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Tag Archives: Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting No. 66- June 10, 2019 – Hidden Regions/Varieties

11 Tuesday Jun 2019

Posted by Alfonso Sanchez in Tasting Meetings

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Tags

Cabernet Sauvignon, malbec, Merlot, Red Blends, Tempranillo

 

 Capri Ristorante – McLean, VA

TASTING OVERVIEW 

This blind presentation includes four red wines made of four well known varieties or blends of them from four regions where these wines are typical.  The objective of the tasting is to find out the region of origin and the varieties of which the wines are made of as well as ranking of preference by the participants.

TYPE :  Blind

  1. 2015 Sierra Cantabria Rioja Coleccion Privada, Tempranillo
  2. 2015 Adams Bench Reckoning, Red, Columbia Valley
  3. 2015 Chateau la Pointe, Pomerol
  4. 2005 Poesía, Red, Mendoza 

THE MENU

  1. Gnocci “Au-Gratin”
  2. Chicken Marsala
  3. Vitello Alla Parmigiana
  4. Dessert and/or coffee

PRESENTERS: Juan Luis Colaiacovo, Ricardo Santiago

PARTICIPANTS: Mario Aguilar, Juan Luis Colaiacovo, Orlando Mason, Italo Mikow,, Ricardo Santiago, Alfonso Sanchez, Jairo Sanchez

INFORMATION ON THE WINES

(All information obtained and condensed from several Internet articles.)

2015 Sierra Cantabria Rioja Coleccion Privada 

The Wine: Vinous-Rioja, Spain – “High-pitched red/blue fruit, floral pastille, spicecake, coconut & allspice aromas, along with a smoky mineral quality that emerges with aeration… Shows excellent clarity & repeating florality on a very long, spicy finish that’s given shape by supple, even tannins.”

The Winery: (From: Jorge Ordoñez Selections) Bodegas Sierra Cantabria was founded by Guillermo Eguren, a self-made bodeguero, who was, in the family tradition, a viticulturist. His family, native to San Vicente de La Sonsierra, one of the most sought after terroirs in Rioja, had grown grapes in Rioja Alavesa since the 1870’s. For decades the family sold their grapes to local producers, but Guillermo recognized the potential that his family’s vineyards had to create great wine, and founded Bodegas Sierra Cantabria in 1957. Today, the fourth generation of the Eguren family directs all aspects of the winemaking process, with Marcos Eguren as the winemaker and director of operations and his brother Miguel Angel Eguren as the general manager. The family still prides themselves as viticulturists first, and as a result, all of the grapes are estate grown, and they do not source fruit from any third party source. As viticulturists in Rioja Alavesa, they grow a vast majority of Tempranillo, with only a small percentage of Garnacha and Graciano, as they recognize that Garnacha and Graciano do not ripen reliably in northern Rioja, and they do not want to source their Garnacha and Graciano from Rioja Baja.

Bodegas Sierra Cantabria is the family’s original winery, and comprises a collection of their most classic style Rioja wines. Due to their viticultural background, the family’s wines are composed of mostly Tempranillo, as they recognize that Garnacha and Graciano do not ripen reliably in Northern Rioja.

Although the family’s business has evolved over the years through the foundation of other projects, Bodegas Sierra Cantabria comprises their most traditional, classic styled wines. The wines are made from a blend of selected vineyards, as opposed to Viñedos Sierra Cantabria, which is the family’s collection of single vineyard wines.

2015 Adams Bench Reckoning, Red, Columbia Valley

The Wine: (From: Advinetures) This is a Bordeaux type blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot takes its name from the bench outside the principal’s office where students would wait to face their reckoning. Very suave, this shows its red and black fruits profile in a medium+ body. Black cherry, plum and blackberry are supported by hints of baking spice. The terrific balance gives it a smooth mouthfeel. Ripe tannins create definition but do not distract. Polished and refined.

The Winery: Tim Blue and Erica Blue’s Adams Bench debuted in 2005 with their first vintage. Tim, an attorney, and Erica, a physician, had found the perfect spot for this labor of love in a beautiful property above the Hollywood Hill winery area in Woodinville. Tim and Erica’s wines have a stellar reputation, and have been praised by Wine Spectator, The Wine Advocate, and more, with their wines very often earning ratings well above 90 points. Their fruit is hand picked, whole berry fermented, and bottled without filtration, and they feel treating the young wine with respect shows through when the wines are released.

2015 Chateau la Pointe, Pomerol 

The Wine: RP :The 2015 La Pointe is a blend of 84% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Franc, picked between 27 September for the younger vines for the second wines, and 1 October for the heart of the Merlot, the Cabernet picked 8 and 12 October. Eric Monnoret told me that the 2015 was matured in 50% new oak. It has a comparatively flamboyant bouquet compared to recent vintages of La Pointe, with opulent red berry fruit, kirsch, cassis and patina of tar. The palate is medium-bodied, firm in the mouth at the moment, quite structured, the oak nicely integrated with a slightly savory finish. This is a robust La Pointe, quite spicy in the mouth with a long aftertaste. It will gain more harmony during its élevage.

The Winery: (From Wine-Seracher) Château La Pointe is one of the largest wine estates in Pomerol, making a Merlot-dominant wine. It dates back to 1845, and has been controlled by the d’Arfeuille family since 1941.The La Pointe estate consists of 23 hectares (57 acres) of vineyards planted mostly to Merlot with some Cabernet Francon a mix of gravel, clay-gravel and sandy soils. These sit on a terrace below the main Pomerol plateau, near châteaux Neninand Trotanoy. The estate also boasts 2ha (5 acres) of formal gardens, and in 1868 was one of the first two estates in the appellation to be allowed to call itself a château. The name La Pointe comes from a sharply angled triangular plot near the entrance to the property.

The vineyard is managed plot-by-plot, and individual parcels of fruit are vinified in small vats. Wines are aged in oak barrels, 50 percent of which are new.Since 2006, Château La Pointe has been owned by the Generali France insurance company. Since then, there have been several key improvements to both viticulture and winemaking. These have included removing Cabernet Sauvignon vines, improving vineyard drainage and lowering the yield of Cabernet Franc, as well as renovating the winery’s vat room.

2005 Poesía, Red, Mendoza 

The Wine: (RP): “The winery’s flagship is called Poesia and is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. It too is sourced from an 80 year old vineyard in Lujan de Cuyo. The 2005 Poesia was barrel-fermented and aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, it has a high-class aromatic array of pain grille, violets, spice box, black cherry, and blueberry. Smooth-textured, ripe, and sweetly-fruited, this elegant wine is beautifully balanced, nicely concealing enough structure to permit 5-7 years of evolution.”

The Winery: (From WS) Poesia, which means poetry in Spanish, is the latest project of Hélène Garcin-Lévêque, 30, and her husband, winemaker Patrice Lévêque, 36. Garcin and Lévêque are no strangers to wine. Garcin manages several small Bordeaux châteaus owned by her mother, Sylviane Garcin-Cathiard, including Clos L’Église in Pomerol and Barde-Haut in St.-Emilion, while Lévêque makes the wines.

The Bordeaux connection to Argentina is already strong, with several joint ventures — such as Bodegas Caro (between Domaines Baron de Rothschild-Lafite and Catena Zapata) and Cheval des Andes (Château Cheval-Blanc and Bodegas Terrazas de los Andes) — producing wines that try to marry the two region’s styles. But Garcin is looking for something different through Poesia.

