For this issue, we asked members of the Cheers National Wine Panel to recommend some of their favorite wines for summer. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine’s retail price (which varies from store to store and market to market). If you’re an on-premise or retail beverage professional who would like to learn about participating in our panel, call Melissa Dowling at 203-855-8499 ext. 223, or email her at MDowling@SpecialtyIM.com.
(95) Gysler Scheurebe Halbtrocken 2011 (Rheinhessen, Germany). Scheurebe yields wines that display hints of apricot, nectarine, and citrus. Gysler’s is richly fragrant and flavorful. It’s not quite dry, and is especially good with Schnitzel and other traditional German cuisine. ($17)
(95) Sonoma Coast Vineyards SVC Freestone Hills Pinot Noir 2010 (California). Fresh cherry and raspberry nose; soft on the palate finishing with perfect balance of tannins and bright acidity. ($49)
(95) St. Supery Rosé 2012 (California). Eye-catching, rich red color with an elegant pomegranate, fresh strawberry aroma. Light, bright and crisp! Cab, merlot, petit verdot and cab franc make this refreshing summer rosé crisp and nuanced. ($19)
(95) Tres Sabors Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (California). Single-vineyard sourced from the Farina hillside property on Sonoma Mountain, a beautiful, aromatic wine with hints of grapefruit, lime and tangerines; rich minerality. ($40)
(94) Domaine de L’orme Saint Pourcain Les Grands Vaux Blanc 2011 (France). Saint Pourcain is a tiny A.O.C. upstream from the Loire Valley. The tressalier grape there yields a lovely white wine that has a spicy, floral bouquet with hints of jasmine and citrus on the palate and a slight minerality on the finish. It’s a perfect aperitif or will pair well with mild Asian dishes. ($17)
(93) A to Z Rosé 2012 (Oregon). Awesome rosé of Sangiovese—bright, clean, fresh and loaded with wild strawberry aroma and fruit. Great with grilled salmon, smoked ham; a good wine to have on hand for any occasion. ($13)
(93) Fiddletown Old Vine Zinfandel 2010 (California). A harmonious blend from five different vineyards (primarily Zanini Ranch fruit). Aged 16 months, with rich raspberry, blackberry and plum flavors. Perfect for barbeque and brisket. ($19)
(92) Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir 2011 (California). Bright Bing cherry with hints of cedar and tobacco flesh out this outstanding pinot noir. A fine balance between savory and acidity makes for a dynamic sipping experience; salmon on the grill is a good pairing. ($20)
(92) B.R. Cohn “Silver Label” Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). A lot of cherry and tobacco with great fruit for the fruit-forward cabernet drinkers, and great structure for the big cabernet drinkers. Perfect for any steak or barbequed meats. ($19)
(92) Long Shadows Poet’s Leap Riesling 2011 (Washington State). This is a fresh, vibrant riesling with white peach flavors and a bright acidity. The finish is long and lively, with a solid brace of minerality. ($22)
(92) Stage Left Cellars “The Go Getter” (viognier 57%, grenache blanc 29%, roussanne 14%) 2010 (California). Stage Left Cellars brings grapes from places as far south as Paso Robles and as northerly as Oregon and makes the wine in Oakland, CA. This 2010 vintage of Go Getter has a bit more muscle than before, due to an increase in the viognier (15% more than last vintage), as well as a less aromatic bouquet and a more developed middle palate. The flavor profile is rather Southern Rhone, with honeysuckle and lemon zest, Meyer lemon, pineapple and lavender. Based on its good balance of acidity, minerals and flavors oysters, artichokes and roasted lemon chicken make great parings. ($30)
(91) Acrobat Pinot Noir Rosé 2011 (Oregon). Green apples and pears with great balance wonderful acidity. Perfect for a hot summer day. ($14)
(91) Alta Vista Classic Malbec 2011 (Argentina). Dark ruby-colored, with fruity aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and plum. Delivers with a soft, expressive and forward palate, complemented by a hint of vanilla from the six months in American oak. Very approachable, this is a superb entry-level malbec. ($12)
