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.Best Buys
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Côtes du Rhône Parallèle 45 2005
With a classic blend of 60 percent Grenache and 40 percent Syrah, this perennial favorite is a perfect way to capitalize on the intrigue currently aroused by Rhône wines. Deep red in color, it offers abundant cherry and blueberry fruit flavors along with nice floral and mineral aromas. The vintage is unusually generous in both acidity and tannin. 108,300 cases made.
Score: 88 Cost: $92 per case
Lindemans Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia Bin 45 2005
The red counterpart to the popular Bin 65 Chardonnay, this is an equally reliable wine, offering straightforward red and black cherry aromas that follow through in the flavor, accompanied by cedar, coffee, and spice. Smooth and soft on the palate, it offers modest tannins and is versatile with food or quaffable by the glass. 115,000 cases imported.
Score: 86 Cost: $80 per case
Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon Margaret River 2005
This bright, aromatic white from cool Western Australia offers zesty lemon and orange aromas mingled with grass and sweet pea. On the palate the wine is medium-bodied and juicy, with vivid acidity. Lemony herb flavors add nice complexity to the citrus fruit on the sharply focused finish. 2,500 cases imported.
Score: 86 Cost: $148 per case
Highly Recommended
The Hess Collection Chardonnay Napa Valley 2004
Vibrant citrus, green apple, and tropical fruit in the aroma follow through on the palate. With a medium body and satisfying creaminess in the mouth, the wine is clearly fruit driven but displays deft touches of spice and vanilla on the long finish. 28,000 cases made.
Score: 93 Cost: $200 per case
Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills Botella 2004
The initial barrage of cherry, wild berry, and blueberry aromas quickly succumbs to heady aromas of earth, cola, and dried herbs. Similar varietal flavors are echoed on the palate. Sophisticated, with dense yet lively texture, ripe tannins, and a lingering finish. 1,200 cases made.
Score: 93 Cost: $300 per case
Shaw & Smith Chardonnay Adelaide Hills M3 Vineyard 2004
This stylish wine shows impeccable balance, with peach and nectarine aromas nicely integrated with pretty nutmeg and clove, toasted nut, and some "leesy" notes. On the palate it offers the perfect balance of fresh fruit and creamy richness, with layer upon layer of flavor gliding through the long finish. 3,000 cases made.
Score: 93 Cost: $290 per case
Specials
Henschke Shiraz Eden Valley Hill of Grace 2001
This single-vineyard Shiraz is heavy with aromas of black cherry and blackberry layered upon seductive smoked meat and bacon, licorice and tar, menthol and clove. The exotic flavors remain in harmony on the palate, where the supple mouthfeel and soft tannins allow them to roll on and on. 70 cases imported.
Score: 95 Cost: $3,700 per case
E. Guigal St.-Joseph Vignes de l'Hospice 2003
A core of black cherry and black currant fruit swirls with dried fig, smoked meat, and dark chocolate in the aroma of this powerful wine. On the palate the flavors are equally intense and unusual, showing substantial body and great grip, with spice and toast adding complexity to the robust finish. 200 cases made.
Score: 95 Cost: $900 per case
Bodegas Vega Sicilia Ribera del Duero Unico Gran Reserva 1995
Even at 10 years old, this wine is remarkably fresh. The concentrated cherry, blackberry, and plum fruit aromas are underscored by licorice, mocha, cedar, and spice. The flavors are concentrated and persistent, with assertive, dark fruit throughout. 8,000 cases made.
Score: 94 Cost: $3,000 per case
