New Wine Releases September 2012

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Wild Horse
2010 Chardonnay; $16
13/20 — A well-balanced Chardonnay in terms of freshness and mouthfeel, it has been aged partly in oak and partly in stainless steel.

Monterey County

Bridlewood
2010 Monterey County Pinot Noir; $20
13.5/20 — This aromatic red wine displays lovely raspberry and cherry flavors with a hint of toffee and dark chocolate on the long finish.

Paso Robles

Justin
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon; $26
13.5/20 — A classic Paso Robles Cab, this full-bodied red wine features aromas and flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry and cherry with a hint of vanilla and licorice.

Niner Wine Estates
2007 Syrah, Bootjack Ranch; $20
14/20 — A dark, inky-colored wine, it boasts smoky and earthy flavors that would pair well with the region's famed tri-tip.

Tower 15
2009 Petite Sirah; $18
13/20 — This earthy red wine features rich dark fruit flavors and thick, chewy tannins.

Santa Barbara County

Rootstock Cellars
Cheeseburger Red; $12
13/20 — Composed of 28 per cent Petite Sirah, 44 per cent Barbera and 28 per cent Syrah, this red blend features jammy fruit flavors and firm tannins.

Santa Maria Valley

Sierra Madre Vineyard
2010 "Block 210" Chardonnay; $25
13.5/20 — This fresh white wine displays tropical fruit and citrus flavors that would pair well with grilled white fish and seafood.

Santa Ynez Valley

Beckmen Vineyards
2010 Estate Grenache; $30
14/20 — Made from biodynamically grown grapes, this medium-bodied Grenache boasts rounded red fruit flavors and soft tannins.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Lodi

Ravenswood
2009 Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel; $15
14/20 — This full-bodied red wine's rich flavors and sturdy tannins make it an excellent accompaniment to grilled steaks, tri-tip and ribs.

River Junction

McManis Family Vineyards
2011 Chardonnay; $10
13/20 — Fermented in stainless steel, this crisp Chardonnay offers fresh citrus flavors and a gentle acidity.

NORTH COAST

Alexander Valley

Bella Vineyards
2009 Big River Ranch Zinfandel; $38
14/20 — A robust red wine (14.7 per cent ABV), it boasts ripe black fruit flavors with a hint of clove and cedar.

Anderson Valley

Castello di Amorosa
2011 Anderson Valley Gewürztraminer; $23
13.5/20 — This full-bodied white wine offers enticing aromas of cinnamon, clove and rose petal.

Carneros

Frank Family Vineyards
2010 Carneros Pinot Noir; $35
14/20 — A medium to full-bodied red wine, it boasts lavender and black cherry aromas on the nose and soft tannins in the mouth.

Gloria Ferrer
2000 Carneros Cuvée; $50
14.5/20 — Composed of 55 per cent Pinot Noir and 45 per cent Chardonnay, this tête de cuvée sparkling wine features crisp lemon and apple flavors with a hint of marzipan.

Patz & Hall
2010 Hudson Vineyard - Carneros Chardonnay; $55
15/20 — This buttery Chardonnay displays honeyed aromas on the nose and a medley of apple, almond, lemon and pear flavors in the mouth.

Dry Creek Valley

Dashe Cellars
2009 Louvau Vineyard Old Vines Zinfandel; $32
14.5/20 — Made from 85-year-old vines, this rich, ripe Zinfandel boasts dark fruit flavors with notes of earth and spice.

Mendocino County

Testa Vineyards
2009 White; $20
13.5/20 — A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc grapes with a small amount of Viognier and Muscat, this well-balanced wine is crisp and clean.

Napa Valley

Benessere
2009 Aglianico; $40
15/20 — Composed primarily of Aglianico with a bit of Syrah and Merlot, this dark purple wine boasts an excellent balance of acidity and tannin.

Decoy
2010 Napa Valley Red; $25
14/20 — In the mouth, this Meritage offers fruity and woodsy flavors that allow it to pair well with venison and wild boar steaks.

Isabel Mondavi
2011 Deep Rosé; $15
12.5/20 — This darker-than-usual rosé is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a wine with strawberry and cranberry flavors and firm tannins.

Raymond
2010 Reserve Selection Napa Valley Chardonnay; $20
14/20 — Offering honeysuckle and pear aromas on the nose, this crisp white wine reveals refreshing tropical and stone fruit flavors in the mouth.

Round Pond
2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $30
13.5/20 — A nicely balanced, easy drinking rendition of American Cabernet, it offers an interesting medley of bright fruit, herbal and floral aromas.

V. Sattui
2009 Napa Valley Petite Sirah; $35
14.5/20 — This full-bodied red wine made from old vine fruit boasts rich berry flavors and moderate tannins.

Russian River Valley

Frei Brothers
2010 Russian River Valley Chardonnay; $20
13.5/20 — Green apple, orange and lemon meringue flavors, zesty acidity and a creamy mouthfeel characterize this clean white wine.

