CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Angel Juice
2008 Pinot Grigio; $19 (3 L)
12.5/20 — This boxed Pinot Grigio, with a touch of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Malvasia Bianca, exhibits tropical fruit, grapefruit and apple scents and flavors.

Five Rivers
2006 Pinot Noir; $13
13.5/20 — Rhubarb, violet, cardamom, hibiscus and vanilla give way to this Pinot’s strawberry and tangy bright cherry and hibiscus nectar flavors.

Killer Juice
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $19 (3 L)
12.5/20 — Blended with 10 percent Petite Sirah, this boxed Cab reveals ripe cherry and currant scents, soft tannins, and berry and oak flavors with a lingering finish.

Arroyo Seco

Figge
2005 Sycamore Flat Syrah; $42
14.5/20 — A versatile Syrah with blackberry, boysenberry, coffee and smoky toast scents that complement a fresh mouth, layered fruit flavors and softening tannins.

Pelerin
2007 Mesa del Sol Vineyard Syrah; $42
14/20 — Fine tannins and sweet plum, blackberry, spice and chocolate aromas and flavors characterize this full-bodied Syrah.

Paso Robles

Eberle
2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $33
14.5/20 — This Cab exhibits black currant, dark cherry, mocha and oak flavors with velvety tannins. Pairs well with a filet mignon.

Martin & Weyrich
2005 Etrusco Cabernet Sauvignon; $22
14.5/20 — Featuring 15 percent Sangiovese, this Tuscan-inspired Cabernet shows off lush red berry and cherry flavors, making it a good pairing with pepperoni pizza or a steak.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Manzoni Estate Vineyard
2006 Lucia Highland Vineyard Chardonnay; $23
14/20 — Pear, pineapple, citrus, banana and oak aromas and flavors complement this Chardonnay’s soft texture and creamy character.

Morgan
2006 Double L Vineyard Pinot Noir; $62
13.5/20 — Anise, cassis, mint, nut and cola scents give way to this Pinot Noir’s black cherry, vanilla, oak, cranberry, herb and leather flavors.

Morgan
2006 Highland Chardonnay; $26
13.5/20 — Pineapple, lemongrass, butterscotch, lime, green tea, walnut and mineral aromas and flavors define this Chardonnay.

Patz & Hall
2006 Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir; $80
15/20 — Beginning with red apple and raspberry aromas with hints of clove and loganberry, this Pinot reveals layered raspberry, blackberry and strawberry flavors with fine-grained tannins.

Pelerin
2007 Paraiso Vineyard Les Tournesols; $27
13/20 — Based on Roussanne with Viognier and Chardonnay, this white blend offers a flat nose of apple and Asian pear aromas, and jasmine, vanillin, roasted almond, lime and ginger flavors.

Santa Ynez Valley

Margerum
2006 M5; $27
15/20 — Big and complex yet not overly tannic, this value red blend of five Rhône varietals shows off pretty fruit flavors while offering earthy undertones.

LODI

Deep Purple
2007 Lodi Zinfandel; $12
13/20 — Black cherry, blackberry, plum, pepper and clove scents give way to this Zin’s jammy fruit, wild berry and cocoa flavors. Pairs well with braised short ribs.

Windmill
2007 Chardonnay; $12
13.5/20 — Tropical fruit, green apple and vanilla aromas and flavors characterize this value-oriented Chardonnay.

NAPA VALLEY

Beringer
2007 Private Reserve Chardonnay; $35
15/20 — Layered flavors of citrus, baked pear and sweet oak complement this Chardonnay’s minerality and creamy mouthfeel.

Charles Krug
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon; $69
15/20 — This Cab—blended with trace amounts of Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Syrah—exhibits black pepper, barrel spice and orange peel scents with soft tannins and cherry and plum flavors.

Charles Krug
2007 Sauvignon Blanc; $18
13/20 — Boasting a touch of Sauvignon Musqué, this Sauvignon Blanc features guava, grapefruit and melon aromas and flavors.

Flora Springs
2005 Trilogy; $65
15.5/20 — Composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a touch of Malbec, this red blend exhibits a cassis and cherry fragrance that gives way to black cherry, dark cocoa, coffee and toffee flavors.

Mount Veeder Winery
2004 Reserve Red Wine; $80
15.5/20 — Mixing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, this dark red blend exhibits black fruit, anise and spice scents with supple blackberry and coffee flavors.

Taylor Family Vineyards
2007 Sauvignon Blanc; $24
13.5/20 — This fresh and lively Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc exhibits a great acidic bite, an impressive structure and a clean finish.

Whitehall Lane Winery & Vineyards
2005 Merlot; $28
14.5/20 — With a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blended in, this Merlot exhibits blackberry, violet and oak scents with lingering plum, wild berry and cola flavors.

