Showing posts with label malbec. Show all posts
Showing posts with label malbec. Show all posts

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Chateau St Jean Malbec Reserve with Murray's Blue Cheese

Chateau St Jean Malbec Reserve with Murray's Blue Cheese

While at the local Mariano's Grocery, we picked up some artisan Murray's Blue Cheese at the cheese shop and were eager to try it with some fresh baked bread and wine. 

This Treasure Cave® brand Blue Cheese has a long and rich history as the first commercially produced blue cheese brand in the United States. In 1935, caves in Faribault, Minnesota, were renovated and turned into a cheese-making facility. The caves provided the right temperature and environment to produce authentic, cave-aged cheeses. Produced in caves, Treasure Cave cheeses today are made in a state-of-the-art facility in Almena, Wisconsin, with curing cells to finalize the production while ensuring consistent quality of the brand's blue and gorgonzola cheeses.

I've written in these pages about the irony that Murray's Cheese shop and wine and cheese bar/restaurant on Bleeker Street in New York City, Greenwich Village, one of our favorite eateries there, sold out to national retail grocer Kroger, who also took over local Chicago grocer Mariano's. Hence, the iconic New York cheese purveyor now has an in-store cheese shop in our neighborhood grocery here in Naperville. 

Previous posts featuring Murray's Cheese in these pages:

Murray's Cheese Restaurant and wine bar on Bleeker Street in the Greenwich Village - Ultimate Wine Cheese Experience

Coronavirus Virtual Family Dinner and Birthday Celebration
features Murrays Cheese Pairing

Murray's Cheese - and wine too

Murray's Cheese Wine Dinner

Looking at guidance from several cheese and wine sites, several suggested Malbec as an ideal wine for pairing with Blue Cheese, so I pulled from our cellar this premium Reserve Malbec for a cheese and wine pairing. 

Chateau St Jean Sonoma County Malbec Reserve 2013

We tasted and obtained this label as part of a Reserve wine flight pairing at the Chateau St Jean estate during our Sonoma Napa Wine Experience back in 2017.  I featured that tasting in a blogpost in these pages at the time - July 30, 2017 - Chateau St Jean Sonoma Reserve Private Tasting

Our Pour Boys 2017 Sonoma Napa Wine Experience started on the Sonoma Coast and worked east along the Russian River Valley ending up in Sonoma Valley at one of its crown jewel estates, Chateau St Jean. Bill C., a wine club member arranged for a special Reserve private tasting. 
 
The Chateau St Jean estate is one of the most picturesque and authentic in the Sonoma Valley and is more civil and hospitable than some of the garish ostentatious properties in the more highly commercialized Napa Valley. This was a perfect buffer and transition from the more relaxed Sonoma County to the Valley as we transitioned to spend the coming week in Napa (Valley).

Private tastings are held in the cottage (shown right) across the courtyard from the hospitality center. 

We've visited the estate and done tastings there numerous times over the years. Sonoma Harvest '09 - Chateau St Jean and again Sonoma Valley Wine Experience 2009 - Chateau St Jean.

This label was one of the highlights of that tasting. 

Chateau St Jean Sonoma County Reserve Malbec 2013

Malbec grapes tend to have a dark inky color and robust tannins. It is one of the six designated grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine. It is added to the blend to add deep color, intensity, tannin, structure, and complexity to the wine. 

The Malbec grape is thin-skinned tends to need more sun and heat than either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to mature. The grape became less popular in Bordeaux after a devastating frost in 1956 killed off 75% of the crop forcing replanting of the varietal. 

The grape is included in the blend to add dark color, body and structure to the wine. As the trend to robust forward wines became more popular, many producers crafted wines that were a majority, even100% Malbec. The varietal gained notoriety and become popular as one of the main varietals planted in Argentina.

This St Jean label is produced and released in very limited quantities and hence is only available to wine club members at the winery.

Winemaker's notes: The Reserve Malbec was blended with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon (6%) to round out the final vintage. Individual lots of each variety were aged separately for 28 months exclusively in small French oak barrels with only 5% being new barrels. Barrel by barrel, each lot was tasted and the most outstanding Malbec barrels were selected and then blended with specific lots of Cabernet Sauvignon to complete the final wine.

This 2013 Reserve Malbec offers bright aromas of boysenberry and blackberry fruit, subtle clove spice and a high-tone violet floral note. The inviting nose leads to a full, plush palate with powerful yet well-integrated and smooth tannins. Flavors of boysenberry jam, black cherry and spice are distinct on the palate. The wine is round with balanced acidity leading to a lengthy and flavorful finish.

Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren has championed Malbec and believes the variety flourishes in Sonoma at selected sites. It has become one of her favorite wines to bottle as a varietal. The Malbec for this wine comes from the Asti Vineyard in Alexander Valley at the northern end of Sonoma County as well as the St. Jean Estate vineyard in the heart of Sonoma Valley. The beautiful 2013 growing season resulted in wines with great depth of flavor, intense color and excellent balance. The Malbec consistently ripened with a concentrated core of fruit balanced by bright acidity.
 