Iron Horse
2010 Corral Vineyard Chardonnay; $48
14.5/20 — This aromatic Chardonnay boasts apple and pear flavors with a pronounced minerality.

Joseph Jewell
2009 Appian Way Vineyards Pinot Noir; $45
14.5/20 — A medium-bodied red wine, it features a balanced acidity, smooth tannins and earthy flavors.

Sonoma-Loeb
2010 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir; $42
14.5/20 — This robust Pinot Noir offers dark berry and chocolate aromas on the nose and sweet fruit flavors in the mouth.

Rutherford

Inglenook
2009 CASK Cabernet Sauvignon; $75
15/20 — A thick, inky-colored wine, it displays rich black fruit flavors with a hint of licorice and clove.

Sonoma Coast

Belle Glos
2010 Taylor Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir; $44
14.5/20 — Not as a good as the previous vintage, this Pinot Noir's fruit flavors are less vibrant and its structure less sturdy.

Gallo Family Vineyards
2008 Two Rock Chardonnay; $28
14/20 — One of Gallo's single vineyard offerings, this crisp white wine features tropical and citrus fruit flavors and a marked minerality.

Spring Mountain District

Smith-Madrone
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $45
14/20 — Blended with small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this earthy Cabernet Sauvignon displays black cherry flavors and a thick mouthfeel.

St. Helena

J. Lohr
2009 Carol's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon; $40
14/20 — This fruit-forward red wine displays dark fruit aromas with notes of hazelnut and coffee.

SOUTH COAST

Temecula Valley

Thornton
2010 Barbera; $19
13.5/20 — This very dry red wine features wild berry aromas and flavors, a marked acidity and firm tannins.

MULTIPLE AVAS

Apothic
2011 White; $14
12.5/20 —A blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and Moscato, this white wine is made in a sweet style with fragrant floral and tropical fruit aromas.

Baron Herzog
2011 Jeunesse Cabernet Sauvignon; $13
13.5/20 — A sweet red wine, it offers fruity and floral aromas on the nose and soft cherry flavors on the palate.

Mirassou
2011 Sauvignon Blanc; $12
13/20 — This crisp white wine offers tangy grapefruit and orange flavors with hints of tropical fruit.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
2011 Sauvignon Blanc; $8
12.5/20 — Blended with a number of other white varietals, this aromatic Sauvignon Blanc features citrus and tropical fruit flavors and a vibrant acidity.

IDAHO

SNAKE RIVER VALLEY

Ste Chapelle
Soft Huckleberry; $9
12.5/20 — A blend of white wine grapes and huckleberries, this light and sweet wine boasts tropical fruit aromas and would work well as an aperitif.

OREGON

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Adelsheim
2010 Ribbon Springs Pinot Noir; $68
15/20 — An earthy red wine, it is light in color and offers fragrant red berry aromas and soft tannins.

PENNSYLVANIA

Subarashii Kudamono
Asian Pear Dessert Wine; $30 (375 ml)
14/20 — Fortified with Asian pear spirits, this 20 per cent alcohol wine is very sweet and has a thick, syrupy mouthfeel.

VIRGINIA

Cooper Vineyards
Noche Chocolate Wine; $17 (375 ml)
15/20 — A dessert wine made from Norton grapes and infused with chocolate, it boasts rich flavors of dark chocolate, raspberry and black cherry.

SHENANDOAH VALLEY

Rockbridge Vineyard
2008 V d'Or; $30
14.5/20 — Like an ice wine, this blend of Vignoles, Riesling, Vidal Blanc and Traminette features sweet honey and mandarin orange flavors.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Mercer Estates
2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $40
14.5/20 — A rich, full-bodied Cab, it is blended with Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Syrah for an excellent balance of fruit, acidity and tannin.

Snoqualmie
2008 Syrah; $10
13/20 — This food-friendly red wine boasts heady aromas of blackberry and blueberry on the nose and silky tannins in the mouth.

Waters
2009 Interlude; $36
13.5/20 — Composed of 54 per cent Merlot, 45 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 1 per cent Cabernet Franc, this robust red blend displays dried berry flavors and harsh tannins.

HORSE HEAVEN HILLS

NxNW
2011 Horse Heaven Hills Chardonnay; $14
14/20 — Offering fragrant aromas of pear, banana and honeysuckle on the nose, it reveals tropical fruit and vanilla flavors in the mouth.

AUSTRIA

Weinviertel

Biohof Pratsch
2010 Grüner Veltliner Rotenpüllen; $20
13.5/20 — This crisp and aromatic white wine boasts soft stone fruit flavors with a hint of minerality.

FRANCE

Bordeaux

Les Hauts de Lagarde
2011 Bordeaux Blanc Sec; $13
12.5/20 — A blend of 60 per cent Sauvignon Blanc and 40 per cent Sémillon, this food-friendly white wine offers citrus flavors and a crisp acidity.

Loire Valley

Saint Hilaire
2009 Blanquette de Limoux Blanc de Blancs; $12
12.5/20 — Light and crisp, this sparkling white wine features citrus and apple flavors with yeasty notes.

