Other Red
We currently use the designation "Other Red" for wines from up-and-coming red grape varietals. You will find Other Red wine ratings for grapes such as Blaufränkisch, Tannat, Carmenère and Bonarda. As we accumulate more wine reviews for these grapes, they may gain their own categories.
Gypsy Canyon NV Ancient Vine Angelica Mission (Sta. Rita Hills)
- Online Exclusive
- $120
Tastes like a fortified Madeira, for good reason. Fermentation was halted with 190.5 proof grape spirits, when sugar level was 9%. With 18% alcohol, it’s quite sweet, with apricot honey, crème brûlée and reduced tangerine juice flavors, in a thick, dense texture.
— S.H.
(9/1/2006)
Dehours 2002 Collection Les Genevraux Pinot Meunier
- $42
Named after a parcel of vines, this superripe wine is made exclusively of Pinot Meunier—it’s rare to taste a wine entirely from this grape. Besides being full-bodied, it is also very minerally in character, it has a steely quality which suggests the ability to age well. Applause to Dehours for indicating the disgorgement date on the back label.
— R.V.
(11/1/2006)
Château d’Aydie 2004 Tannat (Madiran)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $26
Very young, very closed up, but it’s possible to tell that this will be an immense wine, even from the 2004 vintage. The acids, the dense structure, the hints of wood and the power of this wine are already in place. Soon, the fruit will come bursting in.
— R.V.
(11/15/2008)
Hans Igler 2007 Biiri Reserve Blaufränkisch (Mittelburgenland)
- Cellar Selection
- $34
Biiri is the old name for vineyards in Deutschkreuz, the home of the Igler winery. This is a smooth, mint-perfumed wine, shot through with wood, but also bringing some solid red fruits to the fore. It is weighty, but not overpowering. For the wood to fully integrate, give it another year.
— R.V.
(3/1/2010)
Château Peyros 2003 Cuvée Greenwich Tannat (Madiran)
- Online Exclusive
- $30
The name refers to the fact that Madiran is on the Greenwich Meridian of zero degrees longitude. The wine, from a single parcel, is bold and black in character and color. It is firmly tannic, with plenty of balancing acidity, but the tannins are sweet, now softening into the superripe fruits and chocolate flavors. It will fully mature in the next 2–3 years.
— R.V.
(9/1/2010)
Judith Beck 2007 Altenberg Blaufränkisch (Burgenland)
- Online Exclusive
- $60
Firm and structured, packed with ripe berry fruits, a touch of pepper and firm, solid tannins. The delicious fruit is sustained by acidity, and a dry, elegant structure.
— R.V.
(12/1/2010)
Château Peyros 2007 Vieilles Vignes Tannat (Madiran)
- Online Exclusive
- $18
A powerful wine, very concentrated, the tannins a part of the richer fruit and dark brooding character of the wine. There is good juiciness as well, black fruits and acidity cutting through the dominant young tannins.
— R.V.
(3/1/2012)
Château d’Aydie 2009 Madiran Laplace Tannat (Madiran)
- Best Buy
- Online Exclusive
- $15
With the richness of the vintage, the natural tannins of Tannat are tamed by the welter of intense black fruits, sweet berries and Arabica coffee. The structure is exhibited in the dusty tannins under all the fruit.
— R.V.
(3/1/2012)
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2010 Gauthier Rockin H Ranch Vineyards
Lots to like in this dry, smoothly tannic Pinot. It has complex berry…
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