August 2019 Wines

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.