Top 100 Best Buys 2014

TOP 100 BEST BUYS 2014

60 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | NOVEMBER 2014 TOP 100 BEST BUYS 2014 1 3 5 Mano A Mano 2011 Tempranillo (Vino de la 90 Tierra de Castilla). It’s almost absurd how good this $9 Tempranillo is. Full, clean, deep aromas of black fruits and licorice feed into an energetic yet generous palate with moderate richness. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry and pepper finish spicy but not pushy. What a deal! Aviva Vino. —M.S. abv: 14.5% Price: $9

Bogle 2012 Essential Red (California). This dry Aveleda 2013 Quinta da Aveleda Estate Bot- 91 red blend is as sophisticated, structured and 90 tled Loureiro-Alvarinho (Minho). This wine balanced as many high-end Cabernets. Made from 6 remains a benchmark for the Vinho Verde region, old-vine Zin, with Syrah, Cabernet and Petite Sirah even though the producers have now recast it as a as well, it has a deep, exotic aroma of dark fruit plus Minho wine. It is steely, tight and crisp, with a touch cedar and cardamom. The flavor is richly fruity, the of creaminess that gives it a more rounded aftertaste. mouthfeel is firmly textured and the finish lingers Drink now through 2015. Aveleda Imports. —R.V. nicely. It’s medium bodied and full-flavored. —J.G. abv: 11.5% Price: $8 abv: 13.5% Price: $11

2 4 Chateau Ste. Michelle 2013 Dry Riesling 91 (Columbia Valley). This beautifully aromatic take on a dry style of Riesling opens with detailed scents of citrus rind and pulp. It moves into a concentrated palate with a spectrum of tart fruits— lime and grapefruit, pineapple and more. The bracing acidity carries a refreshing minerality into the back of the mouth. —P.G. abv: 12.5% Price: $10

Barnard Griffin 2012 Fumé Blanc Dry Sauvi- 91 gnon Blanc (Columbia Valley). This tangy, Herdade do Esporão 2011 Quinta dos Murças all-stainless, lightly grassy, dry Sauvignon Blanc is 94 Assobio (Douro). Assobio is from a single a pure and definitive elaboration of the grape’s va- vineyard in the Quinta dos Murças estate. A pow- 7 rietal character. Penetrating and crisp, it would be erful, structured expression of Douro wine, it has Château Vincens 2011 Prestige (Cahors). hard to ask for more from a $9 wine. —P.G. black fruits, dark tannins, some subtle layers of 93 A rich, Port-like wine that is full and con- abv: 12.8% Price: $9 wood aging and great concentration. Dark and richly centrated while also soft and fruity. It is powerfully fruity, it needs to mature before drinking. Wait until structured, with a balance of great acidity to balance 2017. Esporão Wines & Olive Oils. —R.V. the dry tannins, imparting a fine texture. An impres- abv: 14% Price: $13

How the Wines Break Down 513 7 1 8 362 4 1 30

California (13), New York(3), 4 13 2 9 1 Oregon (5), Washington (9)

62 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | NOVEMBER 2014 sive wine that will need many years to age. Drink from 2017. European Cellars. —R.V. abv: 15% Price: $13 11 14 Coto de Hayas 2013 Garnacha-Syrah (Campo 89 de Borja). Hints of smoke and rubber come with typical raspberry, plum and berry aromas. This feels ripe and balanced, with purity of fruit. Flavors 8 of blackberry, plum and cassis are yummy, while the finish hints at complexity, offering spice and chocolate notes. Scoperta Importing Co. Inc. —M.S. abv: 13.5% Price: $10

