Top 10 wines in the US press

Eric Asimov picks out a wine that is “beautifully balanced and lovely to drink” while Dave McIntyre recommends a rosé that “will command your attention and will reward it, as well.”

In the New York Times, Asimov wrote: “The vast ocean of wine that is Italy is fed by many rivers. Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, universally considered to be among the world’s great grapes, pour in to acclaim.

“One of my favourites is a red grape that seems largely taken for granted, when it’s thought of at all. It stirs little excitement. I’m not sure why, because I find the wines delicious, structured and age-worthy.

“I’m talking about Aglianico, the primary red grape of Campania, which encompasses Naples and Salerno on the western coast of southern Italy, and of Basilicata, the arch and instep of the boot. Aglianico has been termed the Barolo of the South, a seemingly admiring phrase made hollow by a patronising note.”

In the Washington Post, McIntyre picked out five rosés for his readers to try, writing: “Here are selections from France, Austria, California and Washington that will slake your thirst this summer.”

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

2003 Roc de Cambes

Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Will Lyons recommended this wine, which comes from Bordeaux winemaker François Mitjaville. He wrote: “Although they are made with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the smell is evocative of red Burgundy – a wine created from Pinot Noir. Texturally, they are very light, easy to digest and – dare I say it – dangerously easy to drink. It isn’t surprising that in wine circles Mr. Mitjaville retains a cult following.”

He added about this wine: “Produced by Francois Mitjaville from the infamous hot vintage of 2003, this wine is dark crimson, with appealing notes of truffle, stewed meat and exotic spices. Given the heat in 2003, it is astonishing that it contains such uplifting acidity and sheer drinkability. Very good indeed.”

2006 Tertre Roteboeuf

Lyons also picked out this Mitjaville wine, writing: “A great wine, Mitjaville says, is something civilised. By this he means a wine that invites you to drink it. He rails against the modern practice of making wine that is big, massively extracted with fruit and high alcohol. For Mr. Mitjaville, a wine should have concentration of flavour but in essence it should be delicate, reflecting the subtleties of the land where it is grown.”

Lyons wrote about the wine: “This sits in the glass with a dark-crimson hue. The nose startles with sweet cheery fruit, bit there are also notes of raspberry and smoky, Asian spice. Once sipped, the wine’s concentration is offset by its creamy texture, which charms the palate.”

2010 Limerick Lane Zinfandel

Irene Virbila, in the LA Times, recommended this wine, writing that “it may be time to get back on the Zinfandel wagon.”

She added: “I just tasted the 2010 Limerick Lane Zinfandel from Sonoma County and loved its subtle approach. Instead of the big bruiser Zins that have dominated the market for so long, this one is cool and focused, with very pretty fruit and the tanginess of pomegranates.

“That mouthwatering quality makes this Zin ideal drinking with charcuterie, salumi, grilled sausages and pork stews — anything rich and fatty.”

2012 Robert Mondavi “Private Selection” Pinot Grigio

In the Miami Herald, Fred Tasker featured Pinot Grigio, writing: “Some wines taste better outdoors, and Pinot Grigio is one. Made well, it’s crisp, light, lively and tart, just right for hot-weather sipping. It’s a picnic wine. A pop-in-the-cooler wine, although you should take it off the ice for 20 minutes or so before drinking.”

He added: “Pinot Grigio should be drunk within a couple of years of its making,” and that this wine has “white flower aromas, crisp and dry, with intense lemon-lime flavours and a tart finish.”

2012 Vera Rosé Vinho Verde

Bill St John in the Chicago Times featured rosé, picking this wine as the “best for under US$10”. He wrote: “Merely looking at the range of dry rosés can be pleasure enough: pastel peony, hot pink, coral, peach skin, salmon, cantaloupe, grapefruit, rose petal, cheek-in-wind, raspberry — and shades of shades within those.”

He added that this wine is “a blend of Vinhao and Anho grapes for a beautiful hot pink hue and full-on aromas, and tastes of strawberry compote and minerals; dry, fine acidity, tingles the tongue.”

2009 Fox Farm Ana Vineyard Pinot Noir

Mark Tarbell, in the Arizona Republic, wrote: “This wine is the most Burgundian of any wine I’ve tasted from the States, in a good way.

“The complexity and restraint are amazing. It’s the unicorn: tough to find (only 70 or so cases produced) and just beautiful. It’s well worth the effort of seeking it out and is an instant classic.”

Domaine du Dragon, Grande Cuvee 2012

Dave McIntyre recommends a number of different rosés to his readers in the Washington Post. He wrote: ” You can find tasty rosés from Virginia, Maryland and elsewhere; remember, rosé may have a traditional home around the Mediterranean, but good rosé can be made anywhere.”

In describing this wine, he wrote: “Pale and translucent, this is a traditional Provence rosé. We are conditioned to think that depth of colour equals depth of flavour, and vice versa. But this wine will disprove that theory. Subtle and complex, it will command your attention and will reward it, as well.”

Charles & Charles Rosé 2012

This is another row recommended by McIntyre in the Washington Post, he wrote: “Here’s a full-bore New World rosé that is not shy about showing its fruit. It will appeal to skeptics who might have wondered what rosé is all about.”

Antonio Caggiano Taurasi Macchia dei Goti 2008

In the New York Times, Eric Asimov hosts a tasting panel which tries wines “from the bottom of Italy’s boot”. He wrote: “We were all impressed by the consistently high quality of these wines. Some, as the range of vintages suggested, were more immediately approachable, while others will continue to benefit from aeging. We found big differences in texture and density, but most of the wines were distinctively structured and earthy, with flavours of red fruit, liquorice and menthol.”

In regards to this wine he wrote: “Our number one wine was the 2008 Macchia dei Goti Taurasi from Antonio Caggiano, beautifully balanced and lovely to drink right now but with the potential to age.”

He added: “Balanced and lovely, structured yet approachable, with savoury flavours that linger.”

Salvatore Molettieri Taurasi Vigna Cinque Querce 2006

This wine was ranked second by Asimov’s tasting panel, and he wrote: “The relative delicacy of this wine [the Antonio Caggiano ranked number one] made for a nice contrast with our number two bottle, the 2006 Taurasi from Salvatore Molettieri, a powerhouse full of chunky, dark, complex flavours. Together they demonstrate a versatility of textures and densities.