New Finds from the Boston Wine Expo
After a Covid-inflicted hiatus, the Boston Wine Expo was back in March 2023, with new ownership, a smaller venue, and a more professional ambiance. Shifting from the cavernous World Trade Center to the more intimate Park Plaza Hotel Ballroom was a smart move. Less cattle-call, more sip and savor!
With 100+ wineries to choose from, we decided to step out of our comfort zone and sample wines from unfamiliar producers in the US and lesser-known regions in Europe. Most of the 12 wines we recommend here are under $40; two top $100, each one a gem for a special occasion or any-day splurge.
| ROSE | PRICE |
| Rosé of Syrah 2021 Mengler Family Wines, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, CA Sophisticated wine, not a summer sipper. Plummy flavors and long finish. Excellent food wine. | $16 at YankeeSpirits BEST BUY |
| Wolffer Summer in a Bottle Long Island Wolffer Estate, Sagaponack, Long Island, NY Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Vermentino Cringe at the name, buy the wine…it’s well-balanced with good acidity and widely available. | $27 at the Winery |
| WHITE | |
| Merga Victa Pošip 2021 Black Island Winery, Dalmatian Coast, Croatia Grape: Pošip Crisp, lots of minerality. Easy-drinking with satisfying long finish. | $26 at Vivino |
| ‘Vetas Blancas’ Reserva Especial Sauvignon Blanc Tabali, Limari Valley, Chile Planted on limestone slopes and aged in steel tanks; crisp, full-bodied wine with high minerality and a touch of salinity. | $17 at Wine Searcher |
| RED | |
| CALIFORNIA | |
| Abstract Red Blend 2021 Orin Swift Cellars, St. Helena, Napa, CA Grenache, with small % of Syrah and Petit Sirah Fruit forward with concentrated black fruit backed by a long delicious finish | $38 at Total Wine |
| Forman Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Forman Vineyard, St. Helena, Napa, CA Finesse! Smooth, silky and delicious. One of our benchmark Napa Cabs | $119 at Wine.com |
| Risk Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Cabana Winery, Oakville, Napa, CA Great Cab with hints of vanilla/toasted oak. Delicious and special | $150 from the winery |
| Napa Valley Quilt Red Blend 2021 Quilt Wines, Rutherford, Napa, CA; Grapes: Petit Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel + Petit Verdot Terrific balance of black fruits; spicy and delicious. Think of it as a lower-priced Lion Tamer. | $35 at Total Wine BEST BUY |
| NEW YORK | |
| Wolffer Caya Cabernet Franc 2019 Wolffer Estate, Sagaponack, Long Island, NY Beautiful balance of black fruit and white pepper up front | $22 at Total Wine |
| EUROPE | |
| Finca Rodma Seleccion Tinto 2019 Finca Rodma, Ribera del Duero, Spain; Grape: Tempranillo Outstanding fruit-forward wine with concentrated black cherry; delicious! | $42 at Vivino |
| Plavac Mali Barrique 2016 Winery Terra Madre, Dalmatian Coast, Croatia; Grape: Plavac Mali Delicious! Full of fruit with a smooth, full finish | $25 at Vivino |
| Zulal Areni Classic Red Wine Zulal Wines, Yerevan, Armenia: Grape: Areni Deep currant layered onto hints of balsamic reduction. Now on our buy list | $22 at Wine Chateau BEST BUY |
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