New Wine Releases August 2010

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Paso Robles

Niner Wine Estates
2007 Sangiovese, Bootjack Ranch; $24
14/20 — Rich with juicy boysenberry and cherry flavors; Chocolate and Ceylon tea round out the flavor profile.

Sculpterra
2007 Zinfandel; $26
13.5/20 — Fruit-driven with notes of cherry, raspberry pie and a touch of black pepper; the finish is long with rich caramel flavor.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Robert Talbott Vineyards
2008 Talbott Pinot Noir, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard; $40
14.5/20 — Aromas of lush, ripe fruit, cherry and plum lead to signature floral notes with a palate of black cherry, cinnamon and cedar.

Santa Ynez Valley

Jorian Hill
2008 Viognier; $30
14/20 — A nose of classic floral notes and a hint of minerality leads into bright fruit flavors of apricot, peach and a touch of honey.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Dunnigan Hills

Matchbook
2007 Tempranillo; $15
14/20 — Yielding bold berry flavors of blackberry, blueberry and cherry, this medium-bodied Tempranillo is a food-friendly style of wine that pairs well with thick grilled steaks, ribs and seared tuna.

Matchbook
2008 Old Head Chardonnay; $15
13.5/20 — Crisp, bright fruit aromas and flavors are exhibited in this food-friendly wine; Pair with grilled shrimp or apple-walnut chicken salad.

NORTH COAST

Schramsberg
2005 Blanc de Noirs; $37
14.5/20 — Aromas of peach and toasted almonds introduce this medium-bodied brut. Flavors of fresh raspberry and mandarin orange comprise a mid palate with bright acidity.

Carneros

Domaine Chandon
N.V. Reserve Pinot Noir Rosé; $30
14/20 —Aromas of freshly baked bread and strawberry cream are exhibited in this copper-hued rosé; The palate displays fresh strawberry and tart cherry flavors.

Napa Valley

Chappellet Vineyards
2006 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley; $42
15/20— Beginning with aromas of bright cherry, this wine displays layers of cocoa, dark plum and coffee. The tannins are well-structured.

Decoy
2008 Napa Valley Merlot; $75
16/20— Aromas of plum, black cherry, and Earl Grey tea lead into rich flavors of ripe fruit, vanilla and sweet oak on the palate; The tannins are smooth.

Domaine Carneros by Taittinger
2005 Brut Cuvée; $26
13.5/20— This sparkling wine offers aromas of flowers, pears and citrus peel; The wine is round and flavorful with a creamy finish.

Franciscan
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $27
13.5/20 — With substantial mouthfeel and generous body, this wine offers flavors of currants, cherry, cocoa and soft toasty notes.

J. Lohr
2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Carol's Vineyard; $24
13.5/20— This wine displays aromas of grapefruit and dried flowers; The palate shows bright acidity with clean fruit flavors.

Shafer Vineyards
2008 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley; $50
15/20—Perfect for a summer picnic, this bold Chardonnay is rich with oak but balanced with lemon acidity. It has flavors of apricots, citrus and dried pear with a long finish.

Robert Mondavi
2008 Fumé Blanc Reserve; $40
14.5/20— Sourced from To Kalon where most vines are more than 30 years old, this well-balanced wine contains aromas of passion-fruit and citrus and flavors of tropical fruit.

Whitehall Lane Winery & Vineyards
2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley; $60
16/20— Enticing aromas give way to fruit flavors of black cherry and black berry, framed by ripe tannins and sweet oak flavors.

Sonoma Valley

Gundlach Bundschu Winery
2005 Rhinefarm Vineyard Mountain Cuvée; $24
14/20 — This California red begins with warm aromas of plum and black cherry followed by flavors of raspberry and cocoa; The finish is meaty and spicy with lingering berry notes.

