Stones | $10 to $20 | Page 4

"Tawny color like an old Burgundy. Bouquet is vinegary and tart, with nuances of pine, underripe grapes and fruit stone. Fresh and clean on palate; thin flavor displays tastes of tart cranberry. Try it with some club soda and a slice of orange." 80-84 pts.

"The 2011 Cotes du Rhone Blanc is a kitchen sink blend with plenty of Grenache Blanc mixed with other white varietals. Revealing a perfumed bouquet of flowers, quince, white currants and wet stones, it is a fresh, medium-bodied, excellent example of how far high quality white winemaking has come in the southern Rhone. Enjoy it over the next year." -Robert Parker

"Citrus is alive and well in 2011. The nose on Murphy’s is full of meyer lemon, blood orange and apricots. A delicate chalky terroir is present in the finish that tells of the rich Washington state geology. The palate is redolent with peach, apricot, kumquat, orange flower, and chalky schist. The high levels of natural acidity show themselves in a long and persistent stone fruit finish that ends with shades of a lemon tart."

"Aromas of menthol, crushed stone and toasted baguette. At once thick and penetrating, with lovely acidity accentuating the wine's intensity. Not a particularly fruity style but finishes dense, dusty and quite long. A very impressive village wine." -Stephen Tanzer

"The 2012 Vin Gris has the delicate, pale terra cotta color associated with classic rosé wines of Burgundy. The aromas and flavors are both subtle and more complex than years past with a range of pear, stone fruits, wild strawberry and blood orange. The bright and structured acidity balanced with a spectrum of aromas and flavors allows this wine to be paired with ceviche, fish tacos, seafood ravioli, roast chicken, fresh scallops on the grill and summer salads."

"Deep amber color. Honey buttered nut toast and dried fruit aromas. A round entry leads to a dryish medium-to-full body of caramel corn, toffee, spice and mineral flavors. Finishes with a warm peppery spice and wet stone fade. A nice sturdy everyday bourbon."

"Neutral aromas with hints of sweet cream, potato bread dough, and herbal honey follow through on a very smooth and supple entry to a dryish, buoyant medium body with a delicately sweet custard pastry note. Finishes with a long, sweet cream and wet stone fade. A fantastically balanced and pure vodka for all occasions and applications."

"A pale, straw yellow color with floral, sweet aromas of stone fruits, grapefruit, orange blossom and a hint of wet stone minerality. The flavors are similar to the aromas highlighted by pear, grapefruit, stone fruit and slight tropical notes."

"Most Verdejos blended with other varietals tend to be insipid because of dilution. Here the Viura and Sauvignon add an element of complexity that enhances the stone fruit and mineral aromas and flavors of the Verdejo. It is a crisp, vibrant offering as well as an excellent value for drinking over the next 12-18 months."

"A semi-sweet wine. The nose opens with aromas of pear and pineapple, followed by lighter notes of citrus skin and sweet honeysuckle. The sip is led by dominant flavors of granny smith apple and stone fruit that lead into a creamy mouthfeel. Sweet and sour notes are supported by crisp acidity leading into the finish."