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One of the main purposes of the Review of Washington Wines Blog is to write about other wines that are outside the scope of the Review of Washington Wines monthly issues which covers wines from Washington State and contiguous American Viticultural Areas which straddle state boundaries. We love Washington wines but we love other wines as well: French wines, Italian wines, California wines and so on. When picking up such wines, there usually is a reason for doing so. Here are some wines we've tried recently and why I picked them out.

2022 Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages ($17.99 - Safeway) - It's been some time before we last had a Beaujolais this young, the Spring after harvest, which recalls our visits to France during Printemps. So I grabbed this at Safeway. Purplish colored (typical of a young Gamay), it exudes aromas of raspberry, cherry, currant, crushed roses, purple lilac and lightly spiced sweet incense. The flavors are deliciously fresh and juicy, with red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, sassafras tea and earth. On the back, the wine enlivens with pressed fruits, kirsch and framboise liqueurs, followed by an, again, juicy finish. Serve slightly chilled as the French do with young Beaujolais. 18+/20 points.

2022 Domaine Collotte Marsannay Rosé ($25 - The Thief, Walla Walla) - Marsannay is situated st the northern end of the Côte d'Or and the Rosés are produced from Pinot Noir. Not much is exported, so when I see one, I pick it up. This one displays a deep copper-pink color and intriguing aromas of fraises de bois, pomegranate, pink cherry and blood orange with scents of cherry and orange blossoms, daylilies and orange incense.The flavors are bright and vivid, with copious pink and orange fruits that are intermixed with grape skins, cherry stones and slaty minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with fraise and cerise liqueurs, pomegranate seeds and orange peel, followed by a juicy, well textured finish. 19/20 points. 

2021 Lafage "Côté de L'Est" Côtes Catalans Blanc ($17.90 - Foodscape, Walla Walla) - I picked this up because it comes from the French side of Catalonia and is an interesting combination of 50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Chardonnay and 20% Rolle. It offers a brilliant lemon-gold color and aromas of apple, peach, Casaba melon, lemon custard, apple blossoms, lemongrass and whiffs of wintergreen and white incense. The flavors are bright and sprightly, with yellow fruits that are accented by grape skins, peach stones and minerals. The back picks up apple and peach liqueurs, melon rind and lemon zest on the way to a nicely fruited finish. 18+/20 points.

2020 Domaine Les Pins Bourgeuil "Les Rochettes" ($21.90 - Foodscape) - We are fans of Loire Cabernet Franc (Chinon and Bourgeuil) and pick up new ones whenever we have a chance. This one presents a deep ruby color and enticing aromas of raspberry, cherry, red currant, red roses, tobacco, olive, herb potpourri and incense. The flavors are deliciously ripe and mouth filling, with copious red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, baker's chocolate, black tea and riverside minerals. The appeal continues on the back with pressed fruits, roasted nuts and framboise and kirsch liqueurs, followed by a satisfying ripe moderate tannin finish. 18.5/20 points. 

2019 Famille Perrin Vinsobres, "Les Cornuds" ($25.99 - Safeway) - Vinsobres is one the former Côtes du Rhône "Villages" appellations. This one displays a deep ruby color and enticing aromas of raspberry, blueberry, brambly currant, black roses, tobacco, garrigue, olive tapenade and spiced incense. The flavors, as well, are appealing, with copious red and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, roasted coffee beans and earth. On the back, the wine fills out with macerated fruits, roasted nuts, framboise and cassis liqueurs on the way to a moderate tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2020 Cataldo Madonna Montepulciano d'Abruzzo "Malandrino" ($25.99 - wine.com) - A few weeks ago, I read about Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (an indigenous Adriatic variety, not to be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano) by Lettie Teague in the Wall Street Journal. It aroused my curiosity, so I ordered this wine which was the best one in the article. It shows a deep ruby color and engaging aromas of wild fruits - raspberries, mountain blueberries, brambly currants - with scents of wild roses, lavender, dark tobacco, olive tapenade and stick incense. The flavors are deliciously ripe and generous, with red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, medium roast coffee and Adriatic minerals. The back picks up pressed fruits, roasted almonds, raspberry liqueur and blueberry preserves on the way to a ripe moderate tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2022 King Estate Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley ($17.99 - Safeway) - We're always on the lookout for good Oregon Pinot Gris. This one offers a brilliant light lemon-gold color and intriguing aromas of pear-apple. Crenshaw melon, Key lime, apple blossoms, honeysuckle, jasmine and a whiff of wintergreen. The flavors arebdeliciously brisk and lively, with white and green fruits that are accented by grape and pear skins, melon rind and minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with Calvados, melon rind and lime peel, followed by a crisp, well fruited finish. 18.5/20 points.