“We want to have an original Argentinean wine, and not a copy of a blend that is already done in another country,” Garcin said.

Garcin first came to Argentina in 1998 as part of a group of investors in Bodega Monteviejo, a project led by Bordeaux consultant Michel Rolland and located in the Vista Flores area in the Uco Valley. But with progress there sluggish, Garcin changed her plan. She sold some of her parcels to other members of the group and moved up north to the historical heart of Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo. There she purchased a 32-acre vineyard notable for the Malbec that had been planted in 1935.

The vineyard, which also contains Cabernet Sauvignon, is being farmed organically by Garcin and her vineyard manager Marcelo Casazza. Poesia will not use any purchased grapes, and production will be small: Only 1,300 cases were made in 2001 and 2002, and just more than 1,500 cases in 2003. The wine will retail for around $40.

Though Garcin wants to make a uniquely Argentinean wine, she is blending Malbec — the country’s premier grape — with Cabernet Sauvignon, the leading player in Bordeaux. “Cabernet has better body and tannin structure,” she said. “So it gives more complexity to the blend.”

The wine receives 18 months in 100 percent new French oak, but the barrel staves have only a medium to light toast and the barrel heads are not toasted. This light-handed approach to the élevage allows the wine’s purity to shine through. Samples of the 2002 and 2003 tasted with Garcin showed lush raspberry confiture notes supported by racy tannins.

 VINOTABLES RATINGS FOR THIS TASTING:

 

  • 2015 Sierra Cantabria Rioja Coleccion Privada, Tempranillo – CV Rating:  Very Good to Excellent
  • 2015 Adams Bench Reckoning, Red, Columbia Valley – CV Rating:  Very Good
  • 2015 Chateau la Pointe, Pomerol – CV Rating:  Excellent
  • 2005 Poesía, Red, Mendoza – CV Rating:  Excellent

View full evaluation here: Summary of Tasting Scores 66

Best Rated: 2005 Poesía, Red, Mendoza

Best Buy: 2015 Chateau la Pointe, Pomerol 

Tasting No. 60- December 6, 2017- High-end Wines from Argentina and Chile

27 Monday Nov 2017

Posted by Alfonso Sanchez in Tasting Meetings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Argentina, Bolivia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Chile, Lujan de Cuyo, Merlot, Tarija, Valle de Uco

 

 Capri Ristorante – McLean, VA

CONTENT

  1. Presenters
  2. Participants
  3. Tasting Overview
  4. The Menu and the Wines
  5. Information on the wines
  6. Member’s wines ratings

PRESENTERS:

Mario Aguilar, Juan Luis Colaiacovo

PARTICIPANTS:

Mario Aguilar, Juan Luis Colaiacovo, Orlando Maison,Orlando Reos, Jorge Requena, Alfonso Sánchez, Ricardo Santiago, Peter Scherer.

TASTING OVERVIEW:  

Type: Blind

This presentation includes one Cabernet Sauvignon and one Malbec from Argentina, and one Cabernet Sauvignon and one Carmenere from Chile.  The Argentine wines are from the Bramare line of Viña Cobos Winery a project led by Paul Hobbes a famous american winemaker that has been very influential in the recent development of Argentina’s wine industry. The two Chilean wines are from the highly well reputed Viña Montes.  All the wines have been highly rated by the experts as outstanding or exceptional. The objectives of this blind tasting are to evaluate each wine individually, establish the variety and to rank them in order of preference by the Group.  The wines are:

  1. 2013 – Viña Cobos, Bramare Single Vineyard Malbec, Rebon Vineyard, Valle de Uco, Argentina
  2. 2013 – Viña Cobos, Bramare Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Marchiori Vineyard, Luján de Cuyo, Argentina
  3. 2014 – Purple Angel, Carmenere, Colchagua Valley, Chile
  4. 2011 – Montes Alpha M, Red Wine, Colchagua Valley, Chile
  5. 2016 – Cruce del Zorro, Mezcla de Altura, Valle de la Concepción, Tarija, Bolivia – Wine graciously presented by Orlando Reos as a Surprise Wine

THE MENU

  1. Fried polenta over arugula salad, olive virgin oil dressing.
  2. Risotto with spanish chorizo.
  3. Roast pork garnished with baked potatoes in red wine sauce
  4. Grilled beef short ribs with shiitake mushrooms and steamed spinach
  5. Dessert and/or coffee

INFORMATION ON THE WINES

(All information obtained and condensed from several Internet articles.)

2013 – Viña Cobos, Bramare Single Vineyard Malbec, Rebon Vineyard, Valle de Uco, Argentina

 

The Wine: The Wine Advocate: Aug 2015 – . Reviewer : Luis Gutierrez – The oakier of the single vineyards was the 2012 Bramare Malbec Rebon Vineyard, which had aromas of roasted wood and very ripe berries. This vineyard is in La Consulta. The nose feels sweet, with plenty of cinnamon and vanilla, a little too oaky for my taste (all these vineyards designated wines age for some 17 months in around 60% new French oak barrels). The palate is full-bodied, dense, thick, glossy and intense, lifted by the alcohol, with plenty of the sweet cinnamon and spicy notes found in the nose. Wait a bit for this XL Malbec.

The Winery: Viña Cobos makes wines which naturally express the terroir from which they come. Paul Hobbs, founding partner and winemaker of Viña Cobos, has worked since 1988 in the exploration of the various terroirs of Mendoza, looking for the most relevant regions in Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, to produce unique wines. A sustainable management of the vineyard makes it possible to achieve balanced crops and top-quality fruit. A careful treatment of the grapes and a meticulous production process combine to create complex and elegant wines of great subtlety and balance.

The Uco valley will surprise you with its magnificent scenery and its privileged location at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Irrigated by the waters of the Tunuyán River and other mountain tributaries, this area is a true productive oasis.It includes the territories of Tunuyán, Tupungato and San Carlos departments, within which the most notable districts are Los Chacayes, Altamira, El Peral, Gualtallary, La Consulta, Los Árboles, Villa Bastías and Villa Seca. The altitude varies between 900 m (2952 ft) and 1400 m (4593 ft) above sea level. It has a wide temperature range. Winters are harsh and the average temperature is generally lower than in the center of the province. The soils are of alluvial origin, with great presence of pebble stones of variable size.

The Rebon Vineyard is located in the heart of the Uco Valley, its surface of 17,7 ha (43.7 ac) has been planted with Malbec vines.This deep, well-drained soil has thick texture and rocks at depth. It has a slight slope that favors the irrigation system. During the maturity period, the temperature range is of 14.8 ºC (58.6 °F).Traditional furrow irrigation along the slopes and spur pruning are used.The vineyard takes its name after the Toso Rebon family, who has owned this estate and has worked with Viña Cobos for several years, taking permanent care of the vineyard and studying the soil to select the best parcels of land.

