Kallfelz Estate
Critics Silver 2007 Riesling Kabinett, Single Vineyard Mosel $19.99 Rich, easy-drinking. Try with chicken or other birds. – Ed McCarthy
Kayra Vintage
Critics Gold 2007 Shiraz / Petite Verdot Turkey $30.00 This wine was pushed right to the edge of being over-oaked, as the spicy wood notes are very prominent, and yet the balance really works, as the density, sweetness and depth of the dark berry and black cherry fruit counterbalances the oak notes right through the persistent finish. Showy more than subtle, this will prove very appealing to those who like this basic profile. – Michael Franz
Critics Silver 2008 Chardonnay Turkey $30.00 Buttery, lots of oak. Some bitterness, light fruit. – Gerald D. Boyd
Kendall-Jackson
Critics Silver 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Hawkeye Mountain Alexander Valley $55.00 Spicy French oak nose; big tannins and medium fruit; long dry finish. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Gold 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Trace Ridge Knights Valley $70.00 Medium oak and fruit aromas. Medium palate, dry, firm tannins. Good length. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Silver 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Mountain Mount Veeder $70.00 Oaky nose with low level berry aromas; soft entry, firm tannins, mouth coating, length. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Silver 2006 Merlot, Taylor Peak Bennett Valley $40.00 An elegant, polished structure supports a great red cherry tinged front palate. – Nick Passmore
Critics Silver 2006 Merlot, Boont Ridge Anderson Valley $55.00 Rich, plush and eminently approachable merlot. – Nick Passmore
Critics Gold 2007 Pinot Noir, Seco Highlands Arroyo Seco $35.00 Earth and tar and red cherry. It’s very tightly wound, lots of forward fruit and just as much tannin in the structure. The tightness of the weave suggests a long life. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay, Camelot Highlands Santa Maria Valley $30.00 Rich and ripe in a seductively supple but sweet style. – Paul Lukacs
Kenwood Vineyards
Critics Gold 2006 Merlot, Jack London Vineyard Sonoma Valley $30.00 Firm blackberry nose. Quite rich, suave, surprisingly tannic but not tough, good fruit concentration, robust and spicy with zesty acidity on the finish. Try with a goulash or other stew. – Stephen Brook
Critics Silver 2006 Merlot Sonoma County $16.00 Black cherry and Indian spice on the nose. Soft, juicy, plenty of upfront fruit, brisk and zesty, but little depth of flavour. An attractive mouthful. – Stephen Brook
Critics Gold 2006 Zinfandel Sonoma County $14.00 Zin appeals to so many because of its ripe, lush fruit character. This wine — with fruitiness, fleshiness, and freshness — will be the crowd favorite. – Leslie Sbrocco
Critics Gold 2007 Chardonnay Sonoma County $15.00 Finesse and nuanced, with stone fruits and a moderately long finish. – Marguerite Thomas
Killer Juice
Critics Gold 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon California $19.99 A serious cabernet sauvignon, with sturdy tannins, textbook black cherry fruit, with notes of cola and forest floor. It’s admirably dry on the finish, and has the tannic structure to stand up to a medium-rare steak. – Linda Murphy
King Fish
Critics Gold 2007 Merlot California $5.99 Lots of cocoa and sandalwood. A well-rounded effort with lots of rich cherry fruit and smoky tannins. – Jon Bonne
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay California $5.99 Lemony nose backed by mineral notes. Bright fruit, spicy notes. Soft finish with good sustained fruit. – Gerald D. Boyd
La Cereza
Critics Platinum 2005 Shiraz Temecula Valley $18.95 Complex, dry. Long finish. – Ed McCarthy
Best of Show White 2008 Viognier Temecula Valley $24.95 Shows the balanced beauty of Viognier. Delicate aromas of melon and flowers invite you in then deliver roundness without a wallop of alcohol. – Michael Franz
Lake Sonoma Winery
