The Wines of October, 2018

Another month has flown by - Halloween coasted right past...
Here are some wines I enjoyed in October

2014 Edmeades Zinfandel, Mendocino County, Ca

Offering plenty of Zinny character, it’s dry and brisk in mouth-cleansing acidity, with soft tannins and rich flavors of dusty baking spices, blackberry purée, cherry compote, cola, shaved dark chocolate, red licorice and a savory coating of toasted cedar wood. The addition of a small percentage of Petite Sirah (15%) and Syrah (8%) contributes complexity. A great accompaniment to barbecue, game, roasted chicken, stews and lasagna.

A nice zin, meeting the qualities you expect from this grape. Good flavors, moderate finish, very nice wine that matches food very well. Close out at about $12, well worth buying.

2012 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia

Wine Spectator 91

"Dark and brooding, with blackberry, cherry and gentle spice flavors unfolding on the smooth, meaty frame. The finish persists against velvety tannins. Drink now through 2020. 15,000 cases made."

James Halliday 93

"This is undeniably medium- to full-bodied, but does not overwhelm you with the Parkeresque gobfuls of fruit; here tannins replace the bitter chocolate to provide a savory/earthy florish to a very good wine."

Vinous Media 91

"Bright purple. Ripe, highly perfumed aromas of blueberry, cassis, smoky minerals and violet. Plush and sweet but focused, with a silken texture to its dark fruit and floral pastille flavors. Youthfully taut but promising, finishing with very good lift, soft tannins and lingering floral and spice notes."

This is a great wine, drinking in its prime. Nice finish, good fruit without being a bomb; enough acid to match a meal. Purchased as a close out at $20 – well worth buying a few.

2016 Fabre Montmayou Reserve Cabernet Franc, Mendoza, Argentina

Cab Franc is an emerging variety in Mendoza and this jammy fleshy version won't hurt the cause. Inky berry aromas are wide and fruity, not specific. A full-volume palate is a bit heavy, with blackberry, chocolate and peppery flavors. The finish hangs around with similar flavors, grapy weight and just enough acidity to maintain integrity.      90 Points

I like a good Cab Franc – and this one qualifies. Jammy with good fruit, enough acid to be food friendly – really nice bottle of wine. Priced under $15, buy several.

2016 Vaglio 'Aggie' Malbec, Uco Valley, Argentina

This is 100% Malbec from a single vineyard in Gualtallary, Uco Valley. The wine shows notes of butterscotch, chocolate, and baked blueberry pie sprinkled with powdered sugar. A round and creamy mid palate laced with hazel nuts round out this lighter style, mineral driven Malbec.

This is a lighter, somewhat minerally Malbec – nice fruit but not overpowering. Initially, a little laid-back, but a nice sipping wine. Little tougher match with food, but doable. Priced around $16.

2014 Tarapacà 'Etiqueta Negra' Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile

The Etiqueta Negra is Viña Tarapacá’s top Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been vinified after a rigorous selection of the best Cabernet Sauvignon blocks in Maipo Valley and was aged in French and American oak barrels for 14 months. Is characterized by its deep red color, blackberry aromas, graphite and spices. In mouth it is smooth with black fruit notes and liquorice.

The incredible nose of this wine is enough to draw you in – like a distillation of blackcurrant pastilles, violets and raspberries. Complex, layered and elegant, full of spiced, creamy choc-cherry fruit, it is worth what many may think is a hefty price tag from Chile. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 11% Syrah and 5% each of Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Only made in the best years, this was matured in French oak barrels (30% new) for 14 months.

Drinking Window 2018 – 2022     93 points Decanter

A big dark color wine with a surprisingly soft nose. The mouthfeel is very full, blockbuster fruit and chewy tannins make a long finish. A real big wine that could use some age to be at its best. Priced around $35 or so.

2014 Polkura Syrah 'Marchigue', Colchagua Valley, Chile

Tasting notes: Deep red-violet in color. On the nose, there is lots of fruit. Red principally, with blackberry and plum. In the mouth, it is silky despite its youth. It is well-balanced between its acidity

and the sweetness of the tannins. It is an intense wine with good persistency and complexity

Being from Chile, it had a touch of “funk” (earthiness) in the nose, but a very nice depth of fruit flavors. Finish was moderate, but good. A real surprise – Syrah from Chile, but a good bottle of wine. Drink soon – priced a little over $20.

2012 Marques de Caceres Reserva Rioja Spain

#19 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2017

Dark red in color, this wine offers aromas of forest fruits (wild berries), with a touch of vanilla and floral notes. It is well-balanced on the palate with good structure and tasty tannins.

WS93 Wine Spectator

Smart Buy Black cherry, currant and floral notes are expressive and alluring, balanced by loamy earth, tobacco and mineral elements that add a savory quality. Firm, well-integrated tannins give support to the polished texture, while orange peel acidity fuels the fresh finish.

JS92 James Suckling

A rich and dense Rioja with aromas and flavors of dark berries and hints of hazelnut and mahogany. Full body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink now or hold.

What can you say about a classic Reserva Rioja? This is drinking very well right now, but could hold for several years. Good fruit in a great balance with the acidity – excellent food wine. Bought on special at $20 – purchase several bottles and space out drinking them

Well, time to head off - remember, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.