The Recycle Bin this week is a hodge podge of random wines, some of which have been backlogged in the samples pile, and others that I've sought out in search of discovery. But in most cases, these are all wines I'd safely place in the summer-friendly category. Enjoy.
2018 Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley $24
Neither as intense or bombastic as in previous vintages, but still with plenty of lively zip, this sauvignon blanc tones down the Northern California characteristics of fresh cut grass and Grannysmith apple in favor of tart, flinty, citrus-driven energy. Refreshing and exuberant.
2017 Artezin Zinfandel Old Vine Mendocino County $16
Super bright, red floral bouquet framing a core of warmer, deeper fruit scents and tickles of toasted oak. Awfully supple texture and a labyrinth of high frequency spice flavors that dance around a charged, mid-weight body. Varietally correct with loads of black pepper and a bit of heat on the finish..
2017 Marshall Davis Chardonnay Yamhill-Carlton $39
Palest straw hue in the glass, but any thought that its color is an indication of timidity is corrected as soon as the aromatics hit you. Full, round, plump fruit notes float out of the glass and the sensations carry through verbatim in the mouth. Full throttle, Athena-class, tropical Chardonnay unfolds its largesse unapologetically and winds it’s tentacles around your attention. Big, but well appointed and well made. Very limited production.
2016 Bibi Graetz Bianco Toscana 'Casamatta' $15
Brilliant and clean. Minerals lined with salinity and acids frame crisp vermentino fruit to result in an exceedingly refreshing and joyful drink. Yum.
2017 Pra Valoplicella 'Morandina' $22
I could drink this stuff all day, and at a modest 12.5%, you sort of could. A few shades darker than a rose and not much more dense, this light-bodied red is bountiful with gorgeous fresh flowers and herbs. It's a step up in cost from the typical Valpolicella, but you absolutely get what you pay for. Hard not to gulp it down like a crazy person.
2016 Louis Latour Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir $15
A new vintage from an old favorite continues its streak of over delivering pinot noir joy at a great price. Grown more than 400km from Burgundy (that's why it doesn't cost four times as much), this domain is in the mountains between Marseille and Nice way in the south of France, lending this a bit more heft without being clumsy. Though not terribly sophisticated, it's got a fantastic one-two punch: classy lines and a friendly price tag.
2016 Domaine des Nugues Beaujolais Villages $14
Oh, gamay, you silky, so-easy-to-drink temptress! Bing cherry shining from within completes this joyous wine. Time to revisit Beaujolais Village soon.
2018 Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley $24
Neither as intense or bombastic as in previous vintages, but still with plenty of lively zip, this sauvignon blanc tones down the Northern California characteristics of fresh cut grass and Grannysmith apple in favor of tart, flinty, citrus-driven energy. Refreshing and exuberant.
2017 Artezin Zinfandel Old Vine Mendocino County $16
Super bright, red floral bouquet framing a core of warmer, deeper fruit scents and tickles of toasted oak. Awfully supple texture and a labyrinth of high frequency spice flavors that dance around a charged, mid-weight body. Varietally correct with loads of black pepper and a bit of heat on the finish..
2017 Marshall Davis Chardonnay Yamhill-Carlton $39
Palest straw hue in the glass, but any thought that its color is an indication of timidity is corrected as soon as the aromatics hit you. Full, round, plump fruit notes float out of the glass and the sensations carry through verbatim in the mouth. Full throttle, Athena-class, tropical Chardonnay unfolds its largesse unapologetically and winds it’s tentacles around your attention. Big, but well appointed and well made. Very limited production.
2016 Bibi Graetz Bianco Toscana 'Casamatta' $15
Brilliant and clean. Minerals lined with salinity and acids frame crisp vermentino fruit to result in an exceedingly refreshing and joyful drink. Yum.
2017 Pra Valoplicella 'Morandina' $22
I could drink this stuff all day, and at a modest 12.5%, you sort of could. A few shades darker than a rose and not much more dense, this light-bodied red is bountiful with gorgeous fresh flowers and herbs. It's a step up in cost from the typical Valpolicella, but you absolutely get what you pay for. Hard not to gulp it down like a crazy person.
2016 Louis Latour Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir $15
A new vintage from an old favorite continues its streak of over delivering pinot noir joy at a great price. Grown more than 400km from Burgundy (that's why it doesn't cost four times as much), this domain is in the mountains between Marseille and Nice way in the south of France, lending this a bit more heft without being clumsy. Though not terribly sophisticated, it's got a fantastic one-two punch: classy lines and a friendly price tag.
2016 Domaine des Nugues Beaujolais Villages $14
Oh, gamay, you silky, so-easy-to-drink temptress! Bing cherry shining from within completes this joyous wine. Time to revisit Beaujolais Village soon.