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May 2006
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Simi Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
A
California Cab lover’s delight, this robust reserve
wine from the house of Simi packs a punch of layered scents
and flavors from the Alexander Valley. Simi Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon is created by keeping all of the vineyard blocks
separate throughout the winemaking process. This allows
winemaker Steve Reeder to select the best vineyard lots
from the 125-year-old winery for the final blend, which
is fashioned over a two-year period by selecting the best
barrels from the most intense lots, and aged for 16 months
in French and American oak. Six percent of the firm-bodied
wine is Cabernet
Franc, which adds to the structure as well as the
complex aromas. With notes of cassis, leather and sage
backed by toasty vanilla, the Sonoma
County offering pairs
well with roasted meats and blue cheese.
Rating:
16.5/20
Price: $60
Other Cabernet
Sauvignons we've tasted
Check out our guide to Sonoma
County
For more information, visit www.simiwinery.com |
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Chamard 2002 Southeastern New England Estate Reserve
Chardonnay
Winemaker
Larry McCulloch has been tending 20 acres of mostly
Chardonnay
grapes in stony Connecticut
soil near Long Island Sound for more than 20 years.
In the past, we have been enamored of their Southeastern
New England Estate Reserve Chardonnay,
and the 2002 vintage continues that pleasing trend.
Don’t prejudge it based on its Connecticut
roots; in a blind tasting, it could easily pass for
a selection from California
or other prize Chardonnay
territory. It’s big, buttery and earthy with
good true-to-type fruit characteristics. This palate
pleaser has a robust citrus finish that lingers, and
will match up with an array of spring dishes, such
as a lobster salad from its New
England cousin Maine.
Overall, we consider it a great value.
Rating:
13.5/20
Price: $13
Other Chardonnays
we've tasted
Check out our guide to Connecticut
For more information, visit www.chamard.com |
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1997 Robert Hunter Brut de Noirs "Extended Tirage"
Rooted
in the rural Valley of the Moon north of Sonoma,
the Robert Hunter Winery is where Bob and Ann Hunter
practice their newfound passion: winemaking. The couple
has tremendous respect for Champagne,
and strives to reproduce this beverage prized by kings
and queens. In addition to the proprietors, the winemaking
team comprises son Rob and technical consultant Claude
Thibaut of Verzenay. Everything is handcrafted at
Hunter and the sparkling wine is made according to
the strict, labor-intensive méthode
champenoise process. “We hope you agree
that our attention to detail is well worth it,”
says Robert Hunter, a banker turned farmer turned
vintner. The winery is proud of the extended tirage
that adds a layer of complexity, and we approve. Our
1997 showed positive signs of aging with a deep golden
color, and a fun and playful yeastiness and nuttiness.
This Pinot
Noir-dominated sparkler has a structured backbone
that will enable you to pair it with an array of food
options.
Rating:
14.5/20
Price: $35
Other Sparkling
Wines we've tasted
Check out our guide to Sonoma
For more information, visit www.roberthunterwinery.com |
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Bodegas Medrano-Irazu 2001 Rioja Crianza
Characterized
by its cool climate and hilly terrain, Northern Spain’s
Rioja Alavesa region is sprinkled with small family-owned
bodegas like Medrano-Irazu, a vineyard that prides itself
on its traditional foot pressing methods and vines that
are at least 20 years old. They grow the region’s
native Tempranillo
grape, which although frequently blended with other varietals,
can also stand tall on its own. Their 2001 Rioja Crianza
is a medium to full bodied 100 percent Tempranillo wine
with a deep ruby red color. It features cigar box and tobacco
tones, with a long but green finish. Although the wine was
aged for at least one year in American and French oak barrels,
we think it could benefit from further aging. Like other
Crianzas, this should pair
well with grilled meats or traditional Spanish tapas like
red peppers, serrano ham, potatoes and mushrooms.
Rating:
13/20
Price: $15
Other Tempranillo
wines we've tasted
Check out our guide to Spain
For more information, visit www.bodegasmedranoirazu.com |
Read
about the wine world's most influential critic: Robert
Parker, Jr.
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