Maipe was the Lord of the Winds for the ancient Andean people.  Argentineans still invoke his name to clear the skies after a heavy rain or to temper the summer heat.  These wines, children of the Sun and the Winds, are produced from grapes grown at the foothills of theAndesMountains at an altitude of 3,000 feet above sea level.  The intense color and aromas capture the expression of the soils that gave them birth.

Tasting notes

2008? Yes, indeed. This white treasure is from this year’s vintage, courtesyArgentina’s southern hemispherical positioning.

The Spring-like nose is wonderfully distinctive and is dominated by aromas of fresh white peaches, rose petals, sweetAnjoupear, green apple, green melon and hints of jasmine. Despite all the aromatic fireworks going on in your nostrils, the palate has beautiful structure and acidity along with its abundant fruit. Well balanced, this wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish.

Best enjoyed in its youth either by itself, or as a great match with smoked meats, mild to medium-pungent cheeses, seafood and a great partner for spicy food as well.  

II.      CATENA MALBEC 2007 –  MENDOZA,   ARGENTINA

Winemaker’s notes:  #69 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2009

The 2007 Catena Malbec shows a dark violet color with deep bluish – black tones. The nose offers ripe, concentrated dark fruit aromas with delicate floral notes and traces of vanilla and mocha.  The mouthfeel is rich and lush, with concentrated black cherry and red currant fruit flavors layered with sweet spices, tobacco and a touch of leather.  The finish presents soft, supple tannins with bright, crisp acidity and a flinty minerality which gives the wine exceptional length.

critical acclaim:  “The purple-colored 2007 Catena Malbec spent 12 months in 35% new French and American oak. The nose reveals balsam wood, vanilla, mocha, cassis, and black cherry. Plush on the palate, this medium-bodied Malbec has layered, spicy flavors, with a touch of tobacco and leather making an appearance. Balanced and lengthy, it will evolve for 2-3 years and offer prime drinking from 2011 to 2019. ”

91 Points      The Wine Advocate

“A sleek, polished style, with alluring mocha and raspberry ganache notes, backed by dark plum, hoisin sauce and graphite flavors. This has serious weight, but stays focused and driven. Drink now through 2011.”

91 Points    Wine Spectator

III.       ANAKENA CARMENERE 2007-    RAPEL, CHILE

This is a 100% carmenere varietal from the Rapel Valley of Chile which is not aged in oak.  It is labeled with the Condor Petroglyph and comes with a appreciated artificial cork. This is a strong value play at under $10.

Aroma. The terroir comes through strongly on the nose. There is a dry chalky dirt component. I also detect nice dark fruit aromas including plum. In addition, there is a spicy component and even a little bit of tobacco coming through. It is a complex nose and makes for an interesting bouquet.

Flavor.  The texture of this carmenere is pretty smooth and medium bodied. The attack is a little sweet with some cherries and raspberry. The backend shows a little bit of spice and a small amount of tannins. Overall this is not a very flavorful wine and quite disappointing. It comes across as simple and thin. I’d pair it with a mild cheese.

Rating.  Overall, the aroma of this wine is it’s best quality. The taste is so-so and doesn’t contribute much. The price is low, so it will be interesting to see if it makes the top ten on my Wine Best Value list.

IV.     MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA-CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007-   PUENTE,  ALTO CHILE

The grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon come from the Puente Alto Vineyard in the Maipo Valley, Chile’s most celebrated wine region.  Dark ruby-red.  Fine red cherries with hints of toasty French oak.  Smooth, round, well balanced and tasteful with a long finish.  The wine complements steaks, roasts, pasta dishes with robust sauces, and strong cheeses.

90+ points, Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): “The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Marques de Casa Concha spent 14 months in French oak.  Alluring aromas of cedar, lavender, blackcurrant and blackberry are followed by a plush, layered, succulent wine with gobs of black fruit, ripe tannin, and 2-3 years of aging potential.  It is a great value.

2. Evaluación de los sócios presentes a la degustación

por Hugo Benito

El día 17  de Diciembre hemos tenido la reunión número 104 del Club del Vino, fecha en que nuestros consocios Orlando Mason, Carlos Maraviglia y German Zincke  nos presentaron vinos de Argentina y Chile.   Esta reunión fue una verdadera fiesta donde los 31 asistentes  disfrutamos de los excelentes vinos, y del ambiente cordial. Dimos también la bienvenida a un nuevo socio, Jaime Estupiñán, invitado en esa oportunidad por nuestro Presidente Juan Luis Colaiacovo.

Se incluye un breve resumen de las notas de cata.

Vino Numero 1.–Torrontés Maipe 2008-Salta Argentina.-  Precio $8.00

Nota de cata.–Color amarillo pálido con notas de verde.  Rico a la nariz y a la boca, dominan los aromas a duraznos, peras, manzanas verdes. Muy balanceado, refrescante al paladar  y persistente y largo final.

Vino Numero 2.–Concha y Toro-Casillero del Diablo-Carmenere 2007-Rapel-Chile.  Precio$8.99

Nota de Cata.–Color rojo violáceo, aroma a frutas rojas,  berries, especias. Cuerpo medio, suave a la boca, taninos más amigables que los del Cabernet Sauvignon. Puede acompañar comidas delicadas como pescados grasos, aunque también es ideal para carnes y pastas.

Vino número 3.–Catena  Malbec 2007 -Mendoza -Argentina. Precio  $20.00

Nota de cata.–Color violeta oscuro con notas azules casi negras, agradable a la boca con notas a frutas oscuras cerezas, grosellas rojas, con algo de especias, tabaco. El final que presenta taninos suave  acidez agradable  es de larga persistencia al paladar.

Vino numero4.–Concha y Toro -Marqués de Casa Concha-Cabernet Sauvignon 2007-Puente Alto-Chile. Precio  $17.99

Nota de Cata.–Color rojo profundo, Aromas a cerezas, cassis, madera de cedro, BlackBerry con algo de ahumado. Al paladar es suave, casi sedoso que enmascara los taninos marcados que lo hace muy persistente al paladar.