($6, Appellation Imports): I haven’t had a $6 wine I could recommend this enthusiastically in years. Yes, the label is confusing because Cariñena, the geographical applellation of the wine, is also the name of a grape, though not the grape from which this wine is made.… Read more
Category Archives: Reviews
Castillo de Monseran, Carinena (Spain) Garnacha “Old Vine” 2004
($12, Appellation Imports): An upscale version of their regular Garnacha, the “Old Vine” selection is aged in oak barrels for six months. The judicious use of oak adds a creamy patina without overwhelming the attractive fruity spiciness. The lip-smacking cherry acidity keeps it lively throughout the meal.… Read more
Genesis by Hogue, Columbia Valley (Washington) 2002
($16): This Syrah emphasizes the thick black plum character of Syrah rather than the beefy style. The pure fruit character shines in this well-balanced, polished wine. 88 Michael Apstein Oct 3, 2006… Read more
Guigal, Crozes-Hermitage (Rhône, France) 2003
($22, Ex-Cellars Wine Agency): Guigal, arguably the Rhône’s best producer, has been making stellar wines from Côte Rôtie since the 1960s. His first vintage of Crozes Hermitage was 1999, just prior to his acquiring land in that part of the Northern Rhône.… Read more
Guigal, Côte Rôtie (Rhône, France) Château dAmpuis 2001
($140, Ex-Cellars Wine Agency): Guigal introduced this wine, a blend from six exceptionally well located parcels-three on the Côte Brune and three on the Côte Blonde-with the 1995 vintage. It’s meant to be a bridge between his regular Brune et Blonde and the single vineyards wines, La Mouline, La Landonne and La Turque.… Read more
J & F Lurton, Vin de Pays de Côtes du Tarn (France) Sauvignon Blanc “Les Fumées Blanches” 2005
($9, Ex-Cellars Wine Agency): Jacques and François Lurton, sons of famed Bordeaux chateaux owner André Lurton, split from the family about 10 years ago to start their own projects, which involve making wines from around the world. Their 100% Sauvignon Blanc, Les Fumées Blanches, is always racy and balanced.… Read more
Bouchard Père et Fils, Beaune Grèves (Burgundy, France) “Vigne de L’Enfant Jesus” 2002
($73, Henriot Inc.): This, Bouchard’s flagship wine from Beaune, rarely disappoints and often dazzles. The 2002 dazzles. Long and expansive, it is remarkably ‘big’ for a wine from Beaune, but has not lost any of its usual elegance or silkiness. 93 Michael Apstein Sep 19, 2006… Read more
Patrick LeSec, Vaqueyras (Rhone, France) Vielles Vignes 2003
($27, Patrick LeSec /Chemin des Vins): The Southern Rhone handled the heat of 2003 much better than most areas of France and, as a result, turned out some fabulous wines. This is one of them. Meaty and full-blown, it retains remarkable succulence and balance.… Read more
Domaine Trapet, Gevrey-Chambertin (Burgundy, France) Ostrea 2003
($53, Chemin des Vins/Patrick LeSec): The Ostrea vineyard, not a premier cru, is located on the north-Brochon-side of Gevrey and takes its name from the oyster shells found in the soil. Ripe and supple-but not hot as was all too frequently the case with 2003 Burgundies-Trapet’s village Gevrey-Chambertin has lovely balance and is delicious to drink now.… Read more
Château Recougne, Bordeaux Superiéur (Bordeaux, France) 2003
($13, Ex-Cellars Wine Agency): Gamey flavors attractively complement the layers of ripe fruit elements in this balanced wine. The tannins are supple and symmetrical with the fruit, which means the wine is perfect for drinking now. The price makes it hard to resist.… Read more
Gran Feudo, Navarra (Spain) Reserva 2001
($15, Kobrand): Here is another great bargain from the family of Julián Chivite, a well-respected Spanish winemaker. The family owns this property in Navarra and another in Rioja. The Gran Feudo Reserva, a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and merlot, has exquisite balance.… Read more
Pol Roger, Champagne (France) Rosé 1998
($80, Frederick Wildman): Moderately powerful and rich, this rosé is perfectly balanced and a delight to drink now. Flavors of strawberries and other red fruits fill the glass while sparkling acidity keeps the wine fresh. Its wonderfully soft and creamy texture brings you back for more.… Read more
Domaine St. Martin, Fixin (Burgundy, France) 1er Cru Les Hervelets 2004
($40, Chemin des Vins/Patrick LeSec): Perhaps the best wine from Fixin I’ve ever had, the 2004 from Domaine St. Martin has layers of flavors and length. Not marred by the hardness sometimes found in wines from this village, its pure fruit flavors are complemented by an engaging earthiness.… Read more
