Spain is hardly famous for Pinot, but Utiel-Requena is a very high-quality growing region inland from Valencia that make superb wines from multiple varieties. Sourced from a densely planted site and aged in new, 300-liter French oak casks, this hits a beautiful balance point between poise and power. Already delicious and graceful, this will only improve for a full decade.
A dramatic and deeply flavored Pinot, this shows a very ripe style that pushes its luck—but comes up just short of seeming “hot” from excessive alcohol. The texture is lovely, with very alluring softness that shows off the ripe fruit very effectively, turning in a winning performance.
It isn’t easy to find Pinot from Oregon for less than $30 that tastes like it actually comes from Oregon, but this wine fits that bill. It is on the light side in physical weight, with delicate aromas, flavors, and even texture, with very fine-grained tannins and no notable oak. The fruit is appealingly immediate and sweet, with flavors akin to the filling of strawberry-rhubarb pie. Simple, but delicious.
This Sauvignon Blanc is no wilting flower, blooming with notes of grass, honeydew melon, white pepper and jalapeño. Effervescent and juicy, it is a joyous melange of diced pineapples, candied lime and a lingering grapefruit finish. The sunshine radiates in this playful ode to the summer with just enough depth to take seriously.
Savory fragrances emerge, reminiscent of mirepoix and kumquat. The palate rides a wave of citrus lift with a hint of stony minerality and a pleasant roundness throughout. The flavors evoke the classic characteristics that New World Sauvignon Blanc lovers will recognize and cherish.
Tobacco and graphite define its debut moment on the palate, dotted with black pepper and mocha-kissed oak. Washed by black plum, its broad-shouldered power is relieved by an innate acid structure that slithers to a tarry finish with soy sauce, black tea, and sage.
The perfume is a symphony of the tropics – with melon, passionfruit, kiwi and lime zest. You can almost hear the steel drums alongside the island vibes. A refreshing citrus lift bolsters and refreshes. Flavors abound with increased nuance on the palate, with notes of papaya, chalk, anisette and orange slices. A summer sipper that is relentlessly laid back and easy to enjoy: this cat purrs.
The light ruby color borders on rosé. The fragrance is redolent with fresh strawberries and bubblegum under a blanket of marmalade and a touch of floral stems. With inviting and bold flavors of blood orange and watermelon, this offers just enough sinewy structure to keep it focused. This red would make anyone a cat lover.