Shopping the Wine Critics October 20, 2014

Grape Collective takes a look at this week’s wine selections from the top US critics.

New York Times, Eric Asimov

Good Barolo comes to those who wait.


Elio Altare Barolo 2010

Piedmont, Italy

“Complex, structured, pure and nuanced, with savory flavors of red fruit, licorice and flowers.”

$60.94 Available at Saratoga Wine Exchange or elsewhere through Winesearcher

Giacomo Fenocchio Barolo Bussia 2010

Piedmont, Italy

“Firmly structured, with bright, lingering flavors of red fruit, licorice, earth and flowers.”

$59 Available at Zachys or elsewhere through Winesearcher

Giovanni Canonica Barolo Paiagallo 2010

Piedmont, Italy

“Fleshy and rich, with flavors of red fruit, stony minerals, menthol and tar.”

$70.99 Available at Sunfish Cellars

Luigi Pira Barolo Vigna Margheria 2010

Piedmont, Italy

“Tight and tannic, with layered flavors of tar, licorice, earth and smoke.”

$43.84 Available at Saratoga Wine Exchange or elsewhere through Winesearcher

Elio Grasso Barolo Ginestra Vigna Casa Matè 2010

Piedmont, Italy

“Structured, with fine tannins and well-balanced flavors of sweet red fruit and licorice.”

$95 Available at Zachys or elsewhere through Winesearcher

Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco 2010

Piedmont, Italy

“Tight and well structured, with nuanced flavors of red fruit and tar.”

$49.99 Available at 67 Wine or elsewhere through Winesearcher

Oddero Barolo Rocche di Castiglione 2010

Piedmont, Italy

“Dense and tannic, with layers of licorice and cherry flavors.”

$69.99 Available at Flatiron Wines or elsewhere through Winesearcher

Massolino Barolo 2010

Piedmont, Italy

“Structured and focused, with bright, spicy flavors of flowers and red fruit.”

$38.39 Available at Wine Legend or elsewhere through Winesearcher

Vietti Barolo Castiglione 2010

Piedmont, Italy

“Tight, tannic and substantial, with flavors of ripe red fruit, flowers and well-integrated oak.”

$39.98 Available at Wine Works or elsewhere through Winesearcher

Marcarini Barolo Brunate 2010

Piedmont, Italy

“Firmly tannic, with flavors of dark fruits, tar and flowers.”

$54.34 Available at Saratoga Wine Exchange or elsewhere through Winesearcher

Wall Street Journal, Will Lyons

Is this the world's first "Super Rhône?"

2007 Chêne Bleu Héloïse

Rhône Valley, France

Seductive and ripe berry fruit immediately emerges from this Syrah, Grenache and Viognier blend. Once sipped, it has a spicy, gamy, cherry flavor but is smooth and rich. The aftertaste is fresh and mouth-filling.”

$88.39 Available at GetWineOnline or elsewhere through Winesearcher

2007 Chêne Bleu Abélard

Rhône Valley, France

Big and brooding with the same ripe, dark fruit character of the Héloïse, this wine shows its 90% Grenache, 10% Syrah blend as the ripe sweetness of the Grenache grape variety shines through.”

$91.34 Available at Saratoga Wine Exchange or elsewhere through Winesearcher

2013 Chêne Bleu Rosé

Rhône Valley France

Pale salmon-pink, it has a gorgeous nose of ripe red fruit, most notably strawberry. Once sipped, this wine hits you with its intensity and power. The taste is all concentrated citrus fruits, which remain on the palate for a long time.”

$88.39 Available at GetWineOnline or elsewhere through Winesearcher

Los Angeles Times, S. Irene Virbila

2013 Marisa Cuomo Corta d'Amalfi 'Furore Bianco'

Campania, Italy

The 2013 Furore Bianco carries that scent of lemon leaves and jasmine. And with its beautiful minerality and considered coolness, this southern Italian white is a standout. A great value too.”

$27.99 Available at Le Du’s Wines or elsewhere through Winesearcher

Seattle Times, Andy Perdue

John Patterson is pouring top wines.

Patterson Cellars 2011 Tempranillo

Columbia Valley, Washington

“This is a big, sturdy red with aromas and flavors of cherry, plum, pomegranate and dark chocolate. Petite sirah lovers will appreciate its power.”

Unavailable through search on Winesearcher

Patterson Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Valley, Washington

“Aromas of black pepper, black cherry and olive give way to flavors of currant, plum and cocoa powder. This is a great wine now and will only get better with a few years in the cellar.”

$45 Available at Patterson Cellars or elsewhere through Winesearcher

The Boston Globe, Ellen Bhang

Errazuriz Single Vineyard Max Reserva Estates Carmenere

Aconcagua Valley, Chile

“Aromas of ripe red fruit and a whiff of subtle toastiness from time in French and American oak lead to a plush palate with lively, food-friendly acidity balancing the warmth of 14 percent alcohol by volume.”

$16.59 Available at GetWineOnline or elsewhere through Winesearcher

The Financial Times, Jancis Robinson

What future for Burgundy's vignerons?


JM Brocard, The Society’s 2012 Chablis

Burgundy, France

Unavailable through search on Winesearcher

Chavy Chouet, Femelottes 2012 Bourgogne Blanc

Burgundy, France

$24.99 Available at 67 Wine or elsewhere through Winesearcher

Sylvain Dussort, Cuvée des Ormes 2012 Bourgogne Blanc

Burgundy, France

$22.99 Available at Garnet Wine or elsewhere through Winesearcher

Catherine and Claude Maréchal, Cuvée Gravel 2012 Bourgogne Rouge

Burgundy, France

Unavailable through search on Winesearcher

Vaudoisey 2011 Volnay

Burgundy, France

Unavailable through search on Winesearcher