Red Wines
In keeping with my usual imperative to broaden my wine horizons and to look for interesting wines from all over the world, especially during the holidays, I present a wide variety of red wine selections for this fourth and final installment of my special holiday recommendations series. By the way, if you are interested in Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, I recently reviewed several samples of these wines here and here.
Australia Rhone-style. I recently came across these four excellent Aussies and even though I plan a comprehensive review of Australian wines in the coming months, I decided I couldn’t wait to turn you to them.
2011 Yangarra Grenache McLaren Vale Old Vine ($32). Grenache is the main grape in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and even though the terroir is different, the varietal red cherry and raspberry fruit laden with black pepper spice comes through nicely, as does intriguing earthy notes delivered with a lush texture.
2010 Yangarra Shiraz McLaren Vale ($25). Known as Syrah most everywhere else, Australian Shiraz has made a big splash in international markets over the last couple decades; so much so that too much average stuff has flooded stores. Thankfully there still are ample supplies of the greatness this grape can achieve in Australia – like this one. It is quite aromatic with dark berry fruit seasoned with meaty and cocoa accents. In the mouth it is flavorful, rich and lively, with a balance of tannin and fruit to age gracefully.
2010 Two Hands “Gnarly Dudes” Shiraz Barossa Valley ($35). This is nearly as good as the Yangarra, with floral aromas, dark berries and sort of a smoky note. It is another big, rich wine but with sleek tannins and a fresh finish. Earthy spicy notes provide additional interest throughout.
2009 Torbreck “The Steading” Barossa Valley ($38). A classic “GSM” – grenache syrah and mourvedre (also sometimes, as in this case, called mataro) – this one is heavy on the grenache to great effect. Lots of red fruits and brown spices excite the opening then join with a rich, flavorful and firm palate that finishes with plenty of friendly tannins.
Blends. A winery’s multi-varietal red blend can be a fun alternative for any occasion. Instead of just the character of one variety, these give you a chance to experience the how different aromas and flavors can come together to make a whole that is better than the sum of its parts.
2010 Craggy Range “Te Kahu” Gimblett Gravels Vineyard ($22). This merlot dominated Bordeaux-style blend from the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand just blew me away, especially at the price and given its origins. Deeply fruited with all sorts of plum, cherry and berry aromas and flavors, merged with mineral and spice qualities. Solid structure and medium body, while smooth tannins liven the engaging finish.
Troublemaker Blend 7 ($20). This is a fun, big fruited blend of syrah, grenache, mourvedre, zinfandel, and petite sirah from Austin Hope, one of the leading producers in Paso Robles. Notes of tobacco, vanilla and meat add further interest to this versatile wine, good for quaffing and comfortable at the table.
I also came across a few really friendly priced blends you will find ideal for cocktail parties, as well as large dinners, or even everyday sipping. I’m not talking huge complexity here, or even huge wines for that matter, just tasty, easy drinking enjoyment.
- 2012 HandCraft “Inspiration Red” California ($13) – an eclectic, fruit forward blend of syrah, zinfandel, merlot, malbec & sangiovese
- 2012 Smoking Loon “Red Loonatic” ($8) – syrah, alicante bouschet, petite sirah, zinfandel, tannat, sangiovese, touriga nacional, tempranillo, pinot noir…wow!
- Spin the Bottle Red Wine ($11) – cabernet sauvignon, syrah and merlot make good companions
Miscellaneous Reds
2011 Ventisquero “Grey” Carmenere Single Block ($24). Ventisquero’s “Grey” line features all individual blocks from specific vineyards. This Carmenere hails from Block 5 of the Trinidad Vineyard in the Maipo Valley. Loads of black fruits, an earthy note and a touch of creamy oak flow through its aromas and flavors.
2009 Pertinace Nebbiolo ($18). It’s been fashionable for years now among wine critics to treat wine coops with disrespect. The conceit is usually that a collective of growers inevitably succumbs to the lowest common denominator, while individual producers are the only ones truly dedicated to excellence. Well, Cantina Pertinace, a cooperative of of twelve winegrowers in the region of Barbaresco, clearly proves this wrong. They produce an enviable line of Barolo, Barbaresco, Babera, Arneis and this enjoyable Nebiolo. Try this taste of the region for less than half the cost of Barolo.
2011 Alamos Malbec ($13). Alamos is the result of a collaboration between the great Catena family of Argentina and the great Gallo family of California. Dabs of syrah and bonarda enliven the malbec grown in the higher elevations of Mendoza. The result is
soft and fruity, easy drinking and a great value.
2010 Matchbook Tempranillo Dunnigan Hills ($15). Tempranillo, the grape responsible for most of Spain’s finest wines, has always been a challenge to grow successfully in California. But Matchbook seems to have figured out how to make an enjoyable, affordable wine out of it, with touches of tannat and graciano. Aged almost in a combination of American, French and Hungarian oak, this wine exhibits brown spice and cedar to compliment black and red fruits.
2011 Stickybeak Toscano IGT ($20). A surprising new collaboration between Australian wine importer Old Bridge Cellars and Italian vintner Alberto Antonini, this wine is a flavorful Sangiovese (with a touch of merlot and, from nearby Maremma, a bit of syrah) from the Tuscan commune of Cerreto Guidi.
2011 J. Lohr Estates Valdiguié Monterey ($10). This is a fun wine from a grape primarily grown in the Languedoc-Roussillon. It’s cultivated sparsely in California but J. Lohr has fashioned a grapey, interesting wine using partial carbonic maceration that simulates the drinking experience of a Beaujolais or maybe a light Pinot Noir.
2012 Monte Velho Red ($10). This time of year, I’m especially fond of Portuguese table wine. While Portugal is most famous for its great sweet Porto, table wine from the country has become a go-to choice for good values with authentic character.
Portuguese producer Heredade do Esporao has fashioned this excellent value from equal amounts of the indigenous grapes trincadeira, aragonez and castelao. It’s pretty straightforward but is solid and firm, with tasty fruit.