BUYING GUIDE - Wine Enthusiast Magazine

87
BEST BUYS
Charles & Charles 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah
(Columbia Valley). A project
of Charles Smith and Charles Bieler, this easy-drinking,
approachable red is a low-budget expression of a popular
blend. The sweet cherry fruit is lightly candied, and
it bears a strong scent of toast. The flavors are simple,
juicy and quite pretty, with a streak of fresh cut tobacco.
Best Buy. —P.G.
abv: 13.5% Price: $11
87
El Coto 2011 Rosado (Rioja). Aromas of
watermelon and a dusting of natural vanilla
mark the bouquet. On the palate, it’s fleshy but still
crisp and focused, with nectarine, red apple and strawberry
flavors. The finish lasts, with some sweetness.
Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd. Best Buy. —M.S.
abv: 12.5% Price: $11
87
Marqués de Cáceres 2011 Rosé
(Rioja). Pink in color, this has fresh, clean aromas
of stone fruits. Feels medium to full, with red licorice,
sweet baking-spice and raspberry flavors. Quick,
round and solid on the finish, which lingers for quite
some time. A fine summer sipper. Vineyard Brands.
Best Buy. —M.S.
abv: 13.5% Price: $9
87
BEST BUYS
Volver 2010 Tarima Monastrell (Alicante).
Spunky and clean as a whistle, with pointed
cherry aromas leading to a zesty, juicy palate with red
plum and red berry flavors. It remains dry and poised
on the finish. Fine Estates From Spain. Best Buy.
—M.S.
abv: 14.5% Price: $8
86
Altùris 2011 Pinot Grigio (Venezia Giulia).
This is a value white, with fresh tones of citrus,
pear and stone fruit. Zesty crispness marks the finish,
making it perfect for smoked salmon with cream cheese.
Altùris USA. Best Buy. —M.L.
abv: 12.5% Price: $11
85
Canaletto 2011 Pinot Grigio (Delle Venezie).
Redolent of fresh citrus, peach, pear and
fragrant white flower, this is a wine to drink on a hot
summer day by the pool. Ethica Wines. Best Buy.
—M.L.
abv: 12% Price: $9
85
BEST BUYS
Cavit 2010 Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
(Trentino). Simple, bright and
genuine, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers layers of
blackberry, leather and prune. Palm Bay International.
Best Buy. —M.L.
abv: 12.5% Price: $10
85
Dragonia 2009 Old Vine Garnacha (Cariñena).
Standard berry and cherry aromas set
up a fresh, fairly balanced and medium-weight palate
with raspberry, red plum and oak flavors on the back
end. It’s mild on the finish, with snappy acidity that
causes shortness. A.W. Direct. Best Buy. —M.S.
abv: 13% Price: $10
85
Mezzacorona 2010 Pinot Noir (Vigneti
delle Dolomiti). This bright Pinot Noir has
aromas of rose, wet earth, tobacco and crushed stone.
The finish is fresh and silky. Prestige Wine Imports
Corp. Best Buy. —M.L.
abv: 13% Price: $9
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