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Paul Jourdan Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve de Leonie 2015

Paul Jourdan Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve de Leonie

A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, Paul Jourdan’s Réserve de Léonie Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2015 is an excellent value with overtones of sauvage and earth, leather and tar vying for, and claiming dominance over more subdued notes of plum and black cherry. In the mouth, high-toned acidity makes this a wine that begs to be […]

Bodegas As Laxas Albariño Brut Sensum Laxas 2016

Bodegas As Laxas Albariño Brut Sensum Laxas 2016

A rare sparkling Albariño from Rías Baixas, the 2016 Sensum Laxas offers up billowy aromas of freshly milled flour, green apple, d’Anjou pear, and pea shoot. It’s medium-bodied with lively bubbles and piercing acidity that begins as lemon pith, gently fanning out across the palate as it dissolves into sea foam and mineral inflections. 12.5% […]

Santiago Ruiz Rías Baixas O Rosal 2016

Santiago Ruiz Rías Baixas O Rosal 2016

A glinting pale yellow blend of 76% Albariño, 11% Loureiro, 5% Godello, 4% Treixadura, and 4% Caiño Blanco, the 2017 Santiago Ruiz Albariño opens with aromas of lemon drop, white peach, Opal apple, white flowers, lemon verbena, and a lilting touch of spice. Very fresh, with taut acidity, pear skin, mineral verve and plenty of […]

Château Manos Cadillac 2016

Château Manos Cadillac 2016

A nice value in this little half bottle—the 2016 Château Manos is pale lemon yellow in the glass with blooming aromas of poached pear, apricot skin, orange blossom, and granulated honey. This Semillon-dominant blend is round and lush on the palate, and while not as botrytis-laden or rich as some—there is nice purity of fruit […]

Château du Cros Loupiac 2014

Château du Cros Loupiac 2014

For Sauternes lovers, Loupiac is a stunning value—especially when one finds producers such as this. The Château du Cros Loupiac 2014 is a blend of 90% Sémillon, 5% Sauvignon blanc, and 5% Muscadelle grown in chalky clay with limestone subsoil. Mushrooms bloom from the glass followed by pure-fruited splendor: yellow peach and apricot, candied orange […]

Château Filhot Sauternes Grand Cru Classé 2015

Château Filhot Sauternes Grand Cru Classé 2015

A stunning second growth, Château Filhot Grand Cru Classé 2015 glints goldenrod in the glass. Still young and primary in expression it’s brimming with penetrating aromas of apricot, candied pineapple, orange Creamsicle, and savory herbs. Fresh and vivid, yet luscious and opulent, too. As with all well-crafted Sauternes, acidity provides lift and weightlessness amidst depth of […]

Château de Pitray Premier Vin 2015

Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

A right-bank, Merlot-dominant blend, Château de Pitray is now managed by the estate’s 25th generation. The wine is delicious for its price point—Merlot’s dark cherry and Damson plum notes are beautifully matched by Cabernet Franc’s delicate florality, combined with enveloping cigar box and warm spice notes. It’s medium-bodied on the palate, with well-balanced acidity. The […]

Salade Niçoise with Copper River Salmon & Provence Rosé

Salade Niçoise

It was in the mid-eighties that I realized that I was from a non-food loving household—a discovery made while on sleepovers at girlfriends’ houses. I started to wonder why it was that other families put so much more effort into their nightly meals. At my home, cooking was utilitarian at best, and not a thing […]

Château de Berne Emotion Rosé 2017

Château de Berne Emotion Rosé 2017

A mere 25 miles from the shimmering depthless azure blue of the Mediterranean, this grenache-dominant rosé from Château de Berne, aptly named ‘Emotion’ is a delicious romp through summer’s bounty—wild strawberries, fresh cherries, and golden raspberries. Cresting over this bushel-basket of fruit, white flowers, and wafting, sea breezes. In the mouth, it’s light and vivid, […]

Vitalonga Terra di Confine 2013

Vitalonga Terra di Confine 2013

Aging gracefully, the 2013 Vitalonga Terra di Confine is a masterful blend of Montepulciano and Merlot grown in the winery’s Northernmost vineyards, in the clayey-sandy soil. Expressive, penetrating aromas of marionberry pie, cherry turnover, vanilla, and wood spice shows its Umbrian side with the merest hint of leather and subtle earthiness. In the mouth, caressing, […]

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR

christine@christine-havens.com