Los Vinos de las Fiestas

COMO SE HIZO LA LISTA

Esta lista se ha elaborado con base en los vinos que los socios de Club compartieron con familias y amigos durante las festividades de fin de año en 2013 desde el día de Acción de Gracias hasta la Noche Vieja y que generosamente les recomiendan a sus amigos amantes del vino.  La lista se irá completando con nuevas recomendaciones a medida que se reciban.

La Lista

Jorge García

Sonvida 2007 – Uco Valley, Mendoza.  A Malbec from Altamira distric in La Consulta city (San Carlos Departament), . Full body Sonvida 2009and ripe malbec not far from any first brand around (Achaval Ferrer, La Celia, O.Fournier, some Catena wines,etc). Beautiful acidity and balanced alcohol for this malbec full of ripe small black berries,black california plums and a nice soft oak toach. The wine is very nice now, but surely much better somewhere between 4 and 6 years old. A 92 point malbec now and 94 in a couple of years of progressive maturity.  – Calvert Woodly $23

Ricardo Zabaleta

Baronia del Montsant Englora 2008 . Red wine aged in oak barrel. EngloraEnglora Composition: Red Grenache 49%, Carignan 24%, Cabernet Sauvignon , 9%, Syrah 7%, Tempranillo 1%.

Crushed-rock, violet, black raspberry, and cherry aromas soar from the glass of this deep, medium-bodied, seriously-endowed, rich, well-structured and delineated offering. Limited Producction: 23,330 bottles. – Total Wine  $18

Cecilio- Augusto Berndsen

Flavium Mencía Premium – Bierzo – 2008   The 2008 Flavium Premium Mencia Flavium Bierzowas rated 90 points by Jay Miller of The Wine Advocate. This is incredible, especially for the fact that the wine only costs $10.99.   After further searching, it is also available at some other wine stores in DC starting at $8.99, such as MacArthur Beverages.

The Mencia grape is usually grown in the northwestern part of Spain. It was typically used as a blending grape for many years, but lately has become immensely popular on its own, as with the Flavium wine from the Vinos de Arganza vineyard in the Bierzo region.  www.examiner.com

Comment: Robert Parker concurs offering a grade of 90. Someone may wargue: Mencia Wine with white meat? Well this wine is so well balanced that can be taken with red or white meat. Or even with no food. It is agreable all ocasions wine. The ratings and the price are a tremendous combination. Drink it you will like it.

German Zinke

Chateau Saint Michele Columbia River Whites. 

Chateau SM RieslingChateau SM Sauv BlancChateau SM ChardPara este día de Acción de Gracias elegimos una viña y compramos 3 tipos de blanco.  La viña es Chateau Ste. Michelle del Columbia Valley. Los vinos:      Riesling, Chardonay y Sauvignon Blanc. Van bien con el pavo.  Los precios entre $10 a $15, bastante baratos.

The Following information is from the Chateau St Michele webpage.

The 2012 Sauvignon Blanc exhibits a bright fruit profile of apples and melons. The mostly stainless steel fermentation provides the crisp character to the wine. Try this wine with pasta with cream sauce.  90 pts Wine Enthusiast

The Columbia Valley 2012 Chardonnay is a pleasurable, food-friendly Chardonnay. This is a fresh, soft style of Chardonnay with bright apple and sweet citrus fruit character with subtle spice and oak nuances. The sur lie aging gives it an appealing softness.

The Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling is a dry, crisp, refreshing style of Riesling with beautiful fruit flavors, crisp acidity and an elegant finish. It offers inviting floral and mandarin aromas with a clean finish. This is an incredibly versatile food wine and my favorite with oysters.

The 2012 Harvest Select Sweet Riesling is made in a slightly sweeter style than our “Columbia Valley Riesling” but still shows the classic elements of Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling. It offers rich flavors of ripe peaches and apricot that are balanced by crisp acidity.  90 pts Wine Enthusiast.

Alfonso Sanchez

Seghesio Zinfandel 2010

Sag ZinEste es un vino de gran cuerpo y aroma, con sabores a frutas negras, rojas y vainilla, gran estructura y final largo y complejo con taninos suaves.  Resultó estupendo con la pierna de cerdo al horno.  Agrego las notas de los expertos. Precio $20.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate          This excellent 2010 Zinfandel was made from a blend of 89% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah and 2% Syrah, and was aged 10 months in primarily American oak and a small amount of French wood. This 80,000-case cuvee exhibits lovely strawberry and black cherry fruit notes intermixed with hints of pepper, spice box and a meaty/charcuterie aroma. It is an enticing, medium to full-bodied, dense, rustic Zinfandel to drink over the next several years.  (10/ 2012)

93   points  Wine Enthusiast,    90   points  Wine Spectator,  89 points Connoisseurs Guide

 Jairo Sanchez 

Estos vinos los encontré en restaurantes de New York (los tres primeros en el Blue Hill Stone Barn, Tarrington, y el ultimo en El Torrisi, en Manhattan)

Los tres primeros fueron excelentes cada uno en su estilo y quizás lo mas destacado es que los precio en el restaurante eran menos del doble de los de comerciales. El ultimo es un vino de la variedad  Rkasitel que se produce en los Finger Lakes en NY y que se caracteriza por ser muy seco y con fuertes sabores herbáceos y minerales que lo hizo una experiencia extraordinaria pues su vigor era suficiente para acompañar comida italiana suculenta.

