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$34.95
WINE ADVOCATE 91 POINTS - "The 2010 Quimera is a blend of 27% Malbec and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon alongside Petit Verdot and Merlot, raised in 40% French Read More...
new oak for 14 months, the remainder one year old. It has a complex, almost “mulchy” bouquet: one that evokes undergrowth and tertiary aromas that are well-defined and cerebral. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, slightly chewy tannins surrounding a core of blackberry laced with licorice and a hint of star anise. The finish is focused and taut, bestowed with an extremely fresh citric finish. Old World meets New – with style. Drink 2014-2022.
Achaval Ferrer should need no introduction to anyone with a passing interest in Argentinean wine, a paradigm of how far the country has progressed over the last decade. In 2011, founders Santiago Achaval and Manuel Ferrer sold a large percentage of shares to the SPI group that owns Stolichnaya vodka as well as shares in Tenuto d’Ornellaia and Frescobaldi, although both Ferrer and Achaval remain on the managing board. Instead of visiting the winery (which I intend to do in the future), I tasted wines past and present with Santiago in London, where I was afforded more time to plot the wine’s development in the glass. The tasting was no revelation, since I have encountered and appreciated the wines for many years. They are well-crafted, very pure and stylistically equidistant between Old World and New. My reviews will seem meaner and the scores more parsimonious than might be anticipated. It simply reflects where I see the wines in the context of such a comprehensive overview of a dynamic country – great wines for sure and very consistent, but perhaps others have stepped up their game? The older vintages have certainly held up well, although a demanding connoisseur would expect more in the way of secondary aromas and flavors to replace the lost primary ones.
Achaval Ferrer should need no introduction to anyone with a passing interest in Argentinean wine, a paradigm of how far the country has progressed over the last decade. In 2011, founders Santiago Achaval and Manuel Ferrer sold a large percentage of shares to the SPI group that owns Stolichnaya vodka as well as shares in Tenuto d’Ornellaia and Frescobaldi, although both Ferrer and Achaval remain on the managing board. Instead of visiting the winery (which I intend to do in the future), I tasted wines past and present with Santiago in London, where I was afforded more time to plot the wine’s development in the glass. The tasting was no revelation, since I have encountered and appreciated the wines for many years. They are well-crafted, very pure and stylistically equidistant between Old World and New. My reviews will seem meaner and the scores more parsimonious than might be anticipated. It simply reflects where I see the wines in the context of such a comprehensive overview of a dynamic country – great wines for sure and very consistent, but perhaps others have stepped up their game? The older vintages have certainly held up well, although a demanding connoisseur would expect more in the way of secondary aromas and flavors to replace the lost primary ones.
$19.98
WINE ADVOCATE 90 POINTS
This deep, dark truthful mirror of a red wine, this blend of Bonarda and Malbec enriches the soul upon drinking (Read More...
This deep, dark truthful mirror of a red wine, this blend of Bonarda and Malbec enriches the soul upon drinking (Read More...
or so we believe). The dark oxblood color leads to a nose of black plum and light minerality (loam, sea salt, white pepper) and a feeling that this is serious wine. More plum, both dark and red, mixed with ripe cherry fruit tones is synthesized on the palate with perfect acidity and rich, earthy minerality foreshadowed in the nose; this is excellent, say Wow!, stunning wine.
There are many virtues of beauty. However, the expression of beauty is different in every soul. In fact, there can be a dark, mysterious side to this beauty. Alma Negra (dark soul) honors the unexplored depths of beauty in the shadows of our souls.
There are many virtues of beauty. However, the expression of beauty is different in every soul. In fact, there can be a dark, mysterious side to this beauty. Alma Negra (dark soul) honors the unexplored depths of beauty in the shadows of our souls.
$99.98
WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS -
"I haven’t always been a huge fan of the Langhe La Villa (60% Barbera and 40% Nebbiolo) but the 2005 is one of those rare Read More...
vintages where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Dark cherries, plums, flowers and sweet licorice all flow from this supple, beautifully proportioned wine. Fine, elegant tannins round out the long finish." Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020.
$21.99
The story of this winery is the reason
people are so drawn to their wine and the
people behind it. Three young men believed
their hometown of Mallorca, Spain, could
produce Read More...
some outstanding wines. And so
they set out contracting with 135 tiny vineyards with 50- to 85-year-old vines and started to make wines from the native varietals of the area. Soon, their farmhouse was turned into a winery and the demand for the wines became more than they could supply. This unique red is made from old vine Callet,
Mantonegre, Fogoneu and Syrah fermented in a combination of stainless steel and concrete, aged for over just a year in a combination of French and American oak.