Garnet 2012 Pinot Noir (Monterey County). 92 Bacon fat and cream soda meet with a flash of patchouli on the nose of this stunning deal from 15 winemaker/author/blogger Alison Crowe. Cherry La Cappuccina 2012 Fontego (Soave). It cola flavors and luscious red fruits get lifted with 89 opens with a floral fragrance of Spanish smoke and plum-skin bitterness, all set against de- broom, jasmine and chamomile. The juicy palate de- DFJ Vinhos 2011 Portada Winemaker’s Selec- cent tannins and fresh acidity. —M.K. livers citrus, pineapple and almond alongside crisp 90 tion Tinto (Lisboa). A dark colored, dense abv: 14.2% Price: $15 acidity that lends a clean, refreshing close. Panebi- wine that is rich and firmly structured. Aged in anco. —K.O. wood, it holds flavors of plum and berry fruits bal- abv: 12.5% Price: $10 anced with a fresh acidity. This is a wine for aging, its structure a powerful statement. Drink from 2014. Luiz’s Grocery And Liquors. —R.V. 12 abv: 12.5% Price: $7 Hogue 2012 Gewürztra- 16 91 miner (Columbia Val- ley). The softly floral scents of rose petals and body powder 9 introduce this excellent wine, Hugl-Wimmer 2013 Wimmer Grüner Veltliner followed by bright flavors of 90 (Niederösterreich). Ripe Concord pear and Meyer lemon and pink grape- an intriguing, phenolic mouthfeel combine in this fruit. The 20 g/L residual sug- highly drinkable light white. There is enough weight ar is complemented with zippy to support food and a pleasing hint of savoriness as acids, keeping this well-craft- well as depth. Kysela Père et Fils. —A.K. ed wine off dry but not sweet. abv: 13.5% Price: $14/1 L —P.G. abv: 13% Price: $11 Leyda 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Leyda Val- 89 ley). Tropical more than green and pungent, this fragrant wine offers powdery, sweet notes and stronger coastal ones. It’s lean and angular in feel, 10 with oceanic flavors of nettle, tangerine and lemon. 13 A light green flavor and a chalky feel make up the finish. Winebow. —M.S. abv: 12.5% Price: $11 17 Château Camelot la Chapelle 2011 Bordeaux. 90 This is a wine with potential. It has weight and ripe berry fruits balanced with solid tannins and Blue Fish 2012 Sweet Riesling (Pfalz). Cute a dense texture. Behind the structure, the fruit and 89 packaging belies the surprising depth to this acidity promise good things. Drink from 2016. Bad Riesling. It’s remarkably balanced, with an array of Les Hauts de Lagarde 2013 Made From Organi- Boy. —R.V. mineral, floral and fruit dimensions. Juicy, with pre- 91 cally Grown Grapes (Bordeaux Blanc). Rich abv: 13% Price: $10 served peach flavors and zippy lemon acidity, it’s a and full, this is a concentrated and well-balanced thirst-quenching, solid pick from the Pfalz. Palm Bay wine. It has a good mix of herbaceousness, fresh cit- International. —A.I. rus and pineapple, all intense and fruity. It could age abv: 11% Price: $10 a few months, so wait until 2015. Natural Merchants LLC. —R.V. abv: 12% Price: $13

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TOP 100 BEST BUYS 2014 18 22 26 Cookies & Cream 2010 Merlot (California). Excelsior 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rob- 90 One of a string of great values made at Ter- 89 ertson). A fragrance of crushed violet adds ravant near Santa Barbara. Attractively oaky, it’s interest to the jammy blackberry, plum and cherry full-bodied, full-flavored and just tannic enough fruit core of this wine. Hints of licorice root, bramble to make it a good pairing for rich meat or cheese and peppery spice unfold on the creamy palate, with courses. It is deep in color, with a slightly tawny rim. ripe yet gripping tannins that remain on the finish. It smells like wood smoke and grilled bread, tastes Cape Classics. —L.B. deep as blackberry and delivers cherry flavors that abv: 14.5% Price: $10 linger on the finish. —J.G. abv: 13.8% Price: $10 Esser 2012 Chardonnay (Monterey County). 91 This fresh-smelling wine blends aromas of caramel apple and light grapefruit juice. The palate 27 is racy in acidity, like a glass of fresh orange juice splashed with squeezes of lemon and grapefruit, and 23 a vanilla warmth toward the finish. —M.K. Cheval Quancard 2013 Réserve (Bordeaux abv: 13.5% Price : $13 91 Blanc). Toasty aromas give a strongly spicy character. They also bring out a ripe side to the wine, rounded and rich, full of wood and warm fruit flavors. It needs time to develop its full potential, so wait until 2016. Cheval Quancard. —R.V. 19 abv: 12% Price: $14 Caves Velhas 2012 Vinhas Altas (Tejo). Big, 90 ripe and fruity, this is a warm and rounded Castle Rock 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Mendoci- wine made from old vines. Soft tannins are well in- 89 no County). A flavor spectrum emphasizing tegrated into the smoky wood flavors and blackberry grapefruit and kiwi makes this lively and original. fruits. By late 2014, it will be a full-bodied wine. 24 Assertive aromas of grapefruit and new-mown grass Mid-Atlantic Sales Group. —R.V. Los Dos 2013 Grenache-Syrah (Campo de leap out of the glass, then the flavors are vivid, tangy abv: 13% Price: $10 88 Borja). Pure berry aromas define the nose and lingering. A crisp texture and just enough rich- on this highly drinkable Garnacha-Syrah blend. In ness in the body complete the package. —J.G. the mouth, it’s clean, juicy, a bit round and easy to abv: 13.5% Price: $10 process. Typical Aragónese flavors of plum and berry finish tasty and unbroken. Winebow.—M.S. 20 abv: 15% Price: $8 28 Chateau Haut Rian 2012 Bordeaux Blanc. Com- 91 plex and rich, this is an impressive, concen- 25 trated wine. It has great acidity that balances flavors of ripe white fruits and apple skins, and lends a tight, taut texture. The wine should be aged for at least six months before drinking. VOS Selections. —R.V. abv: 12.5% Price: $14

