Rhett Beiletti
2005 Chateau Haut-Mazeris (Bordeaux, France)
2005 Chateau Haut-Mazeris (Canon-Fronsac) - 29.99
“Merlot 65%, Cabernet Franc 15% and Cabernet Sauvignon 20%. From vineyards located in the highest point of Fronsac, Haut-Mazeris shows a lot of muscle and is a wine that will develop for many years to come. Dark chocolate and meaty essences are here within an etched and structured frame. A rigorous and polished wine and an excellent example of a classically styled wine.”
91 Points, Rhett Beiletti
Staff Selection, March 2010
2005 Chateau La Tour Martillac Blanc (Bordeaux)
Latour Martillac Blanc $39.99
“White Bordeaux wines of significance, mainly from the villages of Pessac-Leognan, are the most underappreciated of great wines in the world. This could have to do with their rarity, only about 20% of the production of Pessac is white wine; or their prices – they can be cost prohibitive too. Nevertheless, when I think of great wines, Pessac-Leognan is always there. La Tour Martillac, made of 60% Semillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc exhibits an oaky and exotic exterior that leads to a Chardonnay-like texture and richness. The flavors of the wine are still true to the region, melon and citrus and minerals, also a lushness and plumpness attributed to Semillon, and the grip and intensity of Sauvignon Blanc. This is a very balanced, complex and compelling wine that will develop nicely for the next 10 years.”
93 Points, Rhett Beiletti
February 2010
2008 Mas Carlot Clairette de Bellegarde (France)
2008 Mas Carlot Clairette de Bellegarde ($9.99)
From the appellation of Clairette de Bellegarde, made of the Clairette vareital, an exhilarating wine showing freshness and fragrance too, prominently fresh-cut limes, full and fleshy pears, lemon zest, it has simply mouthwatering qualities. Mineral notes, ripe and resonant fruit with fresh and vibrant acids too. This is a complete wine! Incredibly low yields from 60 yr vines, and a very low production. The Best $10 white wine of 2009.
90 Points, Rhett Beiletti
January 2010
2005 Olga Raffault Chinon ‘Les Picasses’ (Loire Valley, France)
2005 Olga Raffault Chinon 'Les Picasses' ($17.99 or $16.19 by the case!)
“Les Picasses, coming from a specific site, is a straight-laced and very traditional and elegant style of Chinon. Old vines, around 50 years of age, contribute to deepness, giving a very dark cherry quality to the flavor. Limestone soils are very detectable too, the structure being very precise, minerality and fine tannins keep the wine driving forward on the palate. There is also a nice little fresh flavor towards the finish, something almost citrusy that is mouthwatering and rejuvenating too. An outstanding and very sophisticated wine.”
- 91 Points, Rhett Beiletti, Email: Rhett@b-21.com, Direct #: (727) 722-9104