Champagne, Billecarte Salmon Brut Mareuil Ay, Francia ( $45, 1/2 Bot. )
Red Burgundy 1er Cru  Domain Marius Delarche Les Boutieres Francia 1996($50)
White Sauvignon Blanc  Dragonette Cellars 2010 Happy canyon of Santa Barbara, California  ($ 30)
White Rkasitel 2010, Dr Konstantin Frank, Finger Lakes, New York ($15 )

bellacar   delarchepernandboutieres09-w-2Dragonet Cellars_12_SB_HC_webuntitled

 

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THE TOP 100 WINES OF 2013 – WINE SPECTATOR – Some Obervations

Top WS 100 – Comment

Alfonso Sanchez

There are several salient features in the WS Top 100 Wines for 2013:

  • Sixty one  wines on the list are from the new world, of which 27 are from the USA which shows probably the increasing quality of American wines and/or the evolving assessment criteria than gives more weight to new world styles (more fruity, high alcohol) as opposed to the old world’s. You guess.
  • Six wines South America made it to the list (three from Chile and three from Argentina).
  • Spain got 9 wines on the list but it is remarkable that 6 are from Rioja, including the number one – Imperial Rioja – Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España Gran Reserva – 2004 95 pts. $63). The other three wines are from Bierzo, Campo de Borja and Sevilla (Manzanilla La Gitana). Is this a signal of the focus on quality by the wine makers in Rioja? Perhaps.
  • There are 24 wines on the list that cost $25 or less, of which 12 are on the top 50. • There are 36 wines that cost between $25 and $50 of which 20 are in the top 50 wines
  • In total 60 of the 100 wines cost $50 or less.
  • The lowest priced wine on the list (Badia a Coltibouno- Toscana Cancelli -2011) in only $10.

In the same issue of the WS there is a section of 100 wines of outstanding value (defined as 90 points or higher costing $18 or less). Eleven of them are also in the Top 100 list. There France has 26 wines, Italy has 15, Australia has 10, Washington has 10, Argentina has 4 and Chile has 1.

These observations might help us in selecting candidate wines for our tastings. We could say for example that we should not taste wines under say $18 or $20 unless they have a rating of 90 points or more. In this way we can gradually raise the quality of our tastings.

Printable List of Top 100 Wines _ Top 100 of 2013 _ Wine Spectator

Tasting NOTES_Printable List of Top 100 Wines _ Top 100 of 2013 _ Wine Spectator

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Tasting 149 – November 18, 2013 – Wines from Argentina – Capri Restaurant

VinoLogo1Tasting 149 – November 18, 2013   – Wines from Argentina – Capri Restaurant

Contents of this post

  1. Presenters and Participants
  2. Wine List
  3. Menu
  4. Wines Details
  5. Información sobre el Malbec
  6. The Argentine Wine Industry
  7. Wine Ratings by the Members

argentina_flag

Presenters:

Clara Estrada, Jaime Estupinan and Emilio Labrada

Participants:

Rolando Castaneda, Juan Luis Colaiacovo, Hugo Benito, Jairo Sanchez, Alfonso Sanchez, Cecilio-Augusto Berndsen, Emilio Labrada, Orlando Mason, Jaime Estupinan, Marcello Averbug, Raul Sanguinetti, German Zincke – updated November 13.
Jaime EstupinanClarita EstradaEmilio Labrada
Jaime, Clarita & Emilio  ♦   The Presenters
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Birthdays of November: Mario Aguilar (1) and Hugo Benito (12)

Scorpio_

2. Wines List 

(this is not the presentation order, it is a blind tasting)

2012 Dominio del Plata Torrontés Crios de Susana Balbo. Mendoza.    ABV: 13.5%   $ 13

2010 Malbec Single Vineyard, Luigi Bosca DOC. Lujan de Duyo, Mendoza.  ABV: 14%   $ 18 to 25

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon III , Pulenta Estate. Agrelo, Mendoza. ABV:  14.5%    $ 19 to 22

2010 Malbec Reserva,  Bodega Norton. Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza.  ABV: 14.3%    $ 18 to 22

3. Menu:

  • Sea Food Salad
  • Gnocchi with Salsa Aurora
  • Carne a La Parrilla, Potatoes and Green Beans
  • Postre and Coffee

4. Detailled Information and Tasting notes on the Wines

All wines from Agentina, purchased in shops to be announced:

4.1    2012 Dominio del Plata Torrontés Crios de Susana Balbo. Mendoza.    APV: 13.5%   $ 13

Winemaker description of this wine: Dominio del Plata website: “Enticing aromas that are strikingly similar to Viognier, with hints of white pear, white flowers and citrus fruit. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with enticing fruit flavours that keep you coming back for another sip. Plenty of body for a wine that shows such delicate aromas and flavours. Fruity, floral and yet still quite dry.