This was a nice pairing with it's robust full flavors standing up to the hearty cheese.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2455397

https://www.chateaustjean.com/

https://twitter.com/chateaustjean1

https://twitter.com/MurraysCheese 

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Family birthday dinner at Son Ryan's features a flight of big red wines

 Family birthday dinner at Son Ryan's features a flight of big red wines - Back-up

For grand-daughter MacKenzie's birthday, son Ryan and D-inlaw Michelle hosted a gala family celebration dinner.  They grilled beef steaks and chicken on Ryan's new outdoor kitchen grill with a range of accompaniments. Before dinner they served shrimp, assorted veggies, fruits and an medley of artisan cheeses. With the snacks and hor d'ovres Ryan served vintage Roederer Champagne.

With dinner Ryan served from his cellar several vintage premium wines:

  • Fantesca All Great Things - Freedom 2009
  • Cliff Lede High Fidelity Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
  • Lillian California Syrah 2017

Family friend Dustin R brought from his cellar this premium Argentinian Malbec by Viña Cobos.


Cliff Lede “High Fidelity” Red Wine, Napa Valley 2017 

Ryan has an extensive collection of Cliff Lede estate Cabernets. As a member of their club he gets allocated special vineyard block designated bottlings from the Stags Leap District Napa Valley estate including this red Bordeaux Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Merlot based blend label. 

The 2017 'High Fidelity' is composed of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Cliff Lede's Twin Peaks estate vineyard, along with the Cabernet Franc from acclaimed viticulturist David Abreu’s Madrona Ranch. 

We've visited the Lede estate numerous times over the years and its alway a highlight of our Napa visits. 

This was rated 94 points by Antonio Galloni of Vinous.

Dark inky purple garnet colored, medium-full bodied, smooth, polished and nicely balanced black berry and plum fruits with notes of graphite, mocha, expresso, anise, spice and black tea with earthy floral on an elegant soft tannin finish. 

RM 92 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/notes.asp?iWine=3526988

http://www.cliffledevineyards.com/


Fantesca All Great Things - Freedom 2009

This is the handicraft of legendary veteran winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett, whose Napa Valley resume includes winemaking stints at Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, and her own La Sirena. She signed on with Fantesca in early 2008.

Fantesca Estate and Winery Napa Valley "All Great Things - Freedom" 2009 
This label "All Great Things" is Heidi Barret's annual Bordeaux blend produced for Fantesca - a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.  
 
This is the inaugural release of the series, which is inspired by the words of Winston Churchill:  “All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.”  
 
Each vintage release commemorates one of those notable words from the legendary Churchill quote - freedom (2015), justice (2016), honor (2011, 2017), duty (2012, 2018), mercy (2013), and hope (2014) - this one christened the (first) "Honor" release.

Dark garnet colored, medium full bodied, smooth, elegant and polished with bright black fruits with floral notes of and subtle notes of spice, mocha, tobacco and leather with smooth moderate tannins on the finish.

RM 92 points.  
 
 
http://www.fantesca.com
 

 Lillian California Syrah 2017

An interesting wine I had never heard of or seen before Ryan brought this premium artisan Syrah from his cellar when we were over last fall. That night we tasted the 2016 release.

This is from winemaker Maggie Harrison who worked at legendary Sine Qua Non for eight years.  and is also winemaker of Antica Terra. During Maggie's seventh year working at Manfred Krankl's Sine Qua Non, she was given the opportunity to produce a few barrels of her own Syrah and in 2004, Lillian Winery was born with an inaugural release of 150 cases. Lillian represents Maggie’s personal project and reflects everything that she learned during her time at Sine Qua Non.

First released in 2004, she sources fruit for this small production artisan label from the prestigious White Hawk Vineyard in Santa Barbara County

She produces this Lillian Syrah and a some other labels from vineyards sources such as the Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley, and the Stolpman Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Lillian wines are crafted from Rhone varietals — Roussanne, Syrah and Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Lillian shares a winemaker, winery, and tasting room with Antica Terra, in Dundee, OR.  While Antica Terra is focused on Pinot Noir from OR, Lillian is dedicated exclusively to producing Rhone varieties, as noted on the label, the wine is designated California Syrah, attributing the vineyard sources of the fruit. 

Dark purple, medium-full bodied, balanced savory dark fruit with hints of smoke and bacon fat on the nose and palate with a big lingering tangy finish. 

RM 91 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3042313 

https://www.lillianwinery.com/

Viña Cobos, Vineyard Designate Malbec, Marchiori Estate, Luján de Cuyo, Argentina, 2019

Paul Hobbs, renowned California winemaker is founding partner and winemaker at Viña Cobos. 

In addition to his global consulting career, Paul Hobbs has navigated producing wines globally, engaging annually in two harvests across nine countries. Today, Paul is the owner and winemaker for Sebastopol, California based wineries Paul Hobbs Winery and Crossbarn, as well as his international partnerships: Viña Cobos of Argentina, Crocus of Cahors, France, Yacoubian-Hobbs of Armenia and his two latest projects in development: Hillick & Hobbs, focusing on Finger Lakes riesling, and Alvaredos-Hobbs in Galicia, Spain.

Paul Hobbs visited Mendoza in Argentina in 1989 and started working with Malbec, exploring different terroirs of Mendoza, looking for the most distinguished regions in Luján de Cuyo and the Valle de Uco, to produce wines that uniquely express their origins.

He established Viña Cobos in 1998, After twenty years of experimenting, development, innovation and improvement, Viña Cobos has evolved to become internationally recognized for producing luxury-class wines and a world quality leader for Malbec based wines. Viña Cobos creates extraordinary wines of outstanding quality, highlighting Malbec as the emblematic variety of Mendoza.

