Category: WIne Blog

 

Origin: Napa Valley, CA

Grape: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot

Body: Full

Year: 2014

Alcohol: 14.5%

Price point: $40

Year Reviewed: 2018

 

 

Sometimes it is fun to evaluate and judge a wine and then read someone else’s review and what aromas and tastes they did reveal from their experience. So I chose this wine since it was a wonderful blend of Cab, Cab Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot….on the order of Bordeaux’s.

Interestingly enough this wine was not clear ruby…It was actually hazy (cloudy) red, but nothing was wrong with this bottle. On the nose, I pick up a bunch of interesting aromas of earth, gamey, animal, leather and black currant leaf, chocolate, and vegetal.

 

On the palate, you should experience black current, kirsch or menthol, leather, animal and farmyard. You should experience medium bold tannins, medium acidity.  I was expecting a much longer finish on this wine, but it did finish short, although the quality would be rated very good.

 

 

Vineyard Notes

While Maestro is inspired by Bordeaux blends, at heart, it’s a free spirit. Rather than a set style, we take our cues each vintage from the vineyards themselves. 2014 was a fantastic season for Cabernet Sauvignon in our prized Wappo Hill and To Kalon vineyards, which led to the inspiration behind this blend. Our 2014 Maestro is designed to capture the refined balance between these two estate vineyards. Part of the Stags Leap growing region, Wappo Hill is a special site offering delicious consistency, and bringing freshness and softness to the wine. Fruit from Oakville’s long-revered To Kalon vineyard, considered Napa Valley’s grand cru, adds structure and bold tannins to the final wine.

 

Production Notes

2014 started with worrisome, drought-like conditions, and many feared a parched, dry spring as in 2013. Refreshingly, spring rains came in February and into March providing water for the soils and filling reservoirs. The wine growing season will most be remembered for the August 24th earthquake that occurred just as harvest was commencing in the Napa Valley. The vines were not affected and harvest finished early, bringing in beautiful, healthy fruit. Grape picking took place from September 17th to October 17th.

 

Winemaker Notes

The grapes were hand-harvested into small bins and carefully sorted in our gravity-flow cellar. The clusters were gently destemmed directly into traditional French oak tanks for cold soak, fermentation and extended maceration – a total of 24 days of wine to skin contact – maximizing the extraction of varietal character and complexity while keeping the tannins fleshy and supple. The new wine was drained and gently pressed into 28% new French-oak barrels for malolactic fermentation, assuring seamless integration of fruit and oak. The final blend was assembled through repeated tasting trials over the 21 months of barrel aging.

94 Points

Named for the opening of Robert Mondavi’s To Kalon Cellar in 2000, when the man himself threw a huge “cellar-bration” featuring a commissioned chamber-orchestra piece aptly named “Ode to To Kalon.” It was there that Mr. Mondavi leapt to his feet to lead the music. As a tribute to the pioneering Maestro of Napa Valley’s success, this wine—a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc and 2% each of Merlot and Petit Verdot—offers up a meaty nose of deep, dark chocolate-covered strawberries. Flavors of tobacco, soil, slate, tar and olives go long on gritty tannins, and with a wave of the baton, it finishes on a high note of lilacs and caramel-coated coffee bean.

Meridith May – The Tasting Panel, August 2017

93 Points

This second vintage of a Bordeaux styled blend made in tribute to founder Robert Mondavi features bold menthol aromas and flavors at this point in its development, and there is a fair amount of new oak evident. That said, there’s plenty to like here, both now and for the future…I’m reminded of some of the early offerings from the winery under the maestro’s baton – they always came around.

Rich Cook – WineReviewOnline.com, September 5, 2017

 

https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com/2014-Robert-Mondavi-Winery-Maestro-Napa-Valley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Origin: Bolghere, Italy

Grape: 30% Cabernet, 30% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, 10% Teroldego, 10% Syrah

Body: Medium

Year: 2015

Alcohol: 14%

Price point: $26

Year Reviewed: 2018

In the glass, we have a clear medium ruby wine. On the nose, you will experience medium intensities of a variety of aromas, including spices, chamomile, black olive, medicinal, biscuit and yeast, mushroom and toasted smokiness.  Amazing nose.   Once you savor, this wine brings on a higher acidity, medium tannins, a combination of tastes such as raspberries, plum, cabbage, black olives, wet leaves and forest floor.  Love this interesting blend of grapes.  Let this wine get some air, as it will open up lovely in 1-2 hours for some new intense flavors.  Will buy again.  Pair with Lobster Ravioli run over with a Bolognese sauce.

