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New Wine Releases July 2015

Just a few miles from St. Tropez lies the Estate of Château Saint-Maur, shielded from strong winds and enjoying a mild maritime climate suited to winemaking

New Wine Reviews - July 2015

Find tasting notes, prices and ratings for recent vintages in GAYOT's selection of July 2015 new wine releases.

NORTH AMERICA

CALIFORNIA

NORTH COAST

Alexander Valley

Madness & Cures
2012 Sanity Red Blend; $26
14/20 Full-bodied and luscious, this jocularly named wine is balanced and juicy. Firm tannins and hints of toasted oak round out Sanity Red.

Napa Valley

Charles Krug Winery
2014 Sauvignon Blanc; $18
13.5/20 A crisp, refreshing and balanced wine, Charles Krug's 2014 vintage leads with aromas of white peach and honeydew melon. Citrus and white grapefruit flavors on the tongue make this a lovely summer drink.

Sonoma County  

Head High Wines
2012 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir; $24
14/20
This is an elegant, ruby-colored wine with well-defined flavors of ripe red fruit. On the nose, the aromas of cherry, savory spices and vanilla accentuate a luxurious finish. 2,414 cases.

CENTRAL COAST

Monterey County

Gallo Signature Series
2013 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir; $30

14.5/20 Third-generation winemaker Gina Gallo created this Pinot Noir with grapes from the family's Olson Vineyard (in the Santa Lucia Highlands), which evokes the terroir of Burgundy. Aromas and flavors of cherry, pomegranate and violet suffuse this wine, which finishes with an acidic backnote. 116 barrels.

Sta. Rita Hills

Domaine de la Côte
2012 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir; $30

14.5/20 A lovely crimson pour with huckleberries, cranberries and strawberries on the nose, the Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is balanced and elegant. On the palate, there is more huckleberry flavor, and the finish is long and luxurious. 2,100 cases.

OREGON

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Lemelson Vineyards
2012 Thea's Selection Pinot Noir; $30
14.5/20 Made with organic grapes from several Lemelson vineyards, Thea's Selection evokes raspberries, tea and candied flowers. The deep red pour is silky and slightly sweet, very drinkable and smooth. 7,416 cases.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Goose Ridge Wines
2012 g3 Chardonnay; $16
13.5/20 A light wine perfect for summer sipping, Goose Ridge's g3 Chardonnay has flavors of Fuji apple, mango and pear. A hint of citrus adds depth to the creamy wine's crisp finish. 2,069 cases.

Maryhill Winery
2014 Rosé of Sangiovese; $14
12.5/20 Eighty-six percent Sangiovese blended with 14 percent Grenache, this crisp Maryhill rosé is a gorgeous pink color, with sweet floral aromas. On the palate, ripe strawberries and watermelon play with caramel. 2,497 cases.

WALLA WALLA VALLEY

Abeja
2012 Merlot; $40
14.5/20 Velvety, toasty and inviting, Abeja's 2012 Merlot is a rich treat in a bottle. Aromas of sun-ripened berries and rose petals are followed by plum and coffee on the palate. 659 cases.


EUROPE

FRANCE

PROVENCE

Côtes de Provence

Château Saint-Maur
2014 Clos de Capelune Rosé; $65
15/20 A sensual and elegant rosé from the South of France, this wine is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre, and Rolle grapes. The delicately pink wine balances ripe wild strawberries with clean minerality, and pairs pefectly with a summer meal. 18,000 bottles.

Château d'Esclans
2014 Rock Angel Rosé; $35
14/20 This transparent, pale offering is a wonderful aperitif rosé, with a subtle aroma of berries. On the palate, its mineral and floral notes achieve both a clean balance and a long, dry finish.

CHAMPAGNE

Mailly-Champagne

Champagne Ernest Remy
2005 Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru; $75
14.5/20 This inaugural vintage embodies the sparkling, brilliant delicacy that defines Champagne. Complex aromas of ripe apples, peaches, apricots and citrus dominate the soft, well-rounded palate.

Corton-Charlemagne

Louis Baisinbert
2011 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru; $185
15.5/20 Pale golden in color with aromas of acacia, this Champagne is an indulgence for a special day. Ripe stone fruit flavors flirt with toasted oak. A well-balanced acidity complements the delicate minerality of this silky, elegant wine. Limited edition of 300 bottles.

GARONNE

Côtes du Bruhlois

Château Labastide Orliac
2009 Le Prince; $65
14.5/20 A 40 percent Merlot, 40 percent Cabernet Franc and 20 percent Tannat blend, Le Prince is deep ruby in color and best drunk after two hours' breathing time. Dark fruits — blackberrry, blueberry and plum — captivate the nose, while spice notes of vanilla and rich cacao tempt the palate.

SPAIN

CATALONIA

Penedès

Castell de Calafell
Chardonnay-Muscat; price N/A
13.5/20 This white blend makes a natural pairing for seafood and light summer plates with its moderate acidity and touch of sweetness.

ITALY

TUSCANY

Casa Brancaia
2013 TRE; $20
13.5/20 TRE is a Tuscan blend of 80 percent Sangiovese, 10 percent Merlot and 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemakers recommend pairing this ripe, full, red wine with pastas, roasted or sautéed white meats, poultry and grilled fish. Its robustness also works as a more traditional pairing with red meats and cheeses.

Brunello di Montalcino

Cantina del Poeti
Il Vino dei Poeti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG; $45
14.5/20 A rustic, robust red made from Tuscan Brunello (Sangiovese) grapes, this is a sipping wine to pair with hearty meats, game, truffles and ripe cheese. A bouquet of berries, vanilla and spices lead into a dry, full palate with lingering warmth.

VERONA

Soave Classico

Pieropan
2014 Pieropan Soave Classico; $16
14/20 A brilliant straw-colored offering with hints of green, the 2014 Soave Classico is a delicate apertif wine from Italy's Veneto region. A floral bouquet of cherry and almond blossoms introduces the flavors of ripe fruit and marzipan. The bright acidity makes this white a lovely accompaniment to vegetable and seafood dishes.

MOLDOVA

Purcari Château
Rara Neagra de Purcari; $16
13.5/20 A velvety wine, with notes of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Rara Neagra is made with indigenous Moldovan grapes. Dried herbs, cherries and floral notes fill the nose in this medium-bodied, aged red from one of the oldest wineries in the country.

SOUTH AMERICA

CHILE

MAULE VALLEY

La Higuera, Loncomilla

O. Fournier
2009 Centauri Blend; $28
14/20 Berry preserves, cherry and herbs fill this dense, full-bodied wine. Opulent and rich on the palate, the Centauri blend has a long finish.

URUGUAY

MALDONADO

Garzón

Bodega Garzón
2013 Tannat; $22
13.5/20 A rustic red made from Uruguay's signature Tannat grapes, Bodega Garzón's offering features raspberry and cherry aromas. Rhubarb and tobacco flavors mingle with dark chocolate and pepper. 8,200 cases.

More New Releases

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