With the inaugural vintage of Cobos Malbec in 1999, Viña Cobos marked a milestone in viticulture, defying existing standards and firmly positioned Malbec and Argentina on the international wine scene.

Viña Cobos, Vineyard Designate Malbec, Marchiori Estate, Luján de Cuyo, Argentina, 2019  

The winery’s elegant and balanced wines are a result of meticulous vineyard farming and utmost attention to showcasing the specific terroir of the region. This Malbec is sourced from Estates and vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco. The Marchiori Estate is the cornerstone of Viña Cobos. Malbec grapes grown in block C2 have been the key source since the inaugural vintage release, Cobos Malbec 1999. 

Luján de Cuyo is the premier growing region of Mendoza, fed by the snow-melt of the Andes through the Mendoza River. High altitudes range from 945 - 1,100 m (2,624 - 3,608 ft). The soils are alluvial, with a subsoil of clay, sand, silt and rock.

Valle de Uco with proximity to the Andes Mountains characterizes this cool, high altitude region. Vineyards sites range from 900 - 1,400 m (2,950 - 4,600 ft) in elevation. The soils are alluvial, sandy and rocky, and in some areas, limestone.

In addition to Malbec, Viña Cobos grows and produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.

The 2015 Cobos Marchiori Estate Malbec was awarded 98 points by JS.

This is really dynamic and focused with blueberry, blackberry and mineral character. Hints of lavender and sandalwood. Full body, yet so tight and lifting. The palate just grows at the finish which goes on and on. Juicy, meaty and dried herb flavors at the end… – J.S.

The first release of this wine was 2018, under the 'Viña Cobos Vineyard Designate' label. The Viña Cobos Vineyard Designate line captures the richness and power of exceptional vineyards and estates within Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo. 

This was dark inky purple colored, full bodied, rich, concentrated extracted black and blue fruits with notes of bacon, tobacco, black tea, spice and herbs with a full lingering finish. 

RM 94 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4240423 

https://www.paulhobbsselections.com/vinfata-cobos
 
@VinaCobos



Thursday, August 11, 2022

El Che Wine Paired Dinner

El Che Wine Paired Dinner 

I prepared an extensive background on each of these producers and wines and Blogspot erase it. We had a business partner team dinner at El Che Restaurant and had the chef's table family style dinner with the curated wine flight pairing with each course, including the dessert course.

The wine flight served with the courses. 

  • Viñedos Veramonte, Ritual Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley, Chile 2019
  • Errazuriz Reserve Mendoza, Chile, Chardonnay 2019
  • Viña Alicia Malbec 2018
  • Mendel Unus Malbec Blend 2019 
  • Pablo Fallabrino 'Alcyon' Tannat NV Altantida, Uruguay 

I researched and prepared an extensive background on each of these producers and wines and Blogspot erased it, something it tends to do occasionally. I lost at least six hours of effort. Shame on me for not creating multiple instances and back-up copies, but that isnt supposed to be required when working in the cloud. So be it, forgive the mea culpa and exasperation. 

Viñedos Veramonte Ritual Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley, Chile 2019

The organic Ritual estate is part of Viñedos Veramonte, owned by Spanish sherry maker González Byass. The Veramonte estate is located in the far eastern end of the Casablanca Valley in Chile. The vineyards are located on the northwestern side of Chile’s coastal range, less than 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean where they are heavily influenced by the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean and Humbolt Current which provides ideal growing conditions for cool-climate wines. The vineyards are surrounded by 6000 acres of native forest, creating a balanced, biodiverse landscape for healthy vines to thrive alongside natural wildlife corridors and native vegetation. 

Ritual is a project of the wll known and highly regarded winemakers Paul Hobbs and Agustin Huneeus (Napa Valley Quintessa and Prisoner Wine Company). 

The grapes of this Sauvignon Blanc come three different plots: Gloria and Mauco, which are pure expression of our native forest, and Terrazas, which showcases the minerality of the Coastal Mountain Range. Three parcels that show the best expression of this variety in Casablanca.

Ritual, lead by winemaker Sofia Araya produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Born and raised in Chile, Sofía was inspired to become a winemaker by the surrounding views of vineyards in her grandfather's farm. She studied at Universidad de Chile, and during university worked with the winemaking team in Casa Lapostolle in the Colchagua Valley. Later on she spent four years at Luis Felipe Edwards, in the same valley, and finally at Aresti Vineyard in Curicó Valley, before becoming an assistant winemaker at Viñedos Veramonte in 2009.

Classic sauv blanc with minerality you would expect from France rather than New World effort, Chilean wines are emerging to out-perform and provide superb QPR (quality-price ratio.

Winemaker Notes: "Intense citrus and floral notes are combined with flavors of white peaches and nectarines that are enhanced by a well-integrated acidy. Long and vibrant with an impeccable clean smooth finish."

This label was rated 92 points by James Suckling and 91 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Straw colored , medium bodied, textured, concentrated and complex notes of green apple, lime zest, pineapple, flint , mineral and stone with bright acidity.