A unique aroma of savory spices, violets and smokiness leads to silky and intense flavors great for duck or stuffed pork chops. If you are a person that is intrigued by the less-than-obvious, this one is for you
A unique aroma of savory spices, violets and smokiness leads to silky and intense flavors great for duck or stuffed pork chops. If you are a person that is intrigued by the less-than-obvious, this one is for you
$17.98
WINE SPECTATOR 90 - "Black currant, bilberry, violet and spice flavors align in this luscious red, which is well-balanced and integrated, with Read More...
a lingering aftertaste of sweet fruit and spices. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Drink now through 2018."
WINE ADVOCATE 90 - "The 2009 Villa Antinori is a pretty, mid-weight wine laced with dark red berries, flowers and sweet spices. Nothing in particular stands out, just the wine’s lovely depth, balance and overall sense of harmony. This is a fabulous wine for the money."
WINE ADVOCATE 90 - "The 2009 Villa Antinori is a pretty, mid-weight wine laced with dark red berries, flowers and sweet spices. Nothing in particular stands out, just the wine’s lovely depth, balance and overall sense of harmony. This is a fabulous wine for the money."
$15.98
Argiano is a classic Tuscan hilltop estate in Montalcino with over 250 acres of south-facing vineyards. The estate dates to 1581 and has a long reputation as top of producer Read More...
of classically styled Brunellos. The “Non Confunditur” is Argiano’s modern, “break all the rules,” super-Tuscan—made 100% from Argiano’s Montalcino estate, but using only 20% Sangiovese in the blend. The rest of the “Non Confunditur” is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 20% Syrah.
$7.98
The red is a blend of shiraz, mourvedre, grenache and cinsault.
$11.95
Located in one of the oldest winemaking regions in Italy, the Barberani Winery is situated along the Tiber river, right above the road from Orvieto to Todi. Combining traditional Read More...
winemaking methods with today's modern technology, Barberani is able to produce a variety of wines that fully express the terroir of central Italy. Created from Sangiovese and Montepulciano, this medium bodied red is fruit-forward and lightly herbaceous. Bold notes of strawberry, blueberry and violet are backed by hints of cinnamon and clove that follow through to the finish. Enjoy this wine with classic Umbrian entrees, like spit-roasted red meat, game, or hearty pasta dishes.
$26.98
WINE SPECTATOR 90
"Needs aeration to reveal the rich blackberry and black cherry flavors locked within this muscular red, which is firm and bright, Read More...
with a mineral finish. Be patient. Best from 2014 through 2024. 20,833 cases made."
JAMES SUCKLING 91 James Suckling 91 Points Aromas and flavors of cooked strawberries and plums follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a caressing finish. Wait to drink in 2015.
JAMES SUCKLING 91 James Suckling 91 Points Aromas and flavors of cooked strawberries and plums follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a caressing finish. Wait to drink in 2015.
$69.95
50% Sangioves, 45% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
The IL BLU is an elegant, refined wine with lovely blueberry and blackberry aromas, leading to flavors of chocolate, blackberry Read More...
The IL BLU is an elegant, refined wine with lovely blueberry and blackberry aromas, leading to flavors of chocolate, blackberry Read More...
and currant on the palate. Crafted with grapes from two the their estate vineyards, Brancaia Estate and Poppi Vineyard, this full-bodied blend has silky tannins and a long lingering finish.
$49.98
40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Petit Verdot, 20% Cabernet Franc
Ilatraia is named from a hillside in their estate vineyard, Brancaia in Maremma.
The wine has an intense aromas Read More...
Ilatraia is named from a hillside in their estate vineyard, Brancaia in Maremma.
The wine has an intense aromas Read More...
and flavors of black currant and bilberry. NOtes of peach, plum and a touch of pepper on the palate meld with hints of vanilla from oak aging.
$39.98
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "A gorgeous wine, this is fresh, lively and elegant. Black currant, violet, cherry and mineral flavors abound, and the Read More...
tight structure will ensure longevity. Well-proportioned, but firm on the finish. Needs time to unravel. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2014 through 2025."
Cabreo Il Borgo debuted in 1985 with its 1982 vintage. Just above Greve in the Chianti region, the Cabreo holdings include 50 hectares planted to Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon grown to produce Il Borgo. Chianti’s famed stony soils are ideal for making wines with great aging potential. At 300 meters in elevation, the densely planted vineyards produce low yields of grapes with concentration and complexity. Fermentation at controlled temperature with extended maceration enhances the wine’s rich body, color and texture. After malolactic fermentation, the wines are blended and matured in oak barrels and spend at least six months in bottle before release. The word 'borgo' refers to a small village, Montefioralle, that overlooks the vineyards. The nose on this wine is incredibly expressive: spicy fruit, raw meat, moonlit garden, plums and passion fruit, saddle leather and sea salt are among the multitude of wonders that arose from our glasses. The palate followed up quite well, from our notes: "Beautiful. Sweet, but not overly so-- ripe fruit, good tannins, herbals, notes of pencil lead darting between hints of ripe red plums, blackberries, black pepper and underbrush. So tasty! Balance-- a fine line strongly crossed over, a high wire act between being reserved and ebullient: very assured wine."