Critics Platinum 2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley $17.00 Intriguing lavender, dry herb and bright red fruit. A racier, vivacious style with plenty of fine backbone. Kinetic and energetic for a Zin. – Jon Bonne
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay Russian River Valley $18.00 A bold wine charged with toasted coconut and tropical fruits. – Marguerite Thomas
Laurier Vineyards
Critics Silver 2006 Merlot Alexander Valley $14.99 Lightly charry oak comes forward, some solid plum skin and blackberry fruit but a jamminess dominates. – Jon Bonne
Critics Silver 2006 Pinot Noir Los Carneros $16.99 Juicy fruit on the finish, this is bound to be a good food wine (bring on that salmon!) – Marguerite Thomas
Lawer Family Vineyard
Critics Gold 2005 Syrah, Three Coins Knights Valley $28.00 Made in a ripe style with dark chocolate cake notes, complementing black raspberry – like Sachertorte. Its juicy sweet entry gives way to a certain firmness of tone black fig notes close with a finish of dark chocolate that resurrects the wine completely. – Patrick Comiskey
Leaping Lizard
Critics Gold 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $15.00 Vibrant character with a touch of earthiness gives this racy Cab complexity. Sip alongside pork roast doused in mushrooms. – Leslie Sbrocco
Critics Silver 2006 Merlot Napa Valley $13.00 Musky and subtle, in a lighter style. Slightly roasted cherry and perfume, with tea-like tannins bolstering the bright profile. – Jon Bonne
Critics Silver 2007 Zinfandel Sonoma County $13.00 Discreetly styled Zin, should be a good match with pork, chicken, pasta and pizza. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley $13.00 Forward mineral aroma. Very soft, light fruit, citrus notes. Light finish. – Gerald D. Boyd
Left Coast Cellars
Critics Gold 2006 Cali’s Cuvee, Estate Willamette Valley $28.00 Nice but not too obvious fruit, plus a hint of smoke. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Gold 2006 Chardonnay, Estate Willamette Valley $24.00 A reserved wine with a delicate nose of slightly unripe pear, and a mildly wheaty scent. Flavors are clean, even a bit terse and focused flavors of pear and an angular finish of bitter almond. – Patrick Comiskey
Little Black Dress
Critics Silver 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon California $12.99 Sharp eyed and full of lively blackberry and plum. A carefree, juicy glassful. – Jon Bonne
Critics Silver 2007 Merlot California $12.99 Lush on the palate, so easy to drink, with plenty of sweet, ripe fruit that delights. – Paul Lukacs
Critics Silver 2007 Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie $12.99 Dry, piquant flavors, well-integrated – Ed McCarthy
Lockwood Vineyard
Critics Silver 2007 Malbec Monterey $14.99 Muted plummy nose. Light and fresh, uncomplicated with has enough tannin and fruit to give it interest and character. – Stephen Brook
Critics Gold 2006 Pinot Noir, Block 7 Monterey $14.99 Woodsy aromas and dark cherry flavors. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Gold 2007 Chardonnay Monterey $11.99 This simple chardonnay is airy and light, with mineral and saline scents to go with green apple. Its flavors are bright and Macon-like in their bright apple fruit. A very pleasant wine for an aperitif. – Patrick Comiskey
Loredona
Critics Silver 2008 Riesling Monterey $11.99 Soft peach fruit notes work quite nicely against a backdrop of citrus acidity and a pleasantly bitter hint of citrus rind in the finish. – Michael Franz
Lucchesi Vineyards
Critics Silver 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Sierra Foothills $16.00 A fresh, aromatically expressive wine that follows up with nice fruit and fine balancing acidity. – Michael Franz
Luis Canas
Critics Silver 2001 Rioja Reserva, Seleccion de la Familia Rioja $30.00 Fresh, pleasantly sweet fruit is very nicely tuned to a vanilla note from the oak, and very fine-grained tannins provide framing without imparting any astringency to the finish. – Michael Franz
MacRostie Winery
