DOMESTIC
89 Cambria Winery 2008 Chardonnay, Katherine's Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley ($22)
Rich and smooth with ripe citrus fruit and vanilla oak; crisp, juicy and balanced with a long, bright finish.
JACKSON FAMILY VINEYARDS
89 Bodegas M 2007 Albariño Querida, Jack's Ranch, Edna Valley ($22)
Bright and juicy with lovely aromatics and smooth, creamy vanilla oak; racy, intense and charming with a long, tangy finish.
90 Pacific Rim 2007 Riesling Vin de Glacière, Wallula Vineyard, Columbia Valley ($14)
Smooth and creamy with sweet peach and apricot with a hint of orange blossom; silky, rich and charming.
BONNY DOON
89 Cameron Hughes 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lot 143, Howell Mountain District ($22)
Ripe plum and cherry fruit with fine texture and good acid structure; long, bright and balanced with finesse and style.
94 Chimney Rock 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Tomahawk Vineyard, Napa Valley, Stag's Leap District ($110)
Velvety and lush with juicy plum and bright acidity; lush, dense and totally delicious; elegant and long with lovely notes of sweet oak.
TERLATO WINES INTERNATIONAL
90 Churchill Cellars 2006 Pinot Noir, Priscilla Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($39)
Silky and smooth with bright cherry and tangy acidity; fresh and lively with style, depth and finesse.
90 Churchill Cellars 2006 Pinot Noir, Bella Luna Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($45)
Juicy and bright with cherry fruit and lively acid structure; silky and long with length and lively structure, balanced and stylish.
92 Summerland Winery 2008 Pinot Noir, Fiddlestix Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills ($50)
Smooth and luscious with ripe red cherry and lovely spice; crisp, long and elegant; supple and balanced with great depth and style.
91 Testarossa Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir, Sierra Madre Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley ($54)
Tangy and nervy with vibrant red cherry fruit and racy acidity; long, harmonious and stylish with lovely balance and finesse.
89 Tablas Creek 2007 Grenache, Paso Robles ($30)
Ripe cherry and plum fruit with charming notes of spice; fresh, smooth and balanced with good length and seductive style.
PERRIN FAMILY
90 Longoria Wines 2007 Tempranillo, Clover Creek Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley ($36)
A testament to the fact that there should be more of this variety grown in California; bright, fresh and juicy with depth, spice and lively plum and berry fruit; charming and beautifully made.
89 Ledson Winery & Vineyards 2006 Old Vine Zinfandel, Russian River Valley ($44)
Bright and juicy with lively acidity and raspberry/blackberry fruit; brambly and spiced with racy style and good length.
89 Two Angels 2007 Petite Sirah, High Valley ($20)
Smooth and dense with blueberry and blackberry fruit on a firm acid base; clean, balanced and intense with a long finish.
QUINTESSENTIAL
91 Marimar Estate 2007 Don Miguel Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($45)
Dark and smooth with bright blackberry and racy acidity; pure flavors, lively fruit and supple texture; fresh, brisk and balanced with nerve and style. 85% Syrah, 15% Tempranillo.
IMPORTS
89 Ricardo Santos 2008 Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($19)
Smooth and lovely with ripe plum, blackberry and cassis fruit; dense, nicely structured and elegant with style and depth.
GLOBAL VINEYARD
88 Taltarni 2003 Cephas, Pyrenees Victoria, Australia ($40)
Edgy and tart with racy black raspberry fruit and tangy acidity; lively, fresh and zesty with balance and lively flavors; long and snappy. 82% Shiraz, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon.
CLOS DU VAL
90 Billaud-Simon 2006 Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir, France ($50)
Juicy and minerally with ripe fruit and good firm acidity; dense, rich and balanced with lovely texture and depth; stylish and complex. Chardonnay
LANGDON-SHIVERICK INC.
88 Furstlich Castell'sches Domänenamt 2008 Silvaner, Castell-Castell, Qualitätswien Trocken, Franken, Germany ($16)
Spritzy and crisp with dry, juicy citrus fruit; racy, fresh and long with balance and style.
VALKENBERG INTERNATIONAL INC
88 La Scolca 2008 Gavi, Italy ($20)
Smooth and lush with juicy apple fruit and tangy acidity; mellow, fresh and elegant.
FREDERICK WILDMAN
88 Villa Matilde 2004 Cecubo, Roccamonfina, Italy ($41)
Dark and dense with juicy blackberries and minerals; unusual but attractive with balance and a long drying finish. 45% Abbuoto, 35% Primitivo, 20% Piedirosso.
EMPSON USA
The "twisty" symbol indicates wines with screwcap or other non-cork closures.