CALIFORNIA

Anderson Valley

Goldeneye
2006 Migration Pinot Noir; $32
14/20 — This Pinot Noir displays aromas of strawberry, raspberry and cherry, a strong alcoholic character, and flavors of pennyroyal mint, cinnamon, plum, cola, vanilla and earth.

Harmonique
2003 The Noble One Pinot Noir; $55
15.5/20 — Notable for its aromas and flavors of blackberry, currant and black cherry, this red exhibits silky tannins and a lingering finish.

Central Coast

Big House
2006 The Lineup GSM Red Wine; $14
12.5/20 — Consisting of 50 percent Grenache, 30 percent Syrah and 20 percent Mourvèdre, this red exhibits flavors of blackberries, strawberries and truffles with a bit of spiciness.

Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Iron Horse Vineyards
2003 Classic Vintage Brut; $33
13.5/20 — Featuring aromas of fresh bread, apple blossom and nutmeg, this sparkling wine has a mouth of brisk acidity and flavors of green apple and ripe melon.

Napa Valley

Decoy
2006 Napa Valley Red Wine; $30
14.5/20 — Blended from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this red exudes an aroma of flowers, menthol, black cherry and smoke, and reveals flavors of red currant, blackberry, tobacco, plum and black pepper.

Farella-Park Vineyards
1995 Merlot; $65
16.5/20 — Blended with 22 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, this medium-bodied Merlot is characterized by soft tannins and plum flavors with hints of cedar, smoke and spice.

Franciscan
2007 Sauvignon Blanc; $17
13.5/20 — With citrus, melon and fig aromas greeting the nose, this pale yellow wine features layered flavors of lime, lemongrass and melon.

Grgich Hills Estate
2007 Fumé Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc; $30
14/20 — Layered with aromas of white peaches, grapefruit and lemon oil, this white wine reveals a crisp texture, hint of mineral and a long finish. Pairs well to grilled shrimp and lemon risotto.

HALL
2005 Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon; $100
15/20 — Exuding aromas of dark chocolate, sweet currant, blueberries and toasted wood, this soft, supple red displays rich tannins with flavors of dark fruit, bay leaf and spice.

HALL
2005 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon; $75
15/20 — Briar fruit, toasty oak and baking spice aromas on the nose complement this Cab’s fine-grained tannins and berry pie flavors.

Irony
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon; $15
14/20 — This Cab—characterized by aromatic violets, tobacco and cocoa—features flavors of raspberries, currants and black cherries, and pairs well with roasted meat and strong cheese.

Pine Ridge Vineyards
2005 Fortis; $140
16/20 — This smooth, well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a complex nose that includes toffee and pomegranate, and reveals a creamy texture that helps the tannins blend in.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
2005 Sauvignon Blanc; $22
15/20 — Aromas of lemon, pear and honeysuckle introduce this white wine, which displays flavors of passion fruit and mandarin orange, and pairs well with oysters or spinach salad.

North Coast

Cru Vin Dogs
2006 "Lucky" Portrait Series Cabernet-Merlot; $26
15/20 — Made up of 48 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 48 percent Merlot and 4 percent Cabernet Franc, this Bordeaux blend exhibits aromas of dark cherry, boysenberry and smoky plum, and flavors of red currant, pomegranate and cranberry.

Oakville

Gargiulo Vineyards
2005 575 OVX G Major 7 Cabernet Sauvignon; $125
15/20 — This Cab, blended with five percent Merlot, five percent Cabernet Franc and four percent Petit Verdot, is characterized by polished tannins, an opulent mouthfeel and aromas of sandalwood and blackberries.

Saddle Rock-Malibu

Cielo Malibu Estate Wineyards
2006 Malibu Rouge; $90
13.5/20 — This light-bodied red blend is suitable for autumn sipping, displaying bright acidity along with complex flavors on the palate.

Santa Ynez Valley

Beckmen Vineyards
2006 Estate Syrah; $26
15.5/20 — Layered scents of plum, black pepper, sandalwood and dark chocolate precede this Syrah’s flavors of blackberry jam and plum, which are surrounded by elements of licorice and spice.

