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March Bang-for-the-Buck Wines
These star-spangled prices are good through March 2006 only. |
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BIG BANG WHITES
2004 Chateau Haut Rian, Bordeaux Sec . . . . . $9
Bordeaux, France Case $90 ($7.50)
The quality of the 2004 vintage for white wines from all over world is simply outstanding! We’ve featured past vintages of this white Bordeaux, and I can’t remember one nearly as good as the ’04. This wine was on Matt Kramer’s short list of faves last year. And at $7.50 per bottle by the 12-pack, it’s almost silly not to stock up. Pair this baby with oysters and most shellfish.
2004 Ferngrove, Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc . . $10
Frankland River, Western Australia Case $100 ($8.33)
Of all the growing areas Down Under, Western Australia is my personal favorite, and the Frankland River is one of the finest. Australian wine authority James Halliday called Ferngrove one of the best wineries in all of Australia. He gave this wine 93 points. Modeled after white Bordeaux, the blend is 51% Semillon and 49% Sauvignon Blanc. A clean bouquet of passionfriut and figs leads into a crisp palate of herbs and tropical fruits. It’s a delightful aperitif.
2004 Pra, Soave Classico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12
Veneto, Italy Case $120 ($10)
This wine, also on Kramer’s short list, is one of the best white wine deals…ever! Wines with this much complexity and character usually go for three times the price. Pra, one of the big three in Soave, has outdone itself with this bottling. The nose jumps out, offering minerals, ripe pears and a hint of herb. In the mouth, the flavors explode, covering every nook and cranny. The mouth feel is rich, round and seductive. We’ve gone through at least two cases at my house and I’m not even beginning to tire of it. Get on down here before I drink it all.
2004 d’Arenberg, Hermit Crab. . . . . . . . . . . . $13
McLaren Vale, Australia Case $130 ($10.83)
D’Arenberg offers excellent value in all of its wines, and this one is no exception. The nose offers up a big hit of peaches and apples, followed by a palate oozing with rich fruit. My favorite thing about these Rhone blends is the way they feel in the mouth. The acidity is low and the wine feels thick and oily and very sensual. Pay attention when you put the wine in your mouth and feel the sensation. It’s really something! I like these wines on their own.
BIG BANG REDS
2004 Pascual Toso, Malbec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9
Mendoza, Argentina Case $90 ($7.50)
Argentina is becoming the next great supplier of excellent value in red wine. This Toso Malbec is a prime example — deep and dark in color with a nose that offers up copious amounts of spicy cedar, blackberry and dark cherry. The palate is lush, full and silky with very rich flavors. At 9 pesos, you can even afford some of that famous Argentinean beef for the perfect pairing — and a perfect evening.
2003 Los Planos, Syrah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10
Carinena, Spain Case $100 ($8.33)
Ever since we opened this at one of our Friday tastings, it has become the hottest seller in the shop. Big, dark and brooding, the aromas offer up smoke and blackberry with a hint of chocolate. The palate is rich, dense and even a bit beefy. So have it with some beef, or with nothing but a few friends in front of the fire. This bargain comes from Carinena, which is halfway between Madrid and Barcelona. You’ll be hearing a lot more from this region.
2004 Erik Banti, Morellino Di Scansano . . . . . $10
Tuscan Coast, Italy Case $100 ($8.33)
From the beautiful horse country along the Tuscan Coast comes this blend of 90% Sangiovese peppered with a dash of Grenache and Cabernet. The Scansano area has become the place to go for value in Tuscany. Erik Banti has been the leading proponent of the area and one of the very finest producers. This wine is typical of the area, with spice and earth mixed in with the beautiful cherry notes of Tuscan-grown Sangiovese. It’s an ideal partner to pastas in red sauce and most dishes of the region.
2003 Fattoria di Petroio, Chianti Classico . . . $12
Castelnuovo Berardenga, Italy Case $120 ($10)
This producer is very small and makes only two wines, this one and a reserva. On our visit to this true working farm (fattoria), I was surprised to find old cement-lined fermentation vessels and oak casks used for maturation only, rather than for flavor enhancement. This is traditional Chianti, based on 100% Sangiovese, is made the way it’s meant to be. It smells and tastes just like Tuscany, and is one of the few inexpensive wines that will improve with a few years in a cool cellar. It’s the real deal. |
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