Weekly Tasting Report (Oct 26-Nov 1): A Bold Aussie Shiraz, Brunello 2016 Riservas and Napa Cabs Rise to The Top
The Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley St. Helena Kronos Vineyard 2019 highlights the excellence that came out of Napa in 2019 and 2018. (Photo by JamesSuckling.com)
Great vintages in McLaren Vale, Napa Valley, Brunello di Montalcino and the Mosel Valley lead this report covering the 461 wines we rated over the last week around the world.
Contributing Editor Nick Stock gave some impressively high scores to wines coming out of South Australia, particularly the S.C. Pannell Shiraz McLaren Vale Koomilya JC Block 2018, which led our ratings and was described by Nick as “a bold delivery of ripe, glossy red and dark berry and plum fruit aromas and flavors.”
The same producer was responsible for several other of the top Aussie wines rated last week, such as its 2020 Old McDonald Grenache, which was exotic and plush, and the 2018 shiraz from Koomilya DC Block, which was earthy and elemental. Brash Higgins also came through with a “bold and pure” Omensetter 2018 from 85 percent shiraz and 15 percent cabernet sauvignon.
A CHALLENGING YEAR: John Schwartz of Amuse Bouche on Napa’s 2021 vintage.
Out of Napa, James was impressed with the new releases from Heitz Cellar, which came under new ownership in 2018 with the agricultural magnate Gaylon Lawrence taking the reins. James spoke by Zoom to the CEO of Heitz, Carlton McCoy, who explained how they continue to produce classic-style Napa wines with low alcohol and firm tannins at a time when other Napa vintners are moving away from that style. They also own such classic wineries as Burgess Cellars and Stony Hill Vineyard.
The Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Martha’s Vineyard 2015 was a revelation for James, harking back to greats such as 1968 and 1974 with its impeccable structure, focus and character. Don’t miss the rating for the Lot C-91 bottling, which is essentially a blend of all the best vineyards of Heitz and a new wine to be commercialized. It’s good value for its pedigree.
READ MORE: NEW NAPA VALLEY WINES HIGHLIGHT HARMONY AND REFINEMENT WITH 2018 VINTAGE
There are plenty of other Napa reds and whites in this report highlighting the excellence that can be found in the 2018 and 2019 vintages. For example, the Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley St. Helena Kronos Vineyard 2019 was a wonderfully silky and seamless bottle, and we tasted two Brion wines from Caldwell Vineyard in Coombsville AVA, one from each of the 2018 and 2019 vintages, that were beautifully balanced and harmonious. We also rated some bottles from Amuse Bouche, and James had a Zoom interview with Amuse Bouche owner John Schwartz to talk about the 2021 harvest and how previous vintages compare. Check out the video above, and you can check the scores and tasting notes on these wines below.
In addition, James has been working through many 2017 and 2016 Brunellos. The latter are riserva bottlings, and there are some great ones in this report from what is one of the best vintages ever for Montalcino.
Probably the standout highlight was the Renieri Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016, which was a captivating rendition that just went “on and on” according to James. Siro Pacenti and Castello Banfi both also produced exceptional wines in 2016, the former’s Brunello di Montalcino PS Riserva 2016 showing “enchanting hues of blue fruits, raspberries and black cherries,” while the latter’s Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura Riserva 2016 was “tight and linear” and showed exceptional aging potential.
Senior Editor Stuart Pigott was raving about the new releases from the Mosel Valley’s Immich-Batterieberg. Its dry riesling from the 2020 vintage in Batterieberg was “embryonic,” but with a little aeration shone beautifully. “The incredible wet-stone finish just doesn’t want to stop!” Stuart wrote.
Stuart also rated some Rhone Valley reds this week, including the new releases from the popular Raymond Usseglio & Fils of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The Cuvée Imperiale 2019 was made from vines planted at the very start of the 20th century, and came through “deep, spicy and fragrant.” And Le Part des Anges 2019 gave “a slew of elderberries and a licorice character” with “enormous structure and concentration,” making for an unusual and impressive Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
There are many great bottles in the listing below, with ratings and tasting notes that you can view with a Premium Membership.
– James Durston, Senior Editor
The list of wines below is comprised of bottles tasted and rated during the past week by James Suckling and the other tasters at JamesSuckling.com. They include many latest releases not yet available on the market, but which will be available soon. Some will be included in upcoming tasting reports.
Note: You can sort the wines below by country, vintage, score and alphabetically by winery name. You can also search for specific wines in the search bar.