Page 107 - Wine Spectator (January 2020)
P. 107
SPECTATOR SELECTIONS
Highly Recommended
The issue’s most impressive wines. Includes
top-scorers and wines that represent optimal
purchases based on their combination of score,
price and availability.
Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-
97Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin 2016
$708 FRANCE This delivers a torrent of lively raspberry
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico San pâte de fruit and plum reduction notes, infused liberally
95Lorenzo Gran Selezione 2016 $60 ITALY with anise, fruitcake and black tea nuances. Ripe and
Offers stunning aromas of black cherry, blackberry and dense, yet lively, defined and fresh in feel, coursing over
violet, with ripe, sweet fruit on the palate, shaded by iron, graphite and leather accents on the well-structured fin-
earth and tobacco elements. Supple yet well-structured, ish. Best from 2021 through 2045. 52 cases imported.—J.M.
this should come together soon. Shows terrific harmony
and length. Best from 2022 through 2036. 6,500 cases
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva made, 670 cases imported.—B.S.
972016 $40 ITALY Enticing aromas of black cherry,
black currant and violet are allied to flavors of iron, wet
earth and spice in this red, which is loaded with fruit, vi- Collectibles
brant acidity and well-mannered tannins. Shows terrific
harmony now, yet possesses the structure to age. The long, Wines that will improve most from additional
mouthwatering finish extends the dark fruit and mineral bottle age and that show the greatest potential to
elements. Best from 2021 through 2040. 6,000 cases made, gain in value.
3,300 cases imported.—B.S.
Michel Niellon Chevalier-Montrachet 2017
97$600 FRANCE This intense white offers smoky
aromas and flavors, along with citronella, lime blossom,
hazelnut, peach and buttered brioche notes. Creamy, with
an aftertaste that lingers in a subtle, ethereal way. Best
from 2021 through 2030. 70 cases imported.—B.S.
Smart Buys
Antinori Toscana Solaia 2016 $340 ITALY Wines that deliver fine character at affordable
98This red leads off with a slight oaky edge, featur- prices and that are broadly available.
ing vanilla and resin accents that meld with the black
Albino Rocca Barbaresco Ronchi 2016 cherry and blackberry fruit flavors on the palate. This is
96$71 ITALY Fresh and pure, with rose, strawberry, all about purity and finesse, featuring a vibrant structure
cherry and licorice flavors that are well-defined and long. that fits harmoniously with the flavors. Cedar, iron, to-
Tobacco and tar accents add complexity as this red re- bacco and fruit elements converge on the finish, which
mains delicate and detailed from beginning to end. This is very long, fresh and satisfying. Cabernet Sauvignon,
is all about finesse rather than power. Best from 2022 Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through
through 2038. 650 cases made, 300 cases imported.—B.S. 2040. 500 cases imported.—B.S.
Maison Les Alexandrins Crozes-Hermitage
932017 $29 FRANCE Plush and smoky, with smol-
dering bay leaf and tobacco notes amid steeped plum and
blackberry fruit flavors. Black tea and sanguine elements
curl through the seductive finish. Best from 2020 through
A. Clape Cornas 2016 $150 FRANCE This is 2027. 900 cases imported.—J.M.
Bodegas y Viñedos Valderiz Ribera del 98brimming with steeped plum, blackberry and cas-
96Duero 2016 $40 SPAIN The dense, polished sis notes, inlaid liberally with licorice root, singed juniper,
texture carries rich, harmonious flavors in this elegant tar and tobacco accents. A lingering echo of smoldering
red. Blackberry and currant notes mingle with espresso, cast iron emerges on the grippy finish, along with a swath
mineral, licorice and spice accents. Lovely floral hints of warm humus details, giving this a dense and chewy feel.
emerge on the long, clean finish. Beautifully sculpted. The core of fruit is massive, but this requires patience.
Drink now through 2030. 2,000 cases made, 657 cases Best from 2022 through 2045.—J.M. Buying Guide cover photograph by Gallo Images/Getty Images
imported.—T.M.
JAN. 31 – FEB. 29, 2020 • WINE SPECTATOR 101
