Haut Medoc red Bordeaux 2010s are ready

RRs may remember my admonition to hold off on buying the 2010 Haut Medoc red Bordeaux when all the grand poobahs were laying on 96 Suckling and 94 RP, while touting them with outrageous wine superlatives. Those who kept their powder dry will be happy to read that Chateau La Lagune 2010 is on the market at a steep discount and just entering its 2016-35 drinking window. These came on at $70 in the futures and surged to $95. They are on the market at $60 now. I believe these will improve over the next six to 10 years but they are delicious now as the sharp edges have begun to mellow. Caroline Frey is the prop. And she is killin’ it. I’m comparing to the 2005, which are now selling in the $104-$125 range. Pleasant floral nose of rose and violet, a little black currant and Asian spice opens on the palate to fruit, a tad of smoke and some graphite notes. All are riding a well-tuned acid/fruit/tannin balance as the firm tannins begin to incorporate. Finishes very long. If you have a child 14 years or older, try to buy a case. Then drink a bottle on their birthdays from 2020 thru 2032. This is a delightful practice I employed with my barbarians.

Dog Point Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc NZ is an example of SB at its best. The ‘13 and ‘14 got very high marks of 93 points. The ‘15 is a very solid 92 McD. These are classic canard busters. Many claim SB should be consumed young to maintain the fruit. Not always true, my friends. The ‘13 is still drinking beautifully and unless my “buds” deceive me the ‘15 should easily cellar for 3-4 years. Pale yellow-colored, lovely aromas of white peach, ginger and quinine, and more peach with Asian spice flavors ride a balancing acid frame. The finish shows good fruit and a hint of salty minerality. Best of all, it may be found around $200 per case. These are just entering the U.S. market, so be patient. The ‘13 and ‘14 are selling around $25-$30.

Writing 2005 reminded me of the Premier Cru Chateau Guiraud and the Grand Cru Chateau Rieussec Sauternes I reviewed a few years ago. They are ready. Those who were patient can buy the Guiraud now for about $58; it initiated at $44 in 2012. They are better than I expected at 94 plus 1 PP. The Rieussec is divine. Initiated at $43 in the same column and available now under $90. These are still babies, folks. The window is through 2040. Compares to the very highly touted 1990, which came on at $130 and is now selling for about $100. Look for apricot, toffee, and caramel aromas. Full-bodied, nearly unctuous, they are loaded with honey and caramel flavors. The finish is very long, sweet and replete with more apricot. Fortunately there is plenty of acidity to balance it. This leaves us with s clean palate. Many say, ”enjoy these with dessert.” For me, it is dessert. One caveat, this is not Rieussec Les Carmes, the second label. A side note: Chateau D’Yquem 2005, the true big boy, came in at $450, rocketed to $780 when all the local suspects laid on 97s and has since backslid to $450-500. Buy five Rieussec or seven Guiraud if you drink Sauterne.

As promised, here is a look at Soave Inama Classico Superiore Vigneto du Lot 2015, the new release from a top producer. Soave is made from the juice of the Garganega varietal grape in Monte Foscarino, near Venice. The 2015 are pale yellow with a sweet floral nose of chamomile and elder.

The red soils (terra rosso) of Colli Berici provide minerality to the wine, says owner Stephano Inama. I truly enjoy the lovely almond flavor finish that is so typical of the best-made Soave. A good buy up to $24/bottle.