Top 10 wines in the US press

Rebecca Murphy says of her recommendation “spring sipping wines don’t get better than this” while Fred Tasker reviews 2011 Chardonnay, picking one wine with “a superb complexity of flavours.”

Writing in the Miami Herald, Tasker looked at California’s 2011 Chardonnays, which are “in the market now, and – despite some weather challenges – it’s an excellent vintage.”

With regards to the weather and its impact on the vintage, Tasker added: “Late frosts and a cool, rainy start to summer in some areas had growers worried, but a September heat wave saved the day. In fact, it created a long growing season with plenty of “hang time” that made sure full flavors had developed by the time technical sugar measurement said it was time to pick.

“Chardonnay always has been a chameleon grape – changing character readily by climate, ripeness and fermenting technique. In California’s cool, foggy Russian River Valley it turns crisp and intensely fruity; in warmer climes it can be creamy and lush, spicy and caramel scented.”

Meanwhile Murphy, in the Dallas Morning News, picks a wine from Mosel, writing: “The Mosel wine region is known for its delicate, floral wines from vineyards that grow on the steep slopes of the Mosel River.”

She added: “By using grapes that might not qualify for a single vineyard wine, the vintner is able to make the best use of the harvest and give consumers more affordable wines.”

Click through the following pages to find out which wines these and other writers in the US press have recommended.

Vina Cobos Felino Chardonnay 2012

In the Washington Post Dave MacIntyre, highlighted Argentina’s Chardonnay, writing that the wine “deserves to be on your wine list because of its quality and value.”

On this wine he added: “Zesty with flavours of tree fruit and citrus; a nice touch of oak ageing gives body without overpowering the fruit.”

Catena Chardonnay High Mountain Vines 2011

MacIntyre also recommended this wine, he wrote: “Catena’s baseline Chardonnay, labeled with this vintage as ‘High Mountain Vines.’ The blend is from three vineyards, at elevations of 3,117 feet, 3,675 and 4,757 feet. The flavours are soft and ripe, more of a California-style Chardonnay that isn’t trying for a Burgundian ideal.”

2011 Ameztoi Rosé Getariako Txakolina “Rubentis”

In the LA Times, Irene Virbila picked out this wine, writing that this “rosé from the Spanish Basque country is something different.”

She added that “the Ameztoi “Rubentis” is essentially a pink Txakolina made with a blend of white and red grapes. Ever so slightly pétillant, it has the minerality and a bright citrusy quality that makes it ideal with spicy foods. Open a bottle with fiery Thai or Indian dishes. I love it with ceviche, anything with anchovies or sardines. It’s also great with tapas, paella and grilled fish. And perfect for that moment when you’re kicking back before dinner.”

Tesco Stellenbosch 2010

Will Lyons in the Wall Street Journal recommended this wine, writing: “This South African wine is a Bordeaux blend comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Once poured, its smell hits you with creamy oak, mulberry and a spicy blackcurrant note. It has a fair bit of alcohol that is counteracted by a lasting freshness on the palate.

Peter Nicolay, Mosel, Half-dry Riesling 2011

This is the wine recommended by Rebecca Murphy in the Dallas Morning News, she wrote: “Spring sipping wines don’t get better than this slightly sweet riesling from the Peter Nicolay estate.” She added: “It’s got tantalising floral, dusty mineral, green apple and white peach aromas and flavours, in a gossamer light body with less than 10% alcohol. The light sweetness on the palate cedes to playful acidity, making the wine easy to drink but not cloying. In addition to being quite suitable for drinking on its own, it will play well with barbecued chicken or a salty cheese.”

2011 Shafer Chardonnay, “Red Shoulder Ranch,” Napa Valley

Fred Tasker, in the Miami Herald, picked out this wine from his review of 2011 Californian Chardonnay, writing: “Shafer Vineyards grows its Chardonnay in Napa’s cool Carneros area for intense fruit, foregoes the secondary fermentation, but ages 75% of it in expensive French oak barrels, achieving a superb complexity of flavours.”

He added of this wine: “Subtle hint of oak, complex, shifting aromas and flavours of ripe tropical fruits and citrus, flan-like opulence, crisp, tart finish.”

2011 MacMurray Ranch Chardonnay, Russian River

This wine also came as ‘highly recommended” by Tasker. He described it as “rich and fruity, with aromas and flavours of ripe pears and peaches, opulent.”

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Meritage Central Coast 2011

Sandra Silfven, writing in the Detroit News, recommends this red wine, writing that one of the most amazing things about this blend is “the price”. She added: “I can’t remember tasting the Meritage from this line before – it’s dry, balanced, complex and delicious, and such a bargain.

“It’s an almost equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with some generous Malbec that’s fleshed out with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot – a true Bordeaux blend. The fruit flavours are raspberry, dark cherry, dark plum and bittersweet chocolate. Tannins are supple; acidity provides structure.”

Delaforce Touriga Nacional 2009

Writing for Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper, Beppi Crosariol picks out this wine, writing: “Distinguished for its aged tawny Ports, the brand, now owned by a company called Real Companhia Velha, has branched out into good table wines like this red. Dry on entry and juicy on the finish, it offers ripe currant, plum and chocolate flavours pulled tight by astringent tannins.”

Toscana Igt 2008, Cepparello, Isole e Olena

Bill Zacharkiw, in the Montreal Gazette, recommends this as a wine “for a treat”.

He wrote: “I do love my Cepparello. So lithe, so fresh in youth, yet already with so much depth. Subtle notes of cherry and mint, with perfectly ripe tannins that grip your tongue and prolong the pleasure. So much of everything, each element speaking a little phrase. Give this time and they will speak volumes. One of Tuscany’s great wines.”