Three Must try Reds for 2020

My New Year’s resolution is to share some of the great wines I have tasted in the past year.  Don’t worry, I keep it in the $20 to $40 per bottle “wheelhouse!”  Here are three reds that have been frequenting my cellar (ok, wine fridge) in 2019.

I cannot get enough of the 2015 Fog Crest Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma.  I am usually not a big fan of California Pinots as they only require 75% of that particular grape to use the varietal labelling. In Oregon, it’s 85% and in Burgundy 100%. The higher the ratio of Pinot Noir, the higher the quality as this grape does not play well with others.  This stunner is 100% Pinot Noir with a spectacular balance of baked cherry and spice.  There is a complexity and an earthiness only expected in a very high-end wine.

Second up is a Spanish treat, the 2008 Rioja Bordin Gran Reserva.  Gran Reserva’s from Rioja must be aged a minimum of five years with two years in oak.  The fact that you can get a twelve-year-old wine at about $30 is crazy value.  This is a full-bodied blend of Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano.  Tempranillo loves oak and the time in barrel allows for the tannins to soften and create a powerful wine with a pleasing finish.  I love the balsamic vibe this wine brings too.

Last but definitely not least is the 2014 Roquette and Cazes from the Douro in Portugal.  A wine that pairs the power and sun of Portugal with the finesse and elegance of Bordeaux. It is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz, the same varietals used to make Port.  As you taste you will pick up on the Port flavours less the sweetness.  It is a powerhouse that can stand up with good quality wines from Bordeaux but it comes without the Bordeaux price tag.

These wines are all available locally and can be found by using the Liquor Connect website at www.liquorconnect.com.