Recently Tasted International Wines
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- Written by Rand Sealey
Here are some more wines from around the world that we've tried recently.
French Wines
N.V. Langlois Crémant de Loire ($21.99 - Safeway) - Composed of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Pinot Noir, this displays a brilliant copper-tinged pink color, streaming bubbles and attractive aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, tangerine, cherry blossoms and pink flowers. The flavors, as well, are appealing, with bright fruits that fill the mouth, along with notes of grape skins, cherry stones and minerals. The back is enlivened by fraise and cerise liquuers and CO2 on the brisk, dry finely fruited finish. 18.5/20 points.
2016 Domaine Brussett Gigondas, "Les Secrets de Montmirial" (Purchased for $57.99 in 2018) - This is Brussett's old vine Reserve. It exhibits a deep ruby color and intense aromas of black currant, black cherry, black plum, crushed roses, dark tobacco, garrigue and spiced incense. The dark fruit flavors are intense, still youthful, with notes of licorice root, extra dark cocoa, French roast and Montmirial minerals. The penetration continues on the back with creme de cassis and kirsch liqueurs band charcoal, followed by a lengthy still ripe tannin finish. 19+/20 points.
2019 Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly-Fuissé, "Clos" Sur la Roche ($49.99 - wine.com) - From beneath the Rock of Vergisson, this is an outstanding Pouilly-Fuissé. It shows a brilliant gold color an d perfume aromas of pear-apple, white peach, citrus, apple blossoms, acacia flowers, wisteria and wet stone. The flavors are intense and mouth filling, pure Chardonnay, with notes of grape and pear skins, peach stones and Vergisson granitic minerals. On the back, the wine gains intensity, with poire and pêche liqueurs and lemon custard on the way to a lingering, finely fruited finish. "Back to France, I love it!" says Lynn. 19+/20 points.
2019 Louis Jadot Chorey-les-Beaune "Les Beaumonts" ($47.99 - wine.com) - Chorey is situated below Aloxe-Corton. This displays a brick red color and attractive aromas of strawberry, cherry, red currant, rosebuds, cherry blossoms, orange peel and whiffs of sweet incense. The flavors are medium bodied but substantial, with supple red fruits that are imbued with licorice, cocoa powder, orange pekoe tea and damp earth. The appeal continues on the back with gently pressed fruits, fraise and cerise liqueurs and soft pencil lead, followed by a smooth ripe tannin finish, For those who appreciate a charming Pinot Noir, this gets 19/20 points.
Back in 2018, when I learned that the 2015 was turning out to be a great year for Burgundy, I bought heavily into that vintage. Recently, we opened a few bottles which have turned out to be beautiful wines.
2015 Louis Jadot Côtes de Nuits Villages (Purchased for $44.99) - This multi vineyard blend shows a garnet edged brick color and rich, sultry maturing aromas of semi-dried fruits - cherries, plums, orange - with scents of crushed roses, tobacco leaf, sandalwood and stick incense. The flavors are rounding out with supple red fruits that are intermixed with licorice root, coffee beans and earth. The back reveals roasted berries, toffee, dried orange peel and smooth tannins on the suave finish. 19/20 points.
2015 Faiveley Mercurey Premier Cru, Clos ds Myglands ($44.99) - Deep garnet edge-colored (typical of a maturing Burgundy), this possesses sultry aromas of semi-dried fruits - strawberry, cherries, black currants - with scents of crushed roses, mulberry, tobacco, dried orange peel, sandalwood and incense. The flavors are rounding out with what the Burgundians call "velours," with notes of licorice, cocoa, coffee beans and Saone river minerals. On the back, the wine retains its focus, supported by pressed fruits, roasted nuts and creme de cassis, followed by a lengthy chewy tannin finish. 19/20 points.
2015 Louis Jadot Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru, Les Fuées ($124.99) - Deep ruby-garnet colored, this wine possesses an intoxicating bouquet of wild strawberry, old tree cherry, black currant, crushed rose petals, orange peel and exotic incense. The flavors are simultaneously bold and refines with thick red fruits that are infused with licorice root, cocoa powder, black tea and granitic minerals. The penetration continues on the back with fraise and creme de cassis liqueurs, dried orange peel, suede leather and charcoal stick, followed by an ultra-long sweetish tannin finish. Will continue to age beautifully. 19.5/20 points.
