New Wine Releases February 2016

CALIFORNIA

NORTH COAST

Napa Valley

Cortello
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon; $65 for a 3-pack of wine
15/20 — Only 200 cases of this Cabernet Suavignon have been produced. It has powerful, silky tannins with rich flavors of mocha and cranberry that leave a lingering finish.

Dennen Wines
Charismatic Fool Rosé; $30
13.5/20 — American musician Brett Dennen releases his first selection from Dennen Wines, the Charismatic Fool. This sparkling rosé is light and refreshing, featuring earthy tones with a touch of sweetness.

HANAIALI'I
2014 Merlot Napa Valley; $35
13.5/20 — This Merlot has spicy aromas and rich flavors of plum, cherry, cocoa and vanilla. Only 500 cases have been produced.

Russian River Valley

Dutton Goldfield
2014 Dutton Ranch — Shop Block Pinot Blanc; $25
15/20 —This Pinot Blanc has great structure and bright acidity and minerality. A nose of white nectarine and lilly lead to flavors of pink grapefruit and a lingering finish of peaches and cream in the mouth.

Fritz Cellars
2012 Lost Canyon Ruxton Chardonnay; $35
14/20 — This Chardonnay is produced from 35 year-old vines. It reveals aromas of apricot, white peach and pear that lead to a palate of bright acidity and a savory lemon finish.

La Crema
2014 Virtuoso Russian River Valley Pinot Noir; $50
14/20 — This 100 percent Pinot Noir is barrel aged for nine months. It boasts aromas of raspberry, black tea and mocha, and on the palate, flavors of cherry, licorice, plum and cola leave a lingering, smoky finish.

MacMurray Estate Vineyards
2013 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir; $28
13.5/20 — Opening with aromas of lavender, boysenberry, cherry, pomegranate and vanilla, this Pinot Noir has a silky mouthfeel and a lingering finish of toasted oak.

Sonoma County

Francis Ford Coppola Winery
2012 Director's Cut Cinema; $39
14/20 — This red blend is composed of 49 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 45 percent Zinfandel, 3 percent Petit Sirah and 3 percent Syrah. It has bright fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry blended with rich nuances of cocoa and sweet, smokey oak.

Guarachi Family Wines
2013 Sun Chase Single vineyards Pinot Noir; $66
14.5/20 — Hailing from the cool climate of the Sonoma County's Northwest corner, the Sun Chase vineyard sits 1,400 feet above the valley floor. The wine has balanced fruit flavors, minerality and a lingering finish.

Jordan Vineyard & Winery
2013 Chardonnay; $30
14.5/20 — Using old world winemaking techniques, Jordan 2013 Chardonnay is a unique selection that pairs well with a variety of foods. It is a balanced white wine with stone fruit flavors, vibrant acidity and a rich finish.

CENTRAL COAST

Monterey County

Bridlewood Estate Winery
2013 Monterey County Pinot Noir; $18
13.5/20 — Opening with aromas of dark berry, caramel and vanilla, this wine offers a palate of velvety tannins and rich flavors of raspberry, black cherry and oak.

SOUTH COAST

Temecula

Wilson Creek Winery
Decadencia Chocolate Dessert Wine; $28
13/20 — Made from centruy-old "old Vine' Zinfandel, this dessert wine is blended with a touch of natural chocolate for a rich and sweet treat.

WASHINGTON

Columbia Valley

Syncline Winery
2012 Subduction Red; $20
13.5/20 — Inspired by the wines of Southern Rhône Valley, this vino is a blend of classic southern French varietals. It has a ruby color and boasts flavors of black cherry, raspberry, baking spice and black pepper.

SOUTH AFRICA

Torbreck
2012 The Steading; $26
14/20 — Sourced from the Barossa Valley, this wine is a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro. It has a rich palate, featuring layered flavors of licroice, plum, black olive and Asian spice.

LEBANON

Château Kefraya
2012 Château Kefraya; $41
14/20 — Made using sustainable winegrowing practices, this wine is cherry in color and has aromas of black currant, spice and coffee. The palate is full and round with rich oak flavors.

NEW ZEALAND

Starborough
2014 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc; $15
13.5/20 — The circular koru decorates this vivid green bottle. This starfish is a traditional New Zealand Maori symbol that means growth and strength. On the palate, the Sauvignon Blanc offers crisp citrus notes and round stone fruit flavors.

FRANCE

CHAMPAGNE

Champagne Pierre Paillard
2004 Brut Grand Cru; $75
15/20 — A blend of 50 percent Pinot Noir and 50 percent Chardonnay, this Champagne exhibits aromas of red currant, pear and anise, and flavors of poached pear, buttered toast and zesty blood orange and ginger.

BORDEAUX

Grave

Château Suduiraut
2009 Sauternes; $75
15/20 — Château Suduiraut is known to be one of the finest Sauternes. Using a special selection of grapes from the most prestigious vineyards, this wine boasts balanced aromas of flowers, candied fruit and rôti grapes.

Pauillac

Château Lynch-Moussas
2009 Pauillac; $50
15/20 — The Catéja family, who have been Pauillac land owners since the 17th century, acquired Château Lynch-Moussas in the early 20th century. The 2009 Pauillac is composed of 70 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 30 percent Merlot, and boasts ripe fruit flavors with a strong oak finish.

ITALY

LOMBARDY

Berlucchi Franciacorta
'61 Brut; $18
13/20 — This sparkling wine is a blend of 90 percent Chardonnay and 10 percent Pinot Noir. It offers a crisp, rich bouquet of apple, pear and citrus, and the palate is zesty with a velvety finish.

TUSCANY

Banfi Toscana
2010 chianti Classico Riserva; $20
14.5/20 — This Chianti reflects Tuscan traditions. It is elegant, well-balanced and full-bodied, with flavors of vanilla, licorice and chocolate.

SPAIN

Campo Viejo
Rioja Reserva; $13
13/20 — Hailing from Spain's Rioja region, renowned for its vibrant and expressive wines, this Tempranillo boasts intense fruit flavors of cherry, black plum and ripe raspberry. Coupled with nuances of clove, vanilla and coconut from aging in oak barrels, the wine leaves a velvety finish.

ARGENTINA

Alamos
2014 Malbec; $15
13/20 — Crafted with grapes from the best of Mendoza's high altitude vineyards, this Malbec is blended with small portions of Syrah and Bonarda. It has flavors of plum, dark cherry and blackberry, with hints of brown spice and vanilla.

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