In 1982 Michele started his own winery, one of the first in Bolgheri, with newly acquired vines from his previous employer. In this famous region of Tuscany, Michele rapidly earned respect and became known quickly as a vigneron. Michele even worked as a consultant for other properties in the early 1990s, including Ornellaia at which time Michele planted many of their vineyards. Michele has always been the local expert on the great terroir of Bolgheri and this is why his wines have been so well regarded in Italy.

Michele is a father of six (an example of his traditional roots), a farmer and a winemaker. He is an uncomplicated, sincere and humble man with very clear priorities; family and vines. While he is a traditionalist, he is also a non-conformist. This deferential character, when combined with a deep dedication to perfection, balance in the vineyards and great attention to detail in the cellar, produces Bolgheri wines that communicate the amazing uniqueness of this man and his terroir. Walking with giants is no easy feat, unless you are Michele Satta.

https://www.wine.com/product/michele-satta-rosso-2015/256449

 

 

So have you heard of the Teroldege Grape??????

Teroldego is a red Italian grape variety grown primarily in the northeastern region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy

 

Description[

Wine has been produced since ancient times in “Campo Rotaliano”, an alluvial plain between the rivers Adige (Etsch) and Noce. Teroldegomay take its name from its traditional method of cultivation, trained on a system of “tirelle” or wire harnesses, an explanation that’s more likely, albeit less pretty, than its legendary association with German dialect for gold of the Tirol. Another theory, put forth in the book “Wine Grapes” ^[1] credits a northern Italian village called Teroldege, or Teroldeghe, where documents dated in 15th century refer to the sale of Teroldego wine.^[2] It has recently been discovered to be a full sibling of the Dureza variety from France, which is one of the parents of Syrah.^[3]

The grapes ripen around the last week of September or the first week of October.

Cultivation & winemaking

The wine Teroldego Rotaliano, which is made with this grape in Trentino, has had DOC status since 18 February 1971. It is planted on about 400 hectares and is cultivated by over 300 producers.

Some California authorities compare Teroldego to Zinfandel, with its spicy red fruits, and hints of tar, pine, and almond, but few tasters would confuse the two varieties in a blind tasting. Its snappy acidity makes it a versatile food wine.

In Australia the variety is sparsely planted and has found homes in warmer, coastal climates such as McLaren Vale (Geoff Hardy) and Margaret River. Producers such as Amato Vinoare forging a new direction for the variety with great promise.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teroldego

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina

Grape: 30% Bonarda, 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet, 15% Malbec

Body: Lighter

Year: 2016

Alcohol: 13.8%

Price point: $12

Year Reviewed: 2018

 

So two major learning points here with this red blend:

1. Read about Zolo wines and how long they have been around

http://www.vinodelsol.com/thewineries/zolo.html

1. Learn about a new grape called Bonarda

http://winefolly.com/update/move-over-malbec-bonarda-is-argentina/

 

 

ZOLO
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza

“Genuinely Excellent Wines” -Stephen Tanzer

Zolo is one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina. Zolo selects grapes from estate vineyards in Agrelo and Alto Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Located at various altitudes, each of these terroirs provides a different expression of fruit and varietal concentration. The winemakers are Fabian Valenzuela and Jean Claude Berrouet (former Petrus winemaker), the vineyard manager is Carlos Correas, and the President and owner is Patricia Ortiz.

The purpose of the winery’s Zolo classic line is to create a family of fruit-forward, great value wines, which can be enjoyed with a wide range of food or by themselves. The Zolo Reserves and Zolo Blacks, with their ultra-high concentration, long ageing in new French oak, and aromatic complexity are made for those special occasions when one needs a wine to “blow your hat off.”

Zolo has been a leading Argentine brand since 2004, and is estate-grown & sustainably-farmed.

http://www.vinodelsol.com/thewineries/zolo.html

 

 

Grown at the foothills of the Andes in Mendoza Argentina still 3200 feet in elevation, this interesting clear ruby wine is sustainably farmed. All grapes are harvested by hand to pick at the “right” time.  This wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks for 12 days and then aged 6 months in French and American Oak.  Aromas of menthol, mint, violets, and cherries are prevalent.  This lighter style red blend is simply easy to drink and would be a nice crowd pleaser for a party.  Being quite high in acidity, this wine would pair well with spice such as a red pepper gnocchi recipe, rich grilled fish such as spiced up salmon or teriyaki chicken.  On the palate, you should receive a juicy taste of cherry, strawberry, (fresh red fruits), allspice and red licorice with a mildly tannic finish where the pepper comes through.  Just a nice easy drinking red blend for a decent price.

