Luce della Vite - 2007 Luce

The 2007 vintage of Luce from Luce della Vite was produced using fruit grown in Montalcino. This offering is a blend of Sangiovese (45%) and Merlot (55%). Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel over 12 days. Barrel aging was accomplished over 24 months in a combination of new (90%) and once used (10%) barriques. 4,000 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $93. The deeply perfumed nose of this 2007 Tuscan blend is loaded with Aromas of dried red fruits and rose petals. Dried fruits continue on the palate where cherries, strawberries and intense spices join black tea, rhubarb and pepper to fill out layer after layer of flavor. Earth, minerals and a veritable truckload of red cherry emerges on the finish which has tremendous length and persistence. This selection is a food wine that’s balanced by even structure and terrific acidity. Pair Luce with an Italian feast.

If you’re going to drink the 2007 Luce now, decant it for a couple of hours to achieve best results. However if you’re patient lay it down for 10-15 years and you’ll be rewarded with an even lovelier and more impressive wine. These two grapes work well together to form a wine that has excellent aromatics, structure and intensity. What most distinguishes the 2007 vintage of Luce is its absolutely remarkable depth of palate which is loaded with complex favors both overt and subtle; additionally the incredible length of the finish which goes on well after the last sip is swallowed is quite notable and exciting.

Mercer Estates - 2008 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The Mercer Estates 2008 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fruit sourced at three different locations within Columbia Valley at large. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), this wine also contains small amounts of Merlot (5%), Syrah (4%), and Petit Verdot (1%). The fruit was harvested and fermented separately as individual blocks achieved desired ripeness. After malolactic fermentation the wine was aged in a combination of French and American oak for a period of 18 months. Just fewer than 3,200 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $23.99. This Cabernet Sauvignon has an incredibly fresh nose marked by red berry aromas in particular and to a smaller degree by hints of black fruit. Red raspberry, blackberry and cherry flavors dominate the palate which also shows off bits of Herbes de Provence as well as black pepper. Chicory, earth and a ton of black cherry characteristics emerge on the finish which has outstanding length for its category. This wine has lush tannins and fine acidity making it an excellent partner for a wide array of foods.

This Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon is an impressive effort for its price. Its chief attributes are good length, solid backbone, loads of appealing fruit as well as excellent proportion and balance. At around $20 this is a selection many wine lovers will be able to try if they’re so inclined. Whether it’s for an everyday meal or served to guests this is a solid and appealing wine.

Piña Napa Valley - 2008 Firehouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon / 2008 Buckeye Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Piña Napa Valley has two specialties. The family has had their feet firmly planted in the Napa Valley for many, many years. They first established themselves as vineyard managers. Now they’ve also become well known for wine. Given that they manage so many acres in Napa it’s no surprise that they have access to lots of interesting lots of fruit. Their specialty is small lot single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Today I’ll look at two of their current releases. First up is the Piña Napa Valley 2008 Firehouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. All of the fruit for this wine was sourced at the namesake vineyard located in the Rutherford section of Napa Valley. This offering is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Piña family has owned the property since 1960 and the current vines were planted in 2002 and 2005. Barrel aging took place over 20 months in all French oak; 67% of the barrels were new. 236 cases of this Cabernet Sauvignon were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $85.

The deep, brooding nose is loaded with explosive dark fruit aromas and oodles of spice such as clove, nutmeg and allspice. This Cabernet Sauvignon has a full throttle palate that’s layered with blackberry, plums, black raspberry and chocolate. Kirsch Liqueur flavors leads the finish which also features oodles of earth and dark chocolate. This is a big wine that just oozes intense flavors from beginning to end. Firm acidity keeps things in check. If you’re going to drink this over the next couple of years, decanting for about 90 minutes or so is recommended.

Next up is the Piña Napa Valley 2008 Buckeye Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. All off the fruit for this wine is from the namesake vineyard located on Howell Mountain. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Piña family has owned this property since 1996 and the vines were planted in 1997 and 2005. Barrel aging occurred over 19 months in 100% French oak; 76% of the barrels were new. 359 cases of this release were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $85.

Aromas of toast and bramble underscore lots of dark berry compote characteristics. The palate is a who’s who of dark fruit flavors with blackberry, black raspberry, blueberry, black currant and plum flavors all making their presence known. Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and cardamom are also in evidence throughout a palate that has an impressive depth. Espresso, dark chocolate and a boatload of cherry characteristics are all part of the finish which goes on and on. The Buckeye Vineyard Cabernet has firm tannins that soften nicely with aeration.  More than anything it's a classic example of terrific Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. It possesses structure, depth, length and brawny power while maintaining balance and precision. Decant it for a couple of hours if you’re drinking it in the short term, otherwise lay it down for 10-12 years.

Piña Napa Valley is turning out excellent examples of site specific Cabernet Sauvignon. If you’re a fan of powerful Napa Cabernets that showcase their place of origin, as well as have the ability to age, you’ll want to try some of the wines from Piña.