70% Sangivese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabreo Il Borgo debuted in 1985 with its 1982 vintage. Just above Greve in the Chianti region, the Cabreo holdings include 50 hectares planted to Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon grown to produce Il Borgo. Chianti’s famed stony soils are ideal for making wines with great aging potential. At 300 meters in elevation, the densely planted vineyards produce low yields of grapes with concentration and complexity. Fermentation at controlled temperature with extended maceration enhances the wine’s rich body, color and texture. After malolactic fermentation, the wines are blended and matured in oak barrels and spend at least six months in bottle before release. The word 'borgo' refers to a small village, Montefioralle, that overlooks the vineyards. The nose on this wine is incredibly expressive: spicy fruit, raw meat, moonlit garden, plums and passion fruit, saddle leather and sea salt are among the multitude of wonders that arose from our glasses. The palate followed up quite well, from our notes: "Beautiful. Sweet, but not overly so-- ripe fruit, good tannins, herbals, notes of pencil lead darting between hints of ripe red plums, blackberries, black pepper and underbrush. So tasty! Balance-- a fine line strongly crossed over, a high wire act between being reserved and ebullient: very assured wine."
70% Sangivese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
$39.98
WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS -
"The 2007 Mas de Can Blau is a similar blend aged for 20 months in new French oak and bottled without filtration. Read More...
A glass-coating opaque purple color, it sports a brooding nose of slate/mineral, pain grille, incense, underbrush, plum, and black cherry. Opulent, full-flavored, and powerful on the palate, this savory, concentrated effort will benefit from 2-3 years of additional cellaring and offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2022."
$13.99
WINE SPECTATOR 91 POINTS - "Dense yet lively, this expressive red shows morello cherry, floral, licorice and mineral flavors supported by light, firm Read More...
tannins and fresh acidity. Mountain herb and smoke notes keep this from turning candied, but the sweet fruit lingers nicely. Drink now through 2016"
WINE ADVOCATE 90 POINTS - "The 2009 Can Blau is made up of 40% Carinena, 40% Syrah, and 20% Garnacha aged for 12 months in French oak. Wood smoke, spice box, incense, lavender, black cherry and plum aromas are followed by a mouth-filling, round, dense wine with outstanding grip and length. It over-delivers in a big way. Drink it over the next 6-8 years."
WINE ADVOCATE 90 POINTS - "The 2009 Can Blau is made up of 40% Carinena, 40% Syrah, and 20% Garnacha aged for 12 months in French oak. Wood smoke, spice box, incense, lavender, black cherry and plum aromas are followed by a mouth-filling, round, dense wine with outstanding grip and length. It over-delivers in a big way. Drink it over the next 6-8 years."
$49.98
Bodegas Caro is a joint project of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Nicolas Catena.
$16.98
Bodegas Caro is the result of an alliance between two wine cultures (French and Argentine), two noble grape varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec), and two iconic families of the Read More...
wine industry (Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Nicolas Catena). These two powerful organizations pooled their know how and their resources to create this beautiful wine. The
2010 Amancaya is comprised of 65% Malbec and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon that was separately barrel aged for 12 months then blended at racking.
Deep purple and red in color and fruit driven with flavors of black cherry, plum and black currants. Nice tannic texture and very well rounded and balanced. Some vanilla and chocolate notes as well.
Deep purple and red in color and fruit driven with flavors of black cherry, plum and black currants. Nice tannic texture and very well rounded and balanced. Some vanilla and chocolate notes as well.
$16.98
Cherry red in color. Intense fresh floral aromas, with a mint touch. In the mouth it is fruity, round and complex. A fine structured wine, well balanced and elegant. Garnatxa(35%), Carinyena(25%) Read More...
Cabernet Sauvignon(40%).50% aged during nine months in French oak barrels.
GR-174 is the lovely path that crosses Priorat. Hiking all along this track is probably the best way to feel its beauty. If you could concentrate in a bottle the ripe fruits aromas and the minerality of its terroir the result would be a wine like this.
GR-174 is the lovely path that crosses Priorat. Hiking all along this track is probably the best way to feel its beauty. If you could concentrate in a bottle the ripe fruits aromas and the minerality of its terroir the result would be a wine like this.
$69.99
WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS - "Fine-tuned and expressive, yet focused, this red has terrific display of dark, racy blackberry, boysenberry and braised fig Read More...
flavors finely woven with spice, mesquite and cured olive hints. Silky tannins frame the long finish, with an aftertaste of fruit and mocha. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2017. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 4,771 cases made."
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