Falkner Winery
Critics Gold 2005 Amante, Special Selection South Coast $39.95 A good brickish color, aromas of iron, brown sugar, dried blood. It has an aged quality, and flavors are muted – this is not a fruit bomb, but rather a quiet and savory wine with an angular structure, fine tannins, modest sweetness. It feels like a fine aged Chianti. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Platinum 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Temecula Valley $18.95 Crackling acidity gives this wine al almost spiritzy mouthfeel. Full-flavored, and assertive in a positive way, with fresh green herbs, gooseberry and passionfruit leading the way. It’s a mouthful of deep, lively, expressive fruit, with a rapier acidic finish. Oysters, anyone? – Linda Murphy
Fallbrook Winery
Critics Silver 2006 Syrah, 33 Degrees North, Gracie Hill Estate Vineyard South Coast $30.00 Firm plummy nose. Supple, juicy, not a super-concentated style, but reasonably fresh. Lightweight for Syrah but well balanced. – Stephen Brook
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Monterey $25.00 Sweet, with a vanilla quality that enhances the sweet, tropical fruit. – Paul Lukacs
Critics Platinum 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Reserve Monterey $16.00 Attractive lime nose. Rich and ripe, succulent, plenty of fruit here, and enough citric acidity to give it zest and length. Tangy and refreshing, and a bracing dry finish. – Stephen Brook
Faustino
Critics Gold 2002 Reserva Rioja $21.49 Notes of dried and stewed cherries form the core of this wine’s aromas and flavors, along with very appealing accents of saddle leather and vanilla. The fine-grained tannins are well tuned to the weight of the fruit, offering some firming but no drying in the wine’s finish. – Michael Franz
Fetzer Vineyards
Critics Silver 2007 Merlot, Valley Oaks California $8.99 Simple but seductive. Fun to sip. – Paul Lukacs
Critics Gold 2008 Chardonnay, Valley Oaks California $8.99 A sophisticated chardonnay. Melon, peach and fig flavors, and a good finish. – Marguerite Thomas
Fiftyrow
Critics Gold 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $60.00 Very lush and opulent, with super-ripe, chocolate-tinged fruit flavors, and a long, sweet finish. – Paul Lukacs
Critics Gold 2005 Syrah Napa Valley $30.00 Complex, well-balanced. – Ed McCarthy
Fire Station Red
Critics Gold 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast $15.00 Black fruit, black olive and black tar/creosote mark this big, intense Cab. The tannins are tight and puckery now, yet this wine holds great promise for cellaring. – Linda Murphy
Firehose
Critics Silver 2007 Gewurztraminer California $15.99 Low intensity spicy aroma. Medium sweetness but low fruit through medium finish. – Gerald D. Boyd
Fish Eye
Critics Silver 2007 Shiraz California $17.99 Flamboyantly fruity, with ripe black cherry and wild berry flavors, with hints of cola. There is tons of mouthfilling flavor here, with complexity coming from black olive and leafy herb notes. – Linda Murphy
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay California $17.99 Simple, clean, straightforward in its rewarding pear and apple flavors. Significant residual sugar gives the wine good mouthfeel, though the sugar is a bit too much for a higher score. – Linda Murphy
Critics Platinum 2008 Pinot Grigio California $17.99 A vibrant, mouthwatering wine with floral aromas and Meyer lemon and apple flavors, plus a hint of green melon. For those seeking richness, it’s not here; for those seeking refreshment and food compatibility, this wine has them in spades. – Linda Murphy
Five Rivers
Critics Gold 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles $10.99 Fruit-filled and generous, with tobacco hints on the nose, lots of cocoa-edged plum and a rich, round finish. – Jon Bonne
Critics Silver 2007 Pinot Noir California $13.99 Simple and chewy, with notes of green herb and red cherry; finish firm. – Patrick Comiskey
Fleur de California
