It is time for another edition of “Random Samples”–I occasionally get samples from marketing agencies and/or producers. These can often be grouped together into some sort of over-arching theme: Drink Them and It Will Come, Summer is Here, So That Means (More) Rosé, If It Doesn’t Sparkle, It Doesn’t Matter.
Other times, I get just a bottle or two that do not have any apparent connection or link. Instead of holding on to those bottles until the “right” combination comes along, I decided to link all these “random” bottles together, making their own category (and, being the math geek that I am, “random sample” has a bit of a double entendre).
2022 Corvo Nero d’Avola Irmana, Sicily, Italy: Retail $20. Ridiculously Responsible Bottle (413g; 14.5oz). Under synthetic stopper. 100% Nero d’Avola. Every time I open a bottle of Sicilian wine, I reminisce about the time that I spent on the island; two separate trips, both of which I enjoyed profusely. And this wine takes me at least part of the way back there. While Nero d’Avola is far from my preferred Sicilian variety, this wine certainly gets the job done. Medium color with plenty of black cherry, spice, and violet on the nose. Yum. The palate is fruity, yet reserved, with plenty of acidity, spice, and just the right amount of earth. Excellent. 90 Points.
2021 Covenant Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA: Retail $120. Exceedingly Heavy Bottle (863g; 1lb 14.4oz)). 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. I have mentioned before that Covenant is one of my favorite producers. There are a few reasons for that but out of all of the winery’s offerings, this might be the wine I look forward to trying the most. And I am far (even really far) from a “lover of Cabernet”. So why this one? Well, this wine is fruity without being a fruit bomb, powerful without being over-powering, and expressive without being over-the-top; each rare in Napa, and all three? Virtually unheard of. Blackberry and cassis, forest floor, and just a touch herbal, spicy while also chocolatey. There is a ton going on here simultaneously, all of which works. Again, I am no “Cab Guy” but this is, yearly, one of my favorite wines. Outstanding. 95 Points.
2021 Château de Gaure Oppidum, Limoux, France: Retail $30(?). Responsible Bottle (578g; 1lb 4.3oz). Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Mauzac. AOC Limoux. I am not entirely sure, but this might be the first time Mauzac has passed my lips (although I am sure I have had some Blanquette at some point). A good friend brought this over from France and it was quite enjoyable. It is not all that often that you see a Chardonnay blend (outside of Champagne, of course), particularly with an aromatic white like Mauzac. No formal note here, but nice fruit, good tartness, quite nice. Excellent. 90 Points.
2018 Parmoleto Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva, Tuscany, Italy: Retail $24. Heavy Bottle (621g; 1lb 5.9oz). 100% Sangiovese. I am not sure how I obtained this bottle, but I am glad I did; it is a solid wine that would work well with many different pairings. Medium to dark in color with largely dark fruit aromas emanating from the glass. I get a bit of raspberry, maybe plum, or even blackberry or cassis. The palate is on the austere side (particularly when compared to New World wines), but there is still ample fruit to juxtapose against the vibrant zinginess that presents itself from the jump. Not a world-beater, but a solid, everyday (or better) kinda wine. Very Good. 89 Points.
2022 Troon Vineyard Roussanne, Applegate Valley, OR: Retail $45. Ridiculously Responsible bottle (470g; 1lb 0.5oz). Under DIAM5. 100% Roussanne. Another stellar wine from one of my favorite producers; Troon seems to do everything right in regards to preserving the planet while making stellar wines. Add this to the list. While I view Roussanne as a bifurcating variety (you either love it or hate it), I feel this iteration can appeal to both sides. Straw to yellow in the glass with fantastic fruit aromas of lemon rind, guava, and mango. Add in a bit of honeysuckle and spice and we are getting there. The palate is round, full, and robust, all while being tart and angular. Tons of contrast, oodles of tropical fruit, and loads of great vibes. Excellent. 91 Points.
2021 Yering Station Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia: Retail $25. Responsible Bottle (550g; 1lb 3.4 oz). Under screw cap. Over the last several months, I have tasted more than my fair share of wines from Victoria, Australia. I have been fortunate to learn more about the region, which, if I am being honest, I knew nothing about prior. Although not explicitly stated, it seems this push to extend into the American market is due, at least in part, to the volatility in Australia’s relationship with China, historically one of the biggest markets for Aussie wine. Bright, linear, focused, with subtle but present fruit, an impressive zinginess, and significant minerality. Yup. Pretty fantastic. Very Good. 89 Points.
the drunken cyclist 