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February 16, 2009  VERAMONTE  Chardonnay Casablanca Valley Reserva 2007  (89 points, $11)
Quite ripe, with forward pear, fig and melon flavors backed by a toasty but well-integrated finish. There's solid richness and length, and this is a bit bolder in style than most Casablanca Chardonnays. Great value. Drink now through 2010. 20,000 cases imported. From Chile.
--James Molesworth

February 09, 2009  BODEGAS ATECA  Garnacha Calatayud de Fuego Old Vines 2007  (89 points, $8)
Ripe raspberries, creamy vanilla and spicy licorice mingle in this exuberant red. It's alluring, plush but tender, structured more by acidity than tannin. Drink now through 2010. 6,500 cases imported. From Spain.
--Thomas Matthews

February 02, 2009  STERLING  Chardonnay Central Coast Vintner's Collection 2007  (88 points, $10)
Aromas of honeysuckle, citrus and Key lime are friendly and caressing, fresh and lively. Medium-bodied, this has lots to offer in its array of ripe fruit flavors. Drink now. 345,000 cases made. From California.
--James Laube

January 12, 2009  EOLA HILLS  Pinot Gris Oregon 2007  (86 points, $10)
Silky, gentle and appealing for its pretty orange-scented pear flavors, echoing nicely on the open-textured finish. Drink now. 6,000 cases made. From Oregon.
--Harvey Steiman

January 05, 2009  BOGLE  Chardonnay California 2007  (87 points, $10)
Intense and vibrant in a full-bodied style, with lively pear, citrus, green apple and melon flavors. Ends with a pithy grapefruit peel edge that's complex. Drink now through 2010. 250,000 cases made. From California.
--James Laube

December 15, 2008  PAZO SERANTELLOS  Albariño Rias Baixas 2007  (89 points, $10)
This graceful white marries a plush texture with a steely backbone, offering ripe flavors of pear, melon and honeysuckle kept lively by a minerally acidity. Drink now. From Spain.
--Thomas Matthews

December 08, 2008  FONTANAFREDDA  Barbera Piemonte Briccotondo 2007  (90 points, $14)
Lovely plummy, chocolatey character here. Full and silky smooth, packed with flavor. Delicious and super value. So delicious. Drink now. 42,000 cases made. From Italy.
--James Suckling

December 01, 2008  MCWILLIAM'S  Riesling South Eastern Australia Hanwood Estate 2006  (88 points, $12)
Fresh, lively and relatively delicate, with pretty pine, lime and apple aromas and flavors that linger gently on the dry finish. Drink now through 2013. 26,000 cases made. From Australia.
--Harvey Steiman

November 24, 2008  BAGLIO DEL SOLE  Nero d'Avola Sicilia 2006  (88 points, $18)
Black in color, with loads of ripe fruit, verging on raisin. Full-bodied, with a round, rich texture. Long and flavorful. A big, juicy red. Drink now. 14,000 cases made. From Italy.
--James Suckling

November 17, 2008  COMTE DE MALESTROIT  Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie Château La Noë 2007  (87 points, $9)
Bracing and fresh, with a vibrant, citrusy spine running through floral and white peach notes. Drink now. 11,000 cases made. From France.
--James Molesworth

November 10, 2008  ALAMOS  Malbec Mendoza Selección 2007  (90 points, $15)
Round and fleshy, with enticing spice, blueberry, fig and boysenberry flavors backed by hints of fruitcake and melted licorice. Stays fresh and vivid on the finish, with a lingering mocha hint. Drink now through 2009. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 11,000 cases imported. From Argentina.
--James Molesworth

November 03, 2008  LOOSEN BROS.  Riesling QbA Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Dr. L 2007  (89 points, $12)
Shy in aroma, with delicate peach, grapefruit and mineral flavors matched to the bright acidity. This is balanced and graceful, with a long, subtle finish. Drink now through 2018. 60,000 cases imported. From Germany.
--Bruce Sanderson

October 27, 2008  CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE  Merlot Columbia Valley Indian Wells 2005  (90 points, $18)
Smooth, vibrant and appealing for its pure cherry and herb flavors, hinting at tobacco and black olive as the finish rolls on seamlessly. Drink now through 2011. 22,000 cases made. From Washington.
--Harvey Steiman

October 20, 2008  SYMINGTON FAMILY ESTATES  Douro Altano 2006  (86 points, $8)
Crisp style, with lots of bright berry and cherry flavors. Chewy tannins envelop the assertively meaty and spicy finish. Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca. Drink now through 2010. 50,000 cases made. From Portugal.
--Kim Marcus

October 13, 2008  PERRIN & FILS  Côtes du Rhône White Réserve 2007  (87 points, $11)
Very fresh and clean, with bouncy peach, lemon verbena, honeysuckle and mineral notes. Drink now. 7,000 cases imported. From France.
--James Molesworth

October 06, 2008  VIGNERONS DE CARACTÈRE  Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Petit Caprice 2007  (85 points, $10)
Light and fresh, showing enticing pepper and cherry notes, with a nice, slightly crisp finish. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now. 46,564 cases made. From France.
--James Molesworth

September 29, 2008  VILLA PILLO  Toscana Borgoforte 2006  (92 points, $12)
Very aromatic, with blackberry, black cherry and licorice. Full-bodied, with firm, silky tannins and a long, beautiful finish. Gorgeous. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2010. 10,000 cases made. From Italy.
--James Suckling

September 22, 2008  MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES  Rioja White 2007  (86 points, $8)
This light white offers bright peach and floral notes, with crisp, citrusy acidity. Clean and refreshing. Drink now. 34,000 cases imported. From Spain.
--Thomas Matthews

September 15, 2008  LA VIEILLE FERME  Côtes du Ventoux Rosé 2007  (86 points, $9)
A fresh, enticing rosé, with tasty cherry, spice and warm stone notes that stay bright through the finish. Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. Drink now. 41,665 cases made. From France.
--James Molesworth

September 08, 2008  MCWILLIAM'S  Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Hanwood Estate 2006  (89 points, $12)
Crisp in texture, generous with its pear, melon and grapefruit aromas and flavors, lingering effortlessly on the balanced finish. Drink now through 2013. 98,000 cases made. From Australia.
--Harvey Steiman

September 01, 2008  FATTORIA DI FELSINA  Chianti Classico Berardenga 2006  (90 points, $17)
Aromas of lavender and blackberry follow through to a medium-to-full body, with a solid core of fruit and a tangy aftertaste of citrus fruit and dried cherry. Best after 2009. 15,000 cases made. From Italy. --James Suckling

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