(91) Anam Cara Nicholas Estate Pinot Noir 2010 (Oregon). Fresh red berries and plums followed by light spice notes. Good length on the finish. Pairs well with grilled meats and fish, as well as pasta and hearty stews. ($32)
(91) Bogle Essential Red 2011 (California). A great blend of old-vine zinfandel, petite sirah and cabernet sauvignon; medium bodied; ripe black cherry and black raspberry fruits with balanced spice and tannins. Try with grilled meats and veggies. ($13)
(91) Brassfield High Serenity Pinot Noir 2010 (California). Earthy tones up front on the nose lead to a rich, velvety cassis and cherry notes. Great acidity and a good amount of tannins make this wine a must for patio and the grill. ($14)
(91) Buena Vista The Count Sonoma Red Blend 2008 (California). This easy-drinking red features aromas of black currant and cherries with smooth flavors of plum and blackberry and a silky finish. ($23)
(91) Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica 2011 (Washington State). Fresh and crisp, featuring citrus and mineral notes. ($20)
(91) Col de L’Orb St Chinian Rosé 2012 (France). A fresh spring breeze floats from the glass and turns to crisp, juicy red berries and floral notes with a soft landing to a pure, clean pink-grapefruit and fennel-infused finish. ($18)
(91) Frog’s Leap La Grenouille Rouganté Rosé (valdiguie 82%, zinfandel 18%) 2012 (California). “The Blushing Frog” shows a lot of depth, character and freshness at the same time, with an amazing 11.2% alcohol—a perfect summer rosé! A blend of valdigue (Napa gamay to the locals of Hwy. 29) and zinfandel, two grapes that were widely planted during Prohibition. Beyond refreshing, it is mineral with a great balance of flavors from orange peel to small berries and melon; light pink in color with a hint of violet. Parings ideas include fresh local goat cheeses, mango and lobster salad and roasted lamb with rosemary. ($18)
(91) Frog’s Leap Napa Valley Zinfandel 2010 (California). This zinfandel is subtle yet satisfying, layers of berry fruit and moments of overripe plum and cassis round out the palate. The soft tannin backbone and mild acidity compliment a wide range of food options. ($27)
(91) Jason Stephens Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). Deep garnet in color, with dense aromas of dried berries, cherries and a touch of eucalyptus and chocolate fudge. This gem of a wine is medium-bodied on the palate with ripe and rich flavors of red berries, some chocolaty notes and a hint of spice. The finish is long and vibrant, with elegant tannins giving it tremendous character and style. ($22)
(91) Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (New Zealand). Green apple and pear give way to classic New Zealand grapefruit; a medium- to full-bodied wine with great acidity. ($11)
(91) Mobius Pinot Noir 2008 (California). Second label to the Mantra series of wines from Mike Kuimelis and his father. Growers since the 1970s, they made the switch to winemaking in 2000, and specialize in the better Sonoma AVAs. Lighter style, rich, dark-cherry notes, hints of vanilla, and a smooth, silky finish. ($30)
(91) Olema Sonoma Chardonnay 2012 (California). This approachable chardonnay was fermented half in oak and half in stainless steel, giving the wine a crisp and refreshing acidity. Apple and citrus notes balance the wine and bring a creamy quality to the finish. ($15)
(91) Pilot Knob Viognier 2012 (Texas). Fourth-generation French grower meets the Texas Hill country; 100% Texas fruit; great introduction to this nice summer varietal; lighter style, with a hint of sweetness; pineapple, orange blossom, nectarines and peach flavors dominate. ($32)
(91) Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (Chile). Aromas of citrus and peach; fruity with floral nuances. ($11)
(91) Seaglass Santa Barbara County Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (California). Beautiful wine with the typical aroma of grapefruit but also of pear. The pear really becomes more prominent in the flavor followed by grapefruit and dusty Granny Smith apple. Monster sauvignon blanc to pair with any vegetables you throw on the grill. ($10)
