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Jean Sipp Les Trois Terroirs Pinot Blanc 2016

Jean Sipp Les Trois Terroirs Pinot Blanc 2016

Having studied at the Avize school in Champagne, winegrower Jean-Jacques Sipp’s 2016 Pinot Blanc Les Trois Terroirs has the sort of elegance and bracing acidity that is found in a good bubbly. Pale gold, it blooms with aromas of bruised pear, lemon pith, Persian melon, white flowers. It’s just off-dry and feels tart and tightly […]

Mas de la Dame La Gourmande Rosé 2018

Mas de la Dame La Gourmande Rosé 2018

A blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah,10% Mourvedre, and 10% Cinsault, the 2018 Mas de la Dame La Gourmande Rosé is rose gold in the glass and opens with a bushel basket of ripe red berries, pit fruit, and mandarin oranges, and wind-blown minerality. In the mouth, it’s lighter than the nose belies—the acidity a […]

Au Contraire Chardonnay 2016

Au Contraire Chardonnay 2016

The 2016 Au Contraire Chardonnay is a full-bodied effort, offering up classic aromas of orchard fruit—bruised pear and yellow apple followed by freshly buttered wheat toast and preserved lemon. Lots of juicy yellow fruit and creaminess at the core; the interplay of acid and toast is nicely done. Aged eight months in stainless steel and […]

Boutinot Les Six Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne 2016

Boutinot Les Six Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne 2016

Grown in ‘agrilo-calcaire’ or chalky clay, Boutinot’s 2016 Les Six Cairanne is composed of 50% Grenache, and 10% each of Syrah, Mourvedre, Counoise, and Cinsault—it exhibits black raspberry, black cherry, Damson plum dried herbs, incense, and spice on the nose. There is too a lovely resinous piney note that reemerges on the finish. In the […]

Herdade do Rocim Olho de Mocho Reserva Branco 2014

Herdade Do Rocim Alentejo Olho de Mocho Reserva Branco 2014

The color of burnished gold, the 2014 Herdade do Rocim Olho de Mocho Reserva Branco offers up nuanced, complex aromas of quince paste, lemon curd, clover honey, marzipan, and golden raisins. At this stage in development, it’s softly textured—aging in terracotta and cement amphorae, as well as the presence of lees during aging, has graced […]

Mt. Beautiful Rosé 2018

Mt. Beautiful Rosé 2018

Salmon-hued with pale gold highlights, the 2018 Mount Beautiful Rosé emits genial aromas of strawberry cream, cantaloup, golden raspberry, and dried rose petal. Light and refreshing, pink pomelo and lemon pith notes emerge at the mid-palate with just a touch of texture that gradually fans out across a lengthy finish. 14.5% ABV | Sample Mt. […]

Bollicini Sparkling Trio NV

Bollicini Sparkling Trio

Sparkling Cuvée NV Straw-hued and gently sparkling, Bollicini’s Sparkling Cuvée is the latest in a trio of canned wines I’ve received to evaluate. And while not complex, this undisclosed blend of “Italian white varietals” has plenty of charm—orchard fruit, apples, white peaches, and pears and acacia honey are in abundance with a touch of lemon […]

Edna Valley Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Edna Valley Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Sourced from California’s Central Coast, the 2017 Edna Valley Vineyard Sauvignon is crisp and refreshing. A classic bouquet of melon, dewy pear, guava, and grapefruit are the aromas that comprise the nose. In the mouth, it’s clean and bright—and terminates in a lively streak of lime zest and white grapefruit. A lovely everyday drinker. 13.1% […]

Bertani Bertarose Chiaretto 2018

Bertani Bertarose Chiaretto 2018

Delicate salmon pink and svelte, the nose of Bertani’s 2018 Bertarose Rosé is quite mineral-driven—wet stones and alpine air cascade beneath citrusy aromas of blood orange, melon, and golden raspberry. Fruit notes are more pronounced on the palate with red berries and tons of pink pomelo fleshing out the core. It’s delicate and ends with […]

Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio Villalta 2017

Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio Villalta 2017

From fruit grown in high altitude vineyards in Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia the 2017 Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio is a solid performer for its price point. Straw-hued, its aromas are a refreshing mix of Bosc pear, white peach, lemon drop, and pineapple skin. On the palate, there’s appealing texture on the fore and […]

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR

christine@christine-havens.com