July 14th, 2010
In his column in the New York Times today, Eric Asimov encourages readers to look beyond the obvious when selecting wines this summer. Want to chill out next to the pool? A brisk dry Furmint is the perfect match! Eric singles out Disznókő as one of the grape’s greatest producers and champions.
“For anybody truly curious about the glorious extent of wine, now is the greatest time in history to be a wine lover. Never before has such a vast diversity of wines been available to so many people. Many are made from unfamiliar grapes, grown in little-known places, yet they offer thrilling drinking for those eager for new experiences…
“Furmint is the great white grape of Hungary. It’s a crucial constituent in the lavish sweet wine Tokaji aszu, and increasingly is being used in distinctive dry wines with rich textures and complex floral aromas. Look for producers like Disznoko.”
The full article is here, and it’s well worth a read.
Tags: Disznókő
Posted in News
July 9th, 2010
Two fantastic articles covering Errazuriz and the Berlin Tastings from Decanter and Tasting Panel magazines. As Steven Spurrier says in his Decanter column:
“[Owner Eduardo] Chadwick can be seen as a remarkable ambassador both for his company and country, especially since the wine that triumphed in the US was from Chile’s own Carmenère, a grape that just a decade ago was mistaken for Merlot.”
The Berlin Tastings are a triumph for Errazuriz and Chile, and demonstrate the kind of quality Errazuriz is creating in the Aconcagua Valley. The Decanter column is here, the Tasting Panel piece is here.
Tags: Errazuriz
Posted in News
July 1st, 2010
The San Francisco Chronicle has a wonderful profile of Chateau Montelena, an estate that is “so much more than ‘Bottle Shock’.” As awesome as Chris Pine’s turn as Bo Barret was, the real deal is even cooler.
The real Bo Barrett is a character, one of the few remaining rabble-rousers in a Napa Valley that has gotten ever more prim and well-behaved.
“Montelena’s just an overgrown mom-and-pop operation,” he says, with his family “still kind of the crazy dreamers.”
The full profile is here.
Tags: Chateau Montelena
Posted in News
June 24th, 2010
What’s the best Chardonnay in Napa Valley? According to the Miami Herald, the answer to that question hasn’t changed in over 30 years: Chateau Montelena.
Chateau Montelena Napa Chardonnay 2008
“Aromas and flavors of oak and nuts, intense pears, vanilla and grapefruit, creamy and complex, with endless finish; an age-worthy wine.” Miami Herald
Full article is here.
Tags: Chateau Montelena
Posted in News
June 23rd, 2010
New Zealand’s WineNZ magazine has named the 2008 Delta Hatter’s Hill the best value in Kiwi Pinot over NZ$30 (US$21). With the elegance, class and charm of a bottle twice it’s price, the Hatter’s Hill is one of the best wines Marlborough has to offer. Says WineNZ:
“Skilled winemaking is evident in Matt Thomson’s Delta Hatters Hill Pinot Noir 2008. Immediately one is greeted by bright, juicy, vibrant boysenberry and blueberry on the nose. The palate is clean and ripe with blackberry, blueberry, vanilla and spice all in good concentration. This wine shows polished texture and managed to be at once a delicious and approachable wine.”
The full rankings are here.
Tags: Delta Vineyard
Posted in News
June 21st, 2010
Who hates California Chardonnay? While some renditions from the Golden State get a bad rap, the Sacramento Bee staunchly defends California as one of the greatest areas for growing this noble grape. Exhibit A in their lineup is Chateau Montelena’s iconic Napa Chardonnay, still the Bee’s go-to white for a special occasion.
“A 1973 chardonnay from Calistoga’s Chateau Montelena helped put California on the wine world’s map after winning the legendary ‘Judgment of Paris.‘
“Almost 40 years later, this winery remains dependable with its flagship white wine. This chardonnay was tasted recently in a lineup that included white Burgundy, and the Chateau Montelena was an overwhelming favorite for its impeccable balance, underlying acidity and gorgeous flavors of stone fruits, with a touch of smokiness.
“A joy to drink, this chardonnay is one to keep in mind for a special occasion.”
The full post is here.
Tags: Chateau Montelena
Posted in News
June 21st, 2010
Australia’s finest Sauvignon Blanc has done it again, receiving the highest score Wine Enthusiast has ever awarded an Aussie Sauvignon, an incredible 92 points! Says critic Joe Czerwinski:
Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Adelaide Hills
“The best Sauvignon Blanc yet from Shaw & Smith, the 2009 boasts terrifically fragrant aromas of passion fruit and pink grapefruit. It’s intense and long, easily the qualitative equal of its top Kiwi cousins and better than most.” 92 Wine Enthusiast
A fantastic score for a fantastic wine, and a true testament to what Shaw + Smith has achieved in the Adelaide Hills.
Tags: Shaw + Smith
Posted in News
June 17th, 2010
From bucking tradition and pursuing the “new Barolo” to staking an emphatic claim in the potential of Valmaggiore in Roero, the Sandrones have shown themselves to be as fiercely individualistic as they come. Their latest project is very much in that vein, as they attempt to take their new winery, located at the base of Cannbi Boschis on the outskirts of Barolo, completely off the grid.
When we visited the winery in December 2008, they had already started drawing from their own water supply, and now they have taken another large step towards independence. The recently installed solar panels will allow the winery so produce 30% of its own electricity, a step that will allow them to greatly reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring uninterrupted operations all year round.
For a peak inside the Sandrone winery, check out Matthew Gavin Frank’s memoir, Barolo. Frank got serious about food a few years back and wound up in Barolo helping with Sandrone’s 2008 vintage. The tales he spins about the characters of Piedmont are lively and engaging; check out excerpts from the book here and here.
Tags: Sandrone
Posted in News
June 16th, 2010
Mas Belles Eaux’s Les Coteaux 2005 was featured in the Washington Examiner’s recent roundup of terrific values from the Languedoc. According to critic Scott Greenberg:
“A huge blast of blueberry fruit on the nose leads to warm flavors of black fruit and spice on the palate. The firm tannins and ripe fruit allow the wine to be enjoyed young but also provide aging potential.”
That succulent profile makes Les Coteaux the ideal wine for summer grilling, a rich, juicy red that suits just about anything passed across the barbecue pit. Greenberg’s full post is here.
Tags: Mas Belles Eaux
Posted in News
June 14th, 2010
The 2008 Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay has been awarded 91 points and named an “Editor’s Choice” by Wine Enthusiast! A perennial overachiever among Aussie chards, the M3 benefits from the long, cool growing season in the Adelaide Hills, which preserves the tangy acidic backbone that marks the finest expressions of this grape. As Wine Enthusiast says:
Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2008, Adelaide Hills
“A luscious blend of lime custard and roasted cashew that’s rich without being heavy, and finishes long and clean.” 91 and Editor’s Choice, Wine Enthusiast
Tags: Shaw + Smith
Posted in News
In his column in the New York Times today, Eric Asimov encourages readers to look beyond the obvious when selecting wines this summer. Want to chill out next to the pool? A brisk dry Furmint is the perfect match! Eric singles out Disznókő as one of the grape’s greatest producers and champions.
