CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Boho Vineyards
2006 Merlot; $24 (3 L)
12.5/20 — With just a touch of Cabernet added, this Merlot exhibits cassis, dark cherry and raspberry flavors with oak aromas and a spicy palate.

Boho Vineyards
2007 Chardonnay; $19 (3 L)
12.5/20 — Complementing this crisp, medium-bodied Chardonnay’s tropical aromas are peach, pineapple, melon and apple flavors with hints of vanilla and toasty oak.

Cienega Valley

Pietra Santa
2008 Rosato; $15
12.5/20 — A crisp, pink vino crafted from Dolcetto grapes exhibiting wild berry and ripe strawberry flavors. Pairs well with light summer fare.

Edna Valley

Martin & Weyrich
2006 Jack Ranch Chardonnay; $15
14/20 — Pear, lemon meringue and key lime pie, with a sweet and spicy oak framework, characterize this Chardonnay’s nose and palate.

York Mountain Winery
2006 Jack Ranch Pinot Noir; $25
13/20 — A fruity Pinot featuring a blueberry and wild berry character with polished tannins. Pairs well with grilled salmon.

Paso Robles

Eberle
2008 Steinbeck Vineyard Syrah Rosé; $16
13/20 — This dry Syrah Rosé shows off strawberry, raspberry and apple flavors with mild spice hints and bright acidity. Pairs well with a roast turkey or glazed ham.

J. Lohr
2005 Cuvée St. E; $50
13.5/20 — Showing surprising restraint for a mid-priced California/Bordeaux blend, this red wine’s tart cherry aromas give way to its subtly sweet, bright cherry fruit flavors and underlying gamey quality.

Martin & Weyrich
2004 Nebbiolo; $18
14/20 — This red Italian varietal wine offers bright cherry, cocoa and cinnamon scents with a fresh acidic character and tart cherry, cranberry and truffle flavors.

Martin & Weyrich
2005 Insieme; $16
14/20 — Joining together Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Barbera, this full-bodied red wine exhibits peppery, cherry flavors, pairing well with meatballs and spaghetti.

Martin & Weyrich
2005 Merlot; $28
13/20 — Blackberry and mineral aromas match this Merlot’s chewy tannins and earthy, cedar and Asian spice flavors. Pairs well with grilled burgers and steaks.

Martin & Weyrich
2006 Petit Verdot; $30
15/20 — With only 150 cases made, this Petit Verdot shows off clove and allspice scents with blackberry flavors. Pairs best with hearty stews and hard cheeses.

San Benito County

Kenneth Volk Vineyards
2005 Negrette; $20
14/20 — A light-bodied varietal wine with currant, plum, spice and leather aromas, strawberry and cranberry flavors, and soft tannins.

Santa Ynez Valley

Margerum
2007 Sybarite Sauvignon Blanc; $18
15/20 — This refreshing Sauvignon Blanc features pear and green apple flavors with a lingering finish. Pairs well with spicy seafood.

NAPA VALLEY

46 Diamonds
2004 Napa Valley Red Wine; $70
13.5/20 — Fleming's Steakhouse and Flora Springs collaborated to produce this red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, which exhibits a black cherry, raspberry and cassis character and fine tannins.

Barlow
2004 Merlot; $18
15/20 — Powerful with blackberry and French vanilla aromas, this unfiltered Merlot exhibits a soft palate with supple fruit flavors and round tannins.

Bennett Lane
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon; $55
14.5/20 — Bing cherry, violet, clove and cedar aromas give way to this Cab’s black cherry and plum flavors with a velvety finish.

Hunter III
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon; $50
14.5/20 — Enhanced with 8 percent Petit Verdot and 4 percent Cabernet Franc, this Cab Sauvignon features candied violet, cassis, cedar, mint and mocha scents with lingering boysenberry flavors.

Karl Lawrence
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon; $60
15.5/20 — Deep dark red, this full-bodied and smooth Cab offers layered currant, black cherry and spice flavors with herbal hints and silky tannins.

Oakville

Flora Springs
2006 Soliloquy; $25
13.5/20 — Bright acidity and focused, clean melon and fig flavors characterize this smooth sur-lees-aged Sauvignon Blanc.

St. Helena

Joseph Phelps Vineyards
2007 Sauvignon Blanc; $32
14.5/20 — A complex, full-bodied Sauvignon Blanc featuring grapefruit and lime flavors with underlying caramel and vanilla hints and a creamy finish.

