New Wine Releases February 2010

CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Paso Robles

Austin Hope Winery
2006 Grenache; $42
14/20 — This vintage opens with bright aromas of red fruit with a hint of cedar and herbes de Provence; A mid-palate of berry and cocoa leads into a long finish.

Liberty School
2007 Chardonnay; $12
13.5/20 — Aromas of green apple and citrus lead into fruity flavors of pineapple, pear and honey.

Santa Maria Valley

La Fenetre
2007 Le Bon Climat Vineyard Pinot Noir; $49
15.5/20 — This bright, medium-bodied wine beautifully displays a palate accented by soft red fruit, cinnamon, and rose petals.


MENDOCINO COUNTY

Scharffenberger Cellars
N.V. Brut; $19
14.5/20 — Round and full-bodied, this sparkling wine leads with a nose of cherry, plum and mango into a palate of vanilla creaminess with hints of caramel.

Dashe Cellars
2008 Dry Riesling; $20
13.5/20 — Exhibiting flavors of apricot, orange and minerals, and a dry finish, this wine pairs well with spicy foods.

Navarro Vineyards
2006 Pinot Noir; $19
13.5/20 — This balanced pinot noir offers cherry and strawberry fruit flavors with a hint of vanilla and bacon.


NAPA VALLEY

Karl Lawrence
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $60
15.5/20 — Deep dark red, this full-bodied and smooth Cab offers layered currant, black cherry and spice flavors with herbal hints and silky tannins.

Shafer
2007 Merlot; $48
14/20 — Dark fruit aromas and black berry, licorice, pepper, strawberry and plum flavors characterize this red wine. Pairs well with a roast chicken.

Turn 4
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $20
13/20 — This cabernet offers good weight on the palate with flavors of dark cherry, cocoa and plums.


SONOMA COUNTY

Chalk Hill

Chalk Hill
2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $35
14.5/20 — This vintage displays sweet black fruit flavors with a full body and length; should age well.

Dry Creek Valley

Quivira Vineyards and Winery
2007 Mourvèdre; $32
14/20 — A mixture of blueberry, bramble and spice characterizes the palate of this meaty wine, produced on a biodynamic farmed estate.

Rancho Zabaco
2007 Dry Creek Valley Reserve Zinfandel; $24
13/20 — Concentrated flavors of black and blue fruit are met with the richness of boysenberry jam.

Russian River Valley

Patz & Hall
2007 Zio Tony Ranch Chardonnay; $60
14.5/20 — Vibrant with bright minerality, this vintage offers juicy flavors of peach, pear, green apple and honeydew.

Sonoma Coast

Fogdog
2007 Pinot Noir; $35
14/20 — An aroma of cherry compote complements earthy notes of cinnamon and tea.

Spring Mountain

Hidden Ridge Vineyard
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon; $40
14/20 — This fragrant vintage offers red fruit flavors with notes of spice and toast.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Meiomi
2008 Pinot Noir; $35
14/20 — Aromas of strawberry and cherry lead into rich red currant notes and a succulent finish.

Wily Jack
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $8
12/20 — This inexpensive wine boasts plum and cherry aromas leading into dark fruit flavors and smooth tannins.


TEXAS

Bryan

Messina Hof Vineyards
2004 Paulo Port; $44
13.5/20 — This domestic port (aged in new French oak and new American oak for one year each) offers intense chocolate and cherry flavors.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE

Trius
Brut; $25
12.5/20 — Notes of citrus and apple dominate this medium-bodied sparkler.

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