CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Monterey County

Chateau Julien Wine Estate
2005 3.2 Ton Merlot; $40
14.5/20 — A full-bodied Merlot, this red exhibits raspberry, Bing cherry, clove and toasted oak scents and flavors in addition to its soft, round finish.

Chateau Julien Wine Estate
2005 Bravura; $125
14/20 — Produced from Merlot and Malbec, this light-feeling Bordeaux blend features supple tannins, and layered plum, cherry, mocha and vanilla oak aromas and flavors.

Chateau Julien Wine Estate
2006 Black Nova; $78
14.5/20 — Consisting of Zinfandel and Syrah, this big dark-hued wine shows off a powerful nose of raspberry and vanilla with an explosion of bright flavors.

Kali Hart Vineyard
2007 Chardonnay; $19
14/20 — Straw-colored with tropical fruit, honeysuckle and stone fruit scents, this bright Chardonnay exhibits pineapple, honeydew melon, kiwi, peach, pear and mineral flavors.

Robert Mondavi Private Selection
2007 Riesling; $9
13/20 — Honeysuckle, peach, citrus, yellow apple, kiwi fruit and baking spice scents and flavors characterize this full-bodied and sweet Riesling. Pairs well with baked ham and smoked meats.

Paso Robles

Eberle
2006 Sangiovese; $22
14/20 — This medium-bodied red exhibits cherry and cola aromas, soft tannins, and raspberry, cherry and anise flavors. Pairs well with bruschetta or pizza.

Eberle
2006 Zinfandel; $24
13.5/20 — Layered sweet briar fruit, prune, blackberry jam, earth, mineral and pepper flavors define this Zin, which pairs well with a barbecued rib sandwich.

Eberle
2007 Steinbeck Vineyard Syrah Rosé; $16
13.5/20 — A salmon-hued wine with strawberry, apple and raspberry flavors that complement a dry finish of mild spices with bright acidity.

Justin Vineyards & Winery
2005 Isosceles Reserve; $95
15.5/20 — Blended with some Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this Cabernet Sauvignon reveals blackberry and floral aromas with raspberry, herb, black pepper and vanilla flavors.

Justin Vineyards & Winery
2006 Savant; $45
14.5/20 — A Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon blend, Savant features cedar, berry and baking spice aromas, which echo on the palate with a tart cranberry acidity.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Manzoni Estate Vineyard
2006 Family Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir; $23
13.5/20 — Bright cherry and lavender define the nose of this medium-bodied Pinot Noir, which exhibits spice and plum flavors. Pairs well with chicken.

Pessagno
2006 Four Boys Vineyard Pinot Noir; $55
14/20 — Black cherry, spice and smoke scents greet the nose of this complex Pinot Noir, which reveals a textured mouthfeel, candied plum and vanilla flavors, and a long finish.

Talbott
2006 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay; $43
14/20 — A cool-climate Chardonnay exhibiting a silky mouthfeel and honeysuckle, melon, peach, pear and vanilla aromas which echo in the wine’s nectarine and sweet toasty oak flavors.

Sta. Rita Hills

Clos Pepe Estate
2006 Pinot Noir; $56
14.5/20 — This light, Burgundian-style Pinot exhibits a bright, tangy palate of cranberry, blackberry, currant and spice flavors with a lingering caramel and espresso finish.

NAPA VALLEY

Castello di Amorosa
2005 La Castellana; $65
15/20 — A Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 14 percent Sangiovese and 12 percent Merlot, this Super Tuscan exhibits herb, cherry, pomegranate, mocha, berry and cranberry aromas and flavors.

Castello di Amorosa
2005 Sangiovese; $30
14/20 — This well structured Sangiovese offers cooked strawberry aromas mixed with black cherry and cola, and balanced flavors of sweet strawberry and tart cranberry.

Flora Springs
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $30
14/20 — A full-bodied Cab with sweet black cherry, cassis and cocoa flavors, oak undertones and a smooth and lingering finish.

