It’s July in Texas. The temperature is scorching, the lake parties are plentiful and the wine is flowing. This wine round-up features wines from seven different regions and unique countries. It was also my first experience with Albariño from Uruguay. I reviewed 20 wines and here are the ones that made the cut.
Rose
California
2015 Matchbook Rosé – we were at a friend’s lake house when we tried this Syrah-based rosé. It was an awesome complement to a hot day. Notes of ripe melon, strawberry and a nice creaminess. It was gone in a matter of minutes…
Whites
California
2013 Balletto Cedar Ridge Chardonnay – Rich and elegant, with citrus, guava honey and floral notes make this an easy drinking, yet nuanced Chardonnay.
New Zealand
2015 Chasing Venue New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – tropical, grapefruit, lime and passion fruit made this a well-balanced representation of this region.
Uruguay
2015 Bodega Garzon Albariño – ever tried an Albariño from Uruguay? I hadn’t either. Really nice stone fruit, citrus and flowers with notes of minerality and a rich mouthfeel.
Reds
California
2014 Balletto BCD Vineyard Pinot Noir – black cherry, mocha, mushroom and spice make this a nuanced and elegant pinot noir.
2012 Jordan Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – this Bordeaux blend is delicious. Notes of blackberries and black cherries with cedar and chocolate. This wine is elegant, silky and drinks beautifully.
2013 Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon – blackberry, cassis, herbs, mocha and dark cherry make this a smooth and very drinkable wine.
Italy
2014 Tenuta Sassoregale Sangiovese Maremma Toscana – this is a wine with a personality. Big notes of black cherry and berries, licorice, herbs and spice.
Oregon
2014 Left Coast Cellars Cali’s Cuvee Pinot Noir – cherry, herbs, white pepper and cassis make this a fabulous representation of Oregon Pinot Noir.
Spain
2010 Marques de Riscal Baron de Chirel Reserve Rioja – this wine was absolutely delicious. Big notes of blackberry, stewed prunes, vanilla, smoke and spice made this an elegant and big Rioja that just got better and better as you sipped it.