NORTH COAST

Suisun Valley

Red Côte
2007 Trece and Greg’s Vineyard Rosé; $13
12.5/20 — Made in the French style from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (and a touch of Petite Sirah), this Rosé exhibits brisk acidity with citrus, passionfruit and strawberry flavors.

SONOMA COUNTY

Dry Creek Valley

Quivira Vineyards and Winery
2008 Wine Creek Ranch Grenache Rosé; $15
13/20 — Blended with 12 percent Mourvedre, this dry, food-friendly pink wine exhibits wild strawberry flavors with savory hints.

Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Iron Horse Vineyards
2008 Estate Rosé de Pinot Noir; $20
14.5/20 — Strawberry, watermelon and raspberry scents complement this Rosé’s full-bodied raspberry fruit flavors. Pairs well with steak tartar.

Russian River Valley

Landmark Vineyards
2006 Lorenzo Chardonnay; $53
14.5/20 — A crisp Burgundian-style Chardonnay with citrus, peach and nutty flavors, which complement its acidity and sweet toasty oak hints.

Sonoma Coast

MacRostie
2005 Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Syrah; $34
15/20 — This dark purple Syrah displays bright blackberry, cocoa and allspice aromas that complement its jam, dark chocolate and black pepper flavors.

Sonoma Valley

Gundlach-Bundschu
2007 Estate Vineyard Tempranillo Rosé; $22
13/20 — This refreshing medium-weight Tempranillo Rosé features orange, strawberry and floral aromas, with a clean, dry mineral finish on its palate.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Ballatore
N.V. Rosso Red Spumante; $8
11/20 — A sweet Californian sparkler with a bright red color to match its blackberry and citrus scents, and raspberry and cherry flavors.

Carmenet
2007 Reserve Merlot; $10
12/20 — A traditional Bordeaux-style blend, this Merlot exhibits gentle tannins with berry and vanilla flavors. Pairs well with a hearty meal.

Mark West
2007 Pinot Noir; $10
12.5/20 — Cherry pie and ripe plum aromas complement this supple-textured Pinot’s dark raspberry, strawberry jam and baked peach flavors.

Martin & Weyrich
2007 Moscato Allegro; $10
13/20 — A zesty Californian rendition of Italy’s Moscato d’Asti, displaying bright orange blossom, honeyed apricot and peach scents and flavors.

Pali
2008 Sunset Rosé; $15
13/20 — Joining 60 percent Pinot Noir with 40 percent Grenache, this pink blend exhibits floral, watermelon and strawberry scents, which carry into its cranberry, lime zest and earth flavors.

OREGON

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Ponzi Vineyards
2005 Chardonnay Reserve; $30
12.5/20 — This Chardonnay’s honeysuckle, yellow plum and biscotti scents give way to smooth pear and plum flavors.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Seven Hills
2007 Pinot Gris; $16
14/20 — A lemon-colored Pinot Gris with lime, spearmint, pear and hazelnut scents giving way to crisp pear and citrus flavors with hints of oak, and a dry finish.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Walla Walla Valley

Seven Hills
2006 Seven Hills Vineyard Merlot; $28
13.5/20 — This single-vineyard Merlot offers brambly, blueberry aromas with a full mouth of bright berry flavors and underlying earthiness.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Barossa Valley

Two Hands
2006 Bella’s Garden Shiraz; $60
14.5/20 — Juicy tannins complement this robust Shiraz’s cherry, tar, mint, clove and bitter chocolate scents and flavors.

McLaren Vale

Chapel Hill
2006 Shiraz Grenache; $20
13/20 — Made from both Shiraz and Grenache, this red blend features layered plum and cinnamon flavors with hints of earth, and a lingering finish.

Samuel’s Gorge
2006 Shiraz; $40
14.5/20 — Mulberry, coffee bean, cocoa and bay leaf aromatics reverberate in this Shiraz’s blackberry and baked quince flavors and gravelly tannins.

Two Hands
2007 Lily’s Garden Shiraz; $60
14.5/20 — Blueberry, blackberry, plum, vanilla, mocha and spice scents give way to this ink-hued Shiraz’s firm structure and juicy palate.

SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA

McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate
2007 Riesling; $12
13/20 — Jasmine, passion fruit and citrus aromas match this crisp Riesling’s lime, mineral and tropical fruit flavors, lively acidity and clean finish. Pairs well with shellfish.

FRANCE

BORDEAUX

Château Auguste
2007 Merlot; $8
14/20 — Exuding currant and cherry aromas, this medium/full-bodied Merlot exhibits a silky smooth palate, pairing well with red meats and sharp cheeses.

