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Wines from all the other great regions of Europe and the world Archive
January 8, 2008 (By Ryan Graham)
I am quite stoked to have finally found an adequate substitute for my much-loved and very missed old vine Atteca Garnacha. The VINOS SIN LEY Garnacha "G5-Puerta Bonita" Madrid 2006 ($15) is definitely in my "new favorite wines" category. We opened a bottle last night, and after a few minutes the wine that was in my glass was big, rich, concentrated and sappy with dark berry fruit, and a bit of black and white pepper for good measure. This 100% Garnacha is sourced from 120 year old, super low yielding vines, perched 2800 feet above Madrid. For lovers of great, concentrated Grenache, this is a no-brainer. Enjoy with just about anything tonight.
September 12, 2007
ÉBANO 6 Ribera del Duero 2005 ($17) is dark and spicy Tempranillo from central Spain, along the Duero river. Tempranillo is king in the region, making intense, robust, red-meat friendly reds like the Ébano here (Spanish for ebony, the color of their wines!). Tastethe black currant, blackberry, black pepper, licorice, clove and anise. It's formidable but not overy tannic, which is nice. Think grilled and braised meats with ample garlic and strong herbs. Eat, drink this bold red and enjoy.
June 6, 2007
Special Occasion Sticky: Árvay Tokaji Aszú, 6 Puttonyos 2000 ($89 net, 500 ML). The great sweet wines from Hungary, at their best, I liken it to a cross between German Riesling TBA and fine Sauternes. The Árvay is new to us. Imported by the fine local winemaker Paul Hobbs. If you're familiar with Tokaji, I can honestly report that this is as good as any 6 Puttonyos you've had. Sweetness and acidity combine for perfect combination. If you're not familiar, treat yourself sometime. I like to drink a half glass all by itself-no food, sweet or savory, necessary. Don't mind drinking it by myself either...it's a sinful pleasure, like a pint of Häagen-Dazs (pick your favorite flavor).
September 7, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
SCARPETTA Vino da Tavola Bianco First Edition ($28) is all Tocai Friulano, 2006 vintage, from Friuli in northern Italy. The wine is the joint venture of Bobby Stuckey, former French Laundry Sommalier, and Chef Lachlan Patteson, his partner in Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, Colorado. For those of you who have yet to enjoy Friulano wines, Tocai is a dry white wine that pleases both the Sauvignon Blanc drinker and the Pinot Grigio lover. This particular wine is rich and fresh, with great texture and pleasing fruit. Enjoy with traditional antipasti; cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted vegetables.
January 17, 2008 (By Ryan Graham)
More fine Champagne method sparkling wine flows out of Spain's region of Catalonia than anywhere else on earth, including Champagne. The AVINYÓ Cava Brut NV ($17) is fermented in bottle with natural Champagne yeasts, and really delivers quality not often found for such a nice price. The winery is located at CAN FONTANALS, the family's home, in the heart of the Penedés region of Catalonia, near Barcelona. Over 30 years ago, Juan Esteve, the patriarch of Avinyó, planted three varieties of traditional Catalan sparkling wine grape vines: Parellada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo, which make up the blend in this bottle. We taste green apple, nectarine, wild flowers, and a little toasted brioche. Enjoy it on any occasion you would a fine Champagne.
January 11, 2008
VIÑA COBOS Cabernet Sauvignon "Bramare" Luján du Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina 2005 ($34). This Paul Hobbs made-wine comes mostly from the Marchiori Vineyard, high elevation, great exposure, distressed soil spot where Cab (and Malbec) shine. Ah, it's fun to have this in stock. It's rich, complex, big-boned, great now (if you like 'em young and real big, that is) and FULL THROTTLE in a good way. Besides all the fruit we expect, taste mocha, cedar, allspice, roasted curry spice, vanilla bean. Compare this to Napa Cabs and see what a fine value it is.