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/gnocchi-with-chicken-sausage-bell-pepper-fennel

Origin: Lodi, CA

Grape: 90 % Petit Sirah, 7% Cab Sauvignon, 3% Cab Franc

Body: Full

Year:  2014

Alcohol: 15.5%

Price point: $19

Year Reviewed: 2018

Rated in the top 2% of best wines in its class, gives you all the reason to try this one!! On the eyes, this lovely deep purplish ruby wine is as amazing in the glass to look at, as it is to smell and sip.  Clean nose of pronounced spices, vegetal flavors, licorice and black cherry.  Mettler has been around 5 generations and over 100 years.  This Sirah blend is aged 16 months in 4% new and 1 year old French oak.

Medium body and medium acidy with high well-integrated tannins that give a long lingering finish. Slowly sipping this amazing wine, you will savor its complexity, view its long lovely legs, and experience multiple different flavors, with a peppery finish tantalizing your palate with much interest.  Some of these succulent flavors are blueberry, black cherry, vanilla, cinnamon, mocha and smoke.  Bone dry.  Let this get some air for at least an hour so it open up.  Quality on this wine and year is outstanding. Will buy again.

Update, so did buy again the 2015 vintage and am very pleased with the same quality of the 2014 vintage.  Just a bit different, but still exceptional.

• Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State
• Grape: Blend of Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Petit Syrah
• Body: Medium
• Year: 2014
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Price point: $7.49
• Year Reviewed: 2018

 

Washington State does such a fine job of creating some lovely wines. 14 Hands makes several wines and for their price point, I would suggest you try them all. They have blends, cabs and merlots.  This clear ruby color wine starts with aromas of mushroom, vegetal, anise.  Flavors of black raspberries and plum and clay chalking soil.   Try some of the reserve wines from 14 hands also/

14 Hands wines are inspired by the spirit of the wild horses that once roamed eastern Washington. A popular area named after these horses was the Horse Haven Hills (see below).  Climate is “right” in the valleys shown below for producing some of the best cabernets and merlot blends in the US.  If you haven’t tried Washington State wines, what are you waiting for?

www.gogglemaps.com

• Origin: Maipo Valley, Chili
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Body: Medium
• Year: 2014
• Alcohol: 14%
• Price point: $12.00
• Year Reviewed: 2018

 

So I learned about this winery when I was working a fund raiser and truly sold a lot of their wine. Cono sur vineyards claims that the bicycle represents its commitment to the environment—a commitment that extends to using bikes rather than motor vehicles to travel across and between the vineyards. That’s good for the vines and these grapes are hand picked. I’ll drink to that!!!

www.goggle.com

Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery. Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery is the third exporter of bottled wine in Chile. It was created in 1993 as subsidiary of Concha y Toro Winery. Its name makes reference to its geographical origins: South America‘s Southern Cone.

www.goggle.com

A clear medium ruby clean color with lots of raspberry, plum and a spiciness on the nose. Dry, medium acidity with high tannins you would expect from a cab out of this region.  2014 was a great year for Chilean wines.  Lots of plum, spice, cloves and vanilla but I also receive a degree of leather, meaty, farmyard, mushroom, wet forest floor and a bit of smoke.   Love that type of interest.  With a nice long finish, this wine is rated “very good” for a value of under $15.00.  Pair this with ribs, pasta or Hungarian goulash….now I am hungry.

 

Origin: Chablis appellation, France

Grape: Chardonnay

Body:  Light

Year:  2015

Alcohol:  12.5%

Price point:  $36

Year Reviewed:  2018

 

So I believe “passion” is what cuts the difference between average folk and passionate ones.  I was reflecting on this as I was opening my 2015 Chablis from France.  (Tell you why later.)   When I tried this wine at a tasting, I knew I needed to purchase and blog on it.  As I am more of a red gal than white, I am so particularly picky on my whites, that when I find the good ones, I want to share with all of you.  Some of the best white wines are the white burgundies from France.  Most common are Chardonnay grapes and lesser common white grapes are Aligote and Sauvignon Blanc.   You can almost instantly identify a fantastic year or vineyard from your white’s aroma.  This clear pale lemon Chablis smells so fresh and clean with a medium intensity of apple peach fresh juiced punch, white floral, biscuits and mushroom. From its bit of citrus smell, you know this was fermented in stainless.