Critics Silver 2007 Pinot Noir Central Coast $15.00 Ripe red–raspberyy-like–fruit with smoky notes. A hint of woodsy flavors adds interest. – Michael Apstein
Flora Springs Winery
Critics Gold 2006 Merlot Napa Valley $24.00 Earthy, attractive slightly funky element is a great counterpoint to succulent red fruits. Long and elegant. This is a classy wine. – Michael Apstein
Flying Fish
Critics Silver 2007 Merlot Washington $14.99 Meaty aromas, ‘not just fruit’ nuances add intrigue to succulent black fruit flavors. – Michael Apstein
Critics Silver 2008 Riesling Washington $12.99 Sweet, soft fruit recalling baked apples and poached pears. – Michael Franz
Flying Winemaker
Critics Gold 2007 Zinfandel, Ancient Vine Lodi $13.99 Light fruity aroma, raspberry and spice. Medium fruit and tannins. Long balanced finish. A Claret style Zin. – Gerald D. Boyd
Fonterutoli
Critics Gold 2006 Chianti Classico Chianti Classico $28.49 Complex, well-balanced. Very fine. – Ed McCarthy
Forest Glen
Critics Silver 2008 Pinot Noir California $11.99 Cassis and blueberry. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Silver 2008 Gewurztraminer California $8.99 Light gewurtz aroma. Sweet, hint of bitterness with medium fruit. Lacks varietal distinction. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Gold 2008 Pinot Grigio California $11.99 Ginger ale aroma. Medium texture and fruit. Balanced acidity, length. – Gerald D. Boyd
Four Bears Winery
Critics Gold 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sean Minor Napa Valley $17.00 A fine balance of dark berry fruit, hints of spice and a invigorating backbone of fine minerality. – Nick Passmore
Critics Silver 2006 Merlot, Sean Minor Napa Valley $17.00 Supple and soft on the palate, with sweet cherry fruit. – Paul Lukacs
Frank Family Vineyards
Critics Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $45.00 Nicely balanced and impressively structured. – Paul Lukacs
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay, Lewis Vineyard Carneros $40.00 On the sweet side, but a pleasant forward chardonnay all about vanilla scents and apple blossom. Flavors are rich and sweet with a mildly bitter finish. – Patrick Comiskey
Frenchhouse
Critics Silver 2008 Chardonnay Vin De Pays D’Oc $9.99 Young fruity aroma, spicy notes. Dry light fruit, medium finish. – Gerald D. Boyd
Fresno State Winery
Critics Platinum 2004 Petite Sirah, Doarte Vineyard, Lindan Hills San Joaquin County $14.95 Classic Petite Sirah character, filled with briary, brambly fruit and spice, with a hint of Rhone-like earth, and a long finish. The wine impresses especially because for all its muscle and power, it never seems hot or heavy. A delicious barbecue partner! – Paul Lukacs
Critics Platinum 2006 Syrah, Saviez Vineyard Fresno County $22.95 Complex. Well-balanced. – Ed McCarthy
Critics Gold 2006 Solare California $29.95 Light gold. Sweet and creamy, juicy and voluptuous, and overall a tad heavy, but the fruit is peachy and sufficiently bright to keep it from being cloying, even though the wine could use a touch more acidity. – Stephen Brook
G.H. Mumm
Critics Gold NV Cordon Rouge Champagne $35.00 Focused and nicely structured, with penetrating flavors and impressive persistency in the finish. The aromas are admirably complex, with fruit notes pleasantly intermingled with yeasty notes. – Michael Franz
Gallo Family Vineyards
Critics Gold NV White Zinfandel, Twin Valley California $4.99 Imagine biting into sweet watermelon and tangy bing cherries. That’s what sipping this wine is like. Chill well and enjoy on a summer day. – Leslie Sbrocco
Critics Silver NV Merlot, Twin Valley California $4.99 Succulent black fruit flavors dominate; spice lurks in the background – Michael Apstein
Critics Gold NV Chardonnay, Twin Valley California $4.99 A chardonnay sure to please. With ripe, juicy fruit flavors and a kick of freshness, it’s a wine for dining and drinking. – Leslie Sbrocco
Garfield Estates Winery
Critics Gold 2007 Cabernet Franc Grand Valley $16.99 Richly seductive. – Nick Passmore
Geyser Peak Winery
