Since April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Floral wines, naturally. Enjoying aromatic wines is a sure-fire path to sensory pleasure. These five wines selected by our editors deliver vibrant floral bouquets—even if it’s raining outside.
V. Sattui 2014 Dry Gewurztraminer (Anderson Valley); $26, 92 points. The smell of roses is vivid and pure, and the flavor of nectarines is strong in this attention-grabbing, full-bodied and lavishly textured wine. Just as remarkable is the rich texture, which clings to the mouth after each sip. —Jim Gordon
Rock Wall 2012 Heringer Vineyard Teroldego (Yolo County); $25, 88 points. Floral aromas like lilac and lavender, and dry, substantial flavors like blueberry and boysenberry give this full-bodied wine lots to like. Acidity and tannins are well balanced, so it has an appetizing sense of reserve that will be great at the table. —J.G.
Gini 2014 Soave Classico; $18, 90 points. Vibrant and savory, this polished white offers scents of perfumed white flower and ripe orchard fruit. The tangy palate doles out Granny Smith apple, white peach and juicy tangerine. Crisp acidity provides balance, while a mineral note energizes the clean finish. De Grazia Imports LLC. —Kerin O’Keefe
Rizzi 2013 Nebbiolo (Langhe); $24, 92 points. This young Nebbiolo has aromas of wild strawberry, rose petal, dark baking spice and a whiff of new leather. The bright palate offers juicy red cherry, raspberry, Alpine herb and white pepper. Firm, refined tannins and vibrant acidity provide balance and structure. Vin de Garde Wines. —K.O.
Muhr-Van der Niepoort 2013 Samt & Seide Blaufränkisch (Carnuntum); $29, 92 points. There’s nothing obvious about this subtle and elegant wine. The nose holds back and the taut palate unfurls slowly to show a floral, fruity wine reminiscent of crimson peony petals as much as of dark, juicy cherries. A sensuous, intriguing wine of great elegance whose name means “Silk & Velvet.” Blue Danube Wine Co. —Anne Krebiehl
Published: March 30, 2016