Critics Gold 2006 Pinot Noir Carneros $45.00 Yes! They get what Pinot Noir can deliver. Ripe black fruit, toasty oak, leafy notes all intertwined. Bright acid keeps it fresh. Mild tannins lend support but allow enjoyment without further aging. – Michael Apstein
Critics Gold 2007 Chardonnay Carneros $23.00 Delivers a mouthful of ripe fruit flavors–melon, peach, pineapple–with accents of vanilla on the finish. – Marguerite Thomas
Mahoney Vineyards
Critics Gold 2006 Pinot Noir, Mahoney Ranch Vineyard Carneros $28.00 Ripe, but earthy notes add complexity and reigns in the fruit element. Good acid amplifies the flavors in the finish. Grilled salmon, you’ve met your match. – Michael Apstein
Maison Bouachon
Critics Gold 2005 La Tiare du Pape Chateauneuf-du-Pape $34.99 Not just fruit character. Great mixture of herbs, meaty flavors and black fruit. Balanced and elegant. – Michael Apstein
Mandolin
Critics Platinum 2007 Pinot Noir Monterey $12.00 Lovely balance, sensual, with subtle hints of fruit and balsamic. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Silver 2007 Riesling Monterey $10.00 Medium-weight, well-integrated flavors. Well-balanced. – Ed McCarthy
Marq Vineyards
Critics Gold 2007 The Fatted Otter Monterey County $12.99 Nice complexity of fruit and herbal notes. Firm, but not abrasive, tannins make it perfect for a steak, not as a before-dinner drink. – Michael Apstein
Matua Valley
Critics Gold 2008 Pinot Noir Marlborough $14.00 A Pinot that is both earthy and delicate. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Silver 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $13.00 Ripe and generous but still sharply focused thanks to energetic acidity, this is a well balanced, intelligently crafted Sauvignon. – Michael Franz
Maurice Carrie Winery
Critics Silver 2008 Muscat Canelli Temecula Valley $14.95 Sweet orange peel and fennel. – Patrick Comiskey
Mendelson Vineyards
Critics Gold 2000 Pinot Gris Dessert Wine Napa Valley $33.00 Burnt amber and roasting coffee flavors, leavened by just enough citrus acidity to keep it honest, mark this as a highly unusual and distinctive wine. – Nick Passmore
Critics Gold 2006 Pinot Noir, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands $40.00 Sweet oak marries nicely with ripe – not overripe – fruit and hints of leafy elements. – Michael Apstein
Meridian
Critics Silver 2007 Pinot Grigio California $10.00 Light mineral-fruity nose. Good texture, tropical fruit notes. Balanced finish. – Gerald D. Boyd
Mettler Family Vineyards
Critics Silver 2005 Petite Sirah Lodi $24.99 A mouthwatering Petite Sirah that sings with bright dark-cherry fruit, with licorice and black pepper adding dimension. – Linda Murphy
Middle Sister
Critics Silver NV Rebel Red California $12.00 Fresh herbal edges on the bright huckleberry flavors help define its juicy punch. – Jon Bonne
Monkey Bay
Critics Gold 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $13.00 A delicious Sauvignon that shows all the grassy, herbal aromatics that lovers of the variety would wish to see, but without turning too pungent or aggressive. The melon and citrus fruit notes are lifted and focused by acidity that is zesty but not grating, lending an integrated, coherent impression to the wine in overall terms. – Michael Franz
Montcadi
Critics Silver NV Cava Rose, Metado Tradicional Spain $6.99 Rather sweet, juicy, ripe strawberry fruit, a crowd-pleasing style but has a dry finish that keeps it from being cloying. – Stephen Brook
Montecillo
Critics Gold 2001 Gran Reserva Rioja $25.00 This is a very appealing Gran Reserva that shows the leathery accents of the traditional style set against very tasty fruit that recalls dried red cherries and red berries. Nice spice notes offer additional complexity, and the general impression lent by the wine is one of generous aroma and flavor on a usefully light platform. – Michael Franz
