This February is one of the months where choosing one single Top Pick becomes akin to “Sophie’s Choice.” How can I pass up Bodegas Amezola de la Mora’s exceptional, full-bodied 2010 Rioja or Château de Fontenille’s bright, delightfully quaffable 2013 Entre-Deux- Mers Blanc? And, then there is Gilles Noblet’s 2013 Macon- Fuissé, a personal favorite that never fails to deliver plenty of palate-pleasing Chardonnay flavors, complete with purity of fruit and complex mineral tones without a preponderance of oak. It is hard to slight a new friend, let alone an old friend, but no malice is intended. Despite the merits of each of these wines, I have to throw my weight to the 2012 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon as this month’s Top Pick. Rustenberg has turned in a truly first-rate performance and a real crowd pleaser in their 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. What is even more impressive is that this is the first release in the United States of Rustenberg’s Stellenbosch Cabernet. What were they waiting for? Moreover, California is hard pressed to come up with a Cabernet Sauvignon this good for under $25.00 or $30.00 a bottle. Enjoy!
Salud!
Don
