For subscribers, Wine Spectator publishes a "Wine Spectator's Great Values" booklet, which lists a number of selections at $20 U.S. or less. From that list, here are wines with Wine Spectator ratings of 90 or above with links to availability on WineZap:
Italy:
Brancaia Toscana Tre 2007, 93 points
Cantina Terlano Alto Adige Terlaner Classico 2008, 90 points
St. Michael Eppan Pinot Grigio Alto Adige 2008, 90 points
Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico 2007, 90 points
Spain:
Bodegas Bilbainas Tempranillo Rioja Vina Zaco 2006, 90 points
Argentina:
Bodega Renacer Malbec Mendoze Punto Final Reserva 2006, 91 points
Trivento Malbec Lujan de Cuyo Golden Reserve 2007, 90 points
Bodega Colome Amalaya Calchaqui Valley 2007, 91 points
Ave Malbec Mendoza Premium 2007, 90 points
Chile:
Vina Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Medalla Real Special Reserve 2006, 91 points
Australia:
Peter Lehmann Shiraz Barossa 2006, 91 points
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Cuvee Barossa 2007, 90 points
Greg Norman Estates Shiraz-Cabernet Limestone Coast 2007, 90 points
New Zealand:
Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2008, 90 points
Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2008, 91 points
Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Vicar's Choice 2008, 90 points
California:
Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2007, 91 points
Artesa Chardonnay Carneros 2007, 90 points
Beaulieu Vineyard Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros 2007, 90 points
Provenance Sauvignon Blanc Rutherford Napa 2008, 91 points
Sunday, March 7, 2010
***+ $ Castillo Real Monastrell, 2006, Bullas, Spain - Wine Review and Rating
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Original Review, August, 2009: Castillo Real is a varietal monastrell from the emerging region of Bullas, Spain. This is a high-altitude area in Southern spain, characterized by long, hot days and cool nights. Castillo Real tips in a 14.0% alcohol. Remember that monastrell wines in Spain are from the same grape as the mourvedre wines of France.
In the glass, Castillo Real, 2007, is deep, dark red. Aromas are bold, like a purple oil slick. Also a nice deep black-cherry-medicine element going on as a secondary characteristic.
On the palate, a ripe prune fruit bomb hits first, square in the middle of your mouth. That slides down the sides of your cheeks in a potent, lightly acidic, lightly tannic, robe. Finish is powerful and somewhat layered, levered by the higher alcohol layer.
Three stars on the Spirit of Wine scale, but I'll add a plus because I feel this has some interesting aging potential too. A remarkable find for a "practically free" wine - best value.
----------
Updated review, approximately nine months later, March, 2010: Aromas show bold red cherries now. Silty tannins still follow a prune attack on the palate. This is even showing an element of hot cocoa milk chocolate now. Holding up very well to time in bottle.
Following a three-day decant under vacuum in a partially-opened bottle: held up very well to the long decant too. Turning a bit brighter red.
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In the glass, Castillo Real, 2007, is deep, dark red. Aromas are bold, like a purple oil slick. Also a nice deep black-cherry-medicine element going on as a secondary characteristic.
On the palate, a ripe prune fruit bomb hits first, square in the middle of your mouth. That slides down the sides of your cheeks in a potent, lightly acidic, lightly tannic, robe. Finish is powerful and somewhat layered, levered by the higher alcohol layer.
Three stars on the Spirit of Wine scale, but I'll add a plus because I feel this has some interesting aging potential too. A remarkable find for a "practically free" wine - best value.
----------
Updated review, approximately nine months later, March, 2010: Aromas show bold red cherries now. Silty tannins still follow a prune attack on the palate. This is even showing an element of hot cocoa milk chocolate now. Holding up very well to time in bottle.
Following a three-day decant under vacuum in a partially-opened bottle: held up very well to the long decant too. Turning a bit brighter red.
