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Errazuriz has put out a fascinating harvest report on the 2011 vintage. It looks like overall it was a cooler spring and slightly cooler year than average, but heat summation was close to historical averages in some areas and slightly below in others. Yields were low, wines are very good to excellent, with wonderful freshness, balance, aromatic intensity and flavor. Click on the image below for the full report on the various appellations in which Errazuriz works.
Lucien Le Moine 2008 whites show unbelievably in the August 31 issue of the Wine Spectator. Reviews are below, and you can find a listing here of the rarefied company that Le Moine keeps.
Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet 2008 :
“A white of terrific power and density, yet stays graceful and harmonious. The honey-suckle, lemon cake, peach and mineral flavors are accented by spice, all driven by the vivid structure. The aftertaste is long and expansive, featuring citrus,spice and mineral notes. Very complex and refined. 8 cases imported ” 97 points Wine Spectator
Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatieres 2008:
“ An extrovert, this white is powerful and complex, offering lemon, apple tart, toasted hazelnut and oak spice aromas and flavors. Turns more elegant as it crosses the finish line, lingering with spice and mineral notes. 24 cases imported.” 93 points Wine Spectator
Meursault Perrieres 2008 :
“A smoky white, yet full of floral, juniper, lime, toasted hazelnut and mineral aromas and flavors. Lean, toned and very complex, with a long aftertaste of lime, smoke and jasmine tea. There’s lovely harmony, though this needs time. 20 cases imported ” 94 points Wine Spectator
The recently released Wine Advocate states in its Spanish coverage the following about Telmo Rodriguez: “The current Telmo Rodriguez collection includes wines produced in eight different DOs, all of them fermented with native yeasts. The fact that quality ranges from excellent to outstanding is a tribute to his talent and attention to detail.” There follow a number of tremendous reviews, especially for some of his most modest wines, as follows. Great confirmation of the authentic, pure, site-driven wines that Telmo makes at these unbelievably affordable price levels.
Gaba do Xil 2010:
“The 2010 Gaba do Xil Godello offers up an inviting nose of pear, mineral, melon, and jasmine. Ripe, savory, and vibrant on the palate, this smooth-textured wine will deliver enjoyment for another 3-4 years.” 89 points Wine Advocate
LZ 2009:
“The 2009 LZ is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano from the Alavesa region of Rioja. It was fermented and aged for 4-6 months in cement and stainless steel. Asian spices, violets, blackberry, and mineral notes inform the expressive bouquet. It opens in the glass to reveal savory, smooth, ripe, layered fruit and a pleasure-bent personality.” 90 points Wine Advocate
Dehesa Gago 2009:
“The 2009 Dehesa Gago from a great vintage in Toro was raised in tank. Intense black fruits, spice notes, violets, and licorice inform the alluring bouquet. Concentrated, balanced, and lengthy, this full-flavored, bargain-priced wine is a perfect match for burgers and pizza.” 90 points Wine Advocate
Almuvedre 2009:
“The 2009 Almuvedre is 100% Monastrell from the DO of Alicante fermented and aged in tank. Cassis, brier, underbrush, and blueberry elements inform the enticing nose and palate of this bargain priced wine.” 89 points Wine Advocate
The July 20th Wine Spectator Insider gave a preview of wines that will be featured in their upcoming Northern Rhone coverage. Two Guigal wines had fantastic reviews:
Guigal Condrieu 2009
“Bright, engaging persimmon, tangerine and white peach notes characterize this juicy, nicely defined white, which shows bolder anise and green melon flavors on the finish.” 91 points The Wine Spectator
Guigal Saint-Joseph White 2009
“Ripe, but with precise melon rind and white peach flavors laced with blanched almond, green plum and chamomile notes. A salted butter edge lends length to the finish.” 91 points The Wine Spectator
Baumard’s Clos de Sainte Catherine 2007 is “Today’s Featured Wine” on Wine Review Online!
Domaine des Baumard, Côteaux du Layon (Loire Valley, France) Clos de Sainte Catherine 2007 ($37, Vintus):
Baumard is a genius with the Chenin Blanc grape, producing stellar dry wines–Savennières–and glorious sweet ones–Quarts des Chaumes and this single vineyard one from the Côteaux du Layon. The beauty of this wine is its racy acidity that enlivens it, keeps it fresh and balances the sweetness. Not at all cloying or heavy, the flavors of ripe peaches and apricots dance across the palate. Have a glass with cheese or as dessert, recork the bottle, keep it in the frig and repeat the following night. Its charms will delight you for a week. 95 Michael Apstein Jul 19, 2011
A nice piece on the Calistoga AVA and its wineries, featuring our own Chateau Montelena. As the article states, “Montelena’s commitment to making high-quality, age-worthy wine from Calistoga has helped pave the way for dozens of others to put their own imprint on the wine region’s enviable reputation.” You can read the full article here.
Decanter Magazine’s August 2011 cover issues looks at the 25 top wineries from Chile and Argentina (15 from Chile and 10 from Argentina). Both Errazuriz and Finca Decero make the list, with truly great comments on both estates.
The Errazuriz review hits on the vision and relentless innovation (the winery, Aconcagua Costa plantings, Berlin Tasting) that have made Errazuriz an industry leader. As for Finca Decero, it is the newest winery listed in the Argentine Top 10 and a special accomplishment that after only a few vintages it is considered one of the leading Argentine wineries; the review touches on Decero’s gentle approach in viticulture, winemaking and wine style, and the great value the wines offer.
We did a little sell here that you can see here.
Tremendous reviews in the July 6th issue of the Wine Spectator Insider for Baumard’s 2008 Quarts de Chaume and Clos de Sainte Catherine. These will be available this fall, and we are offering them on presell throughout the country now. Reviews are as follows:
Quarts de Chaume 2008
“Rich, but pure and incredibly focused, with a laser beam of chamomile and quince cutting through the core of dried pineapple, white peach, Cavaillon melon and green plum. The finish has buried minerality, gorgeous mouthfeel and superb length”. 95 Points Wine Spectator
Clos de Sainte-Catherine 2008, Coteaux du Layon
“Ripe, pure and precise, with rich yet mouthwatering creamed Jonagold apple, quince and Cavaillon melon notes laced with alluring chamomile and heather. The long finish is nicely wound.” 92 Points Wine Spectator
