October 21st and 22nd Wine Tasting
Domaine Begude Terrior Chardonnay – $14.99
Heading west from Provence, in the hills of Limoux is Domaine de la Begude, owned by British couple James and Catherine Kinglake who have swapped their former London-based lifestyle for the gentle pace of looking after 25 hectares of near-organic vineyards. “11300” refers to the postcode and this wine is the best expression of the Terroir around Limoux: a blend of stainless steel fermented and barrel fermented Chardonnay. This wine is both delicious as an aperitif or with many fish and white meat dishes.
How it’s made: 75% cool-fermented in stainless steel tank; 25% barrel fermented in 600L demi-muids.
Tasting Notes: Zesty citrus freshness coupled with apple and pear notes; fine structure & pleasing minerality. A wine that is fabulous as aperitif and also with fish & white meats.
Emilio Moro Finca Resalo – $15.99
The history of the Bodega goes back three generations; Emilio Moro was born in the heart of the Pesquera wine-growing area and grew up treading grapes and racking wine in his native village of Pesquera de Duero, in the province of Valladolid. As early as 14 years old, Emilio helped his father sell 100 large earthenware pitchers of wine to local clients. This was a different era, when the grapes were crushed by treading in a large stone trough in the family wine cellar. The skins were pressed using a large wooden beam, the wine was made in casks and sold to seasonal farm laborers who came to work the fields or was taken by cart to other local villages.
Kevin’s Notes: This wine gives you a huge bang for the buck! Dark black purple, coco, and boysenberry flavors and aromatics can be found. While I am not big on reviews, and I never buy wine based on reviews, this wine has consistently scored 90+ points in the Wine Spectator. The picture you see on the label is a picture of the kids back in 1964 who now make the wine!
Bodega DiamAndes, Valle de Uco Perlita Malbec Syrah – $12.99
In 2005, the Bonnie family, owner of the renowned Château Malartic-Lagravière and of the Château Gazin Rocquencourt in Bordeaux, decided to leave France in search for new horizons in the world of wine. It all began with the acquisition, along with their partners, of a single 130-hectares (321 acres) block of land in the heart of the Uco Valley, to the south of the city of Mendoza. That is where Bodega DiamAndes was born, as a member of the prestigious Clos de los Siete group. The winery’s architectural design blends harmoniously into the stunning Andean scenery. In this context, the winemaking process has taken place under exceptional conditions since the 2007 vintage. The wine is 80% Malbec and 20%.
TASTING NOTES: The characteristics of the Argentinean Malbec combined with the smoothness of the Syrah produce a very pleasant, full bodied, rich wine. The palate develops ripe fruit and soft but intense tannins. Silky and smooth with a pleasant finish. This is a very well structured wine. It is NOT a one dimensional Argentinian red.
Arrowood Knights Valley Cabernet 2013 – $34.99
Dick Arrowood started the winery in 1986, they have been producing high-character wines from sustainably and organically farmed vineyards west of the Mayacamas Ridge. The winery is located in the historic Sonoma Valley, a small sub-appellation in the heart of the county. Often described as a warm pocket in a cool region, this rolling AVA is particularly well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, their signature wine.
The Knights Valley Vineyards are tucked into the foothills of Mount Saint Helena (it is its own sub-appellation in Sonoma) the remote eastern edge of Sonoma County, Knights Valley experiences a moderated climate, offering a longer and later growing season that develops dark fruit aromatics.
Tasting Notes: 2013 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is bold with black forest fruit and spiced plum, offering undertones of roasted coffee and crushed rock. Caramel and anise come through on the palate accompanied by broad tannins and a rich and persistent finish.