Grooner – 2010 Grüner Veltliner

The Grooner – 2010 Grüner Veltliner was produced using fruit sourced in Austria’s Niederösterreich appellation. This offering is 100% Grüner Veltliner. This wine was made by Meinhard Forstreiter whose family has been making wine in this region since 1868. Under his stewardship the Winery has reached new heights in several aspects of their operation such as the implementation of sustainable farming practices. For the last several years he’s partnered with Monika Caha & Tony Silver from Caha selections to bring Grooner to the masses in the US. Their mission is to help educate the US consumer about this grape that they may be unfamiliar with and whose name they may have a difficult time pronouncing. The 2010 Grooner is widely available and has a suggested retail price of $13. A potpourri of citrus aromas fills the nose of this 2010 Grüner Veltliner. Orchard fruits in the form of apple characteristics are present as well. Lemon ice and papaya flavors lead an avalanche of citrus and tropical fruit flavors throughout the juicy, bright, concentrated palate. This wine just explodes in your mouth and offers loads of tasty appealing flavors. The citrus elements take charge through the finish and they’re joined by hints of white pepper and some tart green apple. This wine is marked by racy acidity that adds to its refreshing quality. Grooner is delicious all by itself but will also pair well with things like soft cheeses and light appetizers.

Over the last three vintages Grooner has really achieved its mission. It provides an accessible example of Grüner Veltliner that will easily appeal to those new to the varietal as well as providing sufficient complexity for those already familiar with it. Anyone who likes crisp, refreshing whites should give Grooner a shot.

Robert Mondavi Winery - 2010 Carneros Pinot Noir / 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The Robert Mondavi Winery hardly needs an introduction; simply put it’s a legend. Sometimes though we take those legends for granted and it’s useful to remind ourselves they’re there and remember why they achieved their status to begin with. With that in mind I’ll take a look today at two of their current releases. The Robert Mondavi Winery 2010 Pinot Noir was produced using mostly fruit sourced in Carneros (93%); the remainder of the fruit is from the Russian River Valley (7%). This offering is 100% Pinot Noir. The fruit was hand-picked and some of it was whole cluster pressed while the balance was de-stemmed. After fermentation this Pinot Noir was aged in French oak for 7 months; 34% of the barrels were new. This offering has a suggested retail price of $27.

Aromas of cherry, spice, and earthy mushrooms fill the nose of this 2010 Pinot Noir. Copious red and black cherry flavors are prominent on the palate along with wild strawberry and bits of pomegranate. Sweet and sour cherry flavors continue through the finish which also shows off lots of clove, nutmeg, white pepper and hints of cinnamon. This wine has fairly firm, gripping tannins that yield with some aeration. This Pinot Noir is tasty now but look for it to improve significantly in the next year and drink well for a couple of years after that. The Robert Mondavi 2010 Carneros Pinot Noir is a fine example of this grape in this appellation at a fair price.

The Robert Mondavi Winery 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using fruit sourced in Stag’s Leap and Oakville; 31% comes from the well regarded To Kalon vineyard. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), this wine also contains small amounts of Merlot (11%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Syrah (2%), Petit Verdot (1%) and Malbec (1%). After hand harvesting the fruit was fermented in a combination of stainless steel and oak tanks. 17 Months of barrel aging followed in French oak; 15% of them were new. The Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet has a suggested retail price of $28.

Cigar box and eucalyptus support strong bramble aromas on the dark and inviting nose of this 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Red raspberry and black cherry flavors lead the palate along with hints of sweet chocolate, toasty oak, blackberry and pepper. The solid finish shows off lots of earth, crushed cherries, and dusty dark cocoa. This wine has supple tannins that yield with air and time as well as firm acidity. This is an approachable Cabernet Sauvignon that will be at its best over the next 5-8 years.

These two wines are polar opposites of perception for me personally. The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the first wine that comes to mind for me with the Mondavi Winery. It’s a release that has been a solid example of the varietal for decades as well as a good value; it continues to be exactly that. Pinot Noir on the other hand, for whatever reason isn’t a varietal I associate as quickly with the Mondavi Winery. That being said I’ve had this wine on numerous occasions over the years and It’s been a solid performer. The 2010 provides really nice varietal character, sense of place and good value to boot. If you haven’t checked in with the Robert Mondavi Winery in awhile, these releases are a good reason to.

Rodney Strong Vineyards - 2010 Sonoma County Chardonnay / 2009 Chalk Hill Chardonnay / 2008 Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay

Do you like Chardonnay? That’s a loaded question I know. Your answer is probably a return question asking what sort, or style of Chardonnay I’m talking about. There might not be another grape that is so wildly popular on the one hand and inspires so much debate on the other. The basic concept folks tend to wrestle with when it comes to this grape is oak treatment. What has become known in many circles as “California Style Chardonnay” is what really gets a lot of people talking. The trouble with that term is that it only describes a very small amount of Chardonnay from California. There are tons of different Chardonnays made in different styles with varying intent and incredibly divergent price-points. Some producers present a look into the differences in this grape within a single portfolio. One such producer is Sonoma County’s Rodney Strong Vineyards. They make a trio of Chardonnays, that one vintage after another provides a small window into the various disciplines of Sonoma County Chardonnay. I’ll take a look at the current releases of each today. First up is the Rodney Strong Vineyards 2010 Sonoma County Chardonnay. This wine was produced using estate grown fruit as well as grapes sourced at other local Sonoma Vineyards. After harvesting this wine was fermented in a combination of barrel (60%), and stainless steel (40%); 5 months of barrel aging followed for the juice already in oak. This widely available wine has a suggested retail price of $13.50.

