New Wine Releases January 2016

CALIFORNIA

NORTH COAST

Napa Valley

The Debate
2012 Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon; $450 for a 3-pack of wine
14/20 — Displaying a deep ruby hue, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of red currant, tobacco, dark chocolate and cassis. On the palate, it offers firm tannin structure and flavors of black cherry jam and maple syrup.

Frank Family Vineyards
2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $50
15/20 — This Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Frank to reveal a deep purple color and aromas of cocoa powder, vanilla and blackberry. In the mouth, flavors of juicy cherry and roasted fig leave a lingering, velvety finish.

MA(i)SONRY
2012 Marsanne; $38
14/20 — With only 235 cases produced, you'll want to hurry to get a bottle of this Marsanne. Boasting aromas of creamy caramel and honeysuckle, this wine offers a rich palate with flavors of maple and almond melded with stonefruit, leaving a refreshing finish.

Merryvale Vineyards
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon; $70
15.5/20 — Aromas of black currant, ripe berries and baking spices are abundant in this rich Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate, notes of black cherry, sage and a hint of dark chocolate leave a lingering finish.

Spottswoode
2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $165
16.5/20 — Sourced from Spottswoode's organically farmed estate vineyard, this Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. It bursts on the palate with ripe fruit flavors of blackberry and blueberry, followed by hints of creamy yogurt, chocolate, brown sugar and cinnamon.

Starmont Winery & Vineyards
2013 Stanly Ranch Estate Chardonnay; $45
15/20 — This 100 percent Chardonnay is sourced from the Stanly Ranch Estate situated at the crossroads of Carneros and Napa Valley. This Chardonnay displays aromas of lemon, cardamom and fresh-baked pastry that reveal a sweet palate featuring flavors of ripe mango and papaya.

Russian River Valley

Fritz Winery
2012 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir; $30
14/20 — This wine displays a burgundy color with aromas of black fruit and hints of baking spices. On the palate, it expresses flavors of cherry, plum, black currant and savory spices with a lingering finish of cherry and cocoa powder.

Gallo Family Vineyards
Signature Series 2013 Russian River Valley Chardonnay; $34
14.5/20 — Established in 1933, Gallo Family Vineyards has been making wines for three generations. The Signature Series Chardonnay opens with aromas of vanilla and sweetly baked bread that lead to a fresh palate with flavors of crisp apple, lemon meringue and ginger.

Dry Creek Valley

Truett-Hurst
2011 Dry Creek Valley Red Rooster Zinfandel; $31
14/20 — Composed of 100 percent Zinfandel, this wine offers subtle hints of cracked pepper spice with fruit forward characteristics of boysenberry and fresh blackberry.

CENTRAL COAST

Paso Robles

Halter Ranch
2012 Paso Robles Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon; $32
14/20 — Displaying aromas of black and red fruits with a touch of apple, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers a palate of sweet fruit flavors with silky tannins that lead to a smoky finish.

Record Family Wines
2012 Paso Robles Reserve Syrah; $34
15/20 — On the nose, this Syrah presents earthy aromas and dark fruit notes. It has a rich palate dominated by black cherry flavor with hints of spicy smoked meats and ample chewy tannins.

Quadrant
2012 BDX; $16
14/20 — This Bordeaux style blend is a mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. It offers a silky texture with rich flavors of blackberry and blueberry.

Arroyo Grande Valley

Laetitia Vineyard & Winery
2013 La Colline Pinot Noir; $60
15/20 — With only 410 cases produced, this single vineyard Pinot Noir won't last long. It boasts rich raspberry aromas with notes of white pepper and rose petal.

Laetitia Vineyard and Winery
2013 Les Galets Pinot Noir; $60
15/20 — This single vineyard Pinot Noir features a rich mineral-driven palate with aromas of black cherry and earthen truffle. It offers a velvety texture and pairs well with salmon and roasted shiitake mushrooms.

Wrath Wines
2012 Swan/828 Pinot Noir; $35
14/20 — Using sustainable farming practices, Wrath Wines estate consists of 72 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Falanghina grapes. The Swan/828 Pinot Noir features red cherry and floral notes on the nose, and a palate of rich cherry and earthy flavors.




OREGON

Elouan
2013 Pinot Noir; $25
14.5/20 — This Pinot Noir is sourced from three of Oregon's premiere growing regions: Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley and Umpqua Valley. It displays a ruby red color and aromas of cranberry, cinnamon and cherry. On the palate, firm acidity accentuates flavors of red plum, hibiscus and a hint of sweet tobacco.

FRANCE

Chateau Maris
2010 Les Planels; $19
14/20 — This 100 percent Syrah is an organic wine that is aged for 12 months in oak barrels. The palate offers flavors of black currant, prune and licorice with lingering smoky notes.

ITALY

Hauner
2012 Malvasia Delle Lipari DOC; $41
14/20 — This rich dessert wine displays a golden emerald color and a bouquet of apricot and fig. The palate is intensely sweet with flavors of apricot, fig, lavender and almond.

Spagnol
2013 Prosecco, Trevio Extra Dry; $17
13.5/20 — This small, family-owned winery has roots in the Prosecco tradition for nearly a century. This bubbly is fresh and fragrant with hints of pear, apple and honeysuckle.

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