We asked the Beverage Wholesaler 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 ).

FIVE STARS

( 97 ) Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV ( France ). From a well-known and respected Champagne house , their Brut Réserve is comprised of the classic varieties , with the reserve wines used for the blend adding complexity and texture . The lovely fruit aspect of the profile , on the nose and palate , are reinforced by the long and exceptionally elegant finish . ($ 75 )

( 96 ) Tinto Pesquera Crianza DO Ribera del Duero 2021 ( Spain ). This 100 % tempranillo from the Ribera del Duero is produced by one the region ’ s most historic and well-known wineries . Aged for a minimum of one year in American oak , it can be cellared or enjoyed immediately . Brilliant garnet in the glass , the nose and palate both display plenty of ripe red fruit , with strawberry being the dominant aspect . A great wine to pair with a wide range of fowl and meat dishes . ($ 40 )

( 96 ) Poggerino Chianti Classico Reserva Bugialla 2020 ( Italy ). Coming from

RATING SYSTEM

Five Stars ( 92-100 ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship . just a few small plots of the oldest estates vineyards , you quickly realize you are drinking something special . Powerful dark cherry , blackberry , cedar and tobacco notes fill the mouth , before giving way to a seductive finish showing hints of cocoa powder and toasted oak . Truly a wine worth seeking out . ($ 45 )

( 96 ) Pertois-Moriset L ’ asseblage Brut Champagne NV ( France ). Seductive aromas of white roses and dried pineapple rise from the glass . Flavors of green apple , peach and orange peel blossoms in the mouth giving way to a racy , sexy finish kissed with a hint of toasted brioche . This blend of chardonnay and pinot noir all from estate vineyards will amaze for its price . ($ 55 )

( 95 ) Emilio Moro Finca Resalso Tempranillo 2023 ( Spain ). The youngest and most playful wine from this historic , family-owned winery . Showing all its beautiful fresh fruit with notes of plum , black cherry and blueberry . Four months of barrel aging is just the right amount to round out

Four Stars ( 86-91 ) A very good wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back . the edges and express the fruit and terroir . A stunning value that begs for some smoked meat or barbeque . ($ 20 )

( 95 ) Salviano Castello di Titignano Rigogoli 2022 ( Spain ). An “ international ’’ blend of sangiovese , cabernet sauvignon and merlot , the wine is fermented and aged in steel . Brilliant lighter red , the nose and palate are dominated by dark fruit , with hints of spice and touch of an herbal note . The lack of oak helps the wine maintain a supple texture , with a balanced finish that is highlighted by bright , clean fruit . ($ 47 )

( 94 ) Campo al Mare Bolgheri DOC 2022 ( Italy ). The Bolgheri region , at the Western edge of Tuscany , is home to top wines , utilizing cabernet sauvignon and other classic red varieties . With the addition of merlot , cabernet franc and petit verdot , this blend provides complexity , with lovely weight , great structure and plenty of dark fruit . The lingering , balanced finish demonstrates the level of winemaking and the resulting quality of the wine . ($ 35 )

Three Stars ( 80-85 ) An above-average wine , at a reasonable price point , which many customers will enjoy .

( 94 ) Anselmo Mendes Alvarinho 2023 ( Portugal ). From the man known as “ Mister Alvarinho ,” this wine eloquently demonstrates why he has earned that distinction . With a purity of fruit , due to cool fermentation in steel tanks , the wine showcases the variety ’ s characteristics . Beautiful peach and citrus notes on the nose and palate create an enticing , refreshing delicious wine , which confirms that the region of Monção e Melgaço provides the perfect conditions for top class alvarinho . ($ 22 )

( 94 ) Quinta da Pedra Milagres 2019 ( Portugal ). Produced with a combination of stainless and older used barrels . The lees are stirred in the barrel for half a year , adding complexity to the nose and palate , as well as weight and texture . Brilliant yellow in color , the nose provides lots of peach and apricot notes , and the palate follows suit , with a lovely touch of minerality . ($ 29 )

( 93 ) Jacques Dumont Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ( France ). Bright tropical fruit rains down on the palate , showing notes of kiwi , peach and lemon . Lively and well balanced on the long finish . Will pair well with any seafood ; think swordfish , grilled calamari and salads . A real standout in this overwhelming category . ($ 15 )

( 93 ) Laurent Delaunay Morgon 2023 ( France ). A red that is both refreshing and luxuriously silky . Bright notes of plump cherry , perfume and spice undertones erupt from the glass , ending in a velvety www . bevwholesaler . com Spring 2025 • Bevearge Wholesaler 27