StoneCap 2012 Estate Grown Merlot (Co- 90 lumbia Valley). This seduces with flavors of juicy, ripe berries, spicy plums and black cherries. It delivers the complexity, density and mocha finish of 29 a much more expensive Merlot. —P.G. abv: 13.9% Price: $10 Fire Road 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlbor- Bulgariana 2011 90 ough). Winemaker Alana McGettigan is an 89 Cabernet Sauvignon associate of Matt Thomson (Saint Clair, Delta), so (Thracian Valley). This it’s no surprise this Sauvignon Blanc overdelivers. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Hints of tomato leaf garnish passion fruit and citrus is garnet colored with a vio- 21 flavors in this wine, which reveals a certain amount let rim. It has aromas of Unger 2013 Stein Terrassen Riesling (Krem- of austerity and restraint on the palate, a silky tex- pomegranate, dried black 90 stal). This opens with a breezy fragrance ture and a long, grapefruit-driven finish. Winesellers cherry and freshly ground of citrus zest and mandarin leaf, hinting at deeper, Ltd. —J.C. black pepper. It’s well struc- riper peach within. The palate is soft but defined; abv: 13% Price: $14 tured, with fine tannins and while slender, it still abounds with citrus-framed flavors of ripe cherry, tart peach. Verity Wine Partners. —A.K. cranberry and juicy pome- abv: 12.5% Price: $10 granate. Grapes & Barley, LLC. —J.J. abv: 14% Price: $10

64 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | NOVEMBER 2014 TOP 100 BEST BUYS 2014

sugar, vanilla and toast. At the equivalent of $5.75 for a regular bottle, it’s a great value. —S.H. 30 34 abv: 13.5% Price: $23/3 L Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler 2012 Ries- 89 ling (Mosel). Subtle spice notes lend exotic flair throughout this dry yet light-bodied wine. Bright apple and Meyer lemon flavors build in intensity on the palate, accented by hints of savory herbs 38 and minerals. Excellent value for a such a quaffable Quinta de Porrais 2010 Parcelas (Douro). The yet nuanced wine. Saranty Imports. —A.I. 92 wine has power, structure and density. Hard abv: 10% Price: $10 initial tannins show that it needs to age, but the black fruits come through richly as it opens up. The strong mineral character gives a firm texture to the Mercer Canyons 2013 Chardonnay (Columbia wine. Drink from 2017. Value Vines LLC. —R.V. 91 Valley). Half barrel-fermented and half done abv: 13% Price: $15 31 in stainless steel, this classy effort seems to overde- liver. It starts with good fruit, but the feeling is that winemaker Jessica Munnell did everything right, and maxxed out the complexity. It’s a sensuous mix of grape and barrel, steel and butterscotch, with a 39 lively, lingering finish. —P.G. Château de Nages 2011 Vieilles Vignes abv: 13.8% Price: $13 91 (Costières de Nîmes). Proprietor Michel Gas- sier is turning out excellent values at all levels. This supple red blends 72% Grenache with 24% Syrah and 4% Mourvèdre. Raspberry and rhubarb notes on the nose give way to flavors of ripe cherries, bak- Dancing Bull 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Califor- 35 ing spices and dried herbs. The finish is long and 90 nia). Tangy green-apple aromas and flavors Golan Heights Winery 2012 Mount Hermon velvety. Drink now–2020. Total Wine & More. —J.C. make this medium-bodied wine refreshing, crisp 91 (Galilee). A nose of cherry, violet and flint abv: 13.5% Price: $15 and palate-cleansing. The texture is vibrant and the cedes to juicy flavors of pomegranate, cherry, salted finish lively. —J.G. popcorn, lavender and sage. Evenly weighted tannins abv: 12.3% Price: $12 and acidity make for good mouthfeel and a graceful finish. Kosher. Yarden Wines, Inc.—M.D. abv: 13.9% Price: $13 40 Erik Banti 2011 Morellino di Scansano. Intense 91 underbrush aromas, black berries and violet 32 lead the nose on this delicious blend of 85% Sangio- Otazu 2010 Premium Cuvée Señorío de Otazu vese, 10% Merlot and 5% Ciliegiolo. The juicy pal- 90 (Navarra). Boysenberry and a touch of herb- 36 ate offers a core of ripe black cherry accented with al mint are the lead aromas on this blend of Tem- Acrobat 2013 Pinot Gris (Oregon). A double notes of tobacco, black pepper and orange peel; min- pranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. There’s 90 bonus here—a price drop and what is cer- erality and a hint of coffee bean add depth. It’s is an power ?and mild heat to the palate, along with warm tainly the best vintage yet for this widely available incredible value. Summa Vitis, Inc. —K.O. berry flavors that finish with a lot of intensity and Pinot Gris. Outstanding depth of flavor focuses on abv: 14% Price: $15 push. This is generous and expressive. Drink through apple, pear and melon fruits. There’s an appealing 2016. Grape Expectations (CA). —M.S. streak of vanilla custard, with a lush mouthfeel and abv: 14% Price: $12 plenty of detail right on through the generous finish. —P.G. abv: 13.5% Price: $13 41 33 Anselmo Mendes 2012 Muros Antigos Escolha 91 (Vinho Verde). Fruity and intense, this is a 37 very fine Vinho Verde from the northern vineyards of the region. It is full, packed with pear, lemon me- ringue and grapefruit flavors, feeling rich as well as crisp. A wine like this can age, so drink until 2017. Aidil Wines/Old World Import. —R.V. abv: 12% Price: $13 Fox Run 2013 Doyle Family Vineyard Char- 89 donnay (Finger Lakes). The addition of 9% Traminette lends a blossomy flair to fresh apple and tangerine notes in this bright, unoaked Chardonnay. Brisk and revitalizing, with a zesty lime-toned acid- Bota Box 2012 Shiraz (California). Delicious ity, it’s a satisfying late-summer quaffer at a bargain 87 and easy to drink, the wine carries rich, ripe price. —A.I. flavors of raspberries, strawberries, cherries, brown abv: 12% Price: $11

