A true performer: balance, finesse, charisma, and grace. More rose petals and just-ripened cherries than earthy, and lighter on its feet than von der Mehden’s more dramatic selections. But this juicy – almost sweet – beauty is empowered with fine acidity and a long finish of cocoa, plum, and peony.
Aromas: Pineapple, guava, and gardenia
Lemon curd, pink grapefruit, and tangerine blossom form a delicate, creamy wave across the palate. Tropical flowers such as gardenia and plumeria play alongside honeyed pears, dotted with a salty, crisp seashell finish.
Dry-farmed fruit, just six miles from the Pacific, the Valenti Vineyard is a steep-sloped, cool climate site at elevations reaching 1600 feet. Aged in French oak for 11 months, it is uniquely high-toned, with a colling foundation of flint. Lifted notes of boysenberry, tree bark, soy sauce, and black pepper line the palate. Vivacious and elegant.
Miriam and Brad Jonas, along with Kyle Jeffrey, have released this special fresh performance rosé with its crackling acidity and salty attitude. From its earthy nose, aromas of crushed stone and apricot pith preview its linear nature. Peaches, baked apple, allspice, and just picked underripe strawberry line up for attention on the palate. The fruit is picked from the oldest site off this dry-farmed, head-trained, organic vineyard, aged upwards of 116 years.
Intense aromas of straw, grapefruit, and elderflower exhibit on the palate as well, with vibrancy intact. Pineapple upside down cake, chervil, green tea, and glistening lime zest are memorable. Elegant, with a lovely presence.
Aromas: Thyme, passion fruit, green tea
From sustainable vineyards in the Wairau Valley, this family-owned wine brand offers New Zealand fruit – citrus and mango but comes off with a French accent. Bone dry acidity, with tension and a mineral base reminds us of a Sancerre. Complex and clean, it certainly over-delivers for the price.
Cork Alliance
Aromas: Honeysuckle, almond brittle, and melon
A lovely Viura, Rioja’s native white grape makes an appearance here as mouth-coating and sleek. Lemon-kissed vanilla pudding and a mineral tonality are clean and fresh, with an almond-hazelnut gloss on the finish.
Aged 21 months in French and Hungarian oak, notes of toasty, spiced cocoa, cassis, and clove are the preamble for the palate’s introduction to this most approachable red. Deep and savory, with black tea, plum, and graphite. Tannins are supple and easy going, and acidity is bright, establishing an energetic finish.