Critics Gold 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walking Tree Alexander Valley $25.00 Medium intensity French oak and berry. Dense fruity flavors. Balanced, good length and structure. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley $18.00 Deep spicy oak nose, low intensity berry notes; light to medium flavors, soft finish. – Gerald D. Boyd
Glen Ellen
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay California $5.99 Honeyed and clean. Functions mostly upfront but the bright fruit keeps up the pace. – Jon Bonne
Gloria Ferrer
Critics Platinum 2006 Pinot Noir, Estate Grown Carneros $28.00 Absolute harmony, red currant/cassis fruit, silky-smooth texture with a good grip on the finish. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Gold 2004 Pinot Noir, Jose S. Ferrer Selection Carneros $35.00 Finely tuned, just the right amount of red berry and cherry flavors. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Gold 2004 Pinot Noir, Rust Rock Terrace Vineyard Carneros $40.00 Nice fruit flavors, complex and delicatly balanced. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Gold 2004 Pinot Noir, Gravel Knob Vineyard Carneros $40.00 Delicious mouthfilling flavors, chocolate and cherries, hints of black olive, – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Silver 2005 Syrah, Estate Grown Carneros $19.00 Quite delicious. – Ed McCarthy
Critics Gold 2004 Blanc de Blancs Carneros $24.00 Rich; harmonious. – Ed McCarthy
Critics Platinum NV Blanc de Noirs Carneros $20.00 Fresh nectar, dough and strawberry. Bit on the creamy side but beautifully focused, with some real weight to it and a refined bead. – Jon Bonne
Critics Gold NV Brut Sonoma County $20.00 Complex, lots of flavor. Exceptional. – Ed McCarthy
Critics Gold 1998 Carneros Cuvee Carneros $50.00 A rather dramatic sparkler, this shows impressive depth of flavor but also plenty of acidity in the finish that keeps it from seeming heavy or overblown. – Michael Franz
Gnarly Head
Critics Gold 2007 Zinfandel, Old Vine Lodi $11.99 Classically styled, big and bold. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay California $11.99 Light aroma with subtle fruit notes. Bright entry, medium fruit. Dry light finish. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Silver 2008 Pinot Grigio California $11.99 Very light, clean aroma. Brisk acidity, light tropical-citrus flavors. Crisp finish. – Gerald D. Boyd
Godwin Family Vineyards
Critics Platinum 2003 Merlot Sonoma Valley $35.00 Lovely leafy and slight chocolate nuances intertwined with red fruit make this supple wine very appealing. Long suave finish. This is very classy wine! – Michael Apstein
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay, Floral Clone Russian River Valley $28.00 Lush fruit aromas wrapped in a full bodied texture. Little hot on finish. – Leslie Sbrocco
Gordon Brothers Cellars
Critics Gold 2005 Syrah, Estate Grown Columbia Valley $20.00 A well made wine in a ripe style, leading with smoky oak, notes of olive skin overlaying plum pudding. Flavors are chocolatey and ripe, lots of sugar and plenty of oak on the back end. – Patrick Comiskey
Graffigna
Critics Silver 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Centenario San Juan $12.99 Well-structured, with dark fruit and a long finish. – Paul Lukacs
Critics Platinum 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Grand Reserve San Juan $19.99 An elegant, genteel Cabernet, marked much more by finesse than muscle, with an attractive hint of dusty earth in the finish. Delicious because very harmonious. – Paul Lukacs
Critics Gold 2005 Malbec, Grand Reserve San Juan $19.99 Dense smoky oaky nose, quite leathery. Lush, juicy, super-ripe but not jammy, suave tannins and light acidity, complex and vigorous, with a long fresh finish. Great with roast beef. – Stephen Brook
Critics Gold 2008 Pinot Grigio, Centenario San Juan $12.99 Quite tasty, excellent fruit. – Ed McCarthy
Graham’s