66 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | NOVEMBER 2014 TOP 100 BEST BUYS 2014 42 46 50 Tierras Guindas 2011 Roble (Ribera del Du- Eola Hills 2012 Chardonnay (Oregon). This 89 ero). A dark tint and ripe aromas of black- 90 is solidly made, with forward and ripe fruit berry, black plum and leather are appealing and flavors of peach, pear and apple. A gentle touch with inviting. This is weighty and full-bodied, with black- spices—cinnamon and baking spices—adds extra in- berry, boysenberry and cassis flavors. There’s not a terest to the wine as it plays across the palate. —P.G. lot of nuance or complexity, but overall this is clean, abv: 13.4% Price: $13 tasty and generous. Elixir Wine Group. —M.S. abv: 14% Price: $11

47 Sobon Estate 2012 Old Vines Zinfandel Lenz Moser 2013 Grüner Veltliner (Niederös- 90 (Amador County). A solid, middleweight 43 88 terreich). An almost tropical hint of passion Zinfandel, this emphasizes sophisticated, toasty, fruit and mango enters the lemony pepper realms of spicy oak aromas. The oak doesn’t overwhelm, how- Balduzzi 2012 Reserva Grüner: an intriguing variation on this soft, pleasing ever, but enhances the ripe boysenberry flavors, 88 Cabernet Sauvignon white. Niche Import Company. —A.K. juicy acidity and lingering finish. Enjoyably tan- (Maule Valley). Ripe black- abv: 12% Price: $10/1 L nic, this will pair well with grilled lamb, steak and berry aromas carry notes of chicken. —J.G. prune and raisin. For a ripe, abv: 14.5% Price: $13 dark wine, this is juicy and well balanced. Oaky, toasty flavors lean toward dark fruits 48 and blackberry, and the finish keeps the dark-fruit theme 51 going while folding in bitter coffee notes. Vintage Wines Inc. —M.S. abv: 13.5% Price: $12

44 Charles & Charles 2013 Rosé (Columbia Val- Sonoma Cuvée 2012 Chardonnay (Sonoma 90 ley). The wines from this collaboration 90 County). This Chardonnay takes flavors of between Charles Smith and Charles Bieler con- Paso a Paso 2012 Estate Bottled Tempranillo Meyer lemon, lime, papaya and buttered toast, and tinue to impress. The rosé is mostly Syrah, with 88 (La Mancha). Robust black-fruit aromas carries them over the finish line with a drive of acid- small amounts of Cinsault, Grenache, Counoise and suggest plum and blackberry. This everyday red is ity, minerality and complexity. Finishing dry and Mourvèdre. It’s a complex, fashionably stylish take concentrated, generous and packed with power. Fla- crisp, it’s a wonderful wine with an everyday price on rosé. Light fruit flavors of berry and melon are vors of dark berry fruits, chocolate and espresso fin- that makes it a stunning value. —S.H. detailed and refreshing, with exceptional length on ish with verve and clarity. Jorge Ordoñez Selections. abv: 13.5% Price: $13 the palate. —P.G. —M.S. abv: 12.7% Price: $12 abv: 14% Price: $9 45 Château Lamothe-Vincent 2011 Intense (Bor- 49 52 90 deaux). While the wood aging is prominent, Casa de Vilacetinho 2012 Grande Escolha Wither Hills 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Wairau it doesn’t take away from the complex, ripe fruits 89 (Vinho Verde). For a Vinho Verde, this is 90 Valley). For the price, this is remarkably and acidity. In a word, this is balanced. It has good rich and full-bodied, showing delicious acidity, crisp concentrated, with ample weight and intense fla- potential, as the toasty wood integrates over the apples and a touch of tropical fruit. There’s the typi- vors. It’s more subdued on the nose, offering just next two years. Drink from 2015. Screwcap. Laville cal prickle on the tongue that brings out freshness, hints of stuck flint and grapefruit, but the citrusy Imports. —R.V. but in fact this wine could age for a year. Santa Ma- flavors surge forward, culminating in a long, grape- abv: 14.5% Price: $13 ria Imports. —R.V. fruity finish. Distinguished Vineyards & Wine Part- abv: 12.5% Price: $10 ners. —J.C. abv: 13.5% Price: $14

