Below is a sampling of the exciting new wines arriving in stock at PJ’s on a regular basis. To find additional new arrivals please use our Wine Finder and Search feature on your favorite regions and producers regularly.

Argentina | Australia | France | Germany | Italy | Spain | USA

Argentina

’07 Michel Torino “Cuma” Malbec

Australia

’05 R Wines Shiraz “Boarding Pass” $14.99
“The 2005 Shiraz was aged in French and American oak for 12 months. Purple-colored, it is very expressive, with a nose of smoke, spice box, blackberry, and blueberry jam. Layered, supple-textured, sweet, and full-bodied, this seamless, crowd-pleasing wine offers a remarkably long finish for its humble price. Drink this awesome value over the next 6-8 years. The Boarding Pass label is just that, a dead ringer for an airplane boarding pass. According to Dan Philips, it is like going on a trip to Australia without leaving home while the First Class is a luxury upgrade. Aside from the humor, these two wines have more in common with Fed-Ex, delivering the goods right on time. R Wines is a new company founded by importer and marketing genius, Dan Philips, along with co-owner, renowned winemaker, Chris Ringland. Winemakers for R Wines are Chris Ringland, Lisa Wetherell, Andrew Hercock, and John Hughes. It encompasses four familiar labels, Marquis Philips, 3 Rings, Roogle, and Bitch, along with 13 others created especially for R Wines. Needless to say, the packaging of these wines is amazingly creative but, more importantly, what is in the bottle consistently over-delivers from low-end to high-end.” —WA 92

’06 Torbreck Shiraz “Woodcutter's Shiraz” $15.97
“The 2006 Woodcutter’s Shiraz was sourced from six sub-regions of the Barossa. The wine was aged for 12 months in large, neutral French oak and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Purple-colored, it has an attractive array of pepper, spicy blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry muffin aromas. Full-bodied and opulent on the palate, the wine delivers gobs of meaty, full-flavored blue and black fruits to accompany its forward, easy-going personality. Drink this incredible value over the next 4-6 years. Torbreck, under the leadership of owner/winemaker David Powell, remains a Barossa Valley benchmark as well as one of the world’s greatest wine estates.” —WA 92

France

’04 Bruno Colin “Charmois” St. Aubin 1er Cru $43.99
St. Aubin has some of the best white Burgundy values in all of the Côte D’Or, and this excellent Charmois shows why. There is a deft use of wood here, which highlights orange blossom and peach flower aromas on the nose that are backed by unfiltered honey. On the palate, the blossoms round out into ripe peach and orange nectar, which are laced with squeezed apricot and a touch of cereal grain. There is very good ripeness here, and a touch of plush give. The 2004 vintage is an excellent one for white Burgundy and we suggest you snap this up before it’s too late.

’05 Marc Colin “Montceau” St. Aubin 1er Cru $44.99
Give this incredible value in white Burgundy about an hour in a decanter. The nose of this very clean and precise St. Aubin displays beautiful notes of lemon oil and crunchy Granny Smith apple accented by hints of mineral and unsalted butter. On the palate, green apple flesh and green apple skin expand through the mouth where it is joined by candied lemon and hints of almond, grain and wet stone. A great value just hinting at its potential.

’05 Marc Colin et Fils “La Combe” Bourgogne $25.99
Made with fruit from Puligny vines, the nose of this Bourgogne blanc stunner begins with fresh cut lemon that floats in a bowl of cool, lightly salted cream. This is followed by an expansive cloud of stone-infused white truffle that lingers deliciously. On the palate, there is elegant compactness. A rich and creamy mouthfeel leads into crisp apple, accented by fresh toast, a touch of earth and more sexy white truffle.

’05 Marc Colin et Fils “Les Encégnières” Chassagne-Montrachet $59.99
This outstanding single vineyard Chassagne-Montrachet hales from a parcel just beneath Bâtard that has less clay and more limestone than the Puligny side. It is a rich and powerful Chassagne-Montrachet, with a nose of crushed hard apples in a mineral broth, accented by hints of lemon zest, pineapple and rich grain. On the palate, its ample fat is buoyed by a firm spine of acidity, while ripe apple, bread dough, almond skin and crushed stones shift from background to foreground then back again. Finishes with an intriguing silky flex of its muscles.

