Important Update From the Founder
Read message >
Wine Spectator Grand Tour
Las Vegas, NV
Tasted May 4, 2024 by La Cave d'Argent with 30 views
Introduction
In addition to the New York Wine Experience, Wine Spectator organizes tasting events in other cities each year. Las Vegas was among the three cities chosen for 2024, with the event being held at Resorts World on the iconic Vegas Strip. Resorts World is located at the north end of the Strip, while we live at center Strip. As such, we elected to book a room, making it easy to hit the hay after a long evening of wine tasting. We greatly enjoyed our "staycation."
Organized similar to the Grand Tasting events in New York, there are two options from which the attendees can choose when booking their reservation for the tasting: VIP or General Admission. The former allows access an hour early, which we elected to do. While this gave us a head start, those who entered an hour later were still easily able to access and taste as many wines as a humanly possible.
In addition to the wines, all rated by Wine Spectator editors as 90 points or higher, the event offered an array of food selections in buffet style, located in an adjacent room.
Each winery poured one wine. Of the 235 wines being poured, I was able to critically taste approximately 40, with my notes being outlined below. These are not listed in the order tasted, but instead are listed by country and region, in alphabetical order.
Flight 1 - Australia, South Australia (2 notes)
Red
2021 Torbreck Grenache Hillside Vineyard Barossa Valley
93 points
Comprised of 100% Grenache that was source entirely from the 72-year-old Hillside Vineyard, this was aged for 18 months in 2400-liter, once-used oak foudres. Deep ruby in color, it offers aromas and flavors of red currants, raspberries, lavender, cocoa, clove and loamy earth. Medium-to-full-bodied and with only a hint of wood, it buttresses its flavors with lively acids and plentiful fine-grained tannins. The wine's 15% alcohol lurks quietly, not adding significant heat when served at the proper temperature. Solid in the middle and long on the finish, this is a terrific Barossa Grenache that should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 10 years. Drink now-2034.
Red
2021 Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707
94 points
Comprised entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 16 months in 100% new American oak, the 2021 iteration of Penfolds Bin 707 is a young bruiser that is packed with black currants, morello cherries, baking spices, espresso, eucalyptus and bittersweet chocolate in a full-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%), heavily oaked frame. With a backbone of plentiful grippy tannins that build on the mid-palate and lengthy finish, this is one for the cellar. There is no denying the potential of this bottling, but time will be required in order for the oak and tannins to assimilate. If this fleshes out as anticipated, a higher score will ultimately be merited. Drink 2027-2051.
Flight 2 - Canada, British Columbia (1 note)
White
2018 Checkmate Artisanal Winery Chardonnay Fool's Mate
87 points
Sourced from four different vineyards within the Okanagan Valley, Checkmate's 2018 Fool's Mate Chardonnay was 75% fermented and aged in French oak barriques (50% new), with the remainder being fermented and aged in foudre and concrete. All vessels were allowed to undergo malolactic conversion. What has resulted is a medium-bodied, light golden, round wine that delivers aromas and flavors of orange zest, yellow peaches, baked apple pie, honey and spicy oak. The alcohol (14.3%) is nicely assimilated and the middle palate is solid. Medium in length on the back end, this is a soft-textured Chardonnay that will be enjoyed by fans of the style. For me, a little more acid and a little less oak would have resulted in a better product. Drink now-2026.
Flight 3 - Chile, Aconcagua Valley (1 note)
Red
2021 Seña
92 points
This deep-to-opaque ruby wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Malbec, 17% Carménère and 6% Petit Verdot, aged in a combination of French oak barriques (90%) and foudres (10%). Of the wine aged in barriques, 70% of the barrels were new. Aromatically expressive of red currant, raspberry and Mandarin orange fruit, it adds accents of savory herbs, coriander seed and graphite. Full-bodied, fresh and without any heat from its 13.5% alcohol, it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas and stays solid on the mid-palate. There is a fair amount of oak, but contextually it is fine, as are the plentiful sweet tannins. Long and energetic at the conclusion, this is an impressive Chilean Bordeaux-styled blend that should show well and evolve over the next decade. Drink now-2034.