2015 Domaine Jacques Fréderic Mugnier Nuits-St. Georges Premier Cru, Clos de la Maréchale ($124.99) - This is a classic Nuits-St. Georges. It exhibits a ruby-garnet color and a rich bouquet of semi dried fruits - raspberries, cherries, red currants, orange peel - with scents of dried roses, aged cigar wrapper, sandalwood and oriental incense. The flavors are rich and vigorous, with notes of licorice, cocoa, black tea and granitic minerals. On the back, the Burgundian "velours" emerges with dried fruits and orange peel on the lengthy finish. 19.5/20 points.
International Sauvignon Blancs
Recently, we picked up some Sauvignon Blancs from around the world that show what can be done with this undervalued variety.
2020 Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County ($18) - Back in the 1980's Ferrari-Carano was one of the first wineries to call Sauvignon Blanc "Fumé Blanc" after the ones of the upper Loire Valley. This vintage shows a brilliant straw color and attractive aromas of pear, peach, citrus, pear blossoms, jasmine, lemongrass and green incense. The flavors are brisk yet nicely fruited, with notes of grape and pear skins and stony minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs, grapefruit peel and neutral oak on the crisp finish. "I love it," says Lynn. A bargain when purchased for $13.99. 18.5/20 points.
2021 Wautoma Springs Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley ($18) - This is a bright, fresh, lively Washington Sauvignon Blanc, with notes of grape skins, melon rind and saline minerals, and a bit of passionfruit on the back adds a bit of tropicality. Full review to be in the June issue of the Review of Washington Wines. 18.5/20 points.
2020 J. de Villebois Pouilly-Fumé ($29.99 - Safeway) - This is Fumé Blanc (the local name for Sauvignon Blanc) from Pouilly-sur-Loire. It shows a brilliant lemon-gold color and striking aromas of green apple, white peach, gooseberry, lime, gunflint and white smoke. The flavors, as well, are distinctive, with white and green fruits that are accented by grape and apple skins, peach stones and Kimmeridgian marl minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with Calvados and pêche liqueurs and lime zest on the way to a crisp, persistently minerally finish. 18.5+/20 points.
When it comes to wine, New Zealand is best known for its dry, crisp Sauvignon Blancs. Most are commercial but here are two fine examples.
2021 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough ($16.99 - Safeway) - Light straw colored, this possesses expressive aromas of green pear, gooseberry, kiwi, lime, peat blossoms, jasmine, cut grass and wet stone. The flavors are brisk and lively yet ripe and mouthwatering, with notes of grape and pear skins and riverside minerals. The back picks up pear liqueur and lime zest on the way to a racy yet finely fruited finish. 18.5/20 points.
2021 Anthony Joseph Vidal Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough ($28.99 - Safeway) - This displays a brilliant lemon-gold color and floral aromas of green apple, white peach, passionfruit, gooseberry, apple blossoms, lemongrass, dill and wet stone. The flavors are crisp, almost laser-like, with notes of grape and pear skins, peach stones and minerals. The resonance continues ob the back with apple and peach h. liqueurs, and three months on lees adds texture, all accented by lime zest on the brisk finish. 18.5+/20 points.
French and Italian Wines Tasted Recently
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- Written by Rand Sealey
Here's what we've been drinking lately, some new acquisitions from France and Italy.
French Wines
N.V. Lucien Albrecht Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé ($22.99 - Albertson's) - This is a delightful sparkling wine. All produced from Pinot Noir, it shows a brilliant copper-pink color, streaming bubbles, and enticing aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, red currant, tangerine, cherry and orange blossoms, pink lilac and pink incense. The flavors are delightfully lively, with red fruits that are accented by grape skins, cherry stones and Vosges minerals. The back picks up fraise and kirsch liqueurs and is enlivened by the CO2 on the true Brut finish. "So joyous," says Lynn. 18.5/20 points.
2020 Langlois Chateau Sancerre ($24.99 - Albertson's) - Many Sauvignon Blancs from America and New Zealand can be found in supermarkets, but seldom French ones. This one from the upper Loire offers a brilliant light greenish color and aromas of Anjou pear, white peach, gooseberry, melon, lime, pear blossoms, wisteria and wet stone. On the palate, the wine is simultaneously viscous and racy, with vivid yellow and green fruits that are accented by grape skins, melon rind and caliche minerals. The back picks up poire and pêche liqueurs and lime zest, followed by a crisp, saline finish. 18.5/20 points.