Pairing: Best enjoyed in its youth either by itself, or as a wonderful partner with smoked meats, mild to medium-strong cheeses and seafood (especially crab, prawns, raw and marinated fish). It’s also a delicious wine to pair with Asian food and sushis and a surprising partner with goat cheese.”           Wine Technical Data Sheet at the winemaker website Dominio del Plata

Crios TorontesCritical Acclaim:      Rating: WA 88    IWC 88

88 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): “[$15 list] The 2012 Crios Torrontes comes from Cafayate in Salta, Altamira and La Rioja from 33-year-old vines. It has much more presence and vivacity than the Chardonnay, with scents of lime, peach and melon that are well-defined. The palate is well-balanced with a prickle of white pepper on the entry. It displays moderate length in the mouth, while the finish is crisp and taut. with notes of pear, bruised apple and dried orange peel. This is worth seeking out for the price. Drink now-2014. (Oct 2012, Wine Advocate)”

88 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): “Pale, bright silver-yellow color. Highly perfumed aromas of lemon drop, white flowers, peppermint and white pepper. Supple, pliant and easygoing, with citrus, herbal and floral flavors joined by a hint of licorice. Shows a touch of heat on the finish. Offers good weight in the mouth but seems less intense than the 2011. Susana Balbo declassified a lot of fruit in the difficult 2012 harvest, making this wine mostly from Mendoza vines planted to the Salta clone of torrontes, as she finds the Mendoza clone’s flavors too fleeting. (Mar/Apr 2013)

4.2  2010 Malbec Single Vineyard, Luigi Bosca DOC. Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza.  ABV: 14%   $ 18 to 25.

2010_Luigi_Bosca_Marbel_ArgentinaWine Maker description (click HERE):  Luigi Bosca Malbec D.O.C. es un genuino varietal de un profundo color violáceo y se caracteriza por sus aromas a cerezas y ciruelas maduras. Es, además, especiado, con notas a café y moras, y cierto tostado producto de su crianza en barricas de roble. Su estructura es sólida y su paso por boca, jugoso y elegante, con acidez equilibrada y gran redondez. Un tinto con fuerza pero con sutilezas, además de excelente tipicidad.

Additional information on the Winemaker website.

Critical Acclaim: Robert Parker 89

The Wine Advocate      Author: Neal Martin  – 88 points
Date: Thursday, November 1, 2012:           
“The 2010 Luigi Bosca Malbec D.O.C. comes from 70-year-old vines in La Linda, Vistalba and sees 14 months in new oak. The nose is high-toned and a little volatile at first, with black cherry and raisin aromas. The palate is better with firm, ripe tannins and graphite-tinged black fruit. It seems a little pinched towards the finish, when it needs to fan out.”

Wine Spectator           Author: Nathan Wesley     – 89 points
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2013                    
“This rich red features a dark core of roasted plum, black cherry compote, spice, mocha and hot stone. Medium tannins add support to the round finish.”

Award:  Awarded “Commended”  by the International Wine Challenge  UK 2013. Video of awards ceremony highlights: 

4.3      2008 Cabernet Sauvignon III , Pulenta Estate. Agrelo, Mendoza. ABV:  14.5%    $ 19 to 22

Pulenta Estate Cab SauvignonWinemaker Note:   “Su color  rojo  profundo  e  intenso  revela  la  calidad de la materia prima. Sus notas e pimiento frutos be bosque y algo de  mermelada de frutas rojas en equilibrio con aromas proveniente del roble logran una gran complejidad en nariz. Su fuerte y a la vez armonioso carácter típico be la zona de Agrelo. Sus taninos se perciben suaves y sedosos mostrando  un trabajo  detallado de su maceración  y guarda. Es un  vino  con gran personalidad y sumamente agradable”.     more  at the winemaker website en español.

Critical Acclaim:                       Stephen Tanzer I.W.C.: 89

WE: 83 by Michael Schachner       Green, tom atoey and strained as a whole. The nose initially smells like marinara sauce and field greens. Mouthfeel is the saving grace; it’s elegant and fresh. But back to the flavor profile, which delivers pizza, herbal overtones and tomato. Cabernet does not seem to be this winery’s cup of tea.   (12/31/2011) — 83    more

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4.4      2010 Malbec Reserva,  Bodega Norton. Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza.  ABV: 14.3%    $ 18 to 22

Winemaker Tasting Note: Deep red colour with hints of purple. Expressive on the nose with notes of ripe black fruits, violets, and tobacco. Long finish. More details on Bodega Norton website.

norton_malbec_reservaWS 90   WE 92
This wine made the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines list for the second time in 2012 and it’s easy to see why. Bold but supple with richness and depth, this Reserve Malbec has the stuffing to go the distance. Sourced from older vines averaging 30 years of age and given extended maceration of 25 to 30 days. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels. The Spectator scored it 90 points and Wine Enthusiast Magazine made it an Editors Choice with a 92 point score saying “Opaque purple and thick in the glass, this wine has inky, supercharged aromas of ripe blackberry and spice. It feels amped up but balanced, with more intensity and clarity than what most other $18 reds offer. The flavors of wild berry, mild herb and chocolate finish in a rich, toasty wrapping.”
Read the full Bodega Norton 2010 Reserva Malbec, Mendoza review in Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Buying Guide

Información resumida sobre el vino Malbec de Argentina

  • La uva es una cepa de origen francés muy extendida y propia de la vitinicultura Argentina.
  • El malbec se originó en Bordeaux, Francia, pero por su susceptibilidad a enfermedades, su popularidad disminuyó en esa Región. Sin embargo, ha tenido una  buena adaptación al ambiente de Argentina que ofrece mejor la protección de las plantas contra pestes y enfermedades.
  • En Francia es común mezclarlo con Cabernet Sauvignon, Melrot y Petit Verdot, en los vinos Bordeaux. En Argentina se usa sin mezclar.
  • Es un vino de cuerpo medio y taninos dulces y amables, con notas florales y especiadas. Su aroma recuerda a frutas como la ciruela, el casis, guindas, frutillas (fresas) y violetas. Con la crianza aporta notas de cuero, vainilla y chocolate. Se combina muy bien con carnes rojas, cordero y de animales de caza (ciervo, jabalí).
  • Es un vino que mejora con el añejamiento y se puede guardar por largos periodos.
  • Según el Wall Street Discovery Club, el Malbec de Argentina se considera un gran  fenómeno del vino  en los años recientes, surgiendo de lo desconocido para transformarse en el vino mas comentado por los gustadores de vino en todo el mundo.