1 person found this helpful
Comment
Flight 4 - Chile, Maipo Valley (2 notes)
Red
2021 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor
94 points
Viña Don Melchor's 2021 vintage is a deep-to-opaque ruby blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot, aged for 15 months in French oak barriques (68% new). Deep-to-opaque ruby in color, it is aromatically effusive of black currants, kirsch, licorice, exotic spices, violets, mint and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, fresh and with seamless alcohol (14.8%), it delivers flavors congruent with the nose, injecting a thread of iron. At this early stage, the plentiful oak and equally plentiful tannins have not fully integrated, dominating the mid-palate and lengthy finish. This terrific wine is a baby that will require some patience. If it fleshes out as anticipated, a higher score will be merited. Drink 2028-2051.
Red
2021 Viña Almaviva S.A. Almaviva
93 points
This deep ruby wine is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Carménère, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, aged for 20 months in French oak barriques (71% new). Flashing lots of ripe black fruit, pickling spice, milk chocolate, tobacco, licorice and vanilla, it is a full-bodied red with well-integrated alcohol (15%) and low-to-medium acidity. The oak is dominant at this early stage and the plentiful tannins are a bit angular. Dense in the middle, it moves on to a lengthy, albeit grippy finish. Give this some cellar time. Drink 2026-2041.
Flight 5 - France, Burgundy (1 note)
White
2020 Domaine de la Vougeraie Vougeot 1er Cru Clos Blanc de Vougeot
94 points
The Clos Blanc Vineyard, surviving the French revolution as an undivided property (monopole), sits adjacent to the Château du Clos de Vougeot. The 2020 version of this wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels (23% new). Intensely aromatic and flavorful, it delivers a package of blood oranges, pit fruits, lemon verbena, wet stones and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, crisply acidic, seamlessly alcoholic (13%) and with perfectly proportioned oak, it has excellent mid-palate density and concludes with a lengthy, energetic finish. This white Burgundy has a beautiful fruit/floral/mineral balance. Well-cellared bottles should easily see their fifteenth birthday. Drink now-2035.
Flight 6 - France, Champagne (1 note)
White - Sparkling
2013 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Cuvée Rare
96 points
This straw-colored sparkler sports a brisk tiny bead. Intense and complex on the nose, it flaunts aromas of blood oranges, honeycrisp apples, stone fruits, quince, brioche, marzipan and jasmine. Medium-bodied, vibrantly acidic and with a creamy-textured mousse, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, showing good persistence throughout the layered mid-palate and lingering, energetic finish. Classic in quality, this tête de cuvée has plenty of stuffing to ensure many more years of enjoyment. Drink now-2038.
1 person found this helpful
Comment
Flight 7 - France, Northern Rhône (3 notes)
Red
2020 Delas Frères Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes
92 points
The 2020 iteration of Delas' Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes offers rich aromas and flavors of morello cherries, raspberries, baking spices, licorice, violets, black olives and a hint of bacon. Full-bodied, fresh and with well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it buttresses its flavors with a judicious amount of oak and plentiful plush tannins. Solid on the mid-palate and long on the finish, this is already drinkable and has the stuffing to ensure a lengthy lifespan. Drink now-2035.
1 person found this helpful
Comment
Red
2019 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Château d'Ampuis
95 points
Comprised of 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier, fermented in stainless steel and subsequently aged for 38 months in new French oak barrels, Guigal's 2019 Château d'Ampuis Côte-Rôtie is impressive from the get-go. Flaunting an intense aromatic array of dark plums, Montmorency cherries, clementines, baking spices, smoke, graphite and savory herbs, it delivers comparable flavors on the full-bodied palate. Beautifully fresh, sapid and seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%), it still hasn't fully integrated its plentiful fine-grained tannins and toasted oak, which are pervasive on the layered mid-palate and lingering finish. This is a fabulous wine that may merit an even higher score with a bit more cellaring. Drink 2026-2039.
