New Wine Releases September 2011

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

LaZarre
2009 Pinot Noir; $32
14.5/20 — Made with fruit from vineyards in five appellations, this complex red wine offers classic cherry cola flavor backed up by bright, tart cranberry and blackberry fruits.

Mandolin
2009 Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon; $12
13/20 — With warm layers of currants and cherries and a hint of oak, this medium-bodied red is bright and acidic.

MommyJuice
Red Wine; $10
13/20 — This bright, fruity wine is designed for working mothers looking for some late-night relaxation.

Arroyo Seco

Cobblestone
2009 Chardonnay; $29
14.5/20 — This old vine Chardonnay boasts aromas of apple, citrus and jasmine leading to multiple layers of fruit, spice and mineral flavors on the palate.

Monterey County

Clos LaChance
2010 Chardonnay; $29
13/20 — On the nose, this acidic white wine offers pineapple, banana and lemon flavors with a hint of coconut.

Santa Clara Valley

Solis Winery
2007 Anita Maria di Muscato; $15 (375 ml)
14/20 — This sweet dessert wine offers aromas of honeysuckle and bright fruit flavors.

Santa Lucia Highlands

La Rochelle Winery
2010 Rosé of Pinot Noir; $22
14/20 — This fresh, almost spritzy rendition of dry rosé displays complex yet subtle layers of lemon and tangerine zest mingled with subtle red fruit flavors.

NORTH COAST

Carneros

Molnar Family
2008 Poseidon's Vineyard Pinot Noir; $30
14/20 — Cherry and vanilla aromas on the nose are balanced by smooth tannins and bright fruit flavors on the palate.

Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Iron Horse
Joy!; $147 (1.5 L)
15/20 — Aged for more than ten years, this sparkling blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is perfect for holiday celebrations.

Mendocino

Townley
2009 Alder Springs Vineyard; $38
14/20 — A nicely balanced wine, this Chardonnay is buttery with layered aromas of stone fruit, citrus, green notes and a bit of toast.

Napa Valley

Clif Family Winery
2008 Gary's Improv Napa Valley Zinfandel; $28
14/20 — From the makers of the Clif Bar comes this spicy, full-bodied red wine with firms tannins, a spicy aroma and rich fruit flavors.

Hill Family Estate
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon; $48
14/20 — Blackberry and plum on the nose lead to layers of boysenberry, licorice and blueberry on the palate.

Louis M. Martini
2008 Napa Valley Lot 1 Cabernet Sauvignon; $120
16/20 — This full-bodied, complex red wine offers intense dark fruit flavors, a dense mouthfeel and a long, smooth finish.

Robert Mondavi Winery
2009 Fumé Blanc; $20
14/20 — This dry white wine boasts layers of guava, peach and passion fruit flavors and a creamy mouthfeel.

Russian River Valley

Korbel
Natural; $16
14/20 — Made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, this dry sparkling wine pairs well with white fish, crab and prawns.

Sonoma Coast

Belle Glos
2009 Taylor Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir; $44
15.5/20 — Offering a bright bouquet of dark berries, this medium red wine features a moderate acidity and supple tannins on the finish.

Pfendler Vineyards
2009 Pinot Noir; $45
15/20 — This well-balanced, small-production red wine boasts rich fruit flavors with a touch of spice.

Sonoma County

Biltmore Reserve
2010 Sonoma County Chardonnay; $20
13/20 — This refreshing white wine offers aromas of pineapple, pear and apple on the nose, a touch of acidity and a pleasant mouthfeel.

SIERRA FOOTHILLS

Amador County

Yorba
2008 Barbera; $28
13.5/20 — Blueberry, plum and spices on the nose are balanced by earthy flavors on the palate for a soft, well-rounded wine.

Yorba
2007 Tempranillo; $38
13.5/20 — With its soft tannins and bright acidity, this wine is surprisingly approachable for such a big-bodied red.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Barefoot Bubbly
Pinot Grigio Champagne; $10
11.5/20 — Sweet and refreshing, this affordable sparkler would work well as an aperitif or brunch wine.

GEORGIA

Chateau Elan
WineFusion Peach Muscadine; $11
13/20 — A peach-infused wine made from Muscadine grapes, this dessert wine would pair well with vanilla ice cream and peach cobbler.

TEXAS

HIGH PLAINS

Messina Hof
2010 Cerro Santo Vineyard Primitivo; $22
13/20 — Aged in American and French oak, this spicy red wine offers cherry and blackberry flavors.

NEW YORK

FINGER LAKES

Château Frank
2002 Brut; $24
13/20 — A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, this dry sparkling wine balances minerality and citrus fruit flavors.

EUROPE

AUSTRIA

Wachau

Zantho
2008 Burgenland Blaufränkisch; $14
13.5/20 — Aromas of blackberry and damson lead to raspberry and blackcurrant flavors on the palate, with hints of coffee.