Sierra Foothills

Manilow
2004 Zinfandel; $25
14.5/20 — Flavors of berries and cracked pepper give way to soft vanilla oak tannins, which help add layers to the lingering finish.

Sta. Rita Hills

Casa Barranca
2007 La Encantada Vineyard Pinot Noir; $35
13.5/20 — With less than 300 cases of it made, this bright Pinot Noir derives from organic grapes and reveals bright and elegant wild berry fruit, a firm balance and a lingering finish.

Temecula Valley

South Coast Winery
2007 Roussanne; $20
13/20 — Herbaceous, tea-like aromas frame this Roussanne, which features candy lemon drop flavors and a long finish. Pairs well with seafood, poultry and light salads.

Multiple AVAs

Robert Mondavi
2006 Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon; $11
13/20 — With flavors of sweet black cherry, blackberry, plum and spice with hints of oak, this Cab pairs well with dishes of standing rib roasts, lasagna and grilled steak.

MASSACHUSETTS

Multiple AVAs

Westport Rivers
2003 Brut Cuvee RJR; $30
13.5/20 — This crisp New England sparkling wine is made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and exhibits a thick mousse, bright fruit, lively acidity and a mere hint of toast.

MICHIGAN

Multiple AVAs

K. Edward Winery
1997 Pinot Noir; $13 (est.)
13.5/20 — This lighter-styled Pinot Noir has flavors of cherry with smoky nuances. Sip with cheese and bread, grilled poultry, or by itself.

WASHINGTON

Columbia Valley

Covey Run
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon; $10
12.5/20 — Possessing a supple mouthfeel and flavors of berry fruit, cherry, blackberry and spice, this Cab pairs well with smoked duck, lentil dishes and sharp cheese.

FRANCE

Bordeaux

Christian Moueix
2005 Merlot; $12
14/20 — This sweet, medium-bodied red features soft tannins with berry and wild cherry flavors, which contain hints of herbs and vanilla.

Gigondas

Perrin & Fils
2005 La Gille; $26
14/20 — This robust Grenache (with twenty percent Syrah) displays a deep ruby color, exhibits aromas of red fruit jams and reveals a mineral and earthy touch.

Reims

Champagne Taittinger
Brut Réserve; $50
15/20 — This golden-hued sparkling wine exhibits fine bubbles, aromas of bread, peach and white flowers, and flavors of fruit and honey. Pairs well with white meat, crayfish and mushroom quiche.

ITALY

Salento

Masseria Altemura
Fiano; $10
14/20 — Derived from the Fiano varietal, this straw yellow-hued wine shows off restrained, fruity aromas with fresh, mellow texture and flavors of peaches and apricots.

PORTUGAL

Douro

Quinta do Vesuvio
2001 Vintage Port; $58
14/20 — Aromas of berries, earth and plum cake greet the nose in this young port, which reveals black fruit and spice flavors, fine tannins and a sweet finish.

SPAIN

Catalunya

René Barbier
Mediterranean Rosé; $6
12.5/20 — A blend of 45 percent Garnacha, 35 percent Tempranillo and 20 percent Cariñena, this crisp and light Rosé exhibits intense aromas and flowery flavors, and pairs well with barbecued chicken.

Penedès

Segura Viudas
Brut Rosé; $10
13/20 — This delicate and crisp pink bubbly features aromas of raspberry, currant and grenadine, and has a lingering note of cherry on its finish that reveals a touch of sweetness.

Tierra de Castilla

Tapeña
2007 Rosé; $10
13.5/20 — This crisp pink wine consists of 55 percent Monastrell, 40 percent Garnacha and 5 percent Shiraz, and has a strawberry aroma, which reverberates in its cherry and citrus flavors.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Barossa Valley

Groom
2006 Shiraz; $38
16/20 — Restrained and terroir-focused, this Shiraz exhibits a nose of black cherry, currant and cocoa, which precedes a fruit-dominated palate with dusty tannins and pleasantly biting acid.

South Eastern Australia

Bulletin Place
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $9
12.5/20 — Aromas of mixed berries with minty overtones give way to sweet fruit flavors, fine-grained tannins and a long, soft finish.

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