Anna Lee Iijima

Assistant Tasting Director

Anna Lee C. Iijima joined Wine Enthusiast in 2010 following a career in corporate law. She holds a Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is a student in the Masters of Wine Program. She also holds a certification in Viticulture and Vinification from the American Sommelier Association and is a Certified Sake Professional of the Sake Education Council. She currently reviews wines from Germany, New York and Other Europe regions, and writes frequently on saké, food and wine pairing for the magazine.

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Shaw 2008 Reserve Pinot Noir

Price $30

Hints of smoke and vanilla add complexity to notes of dried cherry and autumn leaves in this earthy, umami-rich Pinot Noir. Aged three years in barrel, this late-release wine is silken and rich on the palate with just a flurry of tannins on the finish. — A.I. (5/1/2013)

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Six Mile Creek 2010 Merlot

Online Exclusive

Price $16

Ripe red cherry and mint are enrobed in a velvety swathe of tannins in this bold, richly textured Merlot. It’s muscular in style, but hints of minerality and bright acidity add elegance and balance. — A.I. (5/1/2013)

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Six Mile Creek 2010 Quintessence Red

Price $20

Blackberry, briar and savory herb notes point to the preponderance of Cabernet Franc in this round, but elegantly balanced Bordeaux-style blend. It’s rich and ripe on the palate with a frame of velvety tannins that extend long on the finish. — A.I. (5/1/2013)

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Atwater 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Online Exclusive

Price $25

There’s an abundance of crisp black cherry and cassis flavors in this Cabernet Sauvignon, but hints of green leaves and wet soil lend a dark, elegant tone. Quite supple and full on the palate, it finishes long with staunch, grippy tannins. — A.I. (5/1/2013)

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Heron Hill 2010 Cabernet Franc

Price $15

Hints of fresh herbs add depth to bright red-cherry and strawberry notes on this brisk, refreshing wine. Striking acidity and soft, delicate tannins draw out a long, cherry-menthol finish. — A.I. (5/1/2013)

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Ventosa 2009 Cabernet Franc

Price $20

Ripe black plum and cherry notes are accented with savory touches of olive and brine in this bold, full-bodied wine. Staunch, grippy tannins give it an angular, structured feel that persists through the long finish. — A.I. (5/1/2013)

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Ventosa NV Cabernet Sauvignon

Online Exclusive

Price $25

Fresh green herbs and granite notes add a lean, angular elegance to the concentrated black-cherry flavor in this wine. It’s bold in structure with penetrating tannins that linger on the finish. — A.I. (5/1/2013)

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Heron Hill 2011 Semi-Sweet Riesling

Price $14

Curious tones of red berry and grapefruit mark this intensely fruit-forward, semi-sweet Riesling. It’s concentrated on the palate, but balanced with hints of smoky minerality and delicate dried herb notes. — A.I. (5/1/2013)

NV Langlois-Chateau Brut

A blend of Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay, this is a round…

(Sponsored)