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Labels:
***,
.$,
best value,
mourvedre,
spain
***+ $$ Solex Chardonnay, Mendocino, CA, - Wine Tasting & Review
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Original Tasting and Review:
By way of background: Solex Chardonnay is from grapes harvested at the Beckstoffer Vineyard in Mendocino County, CA. The 2008 vintage is finished at a whopping 14.5% alcohol. This was acquired as part of an American Cellars Wine Club offering from Vinesse.
In the glass: Solex Chardonnay shows as very light yellow in the glass.
On the nose: Poured cool and swirled vigorously, this 100% chardonnay shows powerful crisp apple and pear aromas, highlighted with a stone and slate overtone.
On the palate: The first element on the palate is a dry honeyed pear, almost dewy and thick. That is followed quickly by light, crisp acids which bright forth a slightly sweet lemon note.
And the wrap-up: The finish tucks into your cheeks, holding clean, crisp and slightly sweet til your next sip.
In summary: Overall, a light but layered and still somehow rich experience. Rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, with a plus for its nice balance of elements. Good value.
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Original Tasting and Review:
By way of background: Solex Chardonnay is from grapes harvested at the Beckstoffer Vineyard in Mendocino County, CA. The 2008 vintage is finished at a whopping 14.5% alcohol. This was acquired as part of an American Cellars Wine Club offering from Vinesse.
In the glass: Solex Chardonnay shows as very light yellow in the glass.
On the nose: Poured cool and swirled vigorously, this 100% chardonnay shows powerful crisp apple and pear aromas, highlighted with a stone and slate overtone.
On the palate: The first element on the palate is a dry honeyed pear, almost dewy and thick. That is followed quickly by light, crisp acids which bright forth a slightly sweet lemon note.
And the wrap-up: The finish tucks into your cheeks, holding clean, crisp and slightly sweet til your next sip.
In summary: Overall, a light but layered and still somehow rich experience. Rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, with a plus for its nice balance of elements. Good value.
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Labels:
***,
.$$,
california,
chardonnay,
good value,
mendocino
Saturday, March 6, 2010
*** $$ Trou de Bonde Roux (Red), Santa Barbara County, CA, 2006 - Wine Tasting & Review
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Original Tasting and Review:
By way of background: Trou de Bonde Roux (Red) from Santa Barbara County, CA, is a blend of 58% petite sirah, 35% zinfandel and 7% tempranillo, coming from Santa Barbara Highlands and Laetitia Estate Vineyard. The 2006 vintage is finished at 14.2% alcohol. This was acquired as part of an American Cellars Wine Club selection from Vinesse.
In the glass: Trou de Bonde Roux shows as deep purple in the glass, opaque to within an inch of the edge.
On the nose: Poured with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, this California meritage sports a bold, beefy and complex nose. There are deep black cherries in there, violets, saddle leather, writing ink and men's cologne. Seems you could almost imprint any fragrance somewhere inside this heady blend.
On the palate: The first element on the palate is a pure prune essence along your tongue. It's somehow much simpler than the aromas would have suggested. Moving to your cheeks, the prunes show a bit of sweet-and-sour combo, along with some spiciness, lodging for a healthy stay.
And the wrap-up: The finish is held in your cheeks with solid acid and tannic grip.
In summary: Overall, a big, prune-based and bold experience. Rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, as I'd be intrigued to try it again.
----------
Following a five-day decant under vacuum in a partially-filled bottle: Aroma is still solid and complex. This time, the palate offers a bit more complexity too. Light to medium bodied, a red berry essence moves along your palate, bringing red raspberries and some mid-palate depth and sweetness too.
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Original Tasting and Review:
By way of background: Trou de Bonde Roux (Red) from Santa Barbara County, CA, is a blend of 58% petite sirah, 35% zinfandel and 7% tempranillo, coming from Santa Barbara Highlands and Laetitia Estate Vineyard. The 2006 vintage is finished at 14.2% alcohol. This was acquired as part of an American Cellars Wine Club selection from Vinesse.
