We asked the Cheers 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 ) Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2016 ( Portugal ). Exceptionally dense bright purple in the glass , the nose is dominated by dark berry fruit , with a subtle floral hint . Lush and weighty on the palate , with rich fruit and tannins , the finish lingers and lingers . Delicious now , it ' s also a great candidate for aging . ($ 79 )

( 97 ) Donnafugata Mille e una Notte 2019 ( Italy ). Intense ruby color in the glass , the nose is complex , with notes of black and red fruits , enhanced by hints of bright spice and vanilla tones . In the mouth , the extended finish is previewed by accessible dark fruit with excellent texture and volume . Absolutely stunning . ($ 91 )

( 96 ) Herdade do Rocim Terracotta Clay Aged Tinto ( Portugal ). A very modern wine , produced using ancient techniques . After crushing , the wine is aged for over a year in clay containers , which contributes to the wine ' s smooth texture , along with weight on the palate , allowing the red fruits prevalent on the nose to echo on the palate . Lovely now , worthy of some aging . ($ 63.99 )

RATING SYSTEM

Five Stars ( 92-100 ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship .

( 96 ) Champagne Georges Cartier Brut Tradition NV ( France ). With a majority of the wine produced using pinot meunier , the fruit really shines in this outstanding example of high-quality Champagne . Brilliant pale gold , with a fine and delicate mousse , the nose and palate showcase the superb fruit , as well as the extended aging in bottle . Complexity and lovely fruit are the dominant aspects of this superb sparkler . ($ 61 )

( 96 ) Quinta de Ventozelo Touriga Franca ( Portugal ). A wonderful example of a wine produced from a variety that deserves much more attention and respect . Deep and brilliant ruby / garnet in the glass , the entrancing nose of elegant black fruit and spice is attractive and alluring . In the mouth , the wine is supple with an underlying power , showcasing its potential for aging . At this price point , it ' s a superb value . ($ 25 )

Four Stars ( 86-91 ) A very good wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back .

( 96 ) Muriel Reserva Rioja DOC 2018 ( Spain ). Tempranillo is developing a huge following around the world , but the easiest way is to go to the source in the famed Rioja region . Sourcing from the Alavesa region , this family-owned vineyard hand-harvests their fruit , and follows the strict guidelines for the Riserva designation ( 24 months in oak / 12 months in bottle ). Robust red coloring leads to notes of coffee , vanilla and rich red fruits . Over-delivers for the money ! ($ 19.99 )

( 95 ) Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2020 ( France ). A lovely example of what one of the Rhône Valley ' s top appellations is capable of producing . A bright saturated purple in the glass , the nose and palate are highlighted by berry and cherry fruit , with hints of spice . The palate reflects the nose , with warmth and spice , in addition to the exquisite red fruit . ($ 68.99 )

( 95 ) San Felice Vigorello 2019 ( Italy ). From one of the pioneers of the Super Tuscan movement , the usual , regional blend is augmented and elevated by the use of pugnitello , a native variety that contributes complexity and structure to the wine . Intensely dark ruby in the glass , the nose and palate both reflect the dark red fruit , with spice and a subtle floral character . Wonderfully flexible in terms of the wide range of dishes that the wine complements . ($ 57.99 )

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

( 95 ) Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV ( France ). Reflecting the house style , this blend of wines produced from multiple parcels provides a cross section of the region ' s terroir . The wine is brilliant pale gold in the glass , with a fine and persistent mousse . The extended bottle aging provides multiple layers of tree fruit and toasted nuts . In the mouth , it is supple and lively . A great example of an attractive house style , from one of the region ' s leading producers . ($ 70 )

( 94 ) Quona Chianti Rufina Reserva 2020 ( Italy ). This elegant Chianti is thoughtfully balanced . The velvety mouthfeel of fruit and structure conducts a symphony of flavors across your palate . Every note is controlled and perfect positioned for flavor and experience . ($ 44 )

( 93 ) Domaine Daulny Sancerre 2022 ( France ). This sancerre has an amazing balance of acidity and minerality with subtle notes of melon and pineapple . The elegant layers of flavor do not disappoint from the beginning to the end . ($ 29 )

( 93 ) Torre de Golban Crianza 2017 ( Spain ). Aged in French oak , the light spice , tobacco and fresh , delicious black cherry fruit of this tempranillo clone is a major value for its price . Grill up some meat and vegetables and enjoy . ($ 16 )

( 92 ) Henri Goutorbe 1er Cru Cuvee Prestige Brut Champagne NV ( France ). A grower cuvee Champagne from three vineyards in Ay . Fresh , brisk apple with creamy almond , the savory

28 Cheers • Spring 2024 www . cheersonline . com