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
Cantina Tramin Pinot Grigio Alto Adige 2006
Redolent of citrus, pear, and tropical fruit, this Northern Italian white, with its full-bodied style, pleasant firmness on the palate, and bright acidity, is an ideal way to expand one's Pinot Grigio repertoire. Nicely rounded in the mouth, it shows real character and a mineral note on its lively finish. 13,000 cases imported.
Score: 87 Cost: $140 per case
Bodegas Luzón Jumilla 2006
A blend of the locally favored Monastrell (65 percent) and Syrah (35 percent), this Spanish wine shows considerable power for the price, with all the lively ripe fruit and intensity that have made Jumilla reds a favorite of value hunters. The black cherry and currant fruit is balanced with bright acid and a trace of tannins. 5,000 cases imported.
Score: 85 Cost: $80 per case
Mirassou Cabernet Sauvignon California 2004
A combination of Central Coast and North Coast fruit lend complexity to this value wine, while the moderate alcohol (13.6 percent) makes it friendly with a variety of foods. Aromas of juicy black cherry and blackberry are joined on the palate by hints of spice and cocoa, along with soft tannins. 21,369 cases made.
Score: 85 Cost: $120 per case
Highly Recommended
Numanthia-Termes Toro Termes 2004
The entry level offering from this congenitally lauded Spanish winery is not lacking in the power and extraction of its pricier bottles. From the dense black fruit, earth, and smoked nut aromas to the full-bodied, velvety palate, the wine flaunts its concentration. The balance is there, but assertive tannins scream for red meat. 1,000 cases imported.
Score: 92 Cost: $270 per case
Leasingham Riesling Clare Valley Magnus 2006
This Aussie Riesling exhibits the region's classic lemon-lime character along with aromas of pineapple and pretty floral notes. On the palate the wine is fresh and juicy, with plenty of zesty acidity to balance the vivid fruit flavors. 3,000 cases made.
Score: 90 Cost: $120 per case
Sebastiani Merlot Alexander Valley Appellation Selection 2004
Small quantities of Petit Verdot and Malbec contribute to the inky color, complexity, and structure of this racy Merlot brimming with aromas of red fruit, espresso, and oak. The fruit builds on the palate while spice and tannins chime in on the finish. 1,690 cases made.
Score: 90 Cost: $199 per case
Specials
Bodegas Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero Malleolus de Sanchomartin 2004
Aromas of blackberry and currant layer with licorice and spice, tobacco and coffee. On the palate the massive structure and sheer power take control, the sweet fruit interspersed with assertive tannins but showing superb balance and agility for all its heft. 100 cases imported.
Score: 97 Cost: $1,600 per case
Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford 2004
This California Cab forgoes power in favor of sheer beauty, with a supple entry and plush texture. The exceptional craftsmanship and polish make no sacrifice of character: enchanting black cherry and mocha aromas follow through on the palate and hints of anise and spice flit through the generous fruit on the long finish. 312 cases made.
Score: 96 Cost: $1,500 per case
Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2004
This iconic California cult wine and auction darling delivers intensity and complexity, the savory fruit balanced with secondary flavors of earth cloaked in impressive tannins that provide great structure and compactness. 400 cases made.
Score: 94 Cost: $6,000 per case
