Tasting Notes
Posted: March 17, 2007
Best Buys
Domaine Chandon Brut Classic California
A California bubbly with real complexity and intensity, this wine displays pear and apple fruit aromas accompanied by nice nutty and toasted notes as well as hints of spice. Rich fruit dominates the palate, giving way to a dry finish. A great pour by the glass or as a premium topper for "Champagne" cocktails. 190,000 cases made.
Score: 88 Cost: $175 per case
Viña Montes Syrah Colchagua Valley Rosé Cherub 2005
With rosé still on the rise and spring just around the corner, now would be a good time to scoop up this vibrant pink Chilean wine with lots of thirst-quenching strawberry and cherry fruit and even a bit of peppery Syrah spice and fresh flower in the aroma. 2,000 cases made.
Score: 87 Cost: $170 per case
Bodegas Bleda Monastrell Jumilla Castillo de Jumilla 2005
This Mourvèdre from the hot (literally) Jumilla region in southern Spain delivers raspberry and black cherry flavors that are ripe, deep, and lush. With no oak aging, the wine's complexity benefits from its naturally rustic, earthy edge. 10,000 cases made.
Score: 86 Cost: $72 per case
Highly Recommended
St.-Urbans-Hof Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Piesporter Goldtröpfchen 2005
The aromas include lime, peach, and lemon curd, along with mineral and wet slate notes that follow through on the palate. Incredibly food-friendly, with vivid acidity, a crisp but lightweight texture, and a long, mouthwatering finish. 1,200 cases made.
Score: 92 Cost: $130 per case
Kestrel Viognier Yakima Valley Kestrel View Estate Vineyard 2004
This Washington State white is bright and aromatic, with a nose of apple, peach, lemon, and lime, and good varietal floral aromas. On the palate it's plush and mouth-filling, but the moderate alcohol and good acidity make it more food-friendly than many Viogniers. The rich citrus and green apple flavors finally cede to a dry finish. 487 cases made.
Score: 90 Cost: $200 per case
Casa Lapostolle Syrah Requímoa Cuvée Alexandre Las Kuras Vineyard 2004
This wine captures Syrah's smoky, meaty, tarry character and balances it with widely appreciated black fruit, cocoa, and spice. The fruit flavors are wonderfully rich and fleshy on the palate, with ample tannins to carry the wine for some time to come. Ripe fruit and sweet vanilla linger on the rich finish. 1,700 cases imported.
Score: 90 Cost: $203 per case
Specials
Château d'Yquem Sauternes 2003
This trophy wine lives up to its legend, balancing intense tropical fruit, honey, and zesty lemon flavors with racy acidity that cuts through the dried fruit sweetness. Spicy intensity adds complexity on the palate and continues through the long finish. This is an investment wine, best after further cellaring.
Score: 98 Cost: $2,800 (375 ml) per case
Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 2000
This powerhouse will serve well in the cellar, but with its sophisticated nose of red berry fruit, rose petal, licorice, and cedary spice, it's accessible enough to fill a slot on your list today. On the palate the wine is rich, opulent, and supple, with assertive yet fine tannins and very ripe red fruit that echoes the aroma. 750 cases made.
Score: 98 Cost: $900 per case
Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 2004
A white with a seductive nose that offers up pear and citrus fruit coupled with mineral, hazelnut, and buttered toast aromas. The nicely detailed flavors are accompanied by lovely acidity that strikes a perfect balance with the lean elegant fruit. All of which strings along harmoniously to the long finish. 200 cases imported.
Score: 92 Cost: $1,500 per case
