New Wine Releases August 2010

CALIFORNIA


CENTRAL COAST

Paso Robles

Niner Wine Estates
2007 Sangiovese, Bootjack Ranch; $24
14/20 — Rich with juicy boysenberry and cherry flavors; Chocolate and Ceylon tea round out the flavor profile.

Sculpterra
2007 Zinfandel; $26
13.5/20 — Fruit-driven with notes of cherry, raspberry pie and a touch of black pepper; The finish is long with rich caramel flavor.

Santa Ynez Valley

Jorian Hill
2008 Viognier; $30
14/20 — A nose of classic floral notes and a hint of minerality leads into bright fruit flavors of apricot, peach and a touch of honey.


DUNNIGAN HILLS

Matchbook
2007 Tempranillo; $15
14/20 —Yielding bold berry flavors of blackberry, blueberry and cherry, this medium-bodied Tempranillo is a food-friendly style of wine that pairs well with thick grilled steaks, ribs and seared tuna.

Matchbook
2008 Old Head Chardonnay; $15
13.5/20 — Crisp, bright fruit aromas and flavors are exhibited in this food-friendly wine; Pair with grilled shrimp or apple-walnut chicken salad.

NAPA VALLEY

Decoy
2008 Napa Valley Merlot; $75
16/20 — Aromas of plum, black cherry, and Earl Grey tea lead into rich flavors of ripe fruit, vanilla and sweet oak on the palate; The tannins are smooth.

Whitehall Lane Winery & Vineyards
2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley; $60
16/20 — Enticing aromas give way to fruit flavors of black cherry and black berry, framed by ripe tannins and sweet oak flavors.

Chappellet Vineyards
2006 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley; $42
15/20 — Beginning with aromas of bright cherry, this wine displays layers of cocoa, dark plum and coffee. The tannins are well-structured.

Shafer Vineyards
2008 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley; $50
15/20 —Perfect for a summer picnic, this bold Chardonnay is rich with oak but balanced with lemon acidity. It has flavors of apricots, citrus and dried pear with a long finish.

Robert Mondavi
2008 Fumé Blanc Reserve; $40
14.5/20 — Sourced from To Kalon where most vines are more than 30 years old, this well-balanced wine contains aromas of passion-fruit and citrus and flavors of tropical fruit.

Domaine Carneros by Taittinger
2005 Brut Cuvée; $26
13.5/20 — This sparkling wine offers aromas of flowers, pears and citrus peel; The wine is round and flavorful with a creamy finish.

Franciscan
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $27
13.5/20 — With substantial mouthfeel and generous body, this wine offers flavors of currants, cherry, cocoa and soft toasty notes.

J. Lohr
2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Carol's Vineyard; $24
13.5/20 — This wine displays aromas of grapefruit and dried flowers; The palate shows bright acidity with clean fruit flavors.


NORTH COAST

Domaine Chandon
N.V. Reserve Pinot Noir Rosé; $30
14/20 —Aromas of freshly baked bread and strawberry cream are exhibited in this copper-hued rosé; The palate displays fresh strawberry and tart cherry flavors.

SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS

Robert Talbott Vineyards
2008 Talbott Pinot Noir, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard; $40
14.5/20 — Aromas of lush, ripe fruit, cherry and plum lead to signature floral notes with a palate of black cherry, cinnamon and cedar.

SONOMA VALLEY

Gundlach Bundschu Winery
2005 Rhinefarm Vineyard Mountain Cuvée; $24
14/20 — This California red begins with warm aromas of plum and black cherry followed by flavors of raspberry and cocoa; The finish is meaty and spicy with lingering berry notes.


TEMECULA VALLEY

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
2009 Special Selection Rosé of Sangiovese; $18
12.5/20 — A slightly dry rose with aromas of cherry and strawberry; The palate displays red currant, raspberry and tangerine zest flavors.


MULTIPLE AVAs

Schramsberg
2005 Blanc de Noirs; $37
14.5/20 — Aromas of peach and toasted almonds introduce this medium-bodied brut. Flavors of fresh raspberry and mandarin orange comprise a mid palate with bright acidity.

