Tasting panel’s picks include Italian reds, Napa chardonnay WOW! WINE
PICK OF THE WEEK
2014 Palazzo della Torre Overall score: 19.1 (9.1 for quality, 10 for value) Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with five scores of at least 9. “Round, ripe mix of red and black fruit.” My score: 9. “Deep ruby in color. Smoky, intense.”
Varietal/blend: Mostly corvina and rondinella with a little sangiovese added in. Alcohol: 13.5 percent.
Winery/vineyards/winemaking: The Allegrinis’ known roots in Valpolicella date to the 16th century, and the modern winery goes back three generations. The vineyard surrounds the Villa della Torre, a Renaissance masterpiece now owned by the family. After the early fall harvest, a small percentage of the grapes are left out to dry until December, then added to the previously vinified grapes. Hence, it’s a ripasso.
Winemaker notes: “A velvety, wellbalanced red wine that proffers mature, pulpy fruit flavors.”
Critical acclaim: Wine Enthusiast awarded a score of 91.
Pairings: Pastas with amatriciana and carbonara sauces, baked lasagna, gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese and walnuts; grilled meats and roasts. Medium-matured cheeses, especially parmigiano reggiano and pecorino.
Price: $16.97 at Spec’s
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2016 Mauro Sebaste Parigi Nebbiolo d’Alba Overall score: 19 (9 for quality, 10 for value)
Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with four scores of at least 9. “Lots and lots and lots of tannins
but also fruity.” My score: 9.2. “Checks all the boxes for a non-Barolo nebbiolo.” Made from sourced nebbiolo grown in the limestone and calcareous soils of Alba and Diano d’Alba, it was aged for 12 to 14 months in large tonneaux, 60 American and 40 percent French oak. Alcohol: 15 percent.
Price: $22.99 at Total Wine 2016 The Snitch Chardonnay Overall score: 18 (9 for quality, 9 for value)
Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with four scores of at least 9. “Apples and pears with a soft, minerally finish.” My score: 9. “Fat and oaky but also nice minerality. Something for everyone here.” From the California makers of The Prisoner — get the connection? — the grapes are sourced from both Oak Knoll and Carneros. There’s a touch of roussanne blended in to add intrigue. Aging takes place in French oak, 35 percent new. Alcohol: 14.5 percent.
Price: $34.99 at Total Wine 2015 Super Tinto Red Blend Overall score: 19 (9 for quality, 10 for value) Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with four scores of at least 9. “Red fruits. Spicy on the midpalate with a smooth finish.” My score: 9.2. “Big wine with layers of expressive flavor.” From the Crew Wine Company’s Matchbook lineup, it’s a kitchen-sink melding of tempranillo, tannat, petit verdot and graciano grown on the winery’s estate in Dunnigan Hills, on the opposite side of the Vacas Mountains from Napa Valley. Alcohol: 13.9 percent.
Price: $21.99 at matchbookwinestore.com 2012 Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Fiore I often stumble into wines that seduce my taste buds but haven’t passed through the official Chronicle tasting panel’s vetting process. This singlevineyard Barbi Brunello, sampled during a recent wine dinner at Backstreet Cafe, is one. Forewarning: only 3,900 bottles were made, so quantities are limited.
My score: 9.5. “Voluptuous fruit. Many layers of intense flavors. Long, satisfying finish.”
Winemaker notes: “Intense ruby red in color, offering aromas of ripe cherry, amber, vanilla and clove. On the palate it has a complex and velvety texture. Elegant with silky tannins.”
Critical acclaim: Wine Spectator awarded a score of 94, and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave it a 93.
Price: $117.50 for a bottle purchased through AOC/The Texas Wine School (713-828-7767) or email info@terroirgroupwine.com. Six Barbi wines, all enticing, are available through AOC starting at $21.50.