Sandrone Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore, 2019

I have written previously about the good value Nebbiolo wines from Roero, located on the other side of the Tanaro River and only a few miles from the more highly regarded and expensive vineyards of Barolo and Barbaresco. The Valmaggiore vineyard is in Roero, but wines from this micro-climare are highly prized and often sell in a price range more typical of Barolo and Barbaresco. Luciano Sandrone is among the winemakers who have recognized the special qualities of Valmaggiore Nebbiolo and  promoted it as a distinct interpretation of the grape.

Medium deep with some orangeish Nebbiolo tints. Rose petals, red berries, sea salt and more subtle savory qualities. Ripe and lovely. Surprisingly accessible for its age but has serious depth and concentration with a glorious finish. Some say Valmaggiore drinks best 6 to 12 years after the vintage but will certainly keep and improve for much longer. Now at 5 years, this 2019 Valmaggiore is drinking beautifully, one of the best wines I have had this year. I am looking foward to following its evolution over the next decade.

Broadsides Vineyard Ferment Central Coast Chardonnay, 2022

This Chardonnay was sourced from vineyards in Edna Valley on California's Central Coast.

Medium deep gold. Captivating scents of nectarines, pears, minerals and honey. Matured in both American and French oak but does not come across as oaky. Medium bodied, medium plus acidity, distinctive flavors, clean finish. Excellent value for $15 to $20.

Domaine Brunely Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne, 2018

The Domaine Brunely estate is located on the Sarrians hills between the Rhone and Ventoux. Although most of the vines are in the Vacqueyras appellation, the estate has added vineyards in Cairanne, Ventoux, Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape. This 2018 Cairanne is still young but beginning to open up and display its charms.

Dark violet color. Black and red raspberries, spices and minerals. Firm still on the mid-palate but fruit peeking through nicely. 50% Grenache plus Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault. Energetic finish. Has room to grow.
 

Domaine du Haut des Terres Blanches Chateauneuf du Pape, 1994

It has been several years since I have had this old favorite Chateauneuf du Pape, and I assumed it had gone over the hill. No chance. It is showing at least as strong as any of the bottles we have had over the past two decades and showing no sign of decline. Unfortunately, though, it is my last bottle.

Medium deep with some bricking. Unmistakeable nose of mature Chateauneuf, bright and fresh. Grenache red berries, fresh and dried, countered against savory notes of sea salt, minerals, spice and peppercorn. Lovely ripeness carried by mouth watering acidity from front to back. Beautiful finish with layers of ripe flavor. This is what Chateauneuf is all about. A perfect match for grilled rack of lamb. 
 

Domaine du Pelican Arbois Trois Cepages, 2014

The three grapes comprising the cepage in this Jura red are Pinot Noir, Trousseau and Poulsard. It is a light red with the qualities of good Pinot Noir grown in a cool--very cool--climate. I liked it but acknowledge it is a bit too tart for many tasters.

Very light red color, like looking through rose-colored glasses. Pretty aromas focused more on fruit that floral traits. Nothing ripe in the smells or flavors. Cranberry, sour cherries, lemon zest. The citrus zest reminds me of some Oregon Pinots, but this lacks the ripe fruit flavors that provide balance in those wines. An interesting wine with good depth of fruit but definitely on the tart side.

Barton Vale The Changeling Eden Valley Barossa Shiraz, 2001

 

Eden Valley is an elevated cool climate area of Barossa that produces some of 

Australia's best Shiraz wines, including those of Stephen and Pru Henschke (Hill of Grace, Mount Edelstone). Eden Valley is always on my radar, and that's why this wine caught my attention...and my winning bid.

Medium deep ruby. Black fruits evolving to red: blackberries, red currants, boysenberries, pomegranates. Beautiful strructure with acidity that keeps me coming back for sip after sip of that deep, concentrated fruit. Tannins have softened. Long, evolving finish. A special wine for a special occasion. A perfect match for rack of lamb.

Famille Perrin Ventoux, 2021

The slopes of Mont Ventoux provide a perfect environment for growing wine grapes. The elevation lowers temperatures in the sunny Southern Rhone while acidity in the soil assures fresh, bright fruit flavors. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ventoux was my favorite source for high quality every day wines, but this wine from the makers of Chateau Beaucastel is one of a very few Ventoux estates still offering this kind of value..

Bright, medium deep ruby red. Beautiful red berry smells and flavors. Medium bodied with supple tannins. I love the spicy, peppery finish. I buy this from Plum Market (online or in Ann Arbor), for $6.89; it's worth at least twice that much.