(90) Entwine Pinot Grigio 2011 (California). A nice pinot grigio from the joint venture of Wente and the Food Network. Light and crisp with refreshing flavors of lime, fresh minerals and quince, which leads to a zingy, long finish. ($12)
(90) Clean Slate Riesling 2011 (Germany). Crisp and lively; good acidity and fruit balance. Good for lighter seafood salads, spicy grilled chicken or pork. ($9)
(90) Commanderie de Peyrassol Rosé 2012 (France). Classic Provencal rosé, dry and delicate with lovely floral notes and crisp minerality. ($21)
(90) Conte Fini Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2012 (Italy). Sourced from Alto Adige, this is a concentrated, seamlessly layered pinot grigio that combines the bright, fruity flavors of a white with faint notes of a pinot noir. A citrus-filled opening leads into sweetly spicy notes of apple and pear, concluding in long herbal and floral tones. Medium- to full-bodied and delicious. ($16)
(90) The Dreaming Tree White Blend 2012 (California). The blend of gewurztraminer, riesling,and viognier make this white bright, fresh and fruity. ($15)
(90) Gassan Moon Mountain Sake Junmai Ginjo (Japan). Displays a subtle but beautiful bouquet of flowers, lychee, coconut and linen. The palate is quite smooth and supple, yet with some finishing crispness that makes it quite lovely, and a fine food partner—not just with sushi! The floral aspect seems to remain throughout. ($18)
(90) Geil Gruner Silvaner Trocken 2011 (Rheinhessen, Germany). Gruner Silvaner is one of Rheinhessen’s oldest grape varieties. Weingut Geil produces a lovely wine that is delicately aromatic with some notes of melon and clove. Soft and dry on the palate, it’s ideal before dinner or will complement freshwater fish. ($16)
(90) Indwe Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (South Africa). The light bouquet is lemony and also shows off a touch of mineral. Medium-full and round, it has lovely fruit structure and excellent balance while displaying far more complexity than you would expect from a variety often overlooked in this region of the world. ($20)
(90) Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (California). A wonderfully refreshing classic California sauvignon blanc. Hints of grapefruit and melon add beautiful acidity and a clean finish to this wine. Perfect with appetizers or grilled fish. ($14)
(90) King Estate Signature Pinot Gris 2011 (Oregon). Peaches, pears, and floral notes give way to great structure and great minerality. Wonderful patio wine and great with sushi. ($14)
(90) Kinneybrook Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (California). An intense crimson color in the glass, this cabernet has aromas of dark fruits, black pepper, and traces of savory smoke. Layered and full bodied, this is an elegant and well-balanced wine. ($22)
(90) Les Galets de Sauveterre Cotes du Rhone 2011 (France). The Serguier family, 6th generation growers and winemakers, have produced a classic barbecue red, smooth, flavorful and complex. ($16)
(90) Ménage à Trois White 2010 (California). Lots of grapefruit and pear aromas; this blend of chardonnay, moscato and chenin blanc drinks like an unoaked chardonnay; plenty of nice acidity and green apple. ($13)
(90) Milbrandt Brothers’ Blend Red 2010 (Washington State). Aromas of cherry and vanilla, this juicy red has flavors of berry, cocoa and vanilla, with a hint of spice and an easy, toasty finish. ($16)
(90) Murrieta’s Well The Whip White Blend 2011 (California). Light-bodied, six-grape blend; citrus fruits with nice acidity; great for summer drinking. ($19)
(90) Oak Ridge Ancient Vines Lodi Zinfandel 2011 (California). Cherry and blackberry flavors mesh perfectly with acidity and smokiness in this rich, robust wine. Ripe tannins provide an overall frame for this fruit-forward, old-vine zinfandel. ($14)
(90) Picollo Gavi di Gavi 2012 (Italy). Medium-bodied with bright peach aromas and flavors, followed by a long, complex finish. ($16)
(90) Script & Seal Chardonnay 2012 (Washington State). Flavors of tree-ripened pears with hints of golden apples. Good, balanced acidity to frame out the palate. Refreshing crispness keepsthings lively. ($15)
