Our newest rated wines in the June 2011 issue of Wine & Spirits!
92 pts. Mas Laval 2005 Vin de Pays de l’Herault $34.00
“Meaty and firm, this is a blend of syrah (50 percent). Grenache, mourvedre and cabernet franc from the Laval family in Aniane. Despite its age. it feels youthful. with rugged tannins and fresh black plum fruit; game and smoke scents come up in the end, suggesting a pairing with lamb shanks and gremolata.”
91 pts. Domaine Pierre André 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape $59.00
“From a 37-acre biodynamically farmed estate in Courthézon, this is a meaty, gamey Châteauneuf with sausage-like scents mingling with rosemary, stones and leather. Firm and warm. it needs a meaty dish, like pork and white beans, to match its brooding, earthy character.” June 2011
BB 88 Buenas Ondas 2010 San Juan Malbec $12.00
“Made with organically grown grapes, this tastes of juicy fresh cherries seasoned with black pepper. It’s a light-bodied wine with tense tannins and lively acidity. Pour it as you fire up the grill for a steak.” June 2011
88 pts. Mas Laval 2009 Vin de Pays de l’Herault Les Pampres $18.00
“This says “drink me” from the first whiff, a noseful of just-pressed plumy red fruit. It’s just as open and inviting in the mouth, with bright, lively acidity that makes it go down easily. Though not complex, it wins points for being so alive. For a faro salad or a roasted pork sandwich.” June 2011 online only
87 pts. Mas Laval 2006 Vin de Pays de l’Herault $34.00
“Brandied cherry flavors and rye-like spice uncannily recall a Manhattan, an association that is strange yet potentially compelling with smoked meats or the pastrami salad at Brooklyn’s Char No. 4.” June 2011 online only
86 pts. La Marouette 2009 Vin de Pays d’Oc Sauvignon Blanc $12.00
“Clean and green in both its guava-like flavor and organic growing regime, this is weighted for roast chicken salads.” June 2011 online only