Top 10 wines in the US press

In the New York Times Eric Asimov gave a nod to the change in season and recommends his readers to drink seasonally.

He said: “It’s a fundamental precept, and it makes as much sense intuitively as dressing seasonally or carrying an umbrella on a cloudy day.”

In this case the simple view, Asimov adds, is to drink by colour: whites in the summer and reds in colder times. But, he warns, “it’s easy but vacuous logic. Colour is not the most significant factor in drinking seasonally.

“It’s texture and weight. Just as you choose lighter clothing in hot weather and heavier layers in the cold, so, too, do we gravitate toward more delicate wines in summer and sturdier bottles in winter.”

Writing for the Washington Post under the headline, “The best value in red wine today”, Dave McIntyre featured Argentinian Malbec. He wrote: “At $10 or $30 or even $100, Malbecs from Argentina offer extraordinary value.

“I can’t say there aren’t bad examples out there, but in my recent tastings I haven’t found any, while many I tasted were terrific. Argentina’s Malbecs may very well be the best value in red wine available today.”

Clos de la Roilette Fleurie 2011

In helping people match wines to the change of season, Eric Asimov’s first recommendation for New York Times readers was this red wine. He wrote: “The wines of Fleurie, one of the 10 leading crus of Beaujolais, are habitually described as light, pretty, feminine and flowery. Nothing dainty about the 2011. It’s dense and a little tannic, smoky and spicy with aromas of licorice and granite. Superb, but consider decanting when young.”

Raventós Blanc Cava de Nit Catalonia 2009

Next up was this Cava, about which Asimov wrote, “Spain produces an ocean of cheap Cava, the sparkling wine guzzled throughout the country. Much of it is forgettable, but this pale rosé (make that rosato) is elegant, nuanced and fresh, with balanced, persistent flavours.”

2010 The Ojai Vineyard McGinley Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($28)

In the San Francisco Chronicle, Jon Bonné took one last look at Sauvignon Blanc for 2012. He was particularly impressed with this one, writing, “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Adam Tolmach’s secret weapon is Sauvignon Blanc. He found this cold vintage particularly unique, and while this version is more sinewed than usual, it’s fantastic. Not so much grassy as full of cool aloe and taut fruit, like biting into a firm nectarine.”

2010 Paso Robles Zinfandel ($28)

S Irene Virbila, in the LA Times went for a Zinfandel, writing, “it’s been a while since I’ve picked up a bottle of Ridge Zinfandel, and it’s just as delicious as ever. This one comes from Paso Robles, where the 2010 growing season was unusually cool. The 2010 Paso Robles Zinfandel is food-friendly, tasting of dark berries and something woodsy. Tannins are soft, and it has a bit of elegance uncommon for a Zin.”

Cholila Ranch Malbec 2010 ($13)

Dave McIntyre, writing in the Washington Post, focused on Argentinian Malbec. He wrote: “This wine from Patagonia is new to our market and hasn’t caught on yet. It should. It’s lively and delicious, with blueberry fruit, some cinnamon and clove spice and a nice, meaty aspect that stirs the appetite.”

2010 Bodegas Salentein, Killka Malbec ($15)

Staying with Malbecs, McIntyre moved on to this wine, writing, “Bodegas Salentein introduced this new Malbec to be a more casual, fruit-forward wine for easy enjoyment while waiting for its other wines to age gracefully in the cellar. It is exuberant and delicious, with olive, tea, blueberry and spice notes.”

2009 Frenchie Napoleon red blend ($30)

Elin McCoy, writing for Bloomberg featured Jean-Charles Boisset and his new “dog winery”. In terms of the wine, McCoy said: “Best is the 2009 Frenchie Napoleon red blend ($30) of six varietals. It’s plush-textured, with the fresh bright fruit often missing from Napa reds at this price point.”

Tercos 2010 Malbec; $13

Paul Gregutt in the Seattle Times also featured an Argentinian Malbec. This was his pick of the week, and he wrote: “This spicy, well-crafted 2010 is full in the mouth, brimming with pretty berry and plum flavours. It’s an excellent wine for a cool autumn evening.

Please note – this post was amended after originally stating that this wine came from Chile.

2010 Pezzi King “A Royal Rot” Sauvignon Blanc ($50)

In the Miami Herald, Fred Tasker reported on the Sonoma Harvest Fair wine competition, where he was a member of the judging panel. He listed the award-winning whites from the fair, and even gave a nod to this dessert wine, writing that it is, “rich and thick, honeyed body, luscious brown sugar and ripe peaches; $50. (Specialty wine sweepstakes winner.)

2008 Luis Pato Beiras ($13)

And finally writing for the Chicago Tribune Bill St John tells his readers that he currently thinks that Spain or Portugal is the answer to the question: “Where is the best wine for the money being made right now?” This is one of the wines he recommends, he wrote: “Get gaga for Baga, Portugal’s stout red fella, all dark red fruit, chalky tannin and – rare for a red – zesty acidity. Often blended with Touriga Naçional.” He describes this wine – “40% Touriga; cherries and chocolate, ‘Iberian Malbec’; it wants meat; super deal.”