Discount wine-buying window is closing, so plan ahead
In today’s tumultuous world, a bit of irony may be interesting. Regulars may remember my reporting on Rudi Kurniawan, the Indonesian scoundrel who tricked many wine experts by collecting old bottles, corks and labels from tastings, then counterfeiting wine and refilling them for sale. He then sold them to famous/wealthy collectors for thousands per bottle to the oohs and ahs of the adoring crowds. Rudi was later sentenced to 10 years and deported after serving time. The ironic part – Rudi was discovered by noted Wine Fraud owner Maureen Downey in his new job, where billionaires and millionaires are hiring Rudi to produce counterfeits to compare to the real thing at tastings. An interesting takeaway, at one event the crowd preferred the fakes to the originals. Here’s a link: wine-searcher.com/m/2023/10/rudy-back-in-the-fake-wine-game. You can't make this stuff up, and it is all legal. Ain’t life grand?
The following may be the real deal. Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough NZ 2022 is one of their best recent vintages. It rates 90 McD and get this, under $11. Their Lands and Legends label 2021 is also a nice glass, 89 McD but at $17 or higher, why bother? The Spence brothers who founded Matua are well known in wine circles for being the first to introduce SB production to New Zealand in 1974; Marlborough went into production in 1984. Anyhow, the 2022 opens to lovely lemon aromas with hints of mown hay, basil and passionfruit. On the palate, look for lemongrass and melon with bright mineral acidity and a sea breeze tang of salt. Great with goat cheese and salads.
Most folks think red when Duckhorn arises. I had the pleasure of sampling their 2021 Decoy label; Costco sells it for about $15. Pale yellow with green apple and citrus, finishes clean, 88 McD. I preferred the North Coast SB label, 91 McD under $25. Pale golden with lime, grapefruit and trop fruit subset. On the juicy palate the citrus notes repeat. Another fine accompaniment for goat cheeses but will enhance turkey or other white meat due to its body and 13.5% ABV. Nicely dry to clean up the viscous palate the turkey gravy and pumpkin pie leaves behind.
Sparkler season is rapidly approaching. I received a notice directed to those who use FedEx and UPS to move prior to Nov. 15 for Turkey Day and Dec. 15 for Christmas. Most of the wine I recommend can be found locally. Gruet NV Brut New Mexico is produced via methode champenoise, reflecting its French heritage. A pleasing bouquet of crisp apples, white flowers and slaty minerals greets your nose. Clouds of small bubbles support apple, lime and toast flavors, 89 McD under $15, drinks like a 91-point Cali sparkler. Pine Ridge Sparkling Chenin Blanc + Viognier was a revelation for me. The blend is Champagne-like. An aromatic wine with a complex bouquet of pear, green apple and honeydew plus traces of apricot, lemon, lime and nectarine. On the creamy palate, proper supporting acidity is bright enough to enhance smoked salmon and a charcuterie board. Upscale a bit, let’s look at Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs 2019, 93 McD under $40. Keep in mind these cellar at least 10 years, so maybe a case will save a bunch of cash. A great food sparkler made of 6% Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Festive, holiday, pale rose color with prolific fine mousse; opens to raspberry, fresh-baked bread with hints of orange and rhubarb. On the creamy palate, look for cherry, ripe peach and floral hints of chamomile and mint.
We are ending the discount buy window, my friends. Some stores offer case discounts, so be sure to ask. Make a plan, especially those who entertain. Buying magnums, which are 1.5 liters or 50-oz. bottles, is clever. These provide roughly 10 5-oz. servings, with spillage or extra for enthusiasts. I have found larger formats are too difficult for inexperienced pourers.