Los Carneros

Campion
2003 Pinot Noir; $33
15/20 — A dark and supple Pinot with sweet black cherry, plum and menthol flavors, which pair well with a wide range of food.

Robert Sinskey Vineyards
2004 Zinskey Late; $55 (375 ml)
15/20 — This powerful dessert wine exhibits plum and berry scents and flavors with hints of cedar spice, vanilla, apricot, almond, cocoa and candied orange rind.

Oakville

Flora Springs
2007 Soliloquy; $27
13.5/20 — Sur lees aged for eight months, this Sauvignon Blanc shows off bright acidity and a lingering, smooth finish of melon and fig flavors.

NORTH COAST

Monogamy
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $12
13/20 — Married with 12 percent Merlot, this smooth Cab exhibits cassis, plum and dried herb scents, which echo in its flavors.

SONOMA COUNTY

Clos du Bois
2007 Rosé; $10
13/20 — This dry, full-bodied Rosé, comprising 70 percent Syrah and 30 percent Merlot, exhibits crisp strawberry, pomegranate, raspberry and watermelon aromas and flavors.

Ravenswood
2006 Chardonnay; $15
13.5/20 — Including a small quantity of Muscat, this Chardonnay reveals bright floral and tropical fruit scents, which complement its lingering apple, citrus and mineral flavors.

Sonoma Vineyards
2007 Syrah; $15
12.5/20 — Black plum, pepper and blueberry aromas give way to this Syrah’s smooth and layered blackberry jam and tea flavors.

Alexander Valley

Stuhlmuller Vineyards
2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $36
14/20 — This approachable and well-priced Alexander Valley Cab offers ripe black cherry and black fruit character with hints of clove, anise and espresso.

Russian River Valley

Hartford
2006 Highwire Vineyard Zinfandel; $50
15/20 — Wild blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors match this single-vineyard Zin’s notes of white pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Patz & Hall
2006 Chenoweth Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir; $55
14.5/20 — A powerful Pinot displaying big, sweet tannins and concentrated plum, cherry, pomegranate, maple syrup, blackberry and wood smoke aromas and flavors.

Sonoma Coast

Landmark
2007 Grand Detour Pinot Noir; $40
14/20 — A Pinot Noir featuring black raspberry, cherry, chocolate and coffee bean scents, supple tannins, and a lingering finish.

MacRostie
2006 Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay; $40
13.5/20 — A pale gold Chardonnay with clover honey and pineapple aromas and tropical fruit, citrus and spiced baked apple flavors.

Sonoma Valley

Gundlach-Bundschu
2006 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir; $38
14.5/20 — Spiced red cherry, earth, rose petal and toast scents mingle with the Pinot Noir’s round tannins and raspberry, blackberry and red plum flavors.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Chumeia Vineyards
2006 Viognier; $14
12/20 — Honeysuckle, peach and toasty vanilla scents complement this Viognier’s pineapple, apricot and honey flavors, and bright, lingering finish.

CK Mondavi Family Vineyards
2007 Willow Springs Chardonnay; $7
13.5/20 — A medium-bodied Chardonnay with lemon and citrus aromatics and crisp apple and pear flavors. Pairs well with seafood.

Foppiano Vineyards
Lot 96, Bin 002; $9
13.5/20 — A red blend of Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Carignane, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this wine features raspberry jam, red currant, cedar and vanilla aromas and flavors.

Francis Coppola
2006 Diamond Collection Blue Label Merlot; $18
14/20 — A full-bodied Merlot with a dark purple/red hue; cherry, blueberry and dark chocolate scents; and plum, blackberry, currants and vanilla flavors.

Landmark
2006 Overlook Chardonnay; $27
13/20 — Toasted almond, caramel, coconut, green apple and lemon scents and flavors complement this value Chardonnay’s minerality and acidity. Pairs well with seafood.

Little Black Dress
2006 Merlot; $9
13/20 — Black cherry, licorice, plum and cranberry aromas complement this Merlot’s smooth, lingering red cherry, berry, vanilla and sweet oak flavors.

Malibu Vineyards
2006 Vortex Sangiovese; $25
14.5/20 — A clean, elegant and velvety Sangiovese showing an acidic character with cherry flavors. Pairs well with pizza.

Mirassou
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $12
12.5/20 — A full-bodied Cab that features blackberry, black cherry and chocolate flavors with vanilla, brown spice and oak hints.

Oak Grove
2007 Sauvignon Blanc; $7
13/20 — Crisp apple and grapefruit flavors lead into a delicate, fruity finish, pairing well with sea scallops on a bed of endive, figs and pecans.

