CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Chalone

Pali
2007 Boer Family Vineyard Pinot Noir; $50
14/20 — Raspberry, pomegranate and anise fragrances complement this ripe and concentrated Pinot’s deep black cherry, huckleberry and earthy tannin flavors.

San Antonio Valley

Line Shack
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $17
13/20 — Black cherry, plum, rose petal, mocha and leather aromatics echo on this Cab’s palate with red currant, vanilla and oak spice flavors, smooth tannins and a long aftertaste.

Line Shack
2007 Roussanne; $17
14/20 — A fresh, slightly dry Roussanne exuding apricot, honey and baked pear aromas, which give way to a palate showing nice minerality and crisp acidity. Pairs well with fish and fowl-based dishes.

Pierce Ranch
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon; $20
13/20 — Black cherry and vanilla scents reverberate in this Cabernet Sauvignon’s blackberry and raspberry flavors and moderate tannins.

Pierce Ranch
2005 Tempranillo; $20
13.5/20 — Similar in character to a Pinot Noir, this medium-bodied fruit-driven Tempranillo exhibits cherry and vanilla aromas; raspberry, strawberry and cocoa flavors; and a velvety texture.

Tre Gatti
2005 Syrah; $30
13.5/20 — Fruity and earthy, this silky Syrah offers a raspberry, plum, mushroom and mocha nose with a blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry, toffee and vanilla-dominated palate.

Sta. Rita Hills

Sea Smoke
2006 Botella Pinot Noir; $40
14.5/20 — This lively Pinot Noir expresses elevated fruit tones with well-balanced acidity and tannins and a long crisp finish.

NAPA VALLEY

Antica
2007 Chardonnay; $35
13.5/20 — This full-bodied yet relatively restrained Chardonnay exhibits a refreshingly subtle oak influence with a soft, oily texture and pear, dried apple, sweet orange and grapefruit flavors.

Darioush
2008 Signature Napa Valley Viognier; $39
14.5/20 — Honeysuckle, jasmine and citrus scents give way to this Viognier’s vibrant peach, cantaloupe, apple and lemon zest flavors, which finish with white nectarine, nutmeg and vanilla bean hints.

KOZ
2008 Sauvignon Blanc; $17
13/20 — Made with 10 percent Viognier, this dry, medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc features pear, melon, key lime and orange blossom scents, vibrant acidity, and citrus, apple and peach flavors.

Mumm Napa
2000 DVX; $55
14.5/20 — Made from just 14 small lots of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this full-bodied bubbly exhibits long and creamy red cherry, white fruit, bread dough, white blossom and mocha flavors.

Waterstone
2008 Pinot Gris; $18
14/20 — This elegant, easy-drinking white is surprisingly sophisticated for its price, displaying a lovely acidic zip, a creamy palate and lemongrass, grapefruit, peach and pear flavors.

SONOMA COUNTY

Two Angels
2007 Mayacamas Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon; $27
13.5/20 — This Cab, exhibiting black currant, cherry pie, vanilla and cedar aromas, offers rich sweet black fruit flavors with high acidity, gripping tannins, and an earthy finish.

Alexander Valley

Iron Horse Vineyards
2006 T-T Vineyard Viognier; $26
14/20 — Honey, white peach and wildflower fragrances continue in this bright and crisp Viognier’s clean, lingering flavors. Pairs well with figs, clams and grilled rabbit.

Russian River Valley

Darioush
2007 Signature Russian River Valley Pinot Noir; $48
14/20 — Bright ruby red in color, this powerful Pinot offers delicate strawberry, cinnamon, rosebud and lavender aromas, which complement its smooth licorice, cola, clove and red cherry taste.

OREGON

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Ponzi
2008 Pinot Gris; $17
14/20 — Clove, pineapple, beeswax and yellow pear scents lead to this crisp and clean Pinot Gris’ lingering green apple, quince and lemon zest flavors.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Northstar
2005 Columbia Valley Merlot; $41
14.5/20 — Including 17 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 3 percent Petit Verdot, this rich Merlot displays elegant cherry, plum, raspberry and blackberry aromas with toasted oak, vanilla, coconut, mint and toffee flavors.

WALLA WALLA VALLEY

Spring Valley Vineyard
2006 Uriah Merlot Blend; $50
14/20 — Consisting of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this age-worthy red blend exudes dark fruit, cedar, mineral and herbal scents, leading to its black fruit, licorice and grenadine syrup-laden palate loaded with huge tannins.

FRANCE

BORDEAUX

Côtes-de-Castillon

Clos Les Lunelles
2003 Côtes-de-Castillon; $43
14/20 — This medium-bodied red Bordeaux blend exhibits spicy black cherry, licorice and raspberry fragrances with fine tannins and sweet and dense blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors.

ITALY

TOSCANA

Il Borro
2006 Toscana Lamelle Chardonnay; $26
14.5/20 — Ideal with seafood dishes, this crispy yet elegant Chardonnay offers a Chablis-like minerality with floral and peach aromas and a persistent pepper/vanilla-driven finish.

SPAIN

CASTILE-LA MANCHA

Valdepenas

Granrojo
2007 Rojo Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon; $10
12.5/20 — A Tempranillo (with ten percent Cabernet Sauvignon added) offering red and black fruit, caramel and paprika scents; smooth tannins; and lingering caramel/mineral-laden flavors.

GALILEE

Yarden
2005 Odem Organic Vineyard Chardonnay; $18
13.5/20 — A rich, dry and full-bodied Chardonnay exhibiting lemon, pear, tropical fruit, flint and floral flavors with a lingering aftertaste. Pairs well with chicken and mushroom dishes.

COASTAL REGION

Bellingham
2006 The Maverick Chenin Blanc; $15
14/20 — A full-bodied, dry Chenin Blanc with peach, cream and spice scents giving way to its layered, creamy apricot, honeysuckle, melon, and vanilla spice flavors and lingering finish.

PAARL

Franschhoek Valley

Môreson
NV Méthode Cap Classique Brut Rosé; $12
13.5/20 — Rosy pink, this bubbly Rosé derived from Pinotage offers light and yeasty aromas with red berry, strawberry and raspberry on the palate. Pairs well with a fruity dessert.

STELLENBOSCH

Engelbrecht Els Vineyards
2007 Proprietor’s Blend; $32
14.5/20 — Derived from Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this medium-bodied red blend offers sandalwood, leather, tobacco, spice and blackberry scents with mineral, plum and black cherry flavors.

WESTERN CAPE

Anthonij Rupert
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon; $50
14.5/20 — A dense and intense Cabernet that shows off a well-structured taste profile of dark berries, cassis and cedar wood with a lingering aftertaste.

Anthonij Rupert
2006 Nemesia; $42
13.5/20 — A mix of Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay, this rich white blend exhibits spicy, smoky lemon, litchi, violet and perfume aromas with a ripe white fruit-driven palate. Decant before sipping.

Guardian Peak
2006 Frontier; $13
14/20 — Comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot, this bright ruby red blend exhibits a nose of mineral, blueberry and fruit cake fragrances, which complement well-integrated tannins, an elegant structure and a juicy finish.

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