argentina-emblemThe Argentine Wine Industry

Introduction

from: http://www.argentinawineguide.com/resources/industry.html

argentina_wine_map_in_organic_wine_tastingArgentina is currently the world’s fifth largest wine producer by volume – after France, Italy, Spain and the USA in that order – a position it has held for many years.

Yet it is only very recently – perhaps over the last ten or fifteen years – that the industry has really begun to develop the methods, attitudes and will to become a serious player in the international wine market.

High volume, low quality vines are being replaced by premium varieties. Formerly struggling bodegas are attracting the backing of major international wine companies. Product quality is soaring, and every year the industry balance shifts further from cheap table wines towards exquisitely crafted drops that are increasingly recognised as being amongst the best in the world.

The Argentine wine industry is reaping the benefits of its heritage – old vines, unique geographical conditions – with new technology and a mix of modern and traditional methods. It’s come along way since the first vines were planted in Mendoza more than 400 years ago.        more much more   http://www.argentinawineguide.com

Also deserves a visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentine_wine    Rich information with good level of detail.

argentina

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Lujan de Cuyo and Agrelo

The Lujan de Cuyo department, is an administrative title which handily covers some of the best viticultural land in Argentina. The wine-producing zone of Agrelo slopes upward from the town toward the Andes, with the highest (and most desirable) vineyards in the west reaching up to 3300ft (1000m) above sea level. The lower-lying eastern part of the area is closer to 3000ft (900m). Agrelo has a dry, desert-like climate due to its position in the rainshadow of the Andes.

The altitude in Agrelo, while not at the extreme of Argentinean viticulture, is sufficiently high to have a pronounced effect on the quality of the grapes grown here. At this height, sunlight is more intense than in lower-lying areas and so grapes have hot sun during the day to help them ripen. These warm, sunny days are followed by much cooler nights due to cold alpine winds that sweep down the western side of the perpetually snow-capped Andes. It is this diurnal temperature variation that is the star of Agrelo’s terroir, extending the ripening period and balancing crisp acidity and complex flavors in the grapes.

The soils in Agrelo are generally sandy loam with a deeper layer of gravelly stones, made up from eroded, mineral-rich material from the slopes of the Andes. These soils have exceptional drainage, and careful irrigation during summer is an essential part of the viticultural process. Using drip irrigation, viticulturists are able to carefully control yield and vigor, and produce small berries with an excellent concentration of sugars, acids and tannins. The wines that result from these grapes are firmly structured, with great complexity.

Ratings by the members

1.  Dominio del Plata Torrontés Críos de Susana Balbo. Mendoza, 2012;- Alcohol: 13.5%; Price $ 13.

Average Score:  88; STD:  3

Comments:  Good pairing with seafood, aromatic, pale yellow with hints of green, easy to drink, citrus and minerals, hints of sauvignon blanc, good balance.  Good value for money.

2.  Cabernet Sauvignon III – Pulenta Estate. Agrelo, Mendoza;- 2010

Alcohol:  14%; Price $19 to 22.

Average Score:  89; STD:  1

Comments:  light plum color, aromas to red fruit and “green”, intense aroma, flavor layers to black and red fruits with hints to chocolate, good structure, pairs well with steak.

3.  Malbec Single Vineyard, Luigi Bosca DOC. Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza;- 2010

Alcohol:  14%; Price $ 18 to 25

Average Score:  89;  STD:  2;

Comments:  Deep red ruby, fruity and silky, good balance, burgundy style, light tannins, good and long finish, not bad.

4.  Malbec Reserva,  Bodega Norton. Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza.- 2010;-

Alcohol:  14.3%; Price $ 18 to22.

Average Score:  88; STD:  3

Comments:  Intense red ruby, lots of fruit and body, lasting taste, good finish, will improve in future, may be too early to drink it now, excellent wine.

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2014 Proposed Program of Tasting – Programación 2014

  clubVinosmall2014 Proposed Program of Tasting – Programación 2014       

come and taste PROGRAMACIÓN DEGUSTACIONES 2014

OBJETIVO: Explorar vinos de corte (blends) de una muestra de países productores y varietales de uvas no emblemáticas de los principales países productores.

CONTENIDO Y ENFOQUE:  La programación explora varietales de uvas no emblemáticas de seis de los países productores importantes y de vinos de corte de otros cinco.  Se incluyen dos degustaciones de vinos de corte de USA que representan la costa oeste por los Meritage y la costa este teniendo en cuenta las excelentes mezclas tipo Burdeos que se están produciendo en esta región de las cuales algunas no están oficialmente clasificadas como Meritages.

Las degustaciones de los vinos de corte son ciegas para hacer comparaciones horizontales por país. Las degustaciones de varietales se proponen abiertas ya que se sabe de antemano de qué uva se trata pero esta decisión se deja a juicio de los presentadores.

