2008 Inama Vin Soave Classico (Italy) – Garganega grape
“The 2008 Soave Classico makes a great introduction to the Inama house style. Smoke, minerals, flowers and peaches come together in a mid-weight yet richly-textured style. As is often the case, Inama’s Soave Classico delivers tons of value for the money.” Inama makes some of the richest whites in Veneto readers are likely to come across. The top bottlings (Soave Vigneto di Foscarino and Vigneto du Lot) are aged in French oak and see frequent batnonnage (stirring of the fine lees), which gives the wines much of their signature depth. All of the Soaves are 100% Garganega.” Rated 89 The Wine Advocate
2008 Cantina di Monteforte Soave Re Teodorico (Italy) – Garganega grape
“Le uve vengono vendemmiate a cavallo tra Settembre ed Ottobre;dopo una pressatura soffice con presse discontinue a polmone ed una decantazione statica, il mosto viene posto a fermentare in acciaio a temperatura controllata. In questo modo mantiene tutta la sua fragranza e persistenza olfattiva.” Loosely translated: The grapes are harvested by horse in September and October. After a soft pressing (of the grapes) the juice is fermented and this done under controlled temperatures. In this way it maintains all of its fragrance and olfactory persistence. Cantina di Monteforte Winery
2007 Descendientes de Jose Palacios Petalos del Bierzo (Spain) – Mencia grape
“The entry-level wine (what an entry!) is the 2007 Petalos del Bierzo, 100% Mencia from vineyards ranging in age from 40 to 90 years. It spends its first few weeks in new French barriques before transfer to seasoned oak for 6 to 10 months. Saturated purple in color, it offers up a super-fragrant bouquet of smoke, violets, mineral, wild blueberry, and black raspberry. Fruity yet complex on the palate, it has superb depth, grip, and balance. This sexy effort can be enjoyed over the next six years but only hedonists need apply. Descendientes de Jose Palacios’ first vintage was 1999. The men in charge are Ricardo Perez and legendary vigneron Alvaro Palacios.” Rated 92 The Wine Advocate
2007 Cedro do Noval Vinho Regional Duriense (Portugal) – 35% Syrah, 30% Touriga Nacional, 25% Touriga Franca, & 10% Tinto Cao grape“Very pure-tasting, with elegant cherry, plum and smoked meat flavors. Raspberry, olive and savory herb fill the chiseled finish. Shows real pedigree, with fine tannins and plenty of power.” Rated 92 Wine Spectator Rated 89 The Wine Advocate
2005 The Winemakers Collection Cuvee No. 1 Michel Rolland Haut-Medoc Bordeaux (France) – Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon grape“This is the first release of a special project of Jeremy Renard and the proprietor of Chateau d’Arsac in Margaux. Under Renard’s guidance, each year a single vineyard parcel from Chateau d’Arsac is completely controlled by a single, world-renowned winemaker. Michel Rolland launched the project, and he has been followed by other luminaries in the wine world. Rolland had the good fortune to benefit from an excellent vintage, and the result is a 5,000-case lot of sensational wine. The 2005 possesses a forward, voluptuous style, so it will have early appeal, but don’t discount its potential to last 15-20 years. It offers a dense ruby/purple hue along with a smoky perfume of sweet cherries, blackberries, roasted coffee, and a hint of tobacco leaf. There is a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, and wood in this complete, full-bodied wine. The finish lasts for 35-40 seconds. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years.” Rated 93 The Wine Advocate