Read More about the winery here: http://vinacobos.com/en/

2013 – Viña Cobos, Bramare Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Marchiori Vineyard, Luján de Cuyo, Argentina

The Wine: A deep red colour. On the nose is fresh red fruit and cassis, accompanied by notes of tobacco, chocolate and spices We also find black pepper, clove, mocha, graphite and hints of gunpowder. On the palate it is expressive and spirited, shows great power and volume. It is an unctuous wine with marked tannins. Aromas of ink and great fruit in a long and complex finish

The Winery: See Viña Cobos notes above. This wine comes from the Appellation Pedriel in Lujan de Cuyo, known historically as the ‘prime zone’ for wine-growing in Mendoza. Its high elevation location in combination with a semi-desert climate and low-nutrient gravelly soils provide ideal conditions for cultivation of high quality fruit. The influence of Mendoza River, one of the main sources of water for irrigation of the region, confers identity to the area, influencing the soil composition and the determination of productive areas. Here can be found outstanding wine growing districts as Agrelo, Las Compuertas, Perdriel and Vistalba. The altitude in this area varies between 800 m (2624 ft) and 1100 m (3308 ft) above sea level. The cool temperate climate ensures the optimum ripening of the grapes. The soil is made up of fine sediments of alluvial origin, while the subsoil contains sand silty clay sediments.

2014 – Purple Angel, Carmenere, Colchagua Valley, Chile

The Wine: James Suckling: This has a perfect nose of blackberry, tar, black pepper, thyme, cloves and rose petal. Full body and firm and very silky and polished tannins. The finish goes on for minutes. Best ever. Great class. 92% carmenere and 8% petit verdot. Drink in 2019 but so gorgeous now.

WS: Like the name suggests, this Carmenère is opaque purple in color, with earthy, complex aromas of graphite, char and herbal black currant. The palate is, not surprisingly, saturated and dense. Flavors of toasty, minty black fruits are charred, while the finish tastes roasted, heavily oaked and blackened. Drink through 2021.

The Winery: (Taken from Wine Searcher) Montes is a large wine producer in Chile, exporting wines to more than 100 countries around the world. The company produces a wide range of wines from classic Chilean grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay. Purple Angel, a Carmenère-predominant wine from the Colchagua Valley, is Montes’ flagship and one of Chile’s most famous wines. Montes was founded in 1987 by Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray, with the aim of producing high-quality Chilean wine. Today, the company’s vineyards span the length of the country, from Aconcagua and Casablanca Valley in the north to Apalta in the south. These are managed with as little irrigation as possible, to strengthen the vines, and green harvesting helps with berry concentration. Vineyards are harvested either late at night or early in the morning to help maintain the freshness of the grapes.

Read more here: https://www.monteswines.com/en/

2011 – Montes Alpha M, Red Wine, Colchagua Valley, Chile

The Wine: This extraordinary wine represents a dream come true for the original founders of Montes: to produce a ‘first growth’ that can stand alongside the world’s other finest wines. Production of Montes Alpha M is extremely limited and vintages are only released if our head winemaker Aurelio Montes considers that the quality of the wine is up to demanding standards. Aurelio goes as far as painstakingly selecting individual grapes rather than bunches at harvest time, in his aim for supreme quality, eliminating variables that might compromise quality. Coming from the best vines at our Finca de Apalta estate.

Intense dark red colour. Very elegant with very dense and velvety, supple tannins. The wine has an harmonious structure, combined with a generous fruit expression and a very distinguished character showing aromas of red fruits, cassis and a touch of cedar and cinnamon. In the mouth the wine has delightful notes of vanilla and coffee. The 5% of Petit Verdot adds an extra element of complexity. Mouth filling and long and well-defined through the finish. The structure of this wine will keep it for over 20 years.

Montes Alpha “M” is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Merlot (5%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (5%), which links all the other grapes. The Cabernet Franc enhances the elegance of the first variety, and is in total harmony with the softness of the second and austerity of the third.

The Winery: See notes about the winery above.

2016 – Cruce del Zorro, Mezcla de Altura, Blend de Altura Valle de la Concepción, Tarija, Bolivia (Surprise Wine)

 The Wine: This wine is a blend of Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah produced by Inversiones Vitivinicolas Tarija from vineyards in the Valley of la Concepción in southern Bolivia near the border with Argentina at an altitude of 6000 ft above the sea level. Only 1700 bottles of this wine were produced in 2016. The winemaker is Rolando Luppino, who was in charge of the well reputed Toso Wineries in Argentina where he worked with Paul Hobbs. In spite of being a young wine, it turned out to be quite good and drinkable.  Deep red with purple hues.  Aromas and flavors to red fruits and cassis, with hints of cinnamon and overall balanced but still needs 2 to 3 years aging to develop its full potential.  Certainly a good example of the recent progress of the high altitude winemaking in Bolivia.

VINOTABLES RATINGS FOR THIS TASTING:

  • 2013 – Viña Cobos, Bramare Single Vineyard Malbec, Rebon Vineyard, Valle de Uco, Argentina – CV Rating: 92 –  Experts Rating: 90-95  – Price: $72
  • 2013 – Viña Cobos, Bramare Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Marchiori Vineyard, Luján de Cuyo, Argentina – CV Rating: 91–  Experts Rating: 90-94  – Price: $72
  • 2014 – Purple Angel, Carmenere, Colchagua Valley, Chile  – CV Rating: 91 –  Experts Rating: 92-98  – Price: $70
  • 2011 – Montes Alpha M, Red Wine, Colchagua Valley, Chile – CV Rating: 92–  Experts Rating: 93-94. – Price: $75
  • 2016 – Cruce del Zorro, Mezcla de Altura, Valle de la Concepción, Tarija, Bolivia – CV Rating: 90–  Experts Rating: NA. – Price: $NA

View full evaluation here: Summary of Tasting Scores 12-6-17

Best Rated: There was a tie between the Malbec and the Montes de Alpha Cabernet at 92 points but by a show of hands the Group unanimously preferred  the  Cabernet  of Montes for its elegance and integration.

Best Buy: All wines have a similar price quality ratio.

Tasting No. 56 – Wines from Oregon and Washington States

01 Monday May 2017

Posted by Alfonso Sanchez in Tasting Meetings

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Tags

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon blends, Oregon, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Washington State

 Capri Ristorante – McLean, VA

Pinot Noir Grapes

CONTENT

  1. Presenters
  2. Participants
  3. The wines
  4. Information on the wines
  5. Member’s wines ratings

PRESENTERS: Miguel Segovia, Jairo Sanchez

TYPE :  Blind

 PARTICIPANTS

Members:  Alfonso Sánchez, Lee Samuelson, Mario Aguilar, Peter Scherer, Orlando Reos, Miguel Segovia and, Jairo Sánchez

Guests: 

TASTING OVERVIEW 

This blind presentation Objective was to identify the varietal wines from these states and to contrast the impact of the terroir on the overall wine features. These are the wines:

  1. 2015 Two Mountains – Riesling – Columbia valley, Rattlesnake Hills
  2. 2012 Coelho – Paciencia Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley – Oregon
  3. 2014  Sheridan Vineyard – Mystique – Red Blend – Columbia Valley
  4. 2010 Gordon Estate- Cabernet Sauvignon – Six- Columbia Valley

THE MENU

  1. Shrimp cocktail in creole style sauce
  2. Risotto with roasted shallots, portobello mushrooms and parmesan cheese
  3. Grilled pork tenderloin with roasted beet and cranberry sauce
  4. Grilled lamb chops with porcini mushrooms sauce
  5. Dessert and/or coffee

INFORMATION ON THE WINES

(All information obtained and condensed from several Internet articles.)

2015 Two Mountains – Riesling – Columbia valley, Rattlesnake Hills 

The Wine: Off-dry style,hints of hay, green pear, wild flowers and dust on the nose combine with incredible tastes of ripe citrus, green apple, and a hint of minerality. This wine lasts forever on your tongue.