Red
2020 Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas Les Ruchets
94 points
Colombo's 2020 Cornas Les Ruchets is a deep ruby Syrah that flaunts scents of wild berries, dark plums, rosemary, black olives, white pepper and a hint of smoke. Medium-to-full-bodied, freshly acidic and without alcoholic heat (14.5%), it delivers flavors in line with the aromas, adding a thread of iron on the mid-palate. Even at this early stage, the wine's oak and plush tannins make for a silky-textured drinking experience, ultimately concluding with a lengthy smooth finish. Beautifully crafted, this will provide plenty of pleasure over the upcoming years. Drink now-2035.
Flight 8 - France, Southern Rhône (4 notes)
Red
2021 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
95 points
The 2021 iteration of Beaucastel's Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a deep ruby blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 10% Counoise and 5% Cinsault, with the remaining 10% comprised of permitted red and white varietals (Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc and Roussanne). Intensely aromatic, it flaunts scents of dark bramble fruits, Bing cherries, Provençal herbs, tobacco, white pepper, bittersweet chocolate and shaved truffles. Medium-to-full-bodied, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%), lightly oaked and with excellent freshness, it delivers a flavor payload that is congruent with the aromas, wrapped with plentiful silky-textured tannins. Dense on the mid-palate and lengthy on the back end, this is a beautiful version of Beaucastel that should age gracefully over the next many years. Drink now-2041.
Red
2020 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape
93 points
A deep ruby blend of 38% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 1% Cinsault and 1% other permitted varietals, Château La Nerthe's 2020 Châteauneuf serves up an aromatic core of black and red bramble fruits that are accented with notes of garrigue, allspice, white pepper and smoke. Full-bodied, freshly acidic, lightly oaked and with medium-weight, silky tannins, it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas, adding a nice thread of graphite on the dense mid-palate. Despite weighing in at 15%, the wine's alcohol is well-integrated when served at the appropriate temperature. Finishing long and smooth, this is very enjoyable by virtue of its soft textures. Enjoy it over the next 10 years or so. Drink now-2034.
Red
2019 Château de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin
94 points
This deep ruby wine is a blend of 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. Intensely aromatic, it flaunts scents of black and red bramble fruits, blood oranges, Provençal herbs, licorice, exotic spices and tobacco. Full-bodied and with lively acids, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, with a proportionate amount of oak, well-integrated alcohol (despite weighing in at 15.5%) and an abundance of sweet tannins. Layered on the mid-palate and lengthy on the finish, this is built for the long haul. Delicious now, it should be fun to enjoy this wine's evolution over the next 15 years, during which time it may merit an even higher score. Drink now-2039.
Red
2021 Château Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape
89 points
Mont-Redon's 2021 Châteauneuf is a deep ruby blend of 60% Grenache, 32% Syrah and 6% Mourvèdre, with the remaining 2% comprised of other permitted varietals. Offering aromas and flavors of dark bramble fruits, garrigue, tobacco, allspice and black pepper, it is a medium-to-full-bodied, fresh red with well-integrated alcohol (15%) and wood. At this early stage, the wine's rustic tannins are front-and-center, dominating the mid-palate and lengthy finish. Give this 2-3 years in the cellar if possible, at which time it may merit a higher score. Drink 2026-2036.
Flight 9 - Italy, Piedmont (2 notes)
Red
2019 Vietti Barolo Ravera
96 points
Sourced from the hillside Ravera Vineyard in the village of Novello, this medium garnet Barolo is impressive from the get-go. On the nose, it offers an aromatic array of red bramble fruits, blood oranges, dried apricots, licorice, violets, allspice and savory herbs. Medium-to-full-bodied, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%) and with lively acids, it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas, adding a prominent graphite thread on the mid-palate. Aged for 32 months in used oak foudres, this wine has a modicum of wood that complements but does not overwhelm the flavors. The powdery tannins are plentiful at this point, flexing a bit of grip on the lengthy finish. This classic-quality Barolo can be enjoyed now, but those having the patience will benefit by leaving it in the cellar for a few more years. Drink 2029-2049.
