Choosing my favorite wines
from our recent Wine-Knows trip to Chile & Argentina is akin to having to
pick my favorite child. Suffice to say
our group had some mind-blowing, world class wines in both countries. Here are the ones that caused the earth to
move for me (listed in alpha order):
Altair 2009 Sideral ($26):
This producer makes
only two wines of which Sideral is the least expensive (their main label is
$70). I’ve done a comparative tasting
of both Altairs (both are Bordeaux blends dominated by Cabernet Sauv) on three
different occasions and have always preferred their main label, however, this
year it was Sideral that was the run-away winner! I can’t
think of any other more voluptuous red for $26 (or that matter for $36, $46, or
$56). Note: the ’09 won’t be released until this summer…you
can bet that we’ll be ordering cases. (Production is small, so recommend seeking it
out online at wine-searcher.com)
Catena Zapata 2010 Alta Chardonnay: ($40 retail, but $25 now @ Costco)
I’m a red
girl, however, this white was crazy good.
I was so impressed that I couldn’t wait to buy it until we returned and
ordered a case of it on the internet from my hotel room in Argentina. (Only to find out when we arrived home that
Costco carries it for $25…no problema,
picked up another case!) Note that Catena
produces a couple of different Chardonnays…this one is their most expensive “Alta”
line.
Los Maquis 2010 “Franco” ($90)
Made from
100% Cabernet Franc, this stunning wine is a new one in the portfolio of one of
my most adored boutique Chilean producers.
Crafted in concert with a famous Bordeaux consultant (who has worked at
Lafite-Rothschild and Margaux), this one should be placed in a blind tasting against Cheval Blanc (also 100% Cab Franc)…folks may
be surprised at which one wins. Importer:
Global Imports in Berekley, Ca.
Montes 2010 “Purple Angel” ($60)
This was by far the finest
example of the Carmenere varietal that we tasted. (Brought to Chile in the 19th
century prior to phylloxera, it was not replanted in Bordeaux post infestation
due to its late ripening tendencies. In
the warmer climate of Chile, however, Carmenere has achieved rock-star status).
Made from 93% Carmenere (7 % Petite
Verdot), this one is a knock-out. (Montes has excellent penetration in the U.S.
market and Costco often carries many of their offering, including Purple
Angel.)
Viu Manent 2011 Carmenere
Secreto ($13)
This has to
be the best bargain wine of the trip. “Secreto”
means “secret” and this shouldn’t be one.
Those of you who don’t know Carmenere should try this producer’s spicy
little bomb filled with lush red fruits and soft tannins. If they were charging twice the price, it
would still be a steal.
Viu Manent 2010 Syrah, El Olivar Alto Vineyard ($25)
OMG…all
I can say is it you have find it, buy it!
This one is layers of complexity, on top of more layers of
complexity. Superbly made.
Importers & distributors: http://www.viumanent.cl/about-us/distribution/north-america/
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