By Rick Riozza
No one had to tell us desert dwellers that this past summer was the hottest on record. And we saw record numbers of vino quaffers simply bypass the wine aisles and head to the hard seltzers, where new brands have been poppin’ up right and left, night and day, selling like hotcakes!
But if there is any consolation to our wine producers and bottlers, the fall season often tends to rein in us wine quaffers back in the fold. Enough of the seltzers!!–we wish to savor some satisfying vino and experience a flood of autumn nostalgia to our hearts, minds, and stomachs.
Of course there is not a real category of “autumn wines” as our title may suggest, but, in the fall season, new wine releases are a real thing as the holidays are just around the corner.
As we are wont to say: nostalgic times share well with a good bottle of wine. Cheers!
And now: some very delicious new release wines to comfort with the passage of time:
2021 Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains ($295). Just a couple of weeks ago, we wrote on Zinfandel and winemaker Paul Draper of Ridge Vineyards; arguably one of the original 1970s Grand Crus of California. Ridge was also famous for its “original red blend” wines under the title of Monte Bello. Those vino veterans know well this vineyard and its fabulous wines where Cabernet Sauvignon is always predominate.
With all of the onslaught of Napa and Sonoma wines in the last 40 years, Ridge Monte Bello took a humble backseat to its vino siblings. But this Ridge Monte Bello “red blend” is back on top big time!
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a nice touch of Petite Verdot, this wine is one for the ages, and if we are so fortunate to treat ourselves to this bottle for the season’s greetings—it’s California wine at its best!
Unfortunately, I only had a brief moment with the Monte Bello at a recent tasting event. Hopefully a sample bottle is in the mail for me so that I may enjoy a full quaff with a meal or share with some friends. But it looks like wine critic James Molesworth has had his share and he’s hit the mark with a very good description.
He writes: “A strapping muscular Cabernet, with mouthwatering notes of licorice snap, rye and apple wood framing the burly core of red and black currant paste flavors. A long, grippy cast iron accent drives the finish along with echos of sweet b ay leaf and tobacco. This is distinctive and built to last.” 95 points.
Talk about a stocking stuffer for the wine enthusiast in the family!
Now I’m sure many of you loyal readers were glad to see this week’s coverage begin with a solid California wine and not the expected Italian. I’m glad you’re glad. But next on our line-up are two Italian wines which are so reasonably priced and available at any supermarket that you will continue to be glad.
2022 Santa Christina Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana ($12). This Italian wine brand is part of the famed Antinori family of wines. Thus it not only has pedigree behind it, but they have the funds to produce a quality wine at a great price. Here we find a balance of fruits between blackberries and black cherries. The lovely finish consists of rosemary notes and our favorite graphite nuance—which keeps the wine nicely complex.
2023 Santa Christina Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie ($14). The cherished sibling to the Italian Cab above is one of our favorite Pinot Griges around. I’m not generally a Pinot Grige fan, but this bottle is the one I’ll search for in the wine aisle. And it’s because the wine simply matches any soup on the menu. I’ve had it with Vietnamese Pho, and, cooled my jets with the spicy Mexican Menudo.
This wine’s origin, the delle Venezie DOC region, is renowned for growing world-class Pinot Grigio. The nose offers delicate aromas and flavors of pear, white flower blossoms and citrus fruit. On the palate, it is soft and pleasing with a refreshing finish—an Italian classic every time! Of course it goes with all light meals, but do keep this vino in mind to accompany your holiday soups.
One of the low-key Chardonnays that I see selling off the shelves, is the 2022 Wente Chardonnay Central Coast Morning Fog ($18). Wine Spectator recently wrote: “This finds a remarkable balance between juicy lemon and pineapple flavors and notes of spice and toast, which shows a touch of vanilla paste. The harmony between these elements really sings on the flesh, vibrant finish.” 90 points.
The last time we were up in California’s Central Coast was for an International Chardonnay Food & Wine event. There we met with the three Wente wine producing sisters who put on quite a culinary show. Whenever you have the opportunity to visit the winery up there—take it! Enjoy the cool and calm of the area and savor some excellent wine.
Finally, we just notice a new release from Uruguay. A few years ago now, we introduced the Tannat grape to our local wine fans with happy results. The title to that piece was, “To be or Tannat to be”—you know how that goes. Anyway, we talked a bit on how the original French grape is flourishing in Uruguay, just like Malbec is doing in Argentina and Carménère in Chile.
At only $22, the 2022 Bodega Garzon Tannat Reserva is a plump red that is packed with layers of leather, black currant and plum, along with good acidity to keep things fresh with a finish of cigar box. Try a Tannat tonite! Cheers!