The Winery: “Warm days and cool nights provide the Yakima Valley with near-perfect growing conditions, allowing both white and red grape varietals to fully express their classic characteristics. Our award-winning wines are truly a reflection of the perfect location and climate in which they were grown. The Cascade Mountain Range provides a wonderful rain-shadow effect on our vineyard. We have warm sites averaging to 29 80-degree days with an ideal 190-day growing season and annual precipitation between six to seven inches total.”

Rattlesnake Hills is a small sub-region of Yakima Valley in Washington’s Columbia Valley. The AVA encompasses 68,500 acres (27,720ha) along the northern edge of the Yakima Valley AVA, on slopes and terraces with a variety of aspects and inclines.Temperatures in the AVA are moderate during the growing season, with the Cascade Mountains to the west shielding the region from the influence of the Pacific Ocean. The Rattlesnake Hills also protect vineyards from polar blasts originating in Canada. These influences make the AVA considerably warmer (up to 10F/6C) in winter than its neighbors – another factor in reducing vine-killing frosts. The soils in Rattlesnake Hills are predominantly silt loam, finer than the sandy compositions found elsewhere in the Columbia Valley. These soils are remnants from the extensive Missoula floods of the last Ice Age that shaped much of the landscape in the Columbia Basin before flowing south toward the Willamette Valley in Oregon.

Read More about the winery here:http://www.twomountainwinery.com/

 and here: http://www.wine-searcher.com/regions-rattlesnake+hills

2012 Coelho – Paciencia Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley – Oregon

The Wine: Ripe strawberry compote typifies this appealing wine. The nicely ripened fruit is set in a mineral-driven, high acid frame, and shows both texture and length as it develops in the mouth. It’s especially noteworthy given the moderate alcohol.

The Winery: After Dave and Deolinda fell in love with the rolling hills of the lush Willamette Valley, they moved to Amity in 1991 and transformed 40 acres 3 miles south of Amity into the renowned Coelho Estate Vineyard. They decided that they wanted to do more than simply sell their fruit, and began to utilize their Portuguese winemaking heritage. In 2004, they bottled their first vintage of “Paciencia.” Since then, they have added two other vineyards Zeitoun Vineyard and Delfina Vineyard (named after Deolinda’s Grandmother) to their acreage. The Coelho, and very first, vineyard is located three miles south of the winery and planted with 28.5 acres of Pinot noir, one acre Pinot gris and 1.5 acre Chardonnay. Coelho uses sustainable viticulture practices, hand picking, and hand sorting to reflect our respect for the unique Willamette Valley terroir.

Read more about  here:http://coelhowinery.com/

2014 Sheridan Vineyard – Mystique – Red Blend – Columbia Valley 

The Wine: (Wine Enthusiast)This Merlot-dominant red blend displays classic Yakima Valley flavors that are well-integrated and balanced for medium-term (6–8 years) aging. The fruit is on the tart side, with accents of earth and herb. The tannins are textural and somewhat drying.

The Winery: In 1996, Scott (the owner and sel made winemaker) found 76 acres of land located on a hilltop in the Yakima Valley. At that moment, he realized that his 17-year career in finance was coming to an end. The following year, he started the vineyard by planting ten acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah grapes. Sheridan Vineyard’s first harvest was in 2000. That year, Scott bottled a Syrah and a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc now known as L’Orage. Today, with the property fully planted, Scott continues to focus on sustainable farming practices and keeping yields low as the vineyard matures. All of this is driven by his passion to create wines of richness while maintaining a sense of beauty and balance.

Read more here:http://www.sheridanvineyard.com/index.php

 

2010 Gordon Estate- Cabernet Sauvignon – Six- Columbia Valley 

The Wine: (Wine Enthusiast) This pure Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate vineyard shows focused blueberry, black cherry and cassis fruit at its core, with underlying minerality. Dusty tannins and firm acids support a chewy, cherry-infused finish.

The Winery: Gordon Estate is located in the heart of the Columbia Valley in Washington State. With a unique volcanic soil breakdown that includes basalt, sandy loam, clay loam and gravelly loam, the earth of the Gordon Estate vineyard produces grapes of great depth and intensity. The south-facing site is perched some 620 feet above sea-level along the Snake River. The vineyard has excellent air drainage and benefits from the river’s moderating influence. The vines are sometimes blanketed by snow in the winter, but spring and summer offer sunshine and warmth allowing the grapes to ripen completely. Temperatures during the growing season can fluctuate from 95 degrees Fahrenheit the day to 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night, enabling the grapes to develop high acids and high sugar levels.

Read more here:http://gordonwines.com/

VINOTABLES RATINGS FOR THIS TASTING:

Rating Scale:

  • 96-100 Pts. – Exceptional
  • 90-95 Pts.  –  Outstanding
  • 86-89 Pts.  –  Very good
  • 81-85 Pts.  –  Good
  • 76-80 Pts.  –  Acceptable
  • 75 or fewer – Mediocre

Participants ranking, average scores and wine prices :

  1. 2010 Gordon Estate- Cabernet Sauvignon – Six- Columbia Valley
     

    • Expert Ratings:     RP 92 Pts.
    • Member Ratings:  91 Pts.
    • Price: $50
  2. 2014 Sheridan Mystique Yakima Valley, Merlot Blend    
    • Expert Ratings:  WE 92 Pts.
    • Member Ratings:   90 Pts.
    • Price: $33
  3. 2015 Two Mountain Riesling, Rattlesnake Hill, Washington  
    • Expert Ratings:    RP 89 Pts.
    • Member Ratings:  90 Pts.
    • Price: $20
  4. 2012 Coelho Paciencia Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon
    • Expert Ratings:    RP 92 Pts..
    • Member Ratings:   89 Pts.
    • Price: $50

BEST VALUE FOR MONEY: 2015 Two Mountain Riesling, Rattlesnake Hill, Washington

Tasting No. 54 -December 1, 2016 – Selection of the Members Best Rated Wines in Prior Tastings

24 Thursday Nov 2016

Posted by Alfonso Sanchez in Tasting Meetings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon

 Capri Ristorante – McLean, VA

red-blend

 

CONTENT

  1. Presenters
  2. Participants
  3. The wines
  4. Information on the wines
  5. Member’s wines ratings

PRESENTERS

Orlando Reos, Miguel Segovia, Alfonso Sanchez

TYPE :  Blind

 PARTICIPANTS

Mario Aguilar, Cecilio Berndsen, Jaime Estupiñán, Italo Mirkow, Orlando Reos, Lee Samuelson, Jairo Sanchez, Alfonso Sanchez, Jairo Sanchez, Miguel Segovia.

THE WINES 

This presentation revisits three red wines that Club Members rated with the highest scores in previous tastings.

  1. 2015 Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Blanc, Bastide St. Dominique
  2. 2007 Seghesio –  Barolo – la Villa – Piemonte
  3. 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon – Penfolds –Bin 407
  4. 2009 Poesía – Clos des Andes, Malbec Reserva

THE MENU

  1. Assorted Cheese Plate
  2. Mix Salad
  3. Veal Ravioli
  4. Grilled Beef Medallions and Vegetables
  5. Desert and/or coffee

INFORMATION ON THE WINES

(All information obtained and condensed from several Internet articles.)

