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.
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
13.5/20 — A smooth palate of honey and citrus fruit is accompanied by layers of toffee and caramel sweetness.
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.
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.
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.
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PJC031711 |
(Updated: 08/17/11 BH) |