New Wine Releases November 2014

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Arroyo Grande Valley

Laetitia Vineyard & Winery
2012 La Colline Pinot Noir; $60
14.5/20 — This Burgundian-style Pinot Noir opens with a bouquet of cherry, spice and floral notes that lead to a hint of cherry pie on the palate, complemented by Old World flavors of leather and vibrant acidity. 205 cases.

Arroyo Seco

Wente Vineyards
2010 Reliz Creek Pinot Noir; $28
14/20 — This ripe and fruit-forward Pinot Noir offers aromas of cherry, toasted oak and earth on the nose, with smoky flavors of strawberry and vanilla leading to a long finish. 10,000 cases.

Santa Ynez Valley

Tensley Wines
2013 Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah; $42
14/20 — Aromas of blackberries, currants and smoke lead to flavors of vanilla and spice with more blackberries on the palate, creating a soft, round mouthfeel. 1780 cases.

Sta. Rita Hills

Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards
2012 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir; $30
14.5/20 — Aromas of berry jam, cherry and chocolate lead to a palate with lively acidity that boasts flavors of strawberry and dark cherry. 485 cases.


NORTH COAST

Chloe Wine Collection
2012 Red No. 249; $17
13/20 — Made with a blend of Syrah, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot from across the North Coast of California, the red blend shows flavors of dark fruit, spice and coffee on the palate. 20,000 cases.

Alexander Valley

Dashe Callars
2011 Rodd Brothers Ranch Old Vines Zinfandel; $35
14/20 — Dark purple in color, this thick, old-vine Zinfandel needs to open up a bit before offering aromas of raspberry and licorice with floral notes that lead to deeper raspberry and spice flavors on the palate. 576 cases.

Russian River Valley

Folie à Deux
2012 Chardonnay; $18
14/20 — This rich Chardonnay displays aromas of cinnamon and pear on the nose, while flavors of apple and citrus fruits move across the palate. It pairs well with fatty fish like salmon. 32,000 cases.

Gamba Vineyards and Winery
2012 "Gamba Estate Vineyard" Old Vine Zinfandel; $45
14.5/20 — Grown on 114 year old vines, this well-balanced Zinfandel offers aromas of brambly red berries and ripe peaches. On the palate, flavors of mixed berries, vanilla and spice, along with silky tannins, lead to a long finish. 840 cases.

Patz & Hall
2011 Burnside Vineyard Pinot Noir; $70
15.5/20 — Aromas of brown sugar and spice display elegantly across the bouquet of this Pinot Noir, while subtle flavors of cherry, toasted oak and smoke are elevated by a round mouthfeel and velvety tannins. 220 cases.

Virginia Marie Lambrix
2012 Earth Pinot Noir; $48
14/20 — Offering a bouquet with aromas of anise and cinnamon, this Pinot Noir displays flavors of raspberry and chocolate on the palate with good minerality and fine tannins. 436 cases.

Sonoma Coast

Davies Vineyards
2012 Nobles Vineyards Pinot Noir; $55
15.5/20 — This lively Pinot Noir boasts aromas of vanilla, wild cherries and licorice on the nose, while flavors of blackberry and raspberry lead to a long, full finish. 1,100 cases

St. Helena

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
2013 Carol's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc; $24
13.5/20 — Pale straw in color, this Sauvignon Blanc displays aromas of grapefruit and citrus, which lead to lively acidity and a buttery texture on the palate. 5,205 six-pack cases.


MULTIPLE AVAS

Francis Ford Coppola
2013 Gia Pinot Grigio; $14
13/20 — Bright and energetic, the 2013 Gia Pinot Grigio displays aromas of honey and orange with floral notes that carry onto the palate accompanied by citrus flavors and good minerality.


Colorado

Grand Valley

The Infinite Monkey Theorem
2012 Syrah; $35
13/20 — This easy-to-drink Syrah displays aromas of bramble and rich earth with flavors of plum, spice and new leather that make it a perfect complement to an autumn pot roast.


Missouri

Hermann

Stone Hill Winery
2011 Estate Bottled Norton; $19
13/20 — This full-bodied offering from Stone Hill Winery exhibits aromas of spice and blackberry that give way to supple tannins and ripe fruit on the palate.


Washingon

Horse Heaven Hills

Cor Cellars
2010 Cabernet Franc; $26
13/20 — Lighter in body, this classic Cabernet Franc exhibits floral and coffee aromas, while ripe raspberries, good minerality and earth appear playfully on the palate. 210 cases.

ITALY

Tuscany

Olivi Le Buche
2008 Le Buche Red Blend; $36
14.5/20 — This blend of 70 percent Sangiovese, 10 percent Merlot, 10 percent Petit Verdot and 10 percent Cabernet Franc offers aromas of earth, blackberry and spice with flavors of smoky dark cherry and pepper leading to a long, silky finish.


SPAIN

Castilla y León

Bodegas Leda
2009 Más de Leda Tempranillo; $18
14/20 — A subtle bouquet of blackberries, herbs and notes of spice leads to a round palate with silky tannins and a smooth, pleasant finish.

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