WTN: Allan Scott, Muga and Lapostolle

[Jenise]

Opened last night for a casual chat with friends:

2020 Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
Somewhat typical NZ Sauv Blanc from a very good vintage for same. Ample minerality and acidity with the usual suspects from the fruit bowl; however a touch sweeter than would be my preference.

2018 Lapostolle Apalta Colchagua Valley Red Blend
As good a balanced, sophisticated cabernet-based red wine for $13 as can possibly exist. Blackberry, black currant, chocolate, a little crunchy on the midpalate, elegant finish. 75% cabernet, 15% syrah and 10% carmenere. Drinks great now, but 2-3 years will bring more joy. If I needed a house red for summer, this would be it.

2014 Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva Tempranillo Blend, Tempranillo
In a great place right now, a good PnP. Seductively aromatic dark berry fruit, with spice and black coffee notes. Not mature per se but definitely showing the benefits of bottle age.

[David M. Bueker]

A Cabernet-Syrah blend sounds more than interesting.

[Jenise]

That blend is fashionable in Washington State, and I love it. This one's lighter--without being light--than the Washington versions, and the addition of Carmenere adds style. I've discovered it usually sells for $18-23, which is a very fair price. There are no domestic wines in that price range that are anything close to this good. For $13, it's ridiculous value.

[David M. Bueker]

I will have to see if I can find a bottle round these parts.

CVNE and Muga are my two favorite Rioja producers, among those I have access to.

-Paul W.