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Peter Wagner |
For this column, no good
value white wines surfaced in my wine world, but remember, one can
always count on Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc and Meridian Chardonnay,
whatever the currently available vintages. They are both less than $10,
in some shops around $7.
On the other hand, several good reds have appeared.
1. Grove Street 2004 Cabernet ($9). Aroma of blueberry, blackberry, hint
of green peppers, and vanilla oak. It is a surprisingly rich and
well-structured, medium-bodied wine with attractive chalky tannin and
just right acid to back up the forward, ripe blueberry/blackberry fruit
flavors. It has excellent balance and length and while ready now it
could be kept for the next one-two years if desired. Great value, worth
twice the cost.
2. Trentadue 2004 Old Patch Red ($9). Mainly Zinfandel, it has enough
petite sirah and carignane to give it complexity and depth. Very bright
nose of blueberries, spice and vanilla, it is a medium bodied wine with
soft tannin and good acid. There is a touch of cashew and vanilla to go
along with the intense dark berry fruit. This is an excellent BBQ and/or
party wine, but should be drunk within the next year. Dangerously easy
to drink.
3. Macchia 2005 Barbera (Lodi, CA) ($14). This will raise your eyebrows.
What an unexpectedly tasty wine. Rich dark plum and berry aromas with
sweet vanilla oak in a very harmonious balance. The palate is
concentrated but very smooth with decent viscosity. Quite a big wine, it
is very well balanced with the dark fruit leading the vanilla. There are
no rough edges, undue acidity or tannic bite. I do not think it should
be cellared too long, but this will enhance any dinner party at a good
price. Way better than your average BBQ wine. And, it may be a new
experience for you in terms of grape variety.
4. Estancia Meritage 2004 ($20). This Bordeaux blend is one of very few
wines I buy for myself year after year, which in itself says something.
It is good right now, but not as forward as in previous vintages. I have
a hunch that after one-two years in the cellar it will be much better.
It has a boysenberry and vanilla nose. The palate is similar with a
touch of attractive herbal green olive. It has richness, softness and
good acid with medium tannin, and good length on the palate. Thus, with
a basically sound structure and decent fruit, I look forward to this
wine in about a year. |
