New Wine Releases October 2012

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Wild Horse
2010 Pinot Noir; $25
13/20 — This fruit-forward red wine offers luscious cherry, pomegranate and cranberry aromas.

Livermore Valley

Concannon Vineyard
2009 Reserve Merlot; $25
14/20 — Offering cherry, nutmeg and vanilla aromas, this smooth red wine finishes on an oaky note.

Darcie Kent Vineyards
2008 Madden Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon; $24
14/20 — A bold, robust red wine, it offers ripe cherry flavors with hints of vanilla and tobacco on the finish.

Monterey County

Belle Glos
2010 Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir; $44
14.5/20 — This dense, complex Pinot Noir features dark berry and sweet spice flavors.

J. Lohr Estates
2011 Bay Mist White Riesling; $10
13/20 — This sweet white wine boasts flavors of apricot, pear and apple along with delicate floral notes.

Paso Robles

Tower 15
2009 "The Swell"; $21
14/20 — A Bordeaux blend, it displays black cherry and blackcurrant aromas on the nose and medium tannins in the mouth.

Viña Robles
2009 Estate Petite Sirah; $26
14.5/20 — Containing 15 per cent alcohol, this potent Petit Sirah is full-bodied and features rich plum flavors and a touch of spice.

Santa Barbara County

Nadia
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon; $35
13.5/20 — This full-bodied red wine displays concentrated fruit flavors and a backbone of firm tannins.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Robert Talbott Vineyards
2010 Logan Pinot Noir; $25
14/20 — A fragrant red wine featuring cherry, blueberry, vanilla and cinnamon aromas, it reveals silky tannins in the mouth and a long finish.

Santa Maria Valley

Riverbench
2010 Mesa Pinot Noir; $48
14.5/20 — Made from estate-grown grapes, this earthy Pinot Noir features delicate, red fruit flavors and a medium body.

Sierra Madre Vineyard
2010 Estate Pinot Noir; $40
13.5/20 — This dry red wine offers dark berry flavors and firm tannins that would pair well with rich, meaty dishes.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Lodi

Baron Herzog
2009 Old Vine Zinfandel; $13
13/20 — A full-bodied red wine, it offers rich, concentrated, jammy fruit flavors perfect for pairing with top sirloin or tri-tip.

Yolo County

Rock Wall
2010 Muscat Canelli; $18
13/20 — This dry white wine features tropical flavors of lychee and starfruit followed by citrus and honeysuckle.

NORTH COAST

Carneros

Mira Winery
2009 Hyde Vineyard Syrah; $48
15/20 — A robust wine at 15.5 per cent alcohol, this full-bodied red wine boasts dark fruit flavors and plenty of spice.

Sonoma-Loeb
2010 Private Reserve Chardonnay; $32
14.5/20 — This full-bodied white wine boasts mouthfilling pear and pineapple flavors with a hint of vanilla and nutmeg.

V. Sattui
2010 Henry Ranch Pinot Noir; $39
15/20 — An excellent wine for the price, it boasts plenty of soft red fruit flavors, earthy notes and silky tannins.

Dry Creek Valley

Dutcher Crossing
2011 Sauvignon Blanc; $22
14/20 — This zesty white wine displays lime, lychee and pineapple on the nose and a lively acidity in the mouth.

Quivira
2011 Fig Tree Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc; $22
14/20 — A biodynamic wine, it features bright citrus and green apple flavors that would pair well with crabcakes and oysters.

Howell Mountain

CADE
2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon; $150
16/20 — This robust, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon boasts an excellent balance of acidity, complex fruit flavors, and supple tannins.

La Jota Vineyard
2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon; $65
15.5/20 — Blended with some Petit Verdot and Merlot, this full-bodied red wine features rounded fruit flavors, silky tannins and a touch of spice.

Humboldt County

Joseph Jewell
2009 Pinot Noir Elk Prairie Vineyard; $42
14/20 — Bright cranberry acidity and cherry and raspberry fruit dominate on the palate with more earthy notes and a touch of spice toward the finish.

Knights Valley

Pont de Chevalier
2010 Estate Sauvignon Blanc; $40
14.5/20 — Crisp and clean, this dry white wine offers a medley of tropical and citrus fruit flavors and a teasing acidity.

Mendocino County

Artezin
2010 Zinfandel; $18
13.5/20 — This fruit-forward red wine features red fruit flavors and aromas with a hint of black pepper.

Testa Vineyards
2010 Carignane; $30
12/20 — A medium-bodied made from 50-year-old vines, it reveals black fruit flavors and firm tannins in the mouth.

Napa Valley

Duckhorn Vineyards
2009 Napa Valley Merlot; $52
15/20 — This well-balanced red wine features cherry, cranberry and raspberry flavors and silky tannins.

Galerie
2011 Naissance Sauvignon Blanc; $30
14/20 — Made in a European old wine style, this crisp white wine is light, floral and fruity.

