Roundup of this week's wine reviews (21 August 2013)

From a bunch of playful and fun Old World whites (Pinot Grigio, Vinho Verde, Viura and other exotic-sounding varietals) to some seriously serious Burgundies that bring out the best in your roast duck, check out what our resident wino has been drinking...sorry, tasting.

Pasqua Collezione Pinot Grigio Garganega 2011
Valpolicella, Italy
Main varietal: Pinot Grigio, Garganega
Ratings: 3 stars (out of 5); 89pts (out of 100)

Round and pleasant.


Casca Douro Monte Cascas Colheita Vinho Verde 2010
Portugal
Main varietal: Vinho Verde
Ratings: 2.5 stars; 86pts

The nose is not clean but the palate has considerable presence. Complex notes. Good food wine.


MontGras Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Rapel Valley, Chile
Main varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Ratings: 3 stars; 89pts

Pleasant cassis with a hint of complexity. Some presence.


Santa Rita Medalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Maipo Valley, Chile
Main varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Ratings: 3.5 stars; 90pts

A classy presentation with layered cassis and restrained complimentary green notes.


Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 1999
Langhe, Piemonte, Italy
Main varietal: Nebbiolo
Ratings: 4.5 stars

Rich, fine-grained tannins accord a serious backbone to this layered and complex treat. The wine took about 30 minutes to blossom and occasionally hinted at some oxidation, but all is forgiven as it took on and enhanced a homemade quatro formaggio (four cheeses) pasta.


Pinol Nuestra Señora Del Portal Blanco 2011
Tarragona, Spain
Main varietal: Garnaxta / Garnacha
Ratings: 3 stars; 88pts

Floral and green apple notes. Well-balanced and decently persistent.


Marqués de Cáceres Blanco Barrica 2011
La Rioja, Spain
Main varietal: Viura
Ratings: 2 stars; 83ps

Pleasant but fairly nondescript.


Carlos Serres Viura 2010
La Rioja, Spain
Main varietal: Viura
Ratings: 2 stars; 80pts

Some basic citrus notes. Simple.


Marqués de Cáceres Crianza 2009
La Rioja, Spain
Main varietal: Tempranillo
Ratings: 2.5 stars; 87pts

Soft cherry flavours with a mild hint of vanilla. Good balance, some persistence.


Santa Luz Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2010
Chile
Main varietal: Pinot Noir
Ratings: 3.5 stars; 88pts

Clean pinot cherry notes and nice layering with dark fruit flavors and some green notes adding to the complexity. However, it lacks structure and acidity somewhat. Could have been better last year.


Ponsot Morey Saint Denis Cuvée des Grives 2001
Burgundy, France
Main varietal: Pinot Noir
Ratings: 4 stars

The initial Burgundy stink promised to behold some hidden delights and boy did they unfold! Great depth obvious from go. Complex secondary notes unfold through layers. The fruit is somewhat understated, but this is forgivable given its complexity and depth.


Palliser Estate Martinborough Chardonnay 2009
Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand
Main varietal: Chardonnay
Ratings: 3.5 stars; 90pts

Intense and minerally. Hint of butterscotch over pears.


Château de Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone White Le Poste 2009
Southern Rhone, France
Main varietal: Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Picpoul
Ratings: 4 stars; 91pts

Great breadth and nice complexity.


Robert Chevillon Les Vaucrains Nuits-Saint-Georges 2001
Cote de Nuits, Burgundy, France
Main varietal: Pinot Noir
Ratings: 4 stars; 91pts

Drinks from go with complex yet clean pinot fruit, lined softly with secondary notes and supported by a bed of minerality. Went beautifully with roasted, smoked duck breast, and with roasted duck.


Domaine Faiveley Latricières-Chambertin Grand Cru 1995
Cote de Nuits, Burgundy, France
Main varietal: Pinot Noir
Ratings: 4.5 stars; 93pts

Deep and complex pinot cherry notes ooze and seduce from this brooding Burgundy. Not shy, this one has aged and is drinking well.


Central Otago Pinot Noir Gold River 2008
Central Otago, New Zealand
Main varietal: Pinot Noir
Ratings: 3.5 stars; 90pts

A very pleasing pinot. Open from go with a hint of secondaries showing later. Would not cellar much longer. Fleshy with savory notes and a hint of minerality nicely balancing this offering.