In January, we will host a VIP tasting of the Highest Ratio wines. The ratio here is the relationship between the rating by wine professionals and the cost. The higher the ratio the better the wine and the lower the cost. The wines:

2023 Clos Henri Sauvignon Blanc.

Clos Henri Estate Sauvignon Blanc offers notes of peach and nectarine are paired with elderflower. Textural, with zingy acidity and a flinty, mineral nuance this wine is both fresh and concentrated.

• 93 Wine Enthusiast
  “From a top biodynamic estate, this punches well above its price point, with none of the underripe Marlborough Sauvignon characteristics and all of the enticement of orchard blossoms and honey-drizzled citrus fruit. There’s a signature stony mineral nuance at its core. The palate is harmonious with just-right acidity, lovely texture, flavor concentration and a long limey finish. Yum.”
• 93 James Suckling
  “Very fresh and clean with a mountain stream-like transparency. It’s light-bodied but has a density and tension as well as subtle and vivid flavors of Meyer lemons and crushed stone.”

2023 Janare Falanghina.

White wines from Southern Italy enjoy a Renaissance this summer, and the Janare Falanghina from La Guardiense is a beautiful expression. Once a nearly forgotten varietal, this cutting edge cooperative winery has revived the Falanghina grape into a world-class white wine. Careful site selection from their vineyards in Campania ensures a vibrant white with intense aromas of fresh citrus, pineapple, and white flowers, and finishes cleanly with notes of honeysuckle and lime. The natural acidity is matched with a lingering finish of citrus and minerality found in the chalk laden soils. Perfect with seafood pasta, grilled chicken, risotto dishes, even pizza. An amazing alternative to your favorite Italian Pinot Grigio!

“This is a fresh and creamy white showing lemons, fresh peaches and white flowers on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, bright and elegant. Pretty citrus and floral character. Drink now.” James Suckling, 91 Points

2021 Domaine Des Causses Cote Du Rhone.

Touches of graphite and black pepper mingle into slightly muted blueberry and blackberry in this full-bodied, moderately concentrated wine. An approachable, easy-drinking varietal Syrah, it has enough tannic grip on the finish to lend structure. A great pairing with charcuterie, duck, pork roast, herb chicken or cheeses.

“Lots of cherries, blueberries and plums with some dried herb and cured meat aromas. Medium-bodied with plush tannins. Round and fruity with a pleasant finish. Drink now.”  James Suckling, 90 Points

2022 Monte Degli Angeli Piemonte Pinot Noir Piemonte, Italy.

Collezione del Barone Piemonte Pinot Noir is an incredible value. Its medium to full-bodied, silky and smooth texture perfectly complements the berry flavors of strawberry and raspberry. The floral notes of rose petals and violets add a sophisticated touch.

“Raspberries, lemons, bay leaves and red currants on the nose. Crunchy and red fruited with a medium body and powdery tannins.” James Suckling: 91 Points

2020 Escudo Dojo Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Escudo Rojo Origine is vinified in the Bordeaux manner, favoring extraction of the fruit and a supple, well-balanced tannic structure.

The wine is matured in 25% new oak barrels and 75% 1yr old oak barrels for 12 months.

Refined and complex, with intense fruit notes, the nose reveals wild strawberry, cherry and blackcurrant aromas mingled with delicate notes of vanilla. The wine goes on to reveal its distinctiveness and aromatic complexity on ripe black fruit and Morello cherry flavors followed by notes of vanilla, mocha and toasted hazelnuts on the finish, demonstrating all the power and complexity of Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s selection of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Ratings
James Suckling 93 Points
Vinous Media 91 Points
Decanter 95 Points
Wine Enthusiast 91 Points

2018 Chateau Arnauld Bordeaux from Haut Medoc, France.

Very nice deep ruby color, dazzling. Nose of black cherry, salted caramel, gingerbread. Full and indulgent on the palate with notes of brioche. Very nice impression of sweetness. Harmonious and generous overall, ending with an elegant and smooth finish. Two great experts of the terroir, Franck Bijon and Hubert de Boüard, were the driving force behind the renaissance Château Arnauld. Franck Bijon identified the potential of 5 hectares along the river’s edge, then selected other exceptional parcels one by one to create an estate of 17.2 hectares of great homogeneity which is now classified Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel.Blend: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 10% Petite Verdot

Ratings

• 96 Decanter
  Opulent and inviting, with a nose of plush black cherry and damson fruit, then the palate is dressed with fine cassis, red pepper, leather and sleek oak.
• 93 Wilfred Wong
  The 2019 Château Arnaud is an impressive wine with excellent length on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of black fruits, licorice, oak, and hints of rustic spices. Enjoy it with the first cut from a prime rib. (Tasted: December 17, 2022, San Francisco, CA)
• 92 James Suckling
  Very pretty blackberry and orange-peel aromas follow through to a medium body with lovely, delicious fruit and fine tannins. Fresh and clean. Firm backbone. Hard not to drink now, but give it two or three years to come around.