2015 Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Blanc, Bastide St. Dominique

bastideThe Wine: Indicative blend: Clairette Rose, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. While southern Rhone red blends are far more common in this part of France, white wines are included in several notable appellations in the region. Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is the most famous of these, using Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Clairette and a small handful of obscure local varieties. White Cotes du Rhone wines use a similar blend, often along with Marsanne and Viognier.

Since there are so many possible incarnations of the blend, it is extremely difficult to narrow down any singular characteristic in these wines. The aromas, flavors, bodyweight, mouthfeel, aging potential and dryness level all depend entirely on the grape varieties used and the winemaking techniques involved.

The Winery: La Bastide Saint Dominique estate lies in the heart of Provence, right in the foothills of Chateauneuf du pape, buffeted by the gusts of the Mistral wind and bathed by the bright southern sun. Located at the heart of the Southern Rhône Valley, a stone’s throw away from Châteauneuf du Pape, La Bastide Saint Dominique estate enjoys optimal climate with the unique Mistral wind and very hot and dry summers.

Read More about the winery here: http://bastide-st-dominique.com/?lang=en

2007 Seghesio –  Barolo – la Villa 2007 – Piemonte  

fratelli-seghesio-la-villa-baroloThe Wine: Nebbiolo 100%.  Seghesio’s Barolo is concentrated, big and muscular with pure Nebbiolo aromas and velvety texture. The estate is no-longer the secret of those in-the-know, ever since the 2004 vintage received 95 points from the Wine Spectator. Ageing:   24 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux with a further 12 months in bottle prior to release.

The Winery: Brothers Aldo and Riccardo Seghesio began bottling their wine from their ten-hectares in the La Villa cru in 1988; the cru, in the Castelletto subzone not far from Manzone’s Gramolere, is another one of the most precipitous, best-drained expositions in all of Barolo, reached only by a ride of switchbacks up from the town of Monforte.

Read more about the Seghesio Frateli Winery here: http://www.fratelliseghesio.com/en/

2010Cabernet Sauvignon – Penforlds –Bin 407

Penfolds 407The Wine: Winemaker’s Notes: Deep magenta in color. The nose is energetic exuberant. Varietally pure – cassis/blackcurrant, at the physiologically riper end of the spectrum – no herbal or green cues. Other aromatics include derived scents extolling memories of homemade cannoli – its pastry and custard/chocolate. Upon sitting, a suggestion of Chinese sausage. French oak is evident, with clove, cedar, pencil shavings. The palate is full-bodied, fresh, bright and lively. It is defined and focussed. Solid, granular tannins, balanced acidity and friendly yet reserved oak, beckon an impressive structural conveyance. Palate length and persistence? Only one way to confirm… please pour.

The Winery: For over 170 years, three distinct styles have underpinned the Penfolds winemaking philosophy: single vineyard or single block, single region or sub-region, and multi-region or multi-varietal blending.

Penfolds single vineyard and single block wines are celebrated for their unique terroir and sense of place. These include Magill Estate Shiraz, Kalimna Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cellar Reserve Kalimna Block 25 Mataro, and 2010 Bin 170 Kalimna Shiraz.

Similarly, Penfolds wines sourced from a single region or sub-region represent the best of what that region or sub-region can offer. These wines are regarded for their optimised regional character and microclimate variants such as soil, drainage and aspect. Examples include RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz, Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz, Reserve Bin A Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz and Bin 23 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir.

Finally, both multi region and multi-varietal blending exemplify what Penfolds is best known for from a winemaking perspective – crafting wines to a house style.  Penfolds Grange is the original and most powerful expression of this blending philosophy, which results in a consistency of style and quality across vintages. Other examples of this style include St Henri Shiraz, Yattarna, Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz and Grandfather Rare Tawny.

Read more about the winery here: https://www.penfolds.com/en-us

2009 Poesía – Clos des Andes, Malbec Reserva

poesia-clos-des-andes-2009-malbec-reserva-mendozaThe Wine: This wine is 100% Malbec.  This is not the same wine we rated and tasted before but is made under similar approach as the Poesía blend tasted in meeting No. 52.  The nose reveals notes of leather, truffles combined with notes of fruits and a touch of chocolate powder. The palate is fresh, mineral, fruity, fat and offers a good fruit expression and a half weight matter. In the mouth it expresses notes of black fruit (plum, black cherry), cherry and slight notes of chocolate associated with a touch of coffee and leather. Tannins are melted.

The Winery: This is a small winery (13 hectares) located in Luján de Cuyo at about 3100 feet of altitude. Owned by the Gracin family who settled from Bordeaux and bottled their first crop in 2002.  They are dedicated to produce Bordeaux-type wines.

Read about Poesia Winery here: http://www.bodegapoesia.com/english/index.htm

 VINOTABLES RATINGS FOR THIS TASTING:

Rating Scale:

  • 96-100 Pts. – Exceptional
  • 90-95 Pts.  –  Outstanding
  • 86-89 Pts.  –  Very good
  • 81-85 Pts.  –  Good
  • 76-80 Pts.  –  Acceptable
  • 75 or fewer – Mediocre

Participants ranking, average scores and wine prices :

  1. 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon – Penfolds –Bin 407
    • Expert Ratings: Avg   91 Pts.
    • Member Ratings: 92 Pts.
    • Price: $45
  2. 2007 Seghesio –  Barolo – la Villa – Piemonte
    • Expert Ratings:  Avg. 91 Pts.
    • Member Ratings:   92 Pts.
    • Price: $52
  3. 2009 Poesía – Clos des Andes, Malbec Reserva
    • Expert Ratings: Avg.  87 Pts.
    • Member Ratings:  91Pts.
    • Price: $30
  4. 2015 Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Blanc, Bastide St. Dominique
    • Expert Ratings: WS 94  Pts..
    • Member Ratings:  91 Pts.
    • Price: $35

See full detailed evaluation here: tasting-_54-best-of-past-years-evaluation

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tasting No. 43 – April 13, 2015 – Wines from South Australia – Limestone Coast, Lower Murray and Far North

07 Tuesday Apr 2015

Posted by Alfonso Sanchez in Tasting Meetings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Red Blends, Riesling, South Australia

cropped-notables.jpg

Mario

Restaurante Capri

 

Australia Wine Regions.

CONTENIDO

  1. Presentadores
  2. Participantes
  3. Los Vinos y el Menú
  4. Información sobre los vinos
  5. Notas regionales
  6. Vinotables rating de los vinos

PRESENTADORES

Miguel Segovia y Orlando Reos

TIPO :  Ciega

 PARTICIPANTES

Mario Aguilar, Carlos Algandona, Orlando Mason, Italo Mirkow, Carlos Paldao, Orlando Reos, Alfonso Sánchez, Jairo Sánchez, Peter Scherer, Miguel Segovia.

LOS VINOS Y EL MENÚ

Esta degustación es la segunda de la serie de vinos de  Australia programada para el 2015, que en esta oportunidad incluye vinos de Australia del Sur,  subegiones Limestone Coast, Lowe Murray, y Far North.

 Los Vinos

  1. The lodge Hill Riesling 2013
  2. Aradia Chardonnay 2011 _ Penley State
  3. Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2009 – Penley Estate
  4. Gryphon Merlot 2010 – Penley Estate
  5. Chertsey Reserve 2008 –  Penley Estate
  6. Cabernet Sauvignon – Penforlds –Bin 407- 2010

El Menú

  1. Esnalada de maricos fría con tocineta y radichio
  2. Ensalada Ceasar
  3. Ravioli de ternera en sala aurora
  4. Codero con slasa de romero y champigñones y vegetales asados

INFORMACIÓN SOBRE LOS VINOS

(All information obtained and condensed from several Internet articles.)