Red
2018 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia
93 points
Conterno's 2018 Barolo Bussia is a medium garnet wine that flaunts scents of red currants, dark plums, orange zest, apricots, rose petals, baking spices and tobacco. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, lightly oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it delivers comparable flavors. For the most part, the powdery tannins lurk quietly, not really flexing their grip until the late mid-palate and long finish. Although enjoyable now, a bit more time in the cellar will be beneficial. Drink 2027-2043.
Flight 10 - Italy, Tuscany (7 notes)
Red
2018 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso
94 points
This Brunello is produced only in the best vintages, being sourced entirely from the 29-acre Pianrosso vineyard. Fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and concrete vats, it was then aged for 36 months in used Slavonian oak foudres of varying sizes. Medium-to-deep garnet in color, it flaunts an intense bouquet of red currants, dark plums, blood oranges, pickling spice, cocoa, violets and loamy earth. Medium-bodied, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%) and with lively acids, it delivers flavors in line with the aromas, wrapping them with plentiful plush tannins and a modicum of wood. Layered on the mid-palate and lengthy on the back end, this is an absolute delight to drink. It should reach its twentieth birthday with grace. Drink now-2038.
3 people found this helpful
Comment
Red
2004 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino
94 points
Deep garnet in color, Valdicava's 2004 Brunello flaunts a complex bouquet, with a core of red fruit that is flanked with notes of clementines, cigar wrapper, cocoa, menthol, aged leather and loamy earth. Medium-bodied, fresh and without noticeable alcohol (13.5%), it follows with similar flavors and stays solid on the mid-palate. Now at 20 years of age, the wood has fully integrated and the tannins have resolved. Long and silky-textured on the finish, this fully mature wine is a joy to drink. While there will likely be no further improvement with aging, there is enough residual fruit to ensure that well-cellared bottles will remain enjoyable for another five years or so. Drink now-2029.
Red
2020 Brancaia Il Blu Toscana IGT
93 points
Brancaia's 2020 Il Blu is a deep ruby blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with each varietal (and vineyard source) aged separately for 18 months in French oak barriques (two-thirds new). The final blend was then aged for three months in uncoated concrete tanks before prior to bottling. Richly aromatic and flavorful, it serves up an array of red and black fruits that are accented with exotic spices, savory herbs, tobacco, vanilla and bittersweet chocolate. Medium-to-full-bodied, proportionately oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 14.5%), it supports its flavors with a backbone of lively acids and plentiful plush tannins. Impressively dense on the mid-palate, it concludes with a smooth, lingering finish. This is already quite drinkable but the structure is in place to ensure significant longevity. Drink now-2040.
Red
2018 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino
92 points
Altesino's 2018 Brunello is a deep red/garnet wine with an aromatic profile of red currants, Montmorency cherries, blood oranges, violets, tobacco and savory herbs. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, judiciously oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 14.5%), it delivers flavors congruent with the aromas, adding a component of iron on the dense mid-palate. Even at this early stage, the medium-weight tannins are soft-textured, lending a smooth character to the lengthy finish. This is an elegant wine that should age gracefully. Drink now-2033.
1 person found this helpful
Comment
Red
2021 Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto Toscana IGT
93 points
Tenuta San Guido's 2021 Guidalberto is a 60/40 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that was aged for 15 months in a combination of French (95%) and American (5%) oak barriques, with 40% of all barrels being new. Deep ruby in color, it serves up an aroma and flavor profile of black currants, Montmorency cherries, baking spices, Kalamata olives, tobacco and loam. Medium-to-full-bodied, freshly acidic and without any heat from its 13.5% alcohol, it incorporates its wood and medium-weight tannins quite well even at this early stage. Dense in the middle and concluding with a lengthy, racy finish, this is a delightful Bordeaux blend with an Italian flair. Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years. Drink now-2036.
