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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Comtesse Thérèse 2007 Aquebogue Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (North Fork of Long Island)

Price $25

Accents of vanilla, fresh mint and graham cracker crumbs add a touch of complexity to the ripe black plum and cherry flavors on Comtesse Thérèse’s Aquebogue Estate. Elegantly structured with a brisk, lean acidity and soft, powdery tannins. — A.I. (10/1/2011)

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Bloomer Creek 2007 Vintner's Selection Pinot Noir

Price $26

Layered on both the nose and palate, this standout Finger Lakes Pinot is tart and fresh, yet full with concentrated sour cherry and red plum flavors. Firmly structured with bright acidity and a delightful spray of violet perfume on the finish. — A.I. (10/1/2011)

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Red Newt Cellars 2009 Riesling

Best Buy

Price $12

Zesty lime skins meld with sweet honey and yellow florals on the nose of this semisweet Riesling. It’s gorgeously concentrated yet elegant with a sheer, minerally midpalate and a hint of spice on the finish. — A.I. (10/1/2011)

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Fox Run NV Drink New York Riesling

Best Buy

Price $10

First impressions of fresh apple and lemon take a dark and mysterious turn amidst layers of smoke and petrol in this multifaceted wine. A hint of white pepper brightens concentrated apple flavors in the midpalate, leading to a pleasantly astringent black tea finish. — A.I. (10/1/2011)

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Hosmer Winery 2009 Riesling (Cayuga Lake)

Best Buy

Price $12

Savory on the nose with pressed apple notes brightened by a dash of coriander spice, this semi-sweet Riesling is brisk with a lemony acidity and concentrated, honey-kissed apple flavors. Unusually spiced, it’s a tempting companion for lighter South Indian fare. — A.I. (10/1/2011)

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Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2009 Gewürztraminer

Price $15

Heady with characteristic scents of lychee, roses and savory spice, this dry Gewürztraminer is luscious on the palate with soft ripe melon and peach nectar notes. A hint of black tea leaf astringency helps to tame all the fruit and floral ebullience. — A.I. (10/1/2011)

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Comtesse Thérèse 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (North Fork of Long Island)

Price $25

Hints of caramelized soy sauce that linger amidst layers of smoke and char on this black cherry Cab pack an irresistible punch of umami. On the palate, rich fruit is accented by ripe bramble notes and a spray of fresh herbs that lead to a soft, powdery finish. — A.I. (10/1/2011)

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Comtesse Thérèse 2007 Canadian Oak Cabernet Sauvignon (North Fork of Long Island)

Price $28

Darkly toasted Canadian oak reveals itself through layers of vanilla, smoke and burnt sugar on the nose of this lovely North Fork Cab. On the palate, bright acidity shines through a concentrated black cherry palate flecked with hints of dark caramel and freshly cut mint. — A.I. (10/1/2011)

2008 PerryMoore Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

This is a lush, heady wine that’s full bodied and dry, with massive…

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