August 16, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
CH. W. BERNHARD Scheurebe Hackenheimer Kirchberg Spätlese 2005 ($23) is just down right lovely, with just enough sweet to balance the spice. Scheurebe is an early cross of Riesling and Sylvaner, and is known for being particularly ripe and spicy at the same time. This wine certainly doesn’t disappoint, with grapefruit, papaya, and meyer lemon on the palate, and the finish is long with mint, herbs, and spice.
August 16, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
One of the crowd favorites at our recent Riesling tasting, and always a perennial favorite of the shop, DR. LOOSEN Riesling Bernkasteler Lay Kabinett 2006 ($26) is here. This is rich, juicy, fruit forward Riesling from the powerhouse producer on the banks of the Mosel. Bernkasteler Lay (pronounced LIE — an old dialect word for "slate") is situated between the Dr. Loosen estate house and the village of Bernkastel. There is a nicely spicy component to the wine as well, with cinnamon apple, kiwi, slate and mineral.
July 24, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
HEXAMER Riesling Meddersheimer Rheingrafenberg "Quarzit" Nahe 2005 ($22) has a lot going on. The nose is laden with soil and mineral, and on the palate it has subtle nuances of apple, stone fruit, mineral, and soil. It is quite complex, a little spritzy, and has racy acidity that makes the mouth water. This is great on its own (as I am enjoying it while I compose this), but I know it will be even better with food. Spicy food. Asian food. Sushi food. Cat food? Almost all food.
July 1, 2007
Venturing down under, we brought in two Shirazes from the outstanding winery Two Hands: Also have TWO
HANDS SHIRAZ "Harry & Edward's Garden" Langhorne Creek 2005 ($70). Langhorne Creek region is just below Barossa, is very warm but slightly cooler than Barossa. Shiraz gets real ripe (as this wine will attest) but complexities show through a little more, I think. This is very blueberry, too. Shiraz tobacco, black pepper and lavender sneaks through also. This will age nicely and develop into a powerful and complex joy of a wine come, oh, 2012. Don't have much Aussie Shiraz here, so best to focus on the best ones! TWO HANDS SHIRAZ "Gnarly Dudes" Barossa Valley 2005 (SOLD OUT) is a great value, big red wine that competes quality-wise with the $60+ Shiraz wines. Hugely extracted and very much centered on the blueberry essence/liqueur style, Gnarly Dudes is extremely concentrated, rich and fruit forward. Not particularly oaky, which is nice. You can leave the vanilla mint flavored Shiraz wines at the door as far as I'm concerned.
October 21, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
We poured a host of great wines in our "Taste tour of Italy" last Friday night, and the GINI Soave Classico 2006 ($20) was definitely one of the stars of the show for most of our tasters. From the Veneto, this Soave is 100% Garganega, which is the predominate white grape grown in the region. Grown on steep hillsides in volcanic and limestone soils, the wine has a slightly floral nose, and lots of fruit and a hint of almonds on the palate. Nicely rich, with bright acidity to balance, it will pair well with a host of foods. Serve it as you would a good and not too grassy Sauvignon Blanc.
February 12, 2008
The muy-popular, very new-world style BODEGAS EL NIDO Jumilla "Clio" 2005 ($48) is here. This Mourvedre/Cabernet Sauvignon from Jumilla (just inland from Valencia and the Spanish Mediterranean Coast) is a powerhouse. Front loaded with sweet oak and gripping tannins, then hitting you sappy and almost sweet black and blueberries, this wine is not shy to say the least. With a little attention you'll pick up violets, chocolate and tobacco. The 2004 "Clioi" was a massive hit with big points and much more demand than supply. This 2005 is almost as good, which is pretty darn good.
October 18, 2007
"PETALOS" Bierzo 2006 ($25) by Descendientes de J. Palacios 2006 from Castile-León, Spain. Location: above the northeast tip of Portugal. Moderate climate here where the Mencia grape (100% Mencia, all the time here) flourishes. For all I know Mencia is grown in Bierzo and nowhere else. Normally considered like a Loire Cab Franc, or a bigger Pinot Noir, this Bierzo is bigger than that. I think Southern Rhone on the nose with its licorice, potpourri and smoky nose along with sun-soaked berry fruit, cocoa notes and more spice. This is big wine with just the right amount of refinement. If you like bigger, richer California wines, and you like to experiment with new wine regions of the world (and Bierzo is indeed new for you) then GET THIS. If you do know Bierzo, buy this as it may be the best Bierzo you've ever had!
