CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Treana
2007 White; $25
13.5/20 — A crisp Rhône-styled white blend—comprising nearly equal parts Viognier and Marsanne—exhibiting citrus blossom and jasmine scents with stone fruit, pear, pineapple and honey flavors on the palate.

Arroyo Grande Valley

Laetitia
2006 Brut Rosé; $28
13.5/20 — Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this bubbly Rosé offers subtle floral aromas, which give way to bright berry flavors.

Arroyo Seco

J. Lohr
2006 Late Harvest White Riesling; $25 (375 ml)
14/20 — A golden-colored and sweet Riesling dessert wine exhibiting dried apricot, peach, pear and candied orange aromas and flavors.

Monterey County

Francis Coppola
2008 Sofia Sparkling Blanc De Blancs; $19
13/20 — A This sparkling white (not a rose, as the pink-tinted packaging suggests) offers accessible flavors and is a blend of three white varietals: Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and Muscat.

Paso Robles

Eberle
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah; $28
14/20 — Half-and-half Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this full-bodied red blend exhibits blueberry, cassis and earthy flavors with plum hints and silky tannins.

NAPA VALLEY

William Hill Estate Winery
2007 Napa Valley Chardonnay; $22
13.5/20 — Crisp flavors of ripe pineapple, pear and citrus fruits give way to a creamy finish, making this Chardonnay a good companion to meals of grilled red snapper or tuna.

Carneros

Frank Family Vineyards
1997 Signature Brut; $65
14/20 — This elegant champagne is pale straw in color and exhibits a fine mousse of tiny, persistent bubbles. It is perfect with your holiday dinner.

Yountville

Rocca Family Vineyards
2006 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.

SONOMA COUNTY

Dry Creek Valley

Quivira
2007 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel; $20
13/20 — With 7 percent Petite Sirah added, this elegant Zin features a plum and briar patch character in the nose and mouth, making it a good pairing with barbecued ribs and hamburgers.

Russian River Valley

J Vineyards
2007 Nicole's Vineyard Pinot Noir; $65
15.5/20 — A smooth entry leads into a rich and fleshy mid-palate, ending with a long spicy finish with notes of fig, dark cherry and fennel mixed with caramel undertones.

Iron Horse
2002 Brut LD; $85
14/20 — Flavors of Meyer lemon and green apple—and a creamy mouthfeel—are followed by a lingering finish.

J Vineyards
N.V. J Brut Rosé; $35
14/20 — This sparkling rosé opens with flavors of cherry, blood orange and citrus peel, all underlined by a bright acidity.


TEMECULA WINE COUNTRY

Temecula

South Coast Winery
Black Jack Port; $38
13.5/20 — This blend reflects opulent ripe berry fruit and nutty aromas with a warm, silky finish.

Thornton
N.V. Cuvée de Frontignan; $24
12.5/20 — Made from the Muscat grape, this sparkling wine is light and fruity with a crisp acidity.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Schramsberg
2002 J. Schram; $100
15/20 — This youthful sparkler bursts with aromas of green apple and pineapple, followed by flavors of candied grapefruit and glazed pineapple.

Domaine Chandon
étoile Rosé Sur lees 2003; $50
14.5/20 — Elegant and restrained with fresh aromas of plum, raspberry and nutmeg followed by subtle flavors of cocoa powder.

Domaine Chandon
Rosé; $22
14/20 — A bold and creamy wine that gains its structure from the addition of Pinot Noir at triage. Enjoy it with lamb.

Candor
Merlot; $20
13.5/20 — A non-vintage Californian Merlot with a round mouthfeel and supple flavors of plum, dark stone fruit, spice and smoke.

Candor
Zinfandel; $20
13.5/20 — This Californian Zinfandel exhibits bright berry flavors, with vanilla and licorice on the nose.

ILLINOIS

Lynfred Winery
2008 Illinois Seyval Blanc; $20
12.5/20 — Tropical, canned peach aromas complement this medium-bodied Seyval Blanc’s mineral-driven and fruity flavors and crisp finish. Pairs well with shrimp and salads.

OREGON

CHEHALEM MOUNTAINS

Cooper Mountain Vineyards
2007 Reserve Pinot Gris; $15
12.5/20 — This white wine exhibits lush fruit flavors ranging from hints of tangerine, grapefruit and mango to layers of apple and pear.

DUNDEE HILLS

Argyle
2007 Brut Rosé; $45
13.5/20 — A blend of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, this sparkling rose offers clean minerality with mild tannin.

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Soter
2005 Brut Rosé; $48
14.5/20 — Composed of equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this sparkler offers a bouquet of rose petal, minerals, biscuit, strawberry and raspberry.

Argyle
1999 Extended Tirage Brut; $50
13.5/20 — This sparkler offers rich and creamy flavors of lemon and grapefruit citrus, Anjou pear and apple leading into a long and vibrant finish with fresh baguette and caramelized sugar.


VIRGINIA

ALBERMARLE COUNTY

Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard
2004 SP Rosé; $28
13.5/20 — TA fruity and floral nose leads into flavors of cherry, rose petal, and raspberry, with a touch of toast.

PARRAS

Casa Madero
Shiraz MV; $22
14/20 — This intense yet balanced red pairs perfectly with rack of lamb.

FRANCE

ALSACE

Francois Baur
Cremant d'Alsace Brut Reserve; $23
13/20 — This biodynamic sparkler offers pear and peach aromas, and is creamy with balanced fruit and acidity.

