Chilean value abounds with Natura

Credit: Natura Wines

If you’re looking for some quality and value from Chile, the label Natura has a lot to offer.

This Chilean lineup is owned by Italian powerhouse Banfi and produced by Emiliana Organic Vineyards. So, they’re able to source a lot of good quality grapes and take advantage of the economies of scale.

Made from all organic grapes, Natura wines are sourced from vineyards in appellations like Casablanca, Colchagua, and Rapel Valleys. While sourcing all these grapes and making all these wines must be logistically complex, the varietal wines, and their label and aesthetic, are pleasantly simple in the best way for the consumer. The grape varieties or style are right there, with screw caps, and the wines are fun, fresh, and accessible. However, the quality is legit across-the-board, making these a great value and an easy purchase for parties and patio sipping.

In addition to the wines I tasted (Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon), the lineup is rounded out by the classic Chilean staples Carmenere and Malbec, along with Chardonnay and Merlot.

In addition to the easy purchase price at a time when everything seems ridiculously expensive, you can also feel good about these wines. In addition to the organic grapes, Banfi has partnered with 1% for the Planet and donates 1% of the profits of these wines to help increase regenerative organic farming in the U.S. Win-win-win.

These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.

2022 Emiliana Sauvignon Blanc Natura - Chile, Central Valley
SRP: $15
Light straw color. Lively and spritely on the nose with green apples, kiwi, along with flinty-saline vibes, and tones of dandelion, white pepper, and some celery seed and daisies. Zesty and fun on the palate with a light frame and fresh acid, with flavors of crunchy green pears, kiwi, and cantaloupe. Notes of dried pineapple, white and yellow flowers, and welcomed tones of white pepper and sliced bell pepper. Finishes with some peach nectar and mint. Fun, crowd-pleasing stuff. (87 points)

2023 Emiliana Rosé Natura - Chile, Central Valley
SRP: $15
Pale copper color. Aromas invite all sorts of white flowers, dandelion, perfume, over red apple peel and watermelon. Crisp and refreshing on the palate with plush texture and zippy acidity, with flavors of strawberries and red apples. Nuances of white pepper, dandelion, honeysuckle, and mint add complexity. Lively, punchy, and lots of flavor and depth for a great price. A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. (88 points)

2022 Emiliana Pinot Noir Natura - Chile, Central Valley
SRP: $15
Light ruby color. Bright strawberry and cherry aromas, with come cranberry relish, cola, rhubarb, and roses. The palate has refreshingly bright acid on a frame of soft tannins. Crunchy cranberry and red apples, fresh strawberries, with a spritely blend of non-fruit notes: dried rose petals, rhubarb, with herbal tea and hints of white pepper and some clay/earthy elements. An accessible, vibrant style, but well-balanced and fun flavor and complexity for the price. (88 points)

2022 Emiliana Cabernet Sauvignon Natura - Chile, Central Valley
SRP: $15
Light purple color. The nose pops with cranberries, red and black currants, with notes of menthol, sage, spiced tea, and anise. The palate shows smooth tannins classic Chilean crisp acidity. A fun and crunchy appeal but nice depth and texture, with a blend of red and black currants and cherries. Notes of spiced tea, tobacco, some black pepper, and some earthy and graphite elements. Spicy and floral with a lot of complexity. (89 points) 

Wine Reviews: International Values

I’m looking forward to exploring more diverse wines and regions in 2023, so I’m starting off this week with a few such selections. In the coming weeks, I’ll be diving deeper into a bunch of South American wines, but this week I’ve got a nice round-up from all over. And they’re all in the $15-$35 range.

Winemaker power couple Bob Lindquist and Louisa Sawyer Lindquist have a really cool project called Vara. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, they source grapes from spots in Spain and California. Louisa’s experience with Spanish varieties brings them grapes from selected estates in regions like Ribera del Duero and Montsant, while Bob’s California experience brings in the good stuff from Central Coast vineyards like Santa Maria Valley and Paso Robles. It’s a bit different, of course, tasting a wine sourced from different regions and countries, but I think these experiments work out really well. The wines are delicious and different, and worth seeking out if you’re looking to try new things in 2023.

When it comes to vibrant, inexpensive Sauvignon Blancs, South Africa and Chile are my go-to countries. And this week I have some Chilean options from Leyda Valley, a region that sits just a handful of miles from the Pacific coast. Here, Viña Leyda’s winemaker Viviana Navarrette focuses on producing coastal-influenced, taut, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc from mostly granitic soils. They offer up crunchy, spicy, sea salty deliciousness with a lot of value and serve as a great introduction to this region’s Sauvignon Blanc goodness.