68 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | NOVEMBER 2014 TOP 100 BEST BUYS 2014 53 58 61 Château Cabezac 2011 La Tradition (Miner- Fattoria Laila 2012 Verdicchio dei Castelli di 89 vois). This value-priced blend of Carignan, 89 Jesi. Here’s a Verdicchio that shows off the Syrah and Grenache offers heady upfront aromas grape’s quintessential aromas of yellow spring flow- of muddled blackberry and boysenberry that are ers and whiffs of stone fruit. It offers creamy peach infused with notes of raspberry sauce and mocha. and lemon flavors alongside hints of sea salt and Black fruit flavors continue to shine on the medium- almond. Crisp, refreshing acidity leaves the palate weight palate, which boasts a supple texture, ap- feeling cleansed. Regal Wine Imports Inc. —K.O. proachable tannins and a peppery spice on the fin- abv: 13% Price: $12 ish. Fruit of the Vines, Inc. —L.B. abv: 14% Price: $11 Finca El Origen 2012 Reserva Malbec (Uco 89 Valley). Toasty, smoky black-fruit aromas come with a fair amount of density and char. This is 62 plush but balanced, with blackberry, blueberry and Mas Carlot 2012 Cuvée Tradition (Costières 54 toasty oak flavors. A solid but quick finish isn’t com- 90 de Nîmes). This supple blend of Syrah, Gr- Veglio 2012 Nebbiolo d’Alba. A potpourri of plex but it does confirm the wine’s quality. The wine enache and Mourvèdre delivers raspberry and black- 89 violets, sweet baking spices and woodland is 85% Malbec with the remainder Bonarda, Syrah berry fruit, hints of rosemary and a touch of roasted berries take center stage. The savory palate offers up and Cabernet Sauvignon. Carolina Wine Brands meat on the nose. That roasted character becomes a wild cherry, black raspberry and cinnamon along- USA. —M.S. slightly sweet-tasting, caramelized flavor on the pal- side supple tannins and fresh acidity. Drink soon. abv: 14.5% Price: $12 ate, but the wine never seems over the top, ending Bacco Wine & Spirit, LLC. —K.O. on a softly dusty note. Ready to drink. Robert Kacher abv: 13% Price: $12 Selections. —J.C. 59 abv: 14% Price: $14 55 Máscara de Feugo 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 63 88 (Central Valley). Dark berry aromas are Trapiche 2012 Oak Cask Syrah (Mendoza). dense and a touch rubbery. This is a full, chunky, 88 Char, sawdust and black cherry aromas con- bold Cabernet with wild berry, cassis and woody firm the wine’s “oak cask” labeling. Full bodied and flavors that meld together well. Finishing flavors ripe, it conveys meaty thickness and bold flavors of of mint, licorice and oak are generous. Evaton, Inc. berry and spiced plum. A toasty, charred finish is —M.S. lifted by bright acidity and fresh black-fruit flavors. abv: 14.5% Price: $10 This will go well with just about anything off the Villa Wolf 2012 Pinot Gris (Pfalz). Fragrant grill. The Wine Group. —M.S. 89 white lilies and stone fruit perfume this abv: 14% Price: $10 bold, big-bodied wine. Dry in style, with lush white peach and pear flavors, it’s slightly heady and warm 56 with alcohol. Steely, mineral tones and crisp lime Cramele Recas 2013 Dreambird Merlot (Re- acidity add elegance to the finish. Loosen Bros. USA. 87 cas). This has aromas of vanilla, plum and —A.I. 64 black raspberry. In the mouth, there are ripe fruit abv: 13% Price: $12 Concha y Toro 2012 Casillero del Diablo flavors followed by a wave of tart cherry flavor. Tri- 88 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Val- Vin Imports. —J.J. ley). Herbal, saucy aromas of tomato and spice ac- abv: 12.5% Price: $7 cent dark-berry fruit, while the palate carries a tight, fresh, crisp feel. This brings herbal, spicy 60 notes along with berry and cassis flavors, while the Maryhill 2013 Rosé of Sangiovese (Columbia finish rolls out in loamy yet short fashion. Excelsior 90 Valley). Full, crisp and well-defined, this of- Wines. —M.S. 57 fers mouth-filling strawberry and apple fruit flavors abv: 13.5% Price: $11 Dr. Konstantin Frank 2013 Dry Rosé Pi- that hold your attention through sip after sip. The 90 not Noir (Finger Lakes). Ripe cherry and palate weight is especially impressive, ending clean luscious watermelon aromas waft from this sum- and refreshing. —P.G. mery, fresh wine. It’s dry on the palate but concen- abv: 13.5% Price: $10 trated, with bright cherry and berry flavors. Round 65 and lush yet briskly balanced, it’s a great summer Edi Simcic 2012 Giocato Pinot Grigio (Primor- quaffer at a fantastic price. —A.I. 89 ska). A straw yellow color, with pink tinges, abv: 12.5% Price: $14 this bright wine is zesty and juicy at the same time. It has a round body and full mouthfeel, with flavors of green apple, Bartlett pear and citrus blossoms.

