It’s time for an additional version of “Random Samples”–I often get samples from advertising and marketing companies and/or producers. These can typically be grouped collectively into some type of over-arching theme: Drink Them and It Will Come, Summer time is Right here, So That Means (Extra) Rosé, If It Doesn’t Sparkle, It Doesn’t Matter.
Different occasions, I get only a bottle or two that wouldn’t have any obvious connection or hyperlink. As an alternative of holding on to these bottles till the “proper” mixture comes alongside, I made a decision to hyperlink all these “random” bottles collectively, making their very own class (and, being the mathematics geek that I’m, “random pattern” has a little bit of a double entendre).
2022 Corvo Nero d’Avola Irmana, Sicily, Italy: Retail $20. Ridiculously Accountable Bottle (413g; 14.5oz). Below artificial stopper. 100% Nero d’Avola. Each time I open a bottle of Sicilian wine, I reminisce concerning the time that I spent on the island; two separate journeys, each of which I loved profusely. And this wine takes me at the least a part of the way in which again there. Whereas Nero d’Avola is way from my most popular Sicilian selection, this wine definitely will get the job completed. Medium colour with loads of black cherry, spice, and violet on the nostril. Yum. The palate is fruity, but reserved, with loads of acidity, spice, and simply the correct quantity of earth. Wonderful. 90 Factors.
2021 Covenant Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA: Retail $120. Exceedingly Heavy Bottle (863g; 1lb 14.4oz)). 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. I’ve talked about earlier than that Covenant is certainly one of my favourite producers. There are just a few causes for that however out of all the vineyard’s choices, this could be the wine I look ahead to making an attempt probably the most. And I’m far (even actually far) from a “lover of Cabernet”. So why this one? Nicely, this wine is fruity with out being a fruit bomb, highly effective with out being over-powering, and expressive with out being over-the-top; every uncommon in Napa, and all three? Just about exceptional. Blackberry and cassis, forest ground, and only a contact natural, spicy whereas additionally chocolatey. There’s a ton happening right here concurrently, all of which works. Once more, I’m no “Cab Man” however that is, yearly, certainly one of my favourite wines. Excellent. 95 Factors.
2021 Château de Gaure Oppidum, Limoux, France: Retail $30(?). Accountable Bottle (578g; 1lb 4.3oz). Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Mauzac. AOC Limoux. I’m not solely certain, however this could be the primary time Mauzac has handed my lips (though I’m certain I’ve had some Blanquette sooner or later). pal introduced this over from France and it was fairly fulfilling. It isn’t all that always that you just see a Chardonnay mix (exterior of Champagne, after all), notably with an fragrant white like Mauzac. No formal observe right here, however good fruit, good tartness, fairly good. Wonderful. 90 Factors.
2018 Parmoleto Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva, Tuscany, Italy: Retail $24. Heavy Bottle (621g; 1lb 5.9oz). 100% Sangiovese. I’m not certain how I obtained this bottle, however I’m glad I did; it’s a strong wine that might work effectively with many alternative pairings. Medium to darkish in colour with largely darkish fruit aromas emanating from the glass. I get a little bit of raspberry, possibly plum, and even blackberry or cassis. The palate is on the austere facet (notably when in comparison with New World wines), however there may be nonetheless ample fruit to juxtapose towards the colourful zinginess that presents itself from the bounce. Not a world-beater, however a strong, on a regular basis (or higher) kinda wine. Very Good. 89 Factors.
2022 Troon Winery Roussanne, Applegate Valley, OR: Retail $45. Ridiculously Accountable bottle (470g; 1lb 0.5oz). Below DIAM5. 100% Roussanne. One other stellar wine from certainly one of my favourite producers; Troon appears to do every little thing proper with reference to preserving the planet whereas making stellar wines. Add this to the listing. Whereas I view Roussanne as a bifurcating selection (you both like it or hate it), I really feel this iteration can enchantment to each side. Straw to yellow within the glass with incredible fruit aromas of lemon rind, guava, and mango. Add in a little bit of honeysuckle and spice and we’re getting there. The palate is spherical, full, and strong, all whereas being tart and angular. Tons of distinction, oodles of tropical fruit, and a great deal of nice vibes. Wonderful. 91 Factors.
2021 Yering Station Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia: Retail $25. Accountable Bottle (550g; 1lb 3.4 oz). Below screw cap. Over the past a number of months, I’ve tasted greater than my fair proportion of wines from Victoria, Australia. I’ve been lucky to study extra concerning the area, which, if I’m being sincere, I knew nothing about prior. Though not explicitly acknowledged, it appears this push to increase into the American market is due, at the least partially, to the volatility in Australia’s relationship with China, traditionally one of many largest markets for Aussie wine. Vibrant, linear, targeted, with refined however current fruit, a formidable zinginess, and vital minerality. Yup. Fairly incredible. Very Good. 89 Factors.
