Oregon, Italy, and Napa…what a week.

What an amazing week of wine tastings. We began with Oregon Pinot’s, took a trip to Italy, and finished off with one of the Kings of Napa, Bevan Cellars. While Bevan garnered the highest scores this week, all the wines here are can’t miss.

---

 

2013 Bevan Cellars ‘Sugarloaf Mountain’ Proprietary Red, Napa Valley

Wine Spectrum 98+, Robert Parker 96-100: The opaque purple-colored 2013 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain, a blend of equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot, reveals gorgeous precision and purity, good acidity, nicely integrated oak, and a layered, skyscraper-like mouthfeel. It is a glorious, pedal-to-the-metal, balls-to-the-walls, singular red wine to enjoy over the next 15 or more years.

2013 Bevan Cellars ‘Tench Vineyard’ EE Proprietary Red, Oakville

Wine Spectrum 97, Robert Parker 95-97: The 2013 Proprietary Red EE, a 400-case blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc, exhibits fabulous floral notes intermixed with blueberries, blackberries, lead pencil shavings and loamy soil. Full-bodied and opulent with terrific focus and purity, it should drink well for 15+ years.

2009 Venturini Massimino Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

Wine Spectrum 94+: Venturini is a renowned amarone producer, making wines that are full-bodied, strong and distinguished. The 2009 Classico is a dry, rich wine with a delicate bouquet, balanced acid and tannins and rich in alcohol. The nose is full of cinnamon spice, honey and sugar, while the palate has juicy red fruits and velvety texture with a characteristic vein of sweetness. Amarone is a wine ideally suited to accompany roasted meats, game and strong cheeses. 70% Corvina Veronese, 20% Rondinella and 10% Molinara. 

2013 Beaux Freres ‘Zena Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills

Wine Spectrum 94+: Deep ruby color. Black currants, earthy plums and spice on the nose – masculine and muscular! Serious concentration and lots of tannin while retaining the early sweet fruit charm that is a character of the vintage. truly a charming and sexy wine. The biggest and densest of our 2013 Vineyard Designates. 213 cases produced. 

 

 

2010 Cascina Ca’Rossa ‘Mompissano’ Roero Riserva

Wine Spectrum 94: This is a wine that inspires thought and reflection during its enjoyment.  Classic aromas of violets, raspberries and sweet cherry induce similar flavors on the palate. This is a round, elegant wine that is also strong and full-bodied. A long finish and pleasantly tart tannins make the mouth water for more.

 

 

2011 San Vincenti Chianti Classico, DOCG

Wine Spectrum 93+: San Vincenti’s wines are very much in the lush, forward style favored by consulting winemaker Carlo Ferrini. Intensely perfumed, with floral and berry aromas that follow through to a medium to full-bodied palate, medium tannins and a pretty finish. It would be hard to find a Sangiovese this pure! Drink now – 2020.

 

 

2014 Valle Isarco Kerner, Alto Adige

Wine Spectrum 93: The 2014 Kerner is an aromatic white wine with a pale yellow- straw color. It’s fresh and aromatic with floral notes laced with stone fruits and minerals. It is dry, full bodied, and full of baking spices on the palate with bright acidity and great structure. Perfect as an aperitif, it also pairs well with cold meats and fresh fish.