CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Cienega Valley

Pietra Santa
2007 Amore Pinot Grigio; $24
13.5/20 — This refreshing and racy Pinot Grigio features nectarine, orange blossom and lemongrass scents with prominent minerality and a clean finish.

Monterey County

Logan
2006 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay; $22
14/20 — Kiwi and guava aromas, with vanilla and toast hints, give way to this Chardonnay’s rich mouthfeel, minerality and tropical fruit and citrus flavors.

Paso Robles

Eberle
2008 Chardonnay; $18
14/20 — Displaying a citrus aroma, this Chardonnay provides pineapple, pear and green apple flavors with a hint of vanilla oak. Pairs well with pasta dishes.

Martin & Weyrich
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon; $28
14.5/20 — Currants, black cherries, earth, tar and round tannins define this classic Cabernet Sauvignon. Sip now, or enjoy later as it will age well over the next ten years.

Vina Robles
2007 Jardine Sauvignon Blanc; $14
14/20 — This full-bodied vino features an acidic zip, surprisingly silky texture, and fresh spice-driven apricot and white peach aromas and flavors.

NAPA VALLEY

Charles Krug
1980 Cabernet Sauvignon; $225
16.5/20 — A dark, full-bodied and age-worthy Cab with a bouquet of berry and plum aromas and a rich, smooth finish.

Bennett Lane
2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $95
14/20 — Exuding cocoa, cherry, plum and spice scents, this Cabernet—with a touch of Merlot and Petit Verdot—features mocha, chocolate and raspberry flavors leading to a rich finish.

Franciscan Estate
2006 Cuvée Sauvage Chardonnay; $40
14/20 — Fermented with wild yeast, this Chardonnay has a full-bodied pear, honey and oak flavor finished by crisp acidity.

Frank Family Vineyards
Champagne Rouge; $35
13.5/20 — A blend of predominantly Pinot Noir with a dash of Chardonnay, this sparkler offers fresh scents of strawberries followed by orange zest and fruit flavors.

Rutherford

Long Meadow Ranch
2007 Sauvignon Blanc; $18
13.5/20 — Fresh and fragrant, this Sauvignon Blanc features balanced acidity and kiwi, pear, floral and lemon peel aromas and flavors.

Yountville

Charles Krug
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $27
14.5/20 — Complete with touches of Petit Verdot, Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and other red varietals, this full-bodied Cab features chewy tannins and a lingering black cherry, currant, licorice and roasted coffee flavors.

Rocca Family Vineyards
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon; $75
16.5/20 — Enhanced by the addition of 15 percent Merlot and 4 percent Petit Verdot, this smooth Cab features black cherry, dark plum and raspberry aromas, a silky palate, and a mocha and blackcurrant-dominated finish.

SONOMA COUNTY

Alexander Valley

Dashe
2006 Todd Brothers Vineyard Zinfandel; $32
14/20 — This complex single-vineyard Zin offers cocoa and cola aromas, blackcurrant and blackberry flavors, and a long, dry finish with espresso hints.

Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Dutton-Goldfield
2006 Cherry Ridge Vineyard Syrah; $35
15/20 — With only 150 cases made, this Syrah exhibits bright raspberry, white pepper and cedar aromas and flavors, with silky tannins and cherry tones emerging on the palate.

Iron Horse Vineyards
2006 Estate Chardonnay; $28
14/20 — Crafted from four clones, this Chardonnay exhibits spiced pear, clementine and banana on the nose and minerality balanced with lychee in the mouth.

Russian River Valley

Dutton-Goldfield
2007 Morelli Lane Vineyard Zinfandel; $40
15/20 — A raspberry, black cherry, bramble and caramel nose gives way to blueberry, bright cherry and big tannins in the mouth. Pairs nicely with a steak.

Sonoma Valley

Landmark Vineyards
2006 Steel Plow Syrah; $30
14/20 — Supple tannins and floral, leather and plum scents match this smooth Syrah’s lingering, spicy berry and sweet raspberry flavors.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Acacia
2006 A by Acacia Pinot Noir; $16
13/20 — Silky, layered black cherry, clove spice, violet and leather flavors define this Pinot Noir, which pairs well with pork loin or grilled lamb kebabs.

NEW MEXICO

Gruet
2006 Cuvée Gilbert Gruet Pinot Noir; $25
14/20 — Defined by black cherry, anise and floral notes framed by light oak, this Pinot Noir finishes with lingering berry, plum and mineral flavors.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Barrister
Rough Justice; $23
13/20 — Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, this red blend exhibits smoky, dark jam aromas with silky tannins and a lingering aftertaste.

Domaine Ste. Michelle
Blanc de Blancs; $12
12.5/20 — A sparkler made mostly from Chardonnay, exhibiting a palate-cleansing effervescence and bright acidity.

Townshend
Multi-vintage T3; $18
13/20 — This Bordeaux red blend is crafted from a Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, all from differing vintages.

Horse Heaven Hills

Robert Karl
2006 Claret; $16
13/20 — Consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this youthful Claret is good to sip either now or in ten years.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Barossa Valley

Two Hands
2006 Bad Impersonator Shiraz; $40
14/20 — Deep purple-red colored, this gentle Shiraz is characterized by dark plum, licorice, clove, ginger and black tea scents with a dry palate and fruity flavors.

Clare Valley

Two Hands
2008 The Wolf Riesling; $n/a
13.5/20 — A very dry and crisp Riesling that exudes citrus, mineral and floral aromas, which are echoed in its flavors.

McLaren Vale

Chapel Hill
2006 il Vescovo Sangiovese; $20
13.5/20 — Sweet cherry, sun-dried tomato, prune and earthy flavors complement this Sangiovese’s cherry, bay leaf and pancetta aromas, chalky tannins and savory aftertaste.

QUEENSLAND

Golden Drop
Mango Cello; $32 (375 ml)
13.5/20 — A fortified liqueur-style wine made with mangoes, and best served chilled with cocktails and fruit punches.

FRANCE

BOURGOGNE

Puligny-Montrachet

Domaine Paul Pernot
2005 1er Cru Folatières; $46
14.5/20 — Offering citrus, floral, mineral and nut scents, this Burgundian Chardonnay features sweet peach flavors and an underlying minerality.

COASTAL REGION

CAPE POINT

Constantia

Klein Constantia
2007 Rhine Riesling; $15
13.5/20 — Displaying green-gold hues and honeyed botrytis, lime and floral scents, this Riesling features lingering citrus, grapefruit and mineral flavors with a lively acidity.

PAARL

Fairview
2003 Primo Pinotage; $25
12.5/20 — Black cherry and berry aromas give way to this Pinotage’s concentrated mulberry, clove, vanilla oak spice and chocolate flavors. Will age well.

STELLENBOSCH

Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

Delheim
2006 Chardonnay Sur Lie; $23
14/20 — Rich and concentrated, this Chardonnay exhibits refreshing mineral, citrus and peach aromas with an elegant and lingering finish.

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