Aradia Chardonnay 2011 – Penley Estate

AradiaThe Vineyard and the Winery.  Penley Estate’s 166 Ha estate is situated in Australia’s famous Cabernet Sauvignon district, Coonawarra. When Kym purchased the land it was a green site and now there is currently there is 111 hectares under vine including cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, shiraz, merlot, pinot noir, pinot munier and chardonnay. The vineyard is established on limestone covered by the famous ‘terra rossa’ soil of the Coonawarra. This, combined with ideal cool climatic conditions and an abundance of sunshine make a perfect location for vine growing.

In 1989 Penley made its first vintage, 10 years later in 1999, Penley made its first vintage in its new state of the art winery, where Kym Tolley uses a blend of modern and traditional winemaking techniques to produce Penley’s range of wines. The Cellar Door – Penley’s shop window was opened in 2001 allowing wine lovers to taste and visit the home of Penley Estate.

The key to Penley Estate’s wine is balance. Kym Tolley has the ability to integrate wood, fruit and flavour to ensure that all of our wines have great elegance, integration and finesse. Part of this style comes from the intensely rich and sweet characteristics of the Coonawarra district, but it is also reinforced by Penley Estates edict only to produce the best.  Read more at: http://www.penley.com.au/

The Wine.   This chardonnay has been made to be crisp with fresh fruit characters and a hint of soft oak that will allow some maturation if required. The colour is medium yellow with touches of grapey green. The aroma is emphasised by melon and fresh citrus fruits with a hint of biscuity and nutty complexes achieved by aging on yeast lees and the very light use of soft French oak. A finely layered palate with harmonious and sensuous flavours of melons and grapefruit. The subtle oak enhances the varietal flavours without overpowering them and leads to a silky soft finish. Read more about this wine here: http://www.penley.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/11-AR-TST1.pdf

 

Alcohol: 13%; Price: $16

Experts Ratings: 

 Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Riesling – 2013

Jim Barry

 

The Wine: Winemaker’s Notes.  The wine in the glass has crystal-like clarity, with a straw colour and green hues. The nose has lifted aromas of brown lime, papaya, white peach, tangelo and cumquats. On the palate enticing flavours fill the mouth with intense pink grapefruit, feijoa, green mango at the forefront and hints of ginger and lemongrass playing a supporting role. A tight natural acid backbone keeps the palate focussed and refreshing.

Alcohol: 13%; Price:$ 18

Experts Ratings: WE: 90 pts., WS: 90 Pts.: WA: 90 Pts.

Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2009 – Penley Estate

Cab ResThe Wine: Complex,fresh with black currant leaf notes, touch of mulberry and blackberry fruits interwoven with hints of wild berries and violets.The oak is quite prominent displaying some dusty and vanillin characters on the nose which over time will integrate into the wine thereby adding further complexity to the nose. A very full bodied and luscious wine, whilst still young is showing strong juicy-like tannins which will become more silky and velvety with time and evolve as the wine ages.  Read more about this wine here:  http://www.penley.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/2009-Reserve-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Tasting-Notes.pdf

Price: $42

Expert Ratings: ST: 92; W&S: 90

Gryphon Merlot 2010 – Penley Estate

GryphonThe Wine: This wine has a deep colour with strong red purple hues.  The bouquet is quite complex with distinct floral notes and ripe fruits complimented by nuances of sweet French vanilla and oak but with soft elegant length on the finish. The flavours are complex with a blend of florals, berries and oak, not over ripe and porty but shows typical Coonawarra spicy berry flavor.

Read more about this wine here: http://www.penley.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/2009-Gryphon-Merlot-Tasting-Notes.pdf

 

Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $17

Experts Ratings::

Chertsey Reserve 2008 –  Penley Estate

chertseyjpgThe Wine: Chertsey is a wine made using varieties of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot. The objective was to utilise the three varieties that grow exceptionally well in Coonawarra. It is full of fresh cherries, violets and plums with hints of spice and chocolate which flows seamlessly into the rich silky pallet. A wine of the balance, elegance and understated power.  Read more about this wine here: http://www.penley.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/2008-Chertsey-Tasting-Notes.pdf

Alcohol: 14.5%; Price:$42

Experts Ratings: WE 87, ST: 90 

Penfolds Bin 407 – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2010

Penfolds 407

Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker and only the 4th custodian of Grange, relishes the opportunity to bring Penfolds to the world stage and is an enthusiastic ambassador and natural educator. Penfolds came to the attention of the US market when 1990 Grange was Wine Spectator’s ‘Wine of the Year’. Since then, Penfolds Grange has become one of the most collectable wines of the world and was honored to grace the front cover, once again, of Wine Spectator, with declarations of Grange as Australia’s Icon. (taken from www. wine.com)

Winemaker’s Notes: Deep magenta in color. The nose is energetic exuberant. Varietally pure – cassis/blackcurrant, at the physiologically riper end of the spectrum – no herbal or green cues. Other aromatics include derived scents extolling memories of homemade cannoli – its pastry and custard/chocolate. Upon sitting, a suggestion of Chinese sausage. French oak is evident, with clove, cedar, pencil shavings. The palate is full-bodied, fresh, bright and lively. It is defined and focussed. Solid, granular tannins, balanced acidity and friendly yet reserved oak, beckon an impressive structural conveyance. Palate length and persistence? Only one way to confirm… please pour.

Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $50

Experts Rating: WS: 90 pts.; WA: 90 Pts., JS: 91Pts.

VINOTABLES RATINGS FOR THIS TASTING:

La evaluación de los vinos por los socios, que aparecerá publicada en el blog, presenta puntajes entre aproximadamente 88 a 90 para los blancos y 91 a 93 para los tintos, lo cual refleja la alta calidad de los vinos degustados. Los socios, por unanimidad, votaron que el 2010 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon fue el mejor vinos de esta sesión.  Los vinos individuales fueron calificados así:

Vino                                                                            Rango          Puntaje

  • Jim Barry – Lodge Hill Riesling- 2013                          79-94            88.1
  • Penley Estate – Aradia Chardonnay – 2011                 87-96            89.5
  • Penley Estate – Gryphon Merlot – 2010                       84-89            86.7
  •  Penley Estate – Chertsey Reserve)- 2008                   89-93            90.9
  • Penley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve -2009        90-93            91.3
  • Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010                 91-95            92.6

 

REGIONAL NOTES

(This information has been obtained from various internet sources, mainly Wikipedia and web pages dedicated to Australian wines as well as from the book the Wine Bible)

South Australian Wine

(See map HERE)

The South Australian wine industry is responsible for more than half the production of all Australian wine. South Australia has a vast diversity in geography and climate which allows the state to be able to produce a range of grape varieties-from the cool climate Riesling variety in the Clare Valley wine region to the big, full bodied Shiraz wines of the Barossa Valley.

Some of Australia‘s best-known wines like Penfolds Grange, Jacob’s Creek, Yalumba and Henschke Hill of Grace are produced here, as well as many of Australia’s mass-produced box wines.

As with most agriculture in Australia, irrigation is vital to the success of the South Australian wine industry

Climate and Geography

Located in south central Australia, South Australia is bordered by the four other mainland states, (Western Australia to the west, Queensland to the north east, New South Wales to the east, Victoria to the south east), the Northern Territory to the north, and the Great Australian Bight forms the state’s southern coastline.