RM 88 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3924748

Viña Alicia Malbec 2018 


Terrada & Anchorena, Mayor Drummond, Mendoza

Impressive dark fruits, with underlying savory edginess and slight hint of fresh violets on the nose. Palate is concentrated and expansive, without being overbearing and oppressive. Ample weight, but not a sledgehammer, retaining good drive and focus and even lift. Gorgeous, silky smooth tannins on the finish.
12 months in french oak

Mendel Unus Malbec Blend 2019 


Viñedos y Bodega Mendel arises from the union of Roberto de la Mota, one of the most respected and experienced Argentine winemakers, with an Argentine family committed to obtaining wines of the highest quality. Our search is to express the singular character of our vineyards and the incomparable attributes of the Mendoza terroir.

 

Roberto likes to joke that he was born in a winery, since his winemaking education and training began long before he studied at the National University of Cuyo. He took his first steps at the hands of his father, the most famous Argentine winemaker, Don Raúl de la Mota. 

After completing his studies in Montpellier, France, and managing one of the most important wineries in the country, Roberto was able to fulfill the dream of owning his own winery since 2002 with Mendel Wines.

 

Our old 1928 Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards are located in Perdriel and Mayor Drummond, Luján de Cuyo.
We also have Cabernet Franc, Semillon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon in our Finca Remota vineyards located in Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco. Our vineyards are located between 900 and 1,150 meters above sea level, in the best and highest irrigated lands of Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco, Mendoza.

Vineyard is located in Mayor Drummond, Luján de Cuyo, at 950 meters above sea level. It has a sandy loam and calcareous soil of alluvial origin, with good drainage. The climate is cold in winter and mild in summer, with a temperature range of 15 °C between day and night, which allows us to have optimum maturity. The average annual rainfall is 200 mm. We have 4 plots with drip irrigation and the rest with surface irrigation. Here are 11 hectares of massal selection Malbec planted in 1928; 2 hectares of Petit Verdot (both trellised varieties) and a small Tempranillo vineyard.

This is a blend of  65% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot.

VINEYARD
-Estates: Finca Drummond and Finca de Los Andes in Luján de Cuyo and Altamira in Uco Valley.
-Terroir and Altitude: Drummond, at 980 meters above sea level; ungrafted grapevines
grow on shallow, very permeable sandy silt soils. Perdriel, at 980 meters above sea
level; shallow, stony soils of great drainage. Altamira, at 1,100 meters above sea level;
ungrafted grapevines grow on sandy loam soils set on massive calcareous blocks.
-Planting Year: The Malbec vines date from 1928-1930. The Cabernet Sauvignon in
Perdriel was planted in 1994.
-Varietal selections: Malbec Luján and Altamira, Cabernet Sauvignon clone 337, Petit
Verdot Margaux selection.
-Yield: between 4,500 kilos and 5,500 kilos per hectare.

-Color: Dark intense red, purple at the rim.
-Nose: Complex and multi-layered. Before being swirled, the wine exhibits fresh fruit
aromas like black cherries, plums, blackberries and cassis. Once swirled, it displays spices
such as pink peppercorn, cedarwood, chocolate scents, vanilla and blond tobacco.
-Palate: It is a harmonious and mouth-lling wine which feels meaty and unctuous, with
rened and round tannins. The Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend contributes tannic
structure and a spicy core while the Malbec oers unctuousness, roundness and fruit
and the Petit Verdot, body and licorice. The aromatic complexity on the nose echoes
on the palate and makes it incredibly long. The acidity in this elegant wine ensures
freshness and great cellaring capacity.

Production limited to 17,000 bottles.

CT'er - By the glass. I honestly don’t understand so much expectation according to what this bottle has offering, with concentration and an absurd intensity. Overwhelming structure with abundant fruit in the form of memories of cassis. I am never interested in such power without margin for some terroir. It is overwhelming.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4050743

https://mendel.com.ar/en/

https://twitter.com/mendelwines

 

Pablo Fallabrino 'Alcyon' 'Anarkia', Tannat 2018 Altantida Uruguay

 Viñedo de los Vientos is located 4 km’s from the Atlantic Ocean in Atlantida Uruguay, a sub region of Canelones, one of the coolest growing regions in Uruguay. Pablo Fallabrino is the owner, grower and winemaker of Viñedo de los Vientos and he lives on the estate with his wife and two children. His grandfather, Angelo Fallabrino immigrated to Uruguay in 1920 from Piedmont and planted 5 vineyards and started 2 wineries in the 1930’s. Pablo studied with both his father and grandfather and eventually started the current, single vineyard estate in 1997 where they currently have 12 hectares under vine on their 30 hectare estate. Viñedo de los Vientos produces mostly Piedmontese varietals in addition to Tannat and their wines typically show an old world, nuanced style. Pablo is also an avid surfer.

VINEYARD
It comes from a 17ha vineyard, located next to the coast, where the River Plate estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean. Soils are made of calcareous white and brown clays.
VITICULTURE
Using no insecticide and dry no-till farming, the family practices sustainable farming.
Minimal intervention viticulture. Hand harvested.
WINEMAKING
This unique wine combines two different techniques for dessert wines, Barolo chinato and Marsala; it is fortified and aromatized.
16%ABV
TASTING NOTES
Honey like texture. Aromas of winter flowers, Madagascan vanilla bean, white cacao souffle, dark cherries. Savory and longsome finish.

