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Jane Staples

Jane Staples Certified Sommelier

Verified Member
22 days ago

Jane scored this wine: 92/100

This wine was crafted from grapes grown under ideal conditions in Alsace, which receives the most sunshine in France. The climate allows the grapes to ripen slowly, while the Vosges Mountains also protect the vines from wind and rain and provide cool nights. This leads to elegant aromas, fresh flavours and great acidity in the wines. On the nose, you find aromatic notes of white florals, ripe pear, apricot and lemon. The crisp palate celebrates these notes, along with a slight herbaceous element and vibrant acidity, making this a great food wine. The mouthfeel is satiny, contributing to the overall harmonious expression this wine gives. Highly recommended, and it offers excellent value at this price point. Pair with smoked trout, shellfish or grilled white fish and lemon. Tasted October 2024

Monemvasia

Kydonitsa Monemvasia 2021

Laconia, Peloponnese P.G.I., Greece
79 days ago

Jane scored this wine: 91/100

This delicate, dry white wine is made from Kydonitsa, a rare indigenous grape grown in Laconia, in mainland Monemvasia. Beautifully aromatic, with aromas of tropical fruits, bergamot, apple, geranium and quince. Excellent acidity and a lingering finish make this wine a total delight. Pair it with phyllo pie or fresh fish with lemon and herbs. Tasted the 2022 vintage September, 2024

79 days ago

Jane scored this wine: 89/100

Kechris Kechribari Restsina 2023 This was a pleasant surprise! In the past, winemakers added up to 8% pine resin during fermentation; however, now restrictions allow for only about 1%. The result is a well-balanced white wine with a much more delicate pine aspect. Crafted from the Roditis grape varietal, it is fragrant, with aromas of pear, green apple and melon. The palate gives notes of lime and slight pine resin. This wine pairs well with garlicy grilled vegetables or feta cheese sprinkled with olive oil and oregano. Tasted September, 2024

Ric Red 2021

South Australia, Australia
192 days ago

Jane scored this wine: 92/100

Ric Red is big, bold and saucy, a showcase for the Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro grapes that grow so well in the Barossa Valley, Australia. Ricciardo, famous Formula 1 racing driver, has collaborated with St. Hugo Wines with his signature passion and precision to produce this sexy, saucy wine. Lots going on in that glass; dark fruit and spicy aromas - think ripe dark berries, plums, licorice and white pepper, with a spicy palate that bursts with flavour and a long, spiced fruit finish. This will be a big hit this barbeque season! Tasted June, 2024

DR3

St. Hugo DR3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

South Australia, Australia
193 days ago

Jane scored this wine: 96/100

D3R was crafted in a collaboration between Formula 1 legend Daniel Ricciardo and St. Hugo’s chief winemaker, with the same passion and precision that Ricciardo channels into his racing. This is a big, bold, elegant Cab. It shows an opaque deep purple in the glass, with an aromatic nose of inviting ripe blackcurrant and vanilla notes. The luscious, velvety palate gives concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, dark cherry, mint, dark chocolate, cedar and vanilla. The tannins are still a bit chewy, but will soften with aging. There’s a long dark berry finish with a delicious final note of vanilla. Cabernet Sauvignon is the classic pairing with a rare grilled steak, but will also pair beautifully with rack of lamb. This wine can cellar until 2041. This memorable Cab was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2023 Global Fine Wine Challenge. Tasted June 8, 2024.

Jane Staples

Verified Member Wine BloggerVisit Jane's Website

Memorable Wine

Perrier-Jouet Champagne on the plane home from Paris.

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First Wine

Folonari Valpolicella

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Current Fav Wine

Faustino1 Rioja Gran Reserva 2010

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Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award