|
We've bundled together 4 of our favorite reds from the Old World that we think are perfect for drinking in cooler weather. While there is naturally quite a variety of expression amongst these wines that speak so clearly of their places of issue, they all share a comfortingly exuberant fruit profile and an abundance of spicy, savory and earthy notes. What's more, while these bottles represent great values individually, we've been aggressive in our discounting when we assembled them. Enjoy!
2016 Mas de Boislauzon Côtes du Rhône Villages 'Les Deux Chênes'
This is a stunning Cotes du Rhone from just north east of the appellation Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre with a touch of Carignan, the vines average 45 years of age and the wine is aged in a mix of concrete tank and old oak barrels. The wine offers a panoramic bouquet of garrigue, licorice and black cherry. The combination of phenomenal vintage and perfect site make this a real contender against many a Châteauneuf.
2018 Volpaia Chianti Classico
This inclusion will perhaps be unsurprising for those who visit the store frequently. The Chianti Classicos of the Castello di Volpaia are amongst the most consistently excellent wines of the region and they remain a startling value. The 2018 showcases lifted red cherry fruit with pine and mint on the nose. The palate is satisfyingly earthy yet the tannins are quite fine. There’s a fantastic sense of balance here and this puts to shame many a more guttural expression of Chianti. If you love Chianti but have yet to try Volpaia, you’re really missing out.
2015 Adega Algueira Mencia, Ribeira Sacra
This flagship Mencia from one of the finest estates in the Ribeira Sacra comes from some of the most dramatic vineyards in the world. This is the product of an unusually dry vintage and this is a notably concentrated iteration. Vibrant but almost confectionary red cherry with so much earthiness as well. A bit of autumn leaves and cumin on the nose with supple red fruit on the palate. This has the delightful coupling of soft tannin and gently tugging minerality with beautiful acidity.
2017 Château d'Angles La Clape 'Grand Vin Rouge,' Languedoc
A deeply impressive red from the Mediterranean south of France, southwest of Montpellier and a mere handful of kilometers from the sea. The blend of Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache is aged in oak until the fruit characters are tamped down and secondary aromatics soar to the fore. There’s beautiful fresh plum along with cinnamon and cloves, along with appealingly brambly black fruit. At this price point it’s hard to imagine a better partner for roast beef.
Cheers,
- Spencer
|
