New Wine Releases March 2015

CALIFORNIA

Alexander Valley

Rodney Strong Vineyards
2010 Brothers Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon; $75
15/20 — Rich flavors of cherry, cassis and plum mingle with hints of tobacco. This wine is well-structured and full-bodied on the palate and offers a long finish.

Dry Creek Valley

Fritz
Vintage 2010 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel; $19
14/20 — Dusty earth tones combine with notes of blackberry and wild berry that perfume the nose. The mouthfeel is balanced with refined tannins that complement the mirroring flavors of blackberry and red cherry.

Lodi Appellation

Lange Twins Family Winery and Vineyards
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon; $15
14/20 — An approachable wine with welcoming aromas of cherries, the Lange Twins 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is aged 12 months in French and American oak barrels. The palate mirrors the nose with flavors of ripe cherries.

Napa Valley

Frank Family Vineyards
2012 Carneros Pinot Noir; $35
13.5/20 — Upon opening, the wine emits floral notes along with aromas of rasberry and spice. The fleshy palate is jammed with berry flavors, as well as savory notes of roasted chestnuts and toffee.

Frank Family Vineyards
2011 Rutherford-Napa Valley Red Wine; $150
17/20 — Opening the wine releases aromatics of new leather and roasted espresso, followed by notes of dark fruit, roasted meats, rosemary and black pepper. The fruits linger on the palate along with caramel, vanilla and firm tannins for a lasting finish.

Grgich Hills Estate
2013 Fumé Blanc; $30
14.5/20 — Tropical fruity flavors and lemongrass notes delight the palate. This wine boasts a long finish and pairs well with grilled fish, goat cheese salad and Asian dishes.

Nickel and Nickel
Tench Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon; $100
16/20 — Aromas of violets open up to a deep and dark array of blueberry, boysenberry and spicy oak flavors. The texture is rich and layered with sweet oak and ancillary tannins.

Santa Cruz Mountains

Thomas Fogarty
2012 Pinot Noir; $70
16/20 — Red fruit aromas meet the nose, while flavors and textures of cherry, spice, green tea and mineral distinguish this wine as a Santa Cruz Mountains vintage.

ARGENTINA

Mendoza

Alamos
2013 Red Blend; $11
13/20 — Malbec, Bonarda and Syrah marries flavors of black pepper, blackberry, dark cherry and dark plum together, while Tempranillo livens things up with strawberry notes and hints of oak for a bold, approachable wine.

AUSTRIA

Wachau

Domäne Wachau
2013 Grüner Veltliner Federspiel Terrassen; $15
14/20 — A fragrant bouquet entices with notes of white pepper, exotic fruits and hints of tobacco. Medium-bodied and well-balanced on the palate, it pairs well with grilled fish and deep-fried dishes.

FRANCE

Bordeaux

Chateau le Puy
2010 Emilien; $36
14.5/20 — A fruity bouquet opens up aromas of blackcurrant and redcurrant with notes of roasted almond and subtle hints of mushrooms and undergrowth. A full-bodied palate with smooth, velvety tannins lends a long, enjoyable finish.

Champagne

Champagne Jean Diot
Brut Rosé; $38
13/20 — A Champagne blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier results in a delightful combination of fruity flavors. Fresh berries on the nose offer notes of blueberry, blackcurrant and raspberry.

ITALY

Bolgheri

Tenuta Sette Cieli
2011 NOI4; $37
14.5/20 — The name NOI4 represents the four members of the Ratti family. This wine is ripe and sweet with fruit flavors and has a well-developed character that stands out among the other qualilty Tenuta Sette Cieli wines.

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