WEST WICHITA WINE CONNECTION March, 2014 Tasting

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.