Great
Wines When You're Grilling Part II: Shrimp
The
summer cookout is a staple of the season (something
almost as American as apple pie), and especially if you're near
the ocean or just wish you were, shrimp fresh off the grill
can be extra savory. Now, since nothing elevates a hearty meal
like the right bottle of wine, and there are a lot of great
small-production wineries making top-notch stuff, we figure,
why not enhance the tradition of the American cookout with some
boutique, uniquely American wines? Here are some great options
for when you're grilling shrimp:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Vina
Robles 2014 "White 4" Blend
Winery:
Vina Robles
Grape(s): 54% Viognier, 22% Vermentino,
15% Verdello, & 9% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of mango, peach, passion fruit, and white blossoms
rises up from a glass. A sip reveals flavors of tropical
fruit and white peach along with floral and honeyed accents.
A welcoming acidity and inviting flavors make this a very
approachable wine that will compliment grilled shrimp
nicely. 5008 cases produced.
Rating: 88 |
|
Zenaida
2012 Grenache
Winery:
Zenaida Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Grenache
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromas of raspberries, strawberries, and boysenberries
meld with suggestions of vanilla, herbs, and leather on
the nose. Flavors of red and black berries interweave
with nuances of cola, bacon, and spring flowers on the
palate. A light, yet fairly lively red, open a bottle
if you're enjoying grilled shrimp brushed with a mild
BBQ sauce. 211 cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Cass
2014 Viognier
Winery:
Cass
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
Fragrances of peach, tropical fruit, floral perfume, and
candied pineapple greet the senses. The palate offers
flavors of pineapple, peach, and crisp pear that unfold
into traces of lemon candy, honeysuckle, and minerals.
Rich and complex, pair it with a fairly basic seasoning
to highlight all its character. 1,000 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Comanche
Cellars 2013 Chardonnay
Winery:
Comanche Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Arroyo Seco, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of pears, peaches, and nectarines mingle with
notes of buttered toast, sweet spice, and lemon zest on
the nose. Pineapple, peach and pear flavors emerge on
the palate alongside whispers of dried coconut, buttery
oak, and baking spice. Fans of lush, layered Chardonnay
will enjoy this bottle. 150 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
Cambiata
2014 Albariño
Winery:
Cambiata
Grape(s): 100% Albariño
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
Peaches, pears, and tropical fruits meld with suggestions
of spring flowers and honey on the nose. Stone and tropical
fruit come forth on the palate along with floral and mineral
nuances. Mouth-filling and rich, it would pair nicely
with grilled shrimp. 350 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Midnight
Cellars 2012 "Aurora" Blend
Winery:
SMidnight Cellars
Grape(s): 40% Viognier 20% Picpoul Blanc
20% Grenache Blanc & 20% Marsanne
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
The nose offers aromas of peaches, pears, and citrus fruit
that combine with floral and honeyed allusions. A sip
delivers flavors of peach, pear, and tangerine that unfurl
into hints of honeysuckle and citrus zest. Round with
a chalky, floral character, pair a bottle with grilled
coconut shrimp. 245 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
Eberle
2014 Viognier
Winery:
Eberle
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
Aromatics of mango, passion fruit, and peach come together
with notes of honeysuckle on the nose. With a sip, flavors
of tropical and stone fruits integrate with whispers of
honey, sweet spice, and orange blossoms. A luscious wine,
with a friendly acidity, enjoy a glass with grilled shrimp
in a herb-butter sauce. 1,293 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Lula
Cellars 2014 "Rosato" Rosé
Winery:
Lula Cellars
Grape(s): Pinot Noir & Tempranillo
Region: Mendocino, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of strawberry, watermelon, herbs, and clove
greets the senses. The palate offers flavors of strawberries
and cherries that interweave with traces of rosemary,
minerals, and nutmeg. Bright and fruit driven, enjoy a
bottle with grilled shrimp in an Asian marinade. 300 cases
were made.
Rating: 88 |
Note:
Wines rated with a "+" have not yet reached their
peak quality but will do so over the next few years
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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