Cheers@Home Spring 2022 | Page 15

| WINE REVIEWS |
fruit , with hints of spice and floral notes . Plenty of power and length on the finish . ($ 20 )
( 92 ) Gran Pasas , Monastrell 2019 ( Spain ). From eastern Spain , this monastrell ( known as mourvèdre in many other regions ) is a brilliant , nearly opaque ruby in the glass . The nose is filled with generous black fruit , with touches of dark chocolate . The mouthfeel is broad and weighty , contributing to the wine ’ s complexity , and overall enjoyment . ($ 18 )
( 92 ) Château Treytins Lalande de Pomerol ( France ). Ripe , intense with deep red , and black fruits on nose and palate . The character of the wine is soft yet punchy , with nice grip to the mouthfeel and a long-lasting finish . ($ 25 )
( 92 ) Apertus Cheval Quancard Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux 2020 ( France ). Honey colors and flavors combine with lovely pineapple , lemon and peach notes . The sweetness and citrus bring balance and a zesty finish that keeps going . ($ 15 )
( 92 ) Seastone Riesling 2020 ( Germany ). White flowers on the nose , with freshness and lots of acidity on the palate . The lemon and peach notes are fun and zippy , delivering an equilibrium and approachability to the wine . ($ 12 )
( 92 ) Château Landat Haut Medoc 2017 ( France ). Powerful cherry and raspberry notes are the focus of the wine . Smooth texture and an energetic finish elevate the fruit-forward structure and give the wine depth and fun . ($ 25 )
( 92 ) Laudato Pinot Grigio 2021 ( Italy ). Ripe green apple and bright pear notes are layered on this wine from top to bottom . The acidity and freshness lift the fruit and dance along the clean and beautiful palate . ($ 20 )
( 92 ) Chateau Lamothe Saint-Germain 2019 ( France ). Mostly merlot with a 10 % dollop of cabernet franc to seduce the palate . Generous amounts of dark fruit emerge , exposing notes of blackberry , raspberries and plum , with a slight touch of cocoa powder on the long , steady finish . Soft tannins create a silky mouthfeel . A wonderfully seductive wine that way overdelivers for its price point . ($ 15 )
( 92 ) Famiglia Castellani Sangiovese 2016 ( Italy ). Always a solid wine and great value , this new vintage hits it out of the park . Dark red cherry and crushed blueberries fill the mouth with a slightly more modern feel . Showing great balance , the finish is sprinkled with dried herbs and subtle spices . An amazing value makes this an every day wine that would love to be paired with pizza , or dressed up for short ribs . ($ 16 )
( 92 ) Larchago , “ Izarbe ” Rioja Reserva , 2011 ( Spain ). Very aromatic and easy to love . Aromas of dill , coconut and Malibu invite . Seamless and lengthy , with flavors of leather , tobacco and dark fruits . ($ 26 )
FOUR STARS
( 91 ) Frecobaldi Rèmole Toscana Rosso 2019 ( Italy ). Year after year , this
wine does not disappoint . A blend of mostly sangiovese with just a dash of cabernet sauvignon for structure , the wine is soft and fruity , but has enough backbone to stand up to substantial dishes . ($ 12 )
( 91 ) Barba Vasari Montepulciano D ’ Abruzzo DOC 2020 ( Italy ). Dark cherry and bright raspberry notes shine , while grippy textured tannins give complexity . The wine is full of fun and long-lasting energy that overdelivers . ($ 13 )
( 91 ) Bougrier ‘ V ’ 2020 ( France ). Honeysuckle and peach flavors are well layered and succulent . The backbone of this wine is the acidity that brings it all together and gives the wine all its refreshing charm . ($ 17 )
( 91 ) L ’ Auratae Nero d ’ Avola 2020 ( Italy ). Red fruit and herbal notes on the nose carry to the palate with the addition of slight hints of leather . It all melds beautifully with the energetic mouthfeel and smooth texture . ($ 14 )
( 91 ) Bougrier Rose d ’ Anjou 2020 ( France ). Fresh and fun strawberry and raspberry notes enhance the crisp , refreshing characteristics . The slight sweetness , acidity and bright fruit add a notable finish to this wine . ($ 14.99 )
( 91 ) Luc Pirlet Rosé 2020 ( France ). Crisp and clean with dashes of cherry and raspberry that dance along the palate so you can taste the rosé identity . Interesting energetic texture is the backbone of
this wine and gives it a fun nature . ($ 13 )
( 91 ) Dolia Cannonau di Sardegna 2020 ( Italy ). Ripe black cherry , herbal , with meaty notes are at the centerstage of this wine . It is rich , dry , elegant , and has a polished feel with dark fruit lingering on the impressive finish . ($ 17 )
( 91 ) Bellini Chianti 2020 ( Italy ). Fresh red-fruit focused , with a hint of a rustic edge to the secondary flavors . The deep cherry notes are intense on the nose and palate , making the enjoyable nature of this chianti plain and interesting . ($ 13 )
( 90 ) Dominique et Jeanine Crochet Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ( France ). If you can stop sniffing this wine , you might actually move on to the luxurious palate of stone fruit , mineral and citrus . Fill up your wine safe with this one ! ($ 24 )
( 89 ) Hecht & Bannier Minnervois 2015 ( France ). Mostly syrah with grenache . Meaty and peppery with dried herbs and violets . Dark-fruit driven on a polished mouthfeel with bright disposition that makes this wine a pleasure to drink . ($ 22 )
( 88 ) Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco Grasparossa Amabile NV ( Italy ). Playful bubbles from a secondary tank fermentation . Aromas and flavors of rose , ripe strawberry , balsamic and a grapey sweetness . A wonderful wine and food pairing with parmigiana cheese and delicious with carbonara . ($ 15 )
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