Mar 10 2010

March’s Top Ten Staff Picks

Published by Joseph Hernandez

Spring is in the air–OK, not yet, but it will be, right? hopefully?–and the gang at Just Grapes has chosen wines especially for the anticipation of warmer weather. From sassy Sauvignon Blancs and Syrahs to cozy Cabs, we’ve got the juice to see you through to the blossoming of the trees.

Raquel’s picks:

2008 Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand [$14.99]: “Tropical fruit and gorgeous white flowers on the nose, there’s also something like a lemon Jello-pineapple dessert on the palate that makes this awesome.”

2008 Beckmen Cuvee Le Bec Rouge, California [$15.99]: “Voluptuous, lush cherries, raspberries and almost something kind of plummy plays gorgeously against the peppery spice.”

2004 Delille Doyenne Syrah, Yakima Valley, Washington [$59.99]: “This Rhone-esque Syrah is gorgeous with its deep, dark berries, lush cherries and tons of well-played spice. Full-bodied yet delicately complex, this is the perfect wine to snuggle up to during the last days of the Chicago Winter.”

Josh’s picks:

2008 Les Terrasses Chinon, Loire Valley, France [$15.49]: “Les Terrasses,” Chinon is creamy cherry, comforting cinnamon, and soft, well incorporated tannins. Drink this with roast pork, smoked meat, and ragout.

2007 Tensley Vineyards Syrah, Santa Barbara, CA [$29.99]: “You get an awful lot of wine for the buck in this fantastic offering from this superstar winemaker. The Syrah itself is kind of like a panther: Dark, powerful and not to be trifled with.”

Joe’s picks:

2003 Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico [$29.99]: “Dark, tar, strong masculine chianti. Don’t think this is a delicate Sangiovese. This is The Old Man and the Sea, a Hemingway wine, meant to drink alone. In the rain.”

2008 Easton Zinfandel, Amador County, California [$18.99]: “When it’s time for a comforting hug, this wine delivers the warmth! Black cherry and bright blue note outline this Zin.”

2007 Seven Hills Malbec, Washington state [$27.49]: “Seven Hills proves Washington is a diverse and interesting world-class region. This Malbec is silky with plenty of fruit.”

Jason’s picks:

Alma Rosa Le Encantada, Pinot Noir, Central Coast, California [$46.99]: “This lovely Pinot has a brilliant balance of bright red fruits and spicy earth on the nose with some lovely violet floral tones, which carry over to a palate lush with darker cherry flavors and some warm vanilla oak elements.”

2007 Stephen Vincent Crimson Red Blend CA [$11.99]: “It’s lush on the palate with dark plum flavors taking the lead of a well-rounded chorus of dark fruits with secondary notes of warm vanillin oak mingling with hints of cherry cola and chocolate.”

2008 Flor De Pulenta Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina [$17.99]: “From the first pour this one doesn’t disappoint; with it’s deep ruby color and lush nose of dark cherries and warm baking spice.”

2009 Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc, South Africa [$16.49]: “Its bright clean nose which mingles juicy fruit notes with hints of mineral and spice along with a crisp and lively palate full of pineapple and lime flavors keep this vino interesting from first sip to last!”

Joseph’s picks:

Evodia Grenache 08 [$11.49]: “The woody aromatics of this wine are evocative of the pine forest hikes of my childhood. A deliciously peppered Garnacha, Evodia is ripe with red berries and superbly balanced tannins, bringing structure to an enjoyable, relaxing wine.”

Black Chook, Sparkling Shiraz, NV, Australia [$22.49]: “This sparkling shiraz is simply…fun. From its velveteen texture invading the mouth to the juicy plum notes to the amazingly fine bubbles, this wine pairs well with a Friday night and a Netflix account.”

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