Hip hip hooray – the release we have all been waiting for – wines with a score of 90+. OK, there are a few that are out of our price range, but there are enough on offer to satisfy value-seekers like us. What’s in a high score you ask : critics have deemed the wine worthy of a higher than average rating and we really should take heed as these critics do a lot more tasting than the average joe and have learned to discern great from alright. These scores (and recommendations from us for that matter) come with a caveat – you still might not like them as your palate prefers other flavours. BUT these wines with big scores are definitely worth checking out.
SPARKLING WINE
48793 LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D’AURORE BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE (BURGUNDY) $18.95
Pretty and chic - boasting raspberry aromas and flavors and some spice. Delicate and light bodied with a lengthy finish this is a dry and fantastic fizz. (David Lawrason, winealign.com, 90)
WHITE WINE
221879 LEONE DE CASTRIS MESSAPIA VERDECA 2009 (PUGLIA) $14.95
This sexy Italian shows off pretty floral aromas and flavors of orange, lime and lemon peel bursting with freshness and a soft oily mouth feel! (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, 90)
568071 FIRESTEED PINOT GRIS 2009 (OREGON) $14.95
Wow was our reaction when we tasted this little number that is not so little – quite full bodied and screaming of mouth watering flavours of pear, apple and mineral and citrus and a solid finish.
223925 MOLTЀS RÉSERVE RIESLING 2009 (ALSACE) $17.95
A classic Alsatian Riesling at a really, really good price. Petrol on the nose with distinct mineral and citrus flavours on the palate. It is off-dry and would go well with spicy, grilled chicken.
225409 STAR LANE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 (SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, CALIFORNIA) $21.95
Here is a Cali beauty not shy on aromas and flavours – huge grassy nose with hints of mineral, lemon and white grapefruit flavours balanced by tangy, lemony citrus acidity and a juicy finish to boot. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, 90)
RED WINE
224915 DOMAINE ANDRÉ AUBERT VISAN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2009 (RHÔNE) $12.95
Holy moly – such a deal! This one is sooo French: dry, succulent berry and spice on the nose segueing to cherry and raspberry on the palate with a long, flavourful finish to boot! Great value!!!
108282 ZENATO CORMI CORVINA/MERLOT 2007 (VENETO) $17.95
Mmm - loads of flavor here, plum, berries, chocolate, coffee and black cherry – voluptuous and well rounded! Enjoy with grilled fare!
224311 VITICCIO BERE 2007 (TOSCANA) $17.95
We found this Tuscan beauty dry, yet still quite succulent. Look for smooth, smoky tannins, herbs and blackberries. (James Suckling, winespectator.com, 90)
665158 FOLIE À DEUX MÉNAGE À TROIS RED 2009 (CALIFORNIA) $17.95
Good swiller that provides a party in your mouth. It is berry fruity with notes of cinnamon and herbs. A crowd-pleasing number with no high scores, just very popular with Vintages consumers!
58081 ERAL BRAVO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 (ARGENTINA) $17.95
Full bodied, spicy, dark plum, berries and tons of flavor. Turn on the bbq and grill those steaks!
42929 LAN RESERVA 2005 (DOCa RIOJA) $19.95
Just great – super in fact – doesn’t get much better than this for the $. You’re getting an aged wine made of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Mazuelo offering violets, coffee, and dark berry notes. It is damn fine! (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, 90)
19042 CONCHA Y TORO MARQUÉS DE CASA CONCHA SYRAH 2008 (CHILE) $19.95
Dark, smoky, shtanky – simply delish! Its big and not for the shy. Mouth-filling with briar and dark, baked plum notes – not at all jammy. (James Molesworth, winespectator.com, 90)
161893 LA RIOJA ALTA VIÑA ALBERDI RESERVA 2003 (RIOJA) $29.95
Terrific – even at that price. This is a classic Rioja that offers earthiness and cherry notes. It is complex – deep and intense with a classy finish. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, 90)
ALP
Karen & Rose
PS Don't forget the Vintages Value List can always be found on www.cetoblog.com
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