SEPT. 30, 2019 • WINE SPECTATOR 8392
Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Finca
Ygay Reserva 2015 $29 SPAIN Cedar, tobacco,
dried cherry and spice flavors mingle in this red. Features
a polished texture, with well-integrated tannins and orange
peel acidity. Supple, harmonious and graceful. Tempranillo,
Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha. Drink now through- 100,000 cases made, 9,067 cases imported.—T.M.
91
Michel Gassier Costières de Nîmes White
Nostre Païs 2017 $22 FRANCE Fresh, featuring
pear, yellow apple, melon and jasmine notes, with a flash
of lemon shortbread on the enticing finish. Grenache
Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Viognier and Bourboulenc.
Drink now. 3,000 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.—J.M.90
Albert Bichot St.-Véran 2017 $24 FRANCE
Shows good cut to the peach, apple and citrus
peel flavors, with an underlying salinity. Leaves a tangy
and satisfying taste on the lingering finish. Fine balance.
Drink now through 2023. 1,200 cases imported.—B.S.90
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Red
Blend Columbia Valley 2016 $18 WASHING-
TON A lively red, featuring sleek and plump fruit, offering
blackberry, licorice and spice flavors that linger toward
polished tannins. Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Grenache, Cab-
ernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cinsault, Barbera and
Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2024. 112,000 cases
made.—T.F.90
Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
2018 $15 NEW ZEALAND Toasted herb and saline
accents add richness and a savory element to the supple
mango, peach and pineapple flavors, showing off plenty
of polish and intensity. Refreshing finish. Drink now.
80,000 cases made, 30,000 cases imported.—M.W.90
Bodegas Izadi Rioja Crianza 2016 $16
SPAIN Harmonious flavors of cherry, forest floor,
vanilla and spice mingle in this plush red, but firm
tannins impart backbone and bright acidity, keeping the
finish fresh. Focused and lively. Drink now through 2028.
67,342 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.—T.M.Best Values
Wines with solid scores, modest prices and wide
distribution.90
Baron de Ley Rioja Rosado 2018 $11
SPAIN Light and lively, this dry rosé offers berry,
watermelon and rose petal flavors. Harmonious, with
gentle but fresh acidity. Balanced and refreshing, showing
focus and depth. Drink now. 10,000 cases made, 2,000
cases imported.—T.M.89
Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Rosado 2018
$13 SPAIN This deep-pink rosé offers a core of
cherry, with notes of licorice, quinine and fresh herbs. Firm
acidity and light tannins give this the structure for food.
Tempranillo and Garnacha Tinta. Drink now through 2023.
80,000 cases made, 13,000 cases imported.—T.M.SPECTATOR SELECTIONS: Smart Buys / Best Valuesmalartic-lagraviere.com
“Thoroughly delicious!”
James Molesworth*
* WineSpectator.com – February 2019