Maison Louis Jadot, Beaujolais-Villages (Burgundy, France) 2005
($12, Kobrand): Let me get straight to the point. Jadot’s 2005 Beaujolais-Villages is delicious and a great value. Buy it by the case. Forget what you’ve heard about Beaujolais being thin, watery stuff. This is the kind of Beaujolais that brought the world’s attention to that region.… Read more
Chateau Minuty, Cotes de Provence (France) “Cuvee Prestige” 2004
($30, Romano Brands): Château Minuty, one of the cru classé of the Côtes de Provence, is rightly known for its vibrant and stylish Rosé. But they make red wine, an easy drinking one and this, their Prestige bottling made entirely from Mourvedre.… Read more
Allan Scott, Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2005
($16): It’s a shame that Allan Scott’s wines lack the visibility of many other New Zealand wineries, because his Sauvignon Blanc ranks with the best that region has to offer. The 2005 has real depth and an awakening grapefruit rind bite in the finish to match the quintessential electrifying acidity.… Read more
Ponzi, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Chardonnay Reserve 2003
($28): This lush — but not fat — Chardonnay, has the requisite uplifting citric finish to balance the considerable fruity/mineral elements. It’s like drinking lemon cream pie. 92 Michael Apstein Sep 5, 2006… Read more
Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Chardonnay “Arthur” 2004
($30): When Domaine Drouhin Oregon started in 1988, they focused on Pinot Noir, not making commercial quantities of their Chardonnay until the 1996 vintage. To my mind, their Chardonnay has gotten better every year. The 2004 is tightly wound and shows its true glory after some time in the glass.… Read more
Atlas Peak, Atlas Peak District (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
($42): In my experience, it’s rare for a wine made from mountain grown fruit to have this kind of weight and elegance. But Atlas Peak’s winemaker, Darren Proscal, and its viticulturist, Tony Fernandez, Jr., have pulled it off with their 2003 Cabernet.… Read more
Concha y Toro, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto “Don Melchor” 2003
($47, Excelsior): Concha y Toro, certainly one of Chile’s foremost wine producers, has modified the style of Don Melchor, their flagship Cabernet, ever so slightly over the years. The 2003 — just a touch riper and fleshier than past versions — retains the signature attractive earthy, herbal character of great Chilean Cabernet.… Read more
Maison Louis Jadot, Bourgogne (Burgundy, France) Pinot Noir 2004
($17, Kobrand): One of Burgundy’s greatest producers, Maison Louis Jadot has fashioned a beautiful introduction to red Burgundy with this wine. Uncharacteristic for the French, who typically shun grape names, Jadot plasters “Pinot Noir” in large type across the label just in case you forgot that all red Burgundy comes from that grape.… Read more
Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Walker Bay (South Africa) Chardonnay 2004
($25, Vineyard Brands): Hamilton Russell consistently makes graceful Chardonnays, clearly some of the best from South Africa. The 2004 is beautifully proportioned, with alluring toastiness and minerality I associate with great white Burgundy. But check out the price! 92 Michael Apstein Sep 5, 2006… Read more
Pazo de Senorans, Rias Baixas (Galicia, Spain) Albarino 2005
($16, Polaner Selections): Minerality and herbal notes balance a refreshing edginess from the almost effervescent-like acidity. A lovely persistent finish completes the picture. 90 Michael Apstein Sep 5, 2006… Read more
L’Ecole No. 41, Walla Walla (Washington) Pepper Bridge Vineyard Red Blend “Apogee” 2003
($45): Marty Clubb makes two wines, Apogee and Perigee, meant to mirror each other as expressions of two of the best known vineyards in Walla Walla, Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills. The latter tends toward a feminine, floral brightness underlined by an earth core; the former is usually has much deeper structure and a darker fruit profile.… Read more
Houghton, Western Australia (Australia) Chardonnay-Verdelho 2005