December 19, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
VINOS DE TERRUNOS "Lamilla" Jumilla 2003 ($17) is a big, rich, robust red wine, that packs a lot of bang for the buck. The lamilla is 100% Monastrell (aka Mourvedre) from 60- to 80-year-old vines in Jumilla, a hip wine region in south eastern Spain. The wine was aged for 8 months in used French and American oak and bottled unfiltered and unfined. It is dark purple in color, and has lots of sweet earthy spice, dark berry, and Asian spice. This is a wine to pair with rich saucy dishes, like braised lamb shanks with roasted root veggies and mashed potatoes.
July 19, 2007
Last night we really enjoyed a bottle of Cigliutti Dolcetto d'Alba "Serraboella" 2005 ($22) with spaghetti and clams and swordfish puttanesca. This Dolcetto is a crowd-pleaser; nicely ripe and fleshy, relatively low in acid, and very fruit forward. The grapes are organically grown in Piedmont, Italy, and this is an early ripening varietal meant to be consumed in it's youth, drinking great right now through late 2008.
September 26, 2007
SEÑORIO DE BARAHONDA Monastrell Yecla Valley, Spain 2005 ($12) beats most Merlot at twice the price for smoothness, character and quality. The grape is Monastrell, a.k.a. Mourvedre, and from this almost-Mediterranean region the sun shines strong, giving the grape much needed, long-term heat to ripen, mature, and make good wine. This is a great value. Dark, juicy, spicy, meaty, smoky and smooth are all applicable descriptors here. For food matches, I suggest smoked port loin or port butt, a bacon cheeseburger or grilled spicy sausage. I haven't tried this with smoked salmon (always a tricky food wine) but I think it could do the job.
May 15, 2007
Always wanting to dabble in the Collio region of Italy, we finally are with the great SCHIOPETTO Tocai Friulano, Collio 2005 ($35). This high acid, mineral-laden, lemon zest, super zingy Tocai will make you smile for more reasons than one. Riper than average vintage makes for adazzling balancing act of a wine. Fresh and lively, this is wine lover's must apperitif and light fish wine in the collection.
November 10, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
CAVALLOTTO Bianco, Langhe 2006 ($25) was poured in one of our recent Friday tastings, was definitely interesting for all who tried it - not one person in our group had had a white wine made from Pinot Noir before (banish all thoughts of White Zinfandels and Merlots from your minds, this is a serious, rich, and complex white wine!) Five generations of Cavallottos have tended the grapes on the hills in the center of the commune of Barolo, and are famous for the Barolos they produce. This wine is 100% Pinot Noir grape (called Pinot Nero in Italy), skin pressed at the time of harvest and made into a white wine. Langhe on the label is the name given to the hills north and south of the town of Alba in Piedmont.
The Cavallotto is dry and crisp, with bright acidity, lots of citrus and green apple. It really appealed to lovers of crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
July 14, 2007
WAIRAU RIVER Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, New Zealand 2006 ($16) just hits me the right way. The combination of grapefruit, wild herbs, white peach, Granny Smith apple and the tiniest whiff of fresh cut grass all work together really well. While some NZ SBs can be too austere to drink without food, Wairau River is ripe and juicy enough to drink while watching the evening news on the couch. Then move it to the dinner table and serve with myriad fish dishes or pork in a green chili sauce. Be like me and have a few bottles on hand in the pantry.
August 28, 2007
We brought in "blind" (i.e. not tasted beforehand) the NEUDORF Pinot Noir "Tom's Block" Nelson, New Zealand 2005 ($29) for our "Southern Hemisphere" Friday night tasting in early August. Even with all the good things going for a wine (reputation, vintage, reviews), it's a calculated guess that a wine will work in a tasting and the shop. You can imagine our pleasure, then, when we tasted and liked this wine a lot. We want New Zealand Pinots to be intense and ethereal. Burgundian charm and delineation with a little more punch of sweet cherry fruit. That's what we got! Nose is smoky bacon, black pepper, tobacco, cola and maraschino cherry. The flavor is wild cherry, citrus, smoke, cigar box, curry. Sits light and intense in the mouth and on the finish, as it should. And, screw cap for easy opening!