Bright, fresh orchard fruit aromas fill the nose of this Sonoma County Chardonnay. Bartlett pear, Golden Delicious apple and hints of lemon zest are present throughout the palate of this wine along with nutmeg and clove spices. The Sonoma County Chardonnay has a crisp, clean finish with zippy acidity and underlying wisps of creaminess. This wine is quite tasty by itself but will also pair well with lighter foods. Rodney Strong's Sonoma County offering continues to be a tremendous everyday value in everyday Chardonnay from Sonoma County.

Next up is the Rodney Strong Vineyards 2009 Chalk Hill Chardonnay. This wine is composed entirely of fruit from the Chalk Hill appellation. 86% of this wine was fermented in French oak, the remainder in stainless steel; 10 months of barrel aging followed for the 86%. This wine is available nationally and has a suggested retail price of $20.

Subtle toast and vanilla aromas join up with loads of fresh fruit aromas and a hint of hazelnut on the nose of this Chalk Hill Chardonnay. The palate of this wine is incredibly even keeled and balanced with appealing orchard fruit and spice sharing the bill with mineral characteristics and, to a lesser degree, bits of tropical fruit and lemon ice. A bevy of spices such as nutmeg, cardamom and white pepper are part of a creamy, layered finish. The oak used here is judicious and well integrated; it adds but does not detract. I’ve been fond of the Chalk Hill Chardonnay for a number of years now. In the $20 category this wine remains a go to choice.

Finally today is the Rodney Strong Vineyards 2008 Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay. This wine was produced using fruit sourced at a variety of Russian River Valley Vineyards. The Reserve Chardonnay was entirely fermented in French oak; 14 months of oak aging followed with 46% of the barrels being new. This wine is available across the country and has a suggested retail price of $35.

Apple pie aromas are joined by toast and hints of toffee on the layered and complex nose of this 2008 Chardonnay. Tropical fruits and hints of citrus appear on the palate which is loaded with apple and pear characteristics. Baked pie spices are plentiful as well. Minerals lead the lengthy finish which shows off toasty oak, bits of butter and a creaminess that brings to mind crème brulee. This wine is the epitome of California style Chardonnay; but to be crystal clear an example that is done remarkably well. The oak is well integrated but easily detectable and a key element like a prominent spice, however the fruit is still, as it should be the key. This wine is good on it’s own but excels paired with rich dishes.

This is a distinct trio of wines that could easily provide a mini-tour of Sonoma County Chardonnay and a bit of an eduction all by themselves. Depending on how much you’re looking to spend on a Chardonnay or even more importantly what your desired style is, Rodney Strong Vineyards likely has one you’ll enjoy. Each is a well made wine that delivers excellent value in its category. However I personally reach for the Chalk Hill most often as it comes closest to my personal Chardonnay sweet spot. Rodney Strong Vineyards continues to be a large Sonoma County Producer with readily accesible wines, wherever you live in the US, at more than reasonable prices.

Paolo Manzone - 2007 Barolo DOCG

Every country has a grape or style of wine that’s King. Napa has Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia has Shiraz. In Italy a couple of things come to mind immediately for wine lovers. But while Sangiovese based wines such as Chianti and Brunello get a lot of deserved attention, Barolo is the rock star. Today I’ll look at a new release Barolo from producer Paolo Manzone. The Paolo Manzone 2007 Barolo DOCG was produced entirely from Nebbiolo. The vines this fruit was sourced from have 15 years of age on them; they sit on a hillside approximately 400 meters above sea level. The fruit was hand harvested and then fermented in a temperature controlled environment. Barrel aging occurred in French oak over a period of 24 months; 16 months of bottle aging followed prior to release. 500 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $59.99.

Violets, rose petals, and dry red fruit aromas fill the intensely fragrant nose of this 2007 Barolo. Flavors of red cherry and dried cranberry are joined by gentle spices throughout the palate which is deeply embedded with layer after layer of flavor. Earth and hints of black tea emerge on the finish which continues to show off red fruit flavors. Terrific, racy acidity and firm tightly wound tannins provide excellent structure. This is a powerful Barolo that has prodigious depth of palate and tremendous length. This wine is nice now particularly paired with food; however it will benefit from another 6-8 years of bottle aging after which it will be even more accessible and perform more brilliantly.

Michael David Winery - 2009 Earthquake Petite Sirah

If you haven’t had any wines from Michael David Winery before there’s still a good chance you’ve seen one on a shelf somewhere in your neighborhood. Their wines are widely available offerings that appeal to a lot of folks. Today I’ll look at the current release of Petite Sirah which is labeled under their Earthquake tier of wines. The Michael David Winery 2009 Earthquake Petite Sirah was produced using fruit from the Lodi region. In addition to Petite Sirah this wine contains a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. After fermentation this wine spent 19 months in French oak. This wine, which is available nationally, has a suggested retail price of $26.

