Leah Ann Roberts is a sommelier based in Orange County, California. She is the owner of Domaine Vino, complete wine cellar management company. Here, she recommends two wines for readers of The Global Herald:
White
2009 Ata Rangi Lismore Pinot Gris
North Island, Martinborough, New Zealand
$31.00 USD
This wine has a pale straw color with an ever so slight green undertone. The nose is a lovely base of pears and apricots, with a sweet floral essence that is predominantly jasmine.
The palette serves up a rich and delicious ripe pear, subtle fig and quince. This wine is made in the Alsatian style with lots of glycerol mouthfeel. Big acidity but the balance is struck with a small amount of residual sugar. The wine is rich and finely structured.
Perfect with Asian inspired dishes, or as a lovely aperitif. Best for drinking now.
Red
2008 L’Aventure “Côte à Côte”, Red Estate blend
Paso Robles, California
$80.00 USD
This wine has lovely aromas of tea, tobacco and black raspberry. It is precise and vibrant, with creamy flavors of dark berries, and candied violet. Well rounded and ever so slightly sweet on the back end, it features a lengthy finish with a lingering note of violet.
Aged in French oak, the barrel gets a long, deep toasting, allowing true fruit and wine characteristics to shine through. This provides rich tannins and hint of vanilla and toasty characteristics to the wine. The wine is impeccable.
This wine can lay down for 10 more years.
Excellent reviews. Looking forward to trying these lovely wines.