New Wine Releases March 2011

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Arroyo Grande Valley

Vertuze
Brut NV; $29
14/20 — Citrus and crisp green apple flavors with a subtle hint of black cherry dominate this refreshing wine.

Paso Robles

Austin Hope Winery
2009 Syrah; $42
13.5/20 — Bright fruit flavors lead in to subtle, earthy notes, which linger on the respectably long finish.

Santa Maria Valley

Riverbench
2009 Bedrock Chardonnay; $24
13.5/20 — Juicy flavors of pineapple, guava and grapefruit are the highlights of this crisp and bright wine.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Lodi

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
2009 Chardonnay; $6
13/20 — Hints of ripe tropical fruit accompany fresh citrus and apple flavors in this stylish and versatile wine.

NORTH COAST

Carneros

Bouchaine
2007 Carneros Pinot Noir; $30
13/20 — Classic Carneros fruit flavors of pomegranate, plum and cherry are balanced by hints of coffee, leading to a silky, lingering finish.

Napa Valley

Charles Krug
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon; $27
13.5/20 — Smoky pomegranate aromas blend with ripe red berry and oak flavors for a smooth, rich finish.

Franciscan Estate
2009 Chardonnay; $18
13.5/20 — Vibrant pear, citrus and white nectarine aromas are layered with rich notes of cream, pear and honey in the mouth.

Sonoma

Bella Vineyards
2008 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel; $25
14/20 — This traditional Zinfandel displays juicy dark fruit flavors alongside notes of spicy gingerbread.

Bella Vineyards
2008 Big River Ranch Petite Sirah; $38
14/20 — A bouquet of plum and sweet molasses leads to flavors of tart rhubarb and cinnamon spice on the palate.

Dutton Goldfield
2008 Pinot Noir; $38
15.5/20 — Blackberry and spice aromas are followed by candied cherry and berry fruit flavors for a fruity, lingering finish.

Gallo Family Vineyard
2007 Sonoma Chardonnay; $15
13.5/20 — Ripe apple and pear aromas lead to rich, juicy peach and mango flavors brightened by lively acidity.

Gloria Ferrer
2005 Jose S. Ferrer Carneros Pinot Noir; $35
14/20 — Dark stone fruits, cranberry and herb aromas retain suppleness on the fruit-driven palate.

J Vineyards
2008 Russian River Valley Chardonnay; $28
15/20 — Meyer lemon, peach and toasted almond tickle the nose and mouth for a long, luxurious finish.

Patz & Hall
2008 Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir; $45
15/20 — Red-fruit flavors of cranberry and strawberry are underscored by a sweet, supple palate and a cleansing acid finish.

Rosenblum Cellars
2008 Old Vine Zinfandel; $18
14.5/20 — Bright red fruit flares around a rich, brambly berry core touched by toasted oak, spice and cloves.

Stuhlmuller Vineyards
2008 Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $38
14.5/20 — Intense aromas of black currant and clove reveals a layered palate of cassis, black cherry chocolate and spice.

SOUTH COAST

Malibu

Rosenthal Malibu Estate
2008 Malibu Newton Canyon Chardonnay; $19
13.5/20 — Nuances of pear, apple and tropical fruit with a subtle hint of creamy vanilla form an elegant, medium-bodied wine.

MULTIPLE AVAS

flipflop Wines
2009 Pinot Grigio; $7
12/20 — Refreshing flavors of tropical citrus and ripe pear are balanced by crisp acidity, culminating in a zesty, clean finish.

Perception
2007 Sangiacomo Vineyards Chardonnay; $55
14.5/20 — Enticing flavors of ripe pear and tropical fruit are underscored by notes of vanilla and barrel spice.

OREGON

Willamette Valley

Pali Wine Co.
2009 Alphabets Pinot Noir Blend; $19
13/20 — Rich on the palate and exhibiting a penetrating red currant and dried cherry core, accentuated by savory porcini mushroom.

WASHINGTON

Columbia Valley

Hogue Cellars
2007 Columbia Valley Merlot; $12
13/20 — Ripe berry and cherry flavors mingle on the tongue with undertones of oak and spice.

Walla Walla Valley

Gramercy Cellars
2008 Walla Walla Valley Syrah; $45
14/20 — Scents of bacon, plum and spice lead to an elegant and powerful wine with a lengthy, fruit-filled finish.

EUROPE

FRANCE

BURGUNDY

Bouchard Père & Fils
Réserve Bourgogne Pinot Noir; $20
13/20 — Ripe cherry, raspberry and red currant flavors and aromas are fleshy on the palate and lead to a lingering finish.

PROVENCE

Chateau Miraval
2009 Clara Lua; $20
13.5/20 — Strong apricot and citrus flavors are followed by an almond aftertaste in this balanced wine.

ITALY

PUGLIA

Li Veli
2008 Orion Salento IGT; $10
13/20 — Intense aromas of cherry and nutmeg open to a full and smooth palate of red fruit.

VENETO

Santi
2008 Solane Valpolicella Classico; $13
14/20 — Rich and smooth, this wine has a good concentration of plum flavors with hints of oak.

PORTUGAL

DOURO

Aveleda
2007 Charamba; $8
13/20 — Enticing aromas of wild berries, oak and vanilla reveal a complex and well balanced wine on the palate.

BAIRRADA

Aveleda
2006 Follies Touriga Nacional; $18
14.5/20 — An inviting blend of blackberry and black currant mingle with chocolate, tobacco and oak.

SPAIN

RIOJA

Campo Viejo
2006 Crianza; $7
13/20 — A powerful red berry nose leads to velvety and rich black cherry flavors.

Montecillo
2003 Reserva; $18
13/20 — Black fruit flavors are balanced by touches of oak and spice, leading to a lingering finish with notes of vanilla.

TIERRA DE CASTILLA

Tempra Tantrum
2009 Tempranillo/Shiraz; $11
12.5/20 — Spicy dark chocolate and cherry flavors of the Shiraz are balanced by the Tempranillo's earthy blackberry notes for an expressive wine.

TORO

Fariña
2009 Dama de Toro Tempranillo; $10
12.5/20 — Ripe cherry and raspberry fruit flavors are intertwined with violets and licorice.

New Releases Main Page

PJC022310

(Updated: 08/17/11 BH)