Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.





New Wine Releases April 2015

A lush vineyard amid California mountains

New Wine Reviews - April 2015

Find tasting notes, prices and ratings for recent vintages in our selection of April 2015 new wine releases.

NORTH AMERICA

CALIFORNIA

La Sirena
2012 Moscato Azul; $30
14/20Bright and slightly effervescent, this delightful incarnation of the Muscat Canelli grape by winemaker Heidi Barrett is dry and refreshing, with delicate jasmine aromas leading in to ripe tangerine, lime and a shake of spice on the palate. 888 cases.

Central Coast

Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards
2012 Rose of Pinot Noir; $20

14/20 A bright and balanced example of California rosé, made from Pinot Noir grapes from the Central Coast, with expressions of wild strawberry, raspberry and honeysuckle. 64 cases.

Bennett Valley  

Kenward Family Vineyards
2006 Rock, Hommage Allan, Judge Family Vineyard; $40
16.5/20A powerful Rhone blend comprised of 73% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 2% Viognier, exuding flavors of sweet blackberry and cassis intermixed with delicate violets, hints of spice and savory charcuterie.

Carneros

Patz & Hall
2012 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay; $58
14.5/20 Made with grapes from Hyde Vineyard, one of the most reknowned plots in Carneros, and aged in 50% new Burgundian oak barrels, this wine packs a punch of flavor with tangerine, lemon rind, honeysuckle and buttered brioche. 1,303 cases.

Napa Valley

Hourglass
2012 Blueline Estate Merlot; $70
16/20The inaugural vintage of winemaker, Tony Biagi, is a fine display of vibrant blackberry and sour dark cherry, coupled with bright acidity and refined tannins.

Russian River Valley  

VML
2012 VML Russian River Valley Chardonnay; $28
13/20Subtle notes of lemon zest and blanched almonds greet you on the nose, and a burst of crisp acidity enlivens the palate along with flavors of sweet lemon creme, apple tart and cedar. 700 cases
.

Stags Leap District  

Odette
2012 Odette Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $98
14.5/20 Blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this Stags Leap District AVA, estate-bottled Cabernet Sauvignon boasts notes of black cherries, raspberries, sweet spice and anise. 4500 cases
.

Shafer Vineyards
2012 One Point Five; $75
15/20Reflecting the climate and soil of Napa's famed Stags Leap District, this Cabernet Sauviginon-dominant wine has palate-pleasing notes of blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, mocha and herbs complete with soft tannins and a long finish.

WASHINGTON

Columbia Valley

Tamarack Cellars
2012 Firehouse Red; $18
13/20 This Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant red blend offers a bounty of fruit, including ripe cherries, blackberries and plums and along with hints of spice and vanilla notes.


SOUTH AMERICA

ARGENTINA

Mendoza

Trapiche Broquel
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon; $14
13/20Intense and rich, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon bottling exhibits bold flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry and cassis, rounded out by supple tannins and a velvety texture.

CHILE

Limari Valley

Concha Y Toro
2012 Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay; $12
13/20Fruity and fragrant on the approach, it reveals elegant notes of vanilla and hazelnut on the finish.


EUROPE

FRANCE

Reims

Champagne Jacquart
NV Brut Rose; $49
14.5/20 Fresh, effervescent and bubbling with a vibrant acidity, this rosé is packed with ripe berry aromas that lead in to palatable notes of peach, apricot and almonds on the finish.

ITALY

Tuscany

Da Vinci
2013 Chianti DOCG; $15
13.5/20 Blending 91% Sangiovese with 9% Merlot, this medium-bodied Chianti offers ripe plum and cherry aromas on the nose, followed by peppery notes on the palate.

Tenuta Sette Cieli
2009 Scipio; $160
16/20This organically-farmed, 100% Cabernet Franc limited production wine is both balanced and complex, with aromas of blackberry, blueberry and cocoa that continue on the palate along with spicy notes and bold tannins . 300 cases.

Olivi Le Buche Vineyards
2012 Zelia Rosato IGT; $24
13/20 A light and refreshing summer rosé made from 100% Syrah grapes, with notes of ripe red berries and tropical fruits.


AUSTRALASIA

NEW ZEALAND

Marlborough

Huntaway
2012 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc; $17
13/20 Dry, light and expressive with refreshing notes of citrus, tart gooseberry and passion fruit.

 

More New Releases

wine.com

PBR3115
UPY32416


Sip on GAYOT's picks of the best small-production craft beers.

Sip straight or mix up a margarita with GAYOT's picks of the best tequilas under $100.