Red
2020 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Fontalloro
93 points
The 2020 iteration of Fèlsina's Fontalloro (a selection of Sangiovese grapes from vineyards straddling the Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi appellations) is a deep garnet, intensely aromatic wine. Flaunting scents of red currants, dark plums, Mandarin oranges, tobacco and allspice, it delivers comparable flavors on the medium-bodied palate. Freshly acidic, seamlessly alcoholic (13.9%) and with well-integrated oak, it wraps its flavors with plentiful tannins that still carry a fair amount of grip. Solid in the middle, it moves on to a lengthy, albeit somewhat edgy finish. Gives this a bit more cellar time to allow for assimilation of the tannins. It may ultimately merit an even higher score. Drink 2026-2040.
Red
2017 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino
93 points
Argiano's 2017 Brunello is a medium garnet wine that flaunts an intense aromatic array of red currants, apricots, clementines, five-spice powder, cocoa, savory herbs and dry earth. Medium-bodied and with lively acids, it delivers comparable flavors and has good mid-palate density. The alcohol (14.5%), oak and sweet tannins are all working in harmony at this point. Concluding with a lengthy, energetic finish, this is ready for prime time. Enjoy it throughout the remainder of this decade. Drink 2024-2030.
Flight 11 - Portugal, Douro (4 notes)
Red
2020 Quinta do Vallado Douro Reserva Field Blend
92 points
This deep-to-opaque ruby wine is a true field blend of multiple varietals, sourced from old vines that are dominated by Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela and Tinta Barroca. Offering an aromatic profile of black cherries, cranberries, pickling spice, lavender, smoke and black pepper, it follows with similar flavors on a medium-to-full-bodied palate. With fresh acidity, well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), polished tannins and a hint of oak, it stays dense on the mid-palate and finishes with impressive length. Drink now-2035.
Red - Fortified
2017 Croft Porto Vintage
92 points
Croft's 2017 Vintage Port is an opaque crimson wine with intense aromatics. Ripe black currant, black cherry, raspberry and fig fruit jumps from the glass, accented with notes of dark chocolate, holiday spice cake, licorice and eucalyptus. Full-bodied and with just enough acid to balance the sweetness, it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas. Layered in the middle and long on the finish, this is a good showing for Croft. It can be enjoyed now, but it would be best to cellar it for a few more years. Drink 2027-2057.
Red - Fortified
2003 Fonseca Porto Vintage
95 points
This deep-to-opaque garnet Port is at a beautiful place in its evolution. Absolutely loaded aromatically and on the palate, it serves up a complex array of dark plums, blackberries, morello cherries, raisin bread toast, spice cake, dark chocolate, espresso and cigar wrapper. Full-bodied and with good freshness, it stays nicely balanced from attack through lengthy finish. Enjoy this delicious wine over the next several decades (if your own longevity permits). Drink now-2063.
5 people found this helpful
Comment
Red - Fortified
2012 Graham Porto Vintage Quinta dos Malvedos
93 points
Flaunting an inky, opaque crimson robe, this single-quinta Port offers intense aromas and flavors of black cherries, dark bramble fruits, candied oranges, licorice, tar and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and with good freshness to balance the sugar, it has excellent depth in the middle and finishes quite long. A joy to drink at this point, it should continue to provide pleasure for several more decades. Drink now-2052.
Flight 12 - Spain, Andalucia (1 note)
White
2016 Alvear 3 Miradas Paraje de Riofrio Alto
89 points
Similar to a fino sherry but unfortified, this 100% Pedro Ximénez wine spent three months in amphorae followed by two additional years in old casks under a thin layer of flor. The result is a medium golden product that delivers aromas and flavors of quince, orange zest, dried apricots, allspice and walnuts. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic and with well-integrated alcohol (13.5%), it has characteristic notes of slight oxidation that are pervasive on the mid-palate and medium-to-long finish. Well-crafted, this will be enjoyable to those who appreciate the style. Drink now-2027.