 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4397210





Errazizus Mendoza Reserve Chardonnay 2019 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3790827

Viña Alicia Malbec 2018

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4397210 

 



https://ritualwines.cl/en/






Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Cadence Kitchen DG for great food-wine

Cadence Kitchen DG for great food-wine in trendy casual setting

For a casual midweek dinner we dined at Cadence Kitchen in nearby downtown Downers Grove, (IL). Our kids have been there and gave it high marks so we wanted to check it out. Cadence sits in a delightful park like promenade setting in the block-long condo building immediately opposite the DG Metra train stop. 

Cadence Kitchen is bustling with commuters, local foodies and casual diners and offers a well thought out menu of small plates, sandwiches, salads, sides and 'mains' with a respectable appropriate wine list that also includes WBTG - Wines By The Glass, for each food selection. Its trendy bright and airy with sections by the fireplaces that can be cozy and warm.

We started with their signature Crab Beignets, old bay, jumbo lump crab, and for a main course, the Red Wine Braised Short Rib with smoked gouda polenta and roasted root vegetables. We also ordered a side of their creamed spinach. All were delicious and ideally accentuated by our WBTG accompaniments. 

While the wine list was limited, it offers an appropriate selection of varietals, regions and price points. The full bottles tended to be 'restaurant' pricing (2+ times retail price), but the lower more value priced WBTG were carefully selected so as to provide great QPR - Quality Price Ratio offerings. 

Indeed, my red wine Santa Julia Reserva Malbec from Argentina was a fabulous pairing with the Short Rib entree at a great value, such that if I could find it a local merchant I would run out and buy several bottles for every day casual sipping. 

Linda's selection of the Alsatian Pinot Blanc was an ideal pairing with the Crab and the spinach. I write often in these pages about the merit and importance of effectively pairing the right wine with food thereby amplifying the enjoyment of both.

Santa Julia Reserva Valle de Uco Mendoza Malbec 2019

Santa Julia Reserva Malbec 2019 is from Santa Julia estate vineyards in Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, Argentina. Valle de Uco is a viticultural region southwest of Mendoza, in Argentina situated along the Tunuyán River and is considered one of the top wine regions in Mendoza, and all of Argentina. 

Their vineyards sit at 1000 to 1400 meters above sea level with deep sandy loam soils and  a cool temperate micro-climate, and in stony soils on the banks of the Tunuyan river.

The combination of cool climate, heterogeneous soils, and altitudes as high as 1400 meters above sea level, and a rich tradition of grape cultivation, make this region a unique and ideal place with distinguishable terroir for producing wines born at the foot of the Andes Mountains. 

The ideal climate and altitude, along with great sun exposure and low temperatures allowing for ideal long growing season produces grapes with that introduce great concentration of flavor, freshness and marked texture in the wines. 

“Who is Santa Julia?” This is one of the very first wines made by the Zuccardi family is named after Julia Zuccardi. Julia is the only daughter of José Zuccardi, current director of Familia Zuccardi. The family has been making wines since her grandfather planted his first vineyards in Mendoza more than 50 years ago. Ever since, Zuccardi have strived to produce wines that express the uniqueness of their place in the region using practices that show respect for the environment. 

Santa Julia Malbec Reserva 2019 was aged in older French Oak barrels over 3 periods of 10 months before final blend. 

This Santa Julia Malbec Reserva 2019 was rated 93 by James Suckling, 90 by Wine Advocate and Vinous gave it 89 points.

Winemaker's notes: "Dark violet and brilliant purple color. Good complexity in the nose with typical Malbec aromas of ripe fruits such as figs, plums, blackberries and marmaledes. Notes of vanilla, tobacco, coffee and chocolate. Full bodied red wine with sweet tannins, good structure and a long finish." Some complexity in a very approachable style, with bright fruit and a tender texture. 800,000 bottles produced.

Dark garnet inky purple colored, medium-to full-bodied, bright expressive plum and red currant fruits with a notes of floral on a layer of moderate chalk and sprites of tangy spice and hints of oak with fine tannins on the moderate lingering finish. 

RM 90 points.

 

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Ladera Napa Valley Malbec 2006


Ladera Napa Valley Malbec 2006 

Repost of earlier tasting blogpost feature of this wine and producer but another bottle and tasting experience, better this time than earlier. Entering week four of Coronavirus shut-in, we ordered in 'curb-side' carry out from Angelis' Italian, our favorite neighborhood trattoria.To pair with dinner, we pulled from the cellar this fourteen year old single Bordeaux varietal estate bottled Napa Valley Malbec

Bright garnet purple colored, medium-full bodied, better than last tasting, age or bottle variation? While not as complex and structured as a Cabernet, black berry and cherry fruit flavors, were accented by a layer of spice, hints of leather and a touch of cedar on a pleasant finish.laWe discovered this wine and purchased it following our visit to the Ladera Vineyards estate and winery up on Howell Mountain during our Napa Valley Howell Mountain Wine Experience 2008

We'd driven past the property, formerly the historic Chateau Woltner many times over the years on our treks up Howell Mountain. 

The fabulous historic winery building consists of production and barrel storage below and a rustic tasting room upstairs. It is surrounded by spectacular gardens, beds of lavender, and of course the vineyards.


Rick & Linda at Ladera winery
on
Howell Mountain
Ladera primarily focused on Cabernet Sauvignon of which we still hold a several cases of four different labels across three vintages from this era. We also acquired some of their Pinot Noir which was sourced from Sonoma County, as well as this Malbec grown from estate fruit, of which we still hold a half case in our cellar.