I’m a big fan of everything Portugal, and the amount of consistent and quality wines I find. And the value is always appreciated. This week’s selections from Douro’s Casa Ferreirinha deliver just what I look for.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2022 Leyda Sauvignon Blanc Reserva – Chile, San Antonio Valley, Leyda Valley
SRP: $15
Pale straw color. The nose pops with lemons and limes, white peach, guava, topped in hay, sea salt, lots of floral tones and some white pepper as well. The palate is racy but creamy, light and fresh but nice depth of texture and flavors. The lemons, kiwi and crunchy green apple fruit are delicious, and they mix well with white flowers, sea salt, dandelions, along with some spicy green herbs and sliced jalapeno. Lively, spritely, and solid complexity for the price. (88 points) 

2021 Leyda Sauvignon Blanc Coastal Vineyards Garuma – Chile, San Antonio Valley, Leyda Valley
SRP: $20
Light yellow color. So fresh and bright on the nose with gooseberry, ruby red grapefruit and kiwi, dusted in white pepper, chalk dust, white flowers and some sliced green onion and mint. Crisp and racy on the palate with lively acidity and a nice fruit salad composed of white peach slices, pineapple chunks, drizzled with ruby red grapefruit juice. I love the herbal tones (like ramp leaves and sliced bell pepper) along with white flowers, chalk dust and a distinct saline and mineral infusion that lingers long on the finish. A lot of personality and class, especially for the price. (90 points)

2019 Casa Ferreirinha Douro Branco Papa Figos – Portugal, Douro
SRP: $17
Light yellow color. A lemony nose with papaya and green apples, white flowers, hay, mint, some sea salt and pleasant new tennis ball. Lovely depth and a creamy feel mix with crisp acidity and a chalky sense, too. Racy and vibrant with some minerals and talc tones to accent the creamier vibes, and there’s a nice blend of white and yellow flowers. Precise, clean, seafood-friendly stuff and an excellent value and a delightful Douro Branco. (89 points)

2018 Casa Ferreirinha Douro Tinto Vinha Grande – Portugal, Douro
SRP: $22
Light purple color. The nose pops with deep plums, dark currants and jammy black cherries, along with a lovely smoky earthy vibe, gravelly, dusty tones, with violets and clove accents. The palate shows vibrant acidity and moderate tannins, nice grip but fresh and balanced throughout. The currant and plum fruit is deep and tangy, and backed up with delightful earth, graphite, gravel and tar elements. And some violets, mushroom and menthol tones are already coming out, so this will do nicely over the next few years. Serious value! A blend of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. (89 points)

2020 Vara Tempranillo Vino Tinto Español – Spain
SRP: $30
Medium ruby color. Aromas of jammy raspberry and black cherries, along with spicy red pepper, tobacco, sweet coffee and warm clay – really interesting. Ripe tannins, medium acidity, a fresh and chewy feel but plenty of depth and freshness, too. The raspberry and cherry fruit is ripe but tangy, and the non-fruit complexities are great: anise, violets, spicy herbs, earthy tones, gingerbread and coffee – a lot to enjoy, and it’s balanced and blended together well. A mix of Tempranillo and Garnacha with some Mencía, Cariñena, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. From Spain, 45% of the fruit comes from Campo de Borja and 30% from Monstant, while the remaining 25% of the fruit is sourced from the Central Valley of California. (90 points)

2020 Vara Garnacha Vino Tinto Español – Spain
SRP: $28
Bright ruby color. The nose gushes with red and black cherries, ripe but nicely chilled, with rose petals, cola, pepper, dusty earth and tobacco leaf. The palate has a ripe and accessible feel, but buttressed by lively and surprising acidity. Cherries, red plums and raspberries, the fruit is juicy and bright and mixed with notes of pepper, dried rose petals, pine and tobacco. Delightful mouthfeel, fun and invigorating. This is an interesting mix of Garnacha with some Cariñena, Monastrell, Mencía, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. 77% of the blend comes from Monstant in Spain and the remainder is from California’s Central Coast. A kitchen sink of goodness. (90 points)

2021 Vara Albariño – USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley
SRP: $32
Light yellow color. The aromas show a fresh mix of green and yellow pears, white peach, lime, with all sorts of wildflowers, honeysuckle, breezy meadow and mint – delightful. The palate has such a pleasant creaminess, which balances well with this bright acidity and flinty, mineral-laden component. Yellow apples, kiwi and lime fruit plays well with these white tea and honeyed tones. There are chalky and mineral vibes that linger long on the finish. Lovely depth of flavor and texture for this grape as well. All Albariño from the Sawyer-Lindquist Vineyard in Edna Valley. Delightful stuff from Louisa, an Albariño evangelist and specialist. (92 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Summer-friendly value in Chilean Sauvignon Blanc

Talinay Vineyard. Credit: Tabali

 

I’ve long wanted to travel to Chile, because it would be easy to combine some of my favorite passions in life into one big trip. I’d tour vineyards and meet with winemakers, take surf treks to remote reef breaks, an expedition into the mountains, enjoy birdwatching adventures in coastal estuaries. I have not clue if these goals will be realized, but I sure hope so.

In the meantime, everything is so expensive! But Sauvignon Blanc from Chile isn’t -- and a lot of it is pretty dang good. Sauv Blanc is Chile’s second most widely-planted variety (more than 37,000 acres under vine), and the grape is planted all over the country’s diverse wine regions. There’s way too much to try and summarize (thousands of miles of coastal and mountainous terrain), but considering the narrow stretch of the country, they share coastal influences, which keep the wines vibrant and delicious. If you like hints of sea salt in your Sauv Blanc like I do, you can get a lot of that here.

Another thing I respect is how the country’s wine consortium created a sustainability code that addresses different environmental practices, and it’s been adopted by producers that represent about 80% of the country’s exports. And while there are some well-known supermarket brands I’ve seen around for years, I’m finding more and more Chilean Sauvignon Blanc from new-to-me producers popping up, and I like that.