The moment you pour this wine the beautiful deep purple hue is immediately apparent. More than other wines, Petite Sirah can have the color of Welch's grape juice, as this one does. Plum violet and leather aromas fill the nose of this Petite Sirah. Deep dark plum, blackberry, and black raspberry fruit characteristics are prominent throughout the deeply layered palate of this wine along with plum pudding spices. All of those fruit flavors and spices carry through the finish along with bits of chocolate and earth. This is a structured Petite that features tightly wound, firm tannins. If you’re going to drink this wine now I recommend decanting it for about 90 minutes and pairing it with bold, full flavored foods. If you’re patient you could also lay this wine down for 3-5 years to soften it up a bit.

The Michael David Wines are unabashedly big, bold efforts aimed at folks who want lots of up front fruit. However their wines also consistently feature depth of palate and an above average finish in their respective categories. These are qualities not often found in the wines they’re competing with shelf space for. For that reason if you like bold, brash wines the Michael David offerings should be on your shopping list.

Churchill's - 10 Year Tawny Port

One of the things that make Port so engaging as a topic within a topic in the wine world is the long and storied history it has. Most Port Houses have centuries of back story to look back on. However every so often a new player emerges that makes a mark. Churchill’s has been around for 30 years now and that’s actually pretty new in the world of Oporto. They have however built an impressive track record in their youth. Today I’ll look at one of their current releases. The Churchill’s 10 Year Tawny Port was produced using fruit sourced at some of their prime vineyards. The average age of the wines used is of course 10 Years as the name and style indicates. This wine which is available in 500 ml bottles has a suggested retail price of $33.

The nose of this Tawny Port combines aromas of both fresh and dried fruits such as apricots along with a fruitcake spices. The palate is absolutely strewn with apricot, nectarine, roasted hazelnut and chestnut flavors as well as continued fruitcake spice characteristics. Hints of caramel and toffee emerge on the finish which has prodigious length and depth. Pair this Tawny Port with all sorts of sweet deserts or even better a cheese course.

There are several things that most impress me about this wine. The complexity and layers of flavor from the first sip to the end of the finish are one. Another is the overall balance of this wine which is simply perfect; it’s sweet to be sure but just the right amount. Along those lines this Tawny Port has good weight but is practically lithe in the manner it dances across your tongue and gently clings to the back of your throat. This is a knockout of a Tawny Port that I highly recommend for anyone with any level of interest in this style of wine. With the Holiday Season fast approaching this wine would be a tremendous choice to serve as an impressive crescendo at the end of fabulous meal with Family and Friends.

V. Sattui - 2008 Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon / 2009 Napa Valley Syrah

V. Sattui Winery is a classic stop in Napa Valley. They offer a lively tasting room that features a wide array of wines made in many different styles. You'll also find that V. Sattui offers snack and deli items as well as a picnic area outside. Most importantly though, they have been steadily turning out a stream of terrific wines from a combination of their own sites as well as from fruit sourced at well regarded vineyards. Today I’ll take a look at one wine from each of those categories. The V. Sattui 2008 Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using fruit sourced exclusively at this small famed Napa Valley Vineyard. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. After fermentation it spent approximately 24 months in barrel. A limited number of cases were produced and this Cabernet Sauvignon has a suggested retail price of $65.

Red and black berry fruit aromas are prominent throughout the nose of this wine. Bits of toast and vanilla play a role here as well. Blackberry flavors are joined by hints of plum on the deeply layered palate of this wine. Espresso, minerals and dark cocoa are each part of a long, lusty, spicy finish that has excellent length and persistence. This wine is on the young side and will benefit from a couple of hours in a decanter if you’re going to drink it now. If you have some patience lay it down for 8-10 years and you’ll be rewarded with a truly beautiful expression of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

The V. Sattui 2009 Napa Valley Syrah was produced from fruit sourced at two estate vineyard sites (Carsi & Vittorio’s). These vineyards feature different soil types, climates and distinct locales within Napa. This offering is 100% Syrah. Fermentation took place in stainless steel followed by 18 months of barrel aging in a combination of new (40%) and seasoned (60%), French (20%) and American (20%) oak. Just fewer than 2,000 cases of this wine were produced and it sells for $34.

Dark almost brooding berry fruit aromas leap from the nose of this 2009 Syrah. Wisps of leather and eucalyptus are present here as well. The palate of this Syrah is big and mouth-filling with loads of dark lush fruit flavors on display. Blueberry, blackberry and plum are all prominent and accompanied by a host of spices. The finish shows of rhubarb, blackberry, black raspberry and sour cherry characteristics as well as earth, white pepper and dark, dusty chocolate. This is a meaty, chewy mouthful of wine that’s begging to be paired with bold, flavorful foods. Decant it for about an hour for best results.

Both of these wines from V.Sattui are impressive in their own right. These are two more releases in a growing string of vineyard driven offerings. They have a large portfolio of wines to taste at V.Sattui and both the Estate and single vineyard sourced offerings are well worth experiencing.