2020 Antoine Sunier Regnié ($26.99 - wine.com) - This Cru Beaujolais shows a purplish ruby color and enticing aromas of raspberry, cherry, black currant, crushed roses, lavender and sweet incense. The flavors are deliciously full and supple, with red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cocoa powder, black tea and minerals. The appeal continues on the back with pressed fruits, mocha, framboise and cassis liqueurs and soft charcoal, followed by a ripe moderate tannin and acid finish. 18.5/20 points.
2019 Domaine Bachelet-Monot Maranges 1er Cru, La Fussière ($49.99 - wine.com) - Maranges is situated at the southern end of the Côte d'Or. This displays a deep brick red color and lovely aromas od wild strawberries, cherries, brambly currants, wild roses, purple lilac, sweet tobacco and sweet incense. The flavors, as well, are alluring, with red fruits that are imbued with licorice, cocoa, black tea and argilo-calcareous minerals. On the back, the wine fills lout with macerated berries, roasted pecans, fraise and creme de cassis liqueurs and soft charcoal, all followed by a lingering ripe, balanced fruit acid and tannin finish. 19/20 points.
2018 Domaine de Prieuré Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru, Les Lavières ($51.99 - Esquin) - Deep brick red colored, this emits rich aromas of wild raspberry, cherry, black currant, crushed roses, pipe tobacco, sandalwood, olive and incense. The favors are deliciously thick and supple, yet refined, with red fruits that are intermixed wth licorice, dark cocoa, roasted coffee beans and Savigny rocky minerals. On the back, the wine takes a rich turn with macerated fruits, roasted nuts, mocha, framboise and creme de cassis liqueurs and charcoal stick, followed by a lingering, suave sweetish tannin finish. 19/20 points.
The Wines of Villa Antinori
The most noteworthy Tuscan wine producer is that of Marchese Piero Antinori. We attended a dinner with him, back in the 'eighties. Last February we joined a dinner at the Green Gables ("GG") Inn where Antinori wines were poured to accompany dishes by Mauro Golmarvi. We ordered the wines and have recently retasted them.
2020 Antinori Tenuta Gaudo al Tasso, Vermentino, Bolghieri ($21.99 - wine.com) - Vermentino is a white grape gown on Sardinia and in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast. This one is a winner. Brilliant light lemon gold colored, it possesses perfumed aromas of green pear, white peach, Casaba melon, gooseberry and line, with scents mod pear blossoms, jasmine, lemongrass and white wildflowers. The flavors, as well, are striking, comprised of bright white and green fruits that are accented by grape and pear skins and saline minerals. The resonance continues on the back with pear and peach liqueurs, melon rind and lime zest, followed by a crisp, dry finely fruited finish. "I love it," says Lynn. 18.5+/20 points.
2019 Antinori Tenuta Gaudo al Tasso, Bolgheri, "Bruciato" ($22.99 - wine.com) - Predominately Cabernet Sauvignon, with Syrah and other varieties, this offers a deep ruby color and rich, smoky aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, orange peel, dried roses, tobacco, mulberry, violets and sultry incense. The flavors are thick and mouth filling, with red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, espresso and minerals. On the back, the wine intensifies, with roasted berries and nuts, raspberry and cherry liqueurs and a bit if kidskin, followed by a savory, sweet-dry tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.
2017 Villa Antinori Chianti Classico ($29.99 - wine.com) - Produced from Sangiovese, this displays a deep ruby-garnet color and classic aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, orange peel, crushed roses, tobacco leaf, oregano, black olive and smoldering incense. The flavors are more modern than traditional, with ample yet focused red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, Italian roast and hillside minerals. The back reveals roasted fruits and nuts, mocha, kidskin and dried cherries, followed by a lingering, sweet-dry tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.
2017 Antinori Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico, "Gran Selezione" ($44.99 - wine.com) - Combining traditional and modern styles, this 100% Sangiovese presents a deep ruby-garnet color and perfumed aromas of strawberry, cherry, currant, crushed roses, sweet tobacco, olive, violets and incense. The flavors are ample yet deep and focused, with red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, Toblerone chocolate, black tea and Classico hillside minerals. The penetration continues on the back with pressed fruits, walnuts, nougat and cherry liqueur, followed by a lengthy, firm yet ripe tannin finish. 19/20 points.
Walla Walla Valley Spring Release 2022 Preview
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- Written by Rand Sealey
This year, Spring Release Weekend in the Walla Walla Valley will be May 6-8. It will be the first time since 2019 that a semblance of normal will be present, without masking and other precautions. Here's a preview of what's new for Spring Release, including wines that will be reviewed in the June issue of the Review of Washington Wines. Reservations recommended and, in some cases, required.