Critics Platinum NV Six Grapes Port, Reserve Porto $23.00 A beautiful example of type, with ripe fruit but also plenty of spicy depth. Could be confused with a young vintage Port, though with less tannin so definitely more accessible. Bring on the stilton! – Paul Lukacs
Grizzly Republic
Critics Silver 2005 Barbera Amador County $35.00 Delicious. Perhaps a bit too ripe. – Ed McCarthy
Critics Platinum 2006 Tempranillo El Dorado $35.00 A fuller, modern style of Tempranillo with sleek smoothness, a kick of licorice and dark berry fruit notes. Has the wine chops to pair with veal chops, lamb chops, and pork chops. – Leslie Sbrocco
Hacienda Altavina
Critics Gold 2008 Carmenere Chile $4.99 Very well-structured, with distinct varietal character but no excessive weediness. – Paul Lukacs
Critics Silver 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Chile $4.99 Rather ripe and soft, but still pleasingly crisp and energetic, thanks to a freshening streak of acidity in the finish. – Michael Franz
Hagafen Cellars
Critics Silver 2007 Pinot Noir Napa Valley $32.00 A light wine, gives off a faint red cherry scent with a hint of orange peel. Palate flavors are firm and direct red cherry, a touch austere for food. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Gold 2008 White Riesling, Devoto Vineyard Lake County $18.00 Fruit notes of mandarin orange and tangerine are vivid and very tempting, and the wine finishes clean despite a notable sweetness that marks the finish. – Michael Franz
Critics Silver 2008 White Riesling, Mayeri Vineyard Napa Valley $24.00 Sweetness balanced by citrus. – Marguerite Thomas
Hahn Estates
Critics Silver 2007 Syrah Central Coast $14.00 Sweet black cherry nose. Soft, plump, rounded, light tannins, a fruit-forward style with enough acidity to give it some lift. No depth of flavour but enjoyable. Drink with charcuterie. – Stephen Brook
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay Monterey $14.00 Sweet and lush on the plate, with a hearty dollop of oak flavor. – Paul Lukacs
Hahn SLH
Critics Platinum 2007 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands $29.00 Black cherry showing full ripeness, grounded by a hint of tar and earth. The palate flavors are all about velvety red cherry, mouthfilling, explosive, powerful and dark, about as pushed as pinot can get, yet it stays on the rails. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Silver 2006 Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands $25.00 A heady, powerful expression of Chardonnay, full of tropical fruit flavor and a full measure of wood. – Paul Lukacs
Critics Gold 2007 Pinot Gris Santa Lucia Highlands $20.00 Rich and ripe but also delightfully refreshing. – Paul Lukacs
Hall Wines
Critics Platinum 2006 Merlot Napa Valley $28.00 Solid, straightforward red fruit, with a char and cocoa finish. A leathery profile gives it depth, with muscular structure that emerges on the finish. – Jon Bonne
Critics Silver 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley $20.00 A softer, riper style of Sauvignon than is the international norm these days, this is nevertheless true to the variety and sufficiently fresh to be very versatile as a partner for food or for stand-alone sipping. – Michael Franz
Handley Cellars
Critics Gold 2006 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley $30.00 Gentle strawberry, adorned by a mild dusting of fresh herbs and tar. Light, clean, high toned fruit, strawberry and herb – not much acid but persistent all the same. Very pretty in a feminine style. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Gold 2006 Pinot Noir, Holmes Ranch Anderson Valley $46.00 Ripe cherry jam fruit aromas, hint of brown sugar. Flavors are extremely ripe and forward, as sweet as strawberry jam, but enough acid to support that fruit. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Gold 2006 Syrah, Handley Vineyard Dry Creek Valley $20.00 Dense plummy nose. Rich, broad, generous, mouth-filling, fine-grained tannins and nicely concentrated, with some refreshing acidity on the finish. Balanced, and would work well with veal or guinea-fowl. – Stephen Brook
