Wines
of the Week: Springtime Sips
Spring
is officially here, and with the arrival of more sunny days,
it's ideal to have some light, bright wines to sip on. Well,
we've come across a handful of bottles, enticingly priced at
$15 or less, which are perfect to open on a warm afternoon or
evening. Cheers!
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Yalumba
2016 Viognier
Winery:
Yalumba
Grape(s): Viognier
Region: Eden Valley, California
Year: 2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
The nose weaves together aromas of apricots, banana, and
peaches with traces of ginger and white blossoms. A lush
mouth-feel frames flavors of apricot, peach, and tropical
fruit that meld with hints of orange blossoms and ginger
on the palate. Nice and round with a balanced acidity,
open a bottle when serving creamy (coconut milk based)
Indian dishes.
Rating: 90 |
|
Wente
2017 "Morning Fog" Chardonnay
Winery:
Wente
Grape(s): 98%
Chardonnay & 2% Gewurztraminer
Region: Livermore
Valley, California
Year:
2017
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Aromatics of pears, lemons, and pineapples mingle among
expressions of toasty vanilla and white blossoms on the
nose. The palate takes shape with flavors of pear, lemon,
and pineapple leading the way before hints of vanilla,
toasty oak, and spring flowers follow. Focused fruit and
subtle barrel influence lead to a balance of flavors and
clean acidity.
Rating: 89 |
|
Maddalena
2018 Rose
Winery:
Maddalena
Grape(s): Graciano,
Syrah, Primitivo, and Grenache
Region: Paso Robles, California
Year:
2018
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
One is drawn into a glass by aromas of peaches, pomegranates,
and strawberries. A lively acidity frames flavors of mango,
cranberry, and strawberry along with hints of minerals
and spring flowers. A robust, mouthwatering Rose, it's
may not be for fans of Provence, but fans of a bolder
style will really enjoy.
Rating: 90 |
|
Carius
2016 Cairanne
Winery:
Carius
Grape(s): 70%
Grenache, 20% Carignan, & 10% Syrah
Region: Catalanes, France
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromatics of plums, dark cherries, and blackberries mingle
among suggestions of spice, violets, and minerals on the
nose. The palate offers up flavors of cherry, raspberry,
and plum that unfold into nuances of herbs, spice, and
spring flowers. Polished tannins and nice fruit make this
a very approachable wine.
Rating: 91 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|