Wine Enthusiast Advance Buying Guide
Wine Enthusiast
June Issue 2016
AUSTRALIA
94 pts Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay 2013
It’s a shame only the equivalent of one barrel of this wine was exported to the U.S., as it means only a handful of people here will get to experience it. It’s perhaps the closest thing to great white Burgundy to come from Australia; subtly smoky at first, like grilled white peaches, adding hints of lime and vanilla on the palate. It’s plump and slightly creamy in texture, but finishes with crisp, acidic verve.
94 pts Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2012
Leeuwin’s Chardonnay continues to be a standard-bearer for Margaret River and all of Australia. The 2012 Art Series is subtly toasty on the nose, blossoming with time into full-on crème brûlée aromas, while the palate offers creamy-textured notions of tropical fruit and custard. The long finish reverberates with fruit, suggesting plenty of aging potential, up to 10 or 12 years.
92 pts John Duval Annexus Grenache 2013
John Duval (ex Penfolds) has finally released a varietal Grenache, a wine that’s quite different from the blends and Shirazes he’s done up until this point. This is supple, full in body and round, without the firm structural elements his wines typically possess. Dare I say it’s hedonistic? Black cherry and cinnamon notes are juicy and mouthwatering on the long finish.
90 pts d’Arenberg The Lucky Lizard Chardonnay 2013
Pretty textbook cool-climate Chardonnay here, from the lovely aromas of toasted grain, white peach and pineapple, to the balanced alcohol levels, medium body and vibrant, citrusy finish.
CHILE
88 pts/BEST BUY Chilensis Reserva Malbec 2014
Ripe aromas of blackberry come with sides of horsey leather and baking spices. This Malbec is slightly tannic in feel, yet balanced by savory, woody black-fruit flavors. This is long, minty and lightly herbal on the finish.
87 pts/BEST BUY Chilensis Reserva Pinot Noir 2014
A note of brine rests on top on an otherwise dry, earthy, red-fruit bouquet. Punchy tannins create mild pinch, while earthy plum flavors carry a note of leather. A crisp, zesty finish with mild oak and spice notes closes this out.