Tasting Notes 12/7/2012

NCWC 90 POINT TASTING 12/7/12

BROKENWOOD SEMILLON 2010
As energetic and bouncy on the palate as a gold medal gymnast on the floor exercise, this Australian Semillon shows off “high-pitched, mineral-driven aromas of lemon zest, talc and spearmint. Taut and juicy, showing citrus fruits, a hint of green apple and strong minerality, it picks up deeper melon and pear character with air and finishes dry and persistent.” 94 points James Halliday. $17.97

RITUAL PINOT NOIR 2010
From Chile’s Casablanca Valley, this is “spicy and dusty, with full-force plum and berry aromas matched by equally potent smoky barrel scents. Thorough in feel, with vivid, oak-accented flavors of wild berry and plum. Round and full on the finish, with lasting resiny flavors that remain after all else has faded away. ” 90 points Wine Enthusiast. $15.97

FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ RIOJA CRIANZA 2008
Like a Super Bowl champion quarterback, this shows consistent intensity, beginning with its “lifted, expressive bouquet of black plum, cassis, orange sorbet and small red cherries. The palate is very well-balanced, with firm tannins that exert a gentle but insistent grip. It builds nicely with crisp blackberry and raspberry intermixed with white pepper and sea salt and segues into a solid, tannic finish. 90 points Robert Parker. $14.97

CONCHA Y TORO CARMENERE 2007
As complex as the performance of an Oscar-winning actor, this offers up “a splendid bouquet of toasty oak, tobacco, Asian spices, plum, and blueberry. Mouth-coating, layered, and bordering on opulent, there is plenty of ripe tannin lurking under the fruit, succulent flavors, and excellent balance. This awesome value will be at its best from 2012 to 2020. ” 91 points Robert Parker. 18.97

EBO VAL DI CORNIA SUVERETO TOSCANA 2008
As harmonious as a Grammy-winning song, this blend of Cabernet, Sangiovese, and Merlot flows from the glass in “layers of round fruit that caress the palate in stunning style. There isn’t a hard edge in sight in this generous, dark wine. Smoke, crushed rocks, violets and licorice add complexity on the finish.” 90 points Wine Advocate. $22.97

CUVELIER LOS ANDES MALBEC 2010
Electrifying like a Heisman Trophy winner, this beauty carries “enticing aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, violet, licorice and dark chocolate. Dense, sweet and concentrated, with a saline complexity and harmonious acidity energizing the dark berry flavors. Fine-grained malbec with good extract.” 91 points Robert Parker. $17.97

TURNBULL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
Like a heavyweight champion boxer, this comes out slugging. It’s “dark, rich and extracted, with aromas of cassis, black cherry and currants. Balanced oak nuances add both a sweetness and roundness to this aromatic and powerful wine. Extraordinarily complex, while amazingly rich and smooth in the mouth, this wine offers superb richness and balance, and builds in intensity. The huge finishing fruit coats the entire palate.” 91 points Wine Enthusiast. $29.97