Top 10 wines in US press

Nathalie Falmet Nature Brut

In the Washington Post Dave McIntyre recommends this sparkler for the festive season.

He said: “Nathalie Falmet is the epitome of a small grower:

“She owns just three hectares (about 7.5 acres) of vines and produces her wines in a bare-bones warehouse.

“Her brut nature, from 100% Pinot Noir and made with no dosage of sugar, is electrifying in its focus and intensity.”

Special Cuveé Bollinger

For something a bit special this Christmas why not try a Bollinger Cuveé, writes Dave McIntyre in the Washington Post.

He said: “Bollinger, founded in 1829, received modern notoriety as the favourite fizz of James Bond.

“The Special Cuvée, Bollinger’s multi-vintage brut bottling, shows golden colour, signifying older base wines and oak ageing.

“The wine is supple, soft and velvety, and caresses the palate with an understated luxury. With the Falmet, I say, “Wow!” With the Bolly, I say, “Ahhhh.” ABV: 12%”

2005 Bodegas Riojanas Vina Albina Reserva Rioja

Jon Bonné recommended this Rioja in the San Francisco Chronicle.

He said: “This traditional producer near Cenciero, in Rioja Alta, had a stellar showing for its full line of wines.

“The Albina tends to use more Mazuelo and Graciano along with typical Tempranillo, aged with the Reserva for at least two years in American oak.

”It’s muscled and minerally, with bayberry and cherry fruit that barely hints at its age, plus hay and dried mint for complexity.”

Monte Real Gran Reserva 2005

Bonné also picked out this Gran Reserva.

He said: “The 2001 Gran Reserva shows a hair more age and complexity – chestnut, copper – but also the wonderful vitality of Tempranillo.

“The 2005 Monte Real Reserva has a bit more warm oak and spice to match a stark but refined mineral streak.”

Cloudy Bay Pelorus 2008

Will Lyons recommended a number of white wines this week in the Wall Street Journal.

Among them was this sparkler from New Zealand.

He said: The team at Pelorus continue to produce full-bodied, creamy sparkling wine for a fraction of the price of Champagne. The 2008 vintage has slightly more body and an attractive nutty character whilst retaining its freshness. Very reliable.

Bisol Crede Valdobbiandene 2010

Lyons also recommended this Prosecco calling “pure and clean.

He said: “It’s always a good idea to have a few bottles of Prosecco in the house during the holidays.

“Low in alcohol, pure and clean, it works well as an uplifting aperitif or as a base for cocktails.”

Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2010

Irene Virbila recommended this “full-bodied and rich Tuscan red that is terrific with roasts, game and steaks” in the LA Times.

She said: “In Montepulciano, the local Sangiovese clone is called Prugnolo Gentile.

“The 2010 Poliziano Vino Nobile shows why that grape is so highly prized in southern Tuscany.

“Polished and nuanced, it tastes of plums, cherries and dark berries. Tannins are ripe, so you can either drink this red young or hang on to a bottle for a few years.

“I tend to like Vino Nobile young, like this one, to drink with a steak, roast or braised short ribs. It’s terrific with wild birds and venison too at this season.”

Fairview Goats do Roam 2012

Michael Dresser chose this South African red as his wine of the week in the Baltimore Sun.

He said: “It seemed fitting to toast Nelson Mandela with a South African wine. In addition to everything else he accomplished, Mandela cleared the way for South Africa to emerge as a formidable presence on the world wine market. Despite its long wine history and natural advantages, the quality of South African wine under apartheid was dreadful — as shown by the first imports after the fall of the old regime. But within a few years of Mandela’s rise to power, we began to see good, solid wines like this one coming out of that country. This is a tasty, chunky, solid Cotes-du-Rhone style red blend (hence the pun name) at a very affordable price. It’s a very minor but worthy tribute to his legacy.”

Ruffino Prosecco DOCG

A “gentle sparkling beauty” was this week recommended by Detroit News wine writer Sandra Silfven.

She said: “This gently sparkling beauty exudes lime, lemon, tangerine and apricot tones. It’s dry, crisp-tart, refreshing and packed with beads of bubbles.

“Offer it to guests as they arrive or pour it with holiday buffets.

“It’s an appealing style and is lighter in alcohol at 11%”

Paul Goerg Champagne Premier Cru, Blanc de Blancs Brut NV

And finally Rebecca Murphy picked a Paul Goerg Champagne for “holiday entertaining” in the Dallas News.

She said: “In the mouth, the thrill of fine bubbles tickles the tongue.

“Creamy, citrusy white peach flavours are electrified by nervy acidity.

“It’s delightfully celebratory and a great value Premier Cru wine for holiday entertaining.

“Serve it as an aperitif with salted potato chips or to balance the richness of lobster.

Paul Goerg is made by a cooperative winery that was established in the mid-1900s around the town of Vertus.

“This is an area particularly suited for growing high-quality chardonnay; many of the vineyards are of Premier Cru or Grand Cru status. Paul Goerg was a former mayor and avid supporter of the local winegrowers in the mid-1800s.”