Amici Sonoma Chardonnay wins high marks for value

For my mixologist bar and server pals, here is a contest worth looking into. If you are someone who makes great cocktails using tequila, you will find all the info at the following website: usbartendersguild.formstack.com/forms/make_it_exotico_competition. Please finish reading the entire paper first, ads and all. The Gazetteers like to eat also.  

Another bit of housekeeping - you may remember I wrote of reading an anthology of food history beginning in 6000 BC titled “A Cultural History of Food.” Currently I am still in the Dark Ages. (No smart remarks, please.) I must say this read has been fascinating. It is extremely well researched and annotated. One issue I learned about was that wine enjoyed a golden age that ended in the 15th century when it was surpassed by beer, mead (hydromel), whiskey and cider. In a poem written in 1214 titled “The Battle of the Wines,” many famous wine regions of the day were named. Among those were Champagne, Auxerre, Beaune, Alicant, Malaga, and Rheinish as well as the Italian regions, those from the Iberian Peninsula and the “Bastardo” of Portugal. There are at least two takeaways here. 1) Those wine regions named in 1214 are still among the most famous today. Keep in mind Africa, USA and Down Under were not on the map yet. 2) Is it possible, with the nascent rapid re-emergence of the beer, mead and cider trade around the world, we are about to enter another Dark Age? Seems like a reach, but as the old saw cuts, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” - Geo. Santayana. 

Domaine Fournier Pere & Fils Sancerre Les Belles Vignes 2015 was chosen No. 44 in WS top 100 list. For those who enjoy the dry mineral characteristics of the best-made Sancerre, this is a great pick, 91 points McD and priced under $21. You can also find half bottles in the $14 range. Pale straw-colored, with gooseberry, straw and grapefruit nose. On the palate, mildly salty mineral lift through long, dry finish with a bit of anise. 

Amici Cellars Olema Sonoma County Chardonnay 2014 was named the Greatest Wine Value of 2016 by Robert Parker. When I saw some selling for $14, I felt obliged to review for my Chardonnay drinkers. I’m delighted to confirm Olema met expectations. These are full-bodied, fruity, creamy and nicely balanced with a delicious bouquet of tropical fruit, pears and buttery oak. On the palate, banana, lemon peel and roast nuts ride a slightly lower-acidity frame due to the ripe fruit characteristics. The flavors continue through a medium-long, balanced finish. I normally expect Sonoma Chardonnay of this caliber to sell in the high $30s. Kudos to RP for being right on the money with Olema. These will cellar. I strongly urge chardonnay lovers to buy a case. 

Last but not least, the 2014 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec Lujan de Cuyo from the Mendoza Region of Argentina is a great steak or roast leg of lamb wine. With Easter fast approaching, you may wish to bring a bottle or two in for the holiday. I have consistently reviewed this label in the 88-90-point range and usually with price points. The 2014 may be the best release since 2008. The 2014 is sold in a wide range from $16.50-$20. Rated 92 and add a price point as you approach $17. Golden Reserve is aged 12 months in French oak, then held in the bottle 12 months before release. Deep red with violet tones, the 2014 shows a raspberry-strawberry nose with oak-driven spice nuance. On the palate, this dry red wine provides a fruit-propelled sweetness riding an appropriate acid/tannic frame. Fairly long, clean finish. Still a bit tannic. I think the 2012 is drinking better now but the ‘14 will win out with a few years in your cellar.