Malbec is one of the "big five" grape varieties in Bordeaux included in the "Cabernet family" of grapes.

It serves as one of the blending wines to round out and add complexity to the primary varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc or Merlot used for its deep, dark purple color, its fragrant aromas, ranging from black cherry to black pepper, and its texture which is lush and juicy in the mid palette and very soft on the finish.

Primarily a blended complement to the tannic, brooding Cabernet Sauvignon, it produces an interesting and nice stand alone wine, as well.


The 2006 Napa Valley Ladera Malbec is a blend of fruit from two mountain vineyards - 50% from Howell Mountain and the other 50% from Lone Canyon - two unique terroirs.

The rolling hills and volcanic soils of Howell Mountain vineyard lend to the bold dark fruit characters while the steep slopes and gravely soils of Lone Canyon high atop Mt Veeder contribute intense phenolic structure and complexity to the wine.

Somewhat consistent with my tasting notes way back in 2011 when we last tasted this wine: "This wine holds true to its varietal characteristics with its dark inky color, rich aromatics and bold masculine structure. The wine exhibits forward fruits flavors of black cherry and black berry with violets, red licorice, hints of vanilla, white pepper and smoky fig.

Bright garnet purple colored, medium-full bodied, better than last tasting, age or bottle variation? While not as complex and structured as a Cabernet, black berry and cherry fruit flavors, were accented by a layer of spice, hints of leather and a touch of cedar on a pleasant finish.Dark garnet colored, medium-full bodied, less complex and less structured than a Cabernet this comes across a bit flabby on opening but overcame the funkiness to reveal black berry and cherry fruit flavors, a layer of spice, hints of leather and a touch of cedar on a long finish.

RM 90 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/editinventory.asp?iWine=523712



Rick with Ladera owner/producer
Anne Stotesbery
The seeds for Ladera were planted in the early 1970s, when Pat and Anne Stotesbery fell in love while attending university in Northern California. Among their many shared interests, they discovered a passion for wine, and were soon taking wine classes together, and traveling to wine country for tastings.

The next two decades took them to Minnesota and Montana, where they ran a 3,200-acre ranch with 750 head of cattle, during which time, their interest in wine continued to grow.

With deep agricultural roots on both sides of their family, Pat and Anne Stotesbery acquired their first Napa Valley mountain vineyard in 1996. Their original vineyard was on Mount Veeder, the following year they purchased their second mountain vineyard, Lone Canyon.

In 1998, Pat and Anne made their first non-commercial vintage of 100 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon.

 As a reflection of their commitment to making mountain Cabernet Sauvignons, they selected the name Ladera for their winery, which means “hillside, or slope” in both Spanish and Italian.

They moved their family to Napa Valley, and in 2000, they acquired a historic Howell Mountain property featuring an 82-acre vineyard. For the next 16 years, this property served as the home for Ladera.

Around 2008, their son Dan visited us while on a wine promotion trip and we took him around to several of the local wine merchants in the area. 

In 2016, following the earlier sales of the Lone Canyon and the Mount Veeder properties, with their children grown and pursuing careers of their own, Pat and Anne sold their land on Howell Mountain.

Rustic Ladera tasting area in the historic
chai and barrel building back in 2006.
 https://www.laderavineyards.com/

http://mcnees.org/winesite/napa/napa_08/img_napa08_ladera_winery_remc.jpg


Saturday, September 28, 2019

Ladera Malbec 2006


Ladera Napa Valley Malbec 2006 

We discovered this wine and purchased it following our visit to the Ladera Vineyards estate and winery up on Howell Mountain during our Napa Valley Howell Mountain Wine Experience 2008

We'd driven past the property, formerly the historic Chateau Woltner many times over the years on our treks up Howell Mountain. 

The fabulous historic winery building consists of production and barrel storage below and a rustic tasting room upstairs. It is surrounded by spectacular gardens, beds of lavender, and of course the vineyards.

Rick & Linda at Ladera winery
on
Howell Mountain
Ladera primarily focused on Cabernet Sauvignon of which we still hold a several cases of four different labels across three vintages from this era. We also acquired some of their Pinot Noir which was sourced from Sonoma County, as well as this Malbec grown from estate fruit, of which we still hold a half case in our cellar.


Malbec is one of the "big five" grape varieties in Bordeaux included in the "Cabernet family" of grapes.

It serves as one of the blending wines to round out and add complexity to the primary varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc or Merlot used for its deep, dark purple color, its fragrant aromas, ranging from black cherry to black pepper, and its texture which is lush and juicy in the mid palette and very soft on the finish.

Primarily a blended complement to the tannic, brooding Cabernet Sauvignon, it produces an interesting and nice stand alone wine, as well.


The 2006 Napa Valley Ladera Malbec is a blend of fruit from two mountain vineyards - 50% from Howell Mountain and the other 50% from Lone Canyon - two unique terroirs.

The rolling hills and volcanic soils of Howell Mountain vineyard lend to the bold dark fruit characters while the steep slopes and gravely soils of Lone Canyon high atop Mt Veeder contribute intense phenolic structure and complexity to the wine.

Somewhat consistent with my tasting notes way back in 2011 when we last tasted this wine: "This wine holds true to its varietal characteristics with its dark inky color, rich aromatics and bold masculine structure. The wine exhibits forward fruits flavors of black cherry and black berry with violets, red licorice, hints of vanilla, white pepper and smoky fig.