For beach reads, octopus salads, baked flounder, a big tray of oysters, and a host of other summertime activities, Chilean Sauv Blancs would fit the bill very nicely. And most of the wines are in that $20 range, and offer a lot more depth and complexity than a lot of other similarly-priced Sauv Blancs from other countries. These wines were received as trade samples and tasted single-blind.

2021 Viña Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc Organic - Chile
SRP: $11
Inviting and bright aromatics with lemons, green apple and white peach, along with some welcomed honey, and plenty of white floral tones. The palate shows pleasant creaminess with chunks of pineapple and peach, drizzled with lime. The honeyed cream tones help balance out the zestier, more floral and chalky tones, stays focused. Really solid for the price. (87 points)

2020 Concha y Toro Sauvignon Blanc Casillero del Diablo Reserva - Chile, Colchagua Valley
SRP: $12
The lemon and green apple fruit aromas are lively, blending well with these sliced cucumber and ramp leaf elements, some honeysuckle and limestone. Bright acidity, light-bodied but some nice depth to the green apple, lemon and kiwi fruit. Notes of quinine, chalk and talc add some complexity, with some minerals on the finish. Quite nice and a lot going on here for the price. (87 points)

2020 Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc - Chile, Casablanca Valley
SRP: $18
A nice aromatic mix of floral and spicy tones (lemongrass, ginger, white pepper, dandelion) over top of lemon, kiwi and ruby red grapefruit. The palate sports juicy white peaches, drizzled with lime, on a zesty, clear frame. The notes of white pepper, oregano and white flowers add a nice spicy complexity. A pretty, vibrant Sauv Blanc. (88 points)

2020 Ritual Sauvignon Blanc - Chile, Casablanca Valley
SRP: $21
The nose is zesty and chalky with sea salt, lemon verbena and honeysuckle sprinkled over green apples and limes. The palate is crisp and flinty yet sports a nice creaminess. The apple, green pear and lime fruit is crunchy but juicy, and mixed with pleasant notes of mint, sliced cucumber, honeysuckle. The texture on the palate, and the balance with the bright acidity, is delightful. This wine punches above its weight and would be a killer by-the-glass wine on an oyster bar list. (89 points)

2020 Matetic Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc EQ Coastal - Chile, Casablanca Valley
SRP: $20
Spicy aromatics of chives, leeks and mint over top of white cherry and lime, some white pepper and honeysuckle. The palate is crisp and floral with a punchy and zesty appeal and green apple, kiwi and lime fruit. Crisp, flinty, sea salty, this has a light and salad-friendly appeal, but shows solid complexity as well. (88 points)

2020 Morandé Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserva - Chile, Casablanca Valley
SRP: $20
A lime-infused aromatic display of creamy peaches, white flowers, honey and some dandelion and mint. Creamy texture, bright acidity, there’s a nice lime and orange element that blends well with creamy honey and almond (there’s some barrel-fermentation here). The limestone, sea salt and floral tones mix really well with the creamier elements. The racy nature of some Chilean Sauv Blanc can take well to some barrels, and this rides that balance very well. (90 points)

2020 Amayna (Viña Garces Silva) Sauvignon Blanc - Chile, San Antonio Valley, Leyda Valley
SRP: $25
This one is really perfumed and fresh with lilies and dandelion over top of lemons and white peach, with some hints of white pepper and sliced cucumber. Nicely textured on a medium-bodied frame with crisp acidity and flavors of white peach and pineapple. Notes of celery, white pepper and fresh cut flower stems add complexity. Love the flinty note on the textured finish. (89 points)

2021 Montes Sauvignon Blanc Limited Selection - Chile, San Antonio Valley, Leyda Valley
SRP: $15
The aromas pop with lime, papaya and green apple, along with wild leeks, celery seed, sliced jalapeno and honeysuckle, which makes for this spicy, inviting appeal. Racy acidity on a medium-bodied frame with crunchy green apples and lemon, some ruby red grapefruit. The accents of spicy bell pepper and mint leaf blend well with the orange blossom and honeysuckle tones. Ripe but racy, pleasantly spicy. Another really solid value. (88 points)

2021 Viña Koyle Sauvignon Blanc Costa la Flor - Chile, San Antonio Valley
SRP: $18
Peachy keen aromatics with lime zest, with notes of nettle, honeysuckle, mint and sliced green onion. The palate is crisp and tart on a light frame a slightly honeyed texture blends well with the peaches and orange peel fruit. Salty, flinty, minerals, crisp and clear, this is a really good sushi by-the-glass kinda wine, offering crowd-pleasing deliciousness and value. (88 points)

2021 Tabalí Sauvignon Blanc Talinay - Chile, Limarí Valley
SRP: $24
Aromatically this is citrus-infused brightness with lemon and limes, topped in celery seed, white flowers and sea salt. Focused and crisp on the palate, light and vibrant with flavors of lemon and orange peel. Notes of sliced green onion and mint, some chalk dust and dandelion. Crisp, punchy, light and salad-friendly goodness. (88 points)

2019 Ventisquero Sauvignon Blanc Grey Glacier Longomilla Vineyard ­ Chile, Atacama, Valle de Huasco
SRP: $25
Really juicy on the nose with mango, papaya and lime, a lovely tropical blend, along with honey, yellow flowers, some wildflower and mint tones. The palate has a really pretty and creamy texture, lively acidity, the balance is on point, and the fruit shows pretty guava, peach and lemon. Vigorous and energetic, this has a streak of mineral, slate, seashells, with complex floral and chive tones. Focused, impressive depth. (90 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Exciting New Releases from Argentina & Chile

I’m excited to be back this week with some offerings from Argentina and Chile.

