New Wine Releases October 2013

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Arroyo Grande Valley

Laetitia
2009 Cuvée M; $35
13.5/20 — Composed of 50 percent Pinot Noir and 50 percent Chardonnay, this crisp sparkling wine features a dry mouthfeel and delicate bubbles. 459 cases.

Livermore Valley

Darcie Kent
2008 Madden Ranch Petite Sirah; $24
14/20 — This full-bodied red wine blended with a small amount of Merlot offers ripe dark fruit flavors that would pair well with steaks and ribs. 2,500 cases.

Paso Robles

Tower 15
2012 Sauvignon Blanc; $18
13/20 — This crisp, dry white wine displays floral and citrus aromas on the nose and tropical fruit flavors and a hint of minerality in the mouth.

NORTH COAST

Anderson Valley

Navarro Vineyards
2010 Chardonnay, Première Reserve; $25
14/20 — A bone dry Chardonnay, it features stone fruit flavors and a zippy acidity. 2,366 cases.

Howell Mountain

Howell at the Moon
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon; $85
15/20 — This earthy red wine boasts complex red fruit flavors balanced by a food-friendly acidity and supple tannins. 650 cases.

Napa Valley

Atalon
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon; $35
13.5/20 — Blended with other Bordeaux varietals, this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is fairly well-balanced, featuring black fruit flavors with vegetal notes and ripe tannins. 7,200 cases.

Black Stallion
2012 Syrah Rosé; $22
13.5/20 — This dry rosé boasts strawberry and floral aromas, a medium-bodied mouthfeel and a crisp acidity. 235 cases.

Charles Krug
2010 Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon; $90
16.5/20 — An intense and full-bodied red wine, it displays rich blackberry and pomegranate flavors and aggressive tannins that should mellow with age.

DARE by Viader
2011 Cabernet Franc; $48
15/20 — Featuring fragrant berry and floral aromas on the nose, this delicate red wine reveals strawberry and raspberry flavors in the mouth. 487 cases.

Opus One
Overture Red Wine; $80
15.5/20 — The second-tier wine from Opus One, Overture is a multi-vintage blend of Bordeaux varietals that shows an excellent balance of fruit, acidity and tannins.

Russian River Valley

Acorn
2000 Axiom Syrah Cuvée; $20
14/20 — A blend of mostly Syrah with some Viognier, Cinsault and Zinfandelo, this spicy Rhone wine features ripe black fruit flavors and firm tannins. 404 cases.

Dutton-Goldfield
2011 Dutton Ranch Walker Hill Vineyard Chardonnay; $50
15/20 — This elegant white wine boasts intense citrus flavors with hints of ginger and tofee, lively acidity and a clean finish. 571 cases.

Sonoma Coast

Francis Coppola
2011 Director's Sonoma Coast Chardonnay; $17
13/20 — A crisp aromatic Chardonnay that offers apple, peach and tangerine flavors, it would pair well with fish and seafood dishes.

MULTIPLE AVAS

Ballatore
Rosso Spumante; $8
12/20 — This sweet sparkling red wine is low in alcohol and offers juicy raspberry and cherry flavors.

Bota Box
2012 California Pinot Grigio; $20 (3L)
12/20 — Offering fragrant floral and stone fruit aromas on the nose, it reveals peach and nectarine flavors on the palate.

Ménage à Trois
2010 Red Wine; $10
13/20 — A blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this full-bodied red wine is dry, fruit-forward and food-friendly.

Murphy-Goode
2011 California Pinot Noir; $15
13/20 — Blended from Monterey, Santa Barbara and Mendocino grapes, this ripe Pinot Noir exhibits dark fruit flavors and easy-drinking tannins.

Stark Wild
2011 Red Blend; $18
12.5/20 — Composed of 38 percent Zinfandel, 37 percent Grenache and 25 percent Petite Sirah, this unusual blend features thick blackberry flavors and tough tannins. 165 cases.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Chateau Ste Michelle
2009 Ethos Cabernet Sauvignon; $45
14/20 — At 15.5 percent alcohol, this robust Cabernet Sauvignon boasts concentrated fruit flavors and supple tannins. 2,100 cases.

SOUTH AFRICA

Western Cape

Ken Forrester
2012 Petit Chenin Blanc; $12
13/20 — A refreshing white wine, it offers pear, apple and quince flavors, a dry mouthfeel and a crisp, clean finish. 5,500 cases imported.

FRANCE

Rhône Valley

Famille Perrin
2010 Côtes du Rhône Villages; $15
13/20 — Composed of 60 percent Grenache and 40 percent Syrah, it shows dark cherry flavors with a touch of licorice.

GERMANY

Mosel

Dr. Fischer
2010 Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett; $20
14/20 — Boasting plenty of acidity and minerality to balance out the residual sugar, this low-alcohol wine would pair well with poultry and seafood.

Rheinhessen

Weingut Dr. Heyden
2011 Oppenheimer Sackträger Riesling Spätlese; $18
13.5/20 — This late harvest Riesling features juicy peach and apricot flavors with a hint of minerality.

ITALY

Piedmont

Damilano
2008 Cannubi Barolo DOCG; $85
16.5/20 — Made from Nebbiolo grapes, this rich, full-bodied red wine boasts fragrant aromas, complex flavors and silky tannins.

Puglia

Tormaresca
2009 Trentangeli; $24
13.5/20 — Composed of 65 percent Aglianico, 25 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 10 percent Syrah, it displays red fruit flavors with a touch of spice.

Tuscany

Ogio
2011 Tuscan Red; $12
12.5/20 — This dry, easy-drinking table wine is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

SPAIN

Rías Baixas

Robaliño
2011 Albariño; $18
13/20 — Showing fragrant citrus, peach and floral aromas on the nose, it reveals a dry, crisp mouthfeel and a clean finish.

ARGENTINA

Mendoza

Achaval-Ferrer
2010 Quimera; $56
14/20 — A blend of Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the Quimera features a thick mouthfeel and chewy tannins. 3,073 cases.

CHILE

Colchagua Valley

Montes Twins
2011 Red Wine; $15
13/20 — This fifty-fifty blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon is well-balanced and food-friendly.

AUSTRALIA

North West Victoria

Deakin Estate
2010 Shiraz; $7
12/20 — A dry red wine showing spicy blueberry flavors, it would pair well with a variety of hearty foods.

NEW ZEALAND

Marlborough

Matua
2011 Pinot Noir; $13
13.5/20 — This soft, silky Pinot Noir features juicy raspberry and cherry flavors. 10,000 cases imported.

More New Releases