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Wines of the Week: Nuanced New World Sips

Let's face it. There are a lot of "fruit bombs" on the market today. And, while wines that exude sweet fruit character are very friendly to drink, we would encourage folks to try expanding their palates a little. Here a some affordable wines that offer a bit more nuance than those "fruit bombs." Hopefully, you'll enjoy them. If not, one can always go back. Cheers!

Click on labels to enlarge

Maddalena 2016 Pinot Grigio
Winery: Maddalena
Grape(s):
Pinot Grigio
Region: Monterey County, California
Year: 2016

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
10-15

Review:
The nose offers aromas of melon, green apple, white blossoms, and herbs. The palate delivers flavors of green apple, tangerine, and honeydew, framed by a mineral backbone. Quite crisp, but with a good body, open a bottle when you serve grilled white fish.
Rating: 90

Daou 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: Daou
Grape(s):
Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles, California

Year:
2017

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
20-25

Review:
The nose offers aromas of cherries, blackberries, and raspberries that meld with suggestions of pipe tobacco, toasty vanilla, and dried herbs. A sip delivers flavors of cherry, raspberry, and plum, which flow into allusions of vanilla, roast coffee, and smoky earth. Ripe fruit and savory notes are in harmony at the smooth finish. Match up with roast beef.
Rating: 90

Montes Alpha 2014 Syrah
Winery: Montes Alpha
Grape(s):
90% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon & 3% Viognier
Region: Chile

Year: 2014

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
15-20

Review:
A combination of plum, blackberry, bell pepper, and cocoa aromas greet the senses. The palate exhibits flavors of blackberries, blueberries, and plums, along with accents of bell pepper and dark chocolate. The wine has good structure and is well made, but it has a definite herbaceous character that won't be for everyone. Fans of South American wines can give it a go.
Rating: 89

Morgan "Cotes du Crow" 2017 Red Blend
Winery: Morgan
Grape(s):
56% Grenache, 37% Syrah, & 7% Tempranillo
Region: Monterey County, California

Year: 2017

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
15-20

Review:
A mix of raspberries and strawberries play among notes of vanilla and spice on the nose. Flavors of strawberry, raspberry, cherry come forth, backed up by suggestions of vanilla, white pepper, and violets. Offering polished tannins and a balance of flavors, it's a good match for a spicy fish stew.
Rating: 89

By Jason Barlow

Other Related Links:

Ratings Key:
96 — 100
Spectacular
92 — 95
Outstanding
89 — 91
Great
85 — 88
Good
81 — 84
Solid

*Wines rated with a "+" need a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will do so over the coming years

 

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