The climate of the state varies greatly, with the more interior regions like the Riverland being intensely hot, and growing cooler closer to the coastal regions like Adelaide Hills. Across the region there is low annual rainfall, which necessitates irrigation to counter droughts.

Vines are grown at altitudes from the low valley regions of the Barossa and the Riverland up to1,970 feet high in the vineyards at Pewsey Vale in the Eden Valley. The soil types are also varied, and include the terra rosa of the Coonawarra region, the limestone–marl based soils of the Adelaide and Riverland areas, and the sandy, clay loam based soils of the Barossa. 

Australian wine labeling

Since the 1960s, Australia’s labeling laws have used an appellation system known as the Australian Geographical Indication (AGI), which distinguishes the geographic origins of the grape. Under these laws, at least 85% of the grapes must be from the region that is designated on the label. In the late 1990s more definitive boundaries were established that divided Australia up into Geographic Indications known as zones, regions and sub regions. 

South Australia wine zones and Regions

Adelaide super zone

In South Australia, a fourth geographical indication known as a super zone is used which consists of a group of adjoining zones. As of 2014, only one ‘super zone’ exists: this is the Adelaide region, which consists of the Barossa, Fleurieu and Mount Lofty Ranges zones. The Adelaide super zone was registered as an AGI on 27 December 1996. 

Barossa Zone

The Barossa zone is located just outside the northeast of Adelaide and contains two Wine Regions: Barossa Valley and Eden Valley, both of which have received appellation as AGI in 1996.

  • The Barossa Valley wine region is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious premium wine producing regions, known for its Shiraz production. The area’s climate is very hot and dry (for a wine producing area). Most of the area’s white wine plantings (Chardonnay, Riesling and Semillon) are located on the higher altitude hill sides around the valley where they can be cooled by the ocean breeze. In recent times the area has found some success with plantings of Rhône varietals including Grenache and Mourvèdre. Due to the hot climate, the grapes can become overripe, which requires the winemakers to limit the maceration time to prevent the wines from being overly tannic. 

Viticulture and winemaking

Grapes in the Barossa Valley can get very ripe with high sugar and low acid levels.

Most of the Barossa Valley makes extensive used of irrigation to supplement the region’s low rainfall supply during the growing season. The increased water stress of the practice, coupled with the naturally reduced yields of old vines, tends to produce the most deeply concentrated grapes in the valley which often go into the Barossa Valley ‘s most expensive and sought after wines. Harvest usually begins in February and may be conducted in the cooler temperatures of night to help maintain acid levels.

The generally hot climate of the Barossa Valley usually means that the grapes become ripe very easily with high levels of sugars and low levels of acids. Winemaking in the Barossa Valley often utilizes the process of acidification in order to add balance to the wine. The high alcohol levels from the fermented sugars may be offset by various winemaking practices including reverse osmosis and adding water to the must. Historically, winemakers in the Barossa Valley have utilized very short maceration periods that limit the amount of time that the wine spends in contact with the skin. Often the wine is racked off the skins into oak wine barrels before fermentation is even completed. While this does mean that supplemental tannins might need to be added, this short maceration often leaves the wines with a smooth mouthfeel. The extensive use of oak is also a characteristic of Barossa Valley winemaking with American oak, with its more aggressive dill and coconut aroma notes, often used more than French oak. 

Grapes varieties

While the Barossa Valley is most commonly associated with its signature grape variety of Shiraz,[5] the region does grow a number of grape varieties. Among these other varieties are Riesling, Semillon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Mourvedre and Cabernet Sauvignon.[13] The popularity of Syrah has sparked interest in the development of other Rhone varieties, with increase production of Grenache and Mourvedre (also known as Mataro in Australia) for both blending and varietal bottlings. Many of these vines are remnants of the Barossa’s fortified wine history and such have substantial age themselves.[5]

Despite its reputation as a red wine region, the Barossa Valley does produce a large amount of white wine.[14] Riesling has been historically important in the region but has gradually shifted eastward to higher elevations and cooler climates of the Barossa Ranges. Many Rieslings labelled with simply “Barossa” will often include more grapes from the cooler Eden Valley wine region than the Barossa Valley. This is permitted as the geographical indication of the Barossa Zone also includes the Eden Valley wine region that borders the Barossa Valley wine region to the east and which has developed an international reputation for the quality of its Riesling.

The plantings of Semillon in the Barossa Valley have evolved to develop its own unique pink-skinned clone that is distinctive from the Semillon found in its French homeland of Bordeaux or the internationally known Semillon from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. Barossa Semillon is characterized by its full body, golden color and low acidity. Traditionally the wine was fermented in oak but in recent years has been produced more with stainless steel. Barossa Chardonnay is often oaked and subjected to malolactic fermentation, which produces a big, full body creamy wine.

  • The Eden Valley wine region includes the High Eden sub-region, and is known for its rockier, more acidic soil than the neighbouring Barossa Valley. The area has a higher elevation (in the 400–610 metres (1,300–2,000 ft) range), and thus has a colder, wetter climate. The Eden Valley is home to the Hill of Grace vineyard with its 140+ year old Shiraz vines that are behind the Henschke Hill of Grace wine. The Eden Valley has also gained international attention for its limestone noted Rieslings. 

Fleurieu zone

The Fleurieu zone is located south of the Adelaide metropolitan area, between the mouth of the River Murray and the Gulf St. Vincent and includes Kangaroo Island. Five Wine regions are contained in this zone.

  • The Currency Creek wine region is located on the west side of Lake Alexandrina  Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon blanc and Semillon grow here, though the area also produces some notable red wines.
  • The Kangaroo Island wine region is located just off the coast of South Australia and is known for its Bordeaux style wines.  
  • The Langhorne Creek wine region is located southeast of Adelaide. Orlando Wines sources many of the grapes for its Jacob’s Creek brand from this area, which has a reputation of its dessert wines.
  • The Southern Fleurieu region is located on the southern end of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The area’s sandy loam and gravel based ironstone soil supports Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Riesling and Viognier plantings. Shiraz, Sauvignon blanc, Merlot and Primitivo are also planted at Nangkita in the centre of the Peninsula
  • The McLaren Vale wine region is located south of Adelaide and extends to the south of Morphett Vale. With the area’s 22 inches of rain, and diversity of soil types including sand, clay and limestone, this area produces a wide range of wines with Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon blanc being the most widely planted. 

McLaren Vale Region

McLaren is located approximately 35 km south of Adelaide in South Australia. Grapes were first planted in the region in 1838 and some vines more than 100 years old are still producing. Today there are more than 88 cellar doors in McLaren Vale. The majority are small family-run operations and boutique wineries Barossa and McLaren Vale food and wine are key icons of South Australia and in 2012 legislation to protect the character of McLaren Vale was passed, preventing the region to become a suburb of Adelaide.

Climate and geography

McLaren Vale has a Mediterranean climate with four clear seasons. With a dry warm Summer, the area has dry weather from December through to March or April, giving an easy change between summer and winter. It is gentle with long warm days and short cool nights. The region rarely experiences frost or drought due to its close proximity to the sea. 

Wines

The McLaren Vale region is well known for its dry red wines, especially those made from Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot are also grown. White wine varieties in the region include Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon blanc and Riesling.

In recent years innovative wineries have begun using less common varieties such as Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Barbera, Cinsaut, Vermentino and Viognier.