2021 Hahn "GSM" Red Wine, California ($15.99 - Safeway) - Back in the 1980's, when I owned Esquin, Nicky Hahn, came in and showed some wines from the Soledad winery he founded in 1980 and we carried them. So when I ran across this, I bought it. Composed of 75% Grenache, 23% Syrah and 2% Mourvèdre, it shows a deep ruby color and engaging aromas of raspberry, cranberry and currant, with scents of red roses, lavender, olive and lightly spiced incense. The flavors are ample and mouth filling, with red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, black tea and earth. On the back, the wine takes a supple turn with framboise and cassis liqueurs, followed by a soft tannin finish. 18/20 points.

 

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Here are a bevy of wines from around the world that we've tasted recently.

2022 Plouzeau Chinon Rosé, "Rive Gauche" ($21.90 - Foodscape, Walla Walla) - Produced from Cabernet Franc, this offers a brilliant copper color and intriguing aromas of strawberry, cantaloupe, Mandarin orange, pink roses, orange blossoms and sweet pink incense. The flavors are appealing, with pink and orange fruits that are accented by grape skins, melon rind and Loire riverside minerals. On the back, the wine is simultaneously crisp and viscous, with notes of fraise liqueur and orange peel, followed by a pleasingly juicy finish. 18.5/20 points.

2021 Domaine Vetricce Île de Beauté Vin Rouge ($15.90 - Foodscape, Walla Walla) - Île de Beauté is another name for Corsica. Composed of Nielluccio (a Sangiovese clone) and other grapes, this is an amiable red. It shows a ruby color and ripe aromas of raspberry, cherry, currant, wild roerersweet ses, lavender, maquis brush and sweet-dry incense. The flavors are medium bodied and quaffable with red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cocoa, herbal tea and earth. The appeal continues on the back with gently pressed berries, roasted nuts and framboise and cassis liqueurs, followed by a smooth moderate tannin and acid finish. Super value. 18/20 points.

2020 Domaine Michel Magnien Côtes de Nuits Villages ($52.99 - wine.com) - This comes from Brochon, between Fixin and Gevry-Chambertin. It shows a deep purple-crimson color and seductive aromas of black cherries, black currants, blueberries, black roses, black olive and sweet incense. The flavors are deliciously ripe and mouth filling, with black and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, dark cocoa, black tea and granitic minerals. The penetration continues on the back with pressed berries, kirsch and creme de cassis, followed by a vigorous ripe tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2019 Louis Jadot Volnay Premier Cru, Clos de la Barre ($99.99 - wine.com) - Deep brick red colored, this possesses intoxicating aromas of fraises de bois, cherries, red currants, orange peel, cherry and orange blossoms, crushed roses, tobacco leaf, sandalwood and orange incense. The flavors, as well, are dramatic with red fruits that are infused with red licorice, cocoa powder, Earl Grey tea and minerals. On the back, the wine intensifies with fraise and creme de cassis liqueurs and ground charcoal, followed by a lingering sweet-dry tannin finish. 19+/20 points.

2017 Clos den Ferran Priorat ($35 - Last Bottle) - Priorat is situated in Catalonia and this wine is composed of 62% Carieña and 38% Garnacha. Nearly opaque ruby colored, it possesses intense aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cherry, plum, black roses, dark tobacco, Spanish lavender, wild violets and sultry incense. The flavors are simultaneously bold and lavish, with dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, bittersweet chocolate, chicory coffee and stony minerals. The penetration continues on the back with roasted berries and nuts, cherry liqueur and plum preserves, followed by a spiced sweetish tannin finish. No longer available, but look for other Priorats. 19/20 points.

