Gems in My Glass . . . May 2017
Moët & Chandon 2006 Dom Pérignon; Epernay, France: Wow, the yeasty, floral aroma draws me in; easy to figure out just where in the world this came from! Rich and complex with layers of brioche, creamy pear, apricot, notes of licorice, orange zest, minerals, a touch of spice and earthiness. Composed of 52% Pinot Noir and 48% Chardonnay, this Champagne is precise and immaculate in balance, and the tiny bubbles are everlasting. SRP: $180 www.domperignon.com
Weingut Prager 2012 Riesling Smaragd Wachstum Bodenstein; Wachau, Austria: Wet stone, florality and peach notes on the nose clearly speak Riesling. This divine Riesling is equally compelling on the palate, as green apples, peaches and apricots highlighted by bright citrus elements meld with a solid thread of minerality. Complex, vivacious, ageworthy and simply delicious. SRP: ~$62 www.weingutprager.atFratelli Revello 2011 Vigna Giachini Barolo DOCG; Piedmont, Italy: Dusty earth, heady flowers and dried cherries on the nose open to a beautifully distinctive and flavorful classic Barolo. Intense and extracted as bands of blackberries, tobacco leaf, anise, dark cherries, leather and earthiness are unveiled on the palate. Full bodied, fine-tuned and deep in structure with herbs and spice lingering on the memorable finish. SRP: ~$55 www.revellofratelli.comJustin Vineyards & Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc; Central Coast, California: Demonstrative on the nose with delightful grassy, citrus aromas. Juicy and vibrant as grapefruit, honeydew melon and lemon verbena notes enliven the palate. Pristinely balanced with lively acidity, this Sauvignon Blanc is as pure and refreshing as it gets! SRP: $14.50 www.justinwine.comDillon Vineyards 2014 Chardonnay; Yountville, Napa Valley, California: Here is an easy to quaff Chardonnay (aged in 33% new, 67% seasoned French oak barrels) that shows off tropical notes on the nose. Fresh and elegant with a lovely mouth feel, it exhibits notes of warm apple tarte tartin, vanilla bean, nutmeg, cinnamon, pineapple and spiced oak nuances. Lively acidity offers good balance to the generous fruit. SRP: ~$24 www.dillonvineyards.comDominus Estate 2012 Dominus; Napa Valley, California: Clearly still in its youth, here is one for the cellar. Dense, dark and complex with firm tannins, decant to open the wine up (if you choose to pop the cork now). Multilayered with black currant, dark cherry, fresh tobacco, spice box, leather, hints of earth, savory dried herbs, and underlying oak weaving a highly-structured pattern on the palate. I envision this gem aging well for decades. SRP: $~200 www.dominusestate.comDominus Estate 2014 Napanook; Napa Valley, California: This “baby” Dominus is not to be overlooked, nor underrated. The expressive aroma proclaims look at ME! Approachable, yet promises to age nicely as well, it engages the senses as it rolls onto the palate with confidence and grace. Spicy and richly textured with cassis, hints of olive paste and dark plum fruit at the core, braced by a pretty backbone of tannins and lively acidity. SRP: ~$70 www.dominusestate.comConcha y Toro 2011 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon; Puente Alto, Chile: Expressive berry aromas set the stage for this delightful, well balanced Cab Sauvignon. Boysenberry, blueberry and raspberry candy flavors join savory spice and leathery notes with a nice accent of oak. Juicy and medium bodied with silky tannins and a nice finish that lingers beyond the final drop. SRP: ~$70 www.conchaytoro.comChateau Rieussec 2009 Premier Grand Cru Classé Sauternes; Bordeaux, France: This Sauternes is rich and concentrated while boasting a splendid level of balancing acidity. Interlacing flavors of fresh honey, tropical fruit, roasted pecans, caramel corn and butterscotch are lifted by tangerine highlights, and the dreamy finish keeps on going; heavenly! SRP: ~$75 www.lafite.com/en/the-chateaus/chateau-rieussec/
