may 2011
Hot Chilean Wines
2011-05-16 15:48:38
Travel to South America and plunge deep into the depths of tranquil Chile with these two hot but economically priced wines. The first is the 2008 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc from Casablanca Valley scoring 90 points from Robert Parker, "The more I taste the Sauvignon Blanc from Kingston the more convinced I am that Casablanca is truly a special place for the varietal. The Cariblanco is lively and bright on the palate, with just a touch of mineral. Baking spices, grapefruit, and lemon-lime flavors are prominent but not overpowering. Time spent aging on the yeast lees gives the wine body and complexity but still keeps the grace and elegant that I love."
The second is the 2008 SoldeSol Chardonnay from Malleco Valley. This 100% Chardonnay is produced in Chile's southernmost vineyard, 650 km south of Satniago in the Traiguen area. The unique climatic conditions, which preserve the natural acidity in the grapes and the vinification in the French oak barrels; give SoldeSol an usually fine balance between alcohol and acidity. Aromatic with mineral notes, the flavors are long and intense with a fresh soft finish. Certainly one to try.
3 comments
2004 Chryseia Red Blend from Douro, Portugal
2011-05-16 16:26:56
Splurge on this gorgeous red blend from Portugal scoring 93 points from Robert Parker, "The 2004 Chryseia seems brighter and more pointed than its 2003 counterpart, not quite as sweet, a little earthier. There are some similarities, such as refined tannins, lovely and persistent flavors and a suave, modern feel. The 2003 is far more attractive at the moment, and seems riper and sweeter, but the 2004 will likely overtake it. To me, it adds some of the complexity missing from the 2003, even if it is slightly less seductive. Ultimately, it may come down to your style preferences. I hope to re-taste them side-by-side over the years. Both wines drank very well the next day and opened up beautifully, proving that they are not just about tasty fruit. This held easily for both tasting purposes and longer, despite having been open for a day, a good sign. This is primarily Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, with Tinta Roriz and Tinta Cao blended in, raised in new French oak. Proportions of each varietal used are expected to vary from year-to-year. There were 3,000 cases produced. Fruit is sourced from various Quintas of note, including Perdiz and Bomfim. Drink 2008-2016."
4 comments
A Beautiful French Chardonnay? Oui s'il vous plaît!
2011-05-17 15:04:57
Poised with just the right amount of elegance and depth, you do not want to miss the 2009 Domaine Auvigue Macon-Solutre Chardonnay. White Burgundy is renowned as the home of Pinot Noir, it is also the source for the ubiquitous Chardonnay grape. In these gently rolling hills of Macon, France, Chardonnay achieves some of its most profound expressions. Appellations such as Meursault, Montrachet, and Corton Charlemagne proudly take their place among the most sought-after in all the world of wine. With a richness and complexity few wines can match, Chardonnay from Burgundy adds classic hints of flinty and chalky soil with nuances tones of nuts, cinnamon, honey and butter to the rich, sometimes unctuous but rarely heavy, ripe orchard fruits that the grapes are capable of providing. White Burgundy can improve in the bottle for decades and is arguably the most age-worthy dry white wine in the world. Try this fabulous wine for $18.99.
7 comments
Exceptional Italian Red from Barolo
2011-05-17 15:35:39
Looking for a red wine to soak up a hearty Italian pasta or a juicy steak dinner? Splurge on the elegant 2004 Fossati from Barolo for $100. Scoring 92 Points, Wine Advoate, "The 2004 Barolo Fossati is one the more accessible wines in this line-up. It reveals an attractive core of perfumed dark fruit, truffles, spices and licorice. Fossati is a vineyard that often yields linear, focused Barolos, yet in 2004 Boglietti seems to have gotten the most from his vines. This medium-bodied, elegant Barolo is an overachiever in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2019."
36 comments
2009 Burgans Albarino from Rias Baixas, Spain
2011-05-20 15:21:53
Pair this light but flavorful albarino with fish, chicken, or even a summer salad. The 2009 Albarino is light gold-colored with a lovely bouquet of white flowers, hazelnut, peach pit, and mineral. On the palate it is surprisingly complex for its bargain price with a viscosity bordering on opulence. If you enjoy the Albarino grape, this is one to buy by the case.
Albarino Burgans gets his name from the Burgans hills, the heart of the Salnes Valley in N.W. of Spain. The unique soil and the Atlantic climate allows the mythical Albarino grape to reach its fullest expression. Robert Parker awards 90 points to this albarino. Buy it now for only $16.99.
6 comments
2007 Robert Sinskey Bordeaux Blend from
2011-05-20 15:43:14
Perfect for big game food such as beef tenderloin or even a big juicy burger- wash down your meat with this bold bordeaux blend from Napa Valley. The color is a high-gloss, deep, ruby-tinged purple, nearly opaque at its core. Dense and intense aromas escape the glass, and elicit an immediate Pavlovian response with suggestions of ripe plums and blueberries. But oh, there is so much more: a blast of wild fennel, a dash of vanilla, a touch of violet! The aromas find substance with a sip, resplendent on the luxurious, high thread count texture woven by dense, ripe tannins. Impressive structure underpins the flavors, inviting culinary suitors and hinting of the possibilities of a long-term relationship, at least until the end of dinner. Shockingly delicious. Impossible to stop at one glass. Buy it today for $37.99.
3 comments
2007 Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano
2011-05-23 17:48:53
Poliziano ranks among the top producers of Vino di Montepulciano, one of Tuscany' most illustrious red wines. Vintage after vintage, this family-owned estate sets the quality standard in this historic region. This estate bottled Rosso di Montepulciano is full-bodied and soft, with bright flavors of raspberry and cherry mingled with subtle spicy notes. Try it today for $19.99.
660 comments
2010 Domaine de Saint Ser Rosé
2011-05-23 17:54:50
A delicate Rosé from Provence, France. The wine was fermented in tank after a short maceration giving a lovely bright pink color and an enticing nose of little red berries with a touch of watermelon and lemon peel. The palate is full, with good acid balance and the presence to stand up to food. Try it now for $19.99.
6 comments
2009 Avery Quinn Fruit flavored Chardonnay from California
2011-05-27 14:48:21
The 2009 edition of Avery Quinn Chardonnay from Monterey, California is the most vibrant, energetic, release of this tasty value yet. Ripe Monterey County fruit delivers a big “pop” of crisp green apple, citrus, and pineapple fruit, a creamy texture, and just a hint of buttery toast. Pictured above is a juicy chardonnay grape tree from Monterey. Come into the store to try it today for only $13.99.
3 comments
Delicious Napa Valley Zinfadel from Sky Vineyards
2011-05-27 15:35:36
Established in 1979, Sky Vineyards is a small family winery at the very top of Mt. Veeder at 2100 feet in elevation. This organic, dry-farmed vineyard contains reddish volcanic soil on sunny east-facing slopes, moderated by fog-cooled nights. Sky produces a unique, mountain grown Zinfandel that has an uncanny ability to age. Run by the colorful Lore Olds, this small shed of a winery runs on a single solar panel powering a single light bulb. The grapes are crushed by foot, pressed in an old wooden basket press and bottled by hand. It’s amazing and unique style of California wine.
The 2007 is a more forward and juicy wine than the past releases. This is due to the fact that Sky’s young vines, that were planted in 2000, are finally making up most of the blend. The wine still showcases the Sky spiciness and flavor profile, just in a more forward style. There are still some of the old vines and they provide the structure and backbone that will make this wine a good one for aging. Try it today for $34.99.
4 comments
