New Wine Releases December 2014

CALIFORNIA

Carmel

Caraccioli Cellars
2008 Brut Rosé; $49
13.5/20 — Youthful and round with a balanced crisp acidity that couples nicely with soft fruitiness.

Napa Valley

Chateau Montelena Winery
2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $50
16/20 — Young but approachable, this Cabernet Sauvignon has a pleasing barrel spice coursing through the black and red fruits which dominate the palate. The nose opens with aniseed before matching the palate with aromas of blackberry and cherry.

Pahlmeyer
2012 Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon; $75
14/20 — Produced with hand-selected and de-stemmed grapes, this dark garnet offering emits aromas of black cherry and orange zest before giving way to flavors of dark berry and cocoa powder. Strong tannins and a velvety mouthfeel promise evolving complexity as the wine ages.

Russian River Valley

Dutton-Goldfield Winery
2012 Pinot Noir; $72
16/20 — Layered with complexity, the 2012 Dutton-Goldfield Pinot Noir entices your nose with sultry Asian spices and greets the palate with a combination of red currant and black raspberry that leads to a prolonged finish. 613 cases.

Santa Barbara County

Stirm Wine Co.
2013 Kick-On Ranch Riesling; $24
15/20 — Using grapes sourced from the cool and windy Kick-On Ranch near Los Alamos, this confident first offering from the fledgling Stirm Wine Co. is a crisp, dry Riesling with a hint of effervescence. The bright flavors pair well with ramen and Thai food. 75 cases.

Santa Ynez Valley

La Cheffe Wine Co.
2010 Sillix Grenache; $36
14.5/20 — A wine that strikes the balance between being structurally rich and aromatically nuanced, the 2010 Sillix Grenache is vibrant and fruity with strong notes of Provençal herbs.

Lieu Dit Winery
2013 Sauvignon Blanc; $28
15/20 — A collaboration between Justin Willett of Tyler Wines and Eric Railsback of Michael Mina's RN74 restaurant, the Lieu Dit 2013 Sauvignon Blanc offers grassy citrus flavors with hints of lime peel and white flowers. Try pairing it with shellfish, salads or charcuterie.

Sonoma Coast

Sojourn Cellars
2012 Durell Vineyard Chardonnay; $48
14.5/20 — Produced with 100 percent Old Wente clone, and exuding robust aromas and flavors, this Chardonnay is a great sidekick for a seafood supper.

Temecula Valley

Temecula Hills
Frisson Sauvignon Blanc Sparkling Wine; $19
13/20 — Frisson means "an intense moment of excitement" in French, and that's exactly what you get everytime you sip this scintillating sparker. Crisp and clean notes of lemon zest make it a peppy addition to any special occasion.

WASHINGTON

Columbia Valley

J. Bookwalter
2012 Subplot 28 Red Blend; $25
13.5/20 — The 2012 Subplot 28 red blend is a ripe table wine composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, along with smaller amounts of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. A rich bouquet of red and dark fruit is echoed by flavors of raspberry, black cherry and hints of cinnamon that lead to a smooth finish.

Brown & Haley
Almond Roca Cream; $15
13/20 — A cream-based wine with natural almond and toffee flavors; the Almond Roca Cream can be be enjoyed over ice, as a traditional wine or mixed with coffee.

QUÉBEC

Hemmingford

La Face Cachée de la Pomme
Neige Première 2011 Apple Ice Wine; $30
15/20 — A blend of 80 percent McIntosh apples and 20 percent Spartan apples, the Neige Première makes for a delightful apertif. Sharp cheeses and desserts couple with this apple ice wine, or cider, quite nicely.