New Wine Releases May 2014

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Clos LaChance
2011 Estate Sauvignon Blanc; $11
13/20 — Composed of 87 percent Sauvignon Blanc and 13 percent Semillon, this fresh-flavored white wine offers crisp citrus flavors and a lively acidity. 1,917 cases.

MacMurray Ranch
2011 Pinot Noir; $23
13.5/20 — This fragrant, medium-bodied red wine displays cherry and pomegranate flavors with hints of cola and vanilla. 28,400 cases.

Smith & Hook
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon; $30
14/20 — Made with a little Malbec, this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon features rich blackberry flavors and sturdy tannins.

Paso Robles

B & E Vineyard
2008 Red Rhythm; $30
14/20 — Composed of 46 percent Merlot, 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 14 percent Cabernet Franc, this fruit-forward Bordeaux blend boasts ripe blackberry and black cherry flavors. 727 cases.

Parrish Family Vineyards
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon; $50
14.5/20 — Full-bodied and concentrated, this impressive Cabernet Sauvignon features a good balance of fruit, acidity and tannin. 225 cases.

Santa Cruz Mountains

Cooper-Garrod
2010 Cabernet Franc; $29
14/20 — Made from estate-grown, certified organic grapes, this fragrant red wine features raspberry, pomegranate and cherry flavors with hints of baking spice. 288 cases.

The Mountain Winery
2010 Estate Chardonnay; $41
14.5/20 — This full-bodied Chardonnay boasts crisp citrus and mineral flavors and a creamy mouthfeel. 400 cases.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Ten Acre
2012 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay; $28
14/20 — Showcasing fragrant floral aromas, this crisp Chardonnay shows green apple and tropical fruit flavors with a touch of minerality. 190 cases.

Santa Ynez Valley

Vallin
2012 Vin Blanc; $33
14/20 — Composed of 45 percent Marsanne and 55 percent Viognier, this fragrant blend displays apple and pear flavors with almond and mineral notes.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Lodi

Gnarly Head
2011 Authentic Red; $12
13/20 — A blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Syrah, this dry red wine offers dark fruit flavors and firm tannins. 70,000 cases.

LangeTwins
2010 Zinfandel; $15
13.5/20 — Exhibiting fragrant berry aromas on the nose, it reveals ripe black fruit flavors with plenty of spice in the mouth. 3,348 cases.

NORTH COAST

Alexander Valley

Murphy-Goode
2011 All In Claret; $24
13/20 — Composed of 42 percent Merlot, 29 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 29 percent Petit Verdot, this easy-drinking Bordeaux blend pairs best with steak and ribs.

Bennett Valley

Matanzas Creek Winery
2012 Bennett Valley Sauvignon Blanc; $32
14/20 — This crisp Sauvignon Blanc boasts exotic aromas and flavors, including basil, lime, lychee and pair.

Carneros

Patz & Hall
2011 Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir; $65
15/20 — Elegant and brimming with character, this silky Pinot Noir displays luscious raspberry and damson plum flavors with nutmeg, clove and lavender notes. 628 cases.

Napa Valley

Black Stallion
2011 Napa Valley Chardonnay; $19
13.5/20 — This buttery Chardonnay offers citrus and pear flavors and a plush, creamy mouthfeel.

Castello di Amorosa
2011 Napa Valley Chardonnay; $28
14/20 — A well-balanced white wine, it features citrus and mineral flavors with hints of vanilla, oak and almond. 1,424 cases.

Grgich Hills Estate
2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $60
15/20 — This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon made from biodynamically-farmed fruit boasts bright red fruit flavors and supple tannins. 14,290 cases.

Robert John Vineyards
2012 Sauvignon Blanc; $30
14/20 — Displaying tropical fruit and floral aromas on the nose, it reveals stone fruit flavors and a lively acidity in the mouth.

William Hill Estate
2010 Napa Valley Merlot; $30
13.5/20 — This fruity red wine shows plum, cherry and blueberry flavors and soft tannins. 5,000 cases.

Russian River Valley

Dutton-Goldfield
2011 Dutton Ranch Freestone Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir; $72
16/20 — Boasting bright, concentrated raspberry and candied blackberry flavors with hints of brown sugar and spice, this is an exquisite and memorable Pinot Noir. 503 cases.

Lawer Family Wines
2011 Hooker "Breakaway" Chardonnay; $24
14/20 — This crisp white wine displays tangy citrus and tropical fruit aromas and flavors. 320 cases.

Iron Horse
2008 Ocean Reserve; $45
14.5/20 — Made entirely from Chardonnay, this well-structured sparkling wine features citrus flavors and hints of toasted almond. 516 cases.

Sonoma Coast

Guarachi Family Wines
2011 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir; $65
15/20 — Impressive on entry, it displays fresh berry flavors, mineral notes and soft, smooth tannins. 1,293 cases.

