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WINE

Holiday weekend guests mean sample library foray

June 6, 2016

The holiday brought a large influx of family and friends providing me the perfect opportunity to get into my sample library. I had two cases of samples racked up awaiting review. Having several informed people to help review wine is usually a better method but rest assured, I peered, sniffed, gargled and consumed or spittooned every wine in this review.

Since there is a large selection of varietals to cover, let’s use the cryptic approach today.

Skouras Grande Cuvee Nemea 2011 are very lively Grecian Red wines that deserve a solid 90 points when priced $25 or less. They are ready to drink now. Lovely garnet color, redolent of cherry, raspberry and barrel spice. On the palate, flavors confirm nose, finishes with more spice and a touch of mineral acidity, a delicious food wine. Quinta de Ponte Pedrinha Reserva Red 2011 are 90 points when priced under $17. This Portuguese blend made of old vine Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Alfrocheiro has 14 percent alcohol.

The producer is Maria de Lourdes Mendes Oliva.  These could use a a little time to incorporate tannins but are drinkable now. Dark red color, aromas of dark fruit and herbal notes, long clean finish with slightly elevated tannin. Color and tannins say cellar me a few years, 2017-21. Herdade de Sao Miguel Art. Terra Organic Tinto Red 2014 is a different look, an unoaked red. These will appeal to folks who enjoy Rhone reds and Cali Syrah. Fairly dark wine-colored, opens to raspberry and blackberry with a hint of bay leaf. On the palate more raspberry, ripe, tart tannin, a hint of dark chocolate and stony minerality. This is a lot of interesting wine for $15; 89 McD points.

Baron Philippe de Rothschild Mouton Cadet is the second label of Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Did you know they made a very nice, affordable Sauvignon Blanc? Back in the day the wine was referred to as Bordeaux Blanc.

No matter the name, these are usually a good QPR, running under $10 and rated in the mid 80s. 2015 was difficult, but this SB is very successful. Green tinged, pale yellow, opens with typical European herbal and grassy notes. Allow them to blow off by swirling before snorting. It has bright acidity, green fruit, citrus flavors, a very clean finish, great with soft shells and ready to drink.

The Zonin 1821 Dress Collection of Prosecco was an interesting side by side. Eye appeal is excellent with the White, Grey and Black editions all appropriately bottled in their specific colored bottles.

Each of these beautiful wines is predominately Glera with 9 percent Pinot Bianco,13 percent Pinot Grigio and 10 percent Pinot Noir, respectively. The results are readily apparent. The White is floral with hints of tropical fruit. The Grey shows crisp apple and ginger, and the Black shows apple, cardamom and roses. All are lively with good bead and finish cleanly. McD 88 points, under $17 add 1 price point. I think this 3-pak is an excellent anniversary or wedding gift. It is also a great way to educate your nose and palate. Another very nice Prosecco is Jeio Cuvee Rosé made of Merlot and Pinot Noir. A pale pink color with floral and fruit aromatics. Resting sur lie adds elegant yeasty notes and provides sparkling, long-lasting bead. McD 87 points plus 1 price point under $13.

We’ll wrap up this week by returning to one of my favorite wells, Les Vignes de Bila Haut, where Michel Chapoutier presides as winemaker extraordinaire. Some folks just have the palate.

On Sunday it was the Rosé, a delightful blend of 55 percent Grenache and 45 percent Syrah. One would think that use of these varietal wines would produce a huge wine. One would be wrong.

Chapoutier sends us a deep pink, refreshing Rosé with lovely strawberry and raspberry nose, round body, with crisp mineral and citrus flavors that repeat through a clean, long finish. Summer porch sipper. You betcha; 89 points and excellent QPR. Best of all $13 and probably under $150/case.


Email John McDonald at chjonmc@yahoo.com.

 

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