Alex Elman - 2009 Malbec

Malbec is the great red grape of Argentina. Certainly Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varietals flourish there as well; however the Malbecs are what most of us get really excited about. There’s a good reason for that; Argentina does Malbec the way Burgundy does Pinot Noir; better than anyone else. That said the styles vary greatly as do the intents of those wines. Today I’ll look a current release Malbec that is intended for everyday consumption. The Alex Elman 2009 Malbec was produced using fruit sourced in the Mendoza region of Argentina. This offering is 100% varietal. Alexandra Elman founded her company to source and import sustainable offerings that represent her vision for what good wine should be. She strives to find wines that exhibit a sense of place and are un-manipulated expressions of their origin. Currently her portfolio includes four releases from the Mendoza region of Argentina. The 2009 Malbec has a suggested retail price of $12.99.

Deep, dark brooding fruit aromas leads the nose of this wine along with a wisp of vanilla bean and a gentle touch of green herbs. The palate is full flavored and gently layered with luscious, juicy blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, and dark plum flavors. Plum pudding and fruitcake spices kick in as well. The finish shows off chicory, white pepper and a chocolate sauce flavors. This Malbec drinks well all by itself and it will also pair well with roasted meats and hard cheeses to name a few choices. This is a well priced Malbec that delivers more flavor and distinction than many in the same price category.

Concha Y Toro - 2009 Marques de Casa Concha Carménère

Wines from Chile are making an ever increasing impact with US wine lovers and one of the big reasons is Carménère. This red grape is grown in other areas of the world but it’s best known for the wines produced with it in Chile. Today I’ll look at the current vintage from well known producer Concha Y Toro. The Concha Y Toro 2009 Marques de Casa Concha Carménère was produced using fruit sourced in the Peomo Vineyard which is located in the Rapel Valley of Chile. This offering is 100% Carménère. The fruit for this selection was harvested by hand. After fermentation this wine was aged over a period of 18 months in French oak barrels. This Carménère has a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Blackberry, eucalyptus and tobacco leaf aromas fill the nose of this 2009 Carménère. Crushed red cherry and plum flavors are joined by copious spice elements throughout the fresh and layered palate of this wine. Wisps of dark cocoa emerge on the finish along with dark fruit flavors that continue echoing with conviction along with hints of vanilla bean. This wine has firm acidity and it’s a natural partner for food.

Carménère is a full flavored grape that produces wines that are often intensely flavored with dark fruit. This example from Concha Y Toro is such a wine. For $19.99 (a bit less if you shop around) this is a fine example of the varietal that provides solid value and plenty of drinking pleasure. Consume this wine over the next couple of years while it’s flavors are young, vibrant, and exuberant.

Win a Trip to Chile !

As I'm always looking to alert readers to great opportunities I want to alert you to a contest being held by the Wines of Chile. The diversity of Chilean wines is as wide as that of any wine growing country. In that spirit this contest features five different Themed getaways to Chile.  So enter now for your chance to visit this terrific wine growing region ! The full text of the press release follows:

PICTURE YOURSELF IN CHILE: WIN A CUSTOMIZED TRIP COURTESY OF THE WINES OF CHILE EXPERIENCE

One Winner Will Choose Their Ideal Vacation From Five Themed Getaways to Chile

NEW YORK, NY The Wines of Chile Experience, supported by ProChile, announces Only in Chile, a competition in which one wine enthusiast will win a trip of their choice to Chilean wine country. Entrants will have the opportunity to explore the diversity of wine tourism available in Chile by capturing an image that expresses their take on each of five travel themes—For the Love of Chile, Wine & Stars, Urban Wine Retreat, Harvest Holiday and Horses & Huasos.

“Chile’s diverse landscape offers an expansive variety of travel experiences,” says Lori Tieszen, Executive Director of Wines of Chile USA. “Whether you enjoy taking the subway from the city to a winery or sipping a glass of wine under the clearest skies in the world, Chile has it all.”

Only in Chile can you go from the ski slopes to the beach, from the desert to Patagonia, and experience some of the best wines in the world—from cool climate whites to fullbodied reds. Now, the Wines of Chile Experience is inviting travel enthusiasts to learn that there is something for everyone in this beautiful country—whether it be star-gazing, exploring a historic city, taking a moonlit stroll on the beach, riding horseback through the Andes or participating in the yearly tradition of harvest.

Applicants to Only in Chile will be asked to upload an album to Facebook containing five photos, each one depicting their take on the five pre-determined travel themes. The top six entries will be chosen for a week-long voting period, at the end of which the creator of the album with the most votes will win their trip of choice to Chilean wine country.

The winner will select a five-night vacation inspired by one of the five themes—For the Love of Chile, Wine & Stars, Urban Wine Retreat, Harvest Holiday or Horses & Huasos.

The prize package includes two roundtrip flights to Chile, hotel stay, wine tours and activities, food and beverage, and is valued at US $15,000.

Applications for Only in Chile will be accepted from October 5, 2011 to November 4, 2011 and voting will take place between November 5, 2011 and November 11, 2011. Only one entry per person and Facebook account will be accepted. The top six entries will be chosen based on creativity, relevance and adherence to the contest rules. The winner—the album with the most votes—will be announced on or around November 14, 2011.