Notable for producing Shiraz, the grape is by far the most important variety for the region, accounting for about 50% of the total crush. The area’s thin soils, limited water, and warm summers harness Shiraz’s natural vigor and produce intense flavored fruit, and wine with a deep purple color that can last decades in the bottle. McLaren Vale wines are distinguished by their ripeness, elegance, structure, power and complexity.  

  • Shiraz is harvested from late February to early April. McLaren Vale Shiraz displays pronounced berry and spice characters with some dark chocolate and liquorice, while Shiraz from cooler sub-regions exhibits defined ripe raspberry characters. McLaren Vale Shiraz is renowned for its great softness and rolling palate. Many winemakers in McLaren Vale choose to blend their final Shiraz from a variety of sub-regions to add complexity. McLaren Vale naturally produces Shiraz that has very small berries. Smaller berries have a higher skin to pulp ratio.   Within McLaren Vale and its subregions there is a diversity of soil types, clones and winemaking philosophies, which has led to a huge range of Shiraz wine styles being produced. Most winemakers produce at least one Shiraz wine
  • Cabernet Sauvignon is Less famous than McLaren Vale Shiraz, but equally enchanting, Cabernet Sauvignon from McLaren Vale continues to display the rich ripe characters that typify wines from this region. Violet and blackcurrant flavours, vibrant plum, mint and edges of liquorice and a touch of McLaren Vale’s trademark dark chocolate character are common. 

Soil characteristics

The McLaren district has many different soil types and this contributes to the wines from the area having different terroir. The vineyards are planted on soils including fertile red-brown earths, terra rossa, rendzina, soft sands and dark cracking clays.

Each of these soil types contributes to the rich diversity of wine produced by the winemakers of the region. Overall the soils have one common trait; they are free draining which means they hold very little water. This is, in fact, an advantage, as it allows the accurate control of moisture to the vines through the use of state-of-the-art drip irrigation. Because of reliable winter rain, irrigation can be kept to low levels and manipulated to achieve the production of superior fruit.

Some soil types allow grapes to be dry-grown. Approximately 20% of the total crop is dry-grown. These dry-grown vines are renowned for small fruit size, which is sought after for the intensity of its flavour.

Most vineyards are found on gently undulating land at about 100 m above sea level. In the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges to the east, where there is a scattering of vineyards, elevation rises to 320 m. In the north around Blewitt Springs elevation is around 200 m. These variations in elevation have a significant impact on the terroir and fruit produced in the vineyards. 

Subregions

McLaren Vale Region includes the subregions of Blewitt Springs, Township of McLaren, Seaview, McLaren Flats, Willunga South and Sellicks Foot Hills, each one with different soils, elevation, closeness to the sea, temperature and drainage making them able to produce a big array of terroirs and wines.   

Mount Lofty Ranges zone

The Mount Lofty Ranges zone are located immediately to the east of Adelaide, north of the Fleurieu zone and south and north of the Barossa zone. It contains three regions and two subregions.

  • The Adelaide Hills is located 9 miles from the Gulf St Vincent coast, winds from which have a tempering effect on the mediterranean climate of this region, making it one of the coolest in South Australia. The region contains two sub-regions, Lenswood and Piccadilly Valley.
  • The Adelaide Plains is one of the hottest and flattest wine regions in South Australia. The area’s Magill vineyards located on the edge of the foothills: “The Grange”, pioneered by Christopher Rawson Penfold, and “Auldana”, pioneered by W. P. Auld, once provided the grapes for the production of Penfolds‘ Grange.
  • The Clare Valley is South Australia’s most northerly major wine district.
  • The region contains two areas considered to be sub-regions – Polish Hill River and Watervale. Despite its hot and dry climate, many of the vineyards in this area are not irrigated. This helps to reduce crop yields and to concentrate the flavours in the grape. The region is known for its ability to produce Chardonnays, Semillons, and Rieslings that range from full body and luscious to light and delicate. 

Far North zone

The Far North zone is located north of the Clare Valley wine region.

  • The Southern Flinders Ranges. Located along the Goyder’s Line, the area receives an ample amount of rainfall and tends to harvest earlier than the more southerly Clare and Barossa valleys. The area is best suited for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. 

Limestone Coast zone

The Limestone Coast zone is located in the south-east of the state, bounded by the continental coastline to the south, the border with the neighbouring state of Victoria to the east and the Lower Murray wine zone to the north. Six wine regions are contained in this Zone.

  • The Coonawarra covers an area centred on the strip of land adjoining both sides of the Riddoch Highway mainly north of the town of Penola and is bordered by the Wrattonbilly region in the north, by the Mount Gambier region in the south and by the Victorian border in the east. It is known for the Cabernet Sauvignon grown in its terra rossa soil. For years there were disputes within the Coonawarra region about which vineyards could rightfully be considered “Coonawarra”, and which were outside the boundaries. The soil itself became the deciding factor, with the lands with red terra rossa soil being visually distinguishable from the black soil found interspersed throughout the region. In addition to Cabernet, the region has also found some success with its Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot noir, Riesling, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon and Shiraz.
  • The Mount Benson wine region is located in the southeastern part of the state near the Robe wine region, west of Coonawarra. In the late 20th century, the area saw an influx of foreign investment, including the Rhône wine estate M. Chapoutier and the Belgium Kreglinger winery. The wines made here tend to be fruitier and less tannic than Coonawarra.
  • The Mount Gambier wine region is located around the regional city of Mount Gambier. The first planting of vines occurred in 1982. The region received appellation as an Australian Geographical Indication in 2010 and as of 2014, is represented by 20 vineyards and eight wineries.
  • The Padthaway wine region is a little north of, and slightly warmer than, Coonawarra, but it is better known for its white wine production, particularly Chardonnay. The wines here are known for the balance of their natural acidity and fruit.
  • The Robe wine region is located near Mount Benson in the southeast part of the state, west of Coonawarra.
  • The Wrattonbully wine region is located between Coonawarra and Padthaway and had its first commercial vineyards established in the area in 1968. The climate of the region is similar to Coonawarra, but vineyards in the Wrattonbully region tend to be higher elevated and on better drained soils. The soil of the area includes clay, sand and loam on top of limestone, with some patches of terra rossa. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are the most popular plantings. 

Lower Murray zone

The Lower Murray zone which is located to the east of the Adelaide superzone, is bounded by the Limestone Coast zone to the south, the Far North zone to the north and by the border with Victoria to the east.

  • The Riverland wine region is the highly irrigated land where a large percentage of Australia’s bulk and box wines are produced, similar to the Riverina region in New South Wales. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec and Riesling are some of the largest plantings in the area. The Riverland region also has one of the larger single plantings of Petit Verdot in the world, with Kingston Estate planting 100 hectares (250 acres) of this variety. 

The Peninsulas zone

The Peninsulas zone covers the entire Yorke Peninsula, an adjoining portion of the Mid North of South Australia, the portion of Eyre Peninsula south of a line of latitude approximately in line with Crystal Brook and the islands located off the adjoining coastline. It is bounded by the Far North zone to its north by the Mount Lofty Ranges zone to its east.

  • South Eastern Australia wine region

The South Eastern Australia wine region covers the area south of a line running from Ceduna in western South Australia to the junction of the borders of New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia (known as Cameron Corner) and then to the intersection of the Tropic of Capricorn with the eastern continental coastline. This region was registered as an AGI on 1 May 1996.

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