2019 Broai Cabernet Sauvignon, Cape ($20.99 - Safeway) - I ran across this South African wine on the shelf tucked among Americans Cabernets. It shows a deep ruby color and an intense nose of blackberry, black cherry and black currant with scents of black roses, mulberry, tobacco and stick incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics with generous yet robust dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, African roast coffee and Cape Coast minerals. The back reveals macerated fruits, roasted nuts and creme de cassis, followed by a moderate tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2020 Garzon Tannat ($18.99 - Safeway) - I also found this Chilean wine among the Cabernets. Tannat is a grape originating in southwest France. It displays an inky purplish color and intense aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black currant, black roses, black tobacco, garrigue and smoldering incense. The flavors are bold and mouth filling with dark fruits that are infused with licorice, bittersweet chocolate, dark roast coffee and minerals. On the back, the wine enriches with pressed fruits, mocha, creme de cassis and charcoal followed by a spiced ripe sweet-dry tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2021 Gascon Malbec, Mendoza ($16.49 - Safeway) - When I worked for Esquin as a consultant from 1997 to 2007. we sold loads of Gascon Malbec. It's still a great value. Deep purple-crimson colored, it emits rich aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black currant, crushed roses, tobacco, lavender and spiced incense. The flavors are supple and mouth filling, with black and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, black tea and high elevation earth. On the back, the wine fills out with pressed berries, roasted nuts and stick charcoal, followed by a savory moderate tannin finish. 18+/20 points.

 

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As of yesterday, May 30, we had tasted 56 new 2022 Rosé wines. On the same date a year ago, we had tasted 53 new 2021 Rosés, so we are on track to try about the same number as last year. Most so far have been domestic ones, mostly Washington, with a few from Oregon and California. Here's an update on the new French ones.

New 2022 French Rosés

French Rosés from the 2022 vintage are just now coming into the U.S. It is usually June and July when an appreciable number of imported ones arrive in this country. The ones we have tried so far have been impressive, including a high number of three of three stars wines for Lynn.  In 2022, France experienced severe drought and a heat wave in July and August, resulting in wines with more body and color (look at the Tavel below) than usual. The aromatics, as well, are more pronounced in 2022. 

2022 Comanderie de la Bargemone Côteaux d'Aix un Provence Rosé ($21.99 wine.com) - This displays a brilliant pink color and enticing aromas of wild strawberries, red currants, watermelon, Mandarin orange, pink roses, pink lavender and pink incense. The flavors are fresh and lively, with pink fruits dancing on the palate, with notes of grape skins, melon rind and hillside minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with fraise and cerise liqueurs and orange peel, followed by a lingering, juicy finish. Super value. Lynn: 3 of 3 stars. 19/20 points.

2022 Château Minute "M" Cotes de Provence Rosé ($22.99 - wine.com) - Light copper-tinged pink colored, this emits attractive aromas of strawberries, pink currants, Mandarin orange, pink lavender and pink incense. The flavors are fresh and vibrant, with pink fruits that are marked by light skin contact and Provençal minerals. The appeal continues on the back with fraise and cerise liqueurs and orange peel, followed by a nicely juiced, lightly spiced finish. 18.5/20 points.

2022 Château d'Escalans "Whispering Angel" Côtes de Provence Rosé ($25.99 - wine.com) - This is a popular brand in the U.S. This vintage shows a light copper-tinged pink color and aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, watermelon, tangerines, pink lilac, lavender and orange incense. The flavors are fresh and well wrought, with pink and orange fruits that are imbued by grape skins, melon rind and hillside minerals. The appeal continues on the back with fraise liqueur, pomegranate seeds and recurring orange peel, followed by a lightly spiced, piquant finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2022 Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé ($31.99 - wine.com) - Cassis (not to be confused with crème de cassis) is situated between Avignon and Aix. This shows a light copper-tinged pink color and enticing aromas of strawberry], watermelon, pink grapefruit, pink roses, pink lavender and pink incense. The flavors are light and fresh, yet well delineated, with pink fruits that are imbued with grape skins, melon rind and minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with fraise liqueur and grapefruit peel, followed by a lingering, finely fruited finish. "I love this wine,"says Lynn - three stars. 19/20 points.

2022 Château de Manissy Tavel, "Cuvée de Lys" ($20 - The Thief, Walla Walla) - This is a striking South Rhône Rosé. Deep copper-crimson colored, it emits intense aromas of fraises de bois, brambly currants, lavender, orange blossoms and orange incense. The flavors are mouth filling, with well, but not overly, extracted grape skins, orange peel and minerals. The penetration continues on the back with pressed fruits, fraise and creme de cassis liqueurs, followed by an, again, well extracted finish. 18.5/20 points.

2022 Lafage "Miraflors" Côtes Catalans Rosé ($19 - The Thief) - This comes from the region bordering Spain's Catalonia. It shows a light, almost pale, pink-gold color and intriguing aromas of raspberry, pink cherry, pink currant, tangerine, cherry and orange blossoms and pink incense. The flavors are light and lively, yet well delineated, with pink fruits that are accented by grape skins, cherry stones and Pyrenees mountainside minerals. The appeal continues on the back with fraise and cerise liqueurs, followed by a nicely fruited finish. Excellent value. 18.5/20 points.

