Domaine Henry Fessy 2007 Morgon
Take everything you ever thought about Beaujolais and put it aside. This Beaujolais Cru is a standout, with structure, fruit, and terroir to burn. $13.99, and a blockbuster for the price.
though
Nimbus Estate 2006 Syrah “Single Vineyard,” Casablanca
A nose of super ripe, concentrated blackberry and plum, cigar smoke, cedar, grilled meat, and a touch of alcohol heat lead the way to a red-berry-fruit palate buttressed by fine-grained tannins, …
Katharina and Helmut Gangl 2003 Zweigelt
Velvety smooth nose, like a cross between the game of syrah and the smoke of Sangiovese, all of it brightened up nicely by ripe, red berry fruit. White pepper flavors take …
Mondavi 1991 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
From the moment I opened the bottle, this wine was one surprise after another. The color didn’t imply that the juice was 16 years old, and the nose, though redolent of the subtle aromas of leather and tobacco, developed a cinnamon-rolled blackberry character after a few minutes of air. And while the palate started off slowly, it blossomed into a stately mouthful of dried violets and apricots, with still-velvety tannins and a solid acid balance keeping it all alive. It certainly would have been better a year or two ago–or longer–but it was still hanging in there and giving plenty of pleasure.
Langlois NV Cremant de Loire
We’ve mentioned this sparkler before, but it seems especially relevant when too many people spend too much money on name-brand bubblies that deliver a fraction of what their price tag implies. …
Domaine Gauby 2004 “Les Calcinaires” Cotes du Roussillon Villages
Rustic and classically styled, this wine is certainly not for everyone. However, its deep-rooted sense of place and authenticity will make it irresistible to lovers of old-fashioned Languedoc-Roussillon bottlings. The nose …
Gary Farrell 2003 Zinfandel Maple Vineyard Tina’s Block
Classic aromas of peppercorns and crushed, ripe red berry fruit, followed by a mid-palate rich with the flavors of figs and dark berries. Despite all this richness and depth, though, it’s …
Disznoko 2006 Tokaji Dry Furmint
Unusual? Absolutely. But this is a wine that should be far more well-known than it is. For the time being, though, take advantage of the disparity between the price ($13.99) and …
Elvio Cogno 1999 Montegrillo Langhe Rosso
Elvio Cogno’s established his reputation in Piedmont long before he purchased his own property in Novello. His mark had been made at the renowned Marcarini estate in La Morra, bridging the …
B. Levet 2003 “La Chavaroche” Cote Rotie
Typical of the hot 2003 vintage, the nose here is all raisin-y black currants, cherry liqueur, and high-toned spice, as well as a pronounced black peppercorn bite. It actually reminds me, …
Le Printemps 2006 Rose, Mendocino County
Though the blend is pinot noir (80%) and syrah (20%), both of them play together beautifully on the nose, which is rich with aromas of game, earth, damp leaves, roses, and …
Der Kufs 2005 Spatburgunder QbA
I could spend all day sniffing a glass of this stuff–the nose is a beautiful combination of wild strawberries and rose petals, yet it’s in no way cloyingly perfume-y. The palate, …