WEST WICHITA WINE CONNECTION
March, 2014 Tasting
Argentina versus Chile – South American Throwdown
Gathering Wine
2011 Loma Larga Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley, Chile
Pale green and golden color; pleasant fruit forward nose;nicely
crisp with hints of green apple and apricot.
Dinner Wines
2007 Aduentus Mediterraneo, Red Blend, Uco Valley, Mendoza,
Argentina
Complex blend of 40% Malbec, 30% Syrah and 30% Tempranillo,;
polished tannins with a nice long finish. Malbec contributes silkiness, the tempranillo
the structure and syrah a hint of spiciness.
2009 Flechas de Los Andes Gran Malbec, Uco Valley, Argentina
Partially owned by Lafitte Rothschild, this dense wine has
aromas and flavors of blackberries, minerals and violets. Nice acid balance
with hints of dark chocolate on the aftertaste.
2009 Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Carmenere, Rapel
Valley, Chile
Good nose of red and black fruit; full bodied wine with red
and black fruits along with some spice, tobacco and a nice aftertaste. Really good example of carmenere.
2010 Casa LaPostolle Canto de Apalta, Rapel Valley, Chile
A unique blend from the same people that own Grand Marnier;
45% carmenere, 16% cabernet sauvignon and 14% syrah. Decent nose that opened
more as the evening progressed – concentrated flavors of plum, blackberry and
dark currant and black fig. Moderate tannins on the finish, and hints of spice
and mocha.
Top vote getter was the La Postolle and the Chilean red
wines outscored the Argentinian wines. Very nice group of wines – good job,
Matt.
Until next time, keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you
behind the grape vines.