Critics Platinum 2003 Reserva Rioja $19.00 Complex and convincing, this is a Rioja Resaerva that shows lovely sweet fruit recalling red cherries and wild strawberries along with leathery, spicy accent notes. The oak is notable but neither distracting nor drying in the finish, making this an exemplary wine within its genre. – Michael Franz
Critics Silver 2008 Albarino, Verdamar Rias Baixas $14.00 Creamy golden apple scent, spritzed with lemon. Palate flavors are clean and driven by a racy acidity, good minerality. A little tight on the finish. – Patrick Comiskey
Morlanda
Critics Gold 2004 Crianca Priorat $48.00 Concentrated, but not overdone. Spiced red fruit with leathery notes. Lovely savory elements add complexity. Nicely done! – Michael Apstein
Mouton Cadet
Critics Gold 2008 Blanc Bordeaux $9.99 Graceful and pleasantly pungent. Balanced, crisp and fresh. Bright flavors unencumbered by oak. A wonderful value! – Michael Apstein
Mumm Napa
Critics Gold 2006 Pinot Noir Napa Valley $38.00 A hint of cocoa, red fruit, and a supple texture. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Platinum NV Brut Prestige Napa Valley $19.00 Rich flavors, complex, dry. Exceptional value. – Ed McCarthy
Critics Platinum NV Brut Rose Napa Valley $24.00 Pretty strawberry aroma, subtle yeastiness, fine structure and very complex, with a creamy, mouthfilling mousse. An elegant, layered, long-finishing wine — a real charmer. – Linda Murphy
Napa Creek Winery
Critics Gold 2006 Merlot Napa Valley $12.99 Some serious backbone here. Stoic tea and mineral, with a freshness and gravelly red berry on the nose. Ropey and tight-knit, with fresh raspberry and darker fruit, and sticky tannins tying it all together. – Jon Bonne
Critics Silver 2005 Petite Sirah Stags Leap District $12.99 Sweet and rich — surprisingly soft for Petite. – Paul Lukacs
Critics Silver 2005 Chardonnay Napa Valley $12.99 Perfumed nose, hints of grain. Medium fruit, good texture and length. – Gerald D. Boyd
Napa Ridge Winery
Critics Silver 2005 Merlot Napa Valley $12.99 Subtle and high-toned, freshly herbal on the nose. There’s pretty, sappy cherry fruit and bright citrus highlights amid a distinct oak presence. – Jon Bonne
Critics Gold 2007 Pinot Noir Napa Valley $12.99 A charmer, balanced fruit, supple texture. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Gold 2005 Syrah Napa Valley $12.99 Well-done. Great balance. – Ed McCarthy
Critics Gold 2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley $12.99 Spicy oak and mineral accents; soft texture, dry with medium fruit. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Silver 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley $12.99 Ripe citric nose. Quite rich and plump, a bit too weighty for a sauvignon, but has good underlying acidity, which gives it persistence and character. – Stephen Brook
Natura
Critics Silver 2008 Carmenere Valle Central $11.00 Attractively but not excessively herbal in a fairly supple, medium-weight style. – Paul Lukacs
Critics Silver 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Valle Casablanca $11.00 Medium-bodied, well-made, with lime and granny smith apple flavors riding a wave of crisp acidity. – Linda Murphy
Navarro Vineyards
Best of Show Rose 2008 Rose Mendocino $16.50 A delicate, pale pink gem. – Nick Passmore
Critics Silver 2007 Pinot Noir Mendocino $20.00 Cherry and sweet spices. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Gold 2007 Pinot Noir, Deep End Blend Anderson Valley $52.00 Orange peel, a hint of plum, a soft, grainy finish. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Gold 2007 Syrah Mendocino $26.00 Serious, Rhone-style, excellent food wine – Ed McCarthy
Critics Gold 2007 Muscat Blanc Anderson Valley $19.00 A Muscat that shows very expressive aromatics but a truly dry finish, and does so without any incoherence or disagreement between the aromatic and flavor impressions. This combination is quite difficult to achieve, and this is an impressive wine that would make a lovely aperitif but also work very nicely at the table, thanks to its classy, dry finish. – Michael Franz
