Tasting Notes
Posted: October 22, 2007
Best Buys
Inama Soave Classico 2005
The fresh peach character of this wine is accompanied by heady aromas of honey, dried apricot, and fig, creating a fresh and friendly wine that shows good complexity and generous body for its style. The supple texture and ample body carry the clean, bright fruit flavors through the satisfying finish. 12,700 cases made.
Score: 86 Cost: $120 per case
La Chablisienne Sauvignon de St.-Bris 2005
This Burgundian Sauvignon Blanc offers a good balance of citrus and grassy aromas, along with plenty of mouthwatering acidity and a crisp finish, accented with mineral character similar to that found in Loire Valley versions. 3,000 cases made.
Score: 95 Cost: $130 per case
Cline Zinfandel California 2005
This large-production Zinfandel delivers jammy gobs of berry and cherry aromas, along with secondary aromas of cinnamon and anise that make it ideal for autumn cuisine featuring game or duck. Somewhat chewy on the palate, with soft tannins and zesty cherry and vanilla flavors. 116,000 cases imported.
Score: 85 Cost: $104 per case
Highly Recommended
Belle Vallée Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2005
With the popularity of Pinot unabated, values like this, offering good depth and complexity, are harder to come by. The plum, raspberry, and strawberry aromas are nicely coupled with toasty oak and peppery spice. On the palate the wine is silky and supple, with ripe tannins balancing the fresh juiciness. 2,808 cases made.
Score: 91 Cost: $200 per case
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge Cuvée Barossa 2005
This primarily Cabernet Sauvignon Aussie blend includes a shotgun blast of Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, offering a good range of black fruit aromas along with spicy oak and floral perfume. On the palate the wine is ripe and full bodied, with sweet spice and vanilla flavors. 8,000 cases made.
Score: 91 Cost: $200 per case
Chateau Ste. Michelle-Dr. Loosen Riesling Columbia Valley Eroica 2006
A Washington wine with a Teutonic touch, this collaborative effort showcases the Riesling grape's crisp fruit aromas of green apple, peach, and lime. The generous fruit continues on the palate, along with underlying slate and citrus notes, before concluding with crisp, tangy acidity. 27,600 cases made.
Score: 90 Cost: $194 per case
Specials
Michele Castellani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Cinque Stelle 2003
It takes some intent to divine the aromas of black, dried fruit in this tightly knit wine, but on the palate the concentrated fruit and intense tannins steam ahead, accompanied by flavors of espresso, prune, and earth. Full-bodied without becoming weighty or overwrought. 1,200 cases made.
Score: 95 Cost: $696 per case
Georges Vernay Condrieu Coteau de Vernon 2005
This wine showcases the richness of the Viognier grape without sacrificing elegance, displaying classic aromas of white peach, honey, and white flowers are evident along with tropical fruit and a touch of spicy oak. On the palate the wine is plush and richly textured, the creamy fruit tinged with almond. 500 cases imported.
Score: 95 Cost: $1,000 per case
Domaine Roulot Meursault Charmes 2004
A lithe and pure wine, foregrounding fruit and tight structure, this white offers crisp apple and lemon flavors, good minerality, and exceptional balance. Its youthful vibrancy offers a crescendo of fruit on the palate, resulting in a long finish with racy acid and beautiful balance. 150 cases made.
Score: 93 Cost: $1,250 per case