70 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | NOVEMBER 2014 TOP 100 BEST BUYS 2014

There’s bracing lime-juice acidity on the finish. Au- Drink now, but better in 2015. David Milligan Selec- it chilled and have fun experimenting with food gust Wine Group. —J.J. tions. —R.V. matches! —P.G. abv: 12.5% Price: $12 abv: 14.5% Price: $14 abv: 12.9% Price: $15 66 71 75 Herdade de São Miguel 2012 Colheita Selec- A to Z 2013 Riesling (Oregon). Just a hint of Kopke 2011 Douro. A solid, tannic wine that 90 cionada (Alentejano). Rich and full-bodied, 90 sweetness—mostly from ripe fruit rather 90 has both great rich fruits and a dry core that it’s packed with spice and dark fruits and comes than residual sugar—livens up this fresh and fruity needs to soften with age. It tastes powerful without with a dense texture. Intense acidity cuts into the Riesling. It’s a mouthful of lemon, lime and peach sacrificing a perfumed and floral elegance. This is ripe fruits and gives a lift at the end. This solid wine fruit flavors, supple and fleshy. A streak of English a serious wine, with a dense texture and potential. is ready to drink now–2020. Saraiva Enterprises. breakfast tea adds interest through the finish. —P.G. Drink from 2016. Wine In-Motion. —R.V. —R.V. abv: 13% Price: $15 abv: 13.5% Price: $13 abv: 14% Price: $13 72 76 67 Tabor 2012 Mt. Tabor Chardonnay (Gal- Hermann Moser 2013 Per Due Grüner Veltlin- Francis Ford Coppola 2012 Votre Santé Pinot 90 ilee). The nose of this wine recalls chilled 90 er (Kremstal). Very fresh green pear notes 90 Noir (California). The personality of Pinot fruit salad, with aromas of melon, pineapple and De- are joined by riper notions of passion fruit. These Noir comes through in this charming, medium-bod- licious apple. Engaging flavors of pineapple, passion linger on the palate where peppery phenolics add ied, lighter-colored and aromatic offering. Nuances fruit, vanilla and clove fill the softly textured mouth structure and depth. Boutique Wine Collection. are reminiscent of cherry, herb and walking through and persist into the cooling finish. Kosher. Royal —A.K. a pine forest, along with a tangy texture and fresh Wine Corporation. —M.D. abv: 12% Price: $13 finish that lingers. —J.G. abv: 14.5% Price: $15 abv: 13.5% Price: $14 73 77 68 Quady 2012 Electra Vicente Gandia 2013 Nebla Verdejo (Rueda). 90 Moscato (California). 88 Stony, minerally aromas are a touch dusty A heady mix of jasmine and and suggest melon and peach. The palate is round orange rind, Quady’s Electra and juicy, while flavors of lime, green melon and packs a lot of flavor into a gooseberry finish mellow and easy, with a touch of light amount of alcohol, with residual citric acid. Vicente Gandia USA. —M.S. residual sugar listed at 172.4 abv: 12.5% Price: $10 g/L. Slightly effervescent, it’s subtle and light, ready to serve as a happy mixer in a Valentin Bianchi 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon range of cocktails, much the 90 (Mendoza). This is a superb value Cabernet. way an elderflower liqueur 69 Black-fruit aromas come with touches of licorice, might work. —V.B. Gotham 2010 Regional Vineyard Series herbs and marzipan. The palate has an elegance to abv: 4.5% Price: $14 90 Shiraz (Barossa Valley). Mint notes accent it, while flavors of berry fruits, cassis, chocolate and blueberry and plum fruit, while hints of tar and fig finish smooth and long. Bianchi has always made black olive add a savory edge. This medium- to full- good Cabernet, but this one is better than usual. bodied Shiraz is creamy on the midpalate, but firms Quintessential Wines. —M.S. up enough on the finish to pair well with burgers or abv: 14.1% Price: $15 78 steaks. Drink now–2020. USA Wine West. —J.C. Gracciano della Seta 2013 Rosso di Montep- abv: 14.5% Price: $15 90 ulciano. Floral and fragrant, this opens with aromas of rose, blue flower, forest floor and woodland berries. The palate offers crushed black cherry, wild 74 raspberry, orange zest and clove alongside firm tan- Pacific Rim 2013 Twin Vineyards Gewürz- nins and bright acidity. It’s savory and tannic; enjoy 70 91 traminer (Yakima Valley). Gewürztraminer through 2017. Ideal Wine and Spirits Co. Inc. —K.O. Domaine Houchart 2011 Red (Côtes de doesn’t get any more floral and spicy than this. abv: 13.5% Price: $15 90 Provence). With really ripe fruit and juicy Exuberantly aromatic, it conveys a sensuous per- black flavors, this is a rounded, warm wine. It tastes fume of baby powder, rose petals and lavender. The of sun, although there is also something more seri- floral characteristics continue in the mouth, yield- ously structured about it. Acidity gives freshness, ing a long, intense, detailed and unique wine. Sip while the tannic structure suggests further aging.

