New Wine Releases November 2010

CALIFORNIA


CENTRAL COAST

Monterey County

Blackstone Winery
2009 Winemaker's Select; $9
13/20 — Brilliant flavors of Meyer lemon, Pippin apple and vanilla combine with well-balanced acidity to create a smooth, layered palate with a lingering finish.

Darcie Kent Vineyards
2009 Grüner Veltliner; $18
13/20 — This white wine has a nose of lime and white fruits. Crisp, clean citrus flavors round out the flavor profile.

Paso Robles

Niner Wine Estates
2007 Merlot, Bootjack Ranch; $24
14/20 — Displaying flavors of cherry and raspberry, this rich Merlot has excellent balance and good length.

Santa Maria Valley

Riverbench Vineyards
2008 Mesa Pinot Noir; $48
13.5/20 — This Santa Maria Valley wine combines aromas of rose petals and pomegranate with flavors of earthy mushroom, leading to a bright, clean finish.

Santa Rita Hills

Sea Smoke Cellars
2008 Southing Pinot Noir; $52
14.5/20 — The nose exhibits clove, dusty blueberry, cola and violets. The voluptous mouthfeel and fine tannins are balanced by a subtle acidity.

LAKE COUNTY

High Valley

Two Angels
2006 Divinity Rhône Blend; $24
14/20 — This red blend has aromas of anise and blueberries with a palate of raspberry, cherry, vanilla and oak. Serve with duck, turkey or semi-hard cheeses.

NORTH COAST

Napa Valley

Hyde Vineyard
2007 Carneros Chardonnay; $55
15/20 — This single-vineyard Chardonnay has a plush, creamy quality. Aromatics of white flower and marmalade lead into flavors of peach and spicy pear.

Chappellet Vineyard
2007 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon; $46
15/20 — This California red begins with scents of cinnamon and cocoa followed by flavors of espresso and red fruit; The finish has a hint of bittersweet chocolate.

Franciscan Estate
2006 Magnificat Red Wine; $50
14.5/20 — Aromas of dark cherry, sage and plum are followed by full-bodied flavor of cocoa and cassis. The rich finish is interwoven with blackberry and mocha.

Kristian Story
2006 "Rhapsodie"; $60
14.5/20 — Inviting aromas of black cherry and fresh earth give way to mocha and blueberries interlaced with graphite on the palate, leading into a long finish.

Melka Winery
2008 CJ Cabernet Sauvignon; $52
13.5/20 — Ripe with blueberry, black currant and black cherry flavors, this Cabernet has a hint of anise on the back of the palate leading into a lingering caramel finish.

Waterstone Wines
2008 Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon; $12
13/20 — Flavors of strawberry, rose and hibiscus lead to a dry, acidic finish.

Sonoma

Perception
2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir; $53
15/20 — This complex wine starts with ripe dark fruits on the nose with flavors of black cherry and violet balanced by spice and toasted oak. The balance leads to a long, persistent finish.

Dashe Cellars
2007 Late Harvest Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley; $24
14/20 — Less than 1,000 cases of this wine were produced. Floral aromas of lavender and raspberry lead into flavors of cherry and vanilla; The acidity is balanced.

B.R. Cohn Winery
N.V. Boater's Barbera; $22
13.5/20 — Full of aromas of cherry, ripe jam and plum, this wine is tart with toasty vanilla flavors.

Perception
2007 Russian River Valley Zinfandel; $38
13.5/20 — This wine has aromas of cherry cola and blackberry which lead to flavors of tart cherry, black licorice and bramble. The medium finish is touched by black pepper.

Ravenswood Winery
2008 Vinters Blend Petite Sirah; $10
13.5/20 — Powerful flavors of cherry and chocolate are backed with well-structured tannins. This red pairs well with turkey and chicken.

Rodney Strong Vineyards
2007 Knotty Vines Zinfandel; $20
13.5/20 — Powerful flavors of cherry and chocolate are backed with well-structured tannins. This red pairs well with turkey and chicken.


MULTIPLE AVAs

Domain Chandon
Blanc de Noirs; $22
14/20 — A delicate salmon color, this versatile wine pairs well with everything from fruity to spicy to salty foods. Full fruit flavors dominate the palate and the lingering finish is soft.

Mirassou Winery
2008 Sauvignon Blanc; $12
13/20 — This bright California white balances delicate aromas with crisp fruit flavors; The finish is soft.

MICHIGAN

OLD MISSION PENINSULA

Peninsula Cellars
2007 Pinot Blanc; $17
13.5/20 — Only 254 cases of this crisp white were produced. Aromatics of pear, apple and honey carry into the flavor profile. The mouthfeel is rich and ripe.


OREGON

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Argyle Winery
2006 Brut; $28
14/20 — The aromas offer a bouquet of honeysuckle, casaba and soft vanilla. Highly effervescent in the mouth, this sparkling wine has flavors of red currant underscored by a stony minerality.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Gramercy Cellars
2008 "The Third Man"; $45
14/20 — A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, this red blend exhibits flavors of granite, mushroom and sweet red fruits.

FRANCE


BURGUNDY

Beaujolais

Georges Duboeuf
Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2010 ; $11
13.5/20 — Generous notes of strawberry and black currant dominate the nose, with silky tannins that bring smoothness to the palate. The long finish has subtle touches of sweet Griottine cherry.

Aisne

Charles de Fère
Cuvée Jean-Louis Rosé Brut; $9
12/20 — Made from 95% percent Chardonnay, this wine has a fine steely character. Bright and fresh, there are flavors of grapefruit and a crisp finish.



LOIRE VALLEY

Sancerre

Domaine Chatelain
2008 French Blonde Sauvignon Blanc; $24
13.5/20 — Grown by a 12th generation winemaker, this wine has a fine steely character. Bright and fresh, there are flavors of lemon and grapefruit and a crisp finish.


ITALY

Apulia

Li Veli
2008 "Primonero" Salento IGT ; $18
14/20 — Fermented in French oak barrels, the wine features a bouquet intense with red fruits and flowers. The acidity and sweetness are balanced, leading to a lingering finish of sweet tannins and fruit.

Li Veli
2007 Pezzo Morgana Salice Salentino; $20
13/20 — Cherry jam and prune aromas are enhanced by flavors or caramel, raisins and almonds. The finish is lengthy with earthy notes.


Bolgheri

Antinori
Guado al Tasso Vermentino; $25
14/20 — Straw gold in color, this medium-bodied wine delivers intense fruit flavors of apricots and nectarines followed by mineral notes. Pair with shellfish or seafood.


Collio

Russiz Superiore
Col Disôre Collio Bianco; $21
13.5/20 — This well-structured wine begins with an elegant bouquet of acacia flowers and grapefruit followed by a warm finish with almond undertones.

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