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
Symington Family Estates Tinta Roriz-Touriga Franca Douro Altano 2004
This red, made from two traditional Port grapes, offers plenty of intensity and muscle for the money, with the initial dark berry aromas mingling with dried flower, smoke, and spice. On the palate the wine shows good structure, with black plum, black cherry, and wild berry fruit coasting through the long finish and heightened by refreshing acidity. 40,000 cases made.
Score: 87 Cost: $70 per case
Bodegas Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Mendoza 2006
Good varietal aromas of black fruit, especially blackberry and plum, punctuated by some pretty floral and licorice notes characterize this Malbec. Medium-bodied with fresh fruit flavors balanced against toasty oak. Good acidity and soft tannins create a flavorful and overall easy-drinking package. 44,000 cases imported.
Score: 85 Cost: $90 per case
Columbia Crest Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley Two Vines 2005
This reliable wine is fresh, fruity, and quaffable, with straightforward green apple and citrus flavors underscored by pleasant secondary notes of fresh herbs and cut grass. It's clean and crisp on the palate, with ample acidity imparting a snappy finish. 17,000 cases made.
Score: 85 Cost: $72 per case
Highly Recommended
Chateau St. Jean Fumé Blanc Sonoma County 2005
From the first whiff, fragrant summer stone fruit and succulent melon meet crisp citrus and fresh herbs. Richly textured, fleshy and full in the mouth, it leans toward tropical fruit with a touch of ripe apple, showing good length and vivacious acidity. 26,270 cases made.
Score: 91 Cost: $122 per case
Domaine Jaume Vinsobres Altitude 420 2005
A blend of Grenache and Syrah, sweet stewed fruits layer with aromas of earth, licorice, and tobacco. Mouth filling black fruit takes the lead followed by rich mocha flavors and ripe but assertive tannins offering plenty of grip on the long finish. 5,000 cases made.
Score: 90 Cost: $150 per case
Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County 2005
Classic Zinfandel flavors of jammy crushed fruit, including raspberry and strawberry, mingle with the intense aroma of dried cherries. Juicy and spry on the palate, the berry fruit soon meets with tantalizing spice and smoky oak and a nice briary component. A bit of tannin lends this Zin some seriousness. 60,400 cases made.
Score: 90 Cost: $176 per case
Specials
Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard 2004
This Cab shows good intensity and power with brooding dark fruit—currant and blackberry—interspersed with mocha and spice and dried herbs. Richly layered flavors follow through on the palate with waves of dark fruit that remain lively and bright. 250 cases made.
Score: 97 Cost: $1,140 per case
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2004
A ripe core of blueberry, cherry, and black currant is tightly wound with coffee, cocoa, and dark chocolate flavors in this richly layered Cab. Notable for its supple texture and superb balance, the flavors are all in harmony, with the spicy, smoky wood beautifully integrated with the generous fruit. The exceedingly long finish has a nice mineral edge and plenty of tannic grip. 3,400 cases made.
Score: 95 Cost: $1,200 per case
Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz Barossa Valley E&E Black Pepper 2003
Gobs of black fruit announce this wine and continue on the palate, with peppery spice, red cherry, and coffee joining the fray. Robust yet nicely polished, showing exceptional balance and friendly tannins that carry through the long finish. 2,000 cases imported.
Score: 94 Cost: $850 per case