Domaine Cherrier & Fils
2010 Sancerre; $16
13/20 — Offering delicate citrus notes on the nose, this full-bodied white wine reveals lime, kiwi and melon flavors in the mouth.

Les Roches
2011 Touraine Blanc; $9
12.5/20 — This light Sauvignon Blanc is marked by intense aromas and a steely minerality that would pair well with a variety of seafood dishes.

Pierre Henri Gadais
2010 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 'G' Sur Lie; $13
14/20 — A dry white wine, it offers subtle floral aromas and soft stone fruit flavors.

GREECE

Lesvos

Methymnaeos Winery
2010 Dry Red Wine; $22
14/20 — A tart, appreciably acidic wine, its fruit flavors of cherry and strawberry hit the front of the palate along with a touch of cinnamon.

ITALY

Alto Adige

Alois Lageder
2009 Pinot Bianco Haberle; $20
13.5/20 — This medium-bodied white wine features apple and peach flavors with a touch of oak.

Colterenzio
2011 Lagrein; $19
13.5/20 — A dry, full-bodied wine, it features ripe blackberry flavors with a hint of dark chocolate and spice.

Peter Zemmer
2010 Lagrein; $18
13.5/20 — On the light side for a Lagrein, it reveals spicy fruit flavors and would pair well with poultry and game.

Marche

Saladini Pilastri
2011 Consenso Rosato; $10
12.5/20 — A rosé of Sangiovese, this crisp, clean wine displays refreshing strawberry and raspberry flavors.

Umbria

Arnaldo Caprai
2005 Sagrantino di Montefalco Collepiano DOCG; $60
14.5/20 — The wine's full body, sturdy tannins and somewhat bitter finish make it an excellent companion for osso buco and bone-in ribeye.

Veneto

Ecco Domani
2011 Moscato Delle Venezie IGT; $14
13/20 — This sweet, low-alcohol Moscato boasts bright tropical fruit flavors and a crisp acidity.

Cantina del Castello
2010 Soave Classico Pressoni; $22
13.5/20 — Composed of 80 per cent Garganega and 20 per cent Trebbiano di Soave, this dry white wine features fragrant floral notes.

Serego Alighieri
2004 Vaio Armaron Amarone Classico; $75
14.5/20 — Up front, there are black currant and dark chocolate syrup flavors as well as a bramble note that carries throughout.

PORTUGAL

Vinho Verde

Casal Garcia
2011 Vinho Verde; $8
13/20 — A blend of Trajadura, Loureiro, Arinto and Azal, this young white wine is light and fruity; pair it with salad and seafood dishes.

SPAIN

Jumilla

Casa de la Ermita
2008 Roble; $12
13.5/20 — Composed of 80 per cent Monastrell (Mourvèdre) and 20 per cent Petit Verdot, it features nicely rounded fruit flavors and a touch of spice.

Rias Baixas

Pazo Señorans
2011 Albariño; $24
14/20 — Offering floral aromas and crisp flavors of green apple and grapefruit, this Albariño would pair well with seafood paella.

Serra da Estrela
Albariño; $15
13.5/20 — This straw-colored white wine displays lush fruit aromas on the nose and reveals vegetable notes on the palate.

ARGENTINA

Mendoza

Alamos
2011 Malbec; $13
13/20 — Composed of 85 per cent Malbec and 15 per cent Syrah, this full-bodied red wine boasts dark fruit flavors and a peppery finish.

Reginato
Sparkling Torrontes/Chardonnay; $17
13/20 — This unusual blend makes for a full-bodied sparkling wine with an excellent balance of fruit and acidity.

Santa Julia
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Orgánica; $11
12.5/20 — A rustic red wine made from organic grapes, it is medium-bodied on the palate and offers dark fruit flavors.

Zuccardi
2010 Serie A Chardonnay-Viognier; $15
13.5/20 — Composed of 75 per cent Chardonnay and 25 per cent Viognier, this crisp white wine displays fragrant aromas of peach, pineapple and apricot.

CHILE

Lolol Valley

Hacienda Araucano
2010 Pinot Noir; $13
12.5/20 — A potent Pinot Noir, it features strawberry, raspberry and plum aromas on the nose and medium tannins in the mouth.

Maipo Valley

Carmen
2009 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon; $14
13.5/20 — This full-bodied red wine displays ripe fruit flavors and a spicy finish.

AUSTRALIA

South Eastern Australia

FishEye
2011 Riesling; $7
12.5/20 — This medium-bodied white wine features semi-sweet flavors of pear and apricot.

NEW ZEALAND

Marlborough

Brancott Estate
2010 'B' Sauvignon Blanc; $25
14/20 — Juicy passion fruit flavor dominates on the front of the palate, while toward the back of the palate it offers classic Marlborough grassy notes along with a touch of bell pepper.

Kim Crawford
2011 Unoaked Chardonnay; $18
13.5/20 — Offering tropical fruit aromas with a hint of honeysuckle, it reveals a vibrant acidity and a marked minerality on the palate.

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