Top 10 wines in the US press

2010 Salvioni Brunello di Montalcino

“There’s a feeling in the wine industry that a wave of commercial success is about to hit Italy’s Montalcino region” writes Will Lyon in the Wall Street Journal, before recommending a number of its Sangiovese-based wines.

“At their best, these wines display a piercing purity of fruit, with notes that range from rose petal, dark cherry and red berries to spice, black pepper and wild herbs”, he said. “Their medium-bodied texture can, on occasion, be concentrated and powerful, and their style can vary, not just from vintage to vintage but in the same growing season as well.”

Of this example from Salvoni he said: “This small, family-owned winery has been producing exquisite Brunello since 1985. The 2010 is ethereal, savory and delicate. I loved its lacy tannins and gentle texture. The aromatics were tightly knit when I tasted it, suggesting it will keep for another two decades.”

Price: €125 or $180

2010 Poggio di Sotto Brunello di Montalcino

Lyon also recommended this Brunello from Poggio di Sotto, a winery that was founded in 1989.

He said: “I love the structure of these wines, which benefit from the cooler climate of the estate’s higher vineyards. The 2010 will evolve for many years to come.”

Price: €125 or $180

Cantina Riff-Progetto Lageder, Delle Venezie IGT, Pinot Grigio 2013

Rebecca Murphy, writing for Dallas News, recommended this Pinot Grigio from Alois Lageder – a “legendary” biodynamic grape grower and winemaker in Italy’s northernmost province of South Tyrol.

She said: “This Pinot Grigio is one of his négociant wines, which means he and his team obtain wines from trusted vintners throughout the Tre Venezie region, then blend and bottle them at the Lageder winery. Therefore, he is able to produce a wine that meets his quality standards at a reasonable price.

“In turn, we get to enjoy a distinctive wine with inviting aromas of ripe pears, citrus and chalky mineral notes. It’s round and luscious in the mouth, brightened with crisp, citrusy acidity. It’s a mouthwatering match for a grilled chicken breast with a tropical fruit salsa.”

Price: $8.49 to $10.99

O’Dwyers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, New Zealand

With the Jewish holiday of passover approaching Dave McIntyre, writing in the Washington Post, recommended a number of kosher wines which he said no longer carry the reputation of being “insipid and sweet”.

Of this example from New Zealand he said: “A kosher wine from New Zealand with an Irish name: That’s globalization for you. This is zesty and grassy in the old-style New Zealand way.”

Price: $17

Ella Valley Vineyards EverRed 2012, Judean Hills, Israel

McIntyre also recommended this red blend produced in the Judean Hills of Israel.

He said: “A Bordeaux-style blend based on Merlot, this is soft and ripe, with some fruit compote flavors.”

Price: $18

Cantina Terlano Pinot Bianco Alto Adige DOC 2014

Sandra Silfven of Detroit News honed in on Italy’s Alto Adige this week, a landlocked region in the north that sits up against Austria and Switzerland.

Creating “magical wines with amazing structure and flavor”, the region is home to grape varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Of this Punot Biano she said: “The tall, slender, dark green bottle with the understated brown label contains a dry white wine that wakes up and refreshes every sensitive spot in your mouth. The mineral-woven flavors wash over the palate like the water of a stony mountain brook. Aromas of green apple, grapefruit, herbs and floral tones are mirrored on the palate. It’s so crisp and clean with acidity as sharp as the edge of paper.”

Price: $18

Mezzacorona Rosé Dolomiti IGT 2014

Silfven also recommended this “clean, refreshing, dry” rosé wine for Easter from Mezzacorona in the north of Italy.

“This pale ruby delight is made from Lagrein, a native grape of the Alto Adige region in the Dolomite Mountains in the north of Italy”, she said. “It has lovely fruit, bracing acidity and a clean crisp finish. Think wild red berries with fresh floral notes. Its crispness expresses the terrain and climate of Northern Italy.”

Price: $8.99

Dow’s 2009 Late Bottled Vintage Port, Portugal

“Many people are intimidated by Port and are afraid to try it”, according to Dennis Sodomka of the Augusta Chronicle. “Port has a mystique and a tradition that can discourage newcomers”, he added. “It has a higher alcohol content than table wine, and it is seldom poured at wine tastings. Once you drink port, which is on the sweet side, you cannot go back and sip a dry wine at a tasting.”

In recommending Dow’s 2009 LBV Port Sodomka said: ” It has all the characteristics of a fine vintage Port at a fraction of the price. It is a favorite on restaurant wine lists. In the glass it is a gorgeous deep red, with inviting dark berry aromas. It is full-bodied and rich, but perfectly balanced with raspberry and plum flavors. The finish is long, smooth and dry with hints of spice.”

Price: $23 to $25

Atalon, 2013 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Peg Melnik, writing in the Press Democrat, picked this Napa Sauvignon as her wine of the week, made by winemaker Brian Kosi of the Kendall-Jackson-owned Atalon brand.

She said: “This is a Sauvignon Blanc with grassy aromas coupled with rich fruit. It masters tangy, with notes of grapefruit, lemon and lime. The Atalon has a zesty, long-lasting finish. It’s a great value for the caliber of this Sauvignon Blanc.

Price: $21

Frei Brothers Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2010

“No grape says spring like Sauvignon Blanc with its fresh grassy qualities”, said Chris and Sherry Hardie writing for the La Crosse Tribune.

Of this example from the Frei Brothers in Russian River Valley, the pair said: “This wine is bursting with crisp acidity with multiple layers of citrus flavors and a subtle texture from a blend of oak aging. It’s a celebration of spring.”

“Sherry: “Faint green gold color with complex flavors of lime, lemon, minerals and a touch of grassiness with green apple.” (3¾ stars)

“Chris: “A pineapple bouquet with flavors of light grapefruit, apricot and a lovely lemon finish.” (3¾ stars)”

Price: $14 to $17