In the glass: Trou de Bonde Roux shows as deep purple in the glass, opaque to within an inch of the edge. On the nose: Poured with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, this California meritage sports a bold, beefy and complex nose. There are deep black cherries in there, violets, saddle leather, writing ink and men's cologne. Seems you could almost imprint any fragrance somewhere inside this heady blend.
On the palate: The first element on the palate is a pure prune essence along your tongue. It's somehow much simpler than the aromas would have suggested. Moving to your cheeks, the prunes show a bit of sweet-and-sour combo, along with some spiciness, lodging for a healthy stay.
And the wrap-up: The finish is held in your cheeks with solid acid and tannic grip.
In summary: Overall, a big, prune-based and bold experience. Rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, as I'd be intrigued to try it again.
----------
Following a five-day decant under vacuum in a partially-filled bottle: Aroma is still solid and complex. This time, the palate offers a bit more complexity too. Light to medium bodied, a red berry essence moves along your palate, bringing red raspberries and some mid-palate depth and sweetness too.
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Labels:
***,
.$$,
california,
petite sirah,
santa barbara
** $$ Havens Merlot, Napa Valley, CA - Wine Tasting & Review
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Original Tasting and Review:
By way of background: Havens Merlot of Napa Valley, CA, is made from grapes from the cooler southern end of Napa Valley, finished with a fruit-forward outcome in mind (versus Havens' reserve bottlings). The 2006 vintage is bottled at a not-too-timid 14.5% alcohol. This was acquired as part of the American Cellars Wine Club line.
In the glass: Havens Merlot shows as deep red-magenta in the glass, opaque to within an inch of the edge.
On the nose: Poured with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, this Napa merlot shows a muddled red berry and plum pudding on the nose, pretty insistent and sweet.
On the palate: The first element on the palate is a peppery red fruit touching the upper palate with bright blackberry. An intriguing hint of walnut oil comes in as the wine moves to your cheeks. There, solid acids tuck the fruit into your cheeks.
And the wrap-up: The finish is clean and high-pitched.
In summary: Overall, a bright yet still reasonably rich experience. Rates two stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale. I do believe air may improve improve the experience, however, so will give this some decant time to see.
Find Havens Merlot prices and retail availability.
Original Tasting and Review:
By way of background: Havens Merlot of Napa Valley, CA, is made from grapes from the cooler southern end of Napa Valley, finished with a fruit-forward outcome in mind (versus Havens' reserve bottlings). The 2006 vintage is bottled at a not-too-timid 14.5% alcohol. This was acquired as part of the American Cellars Wine Club line.In the glass: Havens Merlot shows as deep red-magenta in the glass, opaque to within an inch of the edge.
On the nose: Poured with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, this Napa merlot shows a muddled red berry and plum pudding on the nose, pretty insistent and sweet.
On the palate: The first element on the palate is a peppery red fruit touching the upper palate with bright blackberry. An intriguing hint of walnut oil comes in as the wine moves to your cheeks. There, solid acids tuck the fruit into your cheeks.
And the wrap-up: The finish is clean and high-pitched.
In summary: Overall, a bright yet still reasonably rich experience. Rates two stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale. I do believe air may improve improve the experience, however, so will give this some decant time to see.
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Labels:
**,
.$$,
california,
merlot,
napa
**** $ Millaman Condor Shiraz, Central Valley, Chile, 2005 - Wine Tasting & Review
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Original review, June, 2008: The Millaman Condor Shiraz, 2005, is from Central Valley, Chile. In the glass, it is very dark red with purple highlights.
Aromas are creamy black cherry fruit, hinting a bit of beaujolais. On the palate, a bit of oaked fruit comes through first. It spreads throughout your mouth, with a touch of interesting furriness. Simple, not layered, but balanced and tasty. Three stars out of five. Nice value for the price.