($14, Houghton Wines): Houghton uses an alluring blend of two-thirds Chardonnay and one-third Verdelho to capture the virtues of each variety. The Verdelho adds an intriguing floral character while the Chardonnay provides stuffing–but, in the Western Australian tradition–without heaviness. A tangy finish keeps the wine interesting throughout a meal.… Read more
Whitehaven, Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2005
($16, E&J Gallo): It has the piercing citric — really limey — character we have grown to expect from Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, but a touch of minerality amplifies its appeal. 91 Michael Apstein May 16, 2006… Read more
Jackson Estate, Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2004
($16): While many Marlborough Sauvignons grab and then pierce your tongue, Jackson Estate’s 2004 conveys a different style; mostly, I think, because of the extra year of age. Not quite as electrifying, but still plenty lively and fresh, its earthy minerality captivates and adds complexity.… Read more
Salitage, Pemberton (Western Australia) Shiraz “Treehouse” 2003
($15, Wines West): The Treehouse label is used for Solitage wines made from purchased fruit, usually from a single vineyard, within the Pemberton region. A nice balance of peppery and plumy flavors and a lovely finish makes this Shiraz a steal at the price.… Read more
Capel Vale, Mount Barker (Great Southern, Western Australia, Australia) Shiraz Kinnaird Vineyard Black Label 2001
($45, multiple distributors): A single vineyard wine from the Mount Barker region of the Great Southern, this is a very appealing, cocoa-infused, meaty and lush style of Shiraz that is remarkably silky and long. Nicely evolved, it’s lovely to drink now.… Read more
Capel Vale, Mount Barker (Great Southern, Western Australia, Australia) Shiraz Kinnaird Vineyard Black Label 2003
($45, multiple distributors): Less meaty than the 2001, presumably because it is younger and bottled under screw cap, it still has a hint of that lovely gamy quality. It’s fresh, lush and juicy with a remarkable silkiness and elegance for its power.… Read more
Evans and Tate, Margaret River (Western Australia) “Classic Red” 2003
($14, Scott Street Portfolio): A blend of 2/3 Shiraz and 1/3 Cabernet Sauvignon, this Classic Red is a great value. Filled with spice and plums, it is surprisingly complex for the price. Its suppleness is part of the charm. 90 Michael Apstein Apr 11, 2006
Voyager, Margaret River (Western Australia) 2004
($18, Serge Doré Selections, Ltd.): Voyager blended in a little Viognier into this bottling, which likely explains its lovely floral quality. A spicy and enticing black pepper component, along with great length and finesse, reinforces its similarity to wines from the Northern Rhône.… Read more
Evans and Tate, Margaret River (Western Australia) Shiraz 2003
($18, Scott Street Portfolio): Another great value from Evans and Tate, this Shiraz has meaty overtones along with pepper and plum-like flavors. A savory wine, it holds its 14.5% alcohol effortlessly. 93 Michael Apstein Apr 11, 2006
Alkoomi, Frankland River (Western Australia) Shiraz White Label 2004
($13, Ravensvale Group): An atypical Australian Shiraz, the charm of this lovely wine lies in the interplay of understated fruit flavors with gamy, earthy notes. 91 Michael Apstein Apr 11, 2006
Ferngrove, Frankland River (Western Australia) Shiraz White Label 2003
($13, Partners Wine Marketing): Sourced from Ferngrove’s estate vineyards, this Shiraz delivers rich, ripe, plumy flavors without overwhelming the attractive gamy notes. A long and lovely wine at a wonderful price. 92 Michael Apstein Apr 11, 2006
Ferngrove, Frankland River (Western Australia) “The Sterling” 2004
($29, Partners Wine Marketing): A blend of two-thirds Shiraz and one-third Cabernet, Ferngrove’s flagship wine has a fabulous mix of notes including chocolate, smoke and tobacco. It’s a big wine, yet balanced, with great finesse. 93 Michael Apstein Apr 11, 2006
Alkoomi, Frankland River (Western Australia) Shiraz/Viognier Black Label 2004
($21, Ravensvale Group): Another restrained style of Shiraz with long, layered flavors that linger. Although the blend includes only two percent Viognier, that little dash provides real lift and an added layer of finesse. 93 Michael Apstein Apr 11, 2006
Alkoomi, Frankland River (Western Australia) Shiraz “Jarrah” 2002
($38, Ravensvale Group): Alkoomi’s top-of-the-line Shiraz takes its name from a local hardwood tree. It has a great combination of succulent fruit and meaty flavors, which are balanced rather than not overdone. 95 Michael Apstein Apr 11, 2006