I would let this wine open up a bit before your guests arrive.

On the palate, smooth and bit of buttery lemon.  Medium/High acidity but well rounded out with a long finish of citrus.    The minerality comes from the chalky soil of the vineyards of Chablis.  Outstanding quality.   I would pair with some white cheeses and crackers, chicken limone, orange roughy francese with a lemon wine sauce or simply polenta with wild mushrooms. For those of you who like oysters, the minerality in this wine is a perfect pair…..so I heard.  Also lobster, crab or port dishes work well with your white burgundies.    Okay, just a sweet roll with butter was worthwhile also. (Hungry yet?)

2015 was another exceptional year with the perfect weather conditions for many vineyards around the Chablis area and the Maconnais area.

 

So more about passion…..I was opening this lovely bottle and just having one heck of a time capturing the label with my crappy cell phone camera.  Either the lighting was hitting the bottle wrong or my camera just didn’t seem to be focusing properly.  Determination, anger, and a lot of passion, kept me trying to get it just right.  This weekend my daughter got married and had a photographer who must have captured over 500 to 1000 of photos.  Every pose and every shot, she was passionate and excited about.  You heard her comment, “oh look at how the light hits the gown, or that is perfect as a shadow is cast a certain way, or cool we must take photos of the guys cute socks….I never had such a cute sock shoot before.”  She truly loved what she did; she truly was enjoying capturing out day…..the right way….the most perfect way she could.   Do you think she will be successful in her career?  Do you think she will have to advertise much, or will she simply be referred to the next client?  I speak about “passion” and “passionate” people a lot, as those seem to be the folks who  found their niche is life, what their true mission is before they leave this earth, and enjoy doing it each and every day.  Have you found what you are passionate about yet?

 

Origin: Agrelo region, Mendoza, Argentina

Grape: Malbec

Body: Medium

Year: 2013

Alcohol: 13.9%

Price point: $10

Year Reviewed: 2018

 

Yet another great buy from 90+ cellars. This is called LOT 23 and is a 2013 OLD VINE MALBEC.  This clear ruby colored wine has a medium to deep ruby color with an interesting nose of red fruit and spice.  As I love “old vine” wines, I wanted very much to sample this Malbec.  Pungent tastes of tart sour cherry left me a bit puckering.  Spices of cloves, marjoram and basil were evident in this wine, with a fine hint of vanilla.  I had the pleasure to pair with some milk chocolate and amazingly the chocolate really smoothed out this wine quite elegantly.  Malbec wizards should try this with their rib dinner finished with a chocolate mousse dessert.

Origin: Italy

Grape: Glera

Body: Light

Year: NV

Alcohol: 11%

Price point: $12

Year Reviewed: 2018

 

I purchased this Italian Rose as I was interested in finding a light bubbling Rose to begin a party off with some inexperienced wine drinkers. This clear, pale, pink rose, didn’t give me much on the nose at all.  I tried long and hard to get some aromas, so picked up a hint of floral, possibly rose blossoms and maybe a hint of eucalyptus.  Definitely a very light intensity.     On the palate, the sparkle and lightness of this wine was a pleasant surprise and I could see a bunch of folks truly enjoying this wine.  Not so sweet, but not so dry….so a nice way to begin a party or a meal.  On the palate, this wine will bring you flavors of melon, strawberries and a yeast pastries……strawberry shortcake recollections.  Surprisingly there was a long finish on this wine and the quality was very good.  Looking to try some Glera grapes…..give this a try.

Ruffino is a wine producer based in the Tuscany region of Italy. Founded in 1877, the winery was purchased by the Brescian Folonari family in 1913. In 1999 the Folonari business was split, with the brothers Paolo and Marco retaining the Ruffino name for their operation.

An Icon of Tuscany

After the Second World War, Ruffino purchased the first of its Tuscan estates, the Villa di Montemasso in the Chianti Classico region.. Ruffino continued to invest in new vineyards and became one of the first major wineries with vineyard estates in Italy’s three most renowned wine-producing regions – Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Ruffino has established itself as a leader in Chianti, renowned for consistency and quality, and Ruffino Chianti has become a global ambassador of Tuscan wines around the world. Not surprisingly, when Chianti first became recognized as a DOCG wine in 1984, Ruffino Chianti DOCG was awarded the first warranty strip #AAA00000001.

 

More about Ruffino Winery…..see this link:

https://www.ruffino.com/us/our-story/rich-history