BEAUJOLAIS

Régnié

Henry Fessy
2007 Régnié Gamay; $19
14/20 — This Gamay features blueberry flavors with a touch of raspberry jam, and bright acidity. Pairs well with cheeses, barbecued ribs and exotic foods.

CHAMPAGNE

Champagne Taittinger
2003 Comtes de Champagne Rosé; $300
17/20 — This Brut features ripe strawberry, raspberry and honeyed apple on the nose with flavors of red apple. The finish is rich and refined with a hint of minerality.

Champagne Pierre Morlet
2002 Millésime Brut; $50
14/20 — A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this refreshing Champagne is composed of Premier and Grand Crus.

Champagne Pierre Morlet
Rosé Grande Réserve; $45
14/20 — Derived entirely from Pinot Noir, this pink, full-bodied Champagne exhibits raspberry and cherry flavors in the mouth.

Champagne Paul Goerg
Blanc De Blancs; $38
14/20 — Derived entirely from Chardonnay, this pale yellow, smooth Champagne is crisp and lemony on the palate.

Champagne de Venoge
Cordon Bleu Brut Select; $32
14/20 — Aromas of flowers evolve into buttery scents; enjoy as an aperitif or with simple first courses.

Champagne de Venoge
2000 Blanc de Blancs; $62
14/20 — With a nose of toast and yeast, this elegant sparkler boasts a palate of apple and vanilla complemented by delicate bubbles. Pairs well with seafood.

Champagne Ayala
Brut Majeur; $40
13.5/20 — A pale golden color, this sparkler offers appealing fruitiness and a long finish.

Champagne Bonnaire
N.V. Brut Rosé; $37
13.5/20 — Coral pink in color, this rosé offers fullness, fine grain and balance; perfect for Spring and Summer celebrations.

Champagne Gonet-Medeville
Tradition Brut; $39
13.5/20 — Comprised of 70% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier, this lightweight premier cru is an appealing aperitif.

Champagne Jacquart
Brut Mosaique; $31
13.5/20 — A fresh bouquet with grape, pear and notes of bread crust leads into fresh and fruity flavors; pair with seafood or soft cheeses.

Champagne Pierre Morlet
Grande Réserve Premier Cru; $42
13.5/20 — This sparkler has a round and elegant body with notes of raspberry and wild strawberry, mingling with hints of violet.

Champagne Rene Florancy
N.V. Premier Cru; $27
13.5/20 — This crisp and elegant sparkler gives fresh citrus aromas balanced with soft honey and biscuit flavors.

Champagne Charles de Cazanove
N.V. Premier Cru; $50
13/20 — Exhibiting fine mousse and texture, this Champagne offers crisp fruit flavors with balance.

Champagne Charles Lafitte
Brut Prestige; $9
13/20 — A mouth revealing apple and other white-fleshed fruits combines with a slightly menthol finish.

Champagne Demoiselle
Brut Rosé; $42
13/20 — This sparkler displays a nose of red berries and is light and fruity on the palate.

Champagne Diebolt-Vallois
Blanc de Blancs Brut ; $32
13/20 — Lively and elegant, this Champagne offers apple and citrus flavors; perfect as an aperitif.


NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES

Louis Bouillot
Rosé Perle d’Aurore; $20
13/20 — This "Pearl of the Dawn" rosé offers fruity notes with a nice acidity.

RHÔNE

Côtes du Rhône

Louis Bernard
2007 Bonus Passus; $10
13.5/20 — Packaged in a lightweight plastic bottle, this Grenache (with a bit of Syrah and Mourvèdre added) offers strawberry jam fragrances with red berry flavors and a soft palate.

ITALY

CHIANTI

Dievole
Novecento Riserva; $45
14.5/20 — With an intense ruby color, this dry and full-bodied Chianti exhibits plum, coffee and cocoa flavors.

Da Vinci
2006 DOCG Chianti; $16
14/20 — This well-balanced, medium weight wine bursts with flavors of ripe plums, cherries and red fruit; pairs well with pasta and meat dishes.

TRENTINO

Ca'Montini
N.V. Prosecco Royal Cuvée; $19
13.5/20 — Aromas of wild flowers and ripe fruit mingle with hints of hazelnut.

PORTUGAL

DOURO

Dow's
40 Years Old Tawny Porto; $162
15.5/20 — Masterfully aged in oak casks, this fine amber port seduces with warm aromas of nuts, raisins and vanilla; On the palate, flavors of dried fruits and walnuts lead to a long complex finish.

SPAIN

PENEDES

Poema
N.V. Cava Brut; $12
13/20 — This cava offers creamy texture with flavors of orange and spice.

SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA

Black Swan
2008 Shiraz; $8
12.5/20 — This purple-colored, medium-bodied Shiraz features licorice and blackcurrant scents with black cherry, pepper, mocha and vanilla oak flavors.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Taltarni
Brut Taché; $20
14/20 — A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this sparkling wine exhibits a salmon-pink color, red berry and rose petal aromas, and citrus, peach and yeast flavors.

CHILE

CASABLANCA VALLEY

Ritual
2008 Pinot Noir; $18
13.5/20 — Aromas of black cherries, raspberry and plum lead to a round, soft palate with black current and blueberry notes mingling with hints of cola.

VALLE CENTRAL

(oops)
2007 Carmenère; $12
13/20 — This deep red Carmenère shows off strawberry, raspberry, herb and toasty coffee aromas and flavors along with a juicy mouthfeel and lingering aftertaste. Pairs well with braised short ribs.

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