Flora Springs
2007 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay; $30
14/20 — Peach and pear flavors with a hint of pineapple on the palate are complemented by this Chardonnay’s bright acidity.

Kelly Fleming
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon; $85
15/20 — An estate-grown Cab that shows off dark cherry, spiced plum, almond and cinnamon aromas with fine-grained tannins, and raspberry and plum flavors.

Kelly Fleming
2007 Sauvignon Blanc; $27
14/20 — Jasmine, cucumber, lemon and honeydew melon scents greet the nose of this light and crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which reveals lemon, apple, mineral and pear flavors.

Sequoia Grove
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon; $34
14/20 — Blackberry, cedar, pepper and cinnamon aromas and flavors characterize this Cab, which also shows off silky tannins and a lingering finish.

Los Carneros

Bennett Lane
2006 Reserve Chardonnay; $45
14/20 — Pineapple, honey, cinnamon and apple scents complement this bright Chardonnay’s caramel apple, pear and hazelnut flavors, and crisp finish.

B. Kosuge Wines
2006 The Shop Pinot Noir; $33
13/20 — A juicy and fruit-forward Pinot Noir with a dark fruit and spice character. Pairs well with roasted meats.

MacRostie
2007 Carneros Chardonnay; $23
14.5/20 — A gold-colored wine, this Chardonnay features lime and crème brulée aromas with baked apple, mango and cinnamon toast flavors.

NORTH COAST

Mendocino

B. Kosuge Wines
2006 Manchester Ridge Pinot Noir; $40
13.5/20 — A medium-bodied and lithe Pinot Noir with black cherry and blackberry flavors. Pairs well with marinated kebabs.

SONOMA COUNTY

Bennett Valley

B. Kosuge Wines
2006 Dry Stack Vineyard Syrah; $30
13/20 — Dark colored, concentrated and aromatic, this Syrah exhibits meaty, savory scents and a lightly sweet palate. Pairs well with a hearty beef stew.

Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Iron Horse Vineyards
2006 Corral Vineyard Chardonnay; $45
14.5/20 — Pear, hazelnut, mint and tangerine fragrances complement this medium-bodied Chardonnay’s creamy mouthfeel, and mango and tangerine flavors.

Russian River Valley

Dutton-Goldfield
2007 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir; $38
15/20 — Black cherry, Asian spice and cinnamon aromas give way to this Pinot’s cherry and blackberry flavors, bright acidity, soft tannins and spicy finish.

MULTIPLE AVAs

Ballatore
N.V. Gran Spumante; $8
10/20 — Styled after Italian Spumantes, this bubbly exhibits peach and apricot scents with melon flavors and a crisp finish.

Ravenswood
2006 Vintners Blend Petite Sirah; $10
13.5/20 — This Petite Sirah features a touch of Syrah, and is characterized by black fruit, black pepper, spice and tobacco scents and flavors.

Saint James Spirits
Raspberry Regale; $12
12/20 — Made from crushing raspberries at their peak of ripeness, this dessert wine exhibits intense raspberry flavors without the syrupiness. Pairs well with vanilla ice cream.

Sterling Vintner’s Collection
2007 Pinot Grigio; $10
13/20 — Blended with 25 percent Gewürztraminer, this crisp Pinot Grigio exhibits a silky texture and peach, melon, kiwi, honeysuckle, mineral and spice aromas and flavors.

Wine 4 Grilling
2007 California Red Wine; $14 (3 L)
13.5/20 — Produced by Trinchero Family Estates, this boxed red blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits smooth, full-bodied flavors and pairs well with a barbecue.

OREGON

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Domaine Serene
2006 Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir; $58
15.5/20 — Greeting the nose with cedar, red fruit and baking spice aromas, this medium-bodied Pinot reveals raspberry and strawberry flavors, and a long finish.