Robert Mondavi Private Selection
2007 Pinot Noir; $10
13/20 — Blended with Syrah and a touch of Montelpuciano and Sangiovese, this Pinot Noir features silky, layered wild cherry jam, berry, spice and oak flavors.

OREGON

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Ponzi Vineyards
2007 Pinot Gris; $17
12.5/20 — Pear, clove, vanilla, almond and floral aromas lead to crisp honeydew melon, quince and sweet lemon flavors.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Gordon Brothers Family Vineyards
2007 Reserve Chardonnay
13.5/20 — Made from estate-grown grapes, this crisp Chardonnay is somewhat Burgundian in style with fall fruit, hazelnut and caramel flavors and cashew aromas.

Red Mountain

Seven Hills
2006 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Vintage Red Wine; $32
13.5/20 — Made of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this young red blend exhibits blackberry, cherry, marzipan and sweet spice scents with ripe berry flavors and a smooth finish.

FRANCE

BEAUJOLAIS

Brouilly

Henry Fessy
2007 Brouilly Gamay; $19
13.5/20 — This Gamay features persistent raspberry, cassis and grape flavors with bright acidity. Pairs well with bold cheeses, steak and barbecued ribs.

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON

Vin de Pays d’Oc

French Rabbit
2007 Chardonnay; $9 (1 L)
12/20 — Showing a pale yellow hue, this boxed Chardonnay features citrus, honey and brioche scents with lingering peach and apricot flavors.

French Rabbit
2007 Pinot Noir; $9 (1 L)
12.5/20 — A boxed Pinot Noir with earth, raspberry and strawberry aromas and red fruit flavors. Pairs well with salmon or pork.

RHÔNE

Côtes du Luberon

La Vieille Ferme
2007 Cotes du Luberon Blanc; $7
13/20 — Equal parts Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc and Ugni Blanc with 10 percent Roussanne, this white blend reveals soft, fruity flavors and pairs well with chicken or grilled fish.

Côtes du Rhône

Perrin Nature
2007 Côtes du Rhône Rouge; $13
13/20 — Composed primarily of Grenache with a touch of Syrah, this full-bodied red exhibits cherry, spice and licorice aromas with fruity flavors and fleshy tannins.

ITALY

VENETO

Bisol
Prosecco Jeio Brut; $15
13.5/20 — An Italian sparkling wine featuring crisp green apple, floral and sweet spice aromas and flavors. Pairs well with cocktail sandwiches.

SPAIN

RIOJA

Marques de Caceres
2005 Crianza; $14
14/20 — This silky, full-bodied Tempranillo is blended with 15 percent Garnacha Tinta and Graciano, and shows off cherry, strawberry, raspberry and cinnamon flavors.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Mudgee

Robert Oatley
2008 Rosé of Sangiovese; $18
13.5/20 — Made completely from Sangiovese, this pink-hued and light Australian Rosé shows off a dry palate and a crisp finish.

SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA

Bulletin Place
2007 Shiraz; $9
13.5/20 — Showing dark purple and red hues, this Shiraz exhibits mixed berry and peppery aromas in addition to sweet fruit flavors, fine-grained tannins and a long, soft finish.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Two Hands
2006 Ares Shiraz; $170
16/20 — A black-hued Shiraz exhibiting cherry, dried fig, plum, spice, mocha, coffee, chocolate and cedar aromas and flavors with silky tannins and a dense palate.

Adelaide Hills

Chapel Hill
2008 il Vescovo Tempranillo; $22
12.5/20 — A food-friendly Tempranillo exhibiting mulberry and fennel seed scents and flavors, which complement the wine’s savory tannins.

Barossa Valley

Nine Stones
2007 Shiraz; $13
13/20 — A hot and spicy Shiraz that shows off blackberry, dark cherry, chocolate, cedar and clove aromas with sweet fruit flavors, supple tannins, a fleshy middle palate and a long finish.

Two Hands
2007 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz; $30
13/20 — Plum, blackcurrant, roasted meat and chocolate scents give way to this Shiraz’s dark fruit flavors and balanced tannins.

McLaren Vale

Chapel Hill
2008 il Vescovo Albariño; $22
13.5/20 — This sweet, Viognier-like white wine is not overly crisp, displaying layered orange blossom and mandarine flavors.

Samuel’s Gorge
2006 Grenache; $40
14.5/20 — Red berry, raspberry, balsamic, white pepper spice, cedar and smoke aromas echo in this Grenache’s boiled beet root flavors and soft palate.

CHILE

Casablanca Valley

Veramonte
2008 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva; $10
13/20 — Stone fruit, citrus and floral scents precede this medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc’s lingering citrus, melon and herb flavors.

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