Non vintage Mont Paral Cava Brut Penedes (Spain) – blend of Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada grapes
Lively, with decent length. Citrus accents fill out the dough and cereal notes in this light, round sparkling wine. Wine SpectatorThe Non-Vintage Brut, made from 2009 fruit, is a straightforward offering with a pleasant nose of yeasty minerals and white fruits, just off-dry flavors, and modest length. Drink it over the next 12-18 months. The new releases from Canals Nadal are all worthy of recommendation. Wine Advocate
2009 Alta Plata Verdejo DO Rueda (Spain) – Verdejo grape
Bodegas Antaño is a family owned winery located in the town of Rueda, in the heart of old Castile. The owner is Jose Luis Ruiz Solaguren, the founder of the “Jose Luis” chain of tapas restaurants famous throughout Spain. The winery is a genuine museum setting with thousands of meters of restored centenary underground galleries. Verdejo as a grape varietal has gained momentum in recent years and is now enjoying very strong demand both domestically in Spain and internationally. For us, Alta Plata is one of the best examples of the varietal, with unmatched crispness and citrus flavors. “Bright yellow. Pure, vibrant aromas of lemon thyme, pear and white pepper. Zesty and pure on the palate, with citrus and orchard fruit flavors joined by a suggestion of herbs. The finish is slightly hard-edged, but this is refreshing and very easy to drink.” INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR
2007 Villa Maria Pinot Gris Marlborough Private Bin (New Zealand) – Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio grape
Aromas of green and red apple, quince and spicy pear notes feature on the nose. On the palate the wine is soft and textured, leading into a balanced and dry styled finish. villamaria.co.nz
2008 Ave Torrontes Mendoza (Argentina) – Torrontes grape
“Pale yellow. Floral aromas of melon, mango, jasmine and rose petal. Juicy, clean, dry and on the lean side, with ripe acidity carrying the flavors of this subtle, understated wine. Finishes with enticing aromatic character.” Rated 88 International Wine Cellar
2009 Voss Vineyards Estate Sauvignon Blanc (California) – Sauvignon Blanc grape
The Voss Sauvignon Blanc displays classic varietal aromas, flavor and texture. Aromas of lemon peel, grapefruit and pineapple combine with a hint of spice and mineral, leading to a delightful combination of intense and exotic fruit flavors across the palate. The wine shows a lovely fullness in the palate from the skin contact before pressing and the lingering finish is bright and crisp. vossvineyards.com
2009 St. Urbans-Hof Riesling Mosel-Saar-Ruwer (Germany) – Riesling grape
The St. Urbans-Hof estate 2009 Riesling demonstrates the synergy of blending fruit (much of it from old vines) grown in Wiltingen on the Saar with that of Leiwen on the Mosel. Ripe apple and apricot tinged with wood smoke and crushed stone run from the nose; across a polished palate; to a generously juicy, subtly sweet finish. Plan to enjoy this over the next 3-4 years. Rated 87 The Wine Advocate “The wines of 2009 have elegance, expression and power. The minerality is almost sparkling. The acidity is ripe but still crisp. The flavors are complex, ripe and well developed. These wines promise to be the most age-worthy of the decade.”