Northstar - This winery has a striking and unusual 2021 Rosé that is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon (81% with 19% Merlot) - Rich and ripe, yet refined, it scores 19/20 points. Also outstanding are three 2018 reds: Syrah, Cabernet Franc (both 19+/20 points) and a stellar 2018 Premier Merlot (19.5/20 points).
College Cellars - The Institute for Enology and Viticulture has a fine 2021 Carmenère and 2019 Zinfandel (both 19/20 points) and an impressive 2018 Malbec (also 19/20). The 2021 Rosé of Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc and 2019 Roussanne are excellent values (18.5/20 points).
Brook & Bull - Here, Ashley Trout has tuned out a terrific 2021 Chardonnay from the French Creek Vineyard (19+/20) points. See the May issue for previous releases.
Ita Winery - Kelsey Albro Itameri has a distinctive 2021 Primitivo Rosé (18.5 points) and a "sessionable" 2020 Pinot Noir from the Breezy Slope Vineyard (19/20 points).
Moonbase Cellars - This downtown tasting room has four new 2020 reds: Petit Verdot, LGM GSM, Mourvèdre, "Max Q" Syrah, all 19/20 points.
Smoky Rose Cellars - Here, Jodi and Josh Roznowski have two distinctive 2020 Chardonnays, stainless steel and unoaked, and three new 2020 reds: Grenache, Stinger 72 GSM and Mourvèdre, all 19/20 points.
Foundry Vineyards - New for spring are a 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir (18.5/20 points), a 2020 Chardonnay (19/20 points) and 2019 Syrah and Malbec (both 19/20 points). There also are Pét Project pettillant natural 2021 sparkling wines: Muscat Ottonel, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris and Syrah (18.5+ t0 19 points).
Canvasback - There is a striking 2021 Rosé of Syrah from the Resurgent Vineyard (19/20 points), a 2019 Red Mountain Merlot (19.5/20 points), a 2019 Red Mountain Cab Franc (19+/20 points), 2019 Cabernet Sauvignons from RM and WWV, (19+/20 points) and four 2019 Red Mountain Cabernets from the Longwinds, Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval and Quintessence vineyards (all 19.5/20 points).
Valdemar Estates - This showpiece winery has a gorgeous 2021 Roussanne (19+/20 points) and the Highly Recommended 2019 WWV Cabernet Sauvignon and Klipsun Red Mountain Syrah (both 19.5/20 points). Reservations required.
Patterson Cellars - This Woodinville winery has bought the Tertulia Walla Walla facility and adjacent vineyard and opened a tasting room there. Current releases include a 2021 Tempranillo-Sangiovese Rose and Pinot Gris (both 18.5/20 points) and 2018 Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and BDX reds (all 19/20 points).
See the April and May issues of the Review of Washington Wines for other spring releases.
More Wines from Burgundy and the Rhone
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- Written by Rand Sealey
We are relieved to see that Emanuel Macron has been reelected and that Marine Le Pen's reactionary agenda has been rejected. We have many friends in France and wish the country well and we continue to support their wines as well as those of our country. In that spirit, here are some more French wines that we've tasted recently.
2020 Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie, "Les Cocottes" ($32.99 - wine.com) - This Cru Beaujolais features a deep purple-crimson color and a seductive nose of fraises de bois, blueberries, black currants, crushed roses, lavender and sweet incense. The flavors are supple, yet deep and focused, with lavish red and blue fruits that are infused with licorice, cocoa powder, black tea and pink granite minerals. The seduction continues on the back with pressed fruits, fraise and crème de cassis liqueurs, roasted pecans and stick charcoal, followed by a lingering, precisely balanced sweet-dry tannin finish. Delicious from beginning to end. 19/20 points.
2020 Marcel Lapierre Morgon ($41.99 - wine.com) - This old vine Cru Beaujolais offers a deep brick red color and intriguing aromas of raspberry, cherry, currant, crushed roses, lilac, sweet tobacco, sage and stick incense. The flavors are generous but substantial and refined, with red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, French roast and granitic minerals. On the back, the wine intensifies with macerated fruits, roasted nuts, framboise and crème de cassis liqueurs and soft charcoal, followed by a lingering sweet-dry tannin finish, lifted by fruit acids. 19/20 points.
