CALIFORNIA

CENTRAL COAST

Concannon
2006 Selected Vineyards Syrah; $10
13/20 — Mixed with 14 percent Petite Sirah and 7 percent Malbec, this Syrah features blackberry, raspberry and cherry aromas and soft chocolate, caramel and oak flavors.

Edna Valley

Martin & Weyrich
2007 Jack Ranch Pinot Noir; $30
14/20 — Fruit-forward with cherry, raspberry and toasted oak flavors and supple tannins. This Pinot pairs well with grilled salmon.

Paso Robles

Eberle
2003 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $75
15/20 — This dense and complex Cab is a keeper, exhibiting blackcurrant, cranberry and toasted oak aromas, great acidity, fine-grain tannins, and cassis and raspberry flavors.

Martin & Weyrich
2005 Il Palio Sangiovese; $16
14/20 — A cherry-flavored Sangiovese with red berry and spice aromas, which match a wide variety of food pairings, including grilled vegetables and chicken.

Santa Maria Valley

Byron
2006 Nielson Vineyard Pinot Noir; $28
14.5/20 — Cherry, plum and earth aromas---accented by hints of brown sugar and spice---reverberate in this smooth Pinot’s flavors, complementing its lingering finish.

Sta. Rita Hills

Lafond
2007 SRH Pinot Noir; $27
13/20 — Complex dark fruit flavors make this hot Pinot Noir a good pairing with savory dishes and grilled salmon.

LODI

Michael-David Winery
2005 Sixth Sense Syrah; $17
13.5/20 — Blended with a small amount of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot, this Syrah exhibits well-concentrated blackberry, coffee and vanillin flavors.

Seven Deadly Zins
2007 Old Vine Zinfandel; $17
13/20 — This blend of seven old vine Zins exhibits sweet plum and pepper scents with smooth tannins and blueberry, raspberry, cinnamon and black pepper flavors.

NAPA VALLEY

Bennett Lane
N.V. Napa Valley Dessert Wine; $60 (375 ml)
12.5/20 — Made in the traditional Port style using a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and old vine Carignane, this wine exhibits chocolate, cherry, dark plum and mocha flavors.

Chappellet
2006 Merlot; $30
14.5/20 — With a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec added, this silky Merlot exhibits raspberry, cherry, molasses, spice and smoky flavors.

Charles Krug
1998 Cabernet Sauvignon; $n/a
14/20 — Plum, berry jam and dark chocolate flavors complement this Cab’s supple tannins, cedar, coffee and spice notes and chewy finish.

Los Carneros

Charles Krug
2007 Carneros Chardonnay; $20
13.5/20 — Peach, apple and citrus aromas and flavors define this fresh Chardonnay, which pairs well with chicken and oyster dishes.

St. Helena

Flora Springs
2005 St. Helena Rennie Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $100
16.5/20 — This full-bodied Cab features dense blackberry, black cherry, licorice and cedar flavors, firm minerality and soft tannins.

Stags Leap District

Taylor Family Vineyards
2003 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $80
15/20 — Dark cherry, spice, cedar, tobacco and cocoa scents echo in this Cab’s smooth flavors. Pairs well with filet mignon in blackberry reduction sauce.

Taylor Family Vineyards
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon; $65
14.5/20 — Cherry, tobacco, cassis, blackberry and a hint of violet opens up this Cabernet Sauvignon, which shows off soft tannins and a lingering finish.

Yountville

Charles Krug
2006 Yountville-Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $27
13.5/20 — A Cabernet, with a touch of six other red varietals, featuring black cherry, currant and roasted coffee flavors with clove and licorice aromas, supple tannins and a long finish.

SONOMA COUNTY

Landmark
2006 Damaris Reserve Chardonnay; $40
14/20 — Lingering nectarine, mango and oak scents and flavors define this full-bodied and silky Chardonnay.

Dry Creek Valley

Dashe
2006 Florence Vineyard Zinfandel; $32
14.5/20 — This purple-black and velvety Zin reveals a floral nose, which complements its black raspberry, cassis, black pepper, chocolate, mineral and clove spice flavors.

Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Iron Horse Vineyards
2007 UnOaked Chardonnay; $26
14/20 — Having undergone stainless steel fermentation, this bright Chardonnay exhibits an intense minerality and mandarin orange flavors. Pairs well with olives, salads and shrimp.

Russian River Valley

Dutton-Goldfield
2006 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay; $35
14/20 — Characterized by crisp fruit and moderate alcohol, this bright Chardonnay exudes pear, citrus, and toffee scents with candied lime and creamy caramel flavors.

Sonoma Coast

Landmark
2007 Kanzler Pinot Noir; $65
15/20 — A spicy and earthy Pinot Noir with sweet black cherry flavors. Pairs well with a grilled steak.

MacRostie
2006 Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir; $40
14/20 — A dark ruby-colored and full-bodied Pinot with cherry preserve and cinnamon toast aromatics, a dry and smooth mouthfeel, and black cherry, mocha and oak flavors.

Pfendler Vineyards
2007 Estate Pinot Noir; $45
15/20 — This debut vintage from Sonoma Coast, combining decent terroir with masterful winemaking, underwent 19 months of aging and pairs well with salmon.