March 8, 2007 (by Ryan Graham)
MELIPAL MALBEC Mendoza, Argentina 2004 ($16) is another crazy good value for lovers of big, rich red wines. This is 100% Malbec produced from 80 year old family vineyards. It is rich and spicy with bright acidity, strong tannin in the finish and dark berry, black pepper, and cola on the palate. Wondering what to serve with those sweet and spicy BBQ'd ribs? You may have just found the perfect match.
February 23, 2007
The Argentina crazy train left the station a few years' ago, and we're finally thinking about hopping on. One reason is the current vintage of 2005 is dandy...according to our tastings anyway. We tried about ten Argentina Malbecs in the past week, and they were all big, super concentrated, and (for the most part) tight as a drum. They need time. Here's one we find semi-approachable: LUCA MALBEC Altos de Mendoza, Argentina 2005 ($36/bottle). Big Napa red lovers will appreciate the deep color, extraction, spicy components, forward fruit and big structure of the Luca. Indeed, it boasts big tannins and is best served to cellar through 2008 (guessin'). A decanting, however, will do this wine a world of good. Do as the Argentineans do and grill up a steak (rub in garlic/rosemary/thyme before you grill, please) and enjoy with this wine.
October 11 , 2006
Here's a contender for the best under twenty dollar white wine in the store: OTTELLA LUGANA "LE CREETE" 2005 ($17). This is from the Veneto, northern Italy on the Adriatic Sea side (east). The grape is Turbiano, a clone (version) of Trebbiano, and these are 45 year old vines grown on hillside vineyards. This wine really packs a punch from nose to finish, and blossoms in the glass over time. The flavors are dried citrus peels, apple butter, fragrant flowers, flowing spring water. With air this wine gets "serious" for it gets richer and a little chewy. This is very pure wine that gets its girth from the land rather than the barrel. "The best white wine we've ever brought in" says the importer. Yummy yum yummy.
August 15, 2007
We made a Parker buy recently (Egad, it's true! But rare.) on the ATTECA GARNACHA "Old Vines" Calatayud, Spain 2005 ($18). Well reviewed (90 points with great things to say) and a good value, had to buy some. Opened it last week, and yeah, it's really good! All one expects, and wants, from Spanish Garnacha, like black & white pepper, blueberries, framboise, vibrancy, power, intensity. It's a Tom Cruise movie of a wine! Be still your heart. This is just plain good, real good, and won't be around for very long, we're sure.
May 9, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
GRANS-FASSIAN Riesling Piesporter Kabinett, Mosel 2004 ($17) Piesport in the Mosel is considered to be one of the finest sites in this area. The name of the slopes flanking the village, Goldtröpfchen, is particularly famous for honeyed wines withintense fragrance and concentration. The Grans-Fassian is rich, unctuous and floral, with amazing concentration. We poured this wine in our last Riesling tasting, it was even richer and more delicious that many people expected from the 2004 vintage.
March 14, 2007
F.X. PICHLER WINES.
One of THE great producers in the Wachau, Austria.
From Peter Moser, written for The International Wine Cellar. Notes from November/December 2006
F.X. Pichler Riesling “Loibner Berg” Smaragd 2005 Sold out
Pale green-yellow. Dominant aroma of blossom honey over a discreet background of stone fruits. Wonderfully complex and extremely deep, with a pronounced minerality and perfectly integrated acidity. Very concentrated wine, finishing with explosive flint, spice and kaffir lime character. This still needs a year or so to truly blossom. Drink 2008 to 2015+. 93 points
F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner Dürnsteiner “Kellerberg” Smaragd 2005 (SOLD OUT)
Medium green-yellow. Delicate pear, minerals, snap pea and soft herbal spices on the highly nuanced nose. Steely and aristocratic in the mouth, if a bit youthfully unevolved and waiting to burst forth, with concentrated green mango, yellow plum, celery and snow pea flavors complemented by pronounced flinty character. Despite the wine's impressive opulence, it manages to come off as fine-boned and exceptionally precise. More time in bottle will allow this great veltliner to fully express its inherent complexity and site character.
