CALIFORNIA

Arroyo Seco

J. Lohr Winery
2006 Arroyo Vista Vineyard Chardonnay; $25
14/20 — Exhibiting aromas of lime and lemon custard, tangerine, peach pie and white flowers, this pale yellow Chardonnay pairs well with roasted chicken and cream-sauce pasta dishes.

Carneros

Pine Ridge Winery
2006 Dijon Clones Chardonnay; $33
14.5/20 — With tropical fruit aromas of peach and nectarine on the nose, this medium to full-bodied Chardonnay displays an array of citrus flavors and a creamy, silky texture.

Napa Valley

Pine Ridge Winery
2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $54
14.5/20 — This inaugural release, incorporating, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, utilizes fruit from various Napa AVAs, including Oakville and Rutherford. The result is a balanced blend with strong berry and cherry flavors in the mouth, followed by firm tannins. We suggest decanting this young wine for best results.

Two Wives
2006 Pink; $16
14.5/20 — Beautifully balanced with a nice bite of acidity, this rosé has a restrained sweetness and exhibits flavors of raspberry and strawberry with just a hint of tropical fruit coming through.

North Coast

Cakebread Cellars
2006 Rubáiyat; $32
13.5/20 — Based on Pinot Noir, this red blend includes fifteen percent Zinfandel and two percent Syrah, and exudes aromas of blueberries and strawberries. On the palate are juicy red cherry flavors with spicy notes.

Oakville

Gargiulo Vineyards
2005 Aprile Super Oakville Red; $40
14.5/20 — Consisting of Sangiovese with three percent Cabernet Sauvignon, this red displays a nose of violets, cherry and rose petals, and flavors of currant and blueberry.

Gargiulo Vineyards
2005 Money Road Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon; $85
16/20 — Three percent Merlot, two percent Cabernet Franc and one percent Petit Verdot were added to this Cab, which exhibits complex aromas of spice, leather, plum and coffee, and lingering flavors of cherry, plum and cassis.

Paso Robles

Summerland Winery
2007 Paso Robles Zinfandel; $17
14/20 — This value-priced red calls for sunshine and barbecue, featuring flavors of bright cherry, Central California earthiness and a touch of white pepper.

Sonoma County

Simi Winery
2006 Zinfandel; $20
13.5/20 — Including nearly a quarter percent Petite Sirah, this Zin displays aromas of brambly raspberry and black cherry spiced with chocolate and cloves, and flavors of fresh berry with hints of caramel and peppery spice.

Multiple AVAs

Cru Vin Dogs
2005 Yogi Cabernet-Syrah; $26
13/20 — The 25 percent Sonoma County Syrah helps smooth out the 75 percent Napa Valley Cabernet, resulting in a strong berry flavor and soft tannins.

WASHINGTON

Columbia Valley

Bunnell Family Cellar
2006 Vif; $34
14.5/20 — Featuring Syrah, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Cinsault and Grenache, this lively blend of Rhône varietals reveals cinnamon and clove on the nose, and bright red fruit flavors on the palate with a long raspberry finish.

Multiple AVAs

14 Hands Winery
2005 Merlot; $11
13.5/20 — Blended with nineteen percent Cabernet Sauvignon and two-and-a-half percent Cabernet Franc, this Merlot has aromas of blackberries, which are echoed on the palate with touches of cherries and spice.

14 Hands Winery
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $11
13.5/20 — With a small amount of Merlot and Cabernet Franc blended in, this medium-bodied Cab exhibits aromas of berries and spice, and flavors of bright, juicy fruit complemented by velvety tannins.

FRANCE

Côtes du Roussillon Villages

Domaine Gauby
2004 Les Calcinaires; $18
14/20 — A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre, this red exhibits aromas of iodine and black cherry along with a savory finish.

ITALY

Toscana

Terrabianca
2003 Campaccio Selezione Riserva; $64
13.5/20 — This dark ruby-hued blend of half Sangiovese and half Cabernet Sauvignon has a nose of red fruit with hints of vanilla, licorice and roasted coffee bean, and pairs well with fish.

PORTUGAL

Douro

Altano
2006 Reserva; $23
14/20 — Aged in American oak for ten months prior to bottling, this blend of 80 percent Touriga Franca and 20 percent Touriga Nacional is complex and aromatic.

SPAIN

Rioja

Reflexión
2003 Reflexión Rioja Reserva; $9
13.5/20 — This Tempranillo from Northern Spain is rich with berry fruit and dark cherry flavors, which are matched by notes of vanilla and cinnamon.

Château Domecq
2006 Vino Blanco; $25
13.5/20 — Made from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Riesling, this white blend exhibits a nose and palate of peaches, apples, vanilla and banana, and pairs well with buttered fish.

Marlborough

Drylands
2007 Dry Riesling; $15
13/20 — This dry Riesling exhibits a nose of honeysuckle and gooseberry, and flavors of freshly squeezed lime with striking minerality and just the right touch of acidity. Pairs well with Thai food.

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