2022 Domaine du Carrou Sancerre- ($28.99 - wine.com) - Sancerre is mostly white (Sauvignon Blanc) but some red and Rosé is made from Pinot Noir. This one shows a brilliant copper-tinged pink color and attractive aromas of wild strawberries, pink cherries, tangerine, cherry and orange blossoms, pink roses and pink incense. The flavors are fresh and refined, with pink fruits that are accented by grape skins, cherry stones and Loire River minerals. The back picks up fraise and cerise liqueurs and orange peel, followed by a citric acid lifted finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2022 Lucien Crochet Sancerre Rosé ($32.99 - wine.com) - This version displays a brilliant pink-tinged copper color and floral aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, Mandarin orange, cherry blossoms, pink roses and pink incense. The flavors, as well, are seductive, with pink and orange fruits that are interwoven with grape skins, cherry stones and calcareous minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with fraise and cerise liqueurs and recurring orange peel, followed by a lingering precise fruit acid balanced finish. Lynn: three stars. 19/20 points.

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Looking Ahead to July

Now that the June issue of the Review of Washington Wines is on line, I have started work on the July issue which goes live June 26. I have appointments lined up at Northstar, Kerloo Cellars and Prospice (2020 reds). Samples wii be shipped from Hard Row to Hoe and Nefarious in Chelan. And more is in the works, along with a bevy of new 2022 Rosés.

New 2022 French Rosés

2022 Vignobles Florian Andre Rosé Vin de France ($16.90 - Foodscape, Walla Walla) - This comes from outside Tavel in the South Rhône. It shows a brilliant copper-pink color and attractive aromas of strawberry, cantaloupe, pink grapefruit, orange blossoms, pink lilac and whiffs of orange incense. The flavors, as well, are appealing, with pink and orange fruits that are accented on the back by grape skins, melon rind, grapefruit peel, followed by a bright, juicy finish. Super value. 18+/20 points.

2022 Château Les Mesclances Côte Provence Rosé, "Romane" ($22 - The Thief, Walla Walla) - This presents a light pink-tinged gold color and attractive aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, pink grapefruit, pink roses, pink lavender and yellow incense. The flavors are fresh and bright, with pink and yellow fruits that are accented by grape skins, pomegranate seeds and Provence minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with fraise liqueur and a twist of grapefruit peel on the nicely juiced finish. 18.5/20 points.

2022 La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé ($31.90 - Foodscape) - Composed of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault and Clairette, this is an outstanding Rosé. Deep, brilliant copper colored, it emits seductive aromas of wild strawberries, nectarine, cantaloupe, blood orange with scents of orange blossoms, day lilies, lavender and spiced orange incense. The flavors, as well, are dramatic, with pink and orange fruits that are vivid and mouth encompassing, marked by grape skins and Var minerals. On the back, the wine gains depth with fraise liqueur, melon rind and orange peel, followed by s spiced (nutmeg, clove, cardamom) ripe finish, lifted by bright fruit acids. Lynn: 3 of 3 stars. 19.5/20 points.

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French Wines

2022 Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Rosé, "Terre de Miaimbray" ($33.90 - Foodscape, Walla Walla) - Most Sancerre is white (Sauvignon Blanc) but some red and rosé is made from Pinot Noir. This one shows a brilliant copper-tinged pink color and fresh aromas of strawberries, pink cherries, Mandarin oranges, cherry and orange blossoms, pink lilac and pink incense. The flavors are bright and vibrant, with pink and orange fruits that are accented by grape skins, cherry stones and calcareous minerals. The resonance continues on the back with fraise and cerise liqueurs and orange peel, followed by a lingering, beautifully balanced finish. Exquisite from beginning to end. 19.5/20 points.

2021 Chagnoleau Saint-Veran, "La Roche" ($44.99 - wine.com) - Saint-Veran is situated next to Pouilly-Fuisse. This one displays a deep, brilliant gold color and rich aromas of pear-apple, peach, Casaba melon, butternut, apple blossoms, acacia flowers, wisteria and brioche. The flavors are lavish and mouth filling, pure Chardonnay, with yellow fruits that are imbued with grape and pear skins, peach stones and granitic minerals. On the back, the wine gains intensity with poire and pêche liqueurs and pecans, followed by lengthy balanced and precise elegantly fruited finish. 19/20 points.