Flight 13 - Spain, Castilla y León (2 notes)
Red
2019 Bodegas Cepa 21 Ribera del Duero Malabrigo
89 points
This deep-to-opaque ruby wine, 100% Tempranillo, offers a core of red and black fruit that is accented with notes of tobacco, bittersweet chocolate, espresso, black olives and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, fresh and with well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it wraps its flavors with a generous aliquot of oak and an equally plentiful load of rustic tannins, both of which are dominating the mid-palate and lengthy finish at this stage. Additional cellaring should help to buff out the rough edges and allow this wine to achieve a higher score. Drink 2027-2034.
Red
2018 Bodega Numanthia Toro Numanthia
93 points
This deep ruby wine, 100% Tempranillo, was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (60% new). Offering aromas of black cherries, raspberries, lavender, tobacco, cocoa and pickling spice, it is a full-bodied red with lively acids, well integrated alcohol (15%), plentiful sweet tannins and a proportionate amount of creamy oak. The flavors mirror the nose, persisting nicely on the mid-palate and lengthy finish. This is showing beautifully and should reach its fifteenth birthday with grace. Drink now-2033.
Flight 14 - Spain, Catalunya (1 note)
Red
2020 Merum Priorati Priorat Destí
92 points
This deep ruby blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Carignan and 10% Syrah offers attractive aromas and flavors of dark bramble fruits, orange zest, apricots, allspice, tobacco and savory herbs. Medium-bodied, judiciously oaked and with lively acids, it wraps its flavors with medium-weight, silky-textured tannins. Despite being listed as 15.5%, the wine's alcohol is quite well-integrated. Dense on the mid-palate and long on the back end, this is a terrific wine that should show well over the next 10+ years. Drink now-2034.
1 person found this helpful
Comment
Flight 15 - USA, California (3 notes)
Red
2021 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard
90 points
Aged for nine months in French oak barrels (83% new), this Pinot offers ripe aromas and flavors of morello cherries, raspberries, orange zest, black tea, cocoa and cola. Medium-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.0%) and with plush tannins, it still appears to be in the process of incorporating its lofty aliquot of oak, which dominates the mid-palate and lengthy finish. Additional cellaring should allow the wood to assimilate, at which time a higher score will likely be merited. Drink 2026-2032.
Red
2021 Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon Holy Smoke Vineyard
93 points
Comprised of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in a combination of French and American oak, this deep-to-opaque ruby wine serves up a lush package of black, blue and red fruits that are accented with bittersweet chocolate, licorice, baking spices, lavender and toasted oak. Full-bodied, low in acidity, seamlessly alcoholic and with abundant plush tannins, it stays dense in the middle and concludes with a smooth, lingering finish. This luscious Cab will have many fans by virtue of its ripe fruit and soft textures. Already drinkable, it should provide pleasure for many years to come. Drink now-2041.
Red
2021 Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District
91 points
Chimney Rock's 2021 Stags Leap District Cab is a deep ruby blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 0.5% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Malbec. Deep ruby in color, it offers aromas and flavors of Bing cherries, crème de cassis, baking spices, tobacco, violets, dark chocolate and toasted oak. Full-bodied, fresh and with well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it wraps its flavors with plush tannins. Dense in the middle and long on the back end, this is a well-crafted red that will have broad appeal. Drink now-2036.
Flight 16 - USA, Oregon (4 notes)
White
2021 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay Maple Grove
93 points
This limpid, straw-colored wine was matured for 14 months in French oak barrels (27% new). Aromatically effusive of mandarin oranges, white peaches, honeydew, jasmine, wet stones, ginger and hazelnuts, it goes on to deliver comparable flavors on a medium-bodied palate. Despite being 100% malolactic converted, it shows beautiful freshness. The oak is virtually seamless and the alcohol (13.07%) is likewise well-assimilated. Layered in the middle, it proceeds to a lengthy, saline-infused finish. This Chardonnay is easy to love for its freshness, complexity and overall balance. Enjoy it throughout the remainder of this decade. Drink now-2030.
