New Wine Releases August 2014

COLORADO

WEST ELKS

Sutcliffe Vineyards
2012 Chardonnay Signature; $38
14.5/20 — A well-balanced, yet acidic Chardonnay, it presents a bouquet of citrus and smooth caramel, leaving ripe pear and lemon on the palate. 102 cases.

OREGON

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Domaine Serene
2009 Oregon Pinot Noir; $37
14.5/20 — This bigger-bodied Pinot Noir boasts lush dark cherry and black licorice flavors, with supple tannins and leather complexities.

Hyland Estates
2011 Coury Clone Pinot Noir; $60
15/20 — With layers of cassis, cherry and raspberry, this lighter-bodied Pinot Noir leaves the palate with both spicy and ripe fruit notes. 290 cases.

VIRGINIA

MONTICELLO

Trump Winery
2012 Rosé; $14
13/20 — This acidic rosé displays soft cirus fruit flavors with notes of honey and rose petal, and a creamy finish.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Charles & Charles
2013 Rosé; $12
12/20 — This rosé, made mostly of Syrah, features ripe fruits and overly sugary flavors. 35,000 cases.

Waterbrook
2011 Merlot; $13
12.5/20 — A mouthwatering Merlot with medium tannins, it shows notes of pomegranate and cranberry. 5,085 cases.

NON-APPELLATION

Chocolate Shop
2013 Sparkling Chocolate Red Wine; $20
13/20 — This bubbly blend of red wine and chocolate is just that.

FRe Alcohol Removed
2013 Brut; $6
12.5/20 — An alcohol free sparkling wine, it displays crisp fruit flavors and has a dry finish.

SOUTH AFRICA

Western Cape

Mulderbosch
2011 Sauvignon Blanc; $18
13/20 — This Sauvignon Blanc has pronounced notes of green fig and lemon, with a mouthwatering palate full of melon and clementine peel.

FRANCE

Alsace

Domaines Schlumberger
2011 Les Princes Abbés Gewürztraminer; $18
14/20 — With a strong lychee bouquet, this medium dry Gewürztraminer has a mellow clean finish.

Loire Valley

François Crochet
2012 Sancerre Blanc; $24
14/20 — A hand-harvest Sancerre, it displays lemony citrus and mineral on both nose and palate.

Rhône Valley

M. Chapoutier
2012 Belleruche Cotes-du-Rhône; $12
13.5/20 — Composed of 70 percent Grenache and 30 percent Syrah, this spicy blend has ripe cherry flavors.

ITALY

Alto Adige

Elena Walch
2012 Lagrein Selezione; $17
13.5/20 — This spicy Lagrein has notes of wild berries and cocoa, with smooth tannins on the palate and a juicy finish.

Tuscany

Badia a Coltibuono
2006 Vin Santo Del Chianti Classico; $40 (375 ml)
15/20 — This medium bodied dessert wine has firm, dry tannins and an aroma of cherries and nuts. 7,500 bottles.

Luce
2011 Lucente; $30
14/20 — The bouquet of this Merlot and Sangiovese has notes of ripe cherry and black currant, while the palate has velvety tannins and is well-balanced. 210,000 cases.

Veneto

Vino dei Fratelli
Prosecco Spumante; $18
13.5/20 — This Prosecco displays a fruity bouquet and has a mineral and fruity mouth-filling taste. 550 cases.

SPAIN

Ribera del Duero

Bodegas Hornillos Ballesteros
2011 Mibal Tinto Joven; $17
13/20 — This small production wine has aromas of cherry and boysenberry and displays pepper and blueberry on the palate with soft tannins. 500 cases.

ARGENTINA

Mendoza

Allamand
2011 "H"; $35
14.5/20 — A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this full-bodied red has great natural acidity with good minerality. 230 cases.

Luminis
2012 Malbec; $25
13.5/20 — This 100 percent Malbec has robust fruit flavors and medium tannins with a velvety texture. 368 cases.

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