  CLUB DEL VINO  PROGRAMACION 2014

 

No.

FECHA

TEMA

TIPO

PRESENTADORES

Ciega Abierta
151 Ene 27 Uruguay  – Vinos de corte

X

Raul Sanguinetti Clarita Estrada
152 Feb 24 Portugal – Touriga Nacional, y otras variedades tintas de Portugal

X

Cecllio Berndsen
153 Mar 31 USA Costa Este- Meritages u otros vinos de corte a elección de los presentadores

X

Alfonso Sanchez  Jairo sanchez
154 Abr 28 Argentina – Cabernets y Syrah u otras variedades que no sean Malbec

X

Juan Luis Colaiacovo  Hugo Benito   Alvaro Lopez
155 May 27(martes) Australia – Vinos de corte

X

Jaime Estupinan
156 Jun 30 Grecia – Aghiorghitiko y Xinomavro u otras variedades de tintos disponibles en el mercado local.

X

Marcello Averbug
157 Jul 28 Chile – Vinos de corte

X

Orlando Mason  German Zincke
158 Ago 25 España – Varietales menores (Mencia, Monastrel, etc.)

X

Jorge Garcia –Garcia  Italo Mirkow
159 Sep 29 Italia – Vinos de corte a juicio de los presentadores pero se sugiere incluir un Big Tuscan para ilustrar este vino.

X

Ruth Connolly  Ginger Smart
160 Oct 27 Nueva Zelanda – Varietales diferentes a Pinot Noir o Sauvignon Blanc

X

Ricardo Zavaleta  Alfonso Caycedo
161 Nov 24 USA Costa Occidental –  Meritages

X

Mario Aguilar Rolando Castaneda
162 Dic 15 Europa del Este –   Vinos de corte o varietales de interés a juicio de los presentadores

X

Hugo Benito Albertina Frenkel
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Virginia Wine – Expedition to RdV and Delaplane – November 7, 2013

Virginia Wine –  Expedition to RdV and Delaplane – November 7, 2013

Comments Ex-Post-Fact

On November 7 a small group of members of Club del Vino visited a couple of vineyards in Virginia not very far from Washington, DC. It was an agreeable day of Fall and the two vineyards  visited proved to be places where good wine could be found.

The visited cellars were RdV and Delaplane. Here the group of visitants: Alvaro L., Emilio L., L.Luix C., Cecilio-Augusto B., Marcello A. and German G.

Alvaro, Emilio, Juan Luis, Cecilio, Marcelllo and German
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The first one was RdV Vineyards. Their website is very informative. There we were greeted by Jackie that guided us on the installations and we had the opportunity to chat with the wine maker.

The building is impressive. The modern interior is matched by an external appearance of an old farm house. Inside the grape processing machines, the tanks and a cellar carved inside the granite that is the subsoil of the vineyard. The arable soil is less than 20 inches deep. Under it several yards of granite.

Jackie with a cross section of the soil umder the wines.
Jackie of  RdV with a vertical cross section of the soil under the vines that is most porous granite. It provides good drainage from the abundant rain of Virginia.

RdV

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RdV oak
RdV Tasting Room.

Alvaro, Jenny and J.L.Alvaro and Juan Luis did not waste any time to make friends with Jenny owner of the bodega.

Wines  we Tasted at RdV

– 2009 Rendezvous.44%Merlot, 24% Cab Sauv., 20% Petit Verdot and 12% Cab Franc.   $ more than 70

Rendezvous has a brilliant core of deep ruby color with a delicate nose hinting at sweet notes of pastry. On the palate, the wine reveals a ripe tannin structure that is both harmonious and flattering, leading to a supple approachability. It finishes with an energized backbone that sings of minerality from the hillsides’ granitic soils.    – Eric Boissenot  – Jancis Robinson score: 17.5?20

– 2009 Lost Mountain

With a vibrant ruby color, Lost Mountain reveals a complex nose of dense black fruit notes and subtle oak. Its young and lively nature, coupled with velvety tannins, creates a wine with remarkable flexibility and refinement. Balanced elegance and structure provides a stunning and delicate finish.      – Eric Boissenot  – Jancis Robinson score: 17.5?20

A few links related to RdV Vineyards:

Delaplane Cellars

From the deck of the Delaplane tasting room

deck of Delaplane Cellars

DeLaPlane-Nov-2009-1024x768delaplane3

Wines we tasted at Delaplane Cellars

2012 Chardonnay         2012 Rosé     2011 Melot  and     2011 CINQ³

Links to sites that comment Delaplane Cellars

  • Yelp
  • Trip Advisor
  • Virginia Wine
  • Timelapse: A day at Delaplane Cellars   (as usual it opens in a new tab)     1:11       November 19, 2013 5:16 PM EST — Virginia’s wine renaissance starts at a simple place—picking grapes. Spend a day grape picking at Delaplane Cellars in this time lapse video, sped up to just a minute. (Logan Mock-Bunting for The Washington Post)

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Comments Ex-Post-Facto

Juan Luis: 

