CALIFORNIA

Central Coast

Hahn Estates
2005 Central Coast Meritage; $20
13/20 — This bold wine with aromas of black cherry, raspberry and cedar is a great partner to barbecue spare ribs.

Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Dutton-Goldfield
2005 Dutton Ranch—Rued Vineyard Chardonnay; $45
15/20 — This balanced wine features aromas of pear, lilac and ginger, and can be paired with most lobster or crab dishes.

Napa Valley

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
2004 Cabernet Franc; $38
14/20 —Aromas of spice, licorice and berries mix with cherry and plum flavors in this lush wine.

Duckhorn Vineyards
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon; $60
15/20 —This full-bodied wine with aromas of blueberry, fig and hints of bell pepper has a smooth entry and a lingering finish.

Grgich Hills Estate
2005 Napa Valley Chardonnay; $40
14/20 —This organically-grown wine features aromas of pear, lychee nuts and honey.

Grgich Hills Estate
2006 Fumé Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc; $28
14/20 —This wine features a nose typical of its varietal, but tastes more like a chardonnay.

Hunter III Wines
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon; $68
14/20 — This lush wine features jam-like fruit flavors and aromas of vanilla, cocoa and sage.

Ramey
2004 Jericho Canyon Vineyard, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $110
16/20 —Now officially a Cabernet Sauvignon, this red contains 76% of the varietal. It has a smooth finish and pairs well with a T-bone steak.

Whitehall Lane Winery & Vineyards
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley; $40
14/20 —Flavors of blackberry, plum and cherry combine with aromas of cherry and spicy oak in this balanced wine.

Whitehall Lane Winery & Vineyards
2004 Merlot; $28
14.5/20 —This balanced wine features flavors of berry, fig and cocoa, with toasty oak and blackberry on the nose.

Whitehall Lane Winery & Vineyards
2006 Sauvignon Blanc; $16
14/20 —This wine contains 90% Sauvignon Blanc and %10 Semillon and was harvested from fruit grown in Rutherford, Calistoga, Yountville and Oak Knoll.

Russian River Valley

DaVero
2004 So' Bianco Sauvignon Blanc; $18
13/20 —This white wine is a good representation of the varietal, with citrus and melon flavors on the palate and on the nose.

Irony Wines
2005 Russian River Pinot Noir; $20
13.5/20 —Layers of cedar and other earthy elements accompany cherry and raspberry aromas in this medium-bodied wine, which pairs well with beef tenderloin.

Patz & Hall
2005 Zio Tony Ranch Chardonnay; $55
14.5/20 — This solid wine boasts a nice color with flavors of green apple and nectarine. Because of its high alcohol content, it is best served with food.

Sonoma Valley

MacRostie Wildcat Mountain Vineyard
2005 Chardonnay; $35
14.5/20 — Flavors of honeydew melon, citrus and spiced apple combine with aromas of lemon oil and vanilla caramel in this textured wine.

Vérité Winery
2000 La Joie; $100
17.5/20 — This elegant wine is complex without complications and has a pleasant nose with vibrant fruit scents. It is smooth now, but will continue to soften with age.

Santa Ynez Valley

Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards
2006 Viogner; $18
13.5/20 — Dry and sweet, this wine features flavors of apricot and melon with honeysuckle on the nose.

Temecula Valley

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
2005 Winemakers Reserve Opera D'Arte; $28
15/20 — This blend of white Rhone and Mediterranean varietals features lush tropical flavors that can stand alone or be paired with an Asian Chicken salad.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
2005 Winemakers Reserve Roussane; $25
14/20 — Aromas of honeysuckle, pear and pineapple are matched with melon, apple and peach flavors.

Multiple AVAs (California)

Estancia Winery
2006 Pinot Grigio; $11
13/20 —The grapes for this pale wine were grown in cool climate vineyards, and when pressed, produced apple and pear flavors with apricot and melon on the nose.

Joe Blow Wine Cellars
2005 California Red Wine; $28
12.5/20 —This blend of Syrah, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon has plum, berry and clove flavors with blackberry and chocolate truffles on the nose.

NEW YORK

Finger Lakes

Hazlitt Vineyards
2006 Homestead Reserve Riesling; $18
13/20—Flavors of citrus rind, juniper and jasmine combine with gardenia in this complex wine.

Champagne

Bonnaire
Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs; $27
13/20 —This elegant champagne features citrus aromas, a golden hue and a long finish.

Champagne Charles Heidsieck
Brut Réserve; $40
13/20 —This champagne features aromas of fully ripened nectarines and cherry plums. It can be paired with foie gras and white meats.

Vin de Pays d'Oc

Barton & Guestier Bistro Wine
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $9
13/20 — This full-bodied wine features plum and black currant on the nose and pairs well with tomato-based dishes.

Barton & Guestier Bistro Wine
2005 Pinot Noir; $9
13.5/20 — This bold wine offers flavors of bright black cherry. It can be served alongside risotto with wild mushrooms.

Barton & Guestier Bistro Wine
2006 Chardonnay; $9
13/20 — White peach and crisp apple aromas combine with hints of hazelnut and vanilla in this versatile wine.

Forlì

Drei Donà Tenuta La Palazza
2005 Pruno; $39
13.5/20 — This full-bodied red features sweet spices on the nose and can be enjoyed now or aged for many more years.

Penedès

Segura Viudas
2002 Mas D'Aranyó Reserva; $15
13.5/20 —This brick-colored wine,with its cinnamon, oak and plum flavors, boasts a rustic nose.

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