Here’s some new wines to the shop this last week that are all great values for what they are. It’s Saturday. Here’s something nice to end the week.
Whites
2019 Adega de Moncã, Vinho Verde $10
Alvarinho and Trajadura
There is a small amount of CO2 in the wine, and it has a ripe, aromatic nose but it is bone dry on the palate and finishes very clean. The wines from this northerly sub-region are a little more ripe and complex than the classic Vinho Verde style.
2019 Domaine Massiac, Viognier $17
This rustic estate situated in the heart of the Minervois. Their Viognier has a bouquet of orange-blossom, white flower, apricot, and melon. The palate is clean with a nice mineral undertone. Organic
2019 Domaine Huet, Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu $31
Chenin Blanc
World Class Chenin. Ripe pear, tangerine and orange fruits with notes of lemon grass and green pimientos intertwined with very fine chalky and later tobacco notes give a remarkably fine, elegant and harmonious, subtly complex and simply gorgeous bouquet with floral (lime blossom!) and yeasty aromas that are immediately attractive. Delicate and linear on the palate, this is a pure, fresh, bone-dry, lean and textured, highly refined and perfectly interwoven Chenin with persistent purity, finesse, salty-mineral tension and very fine tannins. Highly finessed and so pure and vivacious! This is a chalky picture-book Haut-Lieu that can age for many years, even though it is already dangerously seductive! — 95pts Wine Advocate.
2019 Chante Cigale, Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc $38
20% each Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Picpoul, Bourboulenc.
A rock-solid bouquet of honeyed apples, citrus blossom, white flowers, and a kiss of honeyed toast, this beauty has a supple, seamless texture and beautiful overall balance. Medium-bodied on the palate, this is just a classic Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc that does everything right, delivering plenty of mid-palate and texture, a solid sense of freshness, and a clean, dry finish
Reds
2017 Laurent Cognard, Château de Buxy Bourgogne $22
Pinot Noir
Perfumed and with red-cherry flavors, it is soft and generous. With the acidity and fruitiness combining easily. Was $28 now $22
2019 Ampeleia Unlitro $20 1ltr
Grenache, Carignan, and Alicante Bouschet
An unusual lighter Tuscan red. The flavors are pure and lively, with no oak to interfere with the myriad aromas of wild flowers, forest fruit, red berries, and subtle spices. There’s a lingering hint of sweetness and refreshing acidity on the finish that makes a happy impression on the palate. Bio Dynamic, low sulfides
2015 Lan Rioja Reserva $20
Tempranillo
A traditional Reserva with berry, vanilla and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium body with refined tannins and a delicious finish.
2018 Château Pierre Bise Schists Loire $21
90% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
The fruit is grown in the ancient volcanic soils of the Anjou village called Spilite, which is so compacted that the vines really have to struggle to penetrate. The resulting wine is mineral, ripe and full of red fruit, with firm tannins and a flinty undertone.
2016 Le Haut-Medoc d’Issan $40
60% Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Merlot
As the third wine of the famed 3rd Growth Château d’Issan hierarchy, the Le Haut-Médoc is textbook claret without the triple-digit price tag!” The wine has a bright and vivid bouquet of dark cherry, blueberry, and lead pencil. This fruit component also drives the pallet with a medium-bodied texture and mineral accents.