Beverage Dynamics Spring 2025 | Page 27

OLD WORLD WINES

We asked the Beverage Dynamics national wine panel to taste and rate Old World Wines. As always, these reviews include tasting notes, ratings and suggested retail price for a 750-ml. bottle( unless otherwise noted). fresh aromas of green apple, yellow plum and herbs. Aromas of green apple, yellow plum, and fresh herbs lead into flavors of Bosc pear and white blossom, accented by subtle hints of lemon peel and wet stone.($ 14.99)
FIVE STARS
( 97) Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Gran Cru Classe( France). Regarded by many as the best white Bordeaux of this vintage that will turn the heads of red lovers. The combination of creamy texture, velvety tannins, crisp salinity and clean acidity makes for a firm, bold wine. Warm a Crottin de Chavignol with baguette. Voila!($ 199)
( 92) El Nido " Clio " Jumilla 2022( Spain). Rich and heady, crafted from old vines, monastrell and cabernet sauvignon. Aged in new French and American oak. Blackberry, blueberry and black plum flavors with notes of mocha and vanilla.($ 48)
( 92) Chateau Paradis Casseuil Bordeaux Blanc Rothschild 2024( France). This estate winery belongs to Lafite Rothschild. Bright notes of lemon, pear and green apple, layered with touches of nutmeg and mineral complexity. The refined palate culminates in a long, lingering finish.($ 19.99)
( 92) Famille Joly Savennieres Les Vieux Clos( France). From an ancient, biodynamic vineyard, this is a full-bodied, elegant chenin with great complexity. Intense schist underlies a creamy apricot with honey and citrus zest. A touch of spice and apple makes this a perfect match for seared scallops.($ 85)
( 91) Pascal Bouchard Chablis Classique 2024( France). Expressive aromas of apple, pear and citrus. The palate is taut and mineral driven, with flavors of yellow peach, nectarine, lemon and grapefruit layered over flint and slate notes. The finish is lean, vibrant and mineral driven.($ 32.99)
( 91) Domaine Brusset Laurent B Cotes de Rhone 2024( France). Savory and structured, delivering dried black currant, tobacco leaf and smoky undertones up front. Secondary notes of black pepper, leather and herbs de Provence add depth and intrigue. Medium bodied and smooth, with well integrated tannins, refreshing acidity and a lingering complex finish.($ 14.99)
( 91) Guy Mousset Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2024( France). An aromatic nose of honeysuckle and white peach sets the stage for a round, generous palate. Concentrated flavors of apricot, yellow apple and chamomile linger on the palate, lifted by a refreshing acidity.($ 14.99)
( 91) Ciguela Tempranillo 2023( Spain). A juicy palate of blackberries, blueberries and cinnamon is complemented by notes of vanilla and subtle hints of potting soil. Easy drinking and endlessly appealing, perfect for casual sipping any night of the week.($ 8.99)
( 91) Bougrier ' V ' Vouvray 2024( France). Aromatic notes of white flowers and candied lemon lead the nose. Flavors of green apple, quince, honeysuckle and ripe pear unfold, touched by a hint of honey. The off-dry palate is beautifully balanced, pairing round richness with a fresh, zesty finish.($ 16.99)
( 91) 2024 Ropiteau Chardonnay( France). A crisp, unoaked chardonnay. with
( 91) Flausina Vinho Verde( Portugal). Lively and refreshing, with energetic notes of clementine, lemon and white peach. High acidity and underlying mineral tones keep the palate vibrant and zippy.($ 8.99)
( 91) D ' Autrefois Reserve Pinot Noir 2024( France). Smooth and approachable, offering a graceful flavor arc of red cherry and warm cinnamon spice. Soft tannins and well integrated oak frame the fruit and create balance through the finish.($ 17.99)
( 90) Bougrier Famille Sauvignon Blanc 2024( France). Bright aromas of lemon, pear and elderflower. Fresh acidity keeps the palate lifted, while a subtle herbal note on the finish adds complexity and depth. Clean, crisp and food friendly.($ 12.99)
( 90) Borrasca Blanc de Blancs( Spain). Lively flavors of green apple, lemon, and lime creates a fresh, juicy profile that remains beautifully balanced. While enjoyable on its own, this sparkling lends itself perfectly as a versatile base for cocktails.($ 9.99)
RATING SYSTEM
Five Stars( 92-100) A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship.
Four Stars( 86-91) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back.
Three Stars( 80-85) An above-average wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy.
( 90) Chateau La Rose de Vitrac White Bordeaux 2024( France). Concentrated flavors of green apple and pear are layered with subtle hints of parmesan and lifted by a flash of
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