November 16, 2010
Stephen Tanzer IWC Nov/Dec 2010

Focus on Central Coast - By Josh Reynolds

Brewer-Clifton - Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton told me that they consider 2008 "an ideal vintage for our style: that is, fragrant, spicy and bright."
2009 Chardonnay Sta Rita Hills - 91 pts (2008 in stock)
2009 Chardonnay Sea Smoke Vineyard Sta Rita Hills - 92 pts
2009 Chardonnay Gnesa Sta Rita Hills - 93 pts
2009 Chardonnay Mount Carmel Sta Rita Hills - 94 pts (2008 in stock)
2009 Chardonnay Sweeney Canyon Sta Rita Hills- 94 pts
2008 Pinot Noir Sta Rita Hills - 91 pts
2008 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Sta Rita Hills - 93 pts
2008 Pinot Noir Ampelos Sta Rita Hills - 94 pts
2008 Pinot Noir Cargasacchi Sta Rita Hills - 92 pts
2008 Pinot Noir Mount Carmel Vineyard Sta Rita Hills - 93 pts
2008 Pinot Noir Melville Sta Rita Hills - 94 pts

Diatom - Greg Brewer describes 2009 as an ideal Diatom vintage "because it's a year whose strength is in site expression and clarity. Not too ripe, definitely not underripe; it's all about balance."
2009 Chardonnay Clos Pepe - 92 pts
2009 Chardonnay Drum Canyon - 92 pts

Palmina - Chrystal and Steve Clifton have positioned their winery as one of the best, if not the best, sources for Italianate wines in the U.S.
2009 Tocai Friulano Honea Vineyard - 89 pts
2009 Arneis Honea Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley - 90 pts
2009 Dolcetto Santa Barbara County - 90 pts (2008 in stock)
2009 Barbera Santa Barbara County - 88 pts (2008 in stock)
2007 Undici Sangiovese Santa Ynez Valley - 91 pts (2006 in stock)
2006 Nebbiolo Santa Barbara County - 91 pts

Best New Releases from Spain, Part 2 - by Josh Raynolds
Bodega Bernabeleva
2009 Camino - 90 pts
2008 Navaherreros - 91 pts

Descendientes de Palacios
2008 Corullon - 92 pts (Spring 2011)
2009 Petalos - 91 pts (Spring 2001 - 2008 in stock)
2008 Moncerbal - 94 pts (Spring 2011)
2008 Las Lamas - 93 pts (Spring 2011 - 2006 in stock)

Bodegas Olivares 
2009 Altos de la Hoya - 90 pts (Jan 2011- 2008 in stock)
2008 Monastrell Dulce - 92 pts (Spring 2011 - 2006 in stock)

A. Palacios
2008 Camins del Priorat - 90 pts (2007 in stock - 2008 arriving Dec)
2008 Les Terrasses VV - 92 pts (2007 in stock)
2008 Finca Dofi - 93 pts (2007 in stock)
2008 L'Ermita - 94 pts (2006 in stock 96 WA/ 95 IWC)

New Releases from Washington State - by Stephen Tanzer

Abeja
2008 Chardonnay - 88 pts

Andrew Rich
2008 Gewurztraminer - 90 pts (2007 in stock)

L'Ecole
2007 Merlot Columbia Valley - 89 pts
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 89 pts
2007 Syrah Columbia Valley - 89 pts
2007 Apogee Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Valley- 90 pts
2007 Perigee Seven Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley- 89 pts
2008 Syrah Seven Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley - 90 pts

Owen Roe
2008 Merlot Dubrul Vineyard Yakima Valley - 89 pts
2008 Cabernet Franc Rosa Mystica Yakima Valley - 90 pts
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Willow 1973 Block Yakima Valley - 90 pts
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Dubrul Vineyard Yakima Valley - 91 pts
2008 Syrah Lady Rosa Yakima Valley - 91 pts
2008 Syrah Ex Umbris Columbia Valley - 89 pts