Domaine Bousquet’s organic “Virgen” reds dole out plenty of freshness and complexity for a crazy low price. I also have some crisp and deep Malbecs from some of the highest elevation vineyards in the world, Bodega Colomé. And Los Vascos continues to put out reliable, value-driven Chilean wines.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2019 Domaine Bousquet Malbec “Virgen” – Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP: $13
Deep purple color. Jammy and ripe on the nose (black cherries, dark plums) with roasted chestnut, coffee, violets and charred herbs. Silky tannins on the palate, fresh acidity, a medium-bodied frame, this wine spots black cherries, plums and blueberries, fun but fresh fruit. Notes of violets, cedar, coffee, with charcoal and anise. A lot of personality and “realness” for a wine with this low a price point. (87 points)

2019 Domaine Bousquet Red Blend “Virgen” – Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP: $13
Medium purple color. Nose shows smoky, beefy, peppery spice with tart currants, red plums, menthol. Zippy acidity, light tannins, a tangy but slightly chewy feel with tart currants and plums. Lots off smoky earth, beef cubes, pepper. Fresh and fun, this is a grill and veggie-friendly wine that offers some solid value. 35% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc. (86 points)

2019 Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon “Virgen” – Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP: $13
Light purple color. Aromas of plums, black cherries, with mesquite, cocoa, violets, tilled dark soil. Medium/full-bodied with fresh acidity and light tannins. Red and black plums and currants, tangy and bright fruit, mixed in with earth, clay, mesquite, violet petals, some cocoa and light roast coffee tones. Wow, there’s quite a lot going on here in terms of depth and freshness for the price. Accessible yet sports complexity, too. (88 points)

2018 Bodega Amalaya Malbec – Argentina, Salta, Calchaqui
SRP: $16
Bright purple color. Plummy nose with black cherries and prunes, mixed with coffee, anise, charcoal and dusty earth. On the palate, this is full-bodied with suave tannins, a velvety texture, and vibrant acidity. Blackberries, black currants and tangy plums mix well with elements of smoky earth, graphite, soy, bell pepper. Underlying mineral tones. Delightfully delicious but also showing serious complexity and vibrancy. Serious value alert! (90 points)

2017 Bodega Colomé Malbec Estate – Argentina, Salta, Calchaqui
SRP: $25
Deep purple color. Aromas of plum cake, rich black cherry, with dark chocolate, smoky earth, roasted chestnut, mesquite, vanilla bean. Vibrant acidity frames this wine perfectly, suave tannins with some moderate grip, balanced and clean mouthfeel. Black cherry and currant compote fruit blends well with anise, black tea, grilled herbs. Notes of vanilla and cedar wove in well. Complex, vibrant, delicious Malbec. (90 points)

2018 Bodega Colomé Malbec Auténtico – Argentina, Salta, Calchaqui
SRP: $30
Inky purple color. Dark and deep aromas of blackberry, roasted fig, with charcoal, loamy earth, graphite, iron, and violet petal notes. Full-bodied and built well with structured tannins, met with vibrant acidity. Blackberry, black currant and roasted fig fruit, deep but tangy fruit with complex notes of graphite, smashed rocks, charcoal, dark chocolate shavings, mint. Sporting a lot of complexity, balance and aging potential. (91 points)

2019 Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Sauvignon Blanc Los Vascos – Chile, Casablanca Valley
SRP: $10
Light yellow color. Aromas of lemon verbena, sliced cucumbers and jalapeno, with lemon, grapefruit, dried white flowers. Zippy and bright on the palate with juicy white peaches and bright lemon and ruby red grapefruit. Notes of honey, clover, basil and lemongrass add complexity, and I get notes of sea salt and floral perfume. Pleasant, crisp, crowd-pleasing stuff that offers a lot of personality and value. All stainless steel. (87 points)

2019 Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Chardonnay Los Vascos – Chile, Central Valley
SRP: $10
Light yellow color. Aromas of white peach, yellow apples, whipped honey, lots of white and yellow wildflowers. Plump but really fresh on the palate, medium-bodied, bright acidity, it has a light, salad-friendly feel. Lemon, white peach and green apple fruit mix with notes of honey, hay, almond. Fun, summery stuff. Stainless steel with some of the wine aged on its lees. (86 points)

2019 Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Rosé Los Vascos – Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
SRP: $10
Bright pink color. Nose pops with spicy verbena, mint, with lemon, green apple, rose tea – spicy! Zippy, crisp, crunchy with lemon and tart apple, and notes of mint, white pepper and sea salt add some complexity. This is fun, fresh, salad-friendly stuff. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre. (86 points)

2016 Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Le Dix de Los Vascos – Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
SRP: $55
Light purple color. On the nose, I get waves of deep but vibrant fruit (black cherries, blackberry, plums) with tobacco leaf, charcoal, loamy earth, coffee grounds, accented with vanilla and cocoa powder. Plush and full texture with structured but velvety tannins and crisp acidity – it is all balanced really well. Smooth black currants with deep cherry and fresh wild blackberry. Complex notes of earth, roasted chestnut, pencil shavings with vanilla and coffee. Gorgeous depth and freshness, this is drinking well now, but 2-5 years in the cellar would help this integrate and allow more complex secondary elements to come out. Really impressive stuff. Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Carmenere and 5% Syrah, aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. (92 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Summer Sipping Wines Under $20

It’s not officially summer just yet, but it sure feels like it here on the East Coast. And it’s Memorial Day weekend, which means I’ll be grilling, rain or shine. I have been receiving a lot of budget- and summer-friendly wines of late that I wanted to share, so I grouped them together into this report based on several factors.  

