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Staff Favorites - Lauren Seward
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Reviews
2018 Domaine de l'Ermitage "Victor" Costières de Nîmes Blanc
Review Date: 01-20-2020
At $10, this is a mighty fine white blend out of a lesser-known subregion of the Rhone. Zippy and fresh with hints of stonefruit, wet rock, and a touch of hay, the Domaine de l'Ermitage "Victor" Costières de Nîmes Blanc is not to be dismissed as a go-to white. Although the region was originally part of the Languedoc-Rousillon, the whites of Costières de Nîmes are more akin to those of the Rhone, and was assigned to it in the mid-2000s. This blend of Rousanne, Grenache Blanc, and Viongier is extremely friendly with dishes like sushi, cheese, and lighter pastas.
Price:
$9.99
2018 Montmassot Picpoul de Pinet
Review Date: 01-19-2020
The Montmassot Picpoul is a lovely choice for those looking for a casual crisp white wine. After a pretty, fruity nose greets you at the door, a crisp and clean taste welcomes you in. Enjoy notes of tropical fruit, grapefruit peel, a briny salinity, and a touch of honey in this stunning $10.99 bottle. As is traditional in the area, this would be a fabulous pairing for oysters.
Price:
$10.99
2016 Thistledown "Cunning Plan" Shiraz Langhorne Creek
Review Date: 01-13-2020
At this price, you’ll be hard pressed to find another Shiraz with as much going on as Thistledown’s Cunning Plan. This is one of those wines that is unassuming at first purchase, but really sings in the glass. Rich in color and flavor, it showcases a dark fruit and soft spice aroma, a taste profile that runs the gamut from blue fruit to cocoa and tobacco, and a silky smooth (albeit brief) finish. This is a very soft wine with mellow acidity that doesn’t require a food pairing, unlike many other Australian Shiraz(s?) with this much intensity.
2017 Nor Wester by Greystone Pinot Noir North Canterbury
Review Date: 12-31-2019
Another stunning Pinot hailing from the lesser-known North Canterbury. At $20 a pop, this earthy and savory red is a real steal. The richer tones are met with bright red fruit, some spiciness, and a fresh acidity, rounding this out as a truly food-friendly wine. This would be a option to buy by the case and not worry about popping open on a Tuesday night – while still genuinely enjoying what’s in the bottle.
2017 Domaine Bart Marsannay Rouge "Les Echezots"
Review Date: 12-30-2019
Bursting with bright fruit and a lush, almost silky finish, this is considered among the RWC staff to be one of the best Pinots in the store — especially at $30! A soft palate reveals notes of tart cherry and plum met with a satiating herbaciousness that is classic to red Burgundies. A sparkling acidity makes this an extremely food-friendly wine that can be enjoyed year round. Enjoy as a warm winter red on a chilly day, or as the perfect BBQ wine in the heart of summer.
Price:
$29.99
2017 Chateau de L'Ou "Infiniment" Côtes Catalanes Rouge
Review Date: 12-10-2019
This is such a beautiful bottle. I thought the 2016 vintage was as good as they come, but I have been proven wrong! The bouquet explodes with young, fresh dark berry notes, wet rock, and a touch of dark floral (maybe lilac). Insanely silky, this medium-bodied Syrah has a delicate acidity that balances out some of the richness and paves the way for a tasty palate of sweet fruit, vanilla, and a touch of spice.
Drink from 2019 to 2019
2017 Domaine des Rémizières "Cuvée Christophe" Crozes-Hermitage
Review Date: 12-10-2019
This is a fairly rich Syrah with aromas of cooked meat, espresso, and a touch of dark chocolate. Each sip brings to mind a steak dinner followed by an affogato. It could use a little aging time, but it will develop very nicely over the next 3-6 yrs. On the tongue you’ll find a rich but subtle profile of dark fruit (blueberries or plum), with a lingering taste of cooking spices, cool herbs, and wet earth. There is a prevalent French oak, which helps to soften out the intensity and will smooth out over time. This will be a great Rhone addition to your cellar and is a worthy purchase.
Drink from 2021 to 2021
2017 Oakridge "Original Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon Yarra Valley Victoria
Review Date: 12-02-2019
A juicy, fragrant expression of what Down Under cab can be. Pop open a bottle up and let it sit for half an hour. Elegant tannins open up to reveal a warm palate of dark berry, wet forest, and herbs, developing into plum and black currant with a silky soft finish. Marking Oakridge's 40th anniversary, and these grapes were sourced from the original Oakridge Vineyard. This will age nicely in the cellar but is also showing beautifully now, and will be a perfect addition to the holiday table. I can see this becoming a go-to Cab as the temperature descends.
2012 Gaudin, Pauillac
Review Date: 11-24-2019
READY TO DRINK! This Pauillac is a wine that is sure to impress, and still a steal at $29.99. Delicately smokey, like you've just walked past a cigar shop and are half way down the block before you realize it. Structured, rich in dark fruit, and it goes down easy. This is now my go-to Medoc in this price range.
2017 Oakridge "Henk Vineyard - Block 864" Pinot Noir Yarra Valley Victoria
Review Date: 11-04-2019
Do you not have a go-to Pinot Noir yet? Or are looking to switch it up? This bottle of single vineyard Oakridge has everything a cool climate Pinot fan looks for: a plush, yet subtle wine with a beautiful spice aroma and soft black and red berry flavors. I personally was surprised by the well-structured tannins, making this both a table friendly wine and perfect on its own.
