This Spring more than ever, considering the current state of affairs around the world, we all need plenty of delicious wine to drink. As always, I’ve tasted a lot of different offerings of late. Some I first sampled while I participated in virtual tastings, others I popped open on their own and a few I simply drank with meals. I’m fairly certain my cats think I drink too much, but that’s a different story for another day. A few things tie this group of wines together. First and most importantly they’re delicious. They’re all appropriate for Spring. Even the ones whose grapes might make you think of heavier wines at first, are at most medium bodied. Regardless of their price point they represent excellent or better value. And finally with just a couple of exceptions, most of them are widely available on store shelves. All of them can certainly be ordered online, which is where many of us are purchasing our wine these days.
Bodegas Paniza 2017 Vinas Viejas Garnacha ($13)
This Garnacha was produced from vines with up to 100 years of age on them. From the first whiff to the last sip red and black fruits rule the day. Bits of dusty baker’s chocolate are evident on the finish. This is a delicious Garnacha with a surprisingly soft yet lush mouthfeel. At around $13 it’s a great value for everyday drinking.
Francois Montand Brut Blanc de Blanc NV ($15)
These bubbles are composed of Colombard, Ugni Blanc, and Chardonnay. Citrus and yeast on the nose lead the way orchard fruits, spice and a hint of crème fraiche. It’s more elegant and has greater depth than the price would suggest. In short, it’s a steal.
Tenuta Sant’Antonio 2018 “Nanfrè” Valpolicella DOC ($15)
This tasty, light bodied Valpolicella is composed of Corvina (70%), and Rondinella (30%). It’s juicy and fresh with red raspberry and plum flavors leading the charge. Subtle bits of savory herbs are present as well alongside tiny hints of leather. Don’t be shy about serving this with a little bit of a chill on it.
Two Angels 2018 Sauvignon Blanc ($17)
This Lake County Sauvignon Blanc was made by Bob Pepi, a Napa legend. It’s a classic example of Lake County Sauvignon Blanc. That means big aromatics with citrus upfront, grass, stone fruit, and granny smith apple on the palate. The finish is crisp and acid rich. If you’re a big salad for dinner sort of person, you’ll find this Sauvignon Blanc to be a more than worthy dance partner.
Leda, The Truffle Hunter 2018 Barbera d’Asti D.O.C.G. ($18)
Leda the Truffle Hunter is composed entirely of Barbera. If you’re looking for a well priced, and tasty selection as a go to for red sauce dishes, here it is. Red cherry and strawberry aromas lead to those characteristics reverberating on the palate alongside bits of black peppercorn and a dusting of baker’s chocolate. Racy acid is a key reason this wine will work so well with tomato based dishes. If you open this with Sunday Supper, I suggest two bottles, the first one tends to disappear quickly.
Alma de Cattleya 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir ($20)
This Sonoma County Rosé is entirely Pinot Noir. This is a beautiful Rosé, and that begins with the attractive packaging and lovely salmon hue of the wine. Ripe wild strawberry aromas nearly explode from the glass. Red fruit continues on the palate along with grapefruit and peach flavors. The finish is long, and refreshing with zippy acid. A shared trait of my favorite Rosé’s is that they practically beg me back to the glass for additional sips, that’s the case here.
Laetitia 2018 Arrroyo Grande Valley Estate Pinot Noir ($27)
Impressive Pinot Noir under $30 is an elusive category. They do exist, but much like Leprechauns’, good luck catching one. I’m happy to report that 5,500 cases exist of this Arroyo Grande Valley, Estate Pinot Noir from Latetia exist. Red cherries, cinnamon spice and references to graham cracker crust abound. Racy acid and wisps of savory herbs are at play too. This is a fruity, ripe wine that’s also acid rich and proportionate. It’s a lovely example of Pinot Noir at a price than won’t break the bank.
Experience 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($30)
10,000 cases exist of this Napa Cab and I suggest you go grab some for your stash. $30 doesn’t buy you much when it comes to Cabernet in Napa Valley. This one out distances its weight class by a fair piece. 24% of it was barrel fermented and aged, the balance more traditionally fermented in stainless steel. The result is an approachable Cabernet loaded with black leaning fruit, spice and yielding tannins. Bits of chicory emerge on the finish which is above average in length. If you like Napa Cab, here’s one to drink while the brawnier bottles in your cellar age.
Alara 2018 Viognier ($31)
Just 110 cases were produced of this stainless steel fermented Viognier. It’s available online, through the winery. Things open with stunning stone fruit aromas, buttressed by interspersed tropical fruits and hints of vanilla. Those elements continue on the palate alongside tangerine and meter lemon. Wisps of mesquite honey and peppercorn emerge on the mellifluous finish.
Ehlers Estate 2019 Sylviane Rosé ($32)
This St. Helena Rosé is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), and Cabernet Franc (40%). Truthfully those are not grapes I generally think of for Rosé, at all. But tasting a wine far outweighs any preconceived notions, and this one is tasty. It’s a smidgen darker than the Rosé of my mind’s eye, but not significantly so. From the first whiff the Sylviane Rosé is stuffed with cheery red fruits in the form of raspberry and strawberry. Those carry through the palate alongside hints of orange zest, stone fruit and a dollop of cream. The finish is crisp and refreshing.
Lucia 2018 Chardonnay ($45)
This Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay is impressive from the word go. It’s composed entirely of Estate fruit from the Pisoni Family’s property. What winemaker Jeff Pisoni did is shepherd a Chardonnay that got fruit, depth, and complexity all day, with spices too. The oak makes its presence felt, but not obtrusively. The kicker though is the to die for finish! It’s a delicious wine all around, but the length, depth and persistence of finish make this an outstanding wine and outrageously good value.
And please check put the video below where I talk about each of the wines briefly.