Zantho
2009 Burgenland Zweigelt; $14
13/20 — Offering red fruit and spice aromas, this light-bodied wine would work well on its own or paired with grilled meats.

FRANCE

Bordeaux

Château Montcabrier
2006 Bordeaux Rouge; $14
13.5/20 — Three-fourths Merlot and one-fourth Cabernet Franc, this full-bodied wine would pair well with rich meats and mature cheeses.

Château Montlau
2007 Bordeaux Supérieur Rouge; $15
14.5/20 — A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in of the region's oldest vineyards, this full-bodied red boasts complex flavors.

Burgundy

JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset
No. 21; $20
13/20 — This dry sparkling wine blended from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes is fresh and fruity with a touch of sweetness.

Loire Valley

Château Pierre-Bise
Les Rouannières Coteaux du Layon Beaulieu; $26 (500 ml)
15/20 — This delicate dessert wine made from Chenin Blanc grapes offers chamomile, pineapple and citrus flavors with a faint minerality.

Deligeroy
Crémant de Loire Brut; $12
13/20 — A well-rounded blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, this sparkling wine offers delicate flavors of peach and pear.

Langlois-Château Le Roc
Crémant Rosé; $22
13.5/20 — Made entirely from Cabernet Franc grapes, this sparkling rosé wine offers strawberry and cherry aromas.

Toulouse

Château Le Roc
2008 Le Classique; $13
13/20 — A blend of 70 per cent Négrette, 20 per cent Syrah and 10 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, this red wine boasts licorice on the nose and fine, supple tannins.

Tarani
2009 Malbec; $15
12.5/20 — Made from vines growing on limestone plateaus near Cahors, this red wine offers dark fruit aromas with a hint of vanilla on the nose and silky tannins in the mouth.

ITALY

Piedmont

Rizzi
2005 Barbaresco DOCG; $43
14.5/20 — This earthy, rustic red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes pairs well with hearty dishes, such as game, red meats and mature cheeses.

Rizzi
2008 Barbera d'Alba DOC; $18
14/20 — Offering dark fruit flavors and hints of spice, this Barbera would pair well with meaty red pasta dishes.

Puglia

Feudi di San Marzano
2010 Primitivo Puglia IGT; $12
13.5/20 — Cherry and raspberry aromas with a hint of cinnamon on the nose open to silky smooth tannins and a pleasant finish.

Tuscany

San Leonino
2007 Chianti Classico DOCG; $14
13.5/20 — This bright, full-bodied red wine would pair well with bruschetta, spaghetti ragu and sausage lasagna.

Veneto

Adami
"Bosca di Gica" Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG; $18
13.5/20 — This refreshing sparkler offers flavors of apple and peach with floral hints and a dry mouthfeel.

Bertani
Villa Arvedi Amarone; $50
13.5/20 — Composed of 70 per cent Corvina Veronese and 30 per cent Rondinella grapes, this full-bodied wine offers red fruit flavors and moderate tannins.

Martini & Rossi
Prosecco; $14
12.5/20 — Dry and refreshing, this fruity sparkling wine would work well as an aperitif or paired with light bites.

SPAIN

Catalonia

Freixenet
Cordon Negro Brut; $12
13/20 — A blend of Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes, this crisp cava offers apple and pear flavors with just a hint of ginger.

Rioja

Muga
2010 Muga Rosado; $13
13/20 — This moderately sweet and acidic rosé boasts apple and citrus flavors that would pair well with white fish and light pasta dishes.

Valencia

Spartico
Organic No Sulfites Added Tempranillo; $12
12.5/20 — A USDA-certified organic Tempranillo, this well-balanced red wine offers a crisp acidity and clean finish.

SOUTH AMERICA

ARGENTINA

Mendoza

Santa Julia
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon; $10
12.5/20 — With a nose of black cherry, blackberry and spice, this full-bodied red wine displays fine tannins and a long finish.

CHILE

Maipo Valley

Haras
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon; $12
13/20 — With its spicy nose and rich, earthy flavors on the palate, this well-balanced wine with soft, gentle tannins would go well either with food or on its own.

Haras
2010 Sauvignon Blanc; $12
12/20 — A multi-layered bouquet of white peach and citrus fruits gives way to grapefruit flavors and a pleasant mouthfeel.

AUSTRALASIA

AUSTRALIA

Barossa Valley

Elderton
2006 Barossa Shiraz; $26
13.5/20 — This full-bodied red from South Australia offers black cherry and blackberry aromas with hints of chocolate and vanilla.

NEW ZEALAND

Hawke's Bay

Te Awa
2009 Chardonnay; $27
14/20 — A complex and oaky Chardonnay carrying citrus and stone fruit flavors, this wine would pair well with grilled chicken and Caesar salad.

More New Releases

PBH082911

(Updated: 07/26/12 BH)