Red
2019 Penner-Ash Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard
94 points
Penner-Ash's 2019 Shea Vineyard Pinot was aged for 10 months in French oak (39% new). Medium ruby in color, it flaunts an aromatic profile of Bing cherries, raspberries, clove, allspice, cocoa and black tea. Medium-bodied and with lively acids, it delivers flavors congruent with the aromas, buttressed with medium-weight, silky-textured tannins and a proportionate aliquot of oak. Layered on the mid-palate and long on the back end, this is a beautifully balanced Pinot that should provide lots of pleasure throughout the remainder of this decade. Drink now-2030.
Red
2022 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Dundee Hills
93 points
Archery Summit has created another winner with this gorgeous Pinot. Aged for nine months in French oak (15% new), it is a medium ruby/red wine that serves up an aromatic array of Montmorency cherries, plums, cinnamon, clove, cocoa and red licorice. Medium-bodied and with lively acids, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose. The oak and tannins are seamless, resulting in soft textures that are pervasive on the layered mid-palate and lingering finish. Drink now-2030.
Red
2021 Bergström Pinot Noir Bergström Vineyard
94 points
Beautiful in its restraint and elegance, Bergström's 2021 Pinot Noir, sourced from its original estate (Bergström) vineyard, is a medium garnet, intensely aromatic offering. Jumping from the glass is blood orange, a floral citrus that sets the stage for honeycrisp apples, raspberries, clove, cocoa and black tea. Medium in body, it is a freshly acidic Pinot with unnoticeable alcohol (12.7%) and light sweet tannins. Stainless steel-fermented and aged for 11 months in French oak (15% new) barriques, Bergstrom has captured just the right amount of wood to complement but not overwhelm the delicate flavors, which never lose their focus throughout the dense mid-palate and long finish. Those who favor the ripe, New World style of many Pinot offerings from California may not fully appreciate this Burgundian-styled effort from Oregon, but there are plenty of others who will! Drink now-2031.
Flight 17 - USA, Washington (2 notes)
Red
2020 DeLille Cellars D2
93 points
DeLille's 2020 D2 is a blend of 61% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, sourced from more than a dozen esteemed Columbia Valley vineyards. Aged for 20 months in French oak (68% new), it is a deep-to-opaque ruby wine flaunting an aromatic array of black currant and Bing cherry fruit, accented with baking spices, bittersweet chocolate, Kalamata olives, violets and tobacco. Full-bodied, seamlessly alcoholic (14.4%) and with lively acids, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, adding components of graphite and savory herbs. The oak has already integrated nicely and the tannins are plush. Dense in the middle and long on the back end, this is a delicious Bordeaux-styled blend that should show well for another decade or more. Drink now-2034.
Red
2020 Klipsun (Terlato) Cabernet Sauvignon Klipsun Vineyard
93 points
This deep ruby wine is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot, aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak barriques. Opaque ruby in color, it is a full-bodied, broad-shouldered wine that is packed with black currants, dark bramble fruits, lavender, Asian spices, bittersweet chocolate and tobacco. Freshly acidic and without any heat from its 13.9% alcohol, it is still youthful with respect to its far-from-integrated oak and tannins, which dominate the mid-palate and lengthy finish. All this needs is time...the building blocks are lined up. If it fleshes out as anticipated, a higher score will be merited. Drink 2027-2040.
Closing
Wine Spectator knows how to host large-group tastings. While the breadth of wines offered at the Grand Tour events is not as impressive as the Grand Tastings at the New York Wine Experience, this tasting was well-organized and offered a formidable assortment of wines from all over the globe. We had a fantastic time and will undoubtedly attend next year if Las Vegas is one of the Grand Tour cities.