(89) Apothic White 2011 (California). This blend of chardonnay, riesling and moscato has tropical aromas, mostly of grapefruit; the flavor however, is an off-dry combination of honey, ripe cantaloupe and peaches. ($10)
(89) Charles Thomas Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2011 (France). The bouquet is very mild, with lightly sweet, red berry aromas. It is medium full and easygoing at first, but becomes expansive and round across the palate. Fine-grained but firm tannins offer commendable structure, and the finish is quite long. ($11)
(89) Francis Ford Coppola Director’s Cut Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2011 (California). Dark-fruit aroma; cherry, raspberry flavors; nice finish. ($19)
(89) Dolcetto-Palmina 2011 (California). A Piemonte grape with a name that means “the sweet one,” but there is nothing sweet about it. The grape is just more gentle and amicable than its big cousin nebbiolo. Flavors include berries, currant, spices, liquorices, plums and bacon. This wine is the perfect accompaniment to an evening barbeque with friends in the backyard; perhaps you will have it slightly child—not cold—and have fun! You can also allow grilled peppers, fennel, lamb and pork to be part of the party. ($28)
(89) Domaine Montrose Rosé 2012 (France). Light pink in color, this is an elegant rosé with flavors of red berries and peach with a touch of spice; made from grenache, cabernet sauvignon and syrah. ($11)
(89) Pilot Knob Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Texas). Made from 100% Texas fruit; sourced from the High Plains AVA; aged in French oak, this is the inaugural release for this newest Texas winery; Rich, dark-fruit flavors, with a hint of Texas (of course) cedar. ($40)
(89) Qupe Central Coast Syrah 2010 (California). Central Coast fruit with strong earthy, spicy freshness—this is not your usual jammy fruit juice. Strawberry aroma and spice pair perfectly with the summer grilling season. ($19)
(89) Saint M Riesling 2011 (Germany). A classic German riesling, off-dry with a delicate peach aroma and mineral palate with a burst of pineapple on the finish. A perfect aperitif or paired with fresh-from-the-boat fish or lobster. ($15)
(89) Zellerbach Chardonnay 2011 (California). Rick Parducci (third generation) sources his wine from the Mendocino AVA; all stainless-steel fermentation; lighter style, with hints of apples and pears. ($17)
(88) Ambiente De Mendoza Chardonnay 2011 (Argentina). Nicely tart melon and citrus aromas fill the nose but it also shows a touch of sweetness. It is soft and round on the palate, with juicy fruit flavors that lean to tropical, with banana and papaya and then some light citrus pops in before it heads into a mild finish. Well done for this price. ($7)
(88) Cortenova Pinot Grigio 2011 (Venezie, Italy). The bouquet is light but shows some zip and mild aromas of banana peel and pear with a floral tint. Surprisingly round and full on the palate, it is well balanced and nicely fruity, and there is a subtle nutty note in the aftertaste. ($11)
(88) Gazela Vinho Verde 2011 (Portugal). Easy drinking; light, crisp and clean; low alcohol; perfect patio sipper; they also make a dry rosé which is equally as good. ($6)
(88) Hugl Gruner Veltliner 2011 Weinveirtel (Austria). There is a nice mineral aspect in the nose, and even a salty, saline-like note mingling with fresh-squeezed lime aromas. It is light to medium bodied and quite crisp, with a pretty array of fresh citrus flavors. ($13)
(88) Principessa Gavia Gavi 2011 (Italy). Dry and fruity with crisp acidity. ($15)
(88) Rex Goliath Zinfandel NV (California). Great beginner red zinfandel—super value for summer barbecues of ribs and grilled chicken. Nice “jam” quality and easy to drink. An affordable crowd pleaser. ($6)
(88) Robertson Winery Chenin Blanc 2012 (South Africa). Nicely sweet melon aromas fill the nose, with honeydew leading off and a lightly floral note joining in. It has citrusy tartness on the entry, and then the sweet melon flavors regain a hold on a juicy and ripe frame. Shows nice crispness in the finish. ($10)
(88) Storks’ Tower Sauvignon Blanc/Verdejo 2011 (Spain). A crisp, dry white (85% sauvignon blanc and 15% verdejo) with a subtle nose and refreshing flavors of pear, peach and apricot. ($10)