FRANCE

BEAUJOLAIS

Fleurie

Henry Fessy
2007 Fleurie Gamay; $19
13.5/20 — A floral nose defers to this Gamay’s rose petal and berry flavors. Pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled beef and cheeses.

Morgon

Henry Fessy
2007 Morgon Gamay; $19
13/20 — Sweet black cherry and wild berry flavors harmonize with this fruit-driven and bright Gamay’s rounded, silky mouth-feel. Pairs well with roast beef or wild game.

BOURGOGNE

Mâcon Villages

Maison Louis Latour
2006 Le Chardonnay de Chardonnay; $19
13/20 — Exhibiting peach, pear, mineral and vanilla scents and flavors, this straw-colored Chardonnay pairs well with chicken or raw oyster.

Viré Clessé

Maison Louis Latour
2006 Viré Clessé Chardonnay; $19
13.5/20 — This value Chardonnay features crisp apple, citrus, canned pineapple aromas and flavors, and an acidic zip and respectable length on the palate.

CHAMPAGNE

Champagne Chartogne-Taillet
Rosé; $50
14/20 — Strawberry scents and creamy fruit flavors with a little floral spice characterize this bubbly, which exhibits a pink hue.

Champagne Pommery
N.V. Brut Royal; $39
14/20 — Consisting of 35 percent Chardonnay with equal parts Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this dry Champagne reveals a citrus character and a clean finish.

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON

Fitou

Mont Tauch
L’instinct Vignerons Fitou; $18
13.5/20 — This full-bodied red blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah exhibits a concentrated fruit character that pairs well with grilled meats.

CHILE

Casablanca Valley

Casa Lapostolle
2007 Cuvée Alexandre Atalayas Vineyard Chardonnay; $24
14.5/20 — Mandarin, tangerine and floral aromas and flavors complement this Chardonnay’s light, creamy mouthfeel balanced out by bright acidity on the mid-palate. Pairs well with seafood.

Kingston Family Vineyards
2006 Alazan Pinot Noir; $28
13.5/20 — Characterized by black cherry and berry with a hint of spice and smoke, this Pinot is enjoyable now although it will improve with some aging.

Kingston Family Vineyards
2006 Bayo Oscuro Syrah; $28
13.5/20 — A cool-climate Syrah showing off a deep red hue, a gentle mouthfeel, and meaty and spicy scents and flavors. Will improve with age.

Kingston Family Vineyards
2006 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc; $16
14/20 — An aromatic full-bodied white wine with citrus, mineral and floral scents and bright fruit flavors.

Colchagua Valley

Casa Lapostolle
2004 Clos Apalta; $80
13/20 — A Carménère-Merlot mixed with 16 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, this dark red wine exhibits blueberry and black fruit aromas with plum and toasty oak flavors.

Casa Lapostolle
2005 Clos Apalta; $80
14.5/20 — Consisting of Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, this red blend features plum, black cherry, cassis, fig and cocoa aromas and flavors in addition to velvety tannins.

Casa Lapostolle
2006 Clos Apalta; $80
13.5/20 — Carménère, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot make up this purple-red Chilean wine, which shows off a black fruit, mocha and vanilla character and silky tannins.

Casa Lapostolle
2006 Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon; $24
14/20 — This Cabernet Sauvignon, which includes 15 percent Merlot, features soft tannins and blackcurrant scents and flavors with cider, tobacco and herbal notes.

Casa Lapostolle
2006 Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard Merlot; $24
13/20 — Blended with 15 percent Carménère, this deep ruby red Merlot reveals plum, blackcurrant, rosemary, white pepper, basil, vanilla and nutmeg flavors with a creamy mouthfeel.

Casa Lapostolle
2007 Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard Carménère; $34
14.5/20 — A deep dark red wine with soft tannins, blackcurrant, spice, tobacco and herbal aromas and flavors, and a long finish. Pairs well with a steak dinner.

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