SIERRA FOOTHILLS

El Dorado

Cedarville Vineyard
2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $29
13/20 — This earthy Cabernet Sauvignon offers dark fruit flavors with hints of oak, chocolate and mint supported by firm tannins. 245 cases.

SOUTH COAST

Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards
2011 Chardonnay; $39
13.5/20 — Both crisp and creamy, this balanced Chardonnay features pear and apple flavors with a touch of custard. 230 cases.

MULTIPLE AVAS

Barefoot Bubbly
Red Moscato; $11
12.5/20 — This red version of sweet sparkling Moscato offers refreshing cherry, pomegranate and blueberry flavors.

Healdsburg Ranches
2011 Coastal Series Merlot; $13
13/20 — An easy-drinking red wine, it exhibits smoky red fruit flavors with a pronounced peppery finish.

Kendall-Jackson
2012 Avant Chardonnay; $17
13/20 — This fruit-forward Chardonnay offers apple, lemon and pear flavors with floral and mineral notes.

{Noble Vines}
2012 24 Sauvignon Blanc; $12
13/20 — From peach, melon and lemongrass aromas on the nose to tropical fruit flavors in the mouth, this crisp white makes a refreshing summer wine. 19,000 cases.

Red Rock Winery
2011 Winemaker's Blend; $14
13/20 — A blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel, this full-bodied red wine features ripe red fruit flavors and sturdy tannins. 28,300 cases.

COLORADO

WEST ELKS

Sutcliffe Vineyards
2012 Signature Chardonnay; $38
13.5/20 — This refreshing Chardonnay displays lemon, pear and pineapple flavors with mineral notes. 102 cases.

OREGON

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Brooks
2011 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir; $25
14.5/20 — Featuring bright cherry aromas on the nose, it reveals raspberry, cranberry and rhubarb flavors and silky tannins in the mouth. 4,068 cases.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Dunham Cellars
2012 Three Legged Red; $19
13/20 — This balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah boasts ripe berry flavors with spicy notes and supple tannins.

MOROCCO

Zenata

Ouled Thaleb
2012 Sauvignon Blanc; $16
13/20 — Crisp and refreshing, it displays tropical fruit flavors with notes of green pepper and jalapeño. 50 cases imported.

FRANCE

Burgundy

Domaine Marquis d'Angerville
2011 Volnay Fremiet; $82
15/20 — This earthy Pinot Noir boasts classic raspberry and pomegranate flavors with a touch of cola and soft, luxurious tannins.

Isabelle et Denis Pommier
2011 Chablis Côte de Léchet; $23
13.5/20 — An organic Chardonnay, it features crisp citrus flavors with marked mineral and floral notes.

South West France

Château Tirecul la Gravière
2011 Monbazillac Les Pins; $24 (500 ml)
13.5/20 — This dessert wine made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon shows juicy peach, candied apricot and honeysuckle flavors.

GREECE

Peloponnese

Sofos
Red; $12
13/20 — A fifty-fifty blend of Agiorgitiko and Cabernet Sauvignon, this organic red wine offers black fruit flavors and a peppery finish.

ITALY

Piedmont

Vino dei Fratelli
Brachetto; $13
12/20 — A sweet sparkling red wine, Brachetto is very low in alcohol at 4.5 percent and displays juicy strawberry and raspberry flavors. 1,750 cases.

Tuscany

Marchesi de' Frescobaldi
2010 Remole; $10
13/20 — Composed of 85 percent Sangiovese and 15 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, this full-bodied red wine shows ripe fruit flavors and sturdy tannins.

Puglia

Tormaresca
2011 Neprica; $12
13/20 — This dry red composed of 40 percent Negroamara, 30 percent Primitivo and 30 percent Cabernet Sauvignon features bright red fruit flavors and medium tannins.

Veneto

Zyme
2007 Oseleta; $60
14/20 — An indigenous Veronese varietal, it displays cherry and raspberry flavors with floral notes of rose and violet.

SPAIN

Rías Baixas

Marquès de Vizhoja
2011 Señor da Folla Verde; $30
13.5/20 — Composed of 70 percent Albariño, 15 percent Treixadura and 15 percent Loureira, this crisp white boasts ripe apple and pear flavors with interesting herbal notes.

ARGENTINA

Mendoza

Antucura
2011 Malbec; $16
13/20 — This big-bodied Malbec shows ripe, concentrated berry flavors with hints of anise, mocha and pepper. 3,000 cases.

Luminis
2012 Lujan de Cuyo Cabernet Sauvignon; $15
13/20 — Complex for the price, this bold dry wine offers dark fruit flavors with earthy and spicy notes. 1,093 cases.

AUSTRALIA

Hunter Valley

Hope Estate
2011 Basalt Block Shiraz; $15
13/20 — This medium-bodied Shiraz displays earthy black fruit flavors, firm tannins and a spicy finish.

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