WEEKEND WINE PICKS
Seven Terraces Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $18.99 I 87/100
UPC: 9419453008012 Look for a typical, refreshing Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that gets your attention with lively citrus, citrus rind fruit laced with intense passion fruit, and spiced with jalapeño. The attack is a yin and yang sweet and sour affair that is ready to drink. Best served with steamed mussels, asparagus dishes, and cream cheese.
Meiomi Pinot Noir 2017, Monterey-santa Barbara-sonoma, California $21.99 I 87/100
UPC: 855165005076 There is no denying this wine is sweet by California Pinot standards, but in 2017 there is a semblance of balance in richness and added acidity here. The nose is open with notes of raspberry compote, licorice, vanilla and toasted oak. The palate is soft with intense boysenberry fruit, mocha, cream and more vanilla. Now under the watchful eye of talented winemaker Melissa Stackhouse. Ready to drink and $7 off this month.
Felino Malbec 2018, Mendoza, Argentina $20.99 I 89/100
UPC: 897941000974 Felino is a rambunctious Malbec made with a mix of fruit from the Valle de Uco and Lujan de Cuyo. Big dark plums, crushed raspberries, black licorice and supple mid-palate are balanced with oak and soft, lightly smoky tannins. A winter stew would be the match.
Luce della Vite La Vite Lucente Sangiovese — Merlot 2017, Tuscany, Italy $35.99 I 90/100
UPC: 8002366000931 Lucente is termed a second wine, but this blend of Merlot and Sangiovese is much more than that. 2017 was a perfect year, from a fresh, crisp spring to a dry summer, with only a little helping rain before harvest to freshen the fruit. The nose is fragrant with notes of wild strawberries, black raspberries, and spice that tumble onto its toasty, silky, umami-laden red fruit palate. There is a slight tug of tannin, but you can easily enjoy this now with steak or chicken. Hold or drink. Love the balance.
Il Fauno di Arcanum 2014, Tuscany, Italy $36.99 I 91/100
UPC: 850202002247 Il Fauno is a Bordeaux-style red blend. The style is generally lush but with that characteristic Tuscan earthy, spicy, herbaceous undercurrent. Our tasting revealed a fresh, wild, berry nose flecked with floral highlights. The style is soft; the tannins sweet, all contributing to the deliciousness of the blend. The blend is 72/20/4/4 Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Osso Buco, anyone?