2020 Domaine de la Prieuré Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune ($25.99 - Esquin) - The Hautes Côtes is on the slope above Beaune. This wine show a brick red color and engaging aromas of wild strawberry, cherry, currant, rosebuds, sweet tobacco and sweet incense. The flavors are medium bodied yet substantial, with copious red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cocoa powder, black tea and Haut Côtes minerals. The back picks up gently pressed fruits, kirsch and cassis liqueurs and toasted pecans, followed by a deliciously ripe moderate tannin finish. This is an off the beaten track "gem." 18.5/20 points.
2018 Domaine de la Prieuré Savigny les Beaune, 1er Cru, Les Lavières ($51.99 - Esquin) - This exhibits a deep brick red color and rich aromas of wild raspberry, cherry black currant, crushed roses, pipe tobacco, sandalwood, olive and incense. The Pinot Noir flavors are thick and supple, with red fruits that sage intermixed with licorice, dark cocoa, roasted coffee beans and Savigny rocky minerals. On the back, the wine takes a rich turn, with macerated fruits, roasted nuts, mocha, framboise and crème de cassis liqueurs and charcoal stick, followed by a lingering, suave sweetish tannin finish. 19/20 points.
2019 Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Blanc "Cuvée Charlie" ($47.99 - wine.com) - Marsannay is situated at the north end of the Côte d'Or. This shows a brilliant lemon-gold color and floral aromas of pear-apple, white peach, grapefruit, apple blossoms, wisteria and white incense. The flavors, as well, are alluring, with graceful white fruits that are interwoven with pear skin, peach stones and saline minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueur and touches of hazelnut, crème fraiche and grapefruit peel, followed by a lingering finish, marked by precise fruit acids. 19/20 points.
2020 Domaine Courbis Saint-Péray, "Le Tram" ($34.99 - wine.com) - Saint Péray is situated north of Tournon in the North Rhône Valley. Produced from Marsannay and Roussanne, this shows a brilliant lemon-gold color and a highly aromatic nose of Bosc pear, white peach,honeydew melon, pineapple, pear blossoms, honeysuckle, verbena and white incense. The flavors are vivid, almost laser-like, with white fruits that are accented by grape and pear skins, peach stones and riverside minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs and melon rind, followed by a semi-tropical, saintly honeyed finish, counterpointed by fruit acids. 18.5+/20 points.
2018 Famille Perrin Châteauneuf du Pape, "Les Sinards" ($39.99 - Safeway) - This displays a deep ruby color and a rich nose of raspberry, blueberry, brambly currant, black roses, lilac, pipe tobacco, grarrigue, olive tapenade and spiced incense. On the palate, the flavors are thick and generous, with red and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, Belgian chocolate, French roast and mas minerals. The saturation continues on the back with macerated berries, roasted nuts, framboise and cassis liqueurs and charcoal, followed by a lengthy, savory ripe tannin finish. 19/20 points.
Still More Wines Tasted Recently
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- Written by Rand Sealey
Lately, we've been hopping around Europe with new discoveries in French, Italian and Spanish wines.
2020 Domaine Auvigué Pouilly-Fuissé, "Les Villages" ($33.99 - wine.com) - This comes from the villages of Solutré, Chaintré and Fuissé. It displays a brilliant gold color and lovely aromas of pear-apple, white peach, cantaloupe, citrus, apple blossoms, wisteria and yellow incense. The flavors, as well, are alluring, with yellow fruits that are accented by grape and pear skins and granitic minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs and touches of hazelnut, lemon zest and crème fraiche, followed by a lingering, finely fruited finish. 19/20 points.
2020 Jean-Marc Burgaud Beaujolais-Villages, "Lantigné" ($13.99 - Esquin) - This is a super buy (regular: $23). It offers a purplish-ruby color and enticing aromas of wild raspberry, blueberry, black currant, crushed roses, purple lilac and sweet incense. The flavors, as well, are appealing, with copious red and blue fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cocoa, orange pekoe tea and gravelly earth. On the back, the wine fills out with pressed berries, roasted nuts and framboise and cassis liqueurs, followed by a juicy yet well textured finish. 18.5/20 points.
2020 Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon, "Les Charmes" ($25.99 - wine.com) - Morgon is one of the fuller bodied Beaujolais Cus. This one shows a deep purplish color and a rich nose of raspberry, blueberry, black currant, crushed roses, bayberry, purple lilac and sweet incense. The flavors are mouth filling, with loads of dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, French roast and granitic minerals. The back reveals macerated fruits and framboise and crème de cassis liqueurs, followed by a vigorous ripe tannin finish. 18.5+/20 points.
