It’s time for our Top Picks of the Week ending 1/28/11!
Grape Encounters Radio is always on the look out for great wine deals and here’s an excellent list this week from Wine Spectator Magazine. Taste and compare; we encourage it! Give us your thoughts and any great wines you may have discovered that are under $15. Mangiamo! (That’s Italian for, “Let’s eat.”) We’re not really eating, but you can be eating when you are drinking your wine, so, Mangiamo!
Top Picks
Wines Under $15
Wine Spectator 1/28/11
Jan. 28, 2011:
COMTE DE MALESTROIT Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie Château La Noë 2009, 8,000 cases made. ($10)
Very vibrant, with a great racy citrus and straw profile laced with tangy herb and mineral notes. Pure and long. Drink now. —James Molesworth
Jan. 27, 2011:
VIÑA SANTA EMA Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot Maipo Valley 60/40 Barrel Select Reserve 2008, 30,000 cases imported. ($12)
Slightly firm, offering a note of grilled herb to frame the tobacco, mulled plum and bittersweet cocoa notes. A bittersweet hint lingers on the finish. Drink now. —James Molesworth
Jan. 26, 2011:
DISEÑO Malbec Mendoza Old Vine 2009, 45,000 cases made. ($11)
This has good focus, showing plum peel, black cherry and licorice notes, with medium-weight toast on the finish. Drink now. —James Molesworth
Jan. 25, 2011:
VIÑA HERMINIA Tempranillo Rioja 2009, 25,000 cases made. ($10)
Black cherry, leaf and smoke flavors mingle in this round red. This is plump, yet has enough acidity for focus. Accessible, but shows some depth. Drink now through 2013. —Thomas Matthews
Jan. 24, 2011:
CASTELLO BANFI Chianti Superiore 2008, 30,000 cases made. ($11)
This is severe, offering cherry, almond and leather notes, with muscular tannins adding up to a compact style. Dry on the finish. Drink now through 2014. —Bruce Sanderson
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