October Grand Cru. * Sparkle. * Ultimate Reds. *** Vintage Values

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "October Grand Cru. *** Sparkle. *** Ultimate Reds. *** Vintage Values"

Tamsyn Porter
6 years ago
Views:

Grand Cru 2013 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon Isosceles $69.98 2013 Tenuta dell' Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove $59.98 Sparkle Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve 52.98 Buglioni Lo Spudorato Brut Spumante $24.

1 Grand Cru 2013 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon Isosceles $ Tenuta dell' Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove $59.98 Sparkle Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Buglioni Lo Spudorato Brut Spumante $24.98 Ultimate Reds 2013 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG $ Justin Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles $24.98 Vintage Values 2014 Justin Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles $ Caymus Conundrum Red Wine $22.98

2 2013 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon Isosceles and 2014 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, California In 1981, Justin Baldwin purchased 160 acres in Paso Robles, with the aim of crafting wines that belong in the company of the finest in the world. Rich in limestone, the soil of Paso Robles produces grapes with intense flavor and great structure, making it a perfect location for Justin Vineyards & Winery. Paso Robles distinctive microclimate offers the widest day night temperature swings of any grape growing region in California. The hot days allow the grapes to develop intense flavor, while the cool nights create great structure and balance. Rich in fossilized limestone from eons of marine deposits, the soil is ideally suited to creating big, Bordeaux style reds. The limestone stresses the vines, producing grapes that fully express their varietal character. The Justin winery produces and entire range of red, white and dessert/fortified wines. Many of the wines are named after geometric shapes/terms. I ve never asked Mr. Baldwin what might the connection to geometry and wine might be. I have some random guess theories that have no basis but would make for great inebriated fireside laughs Justin Isoceles For more than 25 vintages, Isoceles has been the flagship wine and quality benchmark for Justin Winery. A blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon supported by Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the 2013 Isoceles is a perfect example of classic robust and thought provoking Paso Robles reds. Bright, near opaque, ruby purple core with a narrow, moderate intensity rim and slow forming slightly stained tears. The nose leads to intensity and complexity with aromas of ripe black fruit, baking spice, sweet tobacco, leather, cocoa, oak barrel elements and subtle smoky eucalyptus accents. On the palate, it s dry and full bodied with rich black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, vanilla, cinnamon and licorice spice notes on the entry. Savory, herbal and mint notes appear, followed by dark chocolate and smoky oak elements on the mid palate. The finish is very long and crisp with a complex interplay between the savory mid palate and returning fruit of red cherry candy and sweet spice with a floral hint of violet, all framed by soft, chewy tannins.

3 The 2013 Isoceles is currently drinking exceptionally well but has the structure to further develop beautifully over time. Great with classic cab fare like rich braised short ribs or grilled leg of lamb with garlic and herbs, the Isoceles also drinks well on its own due to its exceptional balance of flavor and texture even when young Justin Cabernet Sauvignon Dark ruby purple core lightening to medium intensity at the rim with moderate staining on the glass. The bouquet leads to a cornucopia of abundant black fruit, cherry and blackcurrant jam, baking spice, dried leaf and sweet tobacco. The palate rewards with full bodied flavors of bright black cherry, blackcurrant and berry fruit with an underpinning of oak barrel accents on entry. The mid palate shows continued fruit with savory herbal notes, mint and a hint of violet. The finish is clean, long and layered with lingering dark fruit surrounded by soft chewy tannins balanced by crisp acidity and subtle floral notes. The 2014 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile red wine that pairs well with most red wine friendly dishes and a little more. As good with pasta and burgers as it is with beef wellington or entrecote bordelaise, this is a wine with broad pairing possibilities for both dishes and palates.