Dark garnet colored, medium-full bodied, less complex and less structured than a Cabernet this comes across a bit flabby on opening but overcame the funkiness to reveal black berry and cherry fruit flavors, a layer of spice, hints of leather and a touch of cedar on a long finish." 

RM 89 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/editinventory.asp?iWine=523712


Rick with Ladera owner/producer
Anne Stotesbery
The seeds for Ladera were planted in the early 1970s, when Pat and Anne Stotesbery fell in love while attending university in Northern California. Among their many shared interests, they discovered a passion for wine, and were soon taking wine classes together, and traveling to wine country for tastings.

The next two decades took them to Minnesota and Montana, where they ran a 3,200-acre ranch with 750 head of cattle, during which time, their interest in wine continued to grow.

With deep agricultural roots on both sides of their family, Pat and Anne Stotesbery acquired their first Napa Valley mountain vineyard in 1996. Their original vineyard was on Mount Veeder, the following year they purchased their second mountain vineyard, Lone Canyon.

In 1998, Pat and Anne made their first non-commercial vintage of 100 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon.

 As a reflection of their commitment to making mountain Cabernet Sauvignons, they selected the name Ladera for their winery, which means “hillside, or slope” in both Spanish and Italian.

They moved their family to Napa Valley, and in 2000, they acquired a historic Howell Mountain property featuring an 82-acre vineyard. For the next 16 years, this property served as the home for Ladera.

Around 2008, their son Dan visited us while on a wine promotion trip and we took him around to several of the local wine merchants in the area. 

In 2016, following the earlier sales of the Lone Canyon and the Mount Veeder properties, with their children grown and pursuing careers of their own, Pat and Anne sold their land on Howell Mountain.

Dark color - full bodied - full firm forward fruits - a bit flabby on opening but overcame the funkiness to reveal black berry and cherry fruit flavors, a layer of spice, hints of leather and a touch of cedar on a long finish.
Rustic Ladera tasting area in the historic
chai and barrel building back in 2006.
 https://www.laderavineyards.com/

http://mcnees.org/winesite/napa/napa_08/img_napa08_ladera_winery_remc.jpg

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Fidelitas Red Mountain Wine Tasting in Woodinville

Fidelitas Columbia Valley Red Mountain Wine Tasting in Woodinville tasting room

Another one of the highlights of our Seattle Culinary and Washington Wine Tour was visiting the Fidelitas tasting room in Woodinville. We first discovered Fidelitas wines when one of the winery representatives visited Naperville several years ago and we acquired their wine as a result. According to my records and wine journal, this occurred back on Oct 5, 2005 at Binny's Naperville. At that time, hosted by Chris F of Binny's, we tasted and I acquired Fidelitas Optu Columbia Valley Red Wine 2002. We enjoyed that half case from 2005 through 2015. Hence, I was familiar with Fidelitas and eager to get reacquainted with our visit to their Woodinville tasting room. 

Fidelitas is the project of Charlie Hopps, early pioneer and leader on the Washington State wine scene dating back to its early days in the early 1980’s. It began with Charlie fermenting berry wines from a family vineyard near his in-laws in Pasco, Washington. He developed a love for wine and attended the renowned Viticulture and Enology program at the University of California – Davis, graduating in 1988 with a degree in Agricultural Science and Management with a emphasis in Viticulture and Enology. After graduation he returned to Washington and worked for Mike Januik at Snoqualmie/Langguth winery. After some time in Walla Walla at Waterbrook Winery, he rejoined Januik in 1990 as a member of the winemaking team at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville.

In 1993, Charlie became the Head Red Winemaker where he managed Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Canoe Ridge facility near Paterson, Washington. There, he had gained experience making a large number of wines, learning and improving the art of making fine wines in Washington. He had the opportunity to work with the legendary Antinori family from Italy on a joint venture producing the Col Solare label from1995 through 1998.

In the winter of 1999, he left Chateau Ste. Michelle to venture into making his own wine. Working with the startup of Three Rivers Winery, he was winemaker from 1999 through the 2002.  During that  time, he started Fidelitas in 2000. The first vintage was a Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot blend named Optu. It was this wine that we first acquired from the 2002 vintage release from that initial introduction to Fidelitas. This wine is still in the Fidelitas portfolio today, as the Red Mountain Bordeaux-style blend.

In 2007, Fidelitas purchased land in the Red Mountain, AVA and planted a small three-acre vineyard.  There they built a tasting room. and added an additional ten acres that were planted in the spring of 2015 with red Bordeaux varietals. Since that first Red Mountain Fidelitas in 2005, production has continued to expand.

In 2012 vintage, they released Fidelitas Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Working with other top growers in the Red Mountain AVA, Fidelitas produces vineyard designated wines from Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard, Blackwood Canyon Vineyard, and Quintessence Vineyard, as well as blends and varietal wines from throughout the AVA.

Today, Charlie is consulting winemaker for several other wineries throughout the region.  2017 marked his 30th vintage making Washington wines. In Charlie Hoppes name "Washington's Top Malbec Maker" by the Andy Perdue of the Seatle Times.

