Tasting Notes Friday 10/5/12

NCWC NEWBIES TASTING 10/5/12

VINA SUTIL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012
Just off the boat from Chile’s Curico Valley, this refreshing Sauvvy tastes about as new and fresh as a wine can. The very expressive nose offers lively notes of citrus and tropical fruits like grapefruit and pineapple. On the palate it shows nice balance, with crisp acidity, a clean, juicy mouthfeel, and a lingering, tangy finish. 88 points Tobin Bros. $7.97.

SANTA EMA CARMENERE 2010
Carmenere was an old Bordeaux varietal that became new again in Chile, finally being correctly identified after having been thought extinct. This one, from top notch Chilean producer Santa Ema, proves this often criticized varietal can produce terrific wine in the right circumstances. Aromas of currants, tobacco and oaky vanilla precede loads of soft, plummy fruit on the palate. 88 points Bill Tobin. $7.97.

LE BOCCE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2009
This newbie from Italy carries rich aromas of blackberry, vanilla, and violets. While dry and robust in the mouth, it nonetheless comes across well-balanced. The dark berry and cherry fruit show up with subtle hints of leather and tar, and the finish lingers drily. Enjoy this with hearty, meat-based dishes. 90 points Wine Spectator. $14.97.

GASCON MALBEC 2011
This new Malbec from Argentina’s Mendoza region “displays aromas of blackberry, plum and a hint of mocha. This elegant wine has dark fruit flavors framed by plush tannins. Finely integrated characteristics of black spice black pepper and maple combine to create a long, velvety finish.” 89 points Wine Advocate. $11.97.

VOLVER TEMPRANILLO 2010
The folks at Volver don’t miss a trick; this new vintage just rocks. “Explosive, seductively perfumed aromas of candied red and dark berries, incense, rose pastille and Asian spices. Sappy, penetrating black raspberry and blueberry flavors show excellent depth and clarity, with smoky mineral and star anise nuances gaining strength with air. Closes sweet and very long, with lingering spiciness and gentle tannins.” 91 points Stephen Tanzer. $13.97.

LOUIS MARTINI NAPA CABERNET 2009
This new vintage from classic Napa winery Martini is as strong as ever, “on par with the winery’s equally fine 2008. Shows plenty of class, with rich blackberry, currant and cedar flavors. Earns points for sheer elegance. Ready to drink now. Editors’ Choice” 90 points Wine Enthusiast. $24.97.

KULETO FROG PRINCE NAPA RED 2009
The Frog Prince from Kuleto is both new and awesome! It’s “gorgeous, big, intense, a really impressive Cabernet right out of the bottle. Feels softly tannic, yet opulent, with enormously complex flavors of blackberry, cassis, cola, violets, minerals, cedar and finishing with a delicious cake batter note! A wine to savor now and cellar for easily a decade.” 90 points Tobin Bros. $31.97.