It’s always a pleasure to greet the UPS or FedEx driver when they have a box of wine. (And you have probably guessed that I see Mark (UPS) and Dave (FedEx) more than I see my neighbors!) So far this year, I’ve received plenty of samples from producers, those until now had been unfamiliar, as well as wines that are new releases from many of my favorite wineries. I thought it was high time to share my reviews with hopes that you’ll be as inspired to purchase a bottle as I was to sip the deliciousness of what was inside. Enjoy!
Smith-Madrone Vineyards
Thanks to consistency in quality, I’ll always keep wines from Smith-Madrone Vineyards on my go-to list. Offering a unique surprise in each sip, the Smith-Madrone Riesling 2015 ($32) presented aromas of stone fruit, juicy peaches, and tropical fruit. Full bodied and balanced, the glorious dry Riesling burst with intense, broad, and racy notes of orchard fruit, herbs, and mouthwatering acidity. Lean but not bone dry, the finish was persistent and absolutely delightful with elements of minerality and citrus. The Smith-Madrone Riesling 2015, fermented in stainless steel, was not blended with other varietals and did not experience malolactic fermentation or lees stirring. A true expression of terroir? You bet! A Riesling from Napa? This is one of the best surprises you’ll have! Only 685 cases were made.
Rombauer Vineyards
Shared with good friends (who also appreciate good wine), the Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($24), from grapes cultivated on four unique sites, was about as refreshing as it gets. Notes of freshly cut grass and bright tropical fruit such as papaya, mango, and lime wafted from the glass. On the palate, I enjoyed flavors of snappy grapefruit, juicy lemons and limes, and pineapple as well as vibrant acidity and a lingering, flavorful finish. 90% of the juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks and the remaining was fermented in neutral French oak barrels to offer just the right amount of weight and texture.
Wine by Joe
I continue to be impressed with Joe Dobbes’ Wine by Joe Brand. First, their canned wines (click here) caught my attention (and palate) and now, the release of Pinot Noir 2015 ($19) does the same. With the intention to “make high quality Oregon wines at affordable prices”, Wine by Joe is one of the first Oregon wineries to bottle their wines using a screw cap. What’s not to love about this Pinot Noir? I found intense notes of spice, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, cherries, and the slightest hint of chocolate on the nose. Aged for 8 months in neutral oak barrels, soft tannins and bright acidity surrounded approachable elements of black cherries, fresh plums, chocolate, red fruit, and a hint of vanilla on the luscious palate.
Mercer Family Vineyards
Opening a box of wine from Mercer Family Vineyards located in Washington State is a joy. From their Estate Vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills, the Mercer Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2016 ($16.99) burst with aromas of tropical fruit, lime, bananas, pineapple, and honeysuckle. On the palate, I found just-right acidity, a creamy mouthfeel, minerality, more delectable tropical fruit, herbal notes, caramel, honey, and a touch of oak. All that in one glass at an affordable price point? Yes!
The Mercer Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ($19.99) was a beautiful unoaked blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, and 1% Malbec. Enticing aromas of juicy blackberries, exotic spice, and earth led to notes of rich black fruit, plums, and spice framed by velvet-like tannins and medium acidity. Honestly, this wine is a terrific price point.
Les Vins Georges DuBoeuf
Known for many well priced, delicious wines, producer Les Vins Georges DuBoeuf has released two wines from south facing IGP vineyards in the Pays d’Oc department of Aude, close to the Medieval town of Carcassonne located in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains.
The Georges DuBoeuf Chardonnay 2017 Wildflower ($11.99) is of 100% Chardonnay boasting a label that signifies the Yellow Gentian flower that blooms in the fields and vineyards of the Pays d’Oc. On both nose and palate, I found fresh notes of citrus, lemons, peaches, and a hint of toast and oak. Creamy and soft with moderate acidity, this easy drinking wine is delicious with appetizers and grilled fish.
The Georges DuBoeuf Pinot Noir 2017 ($11.99), of 100% Pinot Noir, exuded elements of cherries, red berries, and spice on the nose and palate with food friendly acidity and a long spice filled finish. Enjoy each sip with a charcuterie platter or grilled lamb.
Mionetto
Naturally, I had to add a bit of bubbly to the list! From the Veneto region of Italy, the Glera DOCG grapes in Mionetto Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG ($30), part of Mionetto’s Luxury Collection, were cultivated in a 246-acre area in the steep hills of Valdobbiadene. Bubbles in the glass were pervasive as I savored each refreshing sip. Seductive aromas and flavors of stone fruit, pears, apricots, apple, and candied nuts were balanced and sophisticated. After gentle pressing of the grapes and fermention of the must without the skins, the secondary fermentation followed the Charmat method (in a large, closed, pressurized tank). Pair a glass with light appetizers, shellfish, and fresh berries.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Vee Lowe