French and Californian rosés, plus an ‘almost perfect’ cabernet make our tasting panel’s list.
This week, tasting panel recommends ‘rich and aromatic’ rosé
DRINK PINK! 2016 Château Vignelaure Rosé
Overall score: 18.4 (8.9 for quality, 9.5 for value)
Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with three scores of 9 or higher. “Rich and aromatic with a dry, tart finish. A classic Provençal rosé.” My score: 8.9. “Tangy citrus and strawberry/ raspberry flavors.” Alcohol: 13 percent
Blend: Grenache (40 percent), syrah (30) and cabernet sauvignon (30)
Winery/vineyards: “The Vineyard of the Sacred Spring,” covering 145 acres just north of Aix-en-Provence, belongs to Georges Brunet, who previously owned the classed-growth Château La Lagune in Bordeaux, and is well known for the high quality of its organically grown red grapes. The estate sits at 1,000 to 1,400 feet elevation and is surrounded by hills, creating a unique micro-climate. The soil is a mix of limestone and gravel.
Winemaking: Grapes for this rosé are specially selected in the vineyard and harvested at the ideal stage for rosé with bright flavors and high acidity.
Wine Enthusiast awarded a score of 94. “This is one of the classics among Provence rosés. It’s structured and age-worthy. Rich and full of red fruits.”
Pairings: Salad Niçoise, melon and prosciutto, hummus
Price: $22.69 at Spec’s
RED OF THE WEEK 2013 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Merlot
Overall score: 18.9 (8.9 for quality, 10 for value)
Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with a high score of 9.1. “Plummy ripe fruit.” My score: 8.9. “Heady nose. Round and full-bodied.” Alcohol: 15 percent
Blend: Merlot (90 percent), cabernet franc (3), syrah (3), malbec (2), cabernet sauvignon (1), petit verdot (1)
Winery/vineyards: Robert Mondavi established his namesake winery in 1966. Just under 60 percent of the fruit for this merlot came from the predominantly volcanic soil of the Stag Leap’s District, where low yields favor elegance and intensity and create wines with a fleshy mouthfeel. Oak Knoll, Carneros, Atlas Peak and Rutherford grapes also are included in the blend.
Winemaking: Not quite half of the juice is fermented in Frenchoak tanks, and the rest went into stainless-steel tanks. After 18 days of maceration, it was transferred to 60-gallon French oak barrels (4 percent new) for maloactic fermentation and 17 months of aging.
Winemaker notes: “Deep black plum, cassis, violet, fresh dark earth and herb flavors flow seamlessly on a silky palate to a deliciously long, velvety finish. A complex, yet easily approachable wine, combining concentration, rich texture and drinkability.”
Pairings: Grilled beef, lamb. Roast pork loin and chicken
Price: $19.89 at Spec’s
ALSO RECOMMENDED 2014 Beringer Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Overall score: 19 (9 for quality, 10 for value)
Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with a high score of 9.3. “Raspberries, Bing cherries and beet root. Round and fleshy.” My score: 9. “Tasty and nicely structured.” Alcohol: 14.9 percent. Beringer is known for its great house in St. Helena and Napa Valley vineyards, but the fruit for this pinot noir is sourced from a variety of high-quality Sonoma Coast vineyards.
Price: $23.99 at Spec’s
2015 Château St. Jean Bijou California Rosé
Overall score: 18.9 (8.9 for quality, 10 for value)
Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with a high score of 9.2. “Tart cherries, earthy.” My score: 8.9. “Fresh, crisp and fruity. Easy drinking.” Alcohol: 12.8 percent. Bijou means “jewel.” The winery is in Sonoma, but the fruit is sourced from a variety of sites around California.
Price: $10.99 at Spec’s
AVAILABLE ONLINE 2012 Allegrini Amarone
Overall score: 17.5 (9 for quality, 8.5 for value) Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with three scores of 9. “Thick and chewy. Crispy red fruit.” My score: 9. “Spicy and peppery, herbal. Red currants.” Alcohol: 15.5 percent. The Allegrini estate is in Fumane di Valpolicella (“valley of many cellars”) just north of Verona. $79.99 from wine.com
2013 Dutcher Crossing Taylor Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Overall score: 19.1 (9.1 for quality, 10 for value)
Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with a high score of 9.4. “Expressive fruit and tannins.” My score: 9.3. “Almost perfect cab. Big but elegant, too.” Alcohol: 15.3 percent. Debra Mathy’s boutique winery is in Dry Creek Valley. $48 from dutchercrossingwinery.com