4 2013 Tenuta dell' Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove Bolgheri, Italy Getting its name from the grove of flowering ash trees surrounding the winery, Tenuta dell'ornellaia came to Bolgheri in 1981, making it a relative upstart in Toscana in specific and the world of Italian wine in general. Although founded by Lodovico Antinori, who was nephew of Sassicaia's maker and brother to Piero Antinori, Tenuta dell'ornellaia has been owned by the Frescobaldi group for almost two decades. Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia is located on the Tuscan Coast, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, in the section of the Northern Maremma between Livorno and the island of Elba. The vineyards extend over two adjacent areas that are separated by Bolgheri's famed Cypress Avenue. There are 99 hectares of vineyards in all, 41 surrounding the Tenuta, and the remaining 58 in an area known as Bellaria, which is closer to the sea. The vineyards are planted at altitudes ranging from 50 to 120 meters above sea level, on slopes ranging from 5 to 20. Planting density per hectare ranges from 5,000 vines per hectare in the older vineyards of the Estate to 7,000 vines per hectare in the Bellaria vineyards. By comparison, some of the most recent vineyards can have up to 8,700 vines per hectare. Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia's 97 hectares of vineyards are divided into 50 parcels planted to the four varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (38 hectares), Cabernet Franc (12 hectares), Merlot (38 hectares), Petit Verdot (7 hectares), and varieties Sauvignon blanc (2,5 ha), Viognier (0.5 ha) and Petit Manseng (1 ha). The estate's 244 acres of vineyards lie on elevated parcels composed of clay, gravel, and loam, offering terrific terroir for its world class Super Tuscan bottlings. Ornellaia has earned a reputation for consistent excellence, a feat aided by the estate's vineyards and guided by the hands of renowned winemaker Axel Heinz. Parent company of the iconic mono varietal Merlot Masseto, which now is its own discrete entity, Tenuta dell Ornellaia crafts a range of wines, including its namesake flagship wine, Ornellaia; its second label, Le Serre Nuove; and its entrylevel gem, Le Volte. In the trade, Le Serre Nuove is commonly referred to as Baby Ornellaia. I have always been a big fan of this wine. The 2013 Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuove is a generous blend of Merlot (32%), Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Cabernet Franc (20%) and Petit Verdot (12%). The wine presents an intensely drinkable style with soft fruit nuances of cherry, spice, grilled herb and leather. The integration of those aromas is absolutely seamless. In the mouth, Le Serra Nuove is soft, lush and beautifully persistent. 92 Points Wine Advocate

5 2013 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG Tuscany, Italy Tenuta Fontodi is renowned for its Super Tuscan Flaccianello and the Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon favorite Vigna del Sorbo, the estate s Chianti Classico is unflinchingly reliable. Winemaking in the timeless land of Chianti Classico dates back to the 8th century, and the term Chianti was applied to wine as far back as 1398, and the wholly organic Tenuta Fontodi is one of many existing estates that can trace their lineage back to these historic times. Located in the heart of Chianti near Panzano, Fontodi's vineyards enjoy a southern disposition in a natural amphitheater called the Conca d Oro (golden shell) and clay, schist, marl soil. These optimum conditions allow the grapes to ripen perfectly, therefore creating wines of great character and structure. The estate dates back to the 16th century, but its modern era started in 1968 when the Manetti family purchased the estate. The Chianti Classico is the main wine from the Fontodi estate, of which some bottles are made annually (60% of production). It s 100% Sangiovese, and spends a year in used French oak. Deep cherry red color. An enchanting nose nose of fresh, pure red and black cherry fruit with hints of mint and spice. The palate is round, fresh and inviting with firm tannins and good acidity under the spicy, earthy cherry fruit.