Drink 2008 to 2015+. 96 points
F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner “Loibner Berg” Smaragd 2005 (SOLD OUT)
Medium green-yellow. Discreet grapefruit zest, apple and wet pebbles on the nose. Complex and full in the mouth; though dry, this veltliner simultaneously conveys sweetness that comes from highly concentrated fruit and an elegant lightness of touch. At once precisely focused and seamless, with vibrant acidity keeping the wine quite firm and focused. Finishes very long, with lingering peppery spice character. Offers superb aging potential.
Drink now to 2015. 93 points
F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner “M” Smaragd 2005 (SOLD OUT)
Medium green yellow. Quintessential veltliner fragrance of apricot and apple fruit layered with pronounced tobacco and pepper. Inviting and utterly multidimensional wine, with great concentration and clarity and a sharply focused structure. Very powerful wine with extraordinarily persistent finishing flavors of lichee, ripe apple and apricot and varietally expressive spices. Drink 2008 to 2015+. 95 points
March 8, 2007
Always looking to share with our customers exceptional values, we highly recommend the CUATRO PASOS BIERZO 2004 ($11). Cuatro Pasos translates to "four steps." The meaning? Must get back to you on that one. Familiar with Bierzo? It's a region in Spain near Portugal and is on the cooler side. Think it's part of Galicia. The grape is Mencia, and it's akin to cooler climate Cab Franc. Now then, this is lovely red, full of violets, peppercorns, meat, black plums and wild raspberries. This is formidable red that competes quality-wise with most $20 wines I can think of. Will show best, I think, next to a bowl of rich fish stew.
April 3, 2007
I'm feeling the Riesling in me this sunny, warm spring day. Here are two German and one Austrian Riesling I think you should try. Austria first: BRUNDLMAYER RIESLING Kamptaler Terrassen 2004 ($24) is powerful, racy, minerally, real dry Riesling from one of the best at his craft. Wild thyme, orange & lime peel and wintergreen are some of the sensations on this wine. If you're not familiar with really good Austrian Riesling, now's the time. And at a fine price, too.
JOSEF ROSCH RIESLING Leiwener "Klostergarten" Kabinett 2005 ($17) from the Mosel is so good, and so good for the money, too. Very floral on the nose, like a nice flowery perfume. Lots of apricots, peaches and tangerine flavors. Good body, too...bit of fresh baked bread on the end. Pleasingly exotic.
Finally, what we think is the best wine value in the store: ERBEN von BEULWITZ RIESLING Kaseler "Nies'chen" Spatlese "Alte Reben" 2005 ($21) from the Mosel is off-the-hook good. Ginger, peach compote nose moves to tropical fruits and a great zing of acidity. This powerful, super rich, luscious Riesling is an interesting food match. Cured meats, cheeses, fried foods? Fantastic by itself, too.
August 16, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
I’m a big fan of the GYSLER Riesling Weinheimer Kabinett 2006 ($17), and I’m not alone. This wine is really hard not to like. Deliciously rich and round in the mouth, with lots of citrus and bright acidity. On the nose there is a bit of anise and stone fruits, and it is just slightly off-dry. We recently drank this with a spicy chicken curry, and the match was right on.
August 16, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
SCHLOSS GOBELSBURG Riesling "vom Urgestein" 2005 ($23) is a great example of classic, bone dry Austrian Riesling. Sourced from the winery’s youngest vineyards (less than 10 years old) it is light and aromatic, with lots of mineral and citrus. This is a great food wine, with bright acidity that really makes the mouth water. Pair it with all sorts of cheeses and appetizers, spicy Asian foods, or even Mexican or Indian cuisine. Any way you try it, it’s a real winner.
