CALIFORNIA

Arroyo Grande Valley

Laetitia Vineyard and Winery
Brut Cuvée; $17
14.5/20 —This hand-harvested sparkling wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc.

Carneros

Buena Vista Winery
2005 Pinot Noir—Ramal Vineyard; $37
15/20 — Flavors of raspberry and plum are featured in this robust wine, which pairs well with beef tenderloin.

Gloria Ferrer Vineyards
2005 Carneros Pinot Noir; $28
15/20 — Flavors red fruit and autumn spice are featured in this silky red that pairs well with seared tuna.

MacRostie Winery
2005 Carneros Chardonnay; $22
14.5/20 —This pale gold wine features tropical fruit on the nose and has a clean, refreshing finish.

Central Coast

Hahn Estates
2005 Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon; $14
13/20 —This wine features bright aromatics of raspberry and flavors of plum and currant. It pairs well with braised veal.

Smith & Hook Estates
2005 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $25
13.5/20 —This red features rich fruit flavors that can be served with venison dishes.

Lodi

Clay Station
2006 Viognier; $12
13.5/20 —This pale varietal features orange blossoms on the nose and pairs well with pasta dishes with cream-based sauces.

Napa Valley

Decoy
2005 Napa Valley Red Wine; $28
14.5/20 —This well-balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot features flavors of ripe fresh fruit.

Duckhorn Vineyards
2006 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc; $25
14/20 —This balanced wine features citrus and tropical flavors paired with aromas of melon and Meyer lemon.

Irony
2004 Merlot; $16
14/20 — This rich wine features flavors of ripe plums, black cherries and blueberries with a backbone of moderate tannins and a lush, lingering finish.

MacRostie Winery
2004 Merlot Napa Valley; $28
14/20 — This deep red wine features a hot mouthfeel due to its high alcohol content (14.3%). It can be enjoyed now or aged in the bottle for years to come.

Mayacamas Vineyards
2002 Cabernet Sauvignon; $35
14.5/20 — This robust red was made from cold-climate fruit, giving it strong flavors of red berry. It pairs well with lamb, skirt steak or for the adventurous, loin of black bear.

Patz & Hall
2005 Napa Valley Chardonnay; $36
14/20 — This crisp white features aromas of lemon and ginger snaps combined with flavors of nectarine, pear and vanilla.


Russian River Valley

Dutton-Goldfield
2005 Dutton Ranch-Sanchietti Vineyard Pinot Noir; $58
16/20 — Aromas of blueberries, black cherry and violets. In the mouth, blackberry and blueberry expands into Asian spice overtones and a lingering candied berry finish. (343 Cases)

Sonoma County

Foppiano Vineyards
Lot 96, Bin 001; $9
13.5/20 — This soft red is a blend of Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, which features berries on the nose and pairs well with grilled meats like sausage.

Multiple AVAs (California)

Joe Blow Wine Cellars
2005 California White Wine; $11
13.5/20 — This blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay features nectarine, vanilla and pear on the palate.

Twisted
2006 Pinot Grigio; $13
12.5/20 — Citrus and apple flavors blend with aromas of pear in this crisp white.

OREGON

Dundee Hills

Lange Estate Winery and Vineyards
2005 Dundee Hills Estate Pinot Noir; $60
15/20 —This full-bodied red features aromas of red currant, crushed raspberry and black plum. It pairs well with scallops.

Alsace

Léon Beyer
2005 Gewürztraminer; $18
13.5/20 —The grapes for this pale varietal were hand-picked before pressing and fermentation. The wine pairs well with smoked herring.

Champagne

Taittinger
1999 Brut Millésimé; $65
15.5/20 —In this blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, flavors of Chardonnay stand out among the other varietals.

Forlì

Drei Donà Tenuta La Palazza
2005 Magnificat Cabernet Sauvignon; $41
14.5/20 — A velvety texture accompanies the berry and brown spice flavors of this red wine, which can be enjoyed now or aged for many more years.

Marlborough

Villa Maria
2006 Private Bin Pinot Noir; $19
14/20 —This savory wine features ripe fruit flavors with raspberry and cherry on the nose. It pairs well with white game meats and lamb dishes.

Martinborough

Dry River
2005 Pinot Noir; $90
13.5/20 —This ruby-hued wine is medium in body and features floral aromas. Its red berry flavors make this vino a good match for white fish with a cream sauce.

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