Price: I think of summer sippers as those $20 and under bottles that you can pour generously with friends on a summer day. Easy-drinking aesthetic: These are wines that stylistically jive with a picnic, a pool, patio, or beach, wines that don’t require aging, decanting, or much serious thought, yet still provide deliciousness and pleasure. Availability: Most of these wines (some more than others) are quite widely available in markets around the country.  

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.  

White 

2017 Trivento Torrontés White Orchid Reserve - Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $11
Light yellow color. Wow, what an explosive white peach, lychee and guava nectar on the nose, with white flowers. Juicy texture, refreshing acidity, dry and fresh but the fruit is tropical and nectary, with guava, lychee, and ripe white peaches. Notes of honeysuckle, dandelion and other wild flowers. Quite nice for the price. (86 points)  

2017 Concha y Toro Sauvignon Blanc Casillero del Diablo Reserva - Chile, Casablanca Valley
SRP: $12
Pale lemon color. Aromas burst with grapefruit and limes, along with spicy white pepper and sliced jalapenos. Plump white peach fruit, pineapple, limes, a bright white flower and daisy note, along with some whipped honey and some spicy white pepper and cut floral stem notes. Friendly, accessible stuff, and a good value. (85 points) 

2017 Tasca D'Almerita Sicilia Regaleali Bianco - Italy, Sicily, Sicilia
SRP: $11
Lemon colored with aromas of peaches, pineapples, yellow flowers and honey. Crisp throughout but plump with lots of tropical fruit (pineapple, cantaloupe, green melon, drizzled with lime). I get notes of spicy nettles and white pepper, along with some honeyed white tea. Pretty, zesty, crowd-pleasing, this would be a great summer or sushi white, wonderful value here. A blend of Inzolia, Grecanico and Catarratto. (87 points) 

2017 Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio - Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Alto Adige - Südtirol
SRP: $18
Pale yellow color. Super peach aromas with guava, limes, notes of dusty limestone and white pepper. Textural depth on the palate is quite nice, crisp but fleshy, with tart lines, pineapples and white peach fruit, generous but tangy. Some stone mineral notes, fresh laundry, and white pepper elements make this a crisp, easy-drinking but solidly complex Pinot Grigio. (88 points) 

2017 Long Shadows Wineries Riesling Nine Hats - Washington, Columbia Valley
SRP: $14
Pale lemon color. Aromas of lemon peel, nectarine, white peach, with a salty, floral perfume combination. Plump texture but refreshing acidity, there’s a nice mixture of tart lemon/lime peel notes with a richer pineapple and mango. Notes of honey, floral potpourri and sea salt. Not too deep, but a perfect dry picnic Riesling that should please a lot of palates. (87 points)

2017 Long Shadows Wineries Pinot Gris Nine Hats - Washington, Columbia Valley

SRP: $14
Light gold color. Nose of daisies, honeysuckle and floral perfume with ripe peaches and pears. Zesty, medium-bodied, a light and fresh appeal with peaches and pineapple flavors. Notes of orange blossoms and lilies. Fun, fresh, fruity, crowd-pleasing stuff. (86 points) 

Rosé 

2017 Tasca D'Almerita Sicilia Regaleali Rosé - Italy, Sicily, Sicilia
SRP: $15
Deep copper color. Nose of nectarines, peaches, apricots, lots of blossoms and spiced white tea, a sea salt note. Punchy and juicy but tangy on the palate with crisp, salty, oceanic influences throughout. Juicy nectarines, blood orange, yellow plums, along with notes of roses and spiced tea. This is delicious rose of Nerello Mascalese, and a total steal at this price. (89 points)
2017 Chronic Cellars Pink Pedals - California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
SRP: $15
Rick pink color. Nose shows strawberry jam, watermelon candies, roses, plump and rich on the nose. Rich texture, a juicy and forward pink with watermelon and cherries and raspberries. Notes of roses and cinnamon candies. Forward, punchy style, but well-made and fun. Grenache with 13% Syrah. (86 points) 

Red 

2016 Bodega Amalaya Malbec - Argentina, Salta
SRP: $16
Rich purple color. Aromas are plummy and full of blackberry, along with mocha, incense cones, charcoal and scorched earth. Medium+ bodied with smooth tannins and medium acidity. Tart plums and black currants mix nicely with roasted coffee, rocky soil, notes of cedar and vanilla. Fun stuff but it shows some moderate complexity. Includes 10% Tannat and 5% Petit Verdot. (88 points) 