Me sorprendieron los vinos de RdV. Había probado muchos vinos de Virginia y la conclusión había sido que están mejorando pero que todavía les faltaba bastante para competir internacionalmente. Las variedades que mejor se habían dado eran la cabernet franc en tintos y viognier en blancos. También había buenos resultados en los blends tipo Meritage que es justamente la llamada Bordeaux blends que probamos en RDV. Fue bueno saber que en la 2013 Governor’s Cup los dos vinos de RDV quedaron entre los 12 mejores. El enólogo confirmo que hay muchos problemas en el vineyard debido a la humedad, las plagas, y las aves y animales.
El Rendezvous 2010 con predominio de Merlot me pareció un poquito mejor que el Lost Mountain 2010 con predominio de cabernet sauvignon en la mezcla. A pesar de tener 14.7% y 14.9% de alcohol no se sintió en boca y garganta. Muy equilibrados, con buena presencia de fruta, taninos maduros, principalmente en el primero. Extraordinariamente elegante el primero. Gran finesse. Color y aromas agradables pero poco significativos. Buen finísh y retrogusto.
Ellos organizan degustaciones verticales con los vinos de 2008, 2009, y 2010. Me pregunto si el envejecimiento los mejora. Con buen alcohol, y taninos tienen potencial. Apostaría que el Lost Mountain mejorara más.
Como dije en la mesa el Rendezvous es un buen 92 y el Lost Mountain un 91.
Me pregunto si una bodega que sólo produce 1500 cajas o sea que factura menos de $ 1 millón por año puede ser rentable. Le comentaba a Cecilio en el auto que la mayoría sobrevive y que la ganancia se da cuando la bodega se vendé por un lado con la valorización del viñedo y quizás con el prestigio que los vinos pudieran haber alcanzado. Algunas me comentaron que sólo las reuniones sociales (cumpleaños , casamientos, etc.) les permiten cubrir costos. Generalmente los dueños viven en la propia bodega. Cerca de 70% de las ventas son a visitantes. Esto les proporciona mejor rentabilidad que las ventas en restaurantes y comercio. Cerca de un 20% lo hacen online dentro de Virginia y a través de sus clubes.
El paisaje donde están en Virginia es muy agradable.
Cordiales saludos.
Juan Luis
PS. Comparto con Germán mis agradecimientos a Cecilio por el cómodo transporté.

German Z.

La verdad que fue una linda experiencia. Felicitaciones a nuestro presidente por la iniciativa.
Buenos vinos de RdV y buena compañía.
Deberíamos repetirla, especialmente en primavera.
Apreciamos y agradecemos el apoyo logístico transportivo de Cecilio
En relación a la selección de los vinos del Club, podemos proponer 3 vinos y uno de ellos de más de 90 puntos o de $30.
Un saludo cordial

Germán

Juan Luis

Estimados amigos:
Espero que hayan tenido un tranquilo regreso a sus casas después de las visitas de ayer.
Yo disfrute de las visitas, el paisaje y la compañía. Espero que ustedes también.
Me sorprendieron los vinos de RDV aunque creo que un precio de $ 80 podría discutirse.
La gente que nos recibió y atendió fue muy amable. El enólogo bastante sólido. Delaplane algo más simple y popular pero los vinos que probamos muy agradables. Frescos y disfrutables.
Es una experiencia que debería repetirse con otras bodegas.
Cordiales saludos.
Juan Luis.
Germán

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Club del Vino – Degustacion del 28 de octobre 2013 Foto Panorama

Club del Vino en sessión 28 de octobre de 2913   –  Foto Panorama

20131028_C_Vino-Reunion_148

Haga click en la photo para ampliar.

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Let’s Pray

Let’s Pray

letsprey

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Tasting # 148 – Wines of Washington State – October 28, 2013 Capri Restaurant

Club del Vino

Tasting # 148 –  Wines of Washington State – October 28, 2013  1:00 PM  –  Capri Restaurant, McLean VA

Contents of this post:

  • 1. Participants and Presenters with Birthdays
  • Flag_Washington_State2. Wines and Menu
  • 3. Wines Information Detail
  • 3.a. Club Members Rate the Wines (en Español)
  • 4. Washington State Wine Production Region (en Español)
  • 5. Ten Largest Public Traded Companies Washington State based
  • 6. The Washington Wine Industry (note)
  • 7.  Washington State Wine Industry   video clip  (3 min.)

1. Participants and Presenters with Birthdays of the Month

This tasting participants are:    Alfono Sanchez, Jorge Garcia, Carlos Eduardo Velez (invitado de Jorge Garcia), Orlando Mason, Rolando Castaneda, Ruth Connolly, Mario Aguilar, Italo Mirkow, Hugo Benito, Pedro Turina, Cecilio-Augusto Berndsen, Alfonso Caycedo, Ricardo Zavaleta, Raul Sanguinetti, Alvaro Lopez   (as of October 24, 2013).

The presenters of wines from the Washington State are Ricardo Zavaleta and Alfonso Caycedo.

Alfonso Caycedo

Alfonso Caycedo

Ricardo Zavaleta

Ricardo Zavaleta

In October Wilson Moreira (12) and Pedro Turina (31) have their birthdays. Congratulations to these dear members when they complete another year of good taste and wine appreciation.

2.  Wines and Menu

Menu is to be announced

1.    2012 Hughes Baulieu  – Picpoul de Pinet. Coteaux  Du Languedoc, Southwest of France  APV: 12.5%  $ 9 T. Wine  (1.5 liter $ 20)

2.   2011 Radius Cabernet Sauvignon.  Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA. APV 13.5%,   $ 11 T. Wine

3.  2011  Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Crest – Grand States. Cabernet Sauvignon 93%, Cabernet Franc 5% and Malbec 2%. Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA.  APV 13.5%  $ 8 T. Wine.

