Top 10 wines in the US press

Insurrection Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Australia

Dennis Sodomka of the Augusta Chronicle kicks off this week’s collection with a wine from Down Under, saying that it is a “great example of the kind of wine being made in Australia right now”.

“It has big, bold complex flavours of ripe fruit with powerful aromas”, he writes. “The first sniff made me eager to get a taste, it was so inviting. The first sip didn’t disappoint, and neither did the last as the wine kept getting better the longer it was in my glass.

“I picked up flavours of plum, cherries and chocolate along with red berries and spice. It had a long, smooth finish.”

Château La Mothe du Barry Cuvée French Kiss 2015 Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France

Dav McInyre of the Washington Post is up next “Okay: The marketing department took over the naming rights of this one”, he jokes, “but it is a delightful wine based on Sauvignon Blanc, fine by itself or with lighter appetizers and salads.”

Château Rossignol 2014 Bordeaux, France

“This nice blend based on Merlot and Cabernet Franc is fresh and juicy, suitable for burgers or steaks off the grill”, McIntyre says of his next choice.

Ghost Pines Zinfandel, California 2014

“This is a juicy, easy-drinking Zin with a big percentage of the fruit from San Joaquin’s Lodi area, which is known for big, robust Zinfandels”, writes our next contributor, Sandra Silfven of Detroit News.

“This one smells like raspberry jam and moves on to flavours of dark berries and cherries, and cola and spice”, she continues.

“Tannins are soft; acidity gives it structure. Added nuances come from the Sonoma fruit with the jammy character and white pepper, while Lake County adds complexity and ripe dark berry fruit.”

Ghost Pines Pinot Noir, California 2013

Moving on to this producers other offerings, Silfven says the “fruit is bold and expressive, structure is firm, flavours are ripe and inviting” in this Pinot Noir.

“Flavours of cherry pie, pomegranate, cola and spice are nicely infused with oak and framed in juicy tannins with mild grip and sturdy acidity.

“Monterey and Sonoma are favourite haunts for Pinot Noir.”

Ghost Pines Chardonnay, California 2014

“This is a delicate, feminine wine with engaging aromas of yellow apple, white stone fruit, lime zest, brown sugar and vanilla”, Silfven continues.

“Flavours are gently infused with just enough oak to add complexity and more depth of flavour.”

Angelini, Pergola Rosso DOC, 2014

Next, Dallas News’ wine critic Rebecca Murphy tells readers this wine will “wow you with its aromas of dried rose petals and hints of lavender.

“Flavours are a bit more subdued with black cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruit with dried herbs in a medium-bodied structure”, she continues.

“The wine is dry, although you might not think so from the description. It will be great with a roasted pork tenderloin or a BLT on toast.”

2015 CVNE Viña Real Rosado

Michele Parente takes up the challenge of choosing between two distinct rosés from the same producer.

“This wine is the palest of light pinks”, she writes.

“With delicate floral and red fruit aromas and flavours, a light body and nicely crisp, it is an elegant accompaniment to the fish.”

2015 CVNE Cune Rosado

This wine is “brilliant raspberry red, thanks to being made from 100% Tempranillo”, Parente continues.

“It was more medium-bodied, gave off hints of spice and was as juicy as it looked. Although more assertive, it, too, pairs beautifully with the ceviche.”

La Gravette de Certan 2012, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France

Finally, Eric Asimov of the New York Times, while taking his readers through the joys of Bordeaux, praises this Pomerol offering, but only after decanting.

“The Gravette de Certan… seemed weedy and green. It was not especially inviting.

“I left it overnight in a decanter, and when I returned to the wine, it had opened up nicely, with aromas and flavours of purple fruit and a plush texture. What had seemed weedy was now attractively herbal.”