I recently sampled six Chilean Cabs, five of which were great-value buys under $25 and findable in our area. From Maipo Valley, Los Vascos Cromas Gran Reserva 2018, 85% Cab, 10% Syrah and 5% Carmenere, spent one year in 50% new oak barrels. Dark ruby-colored with garnet rim. Cherry, strawberry and floral notes accented with barrel and granite soil-driven, bay leaf, caramel, graphite and tobacco. Proper acidic and slightly elevated tannic support. Color says it will mellow. Decanting and 60 degree temp allows it to show aging potential, and opens the wine for evaluation and enjoyment. Produced by Lafite, one of the best-known names in Bordeaux. 2018 was a good year with a very long growing season that well-made cabs love. I rate it 92 plus 2 price points McD. Careful shoppers can find this under $18. Be sure the label includes “Cromas.” Those who enjoy Carmenere and see Le Dix de Los Vascos, both the 2016 and ‘17, should buy around $50. Both vintages had difficult growing seasons, but the winemaker pulled through with 92-point winners. Terra Noble Gran Reserva 2018 got 92 from Atkins and 88 from Wine Spectator; it gets McD 90 under $18. Dark ruby, plums, cherries, barrel notes of leather, dry herbs and white pepper. Nicely balanced with long finish .Barrel notes continue. Vina Maquis Cab 2018 rates 91 McD under $19. The Hurtado family has owned Maquis Vineyards for about 100 years. Frequently they collaborate with Eric Boissenot, who was named winemaker of the decade by Decanter. The 2018 Cab is lovely. Look for red fruit nose with pie spice nuance, cinnamon, clove and cocoa. A fresh wine with slightly elevated acidity, smooth tannins and long, clean finish They produce a terrific Cab Franc. The ‘18 is 91 McD.
Going a bit upscale but worth it, Vina Acquitania Lazuli 2017, 100% Cab from Maipo Valley, is an exciting collaboration by four renowned winemakers: Paul Pontallier, Chateau Margaux; Bruno Prats, Cos d’Estournel; Ghislain de Montgolfier, Bollinger Champagne; and Chilean Felipe de Solminihac. It rates 92 McD under $45. Lazuli has been doing a great job since at least 2011, with a low of 92 McD. Two other Maipos are Miguel Torres Cordillera Reserva Especial Cab, 90 McD, $20; and Ecchevaria Limited Edition Cab, a recent release at about $25, 89 points. Those who enjoy mint, roast nuts and earthy notes will like these. Those who dress for success may wish to splurge on some Clos Apalta, formerly Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta. These have rated 94 McD for 14 years straight. They will set you back $140, but you can find 10-year-olds at that price. If you are living on the west side, look for Clos Alpata Petit Clos, mid-$50s and far better value at 91 points.
Regarding SWIFT, better watch what we ask for. One result could be repudiation of the dollar. A few Central government “one-worlders” are already issuing crypto. China, Iran, Norcs, Russia, Argentina and Brazil have made several large trades outside the SWIFT mechanism prior to Ukraine. With adoption of digital money, we could be a flip of the switch or a couple of high-altitude pulses from bartering and Dark Ages. The lesson of the danger of electronic money should be clear from what is deservedly being done to Russia. The ruble is worth 60% less than on 2/22/22. Meanwhile in USA, inflation is reaching 10%. Minimum wage is way above $7.50/hr., 10-year bonds have fallen to 3/30/21 COVID-driven low of 1.70 %. Crude 3/30 $60.55, today $105. I do much of the shopping. My observation – numbers being provided by feds are heavily manipulated or the quants modeling broken. How about you? Makes a guy want to drink!
This just hit the wire on Tuesday. “UN Security Council called to special meeting!” Blah, blah, blah and who cares. The informed know, or should, that five countries have the right to veto any decision made by these time wasters. China, France, GB, USA and USSR (now Russian Federation). They can and frequently do override a unanimous decision by the 14 others. Fact checkers may read Article 27 of the UN Charter.
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Email John at chjonmc@yahoo.com.
