Top 10 wines in the US press

McPherson Albariño Castaño Prado Vineyards 2014, Texas

Ahead of this year’s fourth of July celebrations, Dave McIntyre, writing in the Washington Post, recommended a selection of all-American wines to get the party started, including this Texan Albariño.

“Albariño is a white grape grown most prominently in northwestern Spain and northern Portugal, and it has migrated to several emerging wine regions in the United States”, said McIntyre. “This version from Texas is racy and a bit tart at first, then fills out with lovely peach and mango flavors. Try it with grilled seafood or any dish with a hint of citrus.”

Price: $19

Influence Wines Riesling 2013, New York State

McIntyre also recommended this off-dry Riesling from New York State – a region known for producing excellent examples of the variety.

“Its apricot and peach flavors are backed up by a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, giving it great palate impact with lower-than-average alcohol.”

Price: $14

Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand

Shining a spotlight on New Zealand, Sandra Silfven, writing for Detroit News, recommended this Sauvignon Blanc from Nobilo, which she said produces “crisp, herbal, flowery Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs.”

“This Sauvignon Blanc from the terrific 2014 vintage has lovely tropical flavors to soften the usual tart green edge to Marlborough whites”, said Silfven of this example.

“Aromas burst with lime, Ruby Red grapefruit, kiwi and tarragon. In the mouth, you get orange zest, passion fruit, green apple, herbs and a floral twist. It has a subtle unctuous texture on the midpalate. The finish is long and satisfying. It’s a wine with understated power that can enhance a range of foods from spicy Asian cuisine to delicate chicken dishes.”

Price: $17

Vietti Castiglione Barolo DOCG 2011, Piedmont, Italy

Silfven also recommended this Barolo from Vietti in the heart of the Langhe district – which overlaps both Barolo and Barbaresco DOCGs and therefore offers great value.

“Fifty years ago and still today, Vietti has carved out new paths — first by emphasizing single-vineyard cru Barolo and Barbera and bringing back the near-extinct native Arneis grape for white wines, and today by fifth-generation owner Luca Currado’s tireless efforts to guard the legacy but still usher in change”, said Silfven.

Of this 2011 Barolo, Silfven said: “Even at a young age, this “king of wines” and “wine of kings” demonstrates power and grace. This beauty is not single-vineyard but a blend of Nebbiolo from Castiglione Falleto, Monforte, Barolo and Novello. It has dusty, supple dry tannins, ripe dark-berry fruit, lots of spice and dark chocolate and espresso bean flavors, with a backbone of sturdy acidity. It’s got muscle and amazing elegance for being so young.”

Price: $50

Domaine de Nizas, Languedoc AOC Rosé 2014, France

Rebecca Murphy, writing for Dallas Morning News, recommended this “cozy and comforting” rosé made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from a small estate in southwestern France.

“It has amiable flavors of summer fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, melon and peaches layered with floral, smoky notes animated by citrusy acidity. The 2013 vintage, which is still fresh and lively, is also available in the market. These wines are perfect for poolside enjoyment, or try them with your picnic of deviled eggs and fried chicken.”

Price: $10.40 to $16.99

Giesen Pinot Gris 2014, New Zealand

“I think Pinot Gris is a largely under appreciated wine”, wrote Dennis Sodomka in the Augusta Chronicle. “It is a major grape in the Alsace region of France, but in many other countries it is almost an afterthought, despite the outstanding wines it produces.”

Recommending this New Zealand example, he said: “The wine is a beautiful pale yellow in the glass, with aromas of ginger, pear and cinnamon. On the palate you get fresh tastes of lemon, pear and melon. There is a rich, oily, velvety mouthfeel that ends with a touch of flint or mineral. It is a dry wine that keeps getting better with each sip.
Although this wine makes for pleasant sipping on its own, it really hits its stride when paired with food. The flavors explode in your mouth and enhance the food flavors.”

Price: $13 to 15

Darkhorse Big Red Blend 01A 2012, California, Australia and Argentina

Gil Lempert-Schwarz, writing for the Las Vegas Review Journal, recommended this inky blend of Merlot, Malbec, Tempranillo and Syrah sourced, unusually, from California, Australia and Argentina.

“This wine is massively extracted black cherries, boysenberries, blueberry pie, huckleberry sauce and melted black licorice with hints of oak references, violet pastilles, black currant juice and black plum pulp”, he said. “The midpalate is suave and smooth, with fine, unobtrusive tannins going into a long lingering finish with more blackberries and aniseed. This is a really good drinking wine that despite its relative youth comes out of the bottle ready to drink. It’s great if you’re into muscular, rich red wines.”

Price: $6.99

Bogle Vineyards, 2013 California Old Vine Zinfandel, Clarksburg, California

Bogle Vineyard’s Old Vine Zinfandel was Peg Melnik’s wine of the week, writing in the Press Democrat. 

“This unique zin leads with sassy red fruit and bright acid”, said Melnik. “It has full-throttle flavors of pomegranate and raspberry, with an undercurrent of peppercorn. This vibrant zin has enough tangy, high-toned fruit to stand up to the burger. Irresistible price. Bravo.”

Price: $11

Muns Vineyard 2010 Syrah, Santa Cruz, California

Produced from a single acre of vineyards at Muns Vineyard in Santa Cruz, this 2010 Syrah was recommended by Stacey Vreeken of the Santa Cruz Sentinel. 

“Dark fruit, oak and earth reflect the grace and strength of this Syrah, grown on one of the tallest peaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Monterey Bay”, she said.

She added: “This wine is like a quiet friend who opens up over time. Quite tight at the beginning, it gradually releases aromas of dark cherry and earthy oak to match its ruby color. On the palate, cranberry, pomegranate, new leather are balanced with bright acidity, pepper notes and balanced tannins.”

Price: $25

2014 Le Charmel Cotes de Provence Rosé, France

Finally Bill Ward, writing for the Star Tribune, recommended this rosé from Provence – a region that he said still produce the “best rosés” in the world.

“Certainly the 2014 Le Charmel Cotes de Provence Rosé provides ample evidence, starting with as alluring a nose as one could find”, he said.

“The flavors follow suit, with lovely red berries dominating, dancing with the beautifully persistent crispness and focus. The finish is glorious, the temptation to quickly come back for more made easier by the low alcohol (12.5 percent). This pink blend (30% Syrah and Cinsault, 20% Mourvèdre and 10% each Rolle — also known as Vermentino — and Grenache) is made for patios and picnics, where sandwiches and fish or fowl dishes will find an apt accompaniment.”

Price: $15