New Wine Releases April 2013

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Kendall-Jackson
2010 Grand Reserve Chardonnay; $22
13.5/20 — Full-bodied and well-balanced, this white wine offers tropical fruit and citrus flavors with a touch of vanilla and spice on the finish. 50,000 cases.

Arroyo Seco

Blair Estate
2010 Delfina's Vineyard Pinot Noir; $35
14.5/20 — This delicate Pinot Noir offers fragrant cherry and baking spice aromas that continue on the palate. 258 cases.

Monterey

Wrath
2010 San Saba Vineyard Syrah; $39
14.5/20 — Ripe and full-bodied, this spicy Syrah boasts black fruit flavors complemented by mineral and earthy notes. 150 cases.

Santa Maria Valley

Riverbench
2010 Cork Jumper Blanc de Blancs; $35
13/20 — An aromatic sparkling wine, it features crisp kiwi and apple flavors followed by toasty notes on the finish. 171 cases.

NORTH COAST

Anderson Valley

Navarro Vineyards
2011 Muscat Blanc; $20
14/20 — Made in a bone dry style, this light white wine displays crisp stone fruit flavors and a bright acidity. 449 cases.

Carneros

La Rochelle
2009 Donum Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir; $75
14.5/20 — A fairly big Pinot Noir, it displays dark fruit flavors, oak and sage structured with supple tannins for ageability. 115 cases.

Dry Creek Valley

Benziger Family Winery
2008 Puma Springs Cabernet Sauvignon; $42
14/20 — This certified sustainable red wine boasts dark, earthy fruit flavors and firm, drying tannins. 381 cases.

Napa Valley

B Cellars
2011 Blend 23; $37
14/20 — Composed of 51 per cent Chardonnay, 37 per cent Sauvignon Blanc and 12 per cent Viognier, this well-balanced blend displays fragrant floral aromas and crisp citrus and tropical fruit flavors. 1,300 cases.

Robert Mondavi
2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $135
16.5/20 — Produced from famed To Kalon Vineyard fruit, this dense red wine boasts firm tannins and concentrated fruit flavors that would benefit from further aging. 7,714 cases.

Staglin Family Vineyard
2010 Estate Chardonnay; $75
16/20 — A prime example of its type, this full-bodied Chardonnay features rounded crisp lemon and soft pear flavors with a chalky minerality.

Sterling Vineyards
2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $75
15/20 — This complex red wine reveals blackberry and black cherry flavors with hints of mocha, anise and vanilla.

V. Sattui
2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $35
14/20 — A well-balanced red wine, it features mouthfilling red fruit flavors, a vibrant acidity and sturdy tannins.

Russian River Valley

MacPhail Family Wines
2010 "The Flyer" Pinot Noir; $59
14.5/20 — This delicate, medium-bodied Pinot Noir boasts red fruit flavors and notes of baking spice on the long finish. 180 cases.

Sonoma County

River Road
2011 Un-Oaked Chardonnay; $14
13/20 — Displaying fragrant aromas and a bright acidity, this fruity Chardonnay would pair well with grilled chicken and white fish dishes.

Yorkville Highlands

Copain
2010 Les Voisins Syrah; $36
14.5/20 — A medium-bodied Syrah, it features blueberry and plum flavors supported by firm tannins and acidity. 591 cases.

Yountville

Domaine Chandon
2007 Yountville Vintage Brut; $45
14/20 — This dry sparkling wine offers crisp apple and pear flavors with hints of almond and baking spice and a creamy mouthfeel.

MULTIPLE AVAS

Herzog Special Reserve
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Zinfandel Syrah; $36
13.5/20 — Composed of 66 percent Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, 31 percent old vine Zinfandel and 3 percent Syrah, this interesting red blend is fruit forward and spicy. 495 cases.

Ménage à Trois
2011 California Pinot Noir; $10
13/20 — Blended from Clarksburg, Central Coast and North Coast fruit, this full-bodied Pinot Noir displays floral aromas, cherry flavors and sturdy tannins.

Mirassou
2011 California Chardonnay; $12
12/20 — This unexceptional white wine offers citrus flavors and a creamy mouthfeel. 117,000 cases.

NEW YORK

FINGER LAKES

Chateau Frank
2006 Brut; $25
14/20 — Composed of 58 percent Chardonnay, 40 percent Pinor Noir and 2 percent Pinot Meunier, this dry sparkling wine offers an excellent balance of fruit and acidity.

Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars
2010 Cabernet Franc; $20
13/20 — This medium-bodied red wine shows cooked fruit flavors with peppery notes and supple tannins.

FRANCE

Alsace

Pierre Sparr
2011 Gewürztraminer; $17
13.5/20 — Offering fruity and floral aromas on the nose, this crisp white wine reveals sweet apricot and honey flavors in the mouth supported by a vibrant acidity. 548 cases exported.

Rhône Valley

Jaillance
Clairette de Die Cuvée Impériale; $17
13/20 — A blend of mostly Muscat and a little Clairette, this semi-sweet sparkling wine would work well as an aperitif.

South West France

Domaine du Tariquet
2011 Classic; $9
12.5/20 — Composed of 45 percent Ugni-Blanc, 35 percent Colombard, 10 percent Sauvignon Blanc and 10 percent Gros Manseng, this dry white blend offers bright citrus flavors and a palate-cleansing acidity.

GERMANY

Rheinhessen

Georg Albrecht Schneider
2011 Niersteiner Paterberg Riesling Kabinett; $15
14/20 — This food-friendly Riesling features sweet citrus flavors balanced by a zesty acidity and mineral notes.

GREECE

Santorini

Santo Wines
2004 Vinsanto; $22 (500 ml)
13/20 — Composed of 85 percent Assyrtiko and 15 percent Aidani grapes, this amber-colored dessert wine offers honey, raisin and caramel flavors and a syrupy mouthfeel.

ITALY

Piedmont

Ceretto
2007 Brunate Barolo DOCG; $99
15.5/20 — This complex red wine boasts black fruit flavors with peppery notes and well-integrated tannins.

Tuscany

Castello d'Albola
2009 Le Ellere Chianti Classico; $25
14/20 — A hearty Sangiovese, it displays ripe berry flavors and firm tannins that would pair well with classic Italian dishes like spaghetti bolognese.

Marchesi di Frescobaldi
2008 Mormoreto; $75
15/20 — A well-balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this dry red wine features blackberry, blueberry and plum flavors with spicy and herbal notes.

SPAIN

Catalonia

Segura Viudas
Reserva Heredad; $25
14/20 — Composed of 67 percent Macabeo and 33 percent Parellada, this well-aged sparkling wine displays floral aromas, dried fruit flavors and a dry finish.

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