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:
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
|