He and his wife, Terri, have four adult children who are working and going to school around the U.S.  Their son, Will, recently joined the team at Fidelitas. Will worked in the operations since he was 13. After getting his degree from University of Portland, he went into the wine business working for Nicolas-Jay, a Willamette Valley Pinot-producing startup. Joining Fidelitas, he heads up the Woodinville tasting room. In 2019. he will join Charlie working in the cellar for the harvest, as they build a multi-generational winery.

We tasted the following wines in the tasting room:

Fidelitas Optu Red Mountain White Wine 2015
Fidelitas The Canyons Vineyard Red Wine 2015
Fidelitas Red Mountain Malbec 2015 
Fidelitas Red Mountain Merlot  2015
Fidelitas Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015


Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 

This is the Fidelitas 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Red Mountain Quintessence Vineyard. It is produced in the 'Old World' style, aged in 96% New French Oak.

Dark garnet colored, medium full bodied, with notes of tobacco leaf and hints of olive undertones against the firm structured but balanced black berry and subdued blue berry fruits accented by notes of dark chocolate with a lingering moderate tannin finish. 576 cases were produced.

We bought this wine and carried it home. 

RM 93 points. 94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2935238




Fidelitas "The Canyons" Vineyard Red Wine 2015 


The Canyons Vineyard Red Wine is named for the deep ravines that cut through the vineyard site. This is a blend 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, and 12% Merlot, aged in 80% New French Oak. 360 cases were produced.


Dark garnet colored, medium bodied, notes of black berry and hints of black raspberry and cherry, herbs and spice with nice full tannins on the long finish. 

RM 91 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2932699
 We acquired this and carried it home.





Fidelitas Red Mountain Malbec 2015



Charlie Hoppes was name "Washington's Top Malbec Maker" by the Andy Perdue of the Seatle Times for this wine.

Fruit for the Red Mountain Malbec is sourced from three unique vineyard sites within the AVA; 56% Kiona Heart of the Hill Vineyard, 24% Scooteney Flats Vineyard, 20% The Canyons Vineyard. 
This was aged in 22% New American Oak, 9% New French Oak; 552 cases were produced.

Dark garnet colored medium bodied, bright red raspberry and cherry fruits with notes of herbs and hints of spice, white pepper and minerality with balanced acidity on a subdued finish. 

RM 89 points.  

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2901200


Fidelitas Red Mountain Merlot 2015


While this is 100% Red Mountain Merlot it is sourced from five different Red Mountain Vineyards - 44% Red Mountain Vineyard, 24% Red Heaven Vineyard, 16% Scooteney Flats Vineyard, 8% Kiona Vineyard, 8% The Canyons Vineyard. It was aged in 32% New French Oak, 32% New American Oak. 575 cases were produced.

Charlie Hoppes has noted, “Washington’s original reputation for great wine is based on Merlot”. 

This was dark garnet colored, medium full bodied, bright rich vibrant berry fruits with bright acidity and smooth soft lingering tannins on the finish. 

RM 90 points.  

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2913284

http://www.fidelitaswines.com/

The Fidelitas vineyard is in the Red Mountain AVA, the smallest of the fourteen Washington State appellations. Red Mountain is gaining distinction from producing some of the top wines from the State. It is known for a wide range of grape varietals, most notably Bordeaux varietals.

According to the Fidelitas website, the Red Mountain AVA is unique, characterized for the following reasons.

A Southwestern Facing Slope

The southwest slope of the Red Mountain AVA provides the vineyards in the region with a directional aspect to the sun that is ideal for prolonged sunlight exposure and warmth. These highly desirable conditions allow for a ripeness in tannins that is recognized as a primary characteristic of Red Mountain fruit.

Warm Summers and Winters

Red Mountain experiences more growing degree days than any other region in the state.  The high latitude (N 46*) and topography contribute temperature swings experienced during the growing season, with daytime temperatures averaging 90 °F and night time temperatures dropping below 50 °F. These heat accumulation days create ideal temperatures for highly marketable grapes, exhibiting ripeness and concentration.  The cooler evenings help to retain acidity levels which allows for the exceptional balance and structure found in Red Mountain grapes, and the wines crafted from them.

Low Rainfall

Red Mountain gathers less than 10 inches of rain per year, requiring irrigation in the vineyards.  The use of drip irrigation provides ideal grape growing conditions through canopy management. Additionally, Red Mountain vines experience dramatically lower mold and mildew pressure compared to most other vineyard regions.

Smallest AVA in Washington State

Red Mountain is the smallest recognized American Viticultural Area in Washington State, with 4040 acres.  Of that, about 2700 acres have been determined plantable, and only 1500 is currently under vine. Red Mountain is defined by natural borders, with the ridge of the mountain to the north and the Yakima River to the west.  Red Mountain resembles a growing region more like the Old World, where one can see each block of each vineyard from a single vantage point.

AVA Specific Soils

The predominate soils of Red Mountain are not found anywhere else in the state.  Wine blown Loess (Warden, Hezel, and Scootenay) were brought in by pre-historic floods.  The high alkalinity and calcium carbonate content of the soil, along with its granular consistency, allows for each vine to form a well established root system. In soils with this composition, root systems are able to reach deep to obtain the necessary nutrients and moisture.

Consistent Winds

The prevailing winds come out of the Southwest and are notable for their frequency and velocity. The regular gusts of warm air flow through the AVA’s vineyards during the growing season, keeping the grape clusters small and concentrating the flavors of the fruit - which contributes to their richness and intensity