’05 Domaine du Cros “Lo Sang del Païs” Marcillac $9.99
Now back in stock! Inky and lively, this deep ruby red has aromas that are redolent of violet, black plum, cherry, iron and damp earth. It also offers subtle undertones of Nicoise olive and green pepper. The palate is fresh and supple with ripe and fleshy plum skin flavors and notes of orange rind, more iron and a touch of chocolate. The finish is long, satisfying and inflected with hints of pepper and pansies. Enjoy this delightful wine with a variety of richer dishes like braised chicken, game hen stewed with prunes, succulent veal ravioli in a rich mushroom sauce or roasted lamb with a side of earthy parsnips.

’06 Gisselbrecht Alsace Riesling $12.99
An excellent value in dry Riesling, this Alsacian standout cries out for fried fish or other rich seafood. The nose if full of hard green apple and slate scents while the palate displays racy acidty, more green apple and substantial crisp pear flavors. Finishes with an elegant minerality and is exceedingly drinkable.

’05 Albert Mann Schlossberg Alsace Grand Cru Riesling $29.99
"A profound testament to the brilliance of Alsatian Riesling. From the Schlossberg vineyard, which has been planted with vines since the 15th century. The slopes of this vineyard slopes are planted with Riesling in granite, sandstone and shale soils that must be cultivated in terraces. Wines from the Schlossberg vineyard are characterized by their fine, richly floral bouquet and depth. The full-bodied, flowery 2005 is intense with white peach, crisp, ripe red apple, mineral and white pepper notes. These scents and flavors are matched to a lacy texture on the palate and ride into a long, mineral-laden finish. Refined power and excellent balance are beautifully exhibited in this stellar, world class white.

’05 Le Meurger Burgundy White $10.99
A classy and amazingly affordable Bourgogne Blanc, the nose offers up scents hard yellow apple, lemon flesh and a touch of toast. In the mouth the wine is very vibrant, with more apple and lemon tones backed by fine minerality. Great as an apéritif or paired with all sorts of seafood like butter poached white fish.

’05 Vincent Paris “Granit 30” Cornas $33.99
“Very juicy, with lots of dark blackberry and boysenberry fruit backed by ripe, fully imbedded tannins. Has fine cut, with a chalky minerality that lurks underneath. Compact for now, this should blossom in the cellar. ” —WS 92

’06 Domaine de Pouy VdP des Côtes de Gascogne White $7.99
This bright and very pure white, made from Ugni Blanc and Colombard, shows crushed yellow apple and sweet straw scents on the nose. In the mouth it is crisp and refreshing, showing additional notes of well-defined apple and mineral. This is a perfect everyday white and is great for entertaining.

’05 J. J. Vincent Pouilly-Fuissé $15.99
This PJ's favorite is a brilliant straw yellow with a green tint in the glass. Elegant, white flower and lemony aromas on the nose lead to round, fresh, citrus and mineral flavors on the palate. This Chardonnay has a very clean and balanced character in the mouth and pairs beautifully with seafood, chicken or goat's milk cheeses.

Germany

’06 Schäfer-Fröhlich Riesling Spätlese $28.99
A tremendous wine from Schäfer-Fröhlich. It opens with a cloud of pulverized stone layered among rich peach, nectarine, strawberry and cherry pit tones. The palate is very focused, with more stone fruit riding a pillar of minerality, through which weaves a backbone of vibrant acidity. This is high class juice that can be enjoyed with a variety of foods, from oh-so-hot Szechuan or Thai to grilled bratwurst buried under saurkraut.

’05 Bert Simon Serrig Würtzberg Riesling Spätlese $29.99
Another example of German excellence in 2005. This exceptional Riesling shows its excellence from start to finish. Bright straw in color the nose is rich and layered with scents of lemon, lime, white peach and crushed stone minerality; then accented with lychee, pear and lime pith notes. The palate is deep, succulent, refined and well-structured, expanding with beautiful acidity into a very long, complex and mineral laden finish. Simply a beauty—through and through.

