Tasting Notes
Posted: December 4, 2007
Best Buys
Neil Ellis Sauvignon Blanc Western Cape Sincerely 2006
Aromas of ripe melon, grapefruit, and stone fruit distinguish this Sauvignon Blanc from much of the Southern Hemisphere competition. Bright and lively, with zesty citrus flavors and a slightly herbal quality, the wine intentionally invokes Sancerre with its generous fruit and lithe style. 10,000 cases made.
Score: 88 Cost: $120 per case
Bonterra Chardonnay Mendocino County 2005
This wine, made from organically grown grapes, stands easily on the merits of its flavor. Vibrant citrus aromas of orange and lemon are tinged with honey. A modest alcohol level keeps the wine juicy. And a touch of tropical fruit rounds out a balanced, crowd-pleasing Chardonnay. 141,000 cases made.
Score: 85 Cost: $120 per case
Freixenet Extra Dry Cava Cordon Negro NV
Long before cava was cool, this black bottle was a favorite among value hunters. Unlike the brut, this bubbly tends toward citrus—its delicate honeyed sweetness balanced by plenty of acidity. With a hint of earth, gingery spice, and yeasty complexity, the wine is refreshing both on its own and as a cocktail ingredient. 100,000 cases imported.
Score: 84 Cost: $118 per case
Highly Recommended
J. & F. Lurtonz Verdejo Rueda Cuesta de Oro 2005
In this robust rendition of a Rueda wine, Spain's Verdejo grape, with its bold acidity and apple and apricot aromas, gets a boost from French oak barrels. The wood lends a lush texture as well as flavors of vanilla and exotic spice to this full-bodied white, while allowing the varietal character and bright acidity to beam through. 540 cases made.
Score: 91 Cost: $250 per case
Ruffino Toscana Modus 2004
A good concentration of red fruit emerges on the nose, along with dried flowers and spice. On the palate, berry and cherry fruit coalesce in a chewy mouthful augmented by blackberry and licorice, smoky spice and dark chocolate. With a full body, rich texture, and long finish, this blend deserves the title super Tuscan. 4,200 cases made.
Score: 91 Cost: $225 per case
Jean-Louis Chave Sélection Côtes du Rhône Mon Coeur 2005
This medium-bodied red is at once dense and spry. A pretty red fruit aroma of raspberry and cherry accompanies whiffs of smoke and herbs. The ripe fruit continues on the palate, developing an interesting mineral character, a touch of meaty flavor, and showing great length on the finish. 4,000 cases made.
Score: 90 Cost: $180 per case
Specials
Krug Brut Champagne 1996
With its powerful presence and racy style, this may even exceed one's expectations of a top producer in a landmark vintage. Aromas of toasted dark bread, citrus, and coconut portend the exotic flavors and creamy quality. More than 10 years after the vintage, this Champagne still has decades of potential. 10,000 cases made.
Score: 99 Cost: $2,500 per case
Aubert Chardonnay Sonoma County The Quarry 2005
This Chardonnay offers a bounty of fresh, ripe fruit, a mélange of citrus, and hints of pineapple. Secondary notes of spice and wet stone add complexity. Rich, intense, and full-bodied, the wine remains elegant thanks to its purity of fruit and vivid acidity. 223 cases made.
Score: 95 Cost: $840 per case
Domaine Tempier Bandol La Migoua 2004
Blending 50 percent Mourvèdre with Cinsault, Grenache, and Carignan, this is the dark counterpart to Provence's light rosés. Aromas of black plum and black raspberry alternate with smoked meat and hints of graphite. The wine is powerful on the palate, with fine tannins and a long finish of dark chocolate. 288 cases imported.
Score: 95 Cost: $450 per case
