Author: deshaw87

Husband, Father, Golf hacker. I Love to talk about our travels, the food, wine, family and things that interest me.

If you are an Old World favorite follower you know that the wines’ distinction comes from the vineyard,chateau….dirt.  More recently some New World wines are adapting this philosophy, but by and large they are still known by the winemakers.

Terroir is a word that does not easily translate into the New world philosophy. An easy way to think about it is just to think about the dirt, each area has differences in the soil.  But, it is much more than that.  It is the soil, minerals, water that make up a particular vineyard.  But, it is also the air, total climate, farming techniques…history that make up terrior.

I am a firm believer that a great winemaker can do wonders with any juice given, but great wines come from great vineyards.  Many  think only of the winemaker as being important to the end result.  The truth is that the the vineyard manager, the farmers who tend the crops and the winemaker all play important parts in the final product.

In a recent discussion with one of these “Rock Star” high end winemakers, he admitted that he is only as good as the grapes he can contract in each vineyard.  Some very famous vineyards contract down to each vine.  Think To-Kolon,

Recently I was given a couple bottles from the Gasparini-Beals vineyards, Dry Creek, Sonoma.  Lambert Bridge Cab Franc and Cuvee Wine Cellars rose (from cab franc).

The Rose was light, crisp with hints of cherry and strawberry.  A little bit hardier than most domestic Rose’.  A compliment in my thinking. Soft and elegant.  Thomas Pichon and Patrick Smith are the winemakers, both  with  long histories in California wines.

Lambert Bridge Cabernet Franc 2012, was an extraordinary treat.  The minute the bottle was opened the fragrances filled the room.  Violets and roses meld into the  senses.  The dark, luscious juice sends tingles down your spine.  The rich, ripe fruit – full of plum, dark cherry and hints of chocolate and tobacco.  What a thrill.

Jennifer Higgins is the winemaker, she also has a very illustrious history.  Studying under some famous names such as Zelma Long, Jill Davis and David Ramey.  What a lineup.

Gasparini-Beals continues to grow quality grapes. (Prayers to everyone in Sonoma and Napa).  With these two wines the fame of this vineyard will certainly continue to grow.

Enjoy

 

Montes winery produces some of the top rated South American wines, think La Finca.  Hailing from the Colchagua Valley in central Chile-Clos D’ Angel is a new label from the Montes group.

This is the Malbec, 2014.  A heavenly delight that is 85% malbec and 15% syrah.  Malbec has had a storied existence.  French Malbec was almost completely wiped out from disease, but thrived in South America, it is still one of the 6 Bordeaux grapes (including Carnere) but honestly in all my tasting (to put it politely) I have rarely come across. Now when asked about Malbec 99% will automatically think South America.  This big robust purple grape with a distinct ink color provides a plummy-dark fruit taste that verges on “sweet”  but not. 

Clos D’ Angel is produced from grapes from the El Arcangel Vineyard.  Handpicked.  The juice produces the much sought after, full bodied fruit with light tannins that so many strive for and never reach .  The raspberries, plum and coffee with hints of tobacco and cocoa just explode.   Thirsty yet?  The finish is long and satisfying-if you are willing to stop at one.  But I am never willing to stop at one, that is why I am ususally very satisfied. HA. 

The Montes group has done a fantastic job with this one.  Beautuiful. 

Enjoy this one with red meat, or by itself as I often do.  I wish I had another right now.  

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20170831_192019Oh What a Night.  Everything about this wine is spectacular.  First it is from the Pessac-Leognan appellation.  (Do not confuse with Chateau Haut-Brion, the only 1855 classified red wine from the appellation).  But, for a much more economical substitute -and I certainly cannot drink Haut-Brion on a regular basis, this is one to go with.  And of course it is a 2009 vintage.  One of the top 5 vintages in the last 20 years.

The aroma bursts from the bottle immediately after opening.  Violets and roses.  Hints of cinnamon and spices.  Delightful, inviting.  You must let this one sit for awhile.  This just adds to the intense anxiety you have to jump in and drink immediately.  It is sorta like going on a blind date and arriving an hour early, (Carly Simon singing anticipation starts going through your head.

Once you pour the opulent juice in your glass your body starts tingling with excitement.  The dark raven wing color is just-well -beautiful.  As you sip some of the juice in your mouth , first the tip of the tongue starts trying to decipher all of the elements.  Then as your cheeks start noticing the wine, automatic mouth watering begins.  A very well balanced, fruit forward wine.  Plum, ripe cherry, smoke and earthiness and cedar.  Notes of pepper.  OMG  give me more.  Tannins are so very soft and elegant-silky.  The wine is soft,  a more medium body.  Ripe red fruits are plentiful with a smoky after.  The finish is loooonnngggg.   This is a perfect wine for a cheese dinner.

I am going to leave you now and finish this bottle!!!!!

Enjoy

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