Italy

’04 Allegrini La Grola $21.99
Full-bodied and elegant, this rich single vineyard standout offers greater depth and finesse than Allegrini’s extremely popular “Palazzo della Torre” and is a will easily hold its own against higher end Valpolicellas. Crushed black cherry, plum, leather and Italian herbs lead the way into the plush nose of this Veneto blend. On the palate the wine is big and juicy with burly yet brushed tannins, co-mingled with notes of dark cherry, cocoa powder, tea and leather. It finishes impressively with a hint of coffee. Try this with herb crusted lamb chops, juicy, rare roast beef or mellow, aged cheeses.

’01 Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino $39.99
Following directly in the footsteps of the excellent 1999 (which was a breakaway Brunello hit at PJ’s), the outstanding 2001 offers a touch riper and deeper fruit concentration. Yet it keeps to the same graceful and elegant style that made the 1999 such a pleasure. Medium to full-bodied, it displays pretty notes of raspberry, cherry, strawberry jam, blackberry, saddle leather and graphite with touches of smoke, tar, licorice, wild herbs and spice. At the moment it is showing a bit broader than the 1999, but will mellow beautifully over the next couple years and improve for ten more. Decant one hour prior to serving this elegant, understated and highly drinkable Brunello bargain now.

’01 Rodano “Viacosta” Chianti Classico Riserva $24.99
A gorgeous example of the expressive depth, power and elegance of traditional Chianti Classico done well in a great year. Rodano's single vineyard Viacosta is really showing beautifully now and will only improve in the coming years. The nose alone is a masterpiece of truffle infused red and black fruit interwoven with wild herbs and mellow hints of chocolate and smoke. Though not a fruit-bomb, it offers excellent and silky grip, seamless acidity and a long, smooth and robust finish. The entire staff has fallen in love with this old world stunner.

Spain

’04 Finca Allende (Net) $19.97
“The 2004 Allende, a 100% Tempranillo cuvee, was barrel fermented in a mix of new and used French oak, remained in barrel for 13 months, and was bottled unfiltered. The wine is inky purple-colored and has a superb nose of pain grille, mineral, violets, cranberry, and blueberry. The youthful palate reveals layers of fruit, ripe tannin, and excellent balance. The wine merits another 3-4 years of bottle age and should drink well through 2020. Kudos to Finca Allende for a magnificent set of 2004 Riojas!” —WA 92

’05 Berberana “Viña Alarde” Rioja $6.99
Now back in stock! This remarkable value captures Rioja at a price that makes make you think we dropped the first digit. The nose shows ripe definition, with lovely notes of red berries followed by hints of cocoa and cedar-tinted vanilla. The palate is light to medium weight and silky, with buoyant acidity supporting more bright cherry fruit and spice tones from front to back. The quality exhibited in this unassuming red is a strong indication of just how great the 2005 vintage is in Rioja.

’04 Rafael Cambra “Uno” Monastrell $25.99
One of the best Monastrells (Mourvèdres) of Spain, from Rafael Cambra, a man possessed with drive, energy and innovation. He brings the best out of old vine holdings in the emerging region of Valencia, near the better known wine region of Jumilla. The 2004 “Uno” is his best yet, showing fantastic power combined with silky elegance. The nose offers deep black plum and blueberry notes with damp earth minerality and hints of spice. The palate is a rush of ripe black fruit flavors accented by old vine minerality with beautifully integrated acidity, a silky, juicy middle, and a long deep finish. Decant to serve now or drink over the next 10 years.

’96 CVNE “Viña Real” Rioja Gran Reserva $38.97
“Ruby-red. Suave, floral scents of cherry, strawberry preserves, raspberry, smoked meat, vanilla bean and mocha. Medium in weight but packing serious flavor, with sweet red berry and cherry flavors beautifully complemented by earthier notes of cured tobacco, musky underbrush and fresh herbs. A silky, wonderfully pure wine with superb balance and the texture and brightness of a major-league Burgundy. Finishes supple and long, on a note of ripe cherry. ” —IWC 92