2021 Vinifera Collection Côtes du Rhône Villages ($16.99 - Safeway) - Composed of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre, this bargain offers a deep ruby color and rich aromas of framboise, mure (blueberry), cassis, crushed roses, garrigue (lavender and herbs), cracked pepper and sultry incense. The flavors, as well, are attention-getting, with red and blue fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cocoa, medium roast coffee beans and Vaucluse earth and minerals. On the back the wine rounds out with pressed berries, roasted nuts and creme de cassis, followed by a ripe moderate tannin and alcohol finish. 18+/20 points. 

The following three Burgundies are from The Thief shop in Walla Walla. They were purchased on sale at 10% off the regular prices below.

2020 Domaine Bernard Moreau Bourgogne Chardonnay ($60) - This comes from a vineyard across the road from Chassage-Montrachet with a bit more clay soil. It displays a brilliant gold color and floral aromas of Anjou pear, white peach, grapefruit, honeydew melon, apple blossoms, acacia flowers, wisteria and yellow incense. On the palate, the flavors are luscious yet precise, with yellow fruits that are imbued with pear skins, peach stones and calcareous minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs and touches of roasted pecans and crème fraiche, followed by a lingering faintly honeyed finish. 19+/20 points.

2020 Xavier Monnot Maranges 1er Cru, Clos de la Fussière ($60) - Maranges is situated at the southern end of the Côte d'Or. This exhibits a deep ruby color and a seductive nose of wild raspberry, black cherry, black currant, black roses, dark tobacco, sandalwood , violets and sweet incense. The flavors are thick and deep cored, with Davis red fruits the are intermixed with licorice, cocoa powder, Earl Grey tea and stony minerals. The penetration continues on the back with macerated berries, roasted pecans, kirsch and creme de cassis and soft charcoal, followed by a lingering, firm sweet-dry ripe tannin finish. The opulence gives it a plus. 19+/20 points.

2018 Domaine Pierre Gelin Fixin ($57) - This offers a deep ruby color and engaging aromas of raspberry, cherry, black currant, crushed roses, tobacco, sandalwood, blood orange and incense. The flavors are medium bodied but substantial and mouth filling, with red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, black tea and earth. On the back, the wine fills out with pressed berries, roasted nuts, mocha, creme de cassis and recurring orange peel, followed by a ripe smooth tannin finish. 19/20 points.

Italian Wines

2022 Braida Brachetto d'Acqui ($24.99 - wine.com) - Brachetto d'Acqui is a Piedmontese semi sparkling red dessert wine. It shows a light (almost Rosé) ruby color, a frothy rim and rich aromas of raspberry, cherry, blood orange, crushed rose petals  and orange incense. The flavors are fresh and mouth filling, enlivened by fruit acids and CO2. The back picks up raspberry and cherry liqueurs and recurring orange peel on the brisk low alcohol (5.5%) sweetish finish. 18.5/20 points.

2021 Pieropan Soave Classico ($20.99 - Safeway) - Back in the 1980's when I owned Esquin, we sold a hundred cases a year of this white from the Veneto. This vintage shows a brilliant lemon-gold color and enticing aromas of pear, white peach, Crenshaw melon, lime, pear blossoms, meadow flowers and white incense. The yellow fruit flavors are pleasingly bright and juicy, with notes of grape and pear skins, peach stones and minerals. The resonance continues on the back with pear and peach liqueurs, toasted hazelnuts, melon rind and lime peel, followed by a balanced, finely fruited finish. 18.5/20 points.

2021 G. D. Vajra Langhe Rosso ($15.99 - Safeway) - This Piedmontese Red is a blend of Nebbiolo, Freisa and Barbera. Medium ruby colored, it emits ripe aromas of raspberry, cherry and red currant with scents of red roses, mulberry, lavender and incense. The flavors are medium bodied but mouth filling, with red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, herbal tea and Langhe hillside minerals. The back picks up gently pressed fruits, roasted nuts and red liqueurs, followed by a supple moderate tannin finish. 18+/20 points.

2020 Le Volte Dell' Ornellaia Toscano Rosso ($30.99 - Safeway) - This is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. It shows a deep ruby color and enticing aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, crushed roses, mulberry, tobacco, sandalwood and stick incense. The flavors are supple yet deep and focused, with red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, black tea and coastal minerals. On the back, the wine fills out with red liqueurs and roasted hazelnuts, followed by a classic sweet-dry tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

  1. New 2022 Rosés & The Thief Burgundy Sale
  2. Walla Walla Valley Spring Release Preview
  3. Looking Ahead to Spring Release & June
  4. May Issue Preview & New International Wines