Seventeen wines from countries that included France, Italy, Spain, Chile and the United States, made this a week of tasting best described as pure pleasure.
In addition to being of high quality, many of these wines - whether they cost more than NIS 200 or NIS 50 - are very good value for money.
As usual, scores are based on a maximum of 100 points - wines marked 90-95 are exceptional in every way; 85-89 are excellent and highly recommended; 80-84 are recommended, albeit without great enthusiasm. Wines marked with an asterisk (*) we consider good value for money.
Italy Biondi-Santi, Sassaoloro, 1998: Made almost entirely from Sanviogese Grosso grapes that grow just outside the borders of Montalcino (and categorized neither as Brunello or Chianti but as Vino Rosso da Tavola dei Colli della Toscana Centrale), and aged in oak casks for about 14 months, the wine has a deep ruby red color with orange tints. With flavors and aromas of black cherries, licorice, violets and even coffee, and plenty of silky smooth tannins, this perfumed and intense wine will drink nicely now or in the next three to four years. NIS 168. Score 91.
(*) Biondi-Santi, Lavischio, 1996: Made entirely from Merlot grapes, this wine takes its name from the small stream that skirts a portion of the vineyards of the Poggio Salvi estate that is owned by Biondi-Santi. A bold and distinctive Merlot, with flavors and aromas of blueberries, cocoa, smoke and allspice, this medium bodied wine is fully ready to drink now but should cellar well for another three to four years. NIS 106. Score 88.
(*) Biondi Santi, Rosso di Montalcino, 1999: Medium- to full-bodied, firm and with intense flavors of black and red currants, orange peel. Just enough earthiness and spice hints here to fascinate and with smooth tannins the wine is drinkable now but will be even better in another year or two. NIS 130. Score 88.
Biondi Santi, Brunello di Montalcino, 1996: Aged in Slavonian oak, I believe for 36 months, this medium- to full-bodied wine has still tough tannins but those are set off very well by abundant raspberries, ripe cranberries as well as hints of eucalyptus. Despite the tannins, the wine is drinking beautifully now and should hold nicely for another four to five years. Personally, I doubt that the tannins will subside, but those who enjoy their wines tannic and alcoholic will find this one an excellent accompaniment to roast game. NIS 480. Score 90.
Giacosa Fratelli, Barbera d'Alba, 1998: As we have come to expect from Giacosa Fratelli, this medium-bodied Barbera d'Alba is more approachable in its youth than its more serious brother, Barbaresco. Appealing berry, currant and mineral flavors and aromas, plenty of acidity and moderate tannins make this appealing wine eminently drinkable now. NIS 48. Score 87.
(*) France Sauvion de Cleray, Muscadet, Chateau de Cleray, 1999: A lovely Muscadet, so lovely in fact that it will help you understand why Muscadet is such a good buy alongside of its more prestigious and far more expensive cousin, Chablis. As fresh and crisp as you could want, with plenty of apple, lime, melon and mineral flavors and aromas, this is an excellent choice to accompany raw or poached oysters, and grilled coquilles St. Jacques. Score 87. NIS 65.