72 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | NOVEMBER 2014 TOP 100 BEST BUYS 2014 79 82 85

Zeal 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough). This Côté Mas 2012 Rosé Aurore (Pays d’Oc). Made Milbrandt 2013 Traditions Riesling (Columbia 88 is a bit more punchy and pungent than Zeal’s 89 from 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault and 20% 90 Valley). Sourced from an outstanding vine- Reserve bottling, but it still offers considerable value. Syrah, this is a vibrant, floral rosé, offering upfront yard, this juicy, spicy, zesty Riesling shows terrific bal- There’s ample weight and just enough citrusy fruit to aromas of iris, lavender and laurel that complement ance and lively acidity. A mix of peach, green apple and support the sweaty, nettle-y aromatics and herbal fla- the raspberry and strawberry-hull core. The fruity pal- Key lime fruit anchors a thoroughly refreshing wine, vors. Try it with fresh herb-laden dishes like ceviches ate is bright and refreshing, with ample acidity and just with just a touch of residual sugar. —P.G. or steamed mussels. Prestige Wine Group. —J.C. a hint of orange blossom on the finish. Esprit du Vin. abv: 11.5% Price: $13 abv: 12.5% Price: $10 —L.B. abv: 13% Price: $12/1 L 80 86 83 D’Arenberg 2011 The 89 Stump Jump Grenache- Viña Requingua 2012 Shiraz-Mourvèdre (McLaren 88 Toro de Piedra Late Har- Vale). A terrific value for cur- vest Grand Reserve Sauvignon rent consumption, the 2011 Blanc-Semillon (Curicó Valley). Stump Jump GSM blends 46% Honeyed, botrytis aromas come Grenache, 39% Shiraz and with notes of peach, nectarine 15% Mourvèdre into a plump and cinnamon. This is lifted yet firm wine that combines but a touch sticky on the pal- black cherry fruit with savory ate, with flavors of honey, spice notes of chocolate, herbs and and white pepper. All these fla- Oak Knoll NV Toasted Cow White Vintners Blend roasted meat. There’s even a vors carry onto the finish, which 88 (Willamette Valley). This delightful, off-dry touch of mocha on the long fin- quickly loses its steam. Puerto white is a blend of Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Mül- ish. Old Bridge Cellars. —J.C. Viejo Wines. —M.S. ler Thurgau, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, perfectly abv: 14.9% Price: $13 abv: 13% Price: $12 matched to deliver crisp, fruity aromatics and flavors of apples, oranges and pears. It’s a terrific anytime quaffer. —P.G. 81 abv: 11% Price: $10 87 Dry Creek Vineyard 2012 Dry Chenin Blanc 89 (Clarksburg). This insanely sippable wine is ready for spring oyster gatherings or gulping down on 84 its own. Low in alcohol with just 6 g/L residual sugar, Kouros 2011 Agiorgitiko (Nemea). Cherry, it’s crisp, deliciously light and yet mouth-filling in 88 blackberry and exotic spice aromas start this tropical fruit and peach. Another masterful Chenin fresh, mineral-driven red. Plum, cherry and fennel fla- from Dry Creek Vineyard. —V.B. vors are balanced and unique. Pair this with lamb or abv: 12.5% Price: $12 sausage. Nestor Imports. —S.K. abv: 13% Price: $10

François Lurton 2012 Piedra Negra Alta Colec- 89 ción Malbec (Mendoza). Spicy, briary berry and leather aromas are full and firm. On the palate, this feels fresh, with good body and depth. Flavors of black plum, blackberry and black currant are spicy but not pushy, while the finish is not overly oaky or heavy. Atlas Imports. —M.S. abv: 13.5% Price: $13

