2jX32GW

BUYINGGUIDE
91
Giesen 2013 The Fuder Single Vineyard Selection
Dillons Point Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough).
Some struck-match aromas bring pleasant
complexity to the aromas of vanilla and tangerine,
then ripe citrus, smoke and vanilla take over on the
palate. This is a full-bodied, fully ripe wine, without
that intense pungency that marks many Marlborough
Sauvignon Blancs. Pacific Highway Wines
& Spirits. —J.C.
abv: 14.5% Price: $55
91
J. Lohr 2013 Cuvée Pom (Paso Robles). From
the winery’s Bordeaux study series, this
Merlot- based blend shows roast beef, smoke, lilac,
violet, lavender and shy black-cherry fruit on the
nose. There’s more fruit on the palate, with blackberry
paste. However, the rigid tannins don’t open
up easily. Notes of crushed volcanic rock, espresso,
dried herbs and leather are subtle. —M.K.
abv: 14.9% Price: $50
91
Migration 2014 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley).
This wine has lovely, inviting aromas of
baking spice and earth. Full-bodied flavors of blueberry
and raspberry are supported by spicy oak.
Its boldness and density is met by fresh cranberry,
while a tease of vanilla complements the other characteristics.
—V.B.
abv: 14.5% Price: $38
91
Groth 2014 Hillview Vineyard Chardonnay
(Napa Valley). This is a thick, rich and layered
white from Oak Knoll District-grown estate
fruit. It’s inviting, with lemon chiffon, baked pineapple
and anise. Medium bodied and not afraid to
be robust, wet-stone minerality brings it together.
—V.B.
abv: 14.5% Price: $30
91
Martin Ranch 2012 Thérèse Vineyards Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains).
Done in the classically savory Santa Cruz Mountains
style, this bottling shows black and red licorice on
the nose along with blueberry and blackberry fruit.
It’s brisk on the palate and still wound up tightly,
with blackberry, peppercorn and black-olive flavors
lifted by dried herbs. —M.K.
abv: 13.5% Price: $49
91
Monte Smith 2014 Pauli Ranch Barbera (Mendocino).
This is a handsome wine all the way,
from the lightly spicy aromas through the layered
fruit, chocolate and cinnamon flavors, to the moderately
tannic and lingering finish. With its great
balance and mouthwatering flavors, it will be a tasty
addition to almost any meal. Editors’ Choice. —J.G.
abv: 14.8% Price: $22
91
Hess Collection 2014 Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon
(Napa Valley). This full and smoothly
soft wine blended with 10% Petite Sirah, 7% Malbec
and 3% Petit Verdot is aged in American oak, a
quarter of it new. It pleases in bright red currant,
cassis and wisps of blackberry, both approachable
and sophisticated. Velvety black licorice meets
smoky campfire on the finish. —V.B.
abv: 14.8% Price: $32
91
Meeker 2013 Cabernet Franc (Dry Creek Valley).
This 100% varietal wine is sourced from
Pedroni Vineyard on Dry Creek Road. It shows classic
elements of cedar, currant and an herbaceous
streak. It remains bright in acidity and supportive
in tannic strength, balancing between ripeness and
structure. —V.B.
abv: 14.7% Price: $45
91
Mumm Napa NV Blanc de Blancs (Napa
County). This is made from 80% Chardonnay
and 20% Pinot Gris. It offers an impressive commingling
of preserved lemon, burnt orange peel and
apricot, meeting crisp acidity and floral undertones
along the way. Light and bright, it’s a food-friendly
option, as well as good go-to solo. —V.B.
abv: 12.5% Price: $22
14 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | MARCH 2017