WINE REVIEWS of the MONTH
Notable Potables

White

2006 Maison Galhaud, Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes, France ($9.99/bottle)

Composition: A blend of Viognier &   Muscat

Lightly fruity nose with melon, apricot and floral hints. Light-bodied with moderate acidity. Good balance. Soft palate with melon, lemon and lilac notes. Short finish – very pretty – delicate – clean and refreshing. Drinking well now – not for aging. Great value.

2007 Les Rials, Vin de Pays de Cotes du Tarn, France ($10.99/bottle)

Composition: Loin de l’Oiel

Lively, citrus nose with delicate floral and mineral hints. Light-bodied with moderate acidity. Good balance. Soft, fruity palate with apricot, pear, lemon and apple notes. Short finish - smooth, delicate, lightly floral - clean and refreshing. Drinking well now - not for aging. Great value.

2007 Luc Pirlet “Les Barriques” Viognier, Vin de Pays d’Oc, France ($9.99/bottle)

Perfumed nose with melon, floral and apricot hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity. Good balance. Fruity palate with pear, apricot and honeydew melon notes – lovely. Moderate length with nice floral and mineral on the aftertaste. Drinking well now – not for aging. Great value.

2006 Bodegas Muga Rioja Blanca, Spain ($9.99/bottle)

Composition: Viura

Lively citrus nose with lightly creamy, toasty and floral hints. Very Pretty. Medium-bodied with firm acidity. Good balance. Soft palate with lemon, pear and floral notes. Moderate length with light oak, toffee and custard on the aftertaste. Drinking well now - not for aging. Good value.

2007 Chateau Font-Mars Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc, France ($11.99/bottle)

Soft, floral nose with citrus and mineral hints. Light-bodied with crisp acidity. Good balance. Refreshing palate with pear, apple and lemon notes – pretty. Short finish – clean – very nice. Drinking well now – not for aging. Good value.

Red

2006 Domaine Luc Pirlet, Vin de Pays d’Oc, France ($9.99/bottle)

Composition: 60% Syrah, 40% Mourvedre

Jammy nose with black cherry, dried herb and mineral hints. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and soft, supple tannin. Good balance. Young, juicy, fruity palate with bright cherry, raspberry and violet notes. Moderate length with a straight-forward, clean finish. Drinking well now – not for aging. Super value. (This wine was featured as a Hot Wine last issue, but I liked it so much, I had to put it in this issue as a Notable Potable.)

2006 Nita, Priorat, Spain ($19.99/bottle)

Youthful, fruity nose with fresh cherry, lavender and violet hints. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and moderate, supple tannin. Well balanced. Lush palate with black cherry, tar and cassis notes. Moderate length with a smooth finish and blackberry and lilac on the aftertaste. Drinking well now and should improve with another 3 to 5 years in the bottle. Great value for Priorat.

2005 Bodegas Almanseñas, La Huella de Adaras, Almansa, Spain ($15.99/bottle)

Composition: A blend of Tintorera, Monastrell & Cabernet Sauvignon

Spicy nose with black cherry, dried herb and black pepper hints. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and firm, dry tannin. Good balance. Youthful palate with a nice core of dark fruit - black cherry, plum, tar and allspice notes. Long finish with black pepper and dried mint on the aftertaste. Drinking well now - should improve with another 3 to 5 years in bottle. Good value.

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