Critics Gold 2007 Gewurztraminer Anderson Valley $18.00 Richly balanced, with pineapple and fruit flavors flooding the palate, and a mineral enhanced finish. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Silver 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley $15.00 A smoky oak note offers additional complexity on top of the melon and citrus fruit notes. – Michael Franz
Harbes Family Vineyard
Critics Silver 2008 Rose, Red Horse North Fork of Long Island $17.00 Punchy and assertive, a t-bone of a Rose – Nick Passmore
Critics Silver 2005 Merlot, Old Barn North Fork of Long Island $17.00 Bit of camphor and tart berry. A notably lighter style that trends toward delicate. – Jon Bonne
Hardys Nottage Hill
Critics Silver 2006 Shiraz South Eastern Australia $9.99 Rich black cherry and blueberry nose, has some intensity. Broad, supple, juicy, a fruit-forward style, with a hint of sweetness but at an acceptable level. – Stephen Brook
Harlow Ridge Winery
Critics Silver 2008 Pinot Noir Lodi $6.99 Plenty of red fruit flavors, and reminiscent as well of juicy summer peaches. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay Lodi $6.99 Light nose, mineral and citrus backnotes. Soft, bright fruit, medium finish. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Silver 2008 Pinot Grigio Lodi $6.99 Light varietal aromas, mineral-citrus notes. Medium dry finish. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Gold 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Lodi $6.99 Medium-bodied, fresh, crisp, with a kiss of oak that gives it some grip. Good acidity too, and a bracing dry finish. – Stephen Brook
Hawk And Horse Vineyard
Critics Gold 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills $65.00 Fragrant oaky blackcurrant nose. Delicate, pretty, fresh, no heavyweight, but has some finesse, and there is enough acidity to keep it going. Good with veal or lighter meats. – Stephen Brook
Hawk Crest
Critics Silver 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon California $14.00 Deep ripe berry nose; bright fruit, firm tannins and acidity; length and tartness. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Gold 2007 Chardonnay Monterey County $12.00 Bright and lively, a refreshing alternative to all the hot, heavy-handed Chardonnays on the market. – Paul Lukacs
Hayman & Hill
Critics Gold 2006 Meritage, Reserve Selection Monterey County $15.00 Stylishly pure and admirably balanced and integrated, this shows fruit notes of red and black berries along with a streak of plum, along with a very subtle wood note and tannins that are ripe and fine in grain. – Michael Franz
Critics Platinum 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve Selection Napa Valley $15.00 The thoughtful, perfumed nose and a bright mix of plum and currant, with deft cocoa hints, provide a sleek take on Cabernet, with ample grip and nuance. A classic approach. – Jon Bonne
Critics Platinum 2007 Pinot Noir, Reserve Selection Santa Lucia Highlands $15.00 Aromas of red cherry are accented by notes of tar and dry brush. Palate is clean and mineral, a creamy midpalate given nice contour from some fine mineral notes on the finish. Stylish and pleasing. Juicy finish; gathers. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay, Winemaker’s Selection Russian River Valley $15.00 More subtle dry wood notes and proper balance. Notably restrained and soft-edged. – Jon Bonne
Haywood Estate
Critics Gold 2006 Zinfandel, Los Chamizal Vineyard Sonoma Valley $30.00 Briary, with red fruit elements all nicely balanced. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Gold 2006 Zinfandel, Morning Sun Sonoma Valley $35.00 A judicious balance of raspberry, cherry, plum. Nothing overextracted. – Marguerite Thomas
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyard
Critics Gold 2008 Gewurztraminer Finger Lakes $15.00 Fleshier than some Gewurzt, but overall harmonious with a nice complex finish. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Silver 2008 Riesling, Homestead Reserve Finger Lakes $18.00 Lovely earthy notes. Good citric acidity. Easy to recommend. – Michael Apstein