To learn more about the Wines of Chile Experience and to apply to Only in Chile please

visit www.facebook.com/WinesOfChile and click on the Only in Chile tab.

About The Wines of Chile Experience: The Wines of Chile Experience promotes wine tourism in Chile. A destination that offers endless opportunities for real exploration, wine country in Chile is poised to become the next true discovery. Based in New York City, the Wines of Chile Experience is part of Wines of Chile and supported by ProChile. For more information on the Wines of Chile

Experience, please visit www.chilewinetourism.com.

Fonseca - 10 Year Old Tawny Port

There are many basic styles of Port. Tawny Port is one of the most accessible; both in terms of easy drinkability and range of price points. Within that I find 10 years Tawny’s are often a sweet spot in terms of quality and value they deliver. This of course varies from producer to producer. Today I’ll look at the 10 Year Tawny from legendary producer Fonseca. The Fonseca 10 Year Tawny Port was produced using fruit sourced in the classic Douro region of Portugal. This wine is assembled from various vintages and has an average age of 10 years. The aging of these wines took places in Casks prior to assembly. This wine has a suggested retail price of $39 and is currently on sale at Wine Chateau for $25.99.

The first thing that is distinct about the Fonseca 10 Year Tawny Port is its color; this wine has deeper, darker hue than is common. Aromas of toffee, toasted hazelnut and nutmeg all emerge from the nose of this wine. Mission Fig jam flavors lead the palate which shows additional nut characteristics and fruitcake spices in abundance. Vanilla crème brulee and dried raisin flavors round out the finish which has very good length and persistence.

This wine from Fonseca is a fine example of 10 Year Old Tawny Port. As noted above I find that the 10 Year Tawny’s are often where price, quality and overall value often intersect. That is definitely the case with this particular wine. If you’re a Tawny Port fan this is nice selection, if you’re new to the style this is a great jumping off point.

Attilio Ghisolfi - 2007 Barbera d’Alba Maggiora / 2005 Barolo DOCG

Italy has a stunning number of varietals that great wines can be made with. They run the gamut in styles and flavor profiles. Today I’ll look at a couple of current releases from producer Attilio Ghisolfi that feature Nebbiolo and Barbera The Attilio Ghisolfi 2007 Barbera d’Alba Maggiora was produced using fruit sourced at vineyards in Monfonte d’Alba. These vineyards sit approximately 400 meters above sea level. This offering is 100% Barbera. Vinification took place with wild yeasts. Oak aging occurred over 15 months in a combination of small French oak barrels (50%) and Large Slavonian oak (50%). Six months of temperature controlled bottle aging occurred prior to release. 840 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $24.99.

Red and black berry fruit aromas are present on the nose of this wine. Dried cherry and cranberry flavors appear through the palate along with hints of herbs. Earth and spice mark the lengthy finish along with strawberry and rhubarb characteristics. This Barbera shows good structure marked by firm, racy acidity. This wine is built to be paired with food and will complement a wide array of flavorful options.

The Attilio Ghisolfi 2005 Barolo DOCG was produced using fruit sourced at southwest facing vineyards in the Visette section of Monfonte d’Alba. The average age of the vines is between 5 and 15 years. This offering is 100% Nebbiolo. Only wild yeasts were used and Vinification occurred over 10 days in a temperature controlled environment. Barrel aging took place over three years in large Slavonian oak. This was followed by 6 months of bottle aging prior to release. 1,500 six-bottle cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $44.99.

The highly perfumed nose of this 2005 Barolo features rose petals, red fruit and wisps of leather. Dried cherries, raspberries, pepper and nutmeg are prominently featured flavors on the deeply layered palate of this wine which is dominated by red fruit flavors tinged by black fruits chipping in. Chicory, earth, and bitter-leaning dark chocolate notes are all part of a super long finish that goes on and on long after the last sip of wine has been swallowed. This is an absolutely gorgeous example of Barolo that has excellent structure with firm tannins that yield with some air and fine acidity. If you’re going to drink this wine over the next year or so I recommend decanting it for 90 minutes to two hours. However don’t hesitate to lay it down for 10 to 15 years.

Both of these offerings from Attilio Ghisolfi represent well made wines that showcase their varietals well. They’re fairly priced for the quality they represent and are well worth seeking out when you’re looking to drink some terrific Italian Wines.

Hawk and Horse Vineyards - 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon / 2006 Latigo Port Style Wine

Hawk and Horse Vineyards was founded in 1999. Their first release was the 2004 vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon. They’re a hands-on family owned and operated winery that makes small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon and a dessert wine (also Cab based). Today I’ll look at their current releases. The Hawk and Horse Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fruit grown in the Red Hills section of Lake County California. This fruit comes from the winery’s 18 acre vineyard which is farmed both Organically and Biodynamically. Hawk and Horse Vineyards is a mountain estate with elevations reaching 2,200 at some points. This offering is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel aging was accomplished over a period of 18 months in a combination of new and two year French oak. 430 cases of this Cabernet Sauvignon were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $65.

