The Wines of This Week's Tasting:
Reds and a White of Character
March 16, 2023
White
2020 Emile Beyer Pinot Blanc Tradition
Emil Beyer, a young winemaker from a distinguished Alsatian family, has made this white cousin to Pinot Noir into a rounded and lively wine that drinks well on its own or pairs with a wide variety of dishes from fish to chicken. Think chardonnay with zing.
- Color: very pale gold; Mouth: smooth fleshy bright apple pear, rounded clean, herbal finish; Very Good Plus $21; Case, $17.99
Red
2012 Conde Valdemar Rioja Reserva
One family has run Conde Valdemar since 1889, now in its fifth generation. Made from vineyards in Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta, the 2012 Conde Valdemar Rioja Reserva is a classic, a blend of mostly Tempranillo with some Garnacha and Graciano, aged in both French and American oak
-Bright cherry. Mixed berries, cassis, spices, and a hint of coffee with a balanced palate and long finish. Very Good to Excellent $21; Case, $17.99
2016 Luis Pato Beira, Baga/Touriga Nacional
Luis Pato is off the beaten path in Portugal. The elegance of Touriga Nacional from Dao complements the rustic Baga from Beira. Slight smoky notes from the brief passage in used wood and light alcohol complete the picture of this typical and exciting red.
-Aroma: Heady aromatic soft herbal spice; Mouth: Light on the palate; Spicy, clean, nicely herbal, good length; Very Good Plus $17.99; Case, $14.99
2020 D de Dauzac (Bordeaux)
Ch Dauzac is a classed growth Margaux estate. Their D de Dauzac comes partly from purchased grapes and has the style of the grand vin, a silky smooth combination of equal parts Cabernet and Merlot. The 2019 was a favorite everyday wine among our more Bordeaux =-loving customers. Given a bit of air, the more robust 2020 is even better.
-Color: black-red, opaque; Mouth: rich and thick fine acid on the attack, dense and nutty, fine tannins, very rich, full; Very Good Plus $19.99; Case, $16.99
2019 Renacer Punto Final Malbec Reserva
Patricio Reich founded Renacer in Mendoza, Argentina. He purchased great vineyards, converted the farming to organic, and created the Punto Final label when the vines were old enough. The 2019 Renacer Punto Final Malbec Reserva is a rich and balanced wine.
-Color: Violet red. Violets, roses, blackcurrant, and raspberry. Smooth, silky round tannins and a long finish. Very Good to Excellent, $19.99; Case, $16.99
2020 Groundwork Graciano Dead End Ranch;
Curt Schalchlin is an inspired winemaker in California’s Central Coast who shapes unique, strongly flavored wines from southern European grapes. Graciano adds structure and body to the Rioja Blend. He has made of it a robust, hearty red with light notes of leather and dark fruit. For the grill.
- Color: very dark purple; Aroma: heady and earthy, rather deep, light pungency; Mouth: robust & spicily dense, firm structure heady tannins; Very Good Plus $24.99; Case, $20.99
3-16 Character Case: Special, two each of the above wines - $215
Or Mix your own case; any twelve or more bottles at their case prices
Order by phone at 617.367.8605, or reserve here: order@federalwine.com
Please pass this on to any friends who are wine enthusiasts!
- Len Rothenberg
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