’04 Bodegas Hornillo Ballesteros “Mibal” Tempranillo $17.99
“The 2004 Mibal was aged for 12 months in previously used French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, the wine’s aromatics need to be coaxed from the glass, a demonstration of this wine’s youth. On the palate the raw materials are there, densely packed and tightly wound. The ripe black fruit flavors are still undeveloped but very promising. All of the components are in harmony needing only 4-6 years in bottle to strut their stuff. It is hard to believe that so little money can buy so much wine. If I were a young collector unable to afford Bordeaux or boutique Cabernet, I’d be buying the 2004 Mibal by the case. A true “garage” Bodegas (the winery is in a garage in the town of Roa), these small production cuvees of 100% Tempranillo are uniformly outstanding.” —WA 91

’05 Numanthia-Termes “Termes” (Net) $21.97
The rich and elegant 2005 is more accessible than the deep and brooding 2004. It’s a pleasure for drinking now. “Dark ruby. Ripe cherry and plum aromas are complicated by espresso and dark chocolate. Powerful, densely packed dark berry flavors are distinctly ripe, with chewy tannins adding structure. And yet this is surprisingly light on its feet, finishing with gentle acid lift and brighter red berry character. Not a blockbuster by any stretch.” —IWC 90

’04 Palacios Remondo “La Montesa ” Rioja $15.99
“Medium red. Elegant nose features pungent rose and violet, spices, smoked meat, raspberry and blackberry. Firm and nicely focused, with sweet, deep red and dark berry flavors framed by silky tannins. Finishes stony, fresh and long, with a persistent red berry quality.” —IWC 90

NV Perez Barquero “Gran Barquero” Amontillado Palomino $14.99
This dry Amontillado is a rich nut brown color with expressive aromas of caramel, hazelnut, butterscotch and smokey vanilla. With a beautifully classic and bracing snap on the palate, it offers additional notes of milk chocolate, butter, corn silk and smoke that are capped by amazing length. The ideal apéritif to pair with toasted almonds, olives, cured meats, boldly flavored appetizers or even with batter fried fresh fish or southern fried chicken. It also works as a bold after dinner sipper.

NV Perez Barquero “Gran Barquero” Oloroso Palomino $14.99
This rich but classically dry Oloroso is a beautifully clear deep amber color and offers scents of toasted almond, toffee, and a hint of coffee on the nose. It is opulent and intense, yet refined on the palate with cascading layers of caramel flavors that taper into notes of milk chocolate, toasted nut skin, vanilla, ash and smoke. The finish is long and dry with nutty caramel overtones. Olorosos pair beautifully with nutty cheeses like aged Gouda, Riserva Parmigiano Reggiano, Manchego or Mahon along with just about any caramelized or nutty dessert like crème brulée, an almond croissant or chocolate hazelnut cake. It is also a favorite after dinner accompaniment to fine cigars and serves as an excellent, lower alcohol alternative to brandy.

NV Perez Barquero “Gran Barquero” Pedro Ximenez Sweet Pedro Ximenez $14.99
This layered sweet wine displays a deep, glossy brown color and is truly indulgent. The nose features raisin, pumpkin pie spice, tobacco leaf and pure sugar cane notes. The palate is rich, expansive and beautifully balanced with honeyed, almost milk chocolatey raisin and smoke flavors. It is a very long and elegant PX and finishes with expressive coffee, tea leaf and buttered popcorn tones. Fantastic with blue cheese, toasted nuts, dried fruit, poured over vanilla ice cream or for something truly decadent, pair it with chocolate glazed doughnuts, sticky buns or Paris-Brest pastry.

’01 Castillo de Sajazarra Rioja Reserva Red $18.99
From the great 2001 vintage this 100% Tempranillo Reserva is a dark, ruby-colored red with a supple nose of red currant, cherry, smoky cedar, spice and tobacco notes. Red currant and blackberry flavors dominate the harmonious palate. This very flexible Rioja is showing beautifully now. Serve with chicken, pork, lamb or beef.