Aromas of rose petals, bramble and black raspberries fill the nose of this 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Black and red cherry flavors play a significant role through the palate; black raspberry and blackberry characteristics, both fresh and dried are present as well. The long and impressive finish is marked by cranberries, sour cherries, rhubarb and earth along with dusty dark chocolate and spice. This is a well proportioned Cabernet that has firm tannins that yield with some aeration. The 2007 Cabernet from Hawk and Horse Vineyards is a beautiful wine that drinks well now and will also benefit from up to a decade of aging. If you’re drinking it today, I recommend decanting it for about 90 minutes and pairing it with something hearty for a winning combination.

The Hawk and Horse Vineyards 2007 Latigo is a Port Style wine. This fortified dessert wine was made using estate grown fruit. This wine is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and fortified with varietal Brandy. Barrel aging occurred over 26 months in new French oak. 200 cases of this wine in 375ml splits were produced. It has a suggested retail price of $45.

Red and black raspberry jam aromas flood the nose of this 2006 Port style wine. A compote of berry flavors is present through the palate. Sweet wild strawberry flavors are of particular note. Characteristics of chocolate sauce tinged with caramel, toffee and bits of espresso emerge on the finish which has good length that leaves a lasting impression. This wine can easily serve as dessert all by itself. However it pairs beautifully with dark chocolate as well as cheesecake to name a few options. 

Lake County is a California region that’s been on the climb for a number of years now. There are certain varietals that really thrive there and Cabernet Sauvignon is certainly amongst them. If you like classically styled Cabernet that you can drink now or lay down for awhile made in small boutique level quantities, this offering is for you. Latigo the dessert wine is a perfect counterpoint. Made from the same varietal grown in the same vineyard it showcases a completely different style of winemaking. Both are delicious in their own right and they are more than fairly priced for the quality they offer. These are well worth seeking out.

Montecillo - 2003 Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja is the most recognizable name in Spanish wine. Over the last decade many other Spanish regions have made inroads on US shelves, many of them producing distinguished wines. However for many, me included, it’s the wines of Rioja we first think of when Spain comes to mind. The wins of Rioja hit our shores with some age already on them and they’re generally terrific values; what’s not to like. Today I’ll look at the current release of a Gran Reserva from Montecillo, one of the first Spanish producers to hit my radar when I started pursuing wines from Spain about 15 years ago. The Montecillo 2003 Gran Reserva was produced from fruit sourced in the Rioja Alta region of Spain. This offering is 100% Tempranillo. After picking the fruit was transported to the winery in small crates. Fermentation took place in a temperature controlled environment. After Malolactic fermentation the wine was racked and transferred to barrel. Oak aging occurred over a period of 24 months in untoasted French barrels. Several years of bottle aging followed prior to release. This offering has a suggested retail price of $25.

Dark berry fruit, herbs, toast and rose petal aromas all waft with conviction from the nose of this 2003 Gran Reserva. Both red and black cherries appear in droves forming the core of this Rioja’s palate. Copious quantities of spices such as black pepper and nutmeg appear as well. Espresso and earth notes are joined by bits of licorice and kirsch liqueur on the finish which has terrific length and persistence. Firm tannins and acidity provide structure and balance. This wine is quite tasty by itself but really shines when paired with food, roasted meats in particular.

This wine from Montecillo is a classic example of a Gran Reserva. It represents a tremendous value due to the excellent complexity and length of palate it demonstrates. This wine is absolutely delicious now but there’s no rush to drink it; this wine will age effortlessly in your cellar for the next decade or so.

Primus by Veramonte - 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon / 2009 The Blend

Veramonte has been a consistent source of quality wines from Chile for over 10 years. The two wines in particular that have stood out to me over and over again for quite awhile are the Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc and the Primus Blend. Of late more selections have been added under the Primus umbrella. Today I’ll take a look at the brand new release Cabernet Sauvignon and the latest vintage of The Blend. The Primus 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced using fruit grown in the Marchigue Vineyards in Colchagua Valley. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (92%) this wine also contains a small amount of Syrah (8%). After the fruit was picked the grapes under went two manual sorts to ensure careful bunch selection. Aging was accomplished over 15 months in French oak; 25% of the barrels were new. This wine has a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Aromas of plums, violets and black raspberries fill the nose of this 2009 Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. A host of dark, brooding fruit flavors fills the palate of this wine. Blackberry, black currant and blueberry are of note. Hints of pencil lead creep in as well. The finish of this Cabernet, which has good length for the price point, shows off kirsch liqueur, sweet dark chocolate, black tea, and espresso notes. This wine has soft, supple tannins and firm acidity. This Cabernet is delicious both by itself and paired with things like roasted meats or hard cheeses.

The Primus 2008 “The Blend” was produced using fruit grown and sourced in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. This offering combines Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Syrah (21%), Carmenère (19%) and Merlot (15%). Barrel aging was accomplished over 14 months in French oak; 25% of them were new. This wine has a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Red raspberry, bramble, green herb and hints of licorice are all part of the inviting nose on this 2008 blend. Strawberry and rhubarb characteristics along with a core of spices form the backbone of the tasty and multi-layered palate of this wine. Sour black fruit and continued herbs emerge on the finish. This wine has a lengthy close that’s smooth and lush with a bit of racy acidity punctuating it. This is an excellent food wine that would be particularly suited for southern Italian cuisine.

