Last Week's Tasting Notes

What the heck is 90+?

"It all started in the spring of 2009. Armed with a copy of the latest Wine Spectator, founder Kevin Mehra set out on a mission to bring higher quality wine to the market for a better price. He started calling wineries with a history of high ratings to ask if they had extra wine for sale. Some told him to get lost, but in the end, he found a handful of wineries that liked his concept. The plan was simple: we put their wine in our bottle, and sell it for less.

But why would wineries want to do that?

You may recall that the economy wasn’t in the best shape in 2009. Demand for wines priced more than $20 a bottle had plummeted and inventories were piling up. Rather than discount their wine and erode the value of their brand, we found that wineries were willing to part with a certain percentage of their production for a reduced price.

It was a win/win scenario. Wineries got to sell more wine, and consumers got access to better wine at lower prices.

The landscape has changed quite a bit since we launched; but our mission and our ability to offer great wine has not. With our head wine buyer, Brett Vankoski, at the helm we continue to seek out the best opportunities in the market and turn those into great values in the bottle for you. We do this because we love great wine, and we know you do too."

2016 Pinot Grigio Lot 42 ($9.99)
Trentino, Italy
From the company:
"Vineyards & Winemaking
Harvested by hand from vineyards at the base of the Dolomite Mountains where cool Alpine air lengthens the ripening season, fully developing aromas and preserving acidity. Fermentation occurs at controlled temperatures in stainless steel.

Tasting Notes
Golden yellow in color with ripe apple, pear, and apricot aromas along with notes of wild flowers and honey. Medium bodied with a generous smack of minerality, this wine is perfect with pasta primavera, grilled seafood or sliced prosciutto, asiago and fresh crusty bread. Salut!"

From me:
This Pinot is well balanced--crisp without being too acidic. It's a great go-to white, and 90+ has an ongoing relationship with the winemaker, so it's always available.

2016 Rosé Lot 44 ($9.99)
Languedoc, France
From the company:
"Blend: 40% Cinsault - 35% Grenache - 15% Syrah - 10% Mourvedre

Vineyards & Winemaking: This year’s Lot 33 Rosé is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Cinsault grown in northeastern Languedoc in the foothills of the Cevennes. Cold air drifts down from the mountains, cooling and drying the vineyards. This mountain air preserves the freshness and cleanliness of the fruit, resulting in a refreshingly dry roséwith lots of flavor.

Taste: Aromas of ripe strawberries and cherries fill the glass, accompanied by notes of fresh herbs and cotton candy. Dry and bright on the palate, with juicy fruit and an easygoingdemeanor. The perfect summer sipper!

Notes: We chose this rosé because it is a classic southern dry French style that pairs wellwith everything we enjoy in the summertime. Perfect for the beach, backyardbarbecues, or anywhere else summer takes you."

From me:
This is a great introduction to rosé from southern France. It's a crisp, clean, light wine that is versatile for pairing with food, though it is refreshing on its own as well. Lot 33 is a solid expression of the Languedoc style.

2015 Merlot Lot 92 ($9.99)
Mendocino, California
From the company:
"For some, Merlot has become the black sheep of the wine world prompting connoisseurs everywhere to turn up their nose at its mere mention. Those times have come and gone, however, and much of the sub-par Merlot that prompted its decline has been banished from the vineyard. What’s left is the good stuff, and this wine is a great example. 

Vineyards & Winemaking
The grapes are harvested from vineyards southeast of Ukiah in Mendocino, California. Fermented in stainless steel, the finished wine is then put in a blend of new and used oak for six months prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes
Red plum, currants and cedar aromas with a touch of earthy goodness. This wine is medium to full-bodied and impeccably balanced with a firm texture and a long, savory finish. Pour a few glasses alongside slow grilled BBQ beef ribs or wild mushroom risotto."

From me:
This is a great re-introduction to Merlot. It's got nice balance and good presence on the palate, without being too fruit forward or heavy. If you've only had bad Merlot, or have never had any at all, do give this a try!

2015 Shiraz Lot 37 ($9.99)
McLaren Vale, Australia
From the company:
"Vineyards & Winemaking
The grapes are cultivated in mostly organically-farmed vineyards nestled in the McLaren ranges of coastal South Australia. Here, cool sea breezes ripen the grapes slowly, resulting in a wine that exhibits the perfect balance of color, fruit, and spice.

Tasting Notes
Inky in color with seductive aromas of spicy, dark fruit and perfumed plums. The wine is full-bodied, round and juicy with subtle trails of vanilla in the finish. You'll love a glass with savory short ribs, hearty stews, or a juicy cheeseburger off the grill."

From me:
This is a great introduction to Australian Shiraz for those new to the varietal, but it's also just a solid wine for regular Shiraz drinkers. It's priced for everyday drinking, and it's especially good for cooler weather.

2012 Gran Vino Lot 128 ($12.99)
Navarra, Spain
From the company:
"Vineyards & Winemaking
This red blend is Northern Spain's version of a Super Tuscan, but here the unctuous Tempranillo plays the starring role. The wine is partially fermented in French oak, aged in new barrels for a year, and then kept another year in bottle before release. 

Tasting Notes
Stampeding aromas of luscious blackberries, plums, and currants run alongside a frenzy of anise and cocoa. Once imbibed, a menage of tantalizing brambly flavors soars over a jamboree of savory spice and sweet plum fruit. This is seriously good wine, and that's no bull.

Blend
Tempranillo (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Merlot (15%), Graciano (5%)"

From me:
This wine was recommended by a customer, and I'm really glad for it. It's bold and spicy, with cocoa and fruit, and a very dry finish. I find that it benefits from a bit of air before drinking, so open the bottle at least 30 minutes ahead of drinking.