I gotta tell ya’…some days this job seems unreal with all of the exceptional productions showing up from heretofore unlikely places. Not only places, but vintages, too. It’s kind of like a game of “Catch the Gopher”…you just never know what hole the next great thing is going to pop out of! The fact is, every region that makes wine CAN make quality-driven wines. We sub-consciously tend to relegate certain regions to a “B”-tier (i.e., South Africa, New Zealand, etc.). We know that they make great wines, but somehow we have difficulty raising them to the same levels of, say, Burgundy or California. Well, today’s selections are here to point out the error of our ways. I’ve found some superb entries from around the world, jaw-droppingly impressive for their incredible quality and reasonable prices. Pay special attention to the Riojas, for these are wines you won’t see again.

Amisfield:

I was honored to have the opportunity to sit down with Amisfield winemaker Jeff Sinott at a recent event. Neal Martin of The Wine Advocate tagged him perfectly – “a wired ball of energy” – and all of this is channeled into making some of the best Pinots from New Zealand. Located in the rising star area of Central Otago, Amisfield is recognized for its world-class wines and their sustainable and minimal vineyard and winery management practices. The “Rocky Knoll Vineyard” (VF 94) bottling is considered the Grand cru of Amisfield, and this is not a misnomer. It shouts out with exceptional power and intensity, albeit a bit tightly wound at the moment. Only a small amount of this finds its way to the United States and we are fortunate to be one of the first to offer it. As well, I loved the Pinot Gris (VF 92) as it proved to be quite versatile with the food, pairing with everything from prawns to beets to roasted burnt lime-glazed chicken. Yum!

Barros:

OK, you may think that port is a Fall consideration, but because of the small amounts of these 2, I felt it necessary to promote them now. The 2005 Barros (RH 94-96) is huge and burly and needs a good few years under its belt before it is truly ready to start drinking. But these are the last four 6-pks available to us, so time to get on with it and just let it rest peacefully in your cellar for a decade. The 20-year Tawny (VF 92), however, is delightful as it has acidity and fresh fig components that allow it to be consumed even in the summer. Just make certain you keep it cool and you’ll be enjoying that cigar or small plate of dried fruit and nuts with an exceptional value. It’s not often you find this quality at such a reasonable price.

Guardian Peak:

Hurrah! Here’s another chance to taste great South African Cabernet (don’t laugh!) without straining the pocketbook. Owned by the renowned team of Jean Engelbrecht and Ernie Els, this is a relative newcomer to the block. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is of Stellenbosch origin and made in a more New World style. What’s especially nice is the smooth integration of the South African minerality that normally tends to overwhelm. Here it is seamlessly integrated and provides a backbone that supports the plush, ripe fruit.

Vina Valoria:

If you don’t jump on this now, you will be kicking yourself. When our rep mentioned that he had a couple of older vintages of Rioja we were intrigued, especially considering the vintages – 1968 (VF 94) and 1973 (VF 92). Suffice it to say, we were all blown away by how pristine, elegant, complex and indescribably delicious these Riojas are! Look, you can’t find a Burgundy at these prices that is going to keep you as entranced, and that is exactly (no joke) what these wines reminded me of – great Burgundy. We bought the last cases available in the United States, so once they are gone… These are perfect anniversary wines and also will open your eyes to how glorious mature Rioja is.

Quinta do Vallado:

And the discoveries keep on coming. One of the most misunderstood wines, I feel, is the still wine of Portugal. Recently, I’ve been fortunate to taste quite a few releases and am looking forward to introducing you to the gems I’ve run across. The first of these is this delicious “Reserva” Douro Red made from the following grapes: Tinto Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Sousao. The fleshiness and concentration of this wine is reminiscent of a fine Bordeaux and will go far in giving you an idea of the high quality that still wines from Portugal have to offer. It’s not just port anymore.

Repeat Contenders:

OK, it’s officially summer and, therefore, time to re-visit a few of the past TOTV options. The Pampelonne Rose (VF 92) continues to wow with its perfect acidity and fruity profile. The Ayala Brut Rose (VF 91) has just become a new favorite, as I have discovered an additive the makes for the perfect summer cocktail – add a few drops of the St. Germain elderberry liqueur and you have a twist on a kir that will impress all of your friends. Delicious! And then for those balmy BBQ nights, I have to say that the Riglos-Gran Corte (VF 91) is really coming into its own. All that meaty black fruit and spicy goodness is just aching for grilled fare.