Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/17414
Ripe plum and wild berries on the palate; rich and dense with lovely depth and toasty oak; long, balanced, complex and supple. 91 Israel ($18) Creamy and fresh with lovely aromatics and notes of apricot and soft oak; generous, minerally and balanced with intriguing flavors. Kosher. YARDEN, INC. IMPORTS 90 89 92 Zealand ($20) Villa Maria 2009 Riesling, Marlborough, New Tart and edgy with racy lime fruit and crisp acidity; juicy, long and very clean. STE. MICHELLE WINE ESTATES Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2009 Riesling, Graach Josephshofer, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany ($30) Crisp and minerally with racy apple and citrus fruit; slightly spritzy with lovely balance, purity and depth; long and elegant. VALCKENBERG INTERNATIONAL 93 Hamilton Russell Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay, Hemel-en- Aarde Valley, South Africa ($32) Bright and racy with pure and searing acidity; fresh, bright and showing lush fruit and smooth, sweet oak; another staggeringly good Chard from this exceptional winery. VINEYARD BRANDS Picazo 2006 Estate Merlot, Livermore Valley ($80) Craggy Range Vineyards 2007 Te Kahu, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand ($22) A dark and dense Merlot-driven Bordeaux-style blend with blackberry, plum and blueberry fruit; spicy, dense, supple and showing tangy acidity; long, nicely structured and rich. KOBRAND CORP. 91 Galil Mountain Winery 2008 Viognier, Galilee, ($27) Bright and juicy with flesh and ripe blackberry fruit; tangy acidity and a long, balanced finish. STE. MICHELLE WINE ESTATES 89 90 with flesh, spice and notes of charred oak and tannins; long and showing plum, spice and complexity; balanced, ripe and intense. SAN FRANCISCO WINE EXCHANGE 90 95 Quinta do Vesuvio 2007 Douro, Portugal ($73) A spiced, rich and racy Douro table wine with stunningly ripe plum, pomegranate and cassis fruit; exceptionally long, balanced, pure and remarkable; supple, complex and yet totally homogeneous. PREMIUM PORT WINES VALUE AND BY-THE-GLASS RECOMMENDATIONS Valley ($11) 88 ($82) Creamy and ripe with rich texture and dense fruit plus spice and minerals; notes of vanilla, oak and mature fruit flavors; long, lush and intense. WILSON-DANIELS 92 Tardieu-Laurent 2007 Hermitage Blanc, France ($13) Tangy and juicy with racy acidity and bright fruit; lively, lush and clean with balance and style. 89 PRECEPT BRANDS Sawtooth Winery 2007 Viognier, Snake River Clean, bright acidity and some nice aromatics; juicy, ripe and balanced with smooth texture and a long finish. Sockeye 2008 Pinot Grigio, Columbia Valley Luca 2007 Beso de Dante, Mendoza, Argentina ($43) Dark and rich with ripe blackberry and cassis; lush, dense and showing spice, intensity and depth; long and powerful. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. VINE CONNECTIONS Blecua 2004 Somontano, Spain ($70) Dense and rich Antinori 2007 Chianti Classico, Peppoli, Italy