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Updated Review, over a year and a half later, March, 2010: Color is consistent, with just the slightest move towards brick. Aromas are still bold, juicy and fruity, no beaujolais any longer, but with the distinct black cherry still present. The furry smooth middle remains, along with a light bright acid. More layers with the added time. Now a plus on the three stars. Great cellar candidate at a phenomenal price. Outstanding value!
----------
Updated again following a four day decant under vacuum in a partially-filled bottle: the aromas are even bolder and inkier now, black cherries for miles. On the palate, it's black cherries wearing a fur coat. Yum, yum, yum. Four stars now. Five years in bottle plus a lengthy decant is my prescription for this stunning value.
Find Chilean shiraz prices and availability.
Original review, June, 2008: The Millaman Condor Shiraz, 2005, is from Central Valley, Chile. In the glass, it is very dark red with purple highlights.
Aromas are creamy black cherry fruit, hinting a bit of beaujolais. On the palate, a bit of oaked fruit comes through first. It spreads throughout your mouth, with a touch of interesting furriness. Simple, not layered, but balanced and tasty. Three stars out of five. Nice value for the price.----------
Updated Review, over a year and a half later, March, 2010: Color is consistent, with just the slightest move towards brick. Aromas are still bold, juicy and fruity, no beaujolais any longer, but with the distinct black cherry still present. The furry smooth middle remains, along with a light bright acid. More layers with the added time. Now a plus on the three stars. Great cellar candidate at a phenomenal price. Outstanding value!
----------
Updated again following a four day decant under vacuum in a partially-filled bottle: the aromas are even bolder and inkier now, black cherries for miles. On the palate, it's black cherries wearing a fur coat. Yum, yum, yum. Four stars now. Five years in bottle plus a lengthy decant is my prescription for this stunning value.
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Labels:
****,
.$,
best value,
chile,
shiraz
Friday, March 5, 2010
***+ $$ Davenport Preston Ranch Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, CA - Wine Tasting & Review
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Original Tasting and Review:
By way of background: Davenport Preston Ranch Pinot Noir is from Russian River Valley, Sonoma, CA, and is a relatively small production lot of pinot noir (450 cases), acquired as part of an American Cellars Wine Club arrangement from Vinesse. The 2006 vintage is finished at 13.8% alcohol, and is a combination of pinot noir clones 777 for aromatics and 115 for body.
In the glass: Davenport Preston Ranch Pinot Noir shows as medium red in the glass.
On the nose: Poured cool, without decant, and swirled vigorously, this pinot noir shows a deep but light, and seriously earthy, set of aromas. Quite beckoning.
On the palate: The first element on the palate is an autumn leave-based sense in the mid palate, flushed out gently with a solid mix of red and black fruit.
And the wrap-up: The finish is built of modest acids and a light, lingering sweetness.
In summary: Overall, a pleasant, mid-weight and aromatic mostly new-world experience. Rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, with a plus for being so ethereally light on its feet.
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Original Tasting and Review:
By way of background: Davenport Preston Ranch Pinot Noir is from Russian River Valley, Sonoma, CA, and is a relatively small production lot of pinot noir (450 cases), acquired as part of an American Cellars Wine Club arrangement from Vinesse. The 2006 vintage is finished at 13.8% alcohol, and is a combination of pinot noir clones 777 for aromatics and 115 for body.
On the nose: Poured cool, without decant, and swirled vigorously, this pinot noir shows a deep but light, and seriously earthy, set of aromas. Quite beckoning.
On the palate: The first element on the palate is an autumn leave-based sense in the mid palate, flushed out gently with a solid mix of red and black fruit.
And the wrap-up: The finish is built of modest acids and a light, lingering sweetness.
In summary: Overall, a pleasant, mid-weight and aromatic mostly new-world experience. Rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, with a plus for being so ethereally light on its feet.
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Labels:
***,
.$$,
california,
pinot noir,
russian river valley,
sonoma
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