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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/746733
www.cheersonline.com 38 • November/December 2016 refreshing. For your customers looking for a change of pace from sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, this is it. An outstanding value. ($14.99) (96) Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2015 (South Africa). An absolutely amazing chardonnay with all the bells and whistles. There is a rich and silky buttery quality, with a gentle oak notes and beautifully balanced acidity. The chardon- nay is Napa and Burgundy wrapped up into South Africa. ($33) (96) Ravenswood Teldeschi Vineyard Zinfandel 2013 (California). Nearly opaque ruby/purple in the glass. The nose is fi lled with black brambly fruit, hints of spice and a touch of cocoa. Rich, and mouth-fi lling, this is a defi nite keeper. ($37) (96) Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Clos de la Mousse 2011 (France). From a top Burgundy house, this exceptional, high-quality wine exhibits fi nesse and breeding. Delicious now, it could certainly improve with a little more bottle time to bring out more of its elegant characteris- tics. One of those "don't pass this up" type of wines. ($65) (95) Altamura Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (California). A gorgeous representation of Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon. Elegant structure with rich and balanced fruit offers your palate a dazzling experience of fl avors and textures. The beauty is in the simplicity of the wine. ($93) (95) Domaine Filliatreau 2015 "Linnea" Saumur Blanc (France). This wine is 100% chenin blanc from 25-year-old vines. Fermented and aged in stainless steel with a short maceration on the skins. Richly aromatic with nuances of under-ripe melon, pear and a wisp of anise. On the palate, those fl avors take over and linger through the fi nish along with bright, lively acidity and some great minerality. Totally dry, this simply gorgeous wine is a marvelous example of Loire chenin blanc. Pair with milder seafood, cream sauces, or not-too- spicy Asian cuisine. It's also the perfect aperitif! ($16.99) (95) Domaine Filliatreau 2014 Chateau Fouquet Saumur Rouge (France). This wine is 100% cabernet franc from grapes grown biodynamically in the Saumur village of Breze, then aged and fermented in stainless steel. Expressive fl oral and black fruit aromas combine with rich earth tones. Concentrated fl avors of blackberry and plum harmonize with fi rm tannins and a lovely hint of terroir. The fi nish is long with sweet/tart acidity melding nicely with tannins. Decant for at least two hours and pair with roast pork, duck, lamb or game. Very enjoyable now, this wine will cellar beautifully for two to three years. ($19.99) (95) Domaine Filliatreau 2014 La Grande Vignolle Rouge Saumur-Champigny (France). Upon decanting, aromas of lilac, red raspberry and cherry open with nuanc- es of "stones" and chalk following. Tight at fi rst on the palate, the wine begins to show after about two hours. There are layers of concentrated red fruit, clove, licorice and "cigar box," leading to a lengthy fi nish with fi rm tannins taking over. All of this is surrounded by that wonderful stony nuance of the vineyard. After fi ve or more years in bottle, it will balance out into something truly special for any wine lover! ($22.99) (95) Domaine La Tour Vielle Collioure Puig Ambielle 2012 (France). This mouvedre-based red from the seaport town of Collioure is one of the values of the year for the price point. Booming with black fruit fl avors up front and a nice hint of spices, the powerful structure of this wine is per- fectly balanced with the silkiest of tannins. Try it with some lamb, and you will be in a place you never knew existed. ($26.99) (94) G. Descombes Morgon 2014 (France). This is the blockbuster of Georges Descombes' Cru offerings, knocking the socks off of all of the Cru Beaujolais tasted this year. Bursting with fruit up front and enough structure to attract all red-wine drinkers. Make this your wine of choice next time you aren't sure what to bring to that dinner party and impress all of your friends and family. ($21.99) (95) Matthiasson "Linda Vista" Chardonnay 2014 (California). This chardonnay is at the forefront of what Napa chardonnay should be. The perfect balance of acidity to go with the apple, peach and honey fl avors that abound to a clean, miner- al-tinged fi nish. This wine will turn anyone who thinks they are against chardonnay into a chardonnay lover. The price -makes it the ultimate chardonnay experience you will have this year. ($30.99) (94) Chateau Ksara Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Lebanon). Upon seeing, smelling and tasting this wine, fi nding out that it's from Lebanon and not from California is an utter shock. Ripe red fruit highlight a wine with the fi rm tannins you expect from cabernet and the long seductive fi nish you dream of and seldom get. This is the best bottle of cabernet sauvignon you will fi nd this year for under $25, and it's not even close. ($22.99) (94) Stags' Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (California). Dark purple in color. Plum and cassis aromas. Flavors of blackberry, cherry and cassis. Substantial tannins with a long fi nish. ($57.99)