2016 Peter Zemmer Pinot Nero Rolhüt - Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Alto Adige - Südtirol
SRP: $18
Light ruby color. Fresh and vibrant aromas of red cherries, strawberries, rose petals, white pepper, spicy herbs. Medium-bodied, fleshy tannins a crisp and chilled approach with strawberries and raspberries, backed up by notes of spiced tea, rose petals and rhubarb. Brisk and fun but quite a bit going on here, too. (88 points) 

2015 Steele Wines Writer's Block Grenache - California, North Coast, Lake County
SRP: $18
Medium ruby color. Aromas of juicy cherries, raspberries and plums along with smoky herbs, rose petals, red apple peel, and cinnamon spice. Medium+ bodied with easy tannins and medium acidity, this is an accessible wine, but not simple. Roasted herbs, tobacco, roses, coffee, this is easy-drinking and fun but shows complexity. All Grenache aged 11 months in French and Hungarian oak, 15% new. (88 points)
2015 Steele Wines Writer's Block Syrah - California, North Coast, Lake County
SRP: $18
Deep ruby, light purple color. A burst of smoky mesquite, black pepper and earth on the nose, along with tart black currants and plums. Full-bodied but fresh with lively acidity and dusty tannins, all woven together nicely. Black cherries and blackberry, laced with cocoa, mesquite, black pepper and violets. Not super deep, but — wow! — this Syrah packs a lot for the price. Sourced from the Cana Springs Vineyard on an eastern slope of the Mayacamas, this wine sees 12 months in 15% new French and Hungarian oak. (89 points) 

2015 Steele Wines Writer's Block Cabernet Sauvignon - California, North Coast, Lake County
SRP: $18
Light purple color. Nose shows crushed currants, tangy plums, along with eucalyptus, tobacco, cedar — lovely aromas. Medium-bodied with surprisingly structured tannins and medium acidity, the wine shows flesh and grip. Plums and currants mixed with tobacco, eucalyptus, violet petals, scorched earth and cocoa. So good for the money, and this can actually age for a few years. Lovely. Sourced from two vineyards in the Clear Lake AVA, and one in Red Hills. (89 points) 

2016 Long Shadows Wineries Nine Hats Red - Washington, Columbia Valley
SRP: $20
Rich purple color. Nose of plums, roasted currants, blackberry jam, some smoke oak, vanilla, coffee. Soft tannins on the palate, medium-bodied, medium acid. Silky and chewy with plums, black cherries and blackberries. Cocoa, cedar, earth and anise. Sweet fruit but fun stuff. Cabernet with 25% apiece of Merlot and Syrah. (85 points) 

2016 Long Shadows Wineries Cabernet Sauvignon Nine Hats - Washington, Columbia Valley
SRP: $20
Bright purple. Tangy red and black currants and cherries with sweet coffee, cocoa powder and cola aromas. Plush and juicy on the palate with medium-soft tannins and medium acidity. Chewy black cherry and blueberry fruit, with coffee grounds, cocoa powder and toasty oak. Easy-drinking, more complex than a lot of Cabs at this price point. Includes some Syrah, Petit Verdot and Merlot. (87 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Wine Reviews: International Grab Bag

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

It’s time for another grab bag of wine reviews from all over this great big sphere of ours. This batch includes wines from New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Italy and Southern France. We’ve got some serious values in here, as well.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2014 Robert Oatley Chardonnay Signature Series - Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River
SRP: $17
Light gold color. An almost Sauvignon Blanc-like element of grapefruit and cut grass on the nose, and I get some lime and a salty/chalky quality. Bright acidity on the palate with a medium-body and a slight rounded feel. An interesting mix of grapefruit and lime with bruised apple, almond and caramel. Notes of salt and flowers on the finish. A bit simple, but a pleasantly different style Chardonnay, one with a foot in both camps. 12.5% alcohol, this sees some time in 20% new French oak, no maloactic fermentation. (86 points)

2014 Robert Oatley GSM Signature Series - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
SRP: $20
Vibrant purple color. Smells of juicy raspberries, black cherries and plums, with sweet flowers, black pepper glaze and eucalyptus. Medium-bodied, some grip to the tannins, medium acidity. Juicy, rich but vibrant – plum sauce black cherries and raspberry jam mixed with pepper, eucalyptus, loamy soil and clove. Fun stuff, very tasty but quite structured and juicy. Cedar and vanilla blended in nicely. 50% Grenache, 45% Shiraz and 5% Mourvedre, this spends 9 months in French oak. (87 points)

2014 Robert Oatley Cabernet Sauvignon Signature Series - Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River
SRP: $20
Light purple color. Smells of plums, juicy black cherries and currants with notes of smoky charcoal and eucalyptus. Juicy fruit and texture with fine tannins, buttressed by pleasant acidity. The black and red currant and plum fruit is vibrant, not baked or candied, and the fruit is topped in spicy tobacco, roasted red pepper, eucalyptus and charcoal notes. Integrated elements of cedar and mocha. A very nice wine for the price. (87 points)

2015 Concha y Toro Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserva Serie Riberas - Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
SRP: $17
Pale straw color. Bursting aromas of lime, white peach and pineapple – nice kick of nettle and honeysuckle with some sliced cucumbers and lemongrass notes. Crisp acidity keeps the lips smacking with this medium-bodied wine. Lime and lemon peel, tangerine, papaya – so much fruit and it’s all bright and crunchy. A bit of chalky minerality to this wine that is quite attractive. The white pepper, cucumber and sliced jalapeno notes are woven in well to the package, and no high-octane grassiness here. From Ucuquer Vineyard near the mouth of the Rapel River. (86 points)