6 2014 Caymus Conundrum Red Wine California Caymus Vineyards stands amongst the leaders and legends of the California wine industry. Consistently churning out world class wines for over 40 years, Caymus has built a reputation of fruit, power and depth. concept of blending. The Conundrum wines are approachable tables wines built on the It all began at the dinner table. Charlie Wagner Sr., who co founded Caymus Vineyards in 1972 with his wife, Lorna, and son, Chuck, would mix wines to find the perfect glass to pair with his meal. No one blended wines back then, so his experiment was pretty radical. Fast forward to 1989, when Conundrum White was born, quickly taking off with its mysterious, tropical notes and amazing versatility. Conundrum Red, serious yet approachable, was introduced in Today, it s Charlie s grandson, Charlie Wagner II, who keeps Conundrum as original as ever. A rich, dark red, it offers aromas of ripe berries and plums, warmed by a hint of cocoa. Dried fruit and the taste of chocolate covered cherries come through on the palate, while a wisp of smokiness makes this wine created from dark red varietals including Zinfandel and Petite Sirah the perfect complement to grilled meats and full flavored dishes. Tannins are rounded out by the ripeness of the berries for a texturous but smooth mouth feel. The finish makes us think of lingering at the end of a long evening and still not wanting to go home, with layers of rich flavor that teasingly trail off.

7 Buglioni Lo Spudorato Brut Spumante Veneto, Italy The Buglioni family has been making wine since 1993, when they purchased an old farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves in Corrubbio di San Pietro in Cariano in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico region. Buglioni s aim is to produce wine that is known not only for its quality but also as a true expression of its origins; wine with a distinct personality that is grounded in respect for the environment and for local winemaking traditions; wine that will show its true character as it ages over time. This wine represents the past and the future, combining Garganega and the lesser known Durella grape into a wine that has nothing to be ashamed of. Lo Spudorato, or the shameless, because it stands tall, has no fear, and is not intimidated by sparkling wines from better known sparkling wine regions in Italy. Straw yellow color with a gold shimmer. Fine and persistent perlage. Intense aromas, rich notes of flowers and tropical fruit, especially mango and pineapple. Good structure and acidity. Round in the mouth, savory and balanced. Ideal as an apéritif. This wine pairs well with appetizers and crudités, delicate first courses and grilled white meat and fish.

8 Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne, France In 1851, young Charles Heidsieck founded his own Champagne house in Reims. He understood that the United States was an important emerging market, so he traversed America repeatedly north to south promoting his new brand. The stylish entrepreneur became known lovingly as "Champagne Charlie." Charles Camille was the son of Charles Henri Heidsieck, a Champagne merchant who was famous for riding into Moscow on a white stallion in 1811 just ahead of Napolean's advancing army. Heidsieck arrived with cases of his Champagne and his order book, ready to celebrate with whichever side would win the upcoming battle. Charles Henri was the nephew of Florens Louis Heidsieck, co founder of the Champagne house that eventually became Piper Heidsieck. 1852, he leaves for the United States because he sees an opportunity to go where nobody has been before. He is the very first champagne merchant to make the journey...champagne Charlie is born. Charles Heidsieck Champagne is distinguished by the high proportion of reserve wines in the Brut Réserve. 40% of the blend is comprised of reserve wines averaging 10 years old, giving the wine uncommon depth and complexity. Only 60 crus from Champagne are blended to create Charles Heidsieck Champagnes, but the three stylistic pillars that give the Brut Réserve its distinct character are Grand Cru Chardonnay from Oger in the Cote des Blancs, Grand Cru Pinot Noir from Ambonnay in the Montagne de Reims, and the distinct Pinot Meunier from Verneuil in the Vallée de Marne. 36 months aging in our ancient chalk cellars (15 mos. minimum required) 40% Pinot Noir 40% Chardonnay 20% Pinot Meunier With 40% of reserve wines (the maximum possible amount), the blend offers a complex, voluptuous nose with notes of freshly baked brioche and the richness of roasted coffee beans.

Tasting Notes of Selected Older Vintages by Robert Bath M.S.

Tasting Notes of Selected Older Vintages by Robert Bath M.S. 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon (Old Label) Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon 22 Months in French Oak Opaque red with some browning on the rim. Ripe dark