New Wine Releases September 2014

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Paso Robles

Andrew Murray Vineyards
2012 Terra Bella Vineyard Grenache; $30
14.5/20 — Composed of 97 percent Grenache and 3 percent Syrah, this light, floral wine displays aromas of flowers, mint and raspberry on the nose, and ripe red berry on the palate. 240 cases.

NORTH COAST

Alexander Valley

Kendall-Jackson
2010 Jackson Estate Hawkeye Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon; $55
15/20 — This elegant Cabernet Sauvignon boasts red currant flavors with a nice minerality and soft, chewy tannins. 656 cases.

Reichel Vineyards
2010 Respite Indulgence Cabernet Sauvignon; $75
15.5/20 — Made with 65 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 22 percent Malbec and 13 percent Cabernet Franc, this red blend displays aromas of cassis, plum and smoke, while flavors of chocolate and blueberry make their way across the palate.

Marin County

Dutton Goldfield
2013 Chileno Valley Vineyard Riesling; $30
14.5/20 — The bouquet boasts aromas of ripe fruit and rich caramel, while on the palate bright flavors of peach and grapefruit make this an easy to drink and enjoyable wine. 380 cases.

Napa Valley

Blackbird Vineyards
2011 Paramour Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend; $125
17/20 — Composed of 71 percent Cabernet Franc, 19 percent Merlot and 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, this red blend boasts aromas of blackberry and blueberry, along with notes of tobacco. Flavors of creamy chocolate and dark fruit display across the well-balanced palate. 725 cases.

Duckhorn Vineyards
2010 Merlot; $90
16.5/20 — Made from 83 percent Merlot and 17 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, this full-bodied blend boasts flavors of sage, dark cherry and licorice. 570 cases.

Mueller Family Vineyards
2008 Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon; $80
16/20 — Dark red in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon features aromas of black cherry and cassis with notes of wood, juicy fruit flavors and supple tannins. 201 cases.

Starfield Vineyards
2011 Cabernet-Merlot Blend; $20
14.5/20 — This well-balanced Meritage displays bright red fruit on the nose, with a palate of mint and black pepper.

Witchery
2011 Reserve Proprietors Red Blend; $75
16/20 — A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, this wine boasts aromas of blackberry, vanilla and plum. 175 cases.

Russian River Valley

Patz & Hall
2011 Zio Tony Ranch Chardonnay; $60
15/20 — Energetic, yet well-balanced, this wine features aromas of sour apple and citrus, with a strong acidity on the palate. 324 cases.

Ravenswood
2011 Singel Vineyard Beloni Zinfandel; $35
13.5/20 — This jammy, full-bodied wine has aromas of sweet blackberry, smoke and plum, with smooth silky tannins on the palate. 800 cases.

Sonoma Coast

Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs
2012 Pinot Noir; $35
14.5/20 — A bouquet of spice and cherry on the nose leads to flavors of blackberry and velvety tannins.

VIRGINIA

MONTICELLO

Stinson Vineyards
2011 Tannat; $32
13/20 — This rich Tannat hints of blueberry and smoky wood, with cracks of pepper on the palate. 100 cases.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Gramercy Cellars
2013 Olsen Vineyard Rosé; $25
13.5/20 — Riper and fuller than the average rosé, this wine offers flavors of cherry and melon with a hint of smoke. 265 cases.

Sycline Winery
2013 Rosé; $18
13.5/20 — A very pale pink in color, this rosé features aromas of melon and berry with a dry finish. 850 cases.

SOUTH AFRICA

Western Cape

Morgenster
2010 Estate Red Blend; $60
13/20 — Composed of 48 percent Merlot, 25 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 percent Cabernet Franc and 7 percent Petit Verdot, this blend offers aromas of blackberry and rose, with flavors of cherry, vanilla and earth.

GERMANY

Bernkastel-Kues

Weingut Joh. Jos. Prüm
2009 Sonnenuhr Auslese Riesling; $54 (375 ml)
15.5/20 — Aromas of peach, honey and pear display on the nose, while apple, tangerine and vanilla flavors move across the palate.

GREECE

Santorini

Hatzidakis Santorini Winery
2013 Assyrtiko; $17
13/20 — On the nose, soft citrus aromas show, while fresh acidity and good minerality play on the palate. 52,000 bottles.

FRANCE

Bordeaux

Château La Rame
2013 Rosé; $13
12.5/20 — Composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this rosé features fresh, crisp flavors.

Loire

Pierre Henri Gadais
2012 Saint Fiacre Muscadet; $13
12.5/20 — Displaying complex notes from its Loire-Atlantique terroir, this white blend manages fresh aromas of pear and citrus on the nose, with a lively palate. 840 cases.

ITALY

Piedmont

Bosio
NV Tropical Moscato; $18
13.5/20 — This fun, sweet wines displays flavors of passion fruit and pairs well with fruit and cheeses.

Tuscany

Piccini
2009 Brunello DOCG; $60
15/20 — Powerful and vibrant, this Brunello boasts aromas of dark cherry and notes of spice, with dark, ripe fruit and silky tannins on the palate.

SPAIN

Jerez

William & Humbert
Dry Sack Solera Especial Oloroso 15 Year Sherry; $27
15/20 — This blend of 78 percent Oloroso and 22 percent Pedro Ximenez is well-balanced and pairs perfectly with desserts.

Wisdom & Warter
Extra Amontillado Sherry; $12
13.5/20 — Orange gold in color, this sherry displays aromas of hazelnut and is dry on the palate, with a warm finish.

Ribera del Duero

O. Fournier
2006 Spiga Tempranillo; $33
13.5/20 — Aromas of sweet blackberry and smoke give way to flavors of chocolate and plum on the palate. 2,000 cases.

ARGENTINA

MENDOZA

Rutini Wines
2012 Trumpeter Cabernet Sauvignon; $11
13/20 — Full and intense aromas of raspberry and plum display on the nose, while smooth tannins rush across the palate.

Trapiche
2011 Broquel Malbec; $15
13.5/20 — This full-bodied Malbec shows rich blackberry flavors, along with notes of earth and smoke.

AUSTRALIA

McLaren Vale

Hickinbotham
2012 Clarendon Vineyard Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon; $75
16.5/20 — This smooth Cabernet Sauvignon boasts aromas of dark cherry and chocolate, which give way to flavors of deep red fruits and a round mouthfeel with velvety tannins.

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