March 11, 2017

Intellectual Hedonism

1. 2008 Chateau S de Suduiraut Bordeaux Blanc France - blend of Sauvignon Blanc 70% and Semillon 30% grapes
"Pale straw-green color. Lovely nose projects an intense sauvignon quality, with bright white peach and green fig aromas complicated by unripe pear and yellow melon. A bit less thrilling on the palate, where the wine offers appealing, zesty citrus and peach flavors but could use more density. The sauvignon gris is very evident this year, adding a welcome muskiness to the blend. Probably no other Sauternes estate other than Yquem has the same bewildering diversity and fragmentation of parcels and soils, a fact that originally led the estate to try its hand at making a great dry white as well." Ian D'Agata

2. 2015 Bodega Chacra Barda Pinot Noir Patagonia Argentina - 100% Pinot Noir grapes
It had a beautiful nose mixing red and black fruit aromas with a spicy twist and something earthy, very subtle, starting to show some complexity even at this early age.It is supple and tasty, with a savory finish. Rated 92 The Wine Advocate

3. 2005 Greenock Creek "Alices" Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia - 100% Shiraz/Syrah grapes
The 2005 Alice's Shiraz spent 28 months in seasoned American oak hogsheads. Aromas of smoke, asphalt, meat, game, truffle, and blueberry soar from the glass. On the palate this full-bodied Shiraz is velvety-textured, layered, spicy, and richly fruity. While not quite as riveting as the 2004 edition, it has enough structure to evolve for several years and should drink well through 2025. Greenock Creek Vineyard & Cellars, owned by Michael and Annabelle Waugh, remains one of South Australia's iconic wineries. Start with a great terroir, add in old vine material and meticulous winemaking, and end with extraordinary results. Rated 96 The Wine Advocate

4. 1996 De Martino Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva de Familia Maipo Valley Chile
From our 35 year old estate vineyard, this elegant wine was aged in French oak barrels for 18 months and rested in our private family cellar until it release. The perfect collaboration of Aurelio Montes, the family winemaker, our old wine and the rich soils that once formed an ancient branch of the river Maipo, combine to make a dream a reality. An intense ruby red, its luscious aromas of black cherry fruit and light cedary spice mingle with fine notes of oak. Smooth, ripe fruit tannins and flavors dominate this velvety, well-balanced wine. Winery

The Wine Advocate, the world's most influential independent wine guide led by Robert Parker, released its most recent report regarding our country Chile: Think Outside the Box; the publication highlighted that Viña De Martino is no doubt one of the quality leaders in the country and, at the same time, it recognized the winery for its outstanding collection of bottled wines coming from individual vineyards, which evidence the potential of many different zones of Chile, with an exciting portfolio of fresh wines aimed at food pairing. The article, written by the critic Luis Gutiérrez, came together with The Wine Advocate's score communication for the Chilean wines, where De Martino stood out again, obtaining some of the best scores of the country.

5. 2009 Bodegas y Vinedos Maurodos San Roman Toro Spain - 100% Tinta de Toro/Tempranillo grape
The 2009 San Roman comes from 45-year-old bush vines or older in San Roman, Morales de Toro, Arjujillo, Villaester and El Pego between 720 and 760 meters and sees 24 months in new and used French (70%) and American (30%) oak. It offers a very seductive bouquet with luscious red berry fruit – raspberry, wild strawberry infused with crushed violets that open with aeration. The palate is full-bodied and very well-balanced, ripe succulent tannins, plush blueberry and black cherries forming the core followed by a silky, ripe, sensual, velvety smooth finish. Modern in style, but extremely well-crafted, this is a sensational, delicious Toro red. Drink now-2018+. Rated 96 The Wine Advocate

6. 2013 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley California - blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc grapes
Though rich and vibrant, with a tight core of earthy blackberry and wild berry flavors, thus features loamy, fresh-turned earth notes that stand out along with dense, gripping tannins on the aftertaste. Rated 90 Wine Spectator Magazine

7. 2011 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Wally Valley Washington - blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 3% Syrah, and 3% Cabernet Franc grapes ($28)
"Fresh and vibrant, this is tightly wound around fine tannins, offering a generous burst of currant and plum fruit, hinting at clove and pepper and the finish lingers harmoniously. #35 and 1 of 2 Washington wines to be included in the Top 100 list.
92 pts & Top 100 Wine of 2014, Wine Spectator

Brambly raspberry, a whiff of mint, plenty of cassis and a dusting of spice all combine in a well-structured wine ready for the table. Rated 92 pts, Wine Enthusiast "Editor's Choice"

8. 2013 Petrolo Boggina Val D'Arno Di Sopra Sangiovese Italy - 100% Sangiovese
Extremely aromatic and perfumed with dark berries, cherries and flowers, as well as hints of rosemary and lavender. Full body, very fine and tight tannins as well as bright and creamy acid. Lovely tension between the fruit and tannins. Better in 2017 but already beautiful. Rated 96 James Suckling