While winter doesn’t officially end until March 20th, the 1st of the month is an unofficial mental barometer. Once it has passed you can feel and nearly smell the most welcome onslaught of spring. But until that day comes we all need to get by. What better way than by enjoying some delicious, well made wines from various corners of the Globe. So here are my picks to survive (and enjoy?!) the rest of winter. Most importantly, drink them in good company.
Aia Vecchia 2017 Vermentino Toscana IDT ($12)
In addition to Vermentino, there’s 5% Viognier blended in. Just a hint of lychee fruit appears on the nose alongside more prevalent bits of citrus. The palate has good weight and texture with continued citrus joined by salinity, minerals and gentle wisps of stone fruit. The finish is crisp, clean and dry. Aia Vecchia has delivered a delicious white that will put you in the mood for spring.
Georges Duboeuf 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau Rosé ($13)
Only in its second vintage the Nouveau Rosé has been turning heads. Wild strawberry and flinty mineral aromas are in strong evidence. A cornucopia of red fruit flavors are evident on the layered palate. Bits of pomegranate appear on the crisp and acid rich finish. It’s hard to believe it took all these years for the Nouveau range of wines from Georges Duboeuf to feature a Rosé. Now that it’s here, drink it up.
Mandarossa 2018 Frappato Sicilia IGT ($18)
This offering is entirely composed of Frappato. A mélange of bright red and black raspberry aromas leap from the glass. Those characteristics carry through the palate and have a bit of restrained jam to them. A gentle hint of leather emerges on the solid, acid-laden finish. This is a solid contender if you’re looking for a house red that you can purchase by the case.
Breaking Bread 2019 Redwood Valley Zinfandel ($24)
This wine answers the question, what if the soul of Cru Beaujolais were used as the jumping off point for Zinfandel? It turns out the answer is, yes please! This is a fresh, acid rich, incredibly food friendly wine. Mendocino has long been a source of delicious Zin, here’s one that spins California’s favorite grape-child on its head. The nose shows all the bright red fruit aromas you would expect from well-made Zinfandel. The palate is lighter bodied than typical with fresh, pure fruit flavors delivering the overarching character here. Strawberry and raspberry are joined by bits of cranberry and pomegranate. Bits of savory herb are in evidence on the solid, crisp and refreshing finish. Buy 2 bottles; you’re going to want more when the first one is empty.
Silverado Vineyards 2018 Sangiovese Rosato ($25)
Silverado Vineyards stands among Napa Valley’s most stalwart producers. One vintage after another they deliver value in every price tier. Their 2018 Rosato is no exception. Each of their wines is produced entirely from estate grown fruit. This rosé is composed of 100% Sangiovese. Red fruits tinged by bits of citrus inform the nose. The plate shows off strawberry, watermelon and hints of stone fruit. A bit of racy acid is evident on the above average finish. In addition to this Rosato I heartily recommend checking out any wine with the Silverado name on it.
MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($25)
There was a time I didn’t drink very much Chardonnay from California. It was a late 90’s vintage of MacRostie Chardonnay that won me back. The wines at MacRostie have always been vineyard driven. Current winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen follows the same path founder Steve MacRostie set upon decades ago. Tropical fruits fill the nose. The palate shows some tension between plentiful fruit, bits of oak and abundant acidity. All of those elements carry through the long and engaging finish. This is a textbook example of Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.
Silver Ghost 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon ($35)
This relatively new Napa producer is focused on the valley’s signature grape, Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit was sourced in Rutherford, Calistoga, and Yountville. In addition to Cabernet, 5% Petit Verdot was blended in. For $35 this offers a terrific value in Napa Cab. Quite frankly it’s quite an impressive mouthful of wine for the price. Dark fruit aromas abound and they’re followed by oodles of dark flavors such as blackberry and raspberry. A hint of dusty cocoa leads the velvety finish. Fine acid and approachable tannins make this eminently drinkable and delicious right now.
Nicolas–Jay 2017 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($65)
This marks the fourth vintage from the Nicolas-Jay partnership. Five vineyard sources including their own estate are used to form this cuvee. Dark fruits and savory herbs are evident from the first whiff to the last sip. Cherry, earth, spices and chicory all drive the deeply layered palate. The memorably long finish shows off very approachable tannins and rich acid. There’s a sophistication and complexity here that outdrives the price point.
Ramey 2015 Rodgers Creek Vineyard Syrah ($65)
8% Viognier was co-fermented with the Syrah. All of the fruit came from a single vineyard in the Petaluma Gap. A mere 422 cases were produced of this Syrah. If you enjoy Syrah from the Rhone, you’ll recognize the intent here. Dark fruit aromas lead the way. The flavors are dark and savory with herbs, olives, fruit, smoked meat and more providing a big, flavorful, mouthful of wine. There’s texture and mouthfeel here to spare. You’ll want to enjoy this wine slowly over a leisurely meal. Pair it with something as casual as a pastrami sandwich or more planned out such as Beef Bourguignon. Either way savor it.
Peju 2013 Petit Trois Napa Valley Cabernet Franc ($75)
Petit Trois is composed entirely of Cabernet Franc from 3 distinct Napa Valley vineyards. Redolent black raspberry and bits of leather lead the aromatics. The palate is studded with sweet fruit such as black cherry, blueberry and savory herbs. Earth and pencil lead are evident on the long, dense finish. This is a classic example of Napa Valley Franc. Pair with an herb laden crown roast of pork.
ZD Wines 2017 Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir ($90)
ZD Wines celebrated their 50th anniversary a couple of years ago. This offering showcases a new label in celebration of that milestone. All of the fruit comes from their CCOF certified Organic vineyard in Carneros. And it is of course entirely Pinot Noir. Dark fruit aromas abound. The plate is stuffed with black cherry, savory herbs and a proportionate dash of toasty oak. Pomegranate, bits of mushroom and continued cherry are all evident on the above average finish. Mushroom heavy dishes would be a terrific partner for this outstanding Pinot Noir.
Gamble Family Vineyards 2015 Paramount Proprietary Red Blend ($90)
Cabernet Sauvignon (32%), Cabernet Franc (32%), Merlot (30%), and Petit Verdot (6%) were blended together to form this Bordeaux inspired blend. The fruit was sourced from 9 different Napa vineyards with the bulk coming from their own estate. Blackberry, mission fig, leather and spice all emerge from the nose. The palate features ripe red fruits, spice and toast. Dusty baker’s chocolate and hints of chicory emerge on the above average finish. Soy glazed pork belly would be an inspired pairing.
Chappellet 2016 Hideaway Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($125)
This is entirely Cabernet Sauvignon from the Secluded “Hideaway Vineyard,” sitting at more than 1,425 feet in elevation, on Pritchard Hill. There’s something special about the pure expression of Mountain grown Cabernet Sauvignon. This release from the Chappellet Family sure helps prove that argument. Black cherry, blackberry and cocoa aromas lead the way. The palate shows off continued berry, chicory, savory herbs and hints of mission fig. Heaps of black cherry flavors continue on the prodigious finish. Firm, gripping tannins and racy acid provide the framework for a long life ahead.