Gallo Signature Series
2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $40
14.5/20 — Blended with some Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah, this well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon boasts black cherry and mocha flavors, a full-bodied mouthfeel and smooth tannins.

Paraduxx
2009 Z Blend Napa Valley Red Wine; $48
14.5/20 — Composed of 62 per cent Zinfandel, 31 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 7 per cent Merlot, this well-structured red blend boasts rich fruit flavors with notes of vanilla and nutmeg.

Oakville

Groth
2009 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon; $50
14.5/20 — A bold, intense red wine, it boasts heady fruit aromas and mouthfilling black cherry, blackberry and red plum flavors.

Robert Mondavi
2009 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon; $45
14/20 — This full-bodied red wine offers ripe berry flavors with herbal notes and firm tannins.

Russian River Valley

Iron Horse
2007 Brut Rosé; $50
14.5/20 — Composed of 63 per cent Pinot Noir and 37 per cent Chardonnay, this sparkling rose boasts bright colors and bold flavors.

Iron Horse
2010 UnOaked Chardonnay; $27
14.5/20 — This fresh-flavored Chardonnay offers melon, orange and green apple with soft mineral notes.

Patz & Hall
2010 Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir; $55
14.5/20 — The complex nose displays red fruit and spice aromas, while the palate features cherry, lavender and cola flavors.

Sonoma Coast

Dunstan Wines
2009 Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir; $50
14.5/20 — A bright and bold wine, on the nose it offers red cherry fruit with rose petals and cola notes.

Dunstan Wines
2009 Rosé of Pinot Noir; $24
14/20 — Produced by the saignée method, it boasts a refreshing mélange of strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb flavors.

MacRostie
2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir; $34
14/20 — In the mouth, the wine reveals dark berry flavors with a touch of spice and a long, smooth finish.

Sonoma County

Bella Vineyards
2009 Barrel 32 Zinfandel; $48
14.5/20 — This full-bodied Zinfandel boasts intense black fruit flavors with notes of black pepper and clove.

SOUTH COAST

Temecula Valley

Thornton
2010 Chardonnay; $19
13.5/20 — Fermented in stainless steel tanks, this crisp Chardonnay offers tangy green apple and citrus flavors with a touch of baking spice.

MULTIPLE AVAS

Barefoot Cellars
California Sweet Red; $6
11/20 —As its name suggests, this red wine offers sweet raspberry, red plum and blueberry flavors that come out best when served chilled.

Hahn Winery
2011 California Pinot Noir; $14
13/20 —This food-friendly red wine displays a nice balance of floral aromas, berry flavors and acidity.

McManis Family Vineyards
2011 Viognier; $12
13.5/20 — An aromatic white wine, it offers fresh fruit flavors of melon and citrus complemented by a crisp acidity.

Mirassou
2011 California Pinot Noir; $12
12/20 — This fruit-forward red wine features red berry flavors with a hint of vanilla and smooth, rounded tannins.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
2011 Pinot Grigio; $7
13/20 — A light white wine, this refreshing Pinot Grigio is made in a dry style that would pair well with fish tacos, grilled chicken and garden salads.

IDAHO

SNAKE RIVER VALLEY

Sawtooth
2011 Riesling; $12
12.5/20 — This sweet Riesling features citrus aromas, pineapple and peach flavors and a touch of acidity.

MICHIGAN

OLD MISSION PENINSULA

Bowers Harbor Vineyards
2010 Riesling, Block II; $25
14.5/20 — A dry Riesling, it boasts apple and pear flavors with a hint of peach and baking spice.

OREGON

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Adelsheim
2011 Auxerrois; $22
14.5/20 — Its flavors include a delicate note of stone fruit mixed with juicy pear and the kind of prominent minerality more common in European than American whites.

PENNSYLVANIA

BERKS COUNTY

Bashore & Stoudt Country Winery
Red Raspberry; $14
13/20 — This sweet fruit wine offers mouth-filling raspberry flavors, but suffers from a short finish.

Long Trout Winery
Ruby Slippers; $12
13/20 — This sweet cranberry wine works well as an aperitif but suffers from a short finish.

Pinnacle Ridge
2010 Trio; $29
14/20 — Composed of 50 per cent Merlot, 33 per cent Syrah and 17 per cent Cabernet Franc, it is a food-friendly wine with refreshing acidity.

TEXAS

Messina Hof
2010 Moscato; $11
13/20 — Made from Muscat Canelli grapes, this sweet dessert wine is fragrant and fruity.

VIRGINIA

MONTICELLO

White Hall Vineyards
2007 Petit Manseng; $13
14.5/20 — This white wine, more typically used in blends, features fruity and floral aromas with a touch of sweetness on the palate.

