CALIFORNIA

Central Coast

Baron Herzog
2005 Chardonnay; $13
13.5/20 — Smooth and lively on the palate with flavors of apple, pear and vanilla.

Wild Horse
2005 Chardonnay; $17
13/20 — An elegant Chardonnay with bright flavors of Bosc pear and green apple complemented by vanilla, caramel, and oak. Slightly alcoholic taste.

Wild Horse
2005 Pinot Noir; $25
13.5/20 — A versatile wine with flavors of dried cherry, cinnamon spice, and wild mushroom. Best if enjoyed in a few years.

Clarksburg

Herzog Wine Cellars
2005 Late Harvest Chenin Blanc; $16
13.5/20 — Very sweet in taste with aromas of honey and apricot. Pairs well with grilled foie gras.

Lodi

Herzog Wine Cellars
2005 Special Reserve Zinfandel; $26
14.5/20 —Lush in texture with flavors of blackberry and spice.

Incognito
2006 Pink Wine; $20
13/20 —This bright pink wine has aromas of watermelon, white plum and light citrus.

Weinstock
2004 Zinfandel Cellar Select; $16
13.5/20 — A full bodied Zinfandel with notes of berry, jam, and spicy French oak. Pairs well with barbecued brisket.

Napa Valley

CE2V
2005 Chardonnay; $40
14/20 — Chablis-like aromas of lime, citrus and limestone mix with flavors of cream in this crisp, clean wine.

Clos Du Val
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon; $32
14.5/20 — Rich aromas of black fruit, dried herbs, fennel, and leather on the nose combine with flavors of dark fruit to create this powerful, full bodied wine. This wine will age beautifully.

Clos Du Val
2004 Merlot; $26
14.5/20 — An approachable, full bodied Merlot with flavors of herbs and black fruit. The nose is greeted with aromas of spice, black fruit, dried herbs, and a hint of toast.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
2005 Karia Chardonnay; $32
14.5/20 — Aromas of lemon meringue and Bosc pear combine with a slightly flinty note in this crisp wine. Enjoy it with sole in lemon and butter sauce.

Taylor Family Vineyards
2002 Chardonnay; $22
14.5/20 — A crisp and refreshing wine with aromas of apricot, citrus, green apple, and French Oak. Pairs well with cream sauces.

Taylor Family Vineyards
2003 Hillside Chardonnay; $34
14.5/20 — A full bodied wine with aromas of melon, green apple, and honey with hints of mango, vanilla, and lemon zest. Enjoy with prosciutto and cheese.

Russian River Valley

Dutton-Goldfield
2005 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir; $35
16/20 — Flavors of sweet cherry, nutmeg, and coriander delight the palate while black cherry, dried strawberry, and lilac fill the nose. Well suited for pairing with salmon dishes.

Dutton-Goldfield
2005 Morelli Lane Vineyard Zinfandel; $40
15.5/20 — On the nose, aromas of candied cherries, bramble, and shaved chocolate. Bright acidity carries a fresh berry, floral, and toffee finish. Pairs well with sharp cheeses.

San Luis Obispo

Edna Valley Vineyard
2004 Merlot; $13
13/20 — This merlot features notes of black cherry and blackberry with chocolate and coffee elements acquired during French oak cooperage. Enjoy it with lamb chops.

Sonoma County/Green Valley

Iron Horse Vineyards
2005 Rued Clone Chardonnay; $35
15.5/20 — A smooth, distinctly floral Chardonnay with lime-cream flavors. Excellent with monk fish.

Iron Horse Vineyards
2005 UnOaked Chardonnay; $25
14/20 — A bright and creamy Chardonnay that pairs well with steamed mussels.

California (Grapes from multiple AVAs)

Beaulieu Vineyard
2004 Coastal Estates Merlot; $9
13.5/20 —Bright raspberry and cherry aromas open on the nose, followed by lingering notes of vanilla and spice. Pair it with roast chicken.

Geyser Peak Winery
2006 Sauvignon Blanc; $9
13.5/20 — Aromas of lemon, lime and citrus combine with gooseberry and passionfruit. Enjoy with oysters.

Sterling Vineyards
2004 Sterling Vintner's Collection Merlot; $13
13.5/20 — Cherry and red berry flavors make this wine an ideal companion for steak.