4.  2010  Wildhaven Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Horse Heaven Hills.   Columbia Valley, Washington State.   APV: 14.1% $ 18 T. Wine

3. Wines Information

3.1.  2012 Hughes Baulieu  – Picpoul de Pinet. Coteaux  Du Languedoc, Southwest of France  APV: 12.5%  $ 9 T. Wine

2012Picpoul_de_Pinet_LaguedocA great everyday wine, this dry selecction offers relatively low alcohol content and ripe citrus flavors. This is one of our best sellers, with many customers choosing it as their “house white”.

Try it with it with seafood and salads. (Total Wine)

Hughes Beaulieu Coteaux du Languedoc Picpoul-de-Pinetis a delicious South West France white that is delightful.   Total Wine sells it for about $10 a bottle, and it’s wonderful with cheese, hummus, sea food, chicken…  we’re been drinking alot of white wine in the warmer weather outside as we soak up UV and produce vitamin D. 

It’s got crisp apple and pear flavors, perhaps a hint of apricot, but not nasty grapefruit – get a New Zealand wine for the spike of grape fruit.  Acidic without over-whelming the mouth.

If you like Chardonnay, you’ll probably not like this.   If you like complex whites, semillion, or sauvignon blanc, try this one.   I’ll be surprised if you don’t like it.   http://justjoep.blogspot.com/

3.2.   2011 Radius Cabernet Sauvignon. Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA. APV 13.5%,   $ 11 T. Wine

2010_Radius_Cab_SauvignonAromas and flavors of currant, black cherry and red jammy fruit.

Hints of toasty oak lead to a long finish in this bold winw. Enjoy with red meats, sharp cheeses and dark chocolate.  T. Wine.

Today we take a look at the Radius Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage 2010 made available by Total Wine. Hailing from Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley, this medium-bodied fruit-forward Cab comes packed with with jammy flavors of black cherry and black current.  

Categorized as a budget wine, this red has pleasant aromas and enough flavors to keep things interesting. But make no mistake, this is not your typical Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, we feel this red drinks more like Zinfandel – which should appeal to a wider audience of wine enthusiasts who prefer a little less body and strength.      More at <” href=”http://leafandgrape.com/2013/01/wine-review-radius-cabernet-sauvignon-2010/”>http://leafandgrape.com/2013/01/wine-review-radius-cabernet-sauvignon-2010/

3.3.  2011  Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Crest – Grand States. Cabernet Sauvignon 93%, Cabernet Franc 5% and Malbec 2%. Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA.  APV 13.5%  $ 8 T. Wine

2011_ColumbiaCrest_Cab_SauvignonWinemaker description: Aromas and flavors of dark red fruits reveal a bold style of Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine displays fruit complexity and structure –pair this wine with beef tenderloin or pasta.  http://www.columbiacrest.com

An aromatically restrained wine with coffee, dried herbs, and cherry. The palate brings a surprising amount of fruit intensity matched by grainy tannins while still retaining a silky texture. 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Merlot. Aged in oak 16 months (33% new). 13.0% alcohol. Sample provided by winery. Recommended.  (This review refers to the 2010 vintage. The blend is slightly different from the 2011 of our tasting http://www.wawinereport.com

3.4.  2010  Wildhaven Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Horse Heaven Hills.   Columbia Valley, Washington State.   APV: 14.1% $ 18 T. Wine

2010_WildHavenRich and pure in blackberry, cassis and blueberries, a hint of spice and chocolate. Layerd tannis leave a lingering finish. Pair with steww, steak or grilled vegetables. T.Wine

TASTING NOTE:     Rich and ripe in blackberry, cassis and blueberries, a
hint of spice and chocolate layered tannins leave a
lingering finish.

HORSE HEAVEN HILLS:    Naturally bounded on the North by the Yakima Valley
appellation and on the South by the Columbia River,  Horse Heaven Hills was officially designated as an AVA in 2005. Its proximity to the Columbia River and a distinctive topography moderate the extreme temperatures of the area and provide steep,  south-facing slopes for quick-draining loamy soils. http://www.preceptwine.com

3.a. Club Members Rate the Wines

Survey computation by Hugo Benito, Club Secretary

HugoBenito

Hugo Benito

El dia Lunes 28 de Octubre tuvimos la degustacion numero 148 de nuestro Club.En esta oportunidad Ricardo Zavaleta y Alfonso Caycedo nos presentaron vinos del Estado de Washington. Es importante indicar que la calificacion de los vinos fue muy dispersa. Concurrieron 21 comensales, 19 socios y dos invitados. Contestaron los formularios de evaluacion 19 personas.

Vino Numero 1 – Hughes Beau Piepool de Pinet 2012 -South France. Alcohol 12 % Precio $7.50. Evaluaron ete vino17 personas con un promedio de 85.7 puntos. Hubo una dispersion entre 79 y 88 puntos.

Vino Numero 2 – Radius Cabernet Sauvignon 2011. Alcohol 13 % Precio $11. Evaluaron este vino19 personas con un promedio de 83.2 puntos. Hubo una dispersion entre 78 y 90 puntos.

Vino Numero 3 – Columbia crest -Grand Estates 2011. Alcohol 13.5 % Precio $7.97. Evaluaron este vino 19 personas con un promedio de 84.6 puntos.Hubo una dispersion entre 80 y 89 puntos.