74 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | NOVEMBER 2014 TOP 100 BEST BUYS 2014 88 93 97 Wagner 2012 Semi Dry Riesling (Finger Lakes). 90 Dusty mineral and smoke tones add complexity to fresh lemon and lime aromas on this concentrated, powerful off-dry Riesling. It’s lush and silky on the palate, with ripe pineapple and yellow peach flavors. Lime juice acidity jolts the finish. —A.I. abv: 13.1% Price: $15

McManis 2013 Pinot Grigio (California). Lots of Stemmari 2012 Pinot Nero (Terre Siciliane). This 89 88 fresh apple and tangy white peach flavor make 87 informal but pretty Pinot Nero opens with fra- Clos la Coutale 2012 Cahors. There is a smooth, this light-bodied wine attractive and appetizing. The grances of red berry and spice. The bright palate offers 90 polished feel to this balanced wine. Wood and flavors have great focus, the balance is bright and the fresh acidity and flavors of crushed cherry, strawber- blackberry flavors come together with mint and thyme alcohol is low. —J.G. ry and cinnamon spice. Prestige Wine Imports Corp. to make a ready-to-drink wine. The tannins, while abv: 11.5% Price: $10 —K.O. firm, are well integrated. Drink now and until 2020. abv: 13.5% Price: $9 Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. —R.V. abv: 13.5% Price: $15 94 Tsantali 2010 Limnio-Merlot (Halkidiki). Red 98 87 cherry, vanilla, spicebox and a touch of flow- 90 ers leads the nose on this poised Merlot/Limnio blend. Quara 2013 Estate Bottled La Staffa 2012 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi On the palate, the wine is elegant and laced with clove, 88 Torrontés (Cafayate). 90 Classico. Here’s a quintessential Verdicchio mushroom and bright berry flavors. A unique wine at Quara makes good, true Cafayate from one of the denomination’s rising stars that opens an unbeatable price. Fantis Imports, Inc. —S.K. Torrontés. Aromas of lychee, cit- with a fragrance of spring flowers, hay and flint. The abv: 12% Price: $8 rus, tropical fruits and bath oils are palate delivers fleshy white peach, pear and almond vital. This remains solid and clean, flavors, along with mineral notes and bright acidity with upright acidity. Lime, mango, that results in a refreshing finish. Fun to drink now or lychee and banana flavors finish hold 2–3 years for additional complexity. Tabaccaia round, with just enough acidity USA. —K.O. 95 to maintain the wine’s character. abv: 14% Price: $15 Stone Wolf 2012 Barrel Select Cuvée Pinot Noir Drink immediately. Pampa Bever- 89 (Willamette Valley). This is a toasty, tasty, for- ages LLC. —M.S. ward and easy-drinking Pinot Noir. Flavors of black abv: 13% Price: $12 cherry soda, cola and light toast are front and center, and the finish comes on clean and refreshing. —P.G. 91 abv: 13% Price: $14 Gorrebusto 2012 Tempranillo (Rioja). Solid, 88 attractive berry aromas come with notes of 99 rubber and latex. Earthy, lightly baked red-fruit fla- Jacob’s Creek 2010 Reserve Shiraz (Barossa). vors finish modestly, with a touch of tangy, juicy acid- 88 Pretty impressive for the price, offering mint ity providing lift and length. Vinamericas Selections. 96 and cedar aromas followed by flavors of black cherry. —M.S. La Playa 2011 Block Selection Reserve Claret There’s also a sturdy core of savory elements, like abv: 13.5% Price: $10 88 (Colchagua Valley). Plum and berry aromas are roasted meat and coffee. The wine is full bodied and solid albeit a touch clipped and abrupt. This 4-grape velvety in texture, with a long, mouthwatering finish. blend is deep in feel and offers a good overall palate Drink now and over the next few years. Pernod Ricard. feel. Flavors of loamy dark berry fruits, chocolate and —J.C. toast finish intense, with espresso-like bitterness. abv: 14.1% Price: $13 92 Cabernet Corporation. —M.S. Mills Reef 2013 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc abv: 13.5% Price: $12 90 (Hawke’s Bay). Despite originating from Hawkes Bay on New Zealand’s North Island, this could pass for Marlborough. It’s not overly big or ripe, but 100 well-rounded without losing any sense of varietal Barton & Guestier 2013 Passeport (Beaujolais- character. Hints of tomato leaf and white grapefruit 87 Villages). This wine is structured and firm, linger elegantly on the finish. San Francisco Wine Ex- with tannins that need to soften. It has power and change. —J.C. weight now, and although the red fruit flavors are abv: 13.5% Price: $15 there, they are still waiting to shine. Hold until 2015. Barton & Guestier USA. —R.V. abv: 12% Price: $10

76 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | NOVEMBER 2014