The Best of Chile : Cellar
By: Jorge Ferraez
Years ago, I used to love the Chilean Cabs- deep, fruity, well-crafted and complex. I remember being impressed by the ultimate Chilean Label Don Melchor de Casa Concha y Toro for its bold and fruity character. To this day, I think it's one of the best wines in the world. So, trying to bring some memories from the past, I hosted a Chilean Wine Tasting with my friends and it was amazing. Don Melchor, of course, made its hit again, but the two that were impeccable and sophisticated were Cabo de Hornos 2006 by Viña San Pedro, that showed finesse and complexity, and the Almaviva 2013 which was elegant and monumental. Unfortunately, the price level is pretty high, but all three wines were delicious.
One of the best surprises that I have had recently is a bottle of Chateau Dauzac 2009 from Margaux. Fantastically done, with a bold personality and seductive fruitness. It was my first time with this Bordeaux that I paid $39 for it.
Bulmaro Montes and his family, have constantly stayed as my most admired winegrowers in Napa: he just released his 2014 Marita’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and it is a blockbuster! Great character, elegant and pretty complex. Absolutely delicious wine that is worth cellaring for a while. His Marita’s Cabernet Sauvignon still shows style that exhibits a little boutique production, which is really hard to find. With only 700 cases made, it is a true jewel.
Marita’s Vineyard 2014
Region: Napa Valley, Coombsville
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $150
Aromas: Currant, Cherry, Pepper
Flavors: Red fruit, chocolate, minty notes
Impression: Bold and Elegant
Structure: Beautiful concentration
Drink with: Steak, Rack of Lamb.
Why I loved this wine? Very silky and still muscular
My Rating: 94 pts.
Viña Almaviva (Baron Philippe Rotschild-Casa Concha y Toro)
Region: Puente Alto, Chile
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Cabernet Franc
Price: $105
Aromas: Vanilla, cracked green pepper, red currant
Flavors: Mocha, Cappuccino, blueberry
Impression: Heavy, silky
Structure: Big Body, well balanced and round
Drink with: Complex dishes, French cuisine.
Why I loved this wine? Sophisticated
My Rating: 94 pts.
Mongeard-Mugneret ECHEZEAUX Grand Cru 2007
Region: Burgundy
Varietal: Pinot Noir mostly
Price: $86
Aromas: Rose, Violets and Cherry pie
Flavors: Ripe berries, dark chocolate, cinnamon
Impression: Fantastically Perfumed
Structure: Silky and ample
Drink with: Chinese food, Pecking Duck, Pork Chop
Why I loved this wine? It is so delicate and powerful at the same time
My Rating: 96 pts.