Well, Thanksgiving is down to a turkey sandwich, and it’s time to lay in some Christmas supplies. Longtimers know I review a lot of sparklers. They are festive as they bubble away and enhance so many appetizers with their elevated acidity. Some friends from Creative Palate sent Domaine Bousquet sparklers for review. I normally review Bousquet’s 90+ McD, $20 Gran Malbec. In fact, the 2018 and ‘19 were both 93 McD with a price point. The brut NV barely made 87 with one price point at $12 and the fact that it is organic. Went well with smoked salmon appetizer and steamed shrimp. The Brut Rosé, also organic, was a solid 89 McD and available at $13. Salmon-colored, with sprightly, delicate bubbles, fruit nose, and palate-cleansing acidity. It was particularly delicious with monkfish poached in lemon-garlic butter. Pierre Sparr Cremant D’Alsace Brut Reserve NV, 88 McD, can easily be found under $17. It’s a shame that so few are aware of Crémant D’Alsace. These are the second most consumed Methode Champenoise sparklers in Europe, accounting for roughly 20%. Made using Methode Champenoise, they have plenty of lovely tiny bead. It is common gossip that Lucien Albrecht should be your choice if only one. Sorry, common gos-sippers; at $23 and 85 McD, and $19/86McD for the Blanc de Blanc, hogwash, say I. The best are Camille Braun Blanc de Blanc, which we can’t get, and Kuentz-Bas, 91 McD under $25.
I would be remiss not to mention Wine Spectator has released its top 100 list for 2021. Their tasting panel does a fine job each year. I don’t wish to steal their thunder or undercut magazine sales, so I will only list the top eight. If you aren’t a subscriber, at least purchase the issue. Those with a wino pal who has everything, a rare bird, may wish to consider a gift subscription. WS is running a holiday subscription promo two-for-one which also includes an email containing recommendations for 90-point wines under $30. I’m a longtime subscriber. This is a value buy under $70.
Please keep in mind these prices reflect the leap they took when the list was leaked. My best value, i.e., the Priorat, jumped from $37 to $49. It is likely when the smoke clears most will settle back. Since all need cellar time, it may be wise to NB and look to purchase after 2019-20 release. Most are 2018 except where notated. No. 8, Cavallotto Barolo Bricco Boschis 2016, 95 points, $90; No. 7 Chateau Leoville Poyferré, 97 points, $104, an excellent price; No. 6 Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru, 95 points, $200. For me, Corton Charlemagne is the ne plus ultra white Burgundy on QPR; Latour owns about 1/3 of its 300K bottle production. No. 5 Le Chuise Brunello di Montalcino 2016, 98 points, $99; No. 4 Merum Priorati Priorat Desti, 95 points, $49. Another true value 95-pointer. Needs a few years cellar time, good thru 2035. Be sure to read its label name carefully. No. 3 Heitz Martha’s Vineyard Cab. 2016, 95 points, $250. A perennial star, Heitz was bought by Gaylon Lawrence Jr., and in three years, it has actually improved its already stellar reputation. No. 2 Chateau Pichon Longueville Lalande, 98 points, $198. The No. 1 winner is Dominus Estate Napa Valley, 97 points, $269.
Wine afixy-nados, like youse guys and gals, will remember that Dominus was bought by Christian Moueix, one of the foremost vignerons in Bordeaux, in 1982, when it was known as Napanook. He has continually employed his famous staff from Pomerol to help roll out Dominus. He is best known as the principal of Chateau Petrus, which sells for $4,000 plus/bottle and hasn’t been rated under 95 points since a 93 in 2007. His other holdings include Chateaux La Fleur Petrus, Hosanna and Trotanoy in Pomerol and Belair Monange, St. Emilion, all of which are stellar performers. Moueix is a giant in the wine industry. He has added too may innovations to list here.
I am including this link to K&L Wine, tinyurl.com/95dz8rd4. These folks normally include reviews from several prominent critics for each wine. The page will show reviews of Latour Corton Charlemagne from Suckling, WS, Decanter and Burghound. I think it highlights why choosing a reviewer to help is critical. It is possible some mislabeled the wine’s name in their notes. I guess.
-
Email John at chjonmc@yahoo.com.
