11 Californianos de Bom Custo x Benefício pela Wine Spectator

Começaremos a trazer a todos os nossos leitores, as listas periódicas da Wine Spectator com vinhos de bom Custo x Benefício.

Para começar trouxemos vinhos Californianos. A lista possui apenas um vinho branco, um Chardonnay que recebe o apelido de "nu" porque não tem nenhuma influência de barris de carvalho, e foi fermentado em aço inox, que permite que o brilho do vinho através de acidez natural.

A lista traz também dois vinhos rosé, o Ode Bedrock a Lulu e Babcock Identity Crisis, ambos produzidos com a uva Rhône (a base vem de vinhas Mourvèdre de 120 anos de idade, e a Babcock é baseada em Santa Ynez Syrah). Ambos também compartilham um outro detalhe em sua vinificação: Os dois vinhos passam por fermentação malolática, que é um pouco incomum para um rosé. Ao converter o ácido málico em ácido láctico, estes vinhos têm alguma complexidade e um caráter ligeiramente cremoso, além de suas notas refrescantes.

O restante da lista é dominada por tintos com as uvas Grenache, Zinfandel, Syrah e Pinot Noir.

Aproveitem!

In Vino Veritas!

Gustavo Kauffman

11 Californianos de Bom Custo x Benefício pela Wine Spectator

BRADFORD MOUNTAIN Syrah Dry Creek Valley Grist Vineyard 2007 

Score: 91 | $24

Firm, rich, intense and layered, at points pleasantly rustic, with tiers of dark berry fruit-notably blackberry, wild berry and raspberry. Shows an earthy side as well, ending with a complex finish and grainy tannins. Drink now through 2018. 500 cases made. —J.L.

FOUR VINES Zinfandel Sonoma County The Sophisticate 2008 

Score: 91 | $25

Dense and jammy, with blackberry and black olive aromas that lead to zesty, complex huckleberry, licorice and black pepper flavors. Drink now through 2015. 1,300 cases made. —T.F.

NOVY Grenache Dry Creek Valley Simpson Vineyard 2008 

Score: 91 | $29

This fragrant red is impressive for its grace and finesse, offering delicate plum and berry pie aromas. Full-bodied, fleshy and balanced, with pleasant loamy earth and black licorice notes singing on the finish. Drink now through 2015. 147 cases made. —J.L.

BEDROCK Mourvèdre Sonoma Valley Rosé Ode to Lulu 2009 

Score: 90 | $22

Ripe and full of personality, but still balanced with crisp acidity. Aromas of strawberry and savory spice lead to supple flavors of raspberry and cinnamon, with hints of licorice. Drink now. 250 cases made. Rosé. —T.F.

BRADFORD MOUNTAIN Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Grist Vineyard 2007

Score: 90 | $24

Distinctive and zesty, with black cherry and dark, nutty spice aromas and lively raspberry, pepper and toasted sage flavors. Tannins sneak in on the finish. Drink now through 2015. 290 cases made. —T.F.

MUELLER Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2008 

Score: 90 | $29

Appealing for its supple, enticing mix of berry flavors, with touches of spice and floral notes. Full-bodied and intense, with loamy earth and mineral notes woven in the fruit flavors. Drink now through 2016. 510 cases made. —J.L.

NOVY Syrah Russian River Valley Amber Ridge Vineyard 2007 

Score: 90 | $19

Combines complex roasted herb, dried currant, hot brick wall and peppery notes with loamy earth and clay flavors. Full-bodied, tight and restrained, this is slow to unfold and grows on you. Drink now through 2016. 223 cases made. —J.L.

STEELE Zinfandel Mendocino Ridge DuPratt Vineyard 2006 

Score: 90 | $26

Delivers a keen sense of place, with ripe plum and sassafras aromas and supple, balanced wild berry and smoky pepper flavors that linger on the finish. Drink now through 2015. 500 cases made. —T.F.

BABCOCK Syrah Santa Barbara County Identity Crisis 2009 

Score: 89 | $15

Crisp and racy, with a delicate peach hue and notes of watermelon, apricot and creamy spice. Drink now. 1,425 cases made. Rosé. —T.F.

FOUR VINES Chardonnay Santa Barbara County Naked 2009 

Score: 88 | $14

Offers a strong Sauvignon-like citrus edge, with notes of lime and lemon. Medium- to full-bodied, clean and refreshing. Drink now. 48,000 cases made. —J.L.

BOGLE Zinfandel California Old Vine 2008

Score: 87 | $11

Soft and juicy, with easygoing cherry, sassafras and caramel notes. Drink now. 150,000 cases made - T.F.