WASHINGTON

RED MOUNTAIN

Hedges Family Estate
2010 Descendants Liégeois Dupont Syrah; $25
14/20 — An inky-colored wine, it offers a dry mouthfeel, earthy flavors and supple tannins.

AUSTRIA

Weinviertel

Biohof Pratsch
2010 Grüner Veltliner; $14 (1 L)
13.5/20 — Light and crisp, it displays a fragrant bouquet of apple, peach and apricot on the nose.

FRANCE

Bordeaux

Château La Gatte
2010 Bordeaux Rosé; $12
12.5/20 — Composed mainly of Merlot and 30 per cent Malbec, this dry rosé features cranberry and plum flavors.

Secret de Grand Bateau
2010 Bordeaux Blanc; $17
14.5/20 — This refreshing white blend boasts apple and pear aromas complemented by tropical fruit and mineral notes on the palate.

Burgundy

Joseph Drouhin
2009 Chablis Premier Cru Sécher; $38
14/20 — A full-bodied Chardonnay, it features a distinctive flinty taste that would pair well with white fish and seafood.

ITALY

Alto Adige

Manincor
2009 Lagrein Rubatsch; $30
13.5/20 — This very dry, red wine features concentrated fruit flavors and firm tannins that would pair well with wild game.

Friuli

Tenuta Ca' Bolani
2011 Pinot Grigio; $17
13.5/20 — This crisp white wine offers a fragrant floral bouquet, bright citrus flavors and a lively acidity.

Puglia

Masseria Altemura
2010 Sasseo Primitivo; $15
14.5/20 — Similar to Zinfandel, this bold red wine boasts intense, jammy flavors with a hint of baking spices on the finish.

Veneto

Bertani
2011 Soave Sereole; $16
14/20 — Made exclusively from Garganega grapes, this light white wine features mellow fruit flavors that would pair well with light appetizers.

Bolla
2010 Tufaie Soave Classico; $13
13/20 — A blend of mostly Garganega and some Trebbiano di Soave, this dry white wine boasts fragrant fruity and floral aromas.

Cantina del Castello
2010 Soave Classico, Castello; $16
14/20 — A light white wine, this Soave Classico DOC features lovely floral notes on the nose.

PORTUGAL

Alentejo

Esporão
2011 Duas Castas; $13
13.5/20 — A fifty-fifty blend of Semillon and Viosinho, it features mango and tangerine aromas on the nose and a vibrant acidity on the palate.

SPAIN

Jumilla

Casa de la Ermita
2006 Crianza; $16
14/20 — Composed of 60 per cent Monastrell (Mourvèdre), 25 per cent Petit Verdot and 15 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, it features an interesting mélange of fruit, herb and spice flavors.

Priorat

Melis
2006 Priorat; $62
14.5/20 — A blend of Grenache, Carignane, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, this big, bold wine boasts concentrated black fruit flavors with a hint of tobacco and violet.

Rías Baixas

Bodegas Marqués de Vizhoja
Torre La Moreira Albariño; $20
13/20 — Offering an interesting interplay of sweet and tart, the wine's flavors include juicy citrus, apple and Asian pear with a pleasant, lingering note of dried apricot on the finish.

Pazo Torrado
2011 Albariño; $15
13/20 — This light white wine offers a lovely floral bouquet on the nose and mixture of citrus and tropical fruit flavors in the mouth.

Toro

Numanthia
2009 Termes; $30
14/20 — The wine's flavors are of ripe blackberries and blueberries balanced by supple tannins and a strong finish.

ARGENTINA

Mendoza

Alamos
2010 Chardonnay; $13
13.5/20 — This full-bodied white wine displays tropical and stone fruit flavors complemented by baking spice on the finish.

Doña Paula
2011 Estate Torrontés; $15
13/20 — A crisp white wine, it features delicate floral and fragrant tropical aromas with a touch of sweetness on the palate.

CHILE

Colchagua Valley

Hacienda Araucano
2010 Carmenère; $11
13/20 — This robust red wine boasts red fruit flavors with a hint of white pepper and sturdy tannins.

Leyda Valley

Carmen
2011 Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc; $14
14/20 — A refreshing white wine, it offers a fragrant bouquet and a crisp acidity.

AUSTRALIA

South Eastern Australia

FishEye
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon; $7
12.5/20 — This full-bodied red wine would pair well with simple foods like cheeseburgers and spicy sausages.

North West Victoria

Deakin Estate
2011 Moscato; $7
12/20 — Low in alcohol at 7.5 per cent, this sweet white wine is light and fruity.

NEW ZEALAND

Marlborough

Kim Crawford
2011 Pinot Grigio; $18
14/20 — On the palate, it displays baked apple and pear flavors, a crisp acidity and a clean finish.

Nobilo Icon
2011 Sauvignon Blanc; $22
14.5/20 — A full-bodied wine, it would pair well with pan-fried snapper and grilled sea bass.

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