Boho Vineyards
2008 California Old Vine Zinfandel; $23 (3 liters)
13/20 — Housed in Octavin's unique boxed-wine packaging, this full-bodied Zin offers intense fruit flavors and a lingering finish.

Carmenet
2007 Vintner's Collection Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $11
13/20 — This California red opens with a bouquet of berries with hints of chocolate; The palate rounds out with spice and vanilla.

Robert Mondavi
2009 Private Selection Pinot Grigio, California; $11
13/20 — With a crisp entry and aromas of pears and peach, this wine offers a round and creamy palate.

Mirassou
2008 California Pinot Noir; $12
13/20 — Displaying flavors of cherries, strawberries and red currants, this California red has a bright finish.


MICHIGAN

OLD MISSION PENINSULA

Chateau Chantal
2007 Proprietor's Reserve Pinot Noir, Pontes Vineyard; $20
13.5/20 — This rich, full-bodied wine is soft and loaded with fruit; Try it with red meats, pasta or salmon.


WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Seven Hills
2007 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley; $25
13.5/20 — Assertive scents of passion fruit, blueberry pie and hints of floral open into ripe blueberry flavor and a slightly dry finish.

Domaine Ste. Michelle
2001 Luxe; $23
13/20 — This 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine exhibits flavors of vanilla, citrus, ginger and nutmeg; It's a great match for most seafood dishes.

SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA

McWilliams Hanwood Estate
2008 Pinot Noir; $11
12.5/20 — Opening with cherry and floral aromas, this wine displays flavors of dark fruits such as blackberry and dark cherry.

FRANCE

ALSACE

Helfrich
2008 Pinot Gris, Grand Cru, Steinklotz; $24
14.5/20 — This wine offers an inviting touch of honey, with flavors of peach and pear; The finish is long and refined.

Helfrich
2007 Riesling, Grand Cru, Steinklotz; $24
14.5/20 — Well-structured with aromas of peach, pear and apple; The palate is crisp and refreshing, with hints of minerality.


BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES

Georges Duboeuf
2009 Beaujolais-Villages; $9
13/20 — Velvety in the mouth, this wine shows red fruit character, with notes of strawberry and black currant, and a hint of cinnamon.

BURGUNDY

Bouchard Pere & Fils
2007 Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus; $97
17.5/20 — Of the Pinot Noir varietal, this heavenly wine offers superb fruit and spice aromas, and is full yet delicate on the palate; Shows very good ageing potential.

Bouchard Pere & Fils
2007 Le Corton Grand Cru; $91
16.5/20 — Displaying an intense bouquet of fruit and spice, this Pinot Noir is rich and structured on the palate; Pair with venison, wild boar, or marinated red meats.

Louis Boulliot
Perle D'Aurore Rosé Brut ; $18
13.5/20 — An aromatic rosé, this sparkler shows excellent body and fine berry character.

Simonnet-Febvre
Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé ; $22
12.5/20 —Flavors of fresh strawberries and raspberries are present in this delicate rosé; the lingering finish has flavors of a creamy mousse.


CHAMPAGNE

Collet
Brut; $35
12/20 — A combination of three grape varieties, this wine has aromas of spice and fresh butter; The palate is powerful and well-structured.


ITALY

UMBRIA

Cantina Novelli
2007 Rosso Cube; $14
13/20 — A rustic, zesty wine with a nose of red fruits and a refreshing palate; It is thin on the mouth and easy to drink.

SPAIN

TIERRA DE CASTILLA

Tapeña
2008 Garnacha; $9
13.5/20 — This full-bodied wine displays notes of dark fruit and spice, including rosemary, thyme and a hint of sage; It opens on the palate with intense minerality.

CHILE

CENTRAL VALLEY

Terra Andina
2009 Sauvignon Blanc; $8
13/20 — This fresh wine displays grapefruit, lime, nectarine, and peach flavors with a harmonious finish.

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