Wines in August 2019
Another month has gone by - here's some vino I enjoyed!
2014 Vega Moragona La
Duna Tempranillo, Ribera del Jucar, Spain
This is a fruit driven and complex Tempranillo from the
Ribera del Jucar appellation. The best quality grapes from a single vineyard go
into this wine. After fermentation the wine rests for three months in new oak
barrels. It is ruby red in the glass with aromas of red fruit, toast and spice.
The palate is broad with flavours of ripe fruit and sweet baking spice. Enjoy
this with grilled meat and cool weather dishes.
This is a nice Spanish
wine – still holds up but is not one to keep for too long. Should be able to
get it for around $10 – well worth a try
2016 Granite Hill Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi, CA
Aromas of dark cherries and toasted vanilla oak, followed up
with flavors of black currants, blueberries, sweet raspberry and slight hint of
tobacco and spice. The finish is lingering and flavorful with red currants and
oak.
PAIRING
Delicious with grilled meats, especially tri-tip and ribeye
or enjoy with wild game, such as venison, duck confit or a decadent dark
chocolate dessert.
About: Granite Hill Cellars is a newly released brand by the
Kautz Family of Lodi, California. The name comes from the rocky and “granite”
terroir the family’s vineyards grow on. The soft rolling hills, in conjunction
with the Pacific Ocean Delta breezes make these vineyards ideal for grapes of
distinction. Practicing “sustainability” for over 30 years, the family is
committed to the longevity of their land and the environment around them.
Price is supposed to
be around $15 – but can be found around $10. Not a bad Cabernet, no real
tannins to age it very long, but the fruit is fairly upfront and has a little
aftertaste. One of those “school-nite wines”.
2017 Los Vascos Rose, Colchagua, Chile
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah. This Rose has an
attractive, bright pale pink color. The nose is packed with aromas of
strawberries, raspberries, cherries and pomegranates underscored by white
chocolate. The palate is fresh, balanced and persistent.
Los Vascos’ rosé is made from grapes which are pressed
immediately after harvesting. This preserves the freshness, the fruity aromas
and the bright colour brought of the juice straight from the vineyard. It is
best to drink this wine young to fully enjoy its lively character and finesse.
A very nice, dry Rose
to have in the summertime, or anytime. Drink the latest bottling for the
freshness of the fruit; excellent with lighter fare. Only around $8 to 10 a
bottle.
2016 Clos des Fous ‘PMG’ Pinot Noir, Itata, Chile
Vintage:2016Varietal:Pinot Noir 88%, Cinsault 12%
Winemaker:Francois MassocÉlevage:
Concrete VatLees Contact:12 months
Filtration Method:Light
Cartridge
FiltartionMaceration / Fermentation:10 day cold soak
Pour Ma Gueule (PMG) – a French term literally meaning ‘for
my mouth’ used for the wines winemakers stow away for family and friends – is a
blend from Chile’s southern soul-filled vineyards. Its grapes are harvested
from dry-farmed, old-vines in the red granite, coastal hills of the historic
Itata Valley.
Beautiful dark ruby-red color with violet highlights.
Outstanding fruit with aromas of red berry, black cherry, black pepper, and a
hint of violet. These elements come through on the palate with fresh black and
red fruit, revealing a full bodied wine. This wine opens generously to become
silky and lush. It is round and velvety with very fine tannins and excellent
acidity that enhances its liveliness and balance. (from the Importer)
A very unusual Pinot, with added cinsault; a touch of
Chilean “funk” but it blows off quickly. Aged in concrete, it stays light yet
has cherry flavor and light finish. Not my style of Pinot, but worth a try at
around$12.
2014 Clos des Fous ‘Grillos Cantores’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Itata, Chile
Beautiful ruby red colour, with a characteristic nose of red
fruits and black cherries. Hints of spice, black pepper and green tea develop
in the glass. On the palate, the wine is silky, generous and broad, with soft
tannins. Its excellent acidity is supported by subtle minerality and an elegant
finish.
Clos des Fous 2014 Grillos Cantores Cabernet Sauvignon
(Cachapoal Valley)
92 POINTS Editors’
Choice Wine enthusiast
Aromas of cool earth, fall leaves and mossy plum and
red-berry fruits lead to a palate with grip and flush tannins. Flavors of mocha
and chocolate are mild and don't overcrowd the wine's primary berry character.
This is excellent Cabernet for the price; drink through 2022. ($20)
Pleasant Cab with light
tannins and a very modest aftertaste. Modest fruit flavors, think a Lodi style
Cab but without any bell pepper. Priced at $20, but available for around $15.
Good every day type Cabernet.
2014 Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo, Chile
"Our Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend sourced from diverse
blocks within Maipo Valley, which represent the different features that are
present in it. This wine was aged in French and American oak barrels for 12
months; it displays a violet red color, tobacco leaves aromas, mushrooms and
dry berries, along with a delicate mentholated hint. In the mouth it is rich,
full of black fruit flavors together with herbal hints, liquorice notes and
spices; firm tannins and a balanced acidity." —winemaker
Critical Acclaim
WS91 Wine Spectator
"A firm and pure-tasting red, with graphite and slate
notes to the dried plum and cherry tart flavors. Licorice snap and bittersweet
chocolate details show on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 24,500 cases
made." —Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator
JS 91 James
Suckling
A red with stone, spice and fresh tobacco character. Full
body, dark fruit with stone undertones and a juicy finish. Bright and fresh.
Drink now or hold.
Winemaker Notes
This beautiful wine has aromas of ripe fruit with fresh and
spicy notes. The tannins are soft and round with a mineral component due to the
mediterranean macroclimate. This full-flavored, fruit-forward and semi tannic
goes well with grilled, roasted or braised red meats such as beef, duck, lamb,
etc and some veggies such as mushrooms and squash.
This is a good
Cabernet – upfront red and black fruits. Moderate aftertaste with mild tannins;
lingers and gives you good flavors. Better than an everyday wine, acidity to
hold up to heavier fare. Nice- around $22, although this vintage could be
available closer to $15. Good buy!
2016 Heredis Nebbiolo
Langhe, Italy
Elegant, harmonious, and soft on the palate. It is lingering
and with firm grippy tannins, that reveal themselves along with sweet fruity
notes that characterize this wine. Wine is stored and refined 6 months in oak,
then in stainless steel tanks.
Heredis Description
"Nebbiolo is among the grapes with the longest roots,
which can go as deep as 7 meters underground: that's why this grape can capture
the unique characteristics of its soil. Heredis is the best expression of the
distinctive character of the Langhe. Its ruby red color tends to garnet as it
ages, its aroma is gently fruity with spicy notes and its delicate, slightly
tannic flavor is soft and velvety on the palate." Winemaker's Notes
Lightly colored but
not very tannic; Nebbiolo can be very tannic and almost bitter. This wine is a
lighter style that drinks well with lighter fare, like chicken, burgers and
pasta. Good everyday type of vino – under $15 – I got mine under $10. Nice to
try.
Well, another month –
hope all is well in your world. Until next time, keep popping those corks and I’ll
meet you out behind the grapevines.