2020 Diochon Moulin-à-Vent, "Cuvée Vieilles Vignes" ($29.99 - Esquin) - Moulin-à-Vent is also a fuller bodied Beaujolais. Deep purplish colored, it emits intense aromas of wild raspberry, blueberry, black currant, black roses, purple lilac, violets and sweet incense. The flavors are mouth encompassing, with red and blue fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cocoa, black tea and granitic minerals. The saturation continues on the back with macerated berries, roasted nuts and framboise and cassis liqueurs, followed by a ripe, smooth tannin finish. 18.5+/20 points.
2019 Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fevre Chablis ($32.99 - Esquin) - This is a classically styled Chablis. It shows a brilliant lemon-gold color and expressive aromas of Bosc pear, white peach, citrus, pear blossoms, wisteria and oyster shell. The flavors are crisp yet well fruited, with notes of grape skins, peach stones and hillside minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs, blanched almonds and touches of crème fraiche and lemon zest, followed by a crisp, again finely fruited, finish. 18.5/20 points.
2020 Yves Cuilleron Crozes-Hermitage Blanc ($34.99 - Esquin) - Produced from 100% Marsanne, this North Rhone white exhibits a deep, brilliant gold color and intense aromas of pear, peach, nectarine, pineapple, citrus, pear blossoms, honeysuckle and yellow incense. The flavors are strikingly full and viscous, yet laser-like, with ripe fruits that are marked by pear skins, peach stones and alluvial minerals. The back picks up poire and pêche liqueurs, lemon custard and hazelnut, all balanced with fruit acids to make for a complete wine. A real "find." 19/20 points.
2020 Chante Cigale Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc ($41.99 - Esquin) - Chateâteauneuf du Pape is mostly red. This white is a combination of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Picpoul and Bourboulenc. It shows a brilliant gold color and floral aromas of pear-apple, white peach, honeydew melon, lemon custard, apple blossoms, acacia flowers, clover and white incense. The flavors, as well, are striking, with white and green fruits that are accented by pear skins, peach stones, herbal tea and mas minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs and blanched almonds, followed by a vigorous fruit acid lifted finish. 19/20 points.
2020 Mille Prosecco Millesimato Rosë - We picked this up at a dinner and tasting of Antinori wines at the GG Inn. Light copper-tinged pink colored, it possesses streaming bubbles and lovely aromas of strawberry, pink cherry and tangerine with scents of cherry and orange blossoms and pink incense. The flavors are bright and vivacious, with pink fruits that re accented by cherry stones and tangerine peel and enlivened by CO2 on the light alcohol (11%) fruited Extra Dry finish. Check Assaggio and GG Inn for pricing and availability. 18/20 points.
2018 Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana ($17.99 - Safeway) - This regional red offers a ruby color and aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, black roses, tobacco, herb medley and stick incense. The flavors are supple and direct, yet substantial, with notes of cocoa, black tea and Tuscan hillside earth. On the back, the wine rounds out with pressed fruits, roasted nuts and plum preserves, followed by a moderate tannin and acid finish. 18/20 points.
Yesterday, we had lunch at Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla. The winery features the wines of the family's estates in the Rioja district of Spain as well as the Washington state wines it produces.
2020 Conde Valdemar Blanco ($22) - Composed of 60% Viura, 25% Tempranillo Blanco and 15% Malvasia, this offers a lemon-gold color and floral aromas of pear. peach, melon, pear blossoms, verbena and white incense. The flavors are crisp, laser-like, with white fruits, pear skins and stony minerals. The back picks up pear and peach liqueurs on the way to a brisk dry finish. 18+/20 points.
2012 Conde Valdemar Rioja Reserva ($30) - Rioja wines age very well and this one is a fine example. Composed of 80% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% each of Maturana and Garnacha, it shows a deep ruby-garnet color and a rich bouquet of sun-dried fruits, nuts, tobacco, sandalwood and incense. The flavors are rich, thick and complex, with notes of cocoa, chicory coffee and earth. The back reveals roasted fruits and nuts, Jason and graphite, followed by a savory long finish. 19/20 points.
2011 Conde Valdemar Rioja Gran Reserva ($50) - This blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Maturana displays a deep ruby color and rich, smoky aromas of semi-dried fruits, dried rose petals, tobacco, Spanish lavender, tobacco, sandalwood and incense. The flavors are incredibly round and complex, augmented with roasted fruits and almonds and touches of leather and caramel, all followed by a heady, long sweet-dry finish. 19+/20 points.
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