Best of Show Dessert 2007 Late Harvest Riesling, Cluster Select Anderson Valley $59.00 Light gold. Heady peachy botrytis nose, with a light honeyed tone. Very sweet, creamy and unctuous, with delightful acidity to keep it from being too sugary or cloying. Well balanced and stylish, piquant and lively. Delicious and in no way heavy. – Stephen Brook
Critics Gold 2007 Chardonnay, Premiere Reserve Anderson Valley $25.00 Very pleasant if confectionary nose of yellow cake, sweetened nuts, pear. Flavors are surprisingly austere, the fruit and sweet savory notes hidden behind a fierce acidity, suggesting acidulation. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay Mendocino $17.00 Slightly dusty dried pineapple aromas. Flavors are rich and cleanly rendered, a lemony flavor comes through with a very terse pithy acidity. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Gold 2007 Riesling Anderson Valley $18.00 Well-balanced. A great food wine. Try it with poultry or fish. – Ed McCarthy
New Clairvaux Vineyard
Critics Silver 2006 Syrah, St. James Block Tehama County $16.00 Delicious, just a bit ripe. – Ed McCarthy
New Zealand
Critics Silver 2007 Pinot Noir Marlborough $8.99 Leads with a mildly earthy note, a hint of bergamot mixed in with strawberry flavors. Quiet in its entry, focused, pure, if a little slight. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Gold 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $6.99 True to the grape variety without becoming overly pungent or assertive, this is a very nicely styled wine that shows fresh citrus fruit and nice herbal aromatics. Broadly useful as an aperitif or a partner for a wide range of fish and shellfish dishes, this is quite well made. – Michael Franz
Newman’s Own
Critics Silver 2006 Chardonnay California $15.99 Aromas of pineapple and earth. Flavors are appley and bright, texture is quite firm and driven by a racy acidity. – Patrick Comiskey
Nobilo
Critics Silver 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Regional Collection Marlborough $14.99 Lightly sweet but still fresh and zesty, with citrus acidity that lends linear energy to the wine and balances the fruity sweetness in the finish. – Michael Franz
Orfila Vineyards
Critics Silver 2005 Heritage, Estate San Pasqual Valley $35.00 Dry, well-balanced. – Ed McCarthy
Origin
Critics Gold 2007 Chianti Chianti DOCG $9.99 Well-balanced. Great fruit. – Ed McCarthy
Paco & Lola
Critics Platinum 2008 Albarino Rias Baixas $22.00 Rich sensuous scent of lemon and pear, with a bit of nutmeg and wet stones. High toned and firm on the palate, some weight to the palate and a ripe pear flavor, but totally reined in. slight bitter almond note on the finish. Very stylish wine. – Patrick Comiskey
Pahrump Valley Winery
Critics Silver 2005 Nevada Ridge Zinfandel, First Crush Nevada $25.00 Leaner, almost claret style. Notably chewy and strong, but the floral lift on it — lilies and dry lavender — takes it somewhere intriguing. – Jon Bonne
Critics Silver 2007 Chardonnay, Winemaker’s Select California $15.95 A rich wine from the get-go with notes of vanillin, clove, ghee. Flavors are rich as buttercream frosting. more about vanillin than fruit. For those who like their chardonnays rich. – Patrick Comiskey
Palo Alto
Critics Gold 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Reserve Maule Valley $12.99 Gently herbaceous and citrus-driven, this wine has a pretty floral perfume, lime and grapefruit flavors, and a clean, refreshing finish. It doesn’t bowl me over with complexity, but rather sneaks up with a delicacy and freshness that invites another sip. – Linda Murphy
Pedroncelli Winery
Critics Gold 2007 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley $18.00 Earthiness and hints of cherry. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Gold 2006 Petite Sirah, Family Vineyards Dry Creek Valley $16.00 Impressive because restrained but still full-flavored. This is a Petite one actually could drink through a whole meal. – Paul Lukacs
Peju
