USA & Central America
USA GOLD White 95 Marimar Estate, La Masía Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California 2019 (14%)
£38 Liquorice Wine, Paul Adams Vibrant nose of apple and pear with hints of reduction. Brilliant upfront oak spice, fine vanilla and custard cream. Big and bold with pleasing length and complexity on the finish.
95 Scott Peterson, SP Drummer Chardonnay, Petaluma Gap, California 2020 (14.3%)
US$42.99 Naked Wines
Lean nose, layered fruits of yellow apple, quince, mango and melon with hints of struck match. Ripe pear and red apple with honey, lees and cream on the palate with crisp acid and toasty oak. Long and vibrant.
GOLD Red 96 Tolosa, Primera, Edna Valley, California 2019 (13.4%)
Snappy savoury red cherry, raspberry and violet, delicate herbal aromatics and vanilla pod. Complex flavours of pomegranate and red berries shine through on the palate. Very long, fine finish, subdued oak and replays of forest fruit. Absolutely delicious, can age.
95 Ana Diogo-Draper, Touriga Nacional, Amador County, California 2020 (14.1%)
US$28.99 Naked Wines
Aromas of spicy dark purple and black fruit, huckleberry compote and perfumed floral notes. Has an airy lightness and length on the palate that is surprising for the dense nose. Pure and surprisingly ethereal.
95 Chronic Cellars, Sir Real Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California 2020 (14.5%)
£14.99 Majestic
US$17.99 B21, K&L, Rye Brook, Yiannis Wine, Zachys
Layers of black plum, cherry, blackcurrant and bramble fruit, with toast, clove spice and lovely peppermint aromas. Concentrated cassis palate, beginning to show some gamey notes. Linear structure but with ample mid-palate fruit.
95 Masotti, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa County, California 2019 (14.5%)
$73.99 Naked Wines
Elegant nose of eucalyptus and mint, blackcurrant preserve, plush blackberry, a hint of blackcurrant leaf, chocolate and oak. Opulent and textured, but has freshness to the acidity. Long, decadent finish.
95 Smith & Hook, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California 2019 (14.5%)
£34.99 Simply Wines Direct,
Tannin & Oak
Inviting, restrained cassis with a hint of menthol, leather and newly sawn wood. Dense and weighty with good acidity and grippy tannins. Subtle black fruits linger pleasantly. Lovely structure, intriguing all round.
95 Solomon Hills Estate, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, California 2019 (13.5%)
£49.68 Armit
US$50-$60 B21, K&L, Holiday
Wine Cellar, Los Olivos
A gorgeous nose of just-ripe red fruit – cherry and plum, sage,
‘The wines of the US continue to impress with freshness across a wide range of varieties’ ------ Christopher Tanghe MS, USA & Central America judge (above)
camphor and bouquet garni. Lifted, edgy palate with aromas following through as lingering fruit and savoury elements. A restrained style, with resolved, ripe tannins and a long finish.
95 St Supéry, Elu, Napa Valley, California 2017
(14.5%)
Classic rich cassis and black plum aromas with toast, dark chocolate, peppery spice and mint. There are concentrated layers of violet floral notes and ripe raspberry fruit on the supple, flowing palate. Sleek, smooth tannins and a persistent finish. A polished example with plenty of character.