May 9, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
PRINZ Riesling, Hallgartener "Jungfer" Kabinett, Rheingau 2005 ($20) The Rheingau is a region that is definitely making a comeback as far as quality levels improving. This wine from Prinz is delicious. Bursting with flavors of apricots and lemon cream. Rich and tingly in themouth, with power and delicacy. This is a wine that packs a lot of intense flavor, balanced by a backbone of minerality, all for a wonderful value.
July 28, 2007
One of the great surprises at BRW this year, so far, was the reception for
KIR-YIANNI Red Wine "Paranga" Vin de Pays de Macedonia, Greece 2004 ($17). We poured this at a Friday night tasting featuring wines from the Meditteranean. The wine is mostly Xinomavro, considered (I think) the best wine grape of Greece. The grape Aghioritiko, which needs no introduction, makes up the rest. Medium bodied, highly aromatic (coriander, lime zest, raspberry, lavender fly from the glass), juicy and just spicy enough, "Paranga" is as tasty as it is fun. We like introducing people to really good wines from countries they don't associate with really good wine. This does the job.
March 23, 2007
Put yourself in our hands for a white wine with food recommendation and you just may walk out with WIENINGER "NUSSBERG" Alte Reben 2004 ($24) from Vienna, Austria. (As the label says, this is Wiener Wein.) This is an eight grape field blend (meaning the different grapes are mixed together and fermented) from the old vine (Alte Reben) "Nussberg" vineyard, which is just outside Vienna. The four grapes with which we are familiar in this blend are Riesling, Gruner Veltliner, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) and Sylvaner. If you were to find this in a wine list, it'd be in the "aromatic whites" section because of its sweet floral and spicy nose. It is rich, quite palate coating and close to dry. Grapefruit, peach and meyer lemon fruit flavors here. Pair this wine as you would a dry, exotic Alsace white wine: grilled sausages and vegetables are dynamite with this wine.
January 29, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
Also from Jayson Woodbridge, of Hundred Acre and Layer Cake fame, we have GOLD AUSTRALIA 2006 ($22) which is a blend of Chardonnay, Viogner, and Gewurztraminer. This is rich juicy wine, with a creamy texture and good density. It is un-oaked and non-malolactic, and has supple flavors of white peach, pineapple, mint,and citrus. As for the name, there are flakes of 24 karat gold suspended in the wine.
November 16, 2006
MAVERICK-ABOVE THE LAW Shiraz Barossa Valley, Australia 2005 ($17) is part of the Layer Cake Shiraz line, created by Hundred Acre owner Jayson Woodbridge. Layer Cake, at over 20,000 case production, is super delicious (and for sale here for $17). Maverick is from a particular block of the Layer Cake vineyard. It distinguishes itself with more concentration and tannins than Layer Cake (and boasts this Colt Navy 1851 pistol on the label as well.) It's bigger but not brasher, as Maverick is super concentrated and structured but not overly tannic. We like that Maverick is not oaked out. The fruit's the star in Maverick, and this is good. Smashing good deal.
November 30, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS "P'ETALOS"
BIERZO 2005 ($22) Bierzo is located in northwestern Spain, in a relatively cool region known for steep hillside vineyards, old vines, and distinctive terroirs, producing complex and rich full-bodied red wines. The P'etalos is no exception, delivering exceptional bang for the buck. The grape is Mencia, and it drinks like really good Loire Cab Franc. Taste pepper, cassis, dark cherries, tobacco, and nicely integrated tannin and spice. Decant an hour befor serving, and enjoy the complexity of flavors.
January 26, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
Dr. Weins-Prum Riesling Kabinett "Wehlener Sonnenuhr" 2005er ($16) is from a fantasic producer and vintage in the Mosel, and it really shows in this wine. This is a real "party in the mouth" kinda riesling, with ripe flavors of lemon, white peach, and papaya. Nice minerality gives it some real backbone. There is good body to the wine as well, and it is a slam dunk when paired with spicy foods, sushi, or just enjoyed on its own.
