Tag Archives: wine of the day

Wine of the Day: Hacienda Monasterio Ribera del Duero 2012 9-17-16

Bodegas Hacienda Monasterio, Ribera del Duero 2012 750ML ($44.95) $36.60 special

Case-12 Bodegas Hacienda Monasterio, Ribera del Duero 2012 750ML ($479.95) $399 special

Just outside the town of Pesquera, in Spain’s Duero Valley, Hacienda Monasterio has been producing sumptuous reds since 1992. Limestone soil and organic viticulture give the south-facing vineyard just the right amount of delicacy to match the heat and sunlight. Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) produces the majority of the estate’s grapes, but Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec also find their way into the blends. None other than Peter Sisseck, founder/winemaker at Pingus, started this project and continues to serve as head enologist. His work supports the popular, New World style of Spanish wine. – Daniel

Wine Advocate 94 Points “The current vintage for the crianza is 2012. The 2012 Crianza, from a dry vintage, resulted much fresher than expected, fresher than 2009 and 2011 in fact. The vines are dry-farmed and were planted some 22 years ago, and you might say they have matured by now. The approximate mixture of grapes in their vineyards is mostly Tempranillo with some 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Malbec, and it’s more or less the blend in this wine. The Cabernet works well, providing finesse and some acidity to the Tempranillo….The wine matured in 20% new French oak barrels for some 20 months. There are no traces of the barriques and the nose took me to the Riberas of yesteryear, with some subtle rusticity; it’s ripe without excess and there’s good balance between fruit, spices and perhaps something earthy. The palate is extremely balanced, medium-bodied with very fine tannins, tasty, approachable and long. This could very well be the best crianza ever produced at Monasterio. This has to be one of the bargains of the vintage in Ribera, given the quality it delivers.”

Wine of the Day: Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo 2013 9-16-16

Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo 2013 750ML ($31.95) Buy Now: $24 special

Case-12 Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo 2013 750ML ($359.95) Buy Now: $249 special

Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo 2013

One of the best deals in the wine world? Buying the entry-level wines of a top-shelf producer. Massolino fits the bill here. As one of Barolo’s oldest estates, they possess the deep sense of know-how and respect for terroir that preclude the crafting of fine wine. A prestigious winery like Massolino also has excellent vineyard sites, and state-of-the-art winemaking facilities. Suddenly the entry-level bargain trick begins to make sense… The 2013 Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo drinks above many of its counterparts. This wine makes perfect sense for those who enjoy full-bodied, fruit-forward, bold Nebbiolo that is ready to drink today. Start here and you’ll want to work your way up Massolino’s Barolo ladder: The first taste isn’t quite free, but it’s still an irresistible price for such a well-made wine. – Daniel

Wine of the Day: J. Christopher ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir 2014 9-15-16

J. Christopher ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2014 750ML ($69.95) Buy Now: $59 special

The 2014 Oregon Pinots keep arriving, and the J. Christopher line-up tastes consistent and delicious. The Abbey Ridge bottling stands out yet again as the winery’s most complex, refined red. It’s considered one of Oregon’s best vineyards. Planted in 1976, and still ungrafted, Abbey is dry farmed so those vitis vinifera roots will dig down in the Jory soil and extract a deeper sense of place. Elevation is high at Abbey Ridge, at 650-800 feet, which adds a bit more acidity and a softer touch than lower-elevation Dundee Hills Pinots. Earth and ripe red berries waft out of the glass, while velvet wraps the palate, and the finish lingers into the future: this wine will age well, if you can wait. – Daniel

Wine of the Day: Roberto Voerzio Ceretto Barbera d’Alba 2012 9-14-16

Roberto Voerzio Ceretto Barbera d’Alba 2012 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now: $36 special

Roberto Voerzio Ceretto Barbera d’Alba 2012

As far as a Barbera d’Alba goes, Roberto Voerzio’s 2012 Ceretto may as well be dressed in a linen suit and fedora hat. It is smooth, and very Italian in style. Voerzio makes some of the finest Barolos, which are more like tuxedo wines, and he tailors his Ceretto Barbera with the same instinct and experience. This one has rounded, not-too-dry tannins, plenty of dark berry fruit, and a polished profile. It matches paisano dishes like osso bucco or even pasta primavera with flair. Try one the next time Italy comes to mind. – Daniel

James Suckling 92 Points “Wow. A bright and exciting red with clementine, dark berry and lemon aromas and flavors. Full body, silky tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Excellent Barbera. Drink now.”

Or get into a Langhe Nebbiolo:

Roberto Voerzio San Francesco Fontanazza Nebbiolo Langhe 2012 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $39 special

Wine of the Day: Belle Pente Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 9-13-16

Belle Pente Vineyard Chardonnay, Yamhill-Carlton District 2010 750ML ($29.95) Buy Now: $26.60 special

Belle Pente Belle Pente Vineyard Chardonnay 2010

As Oregon transitions from summer to fall, sunny days contrast with cool nights, colors enchant the eye, and a cornucopia of food presents itself on the table. This unique time of year finds its match in the 2010 Belle Pente Belle Pente Vineyard Chardonnay. Richly flavored with notes of apple and spice, white flowers, pear and a little butter (but very little new oak), this wine blends warm aromas and texture with refreshing acidity. At six years old, this Oregon Chardonnay is drinking at its prime. Consider having it alongside the last of the zucchini, the just-harvested corn, or the upcoming squash and pumpkins. Try it with poultry, pork, or, best, Fall Chinook. Or maybe drink it with nothing more than fresh bread and sheep cheese from the Valley, while savoring the panorama of harmless clouds, changing leaves, and geese on their way south.

For a riper parallel, try the 2012:

Belle Pente Vineyard Chardonnay, Yamhill-Carlton District 2012 750ML ($34.95) Buy Now: $29 special