’05 Vinos de Terruños “Esencia de Monte” Yecla Monastrell $11.99
“The 2005 Esencia de Monte is 100% Monastrell from organically farmed 50-year-old vines in the up-and-coming region of Yecla. It also spent 2 months on the lees in stainless steel. This saturated purple wine coats the glass. It boasts a gorgeous bouquet of blackberry, tar, and licorice. This slightly rustic wine has layers of sweet fruit, ripe tannins, and considerable length in its hedonistic personality. In a perfect world, I'd give this exceptional value another 1-2 years of bottle age but it's awfully good now. It would pair well with beef, lamb, or baby goat.” —WA 90

’96 Marqués de Tomares Rioja Gran Reserva $39.99
This gorgeous, classic and elegant Rioja has suddenly hit that sweet-spot in its evolution and is unfolding beautifully now. One of the top wines of this small, family-owned winery, this powerful Gran Reserva tends to be tightly wound and earthy in its youth, but is now sure to entrall lovers of traditional Rioja. The nose opens with ripe plum and black currant scents, followed by secondary notes of dried orange peel, bacon, cocoa powder, ash and spice. The palate is full of red berry flavors, a hint more orange peel, plus cocoa powder, tobacco, damp earth and leather nuances. Finishes very smooth and long with plenty of succulence, leaving you reaching for another rich, complex glass. Serve with roast fowl, lamb, beef or game.

United States of America

California

’05 Burch Hall “Les Petites Vendages” California Cabernet Sauvignon $9.99
Juicy cassis and black cherry on the nose continue on the palate where are framed by lanolin, vanilla bean and spice. A very California Cabernet that delivers ample fruit and structure along with high value.

’05 Robert Goyette Cabernet Sauvignon $19.99
A rush of smoky cassis, pen ink, dark plum and pounded black cherry notes on the nose are leavend with touches of chocolate, bacon and chalk. On the palate the wine is very silky and focused. Notes of ripe black cherry, cherry pit, plum skin, and crushed rocks are intermingled with racy, supporting acidity. These elements follow through into a precise and mineral laden finish. Highly versatile, it can be enjoyed with filet mignon, braised goat, oxtail stew or veined cheeses such as gargonzola or cabrales. This compelling Cabernet offers outstanding value for the price.

’05 Hartley Ostini Hitching Post “Highliner” Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir $41.99
A big staff and customer favorite since the days this Pinot grew famous in the movie Sideways. The 2005 edition is expressive an refined with classic notes of cherry, strawberry, earth and a touch of cola. Beautifully structured it flows across the palate seamlessly, with jammy cherry and mellow oak tones adding complexity and rounding out the polished palate. First class California Pinot Noir.

’05 Liberty School Central Coast Chardonnay $10.99
Tropical and balanced, Liberty School's 2005 Chardonnay is a great value. The nose is full of apple, pineapple, a hint of mango and just a whiff of caramel aroma. The palate is surprisingly lively and focused, keying on yellow apple flavors with a hint of the tropics on the finish. Great balance keeps this Chard fresh and buoyant.

’05 Liberty School Central Coast Syrah $10.99
An incredible bargain, Liberty School's 2005 Syrah just seems to keep on giving. Plum, blackberry and orange peel are backed by iron and roasted meat tones. In the mouth the wine is full-bodied with plush tannin and excellent structure. More orange, blackberry, meat and mineral notes are supported by bright acidity not usually found in California Syrah, never mind California Syrah at this price range. Very drinkable.

’05 Lockwood “Block 7” Monterey Pinot Noir $15.99
This is one of the best bargains in California Pinot Noir we have found in years of searching. The nose is traditional Pinot with strawberry and plump cranberry notes, followed by a gentle hint of bacon fat and, as the wine opens with air, fresh picked flowers. In the mouth, the strawberry notes continue, now joined by red cherry flesh and a hint of iodine and mineral. Very well balanced with a supple roundness, this wine can be enjoyed with food or without, each option yielding equal pleasures.

’04 Rombauer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $25.99
”Nicely textured and well balanced with spicy cranberry and mint aromas and flavors.” —NYT ***, Best Value

NV Wölffer Estates “Big Apple Wine” $8.99
If you are looking for a unique quaffer for the holidays, try this medium-bodied, dry white apple wine from New York state. Balanced, with good acidity, clean and bright, and tasting of crisp, tart apples, this is a truly pretty little wine that will make a wonderful American-made apéritif.

Argentina | France | Germany | Italy | Spain | USA