January 18, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
SCHLOSS GOBELSBURG "GOBELSBURGER" GRUNER VELTLINER 2005 ($16) is the "value" Gruner from thisgreat producer. The wine is loaded with citrus; orange, lemon verbena, zest, grass, and pear. There is also agood dose of pepper (enough to go really well with a big pot of chicken soup on a cold winter evening.) This is a wine thatcan definitely be drunk on its own, but it really pairs well with lots of food. Try some for yourself and see why this grape is becoming the favorite "table" wine of some of your favorite Napa Vintners.
February 13, 2007
CELLER PIÑOL "LUDOVICUS" Terra Alta, Spain 2005 ($12/bottle) is, dollar for dollar, the best "big red" in the store. I've had this wine four times now, and I agree with my statement every time. Not to mention that the wine tastes just as good two days after being opened! Terra Alta is just inland from the Mediterranean and just south of Priorat. It's a blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark fruits, nice freshness, depth of flavor, purity, power, tannins, sweet core - it's a nice package. More pow than complexity. International style in its freshness. Not very oaky at all. In three months of selling this wine, we've sold 15 cases and look to turn on more folks to "Ludovicus."
March 22, 2007
For an outstanding, classic Piedmont red for a really good value, we suggest you pick up the CASCINA BRUCIATA BARBARESCO "Rio Sordo" 2001 ($42). The Nebbiolo grape in Barbaresco tends to be more floral, ethereal and feminine compared to Barolo, its neighbor. That's a good launching point for the Bruciata. The intensity, sweet floral notes, spice and sinewy power all work together in this sexy little number. All the slightly dried, wild red cherries and plums you could want here. The tannins are ample and supple, especially after a half hour of decanting. Food matches are many. Osso Bucco, Sausage and Wild Mushroom Pizza, Spinach Gnocchi in a Bolognese Sauce...
December 2, 2006
In last night's German wine tasting, the most favored (at least MY most favored) was the MESSMER Scheurebe QbA Pfalz 2004 LITRE BOTTLE ($16). Outstanding value. Wildflower, wild herb, candied grapefruit peel nose moves to delicate yet persistent citrus/tropical/green apple fruit flavor. It's a bit Sauvignon Blanc-like in its herbal undertones. This is dry to me and a little off dry to others' palates. Food matches are many. For some reason a salad of arugula and smoked trout is coming to mind right now.
October 29, 2006
ARGIOLAS Nuragus di Cagliari "S'elegas" 2005 ($15) is nicely exotic, oily Sardinian white wine. Nuragus is the grape, native to Sardinia and most famously made by Argiolas. Readers who know my passion for aromatic whites will find no surprise in my adoration for this little darling. Orange blossom water, honeycomb and peach pit mixes in with a nectarine/golden delicious apple flavor thing. Love the viscosity too. I could bathe in this as well as drink it...but I won't.
September 7 , 2006
ALLEGRINI “LA GROLA” VERONESE I.G.T. 2001 ($24)
I recall fondly my first bottle of Valpolicella. It was in Boston with my brother, over a very traditional cheese pizza. The wine wasn’t all that good in retrospect, but I sure loved it that night. With such an experience, you would think I love Italian wines. Nope. More often than not, not enough meat on them bones, or they boast a complexity that I just don’t get…and I get complexity. Well, I like this wine, a “super Valpolicella” by the highly regarded Allegrini house. Not officially Valpolicella because they omit one of the necessary pedestrian grapes (forget the name) and add 10% Syrah. It’s YUM. Wild herbs and earth on the nose. Juicy blueberries and currants in the mouth. Lots going on from start to very long finish. It speaks to me in the right way, brother. Vineyard of “La Grola” is all chalk, just to get that flavor of the land idea into one’s head.
