March 2012

Wine Class, Puro Chile, New York City

Non Vintage Miguel Torres Santa Digna Estelado Sparkling Rosé Maule Valley – 100% Pais grape
A Puro Wine Exclusive! NV Miguel Torres ‘Santa Digna’ Sparkling Rose – Chile Pale rose color, with fine and persistent bubbles. In the aroma, notes of fruit (red fruits and citrics) predominate. On the palate, fresh, lively, and genuine, characteristic of the ancestral varietal País.

2009 Cartagena Gewurztraminer San Antonio Valley – Gewurztraminer grape
This impeccable offering from Casa Marin is in the lean, elegant, cool-climate style of the winery. The 2009 Cartagena Gewürztraminer displays an alluring nose of baking spices, lychee, and pit fruits. Crisp and vibrant on the palate with ample spicy fruit, this outstanding value will drink nicely for several more years. Rated 89 The Wine Advocate

2010 Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc Rapel Valley ($14) – Blend of 93% Sauvignon Blanc & 7% Semillón grapes
Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 2010 is a brilliant pale lime yellow color. With intense fruit aromas of sweet citrus, tropical fresh fruit and mineral notes. Light and fresh palate, with pleasant roundness and a grassy finish. Perfect for fresh vegetable salads, sea food and appetizers. Wine.com

2007 Quintay Pinot Noir Casablanca Valley – Pinot Noir grape
A slightly aggressive, peppery edge marks the mulled blackberry and black cherry notes, backed by a slightly piquant, briary finish. Wine Spectator

2009 Vina Casa Silva Reserva Carmenere Colchagua Valley – Carmenere grape
Authentic Chilean style. Dark almost purple core with deep sooty red at the fringes. A blend of concentrated blackberry and plum softened by some red fruit character. Distinctive dried herbal and white pepper spice character. A superb balance of full fruit, good acidity, sweet French oak, and full tannins on the long lingering finish. Cutting edge grape coming into its own a premiere producer. “Purple/black; complex nose of balsamic, herbs, spice box, blueberry; easy-going, no hard edges.” Rated 90 The Wine Advocate

2008 Morande ‘Late Harvest’ Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Valley – Sauvignon Blanc grape
This is well done, with sweet, juicy apricot, maple, date and dried orange peel notes on an unctuous, friendly frame. Rated 88 Wine Spectator Brown-gold in color, with a staunch, ripe bouquet of syrupy peach, apricot and caramel. The palate is rich and full bodied, with peach, apricot and sweet melon flavors. Thick and satisfying on the finish, but still fairly juicy due to good core acidity. Rated 88 Wine Enthusiast and Rated 90 Wine & Spirits