WASHINGTON

Columbia Valley

Domaine Ste. Michelle
Extra Dry Sparkling Wine; $10
12.5/20 — An elegant sparkling wine with flavors of pear, kiwi, and guava. Pairs well with seafood, especially sea bass and crab.

San Rafael

Valentin Bianchi S.A.
2006 Elsa Chardonnay; $8
13/20 — On the nose, aromas of honeyed-lemon, tropical fruit and peaches. A crisp wine that works well as an aperitif.

Valentin Bianchi S.A.
2005 Famiglia Chardonnay; $15
13.5/20 — Flavors of vanilla, apple, spices, coconut and cloves make this refreshing wine an excellent companion to pasta in cream sauce.

King Valley

Redbank
2002 Fighting Flat Shiraz; $18
14.5/20 — A finely structured wine with flavors of berries, violets, spice, and dark plums. Allow to age a bit more before enjoying.

Redbank
2006 Sunday Morning Pinot Gris; $18
12.5/20 —This zingy wine has a fine palate with white flowers and pear fruit. Enjoy in one or two years.

Redbank
2006 The Widow Jones Viognier ; $18
13.5/20 —A classic Viognier nose of apricots, fresh cream, ginger, and white flowers combines with the flavors of honey, spice, and sweet oranges.

Victoria

Redbank
2005 The Long Paddock Chardonnay; $11
13/20 — Complex aromas of peach and melon with citrus notes fill the nose. Malolactic fermentation adds creamy notes.

Redbank
2004 The Long Paddock Shiraz; $11
13/20 — Fills the mouth with flavors of blackberry, chocolate, and pepper. Not bad for a cheaper wine.

Redbank
2006 The Long Paddock Sauvignon Blanc; $11
12.5/20 — A strong nose of zesty citrus, guava, passion fruit, and gooseberry. Finishes crisp and spicy.

Australia (Grapes from multiple AVAs)

Yalumba
2006 Y Series Pinot Grigio; $11
13.5/20 — Wild flowers, feijoa, and peach nectar show on the nose. This wine's honey nuances will continue to develop with age.

Yalumba
2006 Y Series Riesling; $11
14/20 — Aromas of lime juice and lemon peel combine with orange blossom overtones on the nose. This wine will age well for the next few years.

Yalumba
2006 Y Series Sauvignon Blanc; $11
13.5/20 — Zesty and intense with flavors of passion fruit and lemons with a hint of grassiness.

Maipo Valley

Cousiño-Macul
2004 Finis Terrae; $18
14.5/20 — Composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this supple wine features flavors of blackberry and plum, as well as mocha, anise, and oak spices. This wine will be at its peak in six to eight years.

Cousiño-Macul
2006 Doña Isidora Riesling ; $9
13.5/20 — Aromas of apple blossom, mango and lemon-lime combine with flavors of fennel, apricot, ripe apple and Meyer lemon in this refreshing wine.

Chablis

Joseph Drouhin
2005 Chablis; $20
13.5/20 —A fruity and fragrant nose with hints of lemongrass on the nose. This full-bodied wine pairs well with shell fish.

Chablis Controlée

Joseph Drouhin
2005 Domaine De Vaudon Chablis; $22
13.5/20 — A classic Chablis with lemon and fern aromas. A light wine that's ideal with caesar salad.

Chablis Premier Cru Controlée

Joseph Drouhin
2005 Chablis Premier Cru; $28
14.5/20 — Intense aromas of orange, lemon and coriander on the nose. Pairs well with smoked salmon.

Champagne

Piper-Heidsieck
Cuvée Brut; $30
14/20 — A fresh and lively champagne with aromas of citrus and spring blossoms. The finish is resonant with citrus notes and classic champagne toast.

Sicily

Feudo Arancio
2005 Grillo; $8
12.5/20 — An elegant and fruity wine with hints of jasmine and green pepper on the palate.

Feudo Arancio
2005 Nero D'Avola; $7
13.5/20 — A lively wine with aromas of dried red fruits and nuts. Pairs well with baked pasta.

Rioja

Conde De Valdemar
2001 Reserva; $15
13/20 — Black berry and fruit aromas on the nose mix with smokey notes in this smooth red.

Tierra de Castilla

Osborne
2005 Solaz Blanco-Viura; $9
12.5/20 — An elegant and straightforward wine with aromas of anis and tropical fruit. Pairs well with shellfish.

New Releases Main Page