October 17, 2006
FALSET OLD VINES, MONTSANT 2003 ($17) takes a tad of explanation before extolling its virtues. Falset is the old, old town in the Montsant region of Spain. We're a little inland from the Meditteranean here, and a little south of Barcelona. There are more super old vines here than anywhere in Spain. (I'm sure this could be disputed, but that's what we've been told.) The blend on this wine is 85% Garnacha and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Garnacha (Grenache) is one of the most popular, big "value reds" in the fine wine market. It's popular for its strong wild raspberry and strawberry nose and flavor with oodles of cracked white & black pepper. This Falset boasts all the power, purity and intensity that makes this so much enjoyed. BUT THAT'S NOT ALL! The Cab Sauv gives a depth, roundness and "seriousness" to this wine. Going beyond the Garnacha, you get the plum, currant, tobacco and cedar notes too. Kowabunga, this is a dynamite wine!
January 29, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
FRATELLI BARBA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO "Colle Morino" 2004 ($14) is from the town of Roseto on the Adriatic Sea. The Barba brothers are know for their careful farming, high density planting and low yields. The wine is nicely concentrated, with plums, red fruits and a little bit of earthiness and spice. There is no oak used. Pair this with penne pasta and your favorite red sauce with lots of fresh basil.
October 30, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
Dr. Loosen Riesling "Blue Slate" 2005 ($13) We were fortunate enough to have Ernie Loosen pay us a visit this summer and pour his current releases, all of which we thoroughly enjoyed. This is his entry level Riesling, a blend of fruit from several of his primo hillside estate vineyards in the Mosel. Slightly off-dry with great crisp acidity and nice viscosity. Rich fruit flavors of apricots, green apples, and key limes. The Blue Slate has quickly become one of the favorites around my house.
September 6, 2006
SOLTER BRUT ROSÉ SEKT ($22) Made from all Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder in German) from in or near the Rheingau (Solter is a Rheingau producer anyway). This is so delicious and a wonderful value to boot. Bone dry, juicy, brimming with berries and cherries, touch of toast and pie spice going on, luxurious. Good as a $40 Brut Rosé Champagne? Close anyway. If you dig your bubbles like I do, a bottle of this in the fridge when you get home is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
July 21, 2006
Hofer Grüner Veltliner Weinviertel, Austria, Trocken, Litre Bottle 2005, $12
I so fondly remember a drive to the outskirts of Vienna for a great meal in a heurige, a family restaurant run by the winery that is connected to it. Hofer is a heurige, and this litre bottle of Grüner Veltliner is his staple white for his restaurant. Funny that it's such a huge hit in the U.S.! America would drink the restaurant dry if allowed. This is crisp and clean with strong tangy lemon/peach/apple and just a hint of Grüner white pepper. I can practically taste the perfectly fried chicken as I drink a glass of this. It's undeniably tasty.
July 21, 2006
Dönnhoff Riesling Norheimer "Dellchen" Spätlese 2004, Nahe, Germany, $48 net. Speaking of undervalued, this is one of the best white wines in the store regardless of price. This is one of the great wineries in the world. The "Dellchen" here combines the minerality of mother earth with leesy, sexy, impossibly rich flavors. How can a wine be so thick and sleek at the same time? Idunno, but I sure like trying to figure it out.
July 21, 2006
Pucho Bierzo, Spain 2004 $14
Bierzo is made from the Mencia grape. It's a small wine country not-so-undiscovered anymore. Wine lovers know Bierzo for it’s intense, racy Cab Fran-like red wine. Great with myriad foods (sommeliers dig Bierzo), this Pucho here is a shining example of the wines from Bierzo. All plums, wild red cherries, white pepper, violets and stones.
July 21, 2006
Theo Minges Riesling Gleisweiler "Hollë" Kabinett 2005, Pfalz Germany, $22. I'm a little surprised this is not designated as trocken, or at least halbtrocken, for this wine is real dry. More citrusy than melon or tropical, it speaks volumes because of its persistence. It's fantastic, and another world-class German wine that is delightfully undervalued.
September 5, 2006
CORRAL DE CAMPANAS TORO 2004 ($25) 100% Tempranillo from the hip-cool big red wine region of Toro. 6 months in oak. Fresh Spanish red here, with dark berries, black pepper, and big, chewy tannins. This is one to cellar for a couple of years, or drink up with the killer New York Strip you crave…if you crave. Strong, slightly aged cheeses will work very well, too. This is your Petite Sirah alternative.
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