Hearthstone Vineyard
Critics Gold 2006 Profundo Paso Robles $28.00 This ripe wine leads with notes of cedar, blood, sweet black cherry and tar. A lively wine with forward palate flavors, good persistence, not complex, but like a good Tuscan red, completely whole to itself, satisfying. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Platinum 2006 Pearl Paso Robles $23.00 Aromas of white peach and a touch of vanilla, nutmeg, a lees note that gives the impression of baked fruit-bread. The flavors are fruit driven, a ripe juicy pear note with a hint of peach, good balance, remains poised and even-toned. – Patrick Comiskey
Hedgeline
Critics Gold 2008 Riesling Washington $17.99 Quite delicious. Great finish. – Ed McCarthy
Helfrich
Critics Gold 2007 Gewurztraminer Alsace $12.99 Distinct lychee spice aroma. Good fruit, soft acidity, but good length with ample fruit. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Silver 2005 Gewurztraminer, Stinklotz, Grand Cru Alsace $24.99 Subtle spice and green tea notes. Sweet flavors, low acidity. Medium finish. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Platinum 2007 Pinot Gris Vin D’Alsace $12.99 A very impressive Pinot Gris made in a rich, honeyed Alsatian style. The wine is off-dry (and consumers need to know that), but it has just enough acidity for balance, and is lusciously, lavishly flavorful. Delicious! – Paul Lukacs
Critics Gold 2007 Riesling Vin D’Alsace $12.99 Excellent Riesling. Complexly flavored, quite delicious. – Ed McCarthy
Henry Estate Winery
Critics Gold 2008 Muller Thurgau Umpqua Valley $12.00 Spicy; delicious; lots of flavor; would be great with Asian cuisine – Ed McCarthy
Herding Cats
Critics Gold 2008 Chardonnay Viognier Western Cape $7.99 Stony, peach pit and racy lemon, with a softer, opulent weight that emerges. – Jon Bonne
Hess Collection
Critics Silver 2006 19 Block Cuvee, Estate Grown Mount Veeder $35.00 This shows a notable dose of oak, but the fruit proves up to the challenge, as the density and depth of the dark berry flavors more than hold their own. – Michael Franz
Hogue Cellars
Critics Gold 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Genesis Columbia Valley $11.00 More dark mineral and dry wood notes, with generous black fruit and a firm finish. – Jon Bonne
Critics Platinum 2006 Merlot Columbia Valley $11.00 Dry and complex fecundity, backed by an intriguing touches of slatey minerality make this a stand-out merlot. – Nick Passmore
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay, Genesis Columbia Valley $11.00 Slightly flinty, with a peachy weight and mineral grip amid the green herbal tinges. – Jon Bonne
Critics Silver 2008 Pinot Grigio Columbia Valley $11.00 Light fruity aroma. Bright flavors. Good texture. Length and good balance. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Gold 2008 Riesling Columbia Valley $11.00 Delicious flavors of white peach and baked apples are lifted by fresh acidity in the finish. Quite notably sweet but not at all cloying, this is a very nice aperitif or a fine end to a meal as a stand-alone sipper. – Michael Franz
Critics Silver 2008 Riesling, Genesis Columbia Valley $11.00 Stone fruit notes recalling peaches and ripe apricots are predominant, with a little lift in the finish from a hint of citrus acidity. – Michael Franz
Critics Gold 2008 Late Harvest Riesling Columbia Valley $11.00 Fragrant and graceful, with an appealing crisp and juicy finish. – Marguerite Thomas
Hooker
Critics Silver 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Old Boys Napa Valley $30.00 Quite lively, with juicy dark berry and cherry fruit, vanillin creaminess at midpalate and a firm, crisp finish. Well-mannered, and built for drinking in the next five years. – Linda Murphy