Critics Gold 2007 Rose of Syrah Napa Valley $25.00 Beautiful. Summer strawberries backed up by a fine flinty minerality. – Nick Passmore
Pepi
Critics Silver 2005 Sangiovese California $9.99 Lightly candied raspberry nose. Medium fruit, firm tannins. Tart cherry finish. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Gold 2006 Chardonnay Monterey $9.99 Elegance and grace in a glass. – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Gold 2007 Pinot Grigio California $9.99 Flavorful. Nicely balanced. – Ed McCarthy
Perrier-Jouet
Critics Silver NV Grand Brut Champagne $40.00 A delicate Champagne with refined aromas and flavors that are nicely accented with subtle yeast notes. Not the most showy rendition of the genre, but very tastefully crafted and nicely balanced. – Michael Franz
Best of Show Sparkling 2000 Fleur de Champagne Champagne $139.00 A soft, creamy texture makes this very pleasant in initial impression, but then a host of subtle complexities are revealed in the long, symmetrical finish that show the true excellence of the wine. Yeast, fruit and mineral notes are all beautifully intertwined, with acidity and a touch of sweetness counterbalancing one another very effectively. Fully mature but not yet tiring, this is a very impressive wine. – Michael Franz
Critics Platinum 2002 Fleur de Champagne Rose Champagne $299.00 Attractive onion skin color offers an initial indication of this fine rose’s subtlety and delicacy, and those impressions are reinforced by the soft, broad texture, which is marked by very fine-grained effervesence. Aromas and flavors are subtle but expressive, and the aromatic and flavor components are admirably proportional and effectively integrated. – Michael Franz
Pezzi King Vineyards
Critics Gold 2007 Chardonnay Russian River Valley $26.00 Bold and oaky style that makes no apologies. When you want ’em big, this is the wine for you! – Leslie Sbrocco
Picket Fence
Critics Silver 2006 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley $29.99 Has the distinct umami aromas of mushrooms, humus, adorning light strawberry notes. Palate flavors are rendered clean and fine, with a high tone, good pure red cherry flavor, composed, if a bit quiet. – Patrick Comiskey
Pietra Santa Winery
Critics Silver Sacred Stone, Master’s Red Blend California $10.00 A very tasty blend that melds soft berry fruit flavors — both red and black ones — with a subtle edge of oak. – Michael Franz
Critics Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Signature Collection Cienega Valley $50.00 Oaky nose, light fruit, tart acidity. Dry, medium finish- Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Silver 2005 Merlot Cienega Valley $15.00 A good dose of funk on the nose, with darker, chocolately extracted notes and ample black fruit. Dense, dark mineral but the stiff tannins dominate. – Jon Bonne
Critics Platinum 2005 Sangiovese Cienega Valley $18.00 Very deep color. Deep oak and dark fruit aromas. Bright flavors, raspberry. Firm tannins. Good length. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Silver 2007 Zinfandel Central Coast $20.00 Smoky oak, light berry notes. Good berry flavors, hints of spice. – Gerald D. Boyd
Critics Gold 2007 Chardonnay, Signature Collection Cienega Valley $35.00 Citrus, low intensity mineral. Bright fruit. Good balance and finish. – Gerald D. Boyd
Planeta
Critics Gold 2005 Santa Cecilia, Nero D’Avola Sicilia $39.99 Forward dark fruit aromas, traces of plums. Deeply set flavors, ripe raspberry. Firm tannins, good length. Good balance and complex flavors. – Gerald D. Boyd
Principe Corsini
Critics Platinum 2006 Birillo Maremma Toscana $18.00 Simply gorgeous. Medium-bodied but multi-layered; and while balanced, not at all astringent or tart. A beautiful modern but legitimately regional Tuscan wine. – Paul Lukacs
PromisQous
Critics Silver NV Pinot Grigio California $12.00 Piquant, pleasant, easy-drinking. – Ed McCarthy
Purgatory Cellars
Critics Gold NV Persimmon Solera American $39.95 Sweetness and spice all wrapped up in a glass. – Marguerite Thomas
WINNERS Q-Z