More of May 2018 Wines

More wines to consider

I'll start with a trivial note - what is that indention in the bottom of your wine bottle called? It is the "punt" - drop back ten and kick it...

2013 Conn Creek Herrick Red, Napa Valley, Ca

“Bold red and black berries cradle vanilla and floral accents. The berries unfold on the palate into notes of tapenade and espresso powder, finishing with boisterous tannins.” — Mike McGrath, Winemaker

Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah headline the blend with touches of Merlot, Malbec and Primitivo. Herrick Vineyard in the Yountville appellation contributes the overwhelming majority of the fruit with a small selection from the Collins Vineyard in St. Helena.   Cabernet Sauvignon 46%, Syrah 38%, Merlot 6%, Malbec 6%, Primitivo 4%.

This was a great closeout bargain – deep flavors, nice moderate finish and a good blend of flavors that went well with meat. It was great at this price ($15), well worth $20-25.

2013 Atance Bobal Valencia, Spain

The Atance Bobal is a highly aromatic wine that is powerful and inviting. Aromas of dark berry and cherry, with very intriguing loamy aromas and just a hint of oak. All together the Atance Bobal smells similar to a Dr. Pepper jelly belly.

On the palate the Atance Bobal has a medium body mouthfeel with big strawberry, blackberry, and a touch of prune-like characteristics. But it’s the bright acidity and luscious tannins are the highlights of this wine. The essence of terroir and pure, natural fruit give the palate a clean and fresh feeling that can only be found in fine wine–not good wine, but fine wine.

Great structure, balance, and complexity with a lengthy finish, makes the Atance Bobal a true stand out from its peers in this price range. Pair with food or simply enjoy with good company that appreciates the finest in wine. Cheers!

What a good review – I have really been into the Spanish grape Bobal – once simply made into quaffing wine not exported; now a darling of the “cool” set. The fruit is good, along with acidity to go with meals and some tannin on the back end of the taste. The average price is around $10 – a great bargain for everyday drinking.

2013 KJ Jackson Estate Camelot Highlands Chardonnay, Santa Maria, Ca

93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 Other Chardonnays include the more mineral, Meursault-like 2013 Chardonnay Jackson Estate Camelot Highlands from Santa Maria. This shows notes of hazelnuts, caramelized citrus fruit, a hint of match sticks and wet rocks. It is a complex, Burgundian style of Chardonnay that is completely different than the other wines from Kendall-Jackson. In some extremist circles it is fashionable to criticize anything that’s big and successful (Kendall-Jackson is both of those). This winery, in addition to the massive quantities of some of their less expensive wines, which deliver terrific bargains to wine consumers, also produces limited quantities of high-end wines that can take their place against the toughest of competition. All this is attributable to the late visionary Jess Jackson and today is carried on by his widow, Barbara Banke. They’ve never been shy about spending money for top mountain vineyards throughout California, and have always hired talented winemakers. In this case, Kendall-Jackson’s entire hierarchy of wines has been guided impeccably by their longtime employee, Randy Ullom. He doesn’t get much notice from wine geeks, but what he does is remarkable. And when you consider the diversity of wines of which he oversees production, the diverse array of microclimates, terroirs, etc., he probably has as much experience making large and tiny quantities of high-quality wines as any winemaker in the world. (RP)

This is not a typical Cali Chard – much more Burgundian; less oaky bright tropical fruits and more carmelized fruits, nuts and a nice finish that tapers into earthy tones. I got it for $20 – if you like French style Chardonnay, this one is for you.

2006 Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley, Ca

94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 The 2006 Insignia possesses a deep ruby/purple color as well as copious amounts of cassis, but has not yet developed secondary nuances. It remains a big, full-throttle, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine with 14.5% natural alcohol, impressive purity, sweet tannin, decent acidity and a monolithic personality. Everything needed for a graceful evolution is present, and the 2006 should keep for another two decades. (RP) 

I can’t give you a price I paid for this because it was a gift (going for $190 online right now).  It was a hedonistic pleasure to pop this cork and let the wine unwind and flow into your mouth.  As above, the secondary nuances of leather, spice, cigar box along with dark red fruits stayed on the palate for a long while. The tannins were tame – not gone. No doubt one of the best wines I’ve opened at my house and I’m glad I kept it in the wine vault long enough to appreciate it.

2009 Chateau Gloria Saint-Julien, France

Wine Spectator 92

"A serious young wine, crammed with plum cake, blackberry preserves, warm fig confiture and blueberry reduction flavors, all laced with briar and sweet, toasty spice notes and backed by a long, tarry finish. Has a rustic edge but lots of stuffing. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2025"

"A relatively young estate, Chateau Gloria was founded and assembled by Monsieur Henri Martin who established the reputation of Gloria within the space of a generation. With the first acquisitions of 6 hectares (15 acres) of vines in 1942, and purchase of the chai of Chateau Saint-Pierre, Martin added to the estate over the years with land bought from the surrounding classed estates."

Another gift – this one from my brother who bought a case when it came out. Current price from $40 – 80 online. A beautiful Bordeaux with good fruit and nuances of spice, briar and tobacco notes. Nice finish – the tannins have mellowed but not gone completely. Still enough backbone to age 5 – 10 years, but very drinkable at this moment. Super nice wine that we had with a meal from our local French bistro.  

Well, that wraps up another month - keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grape vines.