Margaux

Château Rauzan-Ségla
2005 Margaux; $250
14/20 — This full-bodied red, comprising Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with traces of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, exhibits cherry, floral, blackcurrant and spice aromas and flavors, soft and sweet tannins, and a lingering finish.

St. Emilion

Château Canon
2005 St. Emilion; $180
15/20 — Consisting of 80 percent Merlot and 20 percent Cabernet Franc, the red blend exhibits a deep crimson color, a rich tannic structure and fresh fruit flavors.

St. Julien

Château Lagrange
2001 St. Julien; $105
15/20 — Produced with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, this red blend will age well, displaying an intense crimson hue with smoky, oak, licorice and black fruit scents and flavors.

BOURGOGNE

Chablis

Joseph Drouhin
2007 Chablis; $21
14/20 — A dry, easy-to-drink Chardonnay that exudes citrus aromas with hints of fern and coriander, and reveals fruity, mineral flavors with a lingering finish.

Pouilly-Fuissé

46 Diamonds
2006 White Burgundy; $70
13.5/20 — The result of a partnership between Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Georges Duboeuf, this Chardonnay features bright citrus, apricot and mineral flavors with tropical fruits.

LOIRE VALLEY

Sancerre

Florian Mollet
2008 Sancerre; $18
14.5/20 — Lively grapefruit and lemon blossom scents precede this crisp Sauvignon Blanc’s round apple, citrus and grass flavors and clean finish.

RHÔNE

Côtes du Rhône Villages

Perrin & Fils
2007 Côtes du Rhône Villages; $14
14/20 — Half-and-half Syrah and Grenache, this full-bodied red blend features macerated cherry and licorice scents with a silky mouthfeel and blackcurrant, blackberry and spice flavors.

Côtes du Ventoux

La Vieille Ferme
2008 Côtes du Ventoux Rosé; $8
12.5/20 — A dry Rosé, made from Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah, showcasing fruity flavors and pairing well with light cuisine.

Tavel

Prieuré de Montézargues
2007 Tavel; $20
13/20 — A harsh and tart Rosé with ample body and bright red berry, strawberry and peach flavors.

ITALY

PIEDMONT

Barbaresco

Pelissero
2004 Nubiola Barbaresco; $34
14.5/20 — Made from young vines, this thick and ripe red wine displays plum, menthol, mocha and oak scents with dusty tannins and sweet blackberry, cherry and chocolate flavors.

Moscato d’Asti

Braida
2007 Vigna Senza Nome Moscato d’Asti; $17
14.5/20 — Bright straw yellow, this sweet and refreshing wine features fruity orange blossom, rose and musk flavors with a lingering aftertaste.

TOSCANA

Maremma Toscana

Rocca di Frassinello
2005 Poggio alla Guardia; $20
14/20 — A mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, this red is characterized by spice, strawberry, plum, mineral, mocha, black cherry and blackcurrant on the nose and tongue.

PORTUGAL

DOURO

Smith Woodhouse
1994 Colheita Porto Single Year Tawny; $46
14.5/20 — Colheita is Portuguese for "harvest," and this rich vintage port, aged in oak casks for 12 years, exhibits a fine viscosity and a delightful sweetness without being cloying.

SPAIN

CASTILE-LA MANCHA

Tierra de Castilla

Tapeña
2008 Rosé; $10
13.5/20 — Made from Monastrell (55 percent), Garnacha (40 percent) and Shiraz (5 percent), this refreshing pink vino exhibits bright strawberry aromas that echo in its crisp, cherry flavors.

CAPE WINELANDS

Leopard’s Leap
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $n/a
13.5/20 — This classically styled full-bodied Cab features blueberry, plum and cassis flavors with toffee undertones. Pairs well with nuts and strong cheeses.

Stellenbosch

Rudera
2005 Chenin Blanc; $18
13/20 — A Chenin Blanc displaying broad quince, apple and brioche flavors and aromas with a crisp aftertaste.

Simonsig
2007 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon; $n/a
13.5/20 — A dry, classic French blend of Sauvignon Blanc with 40 percent Semillon exhibiting green pepper, melon and floral aromas with smooth, lingering citrus, apple and pear flavors.

Tulbagh Valley

Rijk’s Private Cellar
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon; $n/a
13.5/20 — Exhibiting concentrated blackberry fruit on the nose and palate, this powerful Cab gives way to layered cedar and dry tobacco flavors with spiced dark chocolate.

ARGENTINA

MENDOZA

New Age
Rosé; $9
9/20 — About the only use of this Rosé is to make a sangria mixed drink.

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