Valdipiatta 2010 Chianti Colli Senesi
Colli Senesi is the wine region surrounding the Tuscan town of Siena. Two of Chianti’s top wine regions –Montepulciano and Montalcino– are located there. Valdipiatta is a well regarded producer of Vino …
value
Domaine Cordier 2011 St Veran “en Faux”
White Burgundy Wine Review Cordier is known as a modern winemaker in a region -Burgundy-that often than not, values tradition. One of his signatures is a lavish use of new oak, …
Bodega 2010 El Agosto Bierzo
Spanish Wine Review A beautiful bottling of old vine Mencia grapes. A nose of garrigue with pain grillé, basil, and dark berry. On the palate, rich fruit and savage elements dominate. …
Terre Da Vino 2005 “Essenze” Barolo
This is a under-the-radar Barolo negotiant that deserves a bit of attention. The price point is excellent for this level of Barolo. Blended from a few of the top vineyards in …
Vinos Sin-Ley 2009 “Puerta Bonita” (G5), Vino de Madrid
One of the more confusingly named wines, the G5 is an awesome example of quality and value. An enveloping bottle of fruity goodness with a tooth-staining quality that will draw quite …
Graham’s 1991 Porto
Okay, so at $89.99, this doesn’t exactly fall into the value category of holiday wines. But remember, it’s also 17 years old. So when you do the math, that’s a mere …
Domaine de Saumarez 2004 “Aalenien,” Coteaux du Languedoc
When the weather turns cold, rich reds from warmer climes are often best. And this one, a Syrah-Grenache blend, fits the bill perfectly. It shows exactly why the reds of Languedoc …
Jean-Claude Thevenet et Fils 2006 St.-Veran Clos de l’Ermitage Cuvee Vieilles Vignes
A distinctive nose of wet riverbank stones with just the slightest citrus lift leads to a surprisingly generous mid-palate rich with lemon oil. That stoniness and minerality come back on the …
Chateau Beaumont 2005 Haut Medoc
Exactly what I want for a mid-level Bordeaux. Mineral and rustic cedar notes are juxtaposed with fresh black fruit notes. The eucalyptus in the finish seals the deal. Lovely now but …
Olivares Altos De La Hoya 2005 Monastrell
For the past three vintages, The Altos has been a unique & consistent great value. I am glad to see the trend continues. On the nose, a distinct minerality is coupled …
Chateau Bouscaut 2005 Pessac Léognan
Extraordinary value for a Grand Cru Classé des Graves. Exceptionally full-bodied, this wine has the tannic structure and acidity to cellar for at least a decade. After being decanted for six …
Markham 2003 Zinfandel, Napa Valley
Soft & fleshy with a core of fresh raspberries and a grapey nose of black pepper. An excellent value for zin.
Cono Sur 2007 “20 Barrels” Pinot Noir, Casablanca Valley
The best value in Pinot Noir I have seen. This offers classic loam and floral notes in a very bright and friendly format. Dense and round, it still manages to remain …
Borsao 2004 Tres Picos Grenacha
I last wrote about the “Tres Picos” three years ago (in the December ’01 Newsletter) and my option has remained the same regardless of the vintage: this is an amazing value. …