Wines for the thrill of victory
I wrote this before the election had finished, so I’m unsure if it’s the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. Just to be on the safe side, I am reviewing wine appropriate for the thrill of victory so at least the winners will be fueled up for Return Day. I’ve found the defeated will take solace in nearly anything with alcohol. If you are one drinking from the bitter cup, please don’t drive or cast aspersions toward the opposition. I saw a bunch of longtime pals working the election station. Thank you all for taking time from your busy schedules to provide this important public service.
Tanzer writing in IWC recommended Frank Family Carneros PN 2012. Winemaker Todd Graff kept it 10 months on 35 percent new French and the rest in one and two fill French oak. Ruby red, it opens with strawberries, black cherries, a bit of eucalyptus, floral notes and some oak-driven spice. On the palate cranberry, vanillin, some roast nuts riding a nicely balanced frame with soft tannins. Bountiful fruit drives a clean, sweet finish, 89 pts when bought under $35.
Frank Family was named Winery of the Year in 2012 by Connoisseurs Guide to California Wine in the December 2012 edition. Big buckaroos may want to buy up to their Lewis Vineyard Reserve 2012, 93 points under $68.
When many read Niepoort, they think of Port. However, Niepoort Vertente Douro 2010 opened my eyes to the diversity of this old line Port mainstay. Priced under $20, 92 points. Needs a bit of cellar time. It spent 18 months on oak. Ruby color, opens to berries, black pepper, plum and cherry aromas. A complex wine with a nice mineral, acid, tannin structure with tannins slightly elevated, indicating cellar time. Finish is very long.
Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Rosso 2010 is another interesting wine. Blended of 70 percent Sangiovese, 15 percent Sagrantino and Merlot, it is dark ruby-colored. The nose is complex with raspberries, violets, tea, and licorice. On the full-bodied palate, look for crisp acidity, blueberry and sour cherry flavors. The finish is acid bright with a dose of smooth tannins, 90 with 2 price points under $21.
Tua Rita Perlato del Bosco Rosso Toscana 2011 has great QPR on sale under $25. Galloni said 93 and WA 91. A nice Sangiovese in the old Chianti style with dark cherry, roses and dried lavender bouquet. It is a soft wine, smooth and full bodied, with a lovely finish that has hints of cherry and licorice, 91 points under $29, drinking well now through 2020.
Nice article from Snooth on the work of harvesting wine. Kind of dispels some of the romantic notions and enforces others, www.snooth.com/articles/5-reasons-working-harvest-is-harder-than-you-think/.
The 2009s are finally declining in price as the hype wanes in intensity. If you compiled your list, now’s the time to start buying Bordeaux, Greece and parts of Italy.
I found a real bargain Greek wine, Ktima Biblia Chora, priced under $15. Nice dark ruby-purple colored with a smoky black cherry nose that has hints of cedar and toasted oak. On the palate, ripe black fruit flavors with firm tannins and spicy nuance. Long, clean finish 88 points.
Zachys late fall auction Oct. 21 went off on the very high end. For those who occasionally write to scoff at my posit that smart wine people can make big bucks, check out these few numbers. A case of 2005 Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2005 went for $18,375.
Initially sold in 2007 for $ 7,250. Lalou Bize-Leroy Criots Batard Montrachet Domaine d’Auvenay 2001, released in January 2007, sold initially at $682/bottle. At the auction, six sold for $13,475. Just remember this is not a no-brainer, as my gin-playing buddies may say, but the downside is being forced to drink great wine.
Go here to see auction numbers: www.zachys.com/auctions/Default.aspx?AuctionId=171. If you love fine wine, you should visit this auction or a comparable one, at least once in your lifetime.
