Fairly priced, friendly wines can ease stressful times

I hope some took advantage of the Stags’ Leap virtual tasting I recommended last week. They did a wonderful job. Just in case you missed out, try this website for info: www.Stagsleap.com or Instagram Live @stagsleapwinery. These shows are definitely worth the watch. Those who use their locator can find the wines to be discussed each week and taste along.

My pals at Creative Palate sent three new-release 2019 Domaine Bousquet Virgens to evaluate: Virgen Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Blend, which are all certified organic. All arise from Tupungato, Alto Gualtallary, UCO Valley in Argentina. They can be found around $13. The Red Blend, 35 percent each Malbec and Cab Sauv, 30 percent Cab Franc, is dark purple/violet with a pretty blueberry and mixed spice bouquet. On the palate a touch of black currant. This is an easy-drinking wine that is a good value, 88 McD. The Virgen Cab is 100 percent and has no added sulfites. It is also dark violet-colored with blackberry notes. Although the Virgen is a good buy, I would go up to $16 and buy their Cabernet Reserva 2018, or best, the 2017, a solid 92 McD. Dark purple with red tint and a lovely bouquet of black currant, leather, tobacco and spices. On the palate, black currant repeats with some raspberry and toast notes. Finishes long and smoothly with hints of mocha and a refined tannic grip. The 2018 made No. 72 on Wine Enthusiast’s top 100  in 2019 and earned 90 points from WS. I have not sampled any. The Virgen Malbec bouquet was aromatic with blackberry, currant and plum. On the palate, mild tannins support more plum with a spicy herbal subset. Finishes long and clean.

Domaine Paul Mas has another favorably priced red blend on the market around $22. Chateau des Cres Ricards Stecia 2017 combines all the lovely characteristics of Carignan to provide color, tannin and acidity; Grenache for berry flavors; and Syrah for anise, blueberry and spice notes as well as supporting body. For those who enjoy lamb or grilled beef, this is a good choice. While I’m visiting the region, let’s check out Domaine de Fontsainte Corbieres Rosé Gris de Gris 2019, a complex blend of 50 percent Grenache Gris (a mutation of Grenache Noir), 20 percent Grenache Noir, 20 Carignan and 5 each Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Rose-colored like ripe peach with a berry nose accented by fermented yeast. This is a minerally, bright-acidity wine with a palate-cleansing finish showing more berry flavors. Buy some under $180/case for the upcoming lazy hazy days, 88 McD.

Few think of the warm climate of Languedoc as Pinot Noir land. Those few also think a $13 PN is not worth searching for. Paul Mas showed me that both are possible. Paul Mas Réserve Pinot Noir Saint-Hilaire Vineyard 2018, made in the Pyrenees foothills, showed that proper elevation and the cool evening breezes of Le Mistral plus winemaker’s art can indeed provide a winning Pinot Noir.  A silky-smooth lovely with cherry, raspberry and earthen nose, it is smooth on the palate with a bit of vanilla and proper acid balance. I’ve seen ads at $123/case. This 88-point wine is worth 2 price points under $14.

Hess wins again with Amalaya Blanco de Corte Torrontés-Riesling 2018, Calchaquíes, Salta, Argentina. You may remember I touted the 2016 which took platinum 95 points and best in show at Decanter. The ‘18 recently scored 94 points, highly recommended. Amalaya, in Calchaqui, the extinct native tribe’s language, means, “hope for a miracle.” The wine is successful; the tribe, not so much. It’s an 85 percent Torrontes, 15 percent Riesling blend, of which 80 percent fermented in steel and 20 percent spent 10 months in French oak. Brilliant golden-colored, with grapefruit, lemon peel and barrel aromas balanced with crisp acidic frame on a smooth, round palate. Finishes long and clean. Great with fatty grilled fish; under $12, 93 McD.

Best wishes to all for good health, and hopes the news is accurate that C-19 is dwindling or some of the remedial meds for the symptoms are effective. Those states which are reopening will provide some insight. For their sake, I hope it is positive. Late-breaking alert: LocalWineEvents.com is the World's Largest Online Calendar, for over 19 years, and the No. 1-ranked website for consumers who are actively seeking local wine & food events to attend.