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Szent Tamás Hárslevelű 2012

Szent Tamás Hárslevelű 2012

Mad is the second label of Szent Tamás Winery, and both are masterfully crafted by 18th generation winemaker István Szepsy Jr. Like Furmint, Hárslevelű is indigenous to Tokaj, it differs from Furmint in that it’s lush as opposed to linear, and generously fruited. As a blend, it forms the mid-palate. Here, it shows of oxidized […]

Emiliana Natura Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2016

Emiliana Natura Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2016

Emiliana offers this surprisingly lean Chilean un-oaked Chardonnay. Perhaps a little more body than Chablis, but certainly less lush than most domestic versions of this versatile grape. Lime sorbet, yellow apple, underripe pineapple, and a pinch fresh green herbs. Silky on entry, it glides along, held aloft by bright grapefruit-pith tinged acidity. Lovely and fresh—a […]

Vina Robles WHITE 4 2016

Vina Robles WHITE 4 2016

A prosaic blend of Viognier 45%, Sauvignon Blanc 27%, Verdelho 17%, and Vermentino 11%, the 2016 Vina Robles WHITE4 opens with soft tones of lemon drop and candied orange peel. There is too a slinky herbal undercurrent—but it’s diffuse and hard to tease out from this wines mineral foundation. Medium bodied, with a burst of […]

Santa Julia Tintillo Malbec-Bonarda 2016

Santa Julia Tintillo Malbec-Bonarda 2016

The 2016 Santa Julia Tintillo, a blend of both Malbec and Bonarda is awash in plums, black cherries, cedar and bay leaf. For those of you who have yet to try Bonarda, it’s safe to say that this Piedmontese grape is as happy-go-lucky as the average golden retriever. Certainly, this amiable bottle is crammed with […]

Bollig-Lehnert Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Kabinett 2014

Bollig-Lehnert Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Kabinett 2014

Perhaps the most thrilling aspect of the 2014 Bollig-Lehnert Trittenheimer Apotheke Kabinett Riesling is the mouth-tingling interplay of salinity and acid set against a backdrop of unctuous yellow peach and apricot. It delivers the palate tension that just goes on and on, with a mouthwatering burst of lime zest and green tea. An outstanding Mosel […]

Blason-Louis Sancerre 2012 (Flacon)

Blason-Louis Sancerre 2012 (Flacon)

A new and novel offering from Blason Lewis—these flacons are the equivalent of a 3.5 oz glass. Robed in bright translucent ruby, the 2012 Blason Lewis Sancerre is fresh and vibrant, boasting aromas of red currants, raspberries, pie cherries, and damp earth. In the mouth, fine tannins and bright acidity add lift and structure to […]

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Dry Riesling 2015

Weingut Dr.Pauly-Bergweiler Dry Riesling 2015

Demure nose—a pretty bouquet of spring blossoms, lemon drop, and white peaches. What the 2015 Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Dry Riesling lacks in aromatic vim, it makes up for on the palate, which full and round on entry with a surprisingly punchy burst of white grapefruit and lemon pith that ricochets through the core. Finishes with a […]

Jean-Luc Colombo Les Pins Couchés Rosé 2016

Jean-Luc Colombo Les Pins Couchés Rosé 2016

Conch shell pink, Jean-Luc Colombo’s Les Pins Couchés Rosé is a pretty blend of 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvedre sourced from Cape Bleue, a maritime-influenced site just outside Marseille. The 2016 delivers white peaches, raspberries, cherries, and line-dried linen, but what I’m most excited about what this wine does on the palate. The influence of […]

Biohof Pratsch Rotenspüllen Grüner Veltliner 2015

Pratsch Rotenspüllen Grüner Veltliner 2015

I’ve long been a fan of Biohof Pratsch—aside from their commitment to organic farming, their wines are also an outstanding value. Softly textured on the nose and palate, with gently wafting aromas of white peach, honeysuckle, wet stones and lemon curd. Medium-bodied and round, one can expect balanced acidic lift followed by a streak of […]

Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Riesling Eroica 2015

hateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Riesling Eroica

Tasted following an interview with Ted Baseler (for an article on Chateau Ste. Michelle’s 50th Anniversary forthcoming in next month’s Somm Journal), the 2015 Eroica is the result of a long and fruitful partnership with Dr. Ernst Loosen. As such, it sports an endearing touch of petrol on the nose, something I readily attribute to […]

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR

christine@christine-havens.com