Capel Vale, Western Australia (Australia) Shiraz “Sheldrake” 2002
($15, multiple distributors): Two thirds of the fruit comes from Pemberton, which gives this a lovely black pepper character, while the third that comes from the warmer Geographe subregion supplies ripeness and richness. The overall effect is a lovely balance of plums and pepper.… Read more
Josmeyer, Alsace (France) Pinot Blanc “Mise du Printemps” 2004
($27, Paterno Wines): Pinot Blanc represents the neutral baseline of the world’s white wines in terms of aromas and flavors, but this Pinot Blanc is actually an exciting wine. On the nose it expresses broad, minerally notes as well as gentle floral character.… Read more
Hay Shed Hill, Margaret River (Western Australia, Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
($26, Artemis Wines International): The usual–for Margaret River–delightful combination of ripe fruit and herbs buttressed by excellent structure marks this very nice wine. 88 Michael Apstein Mar 14, 2006
Cullen, Margaret River (Western Australia, Australia) “Mangan” 2004
($42, Young’s Market): A fascinating blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Petit Verdot, this purple, inky wine looks huge, but actually is more like an intense, juicy Dolcetto with fine tannins and great character. 88 Michael Apstein Mar 14, 2006
Vasse Felix, Margaret River (Western Australia, Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot “Adams Road” 2003
($15, Negociants USA): Rich and supple, with some herbal elements, this wine reflects the interplay of sweet ripe fruit and slightly savory elements. 90 Michael Apstein Mar 14, 2006
Howard Park, Margaret River (Western Australia, Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon Leston Vineyard 2003
($20, Commonwealth Wine & Spirits): Lovely cassis fruit, hints of chocolate and fine tannins combine to make this a juicy, fleshy wine. A great $20 value! 90 Michael Apstein Mar 14, 2006
Deep Woods Estate, Margaret River (Western Australia, Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
($25, Outback Red Imports): The relatively warm location of this estate probably explains the wine’s abundant cassis character and its more subtle herbal elements. Length and supple, ripe tannins make it an engaging wine even at this young age. 90 Michael Apstein Mar 14, 2006
Deep Woods Estate, Margaret River (Western Australia, Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2004
($35, Outback Red Imports): Owner Peter Fogarty says that this is his best wine. Made entirely from their estate-grown fruit, the Merlot component imparts an attractive herbal character that complements the overall juicy impression. It has an impressive, silky texture. 91 Michael Apstein Mar 14, 2006
Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River (Western Australia, Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon “Art Series” 1999
($45, Old Bridge Cellars): This succulent wine offers not just fruit flavors but also hints of chocolate. Despite a slightly hot finish, it’s a classy, complex wine. 92 Michael Apstein Mar 14, 2006
Hay Shed Hill, Margaret River (Western Australia, Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon “Etched Label” 2003
($55, Artemis Wines International): This is a resounding success for the first vintage of what is sure to be this producer’s flagship wine. The quality and complexity comes from 35-year old vines, low yields (two to three tons per acre), and the talent of winemaker Nigel Kinsman.… Read more
Vasse Felix, Margaret River (Western Australia, Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
($27, Negociants USA): Some Margaret River wineries had trouble ripening Cabernet in 2002 because it was an unusually cool growing season. Vasse Felix succeeded admirably because they used more grapes from the warmer–northern–part of the region. They fashioned a silky, ripe cassis-infused wine that still retains attractively herbal, but not unripe, elements.… Read more
Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River (Western Australia, Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon “Art Series” 2000
($45, Old Bridge Cellars): I tasted this at a seminar on Australian and New Zealand wines that I led for a group of undergraduate students at Harvard after my return from Western Australia. It was the wine of the night and a perfect accompaniment to roasted lamb.… Read more