// WINE REVIEW - TOP WINES
PHOTO CREDIT : © DENISKARPENKOV - STOCK . ADOBE . COM
( 95 ) Rex Hill Jacob-Hart Estate Chehalem Mountains 2017 Pinot Noir ( OR ). Silky blue and black fruit , baking spices , mushroom and cedar lead to dusty tannins and a long luxurious finish . Sip it with grilled salmon . ($ 85 )
( 95 ) Domaine R . H . Coutier Grand Cru Brut NV ( France ). A dazzling blend of 80 % pinot noir and 20 % chardonnay . A wonderful nose of toasted bread and tropical citrus flirts with the senses . Wonderfully vibrant in the mouth , showing flavors of ripe apple , pear nectar and lemon zest , before finishing with a delicate touch of toasted almonds . A tremendous value . ($ 44.99 )
( 95 ) Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2013 ( Italy ). A wine that can exceed your expectations . The 2013 took a few minutes to open up , but when it did , it was singing . The aromatics of earth , tobacco and leather were met on the palate with rustic notes of fruit and tannin . I was actually sad when I realized the bottle was empty . ($ 65 )
( 94 ) Alexander Valley Vineyards Sin Zin 2019 ( CA ). In 1978 , Hank Wetzel created one of the first “ pop ” zins , and this 41st release shows the continuing evolution in complexity and value . Sourced from six of their favorite vineyard sites . Each lot was kept separate through de-stemming and fermentation , then aged for 14 months in American oak . Beautiful color , great complexity and a smooth lingering finish . Wonderful color with spice notes of black pepper and vanilla . We paired this with a carbonara dish instead of our favorite chianti , and were richly rewarded ($ 24.99 )
( 94 ) Hermann J . Wiemer Dry Estate Riesling 2016 ( NY ). This bottle shows how this grape , when made well , has such longevity . Vibrant aromatics of mineral and fruit on the nose . On the palate , every time I took a sip , there was a new nuance to enjoy : fruit , rock , acid , body . If I tried this blind , I might have thought it was from the Mosel . Lovely . ($ 24 )
( 94 ) Chateau De Thauvenay Sancerre 2020 ( France ). Beautiful floral notes blossom from the glass as candied mango , lemon sorbet and pineapple flavors lay down a luxuriously lively river of fun on the palate . Well-balanced fruit and acidity begs to be paired with shellfish and a beach . ($ 22.99 )
( 94 ) Frederick & Jacob Cabernet Sauvignon ( CA ). Created by renowned and historic Napa Valley producer , Beringer Vineyards , this wine has a mouthfeel like velvet . Black currants , white pepper and huckleberry dominate this wine , and a lingering finish leaves you wanting more . ($ 59.99 )
( 93 ) Petites Secondes Pinot Noir ( OR ). A great example of a classic pinot from the Willamette Valley region . Overripe cherries and cola on the nose with subtle notes of licorice and anise . This is delicious and tart . Would be a great addition to any holiday table . ($ 37.99 )
( 93 ) Joseph Phelps 2017 California Pinot Noir ( CA ). Not being familiar with the Phelps pinot , I wasn ’ t sure what to expect . What I got was California fruit and acid with a touch of a Burgundy accent . The ripe fruit was prevalent , but elegantly subdued . The tannins have had time to relax in the bottle on this 2017 , so it was ready to drink . The wine was balanced with fruit , tannin and acid , with a long , lingering finish . ($ 55 )
( 93 ) Castell Castell Silvaner 2020 Trocken ( Germany ). The aromatics were of citrus and stone fruit . On the palate , the wine was pleasantly mouthwatering , crisp and inciting . Notes of golden delicious apple , lingering finish . Bonus points for being 12 % ABV . This wine held its own with a vegetarian Shepard ’ s pie made with French lentils and portobello mushrooms . ($ 22 )
( 93 ) Laboure Gontard Chablis ( France ). This impressive white wine from Burgundy opens with racy notes of nectarine , pear and peach . It ’ s light bodied , but with a noticeable acidity and roundness that would accompany any charcuterie board . ($ 34.99 )
( 92 ) 2020 Domaine Weinbach Pinot Blanc ( France ). Beautiful bio-dynamic Alsatian dinner wine . Crisp and dry with pronounced citrus melon , peach , green apple and a touch of fresh floral notes . Good body with a great long finish . Excellent value , too . ($ 22.99 )
Four Stars ««««
( 91 ) Conundrum Red ( CA ). This red blend comes from the Wagner family , makers of Caymus , and overdelivers at this price point . The nose is full of bright red fruits and a luscious mix of tart raspberry and earth . The tannins are welcoming with an impressive linger and a hint of cocoa powder . ($ 19.99 )
( 91 ) Fountain Grove Chardonnay ( CA ). This is a wine that will please every chardonnay lover . The palate is full of tropical fruit and melon notes rounded out by hints of oak and butter . A staple for any dinner party . ($ 34.99 )
( 90 ) Domaine Cheveau Saint-Amour Villa Violettes 2019 Gamay ( France ). An extraordinary bargain ! Nuances of red berries , chocolate , tobacco and leather on both the nose and palate . Opens to a long , deep satisfying finish . Rich , aged cheeses will love this wine . ($ 28 )
( 90 ) Vennstone Pinot Noir ( CA ). Rich purple red in color with a hint of meatiness on the nose . The finish is easy and approachable , full of notes of black and blue berries . ($ 19.99 )
( 90 ) TULI Chardonnay ( CA ). Buttery with crisp acidity and juicy notes of pineapple and apricot . This wine would complement a wide variety of foods , and delivers a great chardonnay for the price . ($ 32.99 ) BW
20 Beverage Wholesaler • Winter 2022