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Staff Favorites - John Downing
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Reviews
2022 Domaine Verzier "Empreinte" St-Joseph
Review Date: 10-22-2024
While the 2021 vintage of this wine was on the leaner side due to the weather conditions that year, the 2022 offers a wonderful fruit resonance along with greater complexity and richness. It's juicy and round with textbook Syrah aromas and flavors of smoke, bacon, red fruits and spice that are lifted by lively acidity that gives length to the finish. It's an impressive effort that will surely continue to develop with time in the cellar. Or, open now with meats, stews and cheeses.
Maison Laudacius "Laudacius" Brut Nature Montlouis Methode Traditionnnelle
Review Date: 08-04-2024
Although I've had the good fortune to taste a lot of great Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley, very little has been sparkling. This impressive Brut is an unexpected pleasure as it over-delivers at its sub $20 price. The nose offers complex pear and apple scents while the palate is creamy with a lemon and mineral finish. Ample acidity adds tension and length to this outstanding sparkling wine. It's a wonderful alternative to Champagne and will especially appeal to those who enjoy drier style whites.
Palazzone Rosso del Palazzone IGT
Review Date: 07-22-2024
My first encounter with this estate happened many years ago upon meeting the previous owner, American businessman Richard Parsons. His wines were outstanding and although he has more recently sold the estate, the tradition of excellence remains. This wonderful Sangiovese is a tribute to the local tradition of the daily table red wine as some of the Brunello juice is blended with the multi-vintage vino rosso to create this homage to the local traditions. It's a pure expression of Sangiovese with fresh ripe fruit and tannins that drinks perfectly now.
Price:
$26.99
2021 Atance Bobal Manchuela
Review Date: 07-16-2024
This is one of those wines that definitely over delivers at the price. Whether chilled or opened at room temperature, it's wonderful on its own with lots of juicy cherry and plum flavors and just the right touch of acidity. It's an ideal Summer red that will especially shine with BBQ meats and outdoor fare.
2022 Félix Lorenzo Cachazo "Carrasvinas" Verdejo Rueda
Review Date: 07-16-2024
While some of the Verdejo wines of Rueda seem akin to Sauvignon Blanc with bright acids and lively citrus fruit, this old vine white offers a rounder, creamier palate with delicious tropical fruit notes and excellent length. It's an exciting new arrival at a very modest price.
2021 Raúl Pérez "Ultreia St-Jacques" Mencía Bierzo
Review Date: 06-07-2024
Although Raul Perez is known to be one of the more innovative European winemakers as well as one of Spain's finest, he remains humble and allows his wines to speak for themselves. This outstanding Mencia reminds why he is considered the gold standard within Bierzo. His 2021 delivers fragrant red and blackberry aromas with a pleasant hint of smoke. These translate much the same on a juicy, flavor-packed palate with ample acidity and a lifted saline note that carries it to a lengthy finish. It's aged mostly in large casks which allows the fruit to truly shine. This is a world-class red at a very modest price.
San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore
Review Date: 04-16-2018
San Venanzio Brut certainly stands out amongst its peers and remains one of the finest quality Proseccos we've come across at this tremendous price. Known for its vibrant fruit, bright florals, minerality and exceptional balance, this creamy, fresh sparkler continues to impress.
Price:
$15.99