Grape Collective takes a look at this week’s wine selections from the top US critics.
Wall Street Journal, Lettie Teague
A group of young vintners in Burgundy are experimenting with winemaking techniques to produce a new crop of distinctive, and very reasonably priced, Chablis
2013 Patrick Piuze Terroir de Courgis Chablis
Burgundy, France
“The Terroir de Courgis (a town in Chablis) is an old-vine, bone-dry wine of remarkable purity and precision.”
$26.96 Available at Astor Wines or elsewhere through Winesearcher
2012 Domaine Charly Nicolle Mont de Milieu Premier Cru Chablis
Burgundy, France
“Although this well-balanced, aromatic wine is drinking beautifully now, it will be even better in a year or two.”
$36.49 Available at Corx Wines or elsewhere through Winesearcher
2013 Sébastien Dampt Chablis
Burgundy, France
“This bottle is a delightful example of an entry-level Chablis, crisp and clean with a lovely citrus note and a bright, cleansing acidity.”
$11.99 Available at The Wine House
2012 Domaine Pattes Loup Vent d’Ange Chablis
Burgundy, France
“Marked by beguiling aromas of jasmine and white flowers, this is a rich and concentrated yet beautifully balanced wine from the young superstar Thomas Pico.”
Unavailable through search on Winesearcher
2012 Domaine Costal Premier Cru Vaillons
Burgundy, France
“There have only been a few vintages of this beautifully balanced, thrillingly mineral wine imported into the U.S., sadly in rather small amounts. Worth searching out.”
$42 Available at Morrell Wine
Los Angeles Times, S. Irene Virbila
Wine Review: 2012 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir
2012 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir
Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
“A glorious full-bodied, velvety Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley that tastes of Santa Rosa plums, sweet spices and a smidgen of earth. Just smell the bouquet: It tells you volumes about the wine. The 2012 is a big Pinot, 14.4% alcohol, but it's so well-integrated into the wine, it doesn't feel out of balance. A beautiful texture and all that bright, juicy fruit only add to its appeal.”
$46.98 Available at Wine Works Online or elsewhere through Winesearcher
San Jose Mercury News, Jessica Yadegaran
Five perfect Thanksgiving wines
2013 Morgan Metallico Un-Oaked Chardonnay
Santa Lucia Highlands, California
“Aromas of nectarine and honeydew follow with flavors of grapefruit and pear. A crisp and bright complement to all those rich side dishes.”
$23.99 Available at Beacon Wine or elsewhere through Winesearcher
2012 Davis Bynum Jane's Vineyard Pinot Noir Dijon Clone 115
Russian River Valley, California
“Pinot noir's soft tannins and bright acidity make this a favorite for Thanksgiving, and this juicy light red shows us why: Cherry tea and cola aromas lead to flavors of rhubarb and mocha.”
$55 Available at Davis Bynum
2011 Castoro Cellars Whale Rock Syrah
Paso Robles, California
“From the certified-organic Whale Rock Vineyard on the cooler west side of Paso Robles comes this unctuous Rhone, with good tannin structure, aromas of thyme and leather and flavors of bay leaf and blackberries.”
$25 Available at Castoro Cellars
2013 Rock Wall Sparkling Blanc de Blancs
California
“With its clean fruit, lovely aromatics and low alcohol, it will keep your palate cleansed bite after heavy bite. “
$16 Available at Rock Wall Wine Company or elsewhere through Winesearcher
Claiborne & Churchill Dry Riesling
San Luis Obispo, California
“This harmonious example from a 30-year Central Coast veteran provides the perfect blend of floral aromatics, earthiness and minerality.”
$10.84 Available at Saratoga Wine Exchange or elsewhere through Winesearcher
Sacramento Bee, Mike Dunne
Amador couple strives for Sangiovese success
2011 Amador County Sangiovese
Shenandoah Valley, California
“adequately fruity, wiry and dry, and would be a quietly welcome companion with a meal”
$18 Available at Vino Noceto
Vino Noceto 2011 Shenandoah Valley “Misto” Sangiovese
Shenandoah Valley, California
“cherry and tropical fruit flavors and bright lift to its acidity”
$28 Available at Vino Noceto
Vino Noceto 2011 Shenandoah Valley “Dos Oakies” Sangiovese
Shenandoah Valley, California
“dry yet sweetly and lushly fruity, with more freshness and complexity and a more substantial structure than other sangioveses tasted”
$28 Available at Vino Noceto
2007 Amador County sangiovese
Shenandoah Valley, California
“delightfully aromatic, sweet with fruit and fleshy in texture, with both tannin and oak far in the background”
Unavailable through search on Winesearcher
Financial Times, Jancis Robinson
Online wine retailer Naked Wines
Moerbei White Gold Chardonnay 2013
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Unavailable through search on Winesearcher
Richard's Chardonnay 2013
Elgin, South Africa
Unavailable through search on Winesearcher
Stefano di Blasi & Federico Cerelli 2012 Chianti Classico
Tuscany, Italy
Unavailable through search on Winesearcher
Matt Parish Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Napa Valley, California
$34.99 Available at Naked Wines
Santolin Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2013
Yarra Valley, Australia
Unavailable through search on Winesearcher
Dom du Mortier, Soulane 2012 St-Joseph
Rhône Valley, France
Unavailable through search on Winesearcher
Rod Easthope Pinot Noir 2013
Martinborough, New Zealand
Unavailable through search on Winesearcher
Vincent Paris 2013 St Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage
Rhône Valley, France
Unavailable through search on Winesearcher
