With an eye to restaurant wine lists, our cellar reconnoiterer Jeffery Lindenmuth picks ideal new releases recently reviewed by Wine Spectator.
Note: Wine Spectator rates on a 100-point scale. 95—100: Classic, a great wine. 90—94: Out standing, superior style and character. 80—89: Good to very good, a wine with special qualities. Prices listed are average wholesale case prices.Jeffery Lindenmuth reports.
Best Buys
Columbia Crest Merlot Columbia Valley Two Vines 2002
A fresh and fruit-forward Merlot offering ripe blueberry and raspberry flavors throughout. Hints of chocolate and savory spice in the aroma add interest to this quaffable large-production wine, while a generous addition of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon lends structure and support. 235,000 cases imported.
Score: 88 Cost: $72 per case
Artesa Chardonnay Carneros 2004
Offering an assertive nose of peach, pear, apricot, and honeysuckle, this Chardonnay is concentrated and richly layered on the palate, with vanilla, butterscotch, and spice flavors augmenting the intense fruit. The full creamy texture and nicely balanced acidity make this an elegant yet affordable selection. 11,600 cases made.
Score: 88 Cost: $140 per case
Rosemount Traminer-Riesling South Eastern Australia 2005
Lychee, rose petal, and passion fruit aromas give way to a palate of tropical fruit and peach, with juicy grape flavors. The initial sweetness is nicely balanced with fine acidity and modest alcohol, making it great for Asian dishes and spicy cuisine. 25,000 cases made.
Score: 87 Cost: $75 per case
Highly Recommended
Truchard Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros 2004
This grower turned winemaker concocts seductive and complex Chards with big flavors that don't compromise on elegance. Pear and tropical fruit aromas intertwine with hazelnut, vanilla, and nutmeg. On the palate the wine is rich and full but agile, leaping back and forth from juicy fruit to fig and honey. 1,728 cases made.
Score: 92 Cost: $246 per case
Roar Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands 2004
A beautiful aroma of sweet and tart cherry, strawberry, and red plum is joined on the palate by cola, spicy oak, and a touch of pepper. The wine offers generous body, great structure, and fine tannins, leading to a long, rich finish with good persistence of fruit. 484 cases made.
Score: 91 Cost: $325 per case
Mastroberardino Greco di Tufo Novaserra 2004
This ancient grape variety from southern Italy shows intense Riesling-like aromas of apricot, apple, and pear. On the palate it offers a touch of almond, mineral, and crisp apple flavors along with a plump, full body, lively and crisp acidity, and a long finish. 6,700 cases imported.
Score: 90 Cost: $192 per case
Specials
Château de Beaucastel Ch´teauneuf-du-Pape 2003
This dense red offers a mélange of ripe black cherry, plum, and black currant aromas, with nice details of spicy clove, licorice, and tertiary notes of roasted meat. On the palate the fruit is powerful and nicely balanced with acidity. The ripe yet assertive tannins will benefit from some cellaring. 15,000 cases made.
Score: 94 Cost: $720 per case
Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Carneros Hyde Vineyard 2003
This deep, inky wine immediately announces its depth with aromas of ripe black fruit—blueberry, blackberry, and plum—underscored by whiffs of earth and licorice. On the palate the fruit shows great concentration, with smooth, ripe tannins imparting poise and polish. 267 cases made.
Score: 93 Cost: $900 per case
Grgich Hills Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Paris Tasting Commemorative 2003
A history lesson in a bottle. This wine from California's King of Chardonnay celebrates Mike Grgich's triumph at the '76 Paris tasting by showcasing his deftly balanced approach. Ripe apple and pear flavors resonate off the spicy oak, hazelnut, and minerality in a lively, well-balanced Chardonnay. 867 cases made.
Score: 91 Cost: $700 per case
