ARGENTINE MALBEC RETROSPECTIVE
2009 Lancatay Malbec Huarpe Mendoza (Argentina)
Slightly roasted aromas, spicy, some complexity; good depth, succulent, long, drink now – 6 years. Rated 90 The Wine Advocate
2007 Bodegas Norton Malbec Reserva Mendoza (Argentina)
Deep red color with hints of purple. Expressive on the nose with notes of ripe black fruits, violets, and tobacco. Long finish. 100%, 12 months in first and second use French oak barrels 10 months before release. “Very ripe and primal still, delivering a large core of velvety textured raspberry, fig and boysenberry fruit that is liberally laced with dark toast, pastis and roasted vanilla. Should settle in nicely with modest cellaring, as the structure is dense, but polished and integrated.” Rated 90 Wine Spectator. #90 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2010
CALIFORNIA PETIT SIRAH RETROSPECTIVE
2007 Girard Petite Sirah Napa Valley (California)
“This is a big, potent, Incredible Hunk of a wine. It’s gigantic in wild, exotic blackberry, blueberry, mulberry, pomegranate, licorice, pepper and dark chocolate flavors, wrapped into firm tannins. Continues a near-perfect streak of ageworthy, dry Petite Sirahs from Girard.” Rated 93 Wine Enthusiast
2005 Rosenblum Reserve Petite Sirah Rockpile Road Vineyard (California)
A mouthful of Petite, with ripe, jammy berry flavors framed by rustic tannins, cedary spice notes and pomegranate and citrus peel nuances. Focused and balanced, with a long finish. Rated 88 Wine Spectator
CHILEAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON RETROSPECTIVE
2009 De Martino Cabernet Sauvignon Legado Vineyard Maipo Valley (Chile)
Certified organic by Germany’s BCS Öko Garantie GMBH, 33 hectares of the Santa Inés vineyard are dedicated to the production of this wine. Located on an arm of the Maipo River that dried up at an elevation of 350 meters where the soil is poor and stony with excellent drainage capabilities. Deep rooting systems developed in the alluvial soil rich in sand, clay, and gravel. Planted using the trellis training method, the density is 5000 vines/hectare. Aromas of berries and black currants abound on the nose, backed by notes of tobacco and spice. Subtle hints of vanilla and mocha are present as well. It is full-bodied and harmonious with a long finish. The tannins are firm meaning it has the potential to age well, yet elegant making it approachable upon release. opiciwines.com
2009 MontGras Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley (Chile)
Shows rich, elegant currant and black cherry fruit framed by toast and mocha from the infused oak. On a second sip you start feeling a depth very uncommon in a wine of this price. Beautiful balance and a lingering finish. montgras.cl