Critics Silver 2005 Syrah, Home Pitch, Lawer Family Vineyard Knights Valley $24.95 A big blue wine, with aromas of blood and ink. Its flavors are just as dark, plum and fig with a leathery structure, the finish a bit gripping and warm. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Gold 2006 Syrah, Home Pitch, Betsy’s Vineyard Knights Valley $28.00 Initial scents of crude oil and tar start to give way to notes of olive and soil – plenty savory, plenty complex! Flavors are very savory and brooding, powerful and driving, the acids low, the tannins high. It needs food, but it will complement baby back ribs. – Patrick Comiskey
Hughes Family Vineyards
Critics Gold 2006 Syrah, Savannah Vineyard Sonoma Mountain $32.00 In a ripe style, it leads with smoke and figgy scents, accented by the scent of chipped minerals and mocha. Dark, very ripe, black dried fig notes, brooding middle palate, but finishes with some fine peppery tannins. – Patrick Comiskey
Hunt Cellars
Critics Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Bon Vivant, Destiny Vineyard Paso Robles $38.00 Not as ‘look at me’ flashy as many cabs, this one is perfectly proportioned in its fruit volume, oaking, tannins and acid. It may not last 10 years, but it’s terrific for drinking now, with sturdy red meats. – Linda Murphy
Huntington Wine Cellars
Critics Platinum 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon California $14.00 Lovely blackberry and black cherry fruit, with soft, supple tannins. – Robert Whitley
Critics Silver 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley $15.00 This shows nice aromatics of dried herbs and fresh citrus fruit, and the flavor notes follow suit. A lightly smoky note works well with the other aromas and flavors. – Michael Franz
Husch Vineyards
Critics Platinum 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, La Ribera Vineyards Mendocino $35.00 Classic cab tones of cedar and leather matched up with bright red berry fruit flavors. – Nick Passmore
Critics Silver 2006 Pinot Noir, Reserve Anderson Valley $35.00 A less opulent style of PN, it delivers an array of red fruit flavors and hints of earth. – Michael Apstein
Critics Silver 2008 Chenin Blanc, La Ribera Vineyards Mendocino $11.00 Generous and ripe. An intriguing sappy nose, with dried peach and talc in the mix. – Jon Bonne
Critics Gold 2007 Chardonnay, Vine One Anderson Valley $18.00 Beguiling aromas, slightly floral, with touches of hay and lemon. Hints of mineral on the finish. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Platinum 2007 Chardonnay, Special Reserve Mendocino $25.00 Flinty approach initially, evolving into rich vanilla accented aromas. wonderfully long on the finish. – Marguerite Thomas
Irony
Critics Gold 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $15.99 Hint of herbal notes on the nose with lovely fruit purity. – Leslie Sbrocco
J. Lohr Winery
Critics Gold 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Hilltop Vineyard Paso Robles $35.00 Earthy nose. Big rich choco-berry flavors. Concentrated, good tannins. Nice length and complexity. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Gold 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Carol’s Vineyard Napa Valley $40.00 Very deep color. Forward ripe berry aroma. Dense, concentrated, sweet fruit. Good length. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Platinum 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Seven Oaks Estates Paso Robles $17.00 Deep French oak and blackberry aroma. Structured rich fruit flavors. Good length. – Gerald D. Boyd
Jacob’s Creek
Critics Gold 2008 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia $8.00 A fruit bowl of flavor is packed into each glass. Chill well and pour with casual fare like grilled chicken with mango salsa or Hawaiian ham and pineapple pizza. – Leslie Sbrocco
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay, Reserve South Australia $13.00 Soft, supple and round makes this a sippable Chardonnay for cocktail hour and beyond. – Leslie Sbrocco
Critics Silver 2008 Riesling South Eastern Australia $8.00 Great nose of lovely floral notes followed by good minerality and vibrancy. Good length; balanced; mouth filling texture. – Michael Apstein
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