CALIFORNIA

Anderson Valley

A Donkey and Goat
2006 The Recluse Syrah; $37
14.5/20 — Barnyard-like scents precede this somewhat rough red’s flavors of hickory, freshly cut herbs, black tea and cocoa.

Carneros

Patz & Hall
2006 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay; $55
15/20 — Derived from cool-climate Carneros fruit, this complex, well-balanced and palate-filling wine is a welcome partner to Indian summer sipping.

Central Coast

Echelon
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon; $9
13.5/20 — Revealing ripe cherry fruit aromas and bright berry flavors with a hint of cola, this Cab exhibits a palate of firm tannins and a slightly oaky finish.

Solaire by Robert Mondavi
2006 Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon; $18
13/20 — Greeting the nose are scents of blackberry, cassis and sweet dark fruit, which complement this full-bodied red’s flavors of blackberry and plum.

Dry Creek Valley

Dashe Cellars
2006 Late Harvest Zinfandel; $24 (375 ml)
14/20 — This silky dessert wine is characterized by sweet and spicy flavors, which include black raspberry, currant and plum followed by notes of licorice and caramel. Pairs well with chocolate truffles.

Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Dutton-Goldfield
2005 Cherry Ridge Vineyard Syrah; $35
14/20 — Hints of curry spices on the nose, bright acidity, and restrained blackberry and raspberry flavors make this red a sophisticated choice for dining by the barbecue.

Iron Horse Vineyards
2002 Russian Cuvée; $31
13/20 — Floral aromas greet the nose in this apple-flavored sparkling wine, which pairs well with almond cake with strawberries and whipped cream.

Iron Horse Vineyards
2006 Rued Clone Chardonnay; $45
14.5/20 — This medium-bodied Chardonnay’s honeysuckle aromas are complemented by scents of grapefruit and lime, which give way to flavors of grapefruit and tangerine.

Howell Mountain

Duckhorn Vineyards
2004 Howell Mountain Napa Valley Red Wine; $75
16.5/20 — Aromas of dark chocolate, mulled fruit and spice precede this Merlot’s palate of strong tannins and earthy minerality, and flavors of blackberry, black currant and mocha.

Napa Valley

Duckhorn Vineyards
2005 Merlot; $85
16.5/20 — Woodsy, brambly scents on the nose intermingle with blackberry, black currant and a hint of baking spice. This red’s flavors echo its aromas and finishes with an oddly mocha-like flavor.

Grgich Hills Estate
2006 Napa Valley Chardonnay; $42
14/20 — A nose of lemon zest, flowers and honey aromas are echoed in this Chardonnay’s flavors. Pairs well with chicken, grilled shrimp or pasta with a light cream sauce.

Kuleto Estate
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon; $60
14/20 — Containing trace amounts of Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this Cab shows off buttery tannins on the palate along with aromas of ripe bramble fruit and sweet spice.

Kuleto Estate
2006 Zinfandel; $40
14.5/20 — Displaying spicy and meaty fruit flavors, this Zin is blended with ten percent Sangiovese for acidity and length.

Pedras
2005 Pedras Ristow Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $60
14.5/20 — Chocolaty aromas of blackberry pie, crushed dark cherry and rose petals are followed on the palate by flavors of ripe blackberry, dark red fruit, tobacco and plum.

Whitehall Lane Winery & Vineyards
2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $75
16/20 — Wild blackberry, cassis and spicy oak aromas and flavors characterize this Cab, which ends with a lingering, silky finish.

Paso Robles

Sculpterra
2006 Petite Sirah; $32
16/20 — This dark red wine reveals plum flavors and a smooth mouthfeel, and pairs well with venison and couscous.

Sculpterra
2006 Statuesque; $35
14.5/20 — Derived from 34 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 33 percent Syrah and 33 percent Petite Sirah, this red blend displays floral and plum scents, a velvet-soft palate and cherry flavors.

Tablas Creek Vineyard
2006 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc; $40
15.5/20 — Exuding honeysuckle, mint, lemon peel and spice aromas, this blend of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Picpoul Blanc exhibits flavors of honey, rose petals and pears.

Russian River Valley

Acorn
2000 Alegría Vineyards Heritage Vines Zinfandel; $28
14/20 — Scents of blackberry, vanilla and oak precede this Zin’s layered flavors, which include plum, black raspberry, cocoa and spicy black pepper.

Dutton-Goldfield
2006 Morelli Lane Vineyard Zinfandel; $40
15.5/20 — On the nose, aromas of candied cherries, bramble, and shaved chocolate. Bright acidity carries a fresh berry, floral, and toffee finish. Pairs well with sharp cheeses.

J Vineyards & Winery
N.V. J Cuvée 20 Brut; $32
14.5/20 — Opening with scents of lemon peel, honeysuckle and yeast, this sparkling wine’s mid-palate also features flavors of toast, caramel and almonds. Pairs well with oyster topped with caviar.

Rancho Zabaco
2007 Sauvignon Blanc; $18
13/20 — This white wine exhibits aromas of juicy pineapple, lemongrass and ripe melon, and flavors of grapefruit and pineapple with a lively acidity and lingering minerality.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Solaire by Robert Mondavi
2007 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay; $16
13/20 — Citrus, pear and pineapple aromas frame this white wine, which displays flavors of mango, peach and citrus fruit with a hint of spice. Pairs well with grilled salmon.

South Coast

South Coast Winery
2004 Wild Horse Peak 4-Block Cabernet Sauvignon; $28
14/20 — This full-bodied Cab has a velvety mouthfeel, and exhibits layered aromas and flavors of ripe black cherry, cassis and blueberry jam.

South Coast Winery
2007 Merlot Blanc; $14
13/20 — This pink wine, which shows off berry aromas and crisp acidity, pairs well with a sausage pizza.

Stags Leap District

Taylor Family Vineyards
2002 Cabernet Sauvignon; $55
14.5/20 — Cherry, licorice, tobacco and cocoa aromas flood the nose in this Cab, which reveals soft tannins and pairs well with grilled meats.

Temecula Valley

South Coast Winery
2007 Carter Estate Vineyard Gewurztraminer; $14
13/20 — This delicate white wine shows solid acidity with floral scents of roses and lychee fruit.

Yountville

Rocca Family Vineyards
2005 Syrah; $45
15/20 — Aromas of smoky cherry and wild plum with hints of dried lavender and nutmeg are echoed in this Syrah’s flavors.

TEXAS

Multiple AVAs

Paulo
2002 Meritage; $44
13.5/20 — Made up of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a trace amount of Petit Verdot, this Texan red blend exhibits vanilla and berry flavors.

FRANCE

Reims

Champagne Henriot
1990 Brut Millésimé; $500
16/20 — Exhibiting a creamy vanilla nose with expressions of hazelnut, fig and dried fruit, this fresh, gold-colored wine is firm on the palate and rounded out by spicy, floral notes.

Champagne Henriot
1959 Cuvée des Enchanteleurs; $n/a
17/20 — Characterized by a light gold hue, this aged bubbly demonstrates a persistent palate along with an intense nose of toast, praline and vanilla aromas.

Champagne Henriot
1976 Cuvée des Enchanteleurs; $n/a
18/20 — This outstanding wine displays floral apricot aromas with notes of spice, honey, lime and ginger, and maintains a powerful presence on the palate.

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