Vino Numero 4 – Wild Heaven Cabernet Reserva 2010 Columbia Valley. Alcohol 14.5% Precio $18. Evaluaron este vino 19 personas con un promedio de 87 .9 puntos.. Hubo una concentracion (14 personas) entre 87 Y 90 puntos con un promedio de 88.5.

 

 

4.  Vinos del Estado de Washington – La Región

Alfonso Sánchez

Alfonso Sanchez

Alfonso Sanchez

Oregón y Washington son dos estados vecinos que a primera vista deberían producir vinos similares.  Sin embargo, las Cascade Mountains que corren de sur a norte en esta parte del país establecen una marcada diferencia en la producción de vinos.  Los territorios al oeste de las montañas tienen un clima marítimo sujeto a lluvias abundantes (casi 10.000 mm por año) y a la influencia refrescante del Pacífico en Oregón.  Es ahí en donde están casi todos los viñedos cuyas condiciones favorecen el cultivo de la Pinot Noir y de la Pinot Gris.  En el estado de Washington al este de las montañas el clima es continental con veranos muy cálidos de noches frías y casi semidesértico.  Las montañas establecen una barrera para las lluvias que vienen del Pacífico (unos 200 mm).  Allí están casi todos los viñedos de Washington y los suelos y el clima los hacen propicios para las variedades tipo Burdeos (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillón, Chardonnay, etc.)  Los Merlot de Columbia Crest están entre los de mayor venta en USA.  Hay también viñedos cerca de Seattle al oeste de las Cascades (Puget Sound) en donde Chateau St. Michelle y Columbia Crest producen excelentes blancos (Riesling, Grewstraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Semmillon.  La región tiene el monopolio de la variedad Lemberger (también conocida como Blue Franc) de baja acidez muy apta para producir vinos con frescura y fruta muy similares a los Bujolais.

En los años 30, existían plantaciones de la uva Concorde (nativa del valle del Yakima) más apta para mermeladas y jugos que para vinos, pero en los 60s empezó a desarrollarse una industria del vino más seria, inicialmente de vinos blancos y crecientemente con los años de tintos.

Washington_MapLa escasa lluvia hace necesario el riego de los viñedos pero este a su vez permite controlar el vigor de las parras para lograr concentraciones mejores en la fruta.  Igualmente el riego permite preparar las parras para soportar el frío del invierno.  Esto se logra suspendiendo el riego y los nutrientes en agosto y dejando que aquellas entren en un período de adormecimiento antes de que lleguen los fríos del otoño.  Los viñedos está plantados de preferencia en las laderas de los valles (Columbia, Snake, Walla Walla y Yakima) que miran al sur.  La cercanía a los ríos ayuda a moderar las temperaturas del verano y propician noches frías (favoreciendo la acidez).  La vendimia se hace más tarde que en California empezando en Septiembre y a veces hasta principios de noviembre.  Esto permite una buena maduración de la uva que con una buena acidez produce vinos muy apropiados para el maridaje con una amplia gama de platos.

Las subregiones más importantes son Columbia Valley, Columbia Gorge, Yakima Valley, Rattlesnake Hills, Horse Heaven Hills, Walla Walla Valley y Puget Sound cercana a Seattle.

Los productores de vinos más grandes son Chateau St.  Michelle y Columbia Crest y Snoqualmie que producen más de la mitad del vino en el estado pero ya hay muchas bodegas pequeñas que producen vinos boutique de excelente calidad.

Los Merlot, los Cebernet Sauvignon, los Syrah, y los Cebernet Francc varietales o de corte son especialmente buenos.  Entre los blancos no dejen de probar los Chardonnay, Semillon, Riesling (en sus diferentes grados de dulzor), y los Grewztraminner.

5. Ten Largest Public Traded Companies Washington State based

  • 10. Expedia revenue of   $ 3.4 billions
  • 09. Alaska Air Group  $ 4.3 B
  • 08. Expeditors  $ 6.1 B
  • 07. Weyerhaeuser  $ 6.2 B
  • 06. Nordstron  $ 10.8 B
  • 05. Starbucks  $ 11.7 B
  • 04. PACCAR    $ 15.9 B
  • 03. amazon  $ 48 B
  • 02. Microsoft  $ 69.9 B
  • 01. Costco Wholesale  $ 88.9 B

6. The Washington Wine Industry

Washington’s wine industry generates more than $3 billion to the state economy and it employs more than 14,000 people directly and indirectly. Wine grapes are among the highest tax generators of any agricultural crops in terms of tax revenues accrued to the state and federal government. Furthermore, Washington wine tourism attracts nearly two million visitors annually, contributing to the positive growth of local and regional economies.         more http://www.washingtonwine.org/wine-101/regions/

7.  Washington State Wine Industry   video clip  (3 min.)

clip selected by J.L. Colaiacovo

.o0o.o0o.o0o.

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Localização Privilegiada or Location, Location, Location

Localização  Privilegiada or Location, Location, Location

– No momento o andar térreo tem uma freguesia mais assídua.

– At this time the ground floor has more customers

alcoolicosanonimos

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Parkinson o Alzheimer?

Parkinson o Alzheimer? 

¡Entre el Parkinson y el Alzheimer prefiero el Parkinson, porque es preferible derramar un poco de vino que olvidar donde dejé la botellha!

oldage

Contribuición de Ricardo Zavaleta

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