SOUTH COAST

Temecula Valley

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
2009 Special Selection Rosé of Sangiovese; $18
12.5/20 — A slightly dry rose with aromas of cherry and strawberry; The palate displays red currant, raspberry and tangerine zest flavors.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Boho Vineyards
2008 California Old Vine Zinfandel; $23 (3 liters)
13/20 — Housed in Octavin's unique boxed-wine packaging, this full-bodied Zin offers intense fruit flavors and a lingering finish.

Carmenet
2007 Vintner's Collection Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $11
13/20 — This California red opens with a bouquet of berries with hints of chocolate; The palate rounds out with spice and vanilla.

Robert Mondavi
2009 Private Selection Pinot Grigio, California; $11
13/20 — With a crisp entry and aromas of pears and peach, this wine offers a round and creamy palate.

Mirassou
2008 California Pinot Noir; $12
13/20 — Displaying flavors of cherries, strawberries and red currants, this California red has a bright finish.

MICHIGAN

OLD MISSION PENINSULA

Chateau Chantal
2007 Proprietor's Reserve Pinot Noir, Pontes Vineyard; $20
13.5/20 — This rich, full-bodied wine is soft and loaded with fruit; Try it with red meats, pasta or salmon.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Seven Hills
2007 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley; $25
13.5/20 — Assertive scents of passion fruit, blueberry pie and hints of floral open into ripe blueberry flavor and a slightly dry finish.

Domaine Ste. Michelle
2001 Luxe
13/20 — This 100 percent Chardonnay sparkling wine exhibits flavors of vanilla, citrus, ginger and nutmeg; It's a great match for most seafood dishes.

SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA

McWilliams Hanwood Estate
2008 Pinot Noir; $11
12.5/20 — Opening with cherry and floral aromas, this wine displays flavors of dark fruits such as blackberry and dark cherry.

FRANCE

ALSACE

Helfrich
2008 Pinot Gris, Grand Cru, Steinklotz; $24
14.5/20 — This wine offers an inviting touch of honey, with flavors of peach and pear; The finish is long and refined.

Helfrich
2007 Riesling, Grand Cru, Steinklotz; $24
14.5/20 — Well-structured with aromas of peach, pear and apple; The palate is crisp and refreshing, with hints of minerality.

BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES

Georges Duboeuf
2009 Beaujolais-Villages; $9
13/20 — Velvety in the mouth, this wine shows red fruit character, with notes of strawberry and black currant, and a hint of cinnamon.

BURGUNDY

Bouchard Pere & Fils
2007 Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus; $97
17.5/20 — Of the Pinot Noir varietal, this heavenly wine offers superb fruit and spice aromas, and is full yet delicate on the palate; Shows very good ageing potential.

Bouchard Pere & Fils
2007 Le Corton Grand Cru; $91
16.5/20 — Displaying an intense bouquet of fruit and spice, this Pinot Noir is rich and structured on the palate; Pair with venison, wild boar, or marinated red meats.

Louis Bouillot
Perle D'Aurore Rosé Brut ; $18
13.5/20— An aromatic rosé, this sparkler shows excellent body and fine berry character.

Simonnet-Febvre
Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé ; $22
12.5/20 —Flavors of fresh strawberries and raspberries are present in this delicate rosé; the lingering finish has flavors of a creamy mousse.

CHAMPAGNE

Collet
Brut; $35
12/20 — A combination of three grape varieties, this wine has aromas of spice and fresh butter; The palate is powerful and well-structured.

ITALY

UMBRIA

Cantina Novelli
2007 Rosso Cube; $14
13/20 — A rustic, zesty wine with a nose of red fruits and a refreshing palate; It is thin on the mouth and easy to drink.

SPAIN

TIERRA DE CASTILLA

Tapeña
2008 Garnacha; $9
13.5/20 — This full-bodied wine displays notes of dark fruit and spice, including rosemary, thyme and a hint of sage; It opens on the palate with intense minerality.

CHILE

CENTRAL VALLEY

Terra Andina
2009 Sauvignon Blanc; $8
13/20 — This fresh wine displays grapefruit, lime, nectarine, and peach flavors with a harmonious finish.

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