Flavors of black cherry and blackberry syrup are accompanied by a hint of pomegranate and spice at the back of the palate.


SIERRA FOOTHILLS

Dunnigan Hills

Crew Wine Company
2008 Sawbuck Malbec; $10
12/20
Flavors of cranberry, raspberry and black cherry mix with spices for a deep and structured wine.


MULTIPLE AVAS

Barefoot Bubbly
Rosé Cuvée Champagne; $10
11.5/20
Light strawberry flavors are joined by citrus and lemon for a bright and clean wine.


Ghost Pines
2009 Zinfandel; $20
14/20
Bright red raspberry and strawberry flavors combine with savory dark spices and nutty characters for a long, supple finish.


MICHIGAN

Old Mission Peninsula

Bowers Harbor Vineyards
2008 Estate Riesling; $14
13/20
Aromas of peach blossom and citrus give way to mineral tones in this sweet Riesling.


OREGON

Willamette Valley

Argyle Winery
2007 Brut; $30
13.5/20
Vibrant aromas of vanilla-spiced pear and citrus blossom reveal long-lasting pear and red apple flavors.


WASHINGTON

Columbia Valley

Hogue Genesis
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $13
14/20
Classic Cab flavors of cassis and blackberry are touched by undertones of cocoa, maple and spice.

AUSTRALIA

South Australia

Penfolds
2008 Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet; $10
13/20 The fleshy fruit flavors of Shiraz combine with the fine tannins of Cabernet for a firm and well-rounded structure.


Victoria

R.L. Buller & Son
Premium Fine Tokay Victoria; $15
13.5/20A smooth palate of honey and citrus fruit is accompanied by layers of toffee and caramel sweetness.

EUROPE

FRANCE

Alsace

Gustave Lorentz

2009 Pinot Noir "Le Rosé"; $19
13/20
This Pinot Noir is delicately fruity, revealing refreshing red berry flavors.


Burgundy

Jean-Marc Brocard

2007 Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume; $30
14.5/20
Bright citrus flavors are tinged with hints of spice, peach and green apple.


Champagne

Champagne Drappier

Carte d'Or Brut NV; $40
14/20
Stone fruit and white peach aromas are echoed on the tongue, with underlying hints of gingerbread and preserved fruit.


Côte de Beaune

Louis Jadot

Pernand Vergelesses 2009 1er Cru Clos de la Croix de Pierre; $39
15/20
The black fruit bouquet is powerful and structured, complemented by round notes and a long, supple finish.


Meursault

Bouchard Père & Fils

2007 Meursault; $45
14/20
Candied peach, spice and flower perfumes are echoed in the mouth along with rich and full tannins.


Vosne-Romanée

Echezeaux

Grand Cru, Domaine Gagey; $169
17.5/20
Rich flavors of black plum and cherry are touched by oak and spice for a silky, impressive wine.


Italy

Barile

Azienda Vinicola Paternoster

2007 GIUV; $34
13.5/20
A complex nose of cherry and prune infused with spice and tobacco leads to a dry and fresh wine with a hint of minerality.


PORTUGAL

Douro Valley

Dow's

2008 Vale do Bomfim Douro DOC; $12
13/20
Red fruit flavors are joined by spice and herbal characters for a rich wine with excellent balance.


SPAIN

Toro

Fariña

2008 Dama de Toro Barrel Aged; $12
13/20
Intense flavors of dark red fruit are balanced with subtle oak for a mouth-filling texture on the palate.

NEW ZEALAND

Marlborough

Kim Crawford

2009 Marlborough Pinot Noir; $16
13/20
Bright and juicy black cherry flavors blend with smoky oak and soft tannins in this fruit-focused wine.


Nobilo Icon
2009 Marlborough Pinot Noir; $20
13.5/20
Dark fruit flavors mix with subtle hints of oak in this rich and velvety wine for a persistent finish.

SOUTH AFRICA

Stellenbosch

Simonsig Family Vineyards

2008 Simonsig Pinotage; $14
13/20
Red berries dominate on the nose and palate while smooth tannins carry the fruit flavor.

New Releases Main Page


PJC031711
(Updated: 08/17/11 BH)


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