Gems in My Glass . . . March 2018

Traveling aboard the incomparable Crystal Serenity cruise ship is always a joy and an adventure.  Since 2012, Crystal has gone to all inclusive, with a good variety of wine, beer and liquor offered among their inclusive alcoholic beverage selections.  Here are some of the all inclusive wines I've enjoyed during this cruise:"C" Wines Sommelier's Selection 2016 Reserve Merlot; Sonoma County, California:  This expressive Merlot is made and labeled exclusively for Crystal Cruises.  It's a smoothly textured, well balanced wine, and quite approachable, with soft tannins.  Flavors of blueberry compote, savory spice, a touch of oak and plum jam intertwine on the palate, and the finish lingers.  This selection only available on board Crystal Cruises vessels.La Chablisienne 2013 Chablis Cuvée La Sereine; Burgundy, France:  Leading off with an expressive citrusy aroma, this Chablis explodes with vibrancy on the palate.  Crunchy Granny Smith apples, juicy white grapefruit, sliced nectarines, lemon zest, and herbal accents are bolstered by striking acidity and a solid thread of minerality.  Fresh and crisp with plenty of energy from first to last enlivening sip. SRP:  ~$22 www.chablisienne.frYangarra Estate Vineyard 2013 Shiraz; McLaren Vale, Australia:  Fragrant spiciness and deep fruits dominate the nose of this full bodied, captivating Shiraz.   Opulent and balanced with layers of ripe boysenberry, fresh red cherry and blueberry, accented by hints of beef jerky, piquant spice, a touch of vanilla, and a nice level of acids.  Aging 13 months on 25% new French oak adds a nice toastiness without being over the top.  SRP:  ~$30  www.yangarra.comQuinta da Revolta 2014 Revolta Reserva; Douro Valley, Portugal:  Florals greet the nose with this dense red wine, crafted from Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Femea.  A value priced dry red wine offering up nicely ripe fruit and good balance.  Lush with a velvety texture, and flavors of raspberry, blackberry, loganberry, Damson plum, and a hint of earth.  SRP:  ~$12   www.portugalvineyards.comWairau River Family Estate 2016 Sauvignon Blanc; Marlborough, New Zealand:  Delicate white flowers on the nose, this snappy Sauv Blanc really hits the mark.  Nectarine, peach, juicy grapefruit and lemon-lime soda grace the palate, with a nice mineral edge and bracing acidity; energetic and delicious.  It's been a go-to wine day after day, hoping the ship doesn't run out of it before we disembark!  SRP:  $17 www.wairauriverwines.comPio Cesare 2016 L'Altro Chardonnay; Langhe DOC, Piedmont, Italy:  Inviting citrus aromas on the nose opens the door to this crisp, ethereal Chardonnay.   Fresh and elegant with a core of lemon splashed green apple, pear skin, and a pleasing thread of minerality.  Beautifully balanced with good concentration of fruit, and lively acidity keeps it vivacious through the satisfying finish.   SRP:  $22  www.piocesare.itWedell Cellars 2014  "Amuse Bouche" Pinot Noir; Sta. Rita Hills, California:  The tantalizing fragrance steers you into the glass.  Layers of red cherry, pomegranate juice, wild berry and cedar on entry broaden with notes of black tea, dried herbs, and savory spice as it flows gracefully across the palate.  Elegant and well balanced, with a satin smooth texture, and long- lasting aftertaste.    SRP: ~$35 www.wedellcellars.comKnappstein Enterprise Winery 2017 Riesling; Clare Valley, Australia:  This zesty Riesling is vivid and minerally, with citrus elements and tree fruits on the nose.  The mouthwatering palate is loaded with flavors of crisp green apple and white peach, hints of guava, lime zest and a solid backbone of minerality.  Bracing acidity is a perfect accompaniment to the generous fruit.  SRP:  $22 www.knappstein.com.auPaco & Lola 2016 Albariño; Rías Baixas, Spain:  This sleek and full of life Albariño imparts a charming aroma.   Fragrant summer wild flowers make way for flavorsome tropical fruit, chopped basil, crunchy pear, lemon curd, understated saline notes, and fresh squeezed grapefruit juice.  Vivid and streamlined on the palate with a silky texture and crisp acids. Finishes with a perky twist of lemon peel.  SRP:  ~$16  www.pacolola.comStay tuned for a review of wines from Crystal's specialty wine list.  In addition to the inclusive wine list, premium wines from around the globe are also available for purchase, and your sipping pleasure.  Cheers!