Cuvaison’s Small Lot program showcases small production of unique wines “of character and complexity and which explore different styles and techniques.” I have reviewed many of their Small Lot wines over the years and they have all excelled. Therefore, it’s exciting to once again taste a new Small Lot Chardonnay. As with all Small Lot wines, these are estate grown.
Once one gets past the classified and top wines, Bordeaux makes a lot of wine and decent pricing that is very good. This is 100% Merlot from Bordeaux. Purple in color with ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is deep with black cherries, char, and baking spice. Medium bodied. Medium tannins. Moderate acidity. On the palate, black cherry fruit with some spice and a bit of char/smoke. Good finish. This drinks nicely on its own but would be better with food. A nice match might be a Chicken Pot Pie. Drink over the next seven to ten years.
This winery makes a variety of Chianti Classico wines with this being the basic offering. That said, it is consistently an excellent wine and a great value. Ruby in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose is nice with cherries, cranberries, nutmeg, slight dried leaves and char. Medium bodied. Strong acidity. Medium tannins. On the palate, this has cherry flavors with some spice and forest floor. Good finish. This would be better with food. A nice wine for pizza night or a plate of pasta. Drink over the next five to eight years.
Made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso grapes in Tuscany. Deep ruby in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose has cherries, sandalwood, slight black cherries, spice and roasted herbs. Clean. Medium bodied. Medium tannins. Great acidity. On the palate, this is drinking well. Some depth and complexity. Flavors of cherries, slight black cherries with underlying forest floor notes. Long finish. This begs for food and would be great with your favorite pasta. Drink over the next eight to fifteen years.