2014 Concha y Toro Carménère Gran Reserva Serie Riberas - Chile, Rapel Valley, Cachapoal Valley, Peumo

SRP: $17
Deep purple color. Rich plum and roasted fig aromas on the nose. The fruit is deep with sweet, saucy notes, and a sense of pine forest and rich soil. Medium-bodied palate with light grip from the tannins, medium acidity keeps it quite fresh. Fruit flavors: plum skin, blackberry, blueberry, deep and saucy fruit. Notes of sweet basil and wet leaves, some coffee and vanilla accents too. Structured but accessible stuff with lots of flavor and deliciousness. Good Carmenere for the price. From Peumo Vineyard in the Cachapoal Valley, includes 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. (86 points)
 
2014 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva Serie Riberas - Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
SRP: $17
Medium purple color. Nose of bright red and black currant fruit laced with tobacco, clove, eucalyptus, vanilla. Full-bodied with some tannic grip and medium acid, and it all combines for a velvety feel. Rich black currant and blueberry fruit but silky-smooth. Pretty texture and lots of spice and herbal notes (pine, tobacco, mocha, vanilla). Gets prettier and prettier with air. Impressive stuff for the price. From the Palo Santo vineyard.

N.V. Ruffino Prosecco - Italy, Veneto, Prosecco
SRP: $12
Pale straw color. Aromas of: bright white and yellow flowers with some sugar cane, white peach and guava nectar. A tropical and floral cocktail of flavors (white peach, pineapple, guava, lime) topped with honey and perfume. Some fresh acidity keeps it vibrant. Simple, fresh, tasty, entry-level Prosecco. (85 points)

2014 Ruffino Chianti - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti
SRP: $10
Smells of tart red fruits (strawberry, raspberry) along with some menthol, tobacco and pine sap. Medium-bodied with soft tannins and fresh acidity. The red apple and cherry fruit is light and crunchy and backed up by some tobacco and pepper. A simple but pleasant entry-level Chianti, this is nice for the price. (85 points)

2011 Caiarossa Pergolaia Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
SRP: $25
Deep ruby color. Aromas of smoky meat on top of crunchy plums and currants, and I get some tobacco and earth, too. Fleshy but tart approach with dusty tannic structure and bright acidity. Tart plums, spiced cranberry sauce, the fruit mixes nicely with non-fruit complexity: smoke, tar, tobacco, grilled herbs. Very nice now but likely even better in two or three years. A pleasant rusticity but this is not a simple wine. Sangiovese with 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot. This spends 12-16 months in old oak and then aged in concrete until bottling. (88 points)

2011 Caiarossa Caiarossa Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
SRP: $65
Vibrant light purple color. Smells of cool berries (blackberry, blueberry, red currant) along with lots of charcoal, smoke, tar, leafy tobacco and some vanilla coffee. Structured tannins, dry but not harsh, moderating acidity keeps it vibrant. Tart red and black currant along with lots of crunchy, juicy plums. Loaded with tobacco, sage, pepper, lots of complex earthy elements. Cedar and roasted coffee woven in very well. Elegant despite significant concentration. Long life ahead. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Alicante and Syrah. Aged 18 months in 35% new French oak. (91 points)

2015 Ferraton Père & Fils Côtes du Rhône Samorëns Blanc - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône
SRP: $14
Light gold color. A bright and floral-driven wine (dandelion, honeysuckle, nettle) with some lemon-lime and apricot. Medium-bodied with a slightly creamy mouthfeel and some moderating acidity. Pear, lime and apricot mix with notes of honey, nettle and sea salt. A plump texture but nice cut and vibrancy to the wine. Not the most complex wine but good stuff for the money. A blend of 60% Grenache Blanc and 40% Clairette. (86 points)

2015 Ferraton Père & Fils Côtes du Rhône Samorën Rosé - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône
SRP: $14
Pale salmon color. Clean and fresh on the nose with red apple peel, wild raspberry and rose hips. Bright and clean on the palate with vibrant acidity and crunchy fruit (red apple, white cherry, strawberry), along with a hint of white pepper and cut grass. Simple but vibrant stuff. A blend of 75% Grenache with some Syrah and Cinsault. (85 points)

2014 Ferraton Père & Fils Côtes du Rhône Samorëns Rouge - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône
SRP: $14
Juicy black cherry colored. Peppery and earthy on the nose with some incense sticks and smoke to accent the red and black cherry fruit. Medium-bodied with mild tannins and medium acidity. A chewy but smooth texture lays out for the black cherry and strawberry jam flavors. Notes of incense smoke and grilled herbs add a bit of spice. A blend of 85% Grenache with some Syrah and Cinsault. (85 points)

2015 Mt. Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, North Canterbury
SRP: $16
Pale straw color. Smells of ruby red grapefruit and limes topped with white pepper, fresh laundry and crushed chalk. Plump but bright and crisp on the palate. Lemon pith, ruby red grapefruit and kiwi, the fruit is juicy but tangy. Notes of lemongrass, white pepper, chalk and honeysuckle. Tasty and quite complex for the price. Another solid bottle from this producer of reliable and inexpensive wines. (87 points)