This was the first time I tried the Primus Cabernet Sauvignon and I was glad to see that it’s another well made wine in the Veramonte line that provides good varietal character and excellent value. The Primus Blend continues to impress. It’s been a consistent value year after year, offering lots of bang for the buck. The 2008 continues that trend. Check these wines out, you’ll be glad you did.

Gustave Lorentz - Cremant d’Alsace (NV) / 2009 Pinot Noir Le Rosé / 2007 Gewürztraminer Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim

Alsace France is a region that can certainly inspire tons of passion from wine lovers. White varietals rule the day here. When they are from excellent vineyards and made with care they can be nothing less than amazing. I recently tasted through most of the portfolio from Gustave Lorentz. This Alsatian family has been making wine since 1836. It was a pleasure and an eye-opener to samples these wines. As is typical of Alsace the majority of their offerings are white with a few reds in the mix as well. Both still and sparkling wines are part of the mix. I’ve liked each of the selections I’ve tasted from this producer but here are three diverse ones that really set themselves apart.

First up is the Gustave Lorentz Cremant d’Alsace (NV). This sparkling wine is composed of Chardonnay (33%), Pinot Blanc (33%) and Pinot Noir (33%). This offering was produced using the classic “Methode Champenpoise.” 4,500 cases of this wine were bottled and it has a suggested retail price of $24.99

The nose of this non vintage Sparkling Wine is remarkably fresh and lively with apple and green melon aromas of particular note. Brioche, juicy orchard fruits and bits of stone fruit are all part of the palate along with spice and mineral notes. The finish shows an inherent creaminess along with touches of candied lemon zest. This is a really nice sparkling wine for the money. It drinks well on it’s own but will work even better paired alongside light foods.

Next up is the Gustave Lorentz 2009 Pinot Noir Le Rosé. The grapes for this wine were picked as ripe as possible. This wine is 100% Pinot Noir. The fruit was sourced from vineyards that feature clay and limestone heavy soils. 2,000 cases of this Rosé were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Fresh, ripe Bing cherry aromas drive the nose of this 2009 Rosé. Strawberries, cherries and vanilla characteristics are all at play through the palate. These are joined by hints of darker berry fruit and a touch of candied cherry. The darker fruit elements emerge a bit more forcefully in the finish along with a touch of white pepper. This wine is light and refreshing as most well made Rosé should be. But it also features more depth, weight and complexity than the average example. This wine will pair really well with light foods. A fruit and cheese plate would be perfect. Of course it should be chilled, but resist the temptation to over-chill this beauty.

The final wine in this trio is the Gustave Lorentz 2007 Gewürztraminer Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim. The fruit for this wine comes from the namesake classified Grand Cru site. This offering is all Gewürztraminer. The soils there feature heavy clay and limestone components. The vines average between 30 and 50 years of age. Fruit for this offering was hand picked and the whole grapes were pressed and this juice was separated from the free run juice. Fermentation took place with select and native yeasts in mature oak vats. It was aged in these vats for 11 months prior to bottling. 1,000 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $59.99.

Aromas of apple, yellow melon, vanilla and a touch of crème fraiche fill the expressive nose of this 2006 Gewürztraminer. Apricot and yellow peach notes are in abundance throughout the palate. A nice spice component featuring white pepper, cardamom and nutmeg is present as well. Lot’s of sweet yellow and white fruits continue through the impressively long and persistent finish which shows off a bit of a honey. In addition to the lengthy finish the purity of fruit is what strikes me as most impressive about this Gewürztraminer. This wine is delicious now, both on its own and paired with spicy foods in particular. However don’t hesitate to lay it down for the next 8-12 years.

This is a delicious trio of wines from Gustave Lorentz. That said don’t hesitate to try others with their name on the label either. I’ve sampled quite a few and each has been a winner.

Maison J.J. Vincent - NV Cremant de Bourgogne

Sparkling wine comes in all shapes and sizes. France of course has a legendary tradition when it comes to this style of wine. Today I’ll look at selection from Maison J.J. Vincent. The Maison J.J. Vincent Cremant de Bourgogne was produced from fruit sourced in the Winery’s native Burgundy. More specifically the fruit comes from the southern reaches. This offering is composed entirely of Chardonnay. The fruit was handpicked during the earliest part of harvest. Vinification was accomplished using traditional methods for Sparkling Wine. This offering has a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Aromas of freshly sliced apples fill the nose of this non vintage sparkling wine. A gentle wisp of ginger chips in as well. The palate is fresh and crisp with yellow and green apple flavors playing vital roles. A bit of hazelnut emerges as well along with light touches of lemon zest. The finish shows off mineral and spice characteristics as well as tart apple flavors. This is a refreshing wine that has crisp acidity. It drinks well by itself and is also an excellent food wine.

This French Sparkler is a very nice value for $19.99. If you shop around you’ll find it for a bit less. Its complexity belies its price point. Whether you pair this with a Sunday Brunch or simply share it with friends during a casual get together you’re going to be drinking a delicious offering that you’re likely to buy again and again when you realize what a terrific wine you got for your money.