MULTIPLE AVAs

CK Mondavi Family Vineyards
2006 Wildcreek Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon; $7
13/20 — Cherry, blackberry and oak flavors complement this Cab’s deep red color and long fruit finish. Pairs well with grilled lamb and steak.

Prager
2006 Sweet Claire Late Harvest Riesling; $20
13.5/20 — This medium-bodied Californian dessert wine exhibits slightly musky white grape and apricot scents with lovely citrus and stone fruit flavors.

PromisQous
California Red Table Wine; $12
13/20 — A mingling of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, this red blend reveals red berry fruit, pepper and crème de cassis aromas and flavors.

MICHIGAN

OLD MISSION PENINSULA

Chateau Grand Traverse
2007 Dry Riesling; $12
13/20 — Fruity and fresh, although too sweet for a dry Riesling, this white wine exhibits apple, pear and citrus flavors, making a good pairing with seafood.

OREGON

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Chehalem
2004 Oregon Pinot Noir Reserve; $60
14.5/20 — A supple, medium-bodied and silky Pinot with earthy, berry, anise and herbal aromas and cinnamon, floral, raspberry, cherry, spicy black fruit and sweet oak flavors.

WASHINGTON

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Gordon Brothers Family Vineyards
2003 Tradition; $45
14.5/20 — Equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a touch of Syrah, this red blend exhibits leather, spice and earth aromas with a velvety mouthfeel and cherry, oak, vanilla and anise flavors.

Walla Walla Valley

Pentad
2005 Vintage Red Wine; $50
14/20 — Comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Carménère and Malbec, this red blend shows off plum, cassis and passion fruit aromas with black plum, vanillin and smoky flavors.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Barossa Valley

Two Hands
2006 Zippy’s Block Shiraz; $100
15.5/20 — A black-hued single-vineyard Shiraz with sage, licorice, cherry, plum, and spice aromas, soft tannins and a long finish.

Two Hands
2008 Brilliant Disguise Moscato; $18
14/20 — Showing a nice fizz, this versatile Italian-style Moscato exudes grapefruit, watermelon, citrus and floral aromas with a sweet palate and bright acidity.

Fleurieu

Chapel Hill
2008 Verdelho; $16
13/20 — This versatile white wine features kaffir lime leaf, gooseberry and honeysuckle flavors, pairing nicely with a chicken salad.

McLaren Vale

Chapel Hill
2006 The Vicar Shiraz; $60
14/20 — Blackberry, spice, mocha and licorice flavors characterize this Shiraz, which pairs well with a filet mignon.

Samuel’s Gorge
2006 Tempranillo; $40
14.5/20 — This Tempranillo shows off soft tannins and dark cherry, mint, cola, molasses and licorice aromas and flavors.

FRANCE

BORDEAUX

Les Arums de Lagrange
2007 Bordeaux; $35
14/20 — Comprising Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle, this crisp white blend features light floral, honey and almond flavors, pairing well with a rotisserie chicken.

Margaux

Château Rauzan-Ségla
2003 Margaux; $120
14/20 — Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—with touches of Petit Verdot and Cabernet France—this full-bodied red blend features smoke, coffee, berry and oak scents with velvety tannins and lingering chocolate and dark fruit flavors.

Sainte Croix du Mont

Château La Rame
2004 Sainte Croix du Mont; $n/a
14.5/20 — Rich marmalade scents give way to this white wine’s honeyed palate, cleansing acidity and orange blossom finish.

LOIRE VALLEY

Crémant de Loire

Domaine des Baumard
2004 Cuvée Millésime Tirage; $n/a
13/20 — A full-bodied sparkler made from Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, exhibiting fresh floral and green apple flavors without acidity. Makes for a good aperitif.

Vouvray

Brisebarre
2000 Vouvray Brut Millesimée; $n/a
13/20 — A dry French bubbly showing off tropical fruit and fresh bread scents with green apple, peach, lemon zest and candied ginger flavors.

RHÔNE

Côtes du Rhône Villages

Perrin & Fils
2005 Vinsobres Les Hauts de Julien; $49
14/20 — Half Syrah and half Grenache, this red blend features cassis, floral, earth and mineral character with sweet tannins. Pairs well with black olive-driven dishes.

GERMANY

Rheingau

Leitz
2006 Rüdesheimer Drachenstein Riesling; $15
14/20 — A medium-bodied, value-centric Riesling featuring slightly sweet peach, pear, citrus, apple, floral and mineral aromas and flavors, crisp acidity and a clean finish.

ITALY

Chianti Classico

Terrabianca
2004 Croce Riserva; $25
13.5/20 — A silky Sangiovese (with a touch of Canaiolo) showing off black cherry, earth, leather and red fruit flavors. Pairs well with pasta dishes.

CAPE WINELANDS

Stellenbosch

Engelbrecht Els Vineyards
2005 Proprietor’s Blend; $32
14.5/20 — Comprising six varietals---Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec---this red blend opens with cedar, cherry, white pepper and toffee aromas, complementing its elegant tannins.

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