2015 Mt. Beautiful Riesling - New Zealand, South Island, North Canterbury
SRP: $22
Lemon-lime color. Brisk and bright on the nose, with wildflowers, chalk, bright limes, lychee and juicy orange, too. The palate is balanced between sweet fruit and bright acidity. A light-bodied wine with an understated approach, but it’s clean and clever and has some exciting flavors (orange, lime, lychee) and notes of chalk, minerals and honeycomb. Lovely clean texture and minerals on the finish. Very impressive for the price. (89 points)

2014 Giesen Sauvignon Blanc The Brothers - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
SRP: $22
Pale yellow. Bursting aromas of ruby red grapefruit and nectarine, backed up with green pepper, green onion, hops and floral perfume. Crisp acid throughout but a round profile, this wine has integrated flavors of ruby red grapefruit, orange and lime. Great mix of bell pepper, nettle and hops along with honeysuckle and daisies. A classic style, but this is more than typical, it has loads of character with a clean, chalky and mineral-laden finish. Really interesting stuff, worth a shot for those who think all Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs taste the same. (88 points)

2013 Giesen Pinot Noir The Brothers - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough, Wairau Valley
SRP: $30
Light ruby color. Smells of juicy red cherries mixed with tart strawberries and raspberries. I love the rose hips and rhubarb spice elements. Surprisingly full and chewy on the palate (14.5% alcohol), but it sports moderate acidity and fine tannins. Gushing red cherries combine with raspberry jam and strawberry rhubarb pie notes. Spicy pepper, coffee and cedar, the latter is integrated quite well. Interesting in its bold posture and chewy approach, yet it shows vibrant red fruit. For those who like a bigger Pinot but don’t want those baked/black fruit elements. A lot of fun and a cool style. (88 points)

Grab Bag from Argentina and Chile

This week I’m taking a break from a run of California reviews and focusing on South America’s top two: Argentina and Chile. These crisp Sauvignon Blancs and rich reds were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.



Chile is home to a long strip of diverse wine regions.

2012 Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Sauvignon Blanc Los Vascos - Chile, Casablanca Valley

SRP: $10

Aromas of grapefruit, some green melon and a bit of grassy-herbal notes. Tangy acid on the palate, with grapefruit, orange peel, accented by notes of cilantro and mint. A bit simple, but a tasty, crowd-pleasing wine. (85 points)

2012 Viña Peñalolén Sauvignon Blanc - Chile, Casablanca Valley

SRP: $13

A light lemon peel color. Lots of grapefruit and lemon on the nose, along with a strong kick of bell pepper and jalapeno. Medium-bodied with some nice creaminess and medium+ acid. Grapefruit, white peach and lime fruit blends together with white pepper and jalapeno. A bit lacking in depth and length, but clearly a nice wine that would work great with salads. (85 points)

2012 Hacienda Araucano (Lurton) Sauvignon Blanc Reserva - Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley, Lolol

SRP: $11

Some cantaloupe and grapefruit and a green grass note. Crisp and tangy on the palate, with green melon and grapefruit, along with a good amount of minerals, a nice but of sage and rosemary note. A hint of grass, but not too much. Crowd-pleasing stuff. (86 points)

2012 Leyda Sauvignon Blanc Classic - Chile, San Antonio Valley, Leyda Valley

SRP: $13

Very pale straw color. Nose of grapefruit, white flowers, green onion, sea shells. Clean and crisp on the palate, with lively acid, some apricot and white peach. Quite intensely herbal, even for my palate, with flavors that remind me of tomatillos and green chili peppers. But there’s enough freshness and juicy fruit that I still think it works out. (85 points)

2008 Cousiño-Macul “Lota” - Chile, Maipo Valley

SRP: $70

On the nose, charcoal, iron and bell pepper flavors dust the blueberry and plum fruit. Dense on the palate, but very tangy, with firm tannins. Blackberry and plum fruit abounds, backed up by notes of mocha, sweet oak, black pepper, anise and tobacco. Big, but also pure and vibrant with a long life ahead of it. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. (90 points)

2010 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Catena Alta - Argentina, Mendoza

SRP: $45

A wonderfully complex nose of plums, black cherries, violets, lots of earth, mineral and mocha. Solid tannic structure but there’s plenty of acid. Juicy black cherries and plums abound, tasting jammy but fresh at the same time. Pepper, charcoal, vanilla, clove and lingering iron and graphite all add complexity. Made from vines grown upwards of 3,000 feet, I’d love to taste this again in three or four years. (91 points)

2011 Cultivate Malbec “The Gambler” - Argentina, Mendoza

SRP: $15

Smells savory and sweet, with charcoal and roasted plums. Tart on the palate, with easy-sipping tannins. The blue and black fruits are tart but sweet at the same time. Some mocha and basic spice accents the finish. A good party wine, but not the most complex Malbec. (84 points)

2011 Graffigna Malbec Reserve - Argentina, San Juan

SRP: $11

A nose of spicy cherries, cola and toast. The palate shows juicy tannins and smooth acid. Dark plum and blackberry fruit, coated with mocha, toast and charcoal. A bit too toasty and smoky perhaps, but still a fun wine. (85 points)

This report first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.