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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/123667
CHEERS WINE PANEL sauvignon; medium bodied; ripe black cherry and black raspberry fruits with balanced spice and tannins. Try with grilled meats and veggies. ($13) (91) Brassfield High Serenity Pinot Noir 2010 (California). Earthy tones up front on the nose lead to a rich, velvety cassis and cherry notes. Great acidity and a good amount of tannins make this wine a must for patio and the grill. ($14) (91) Buena Vista The Count Sonoma Red Blend 2008 (California). This easy-drinking red features aromas of black currant and cherries with smooth flavors of plum and blackberry and a silky finish. ($23) (91) Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica 2011 (Washington State). Fresh and crisp, featuring citrus and mineral notes. ($20) (91) Col de L'Orb St Chinian Rosé 2012 (France). A fresh spring breeze floats from the glass and turns to crisp, juicy red berries and floral notes with a soft landing to a pure, clean pink-grapefruit and fennel-infused finish. ($18) (91) Frog's Leap La Grenouille Rouganté Rosé (valdiguie 82%, zinfandel 18%) 2012 (California). "The Blushing Frog" shows a lot of depth, character and freshness at the same time, with an amazing 11.2% alcohol—a perfect summer rosé! A blend of valdigue (Napa gamay to the locals of Hwy. 29) and zinfandel, two grapes that were widely planted during Prohibition. Beyond refreshing, it is mineral with a great balance of flavors from orange peel to small berries and melon; light pink in color with a hint of violet. Parings ideas include fresh local goat cheeses, mango and lobster salad and roasted lamb with rosemary. ($18) (91) Frog's Leap Napa Valley Zinfandel 2010 (California). This zinfandel is subtle yet satisfying, layers of berry fruit and moments of overripe plum and cassis round out the palate. The soft tannin backbone and mild acidity compliment a wide range of food options. ($27) (91) Jason Stephens Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Deep garnet in color, with dense aromas of dried berries, cherries and a touch of eucalyptus and chocolate fudge. This gem of a wine is medium-bodied on the palate with ripe and rich flavors of red berries, some chocolaty notes and a hint of spice. The finish is long and vibrant, with elegant tannins giving it tremendous character and style. ($22) (91) Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (New Zealand). Green apple and pear give way to classic New Zealand grapefruit; a medium- to full-bodied wine with great acidity. ($11) www.cheersonline.com (91) Mobius Pinot Noir 2008 (California). Second label to the Mantra series of wines from Mike Kuimelis and his father. Growers since the 1970s, they made the switch to winemaking in 2000, and specialize in the better Sonoma AVAs. Lighter style, rich, dark-cherry notes, hints of vanilla, and a smooth, silky finish. ($30) (91) Olema Sonoma Chardonnay 2012 (California). This approachable chardonnay was fermented half in oak and half in stainless steel, giving the wine a crisp and refreshing acidity. Apple and citrus notes balance the wine and bring a creamy quality to the finish. ($15) (91) Pilot Knob Viognier 2012 (Texas). Fourthgeneration French grower meets the Texas Hill country; 100% Texas fruit; great introduction to this nice summer varietal; lighter style, with a hint of sweetness; pineapple, orange blossom, nectarines and peach flavors dominate. ($32) (91) Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (Chile). Aromas of citrus and peach; fruity with floral nuances. ($11) (91) Seaglass Santa Barbara County Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (California). Beautiful wine with the typical aroma of grapefruit but also of pear. The pear really becomes more prominent in the flavor followed by grapefruit and dusty Granny Smith apple. Monster sauvignon blanc to pair with any vegetables you throw on the grill. ($10) (90) Entwine Pinot Grigio 2011 (California). A nice pinot grigio from the joint venture of Wente and the Food Network. Light and crisp with refreshing flavors of lime, fresh minerals and quince, which leads to a zingy, long finish. ($12) (90) Clean Slate Riesling 2011 (Germany). Crisp and lively; good acidity and fruit balance. Good for lighter seafood salads, spicy grilled chicken or pork. ($9) (90) Commanderie de Peyrassol Rosé 2012 (France). Classic Provencal rosé, dry and delicate with lovely floral notes and crisp minerality. ($21) (90) Conte Fini Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2012 (Italy). Sourced from Alto Adige, this is a concentrated, seamlessly MAY 2013 | 45