Review: *** $ don Rodolfo Vina Cornejo Costas Malbec, Cafayate Valley, Argentina, 2010 - BEST VALUE

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By way of background, opening thoughts: I've sampled a few Argentinian malbecs lately.  This one came at a real bargain price and had some strong reputation behind it.

Original tasting and review : This is don Rodolfo Vina Cornejo Costas Malbec, Cafayate Valley, Argentina, 2010, sourced from vineyards at altitudes just below 6,000 feet.

In the glass: Black magenta, opaque from a quarter inch in.

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows sweet, clean plums, almost reminiscent of California merlot.  From the aroma, seems like this will be deep but fruity. 

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact perfumed and husky with aromatic plums and a softer surround of furry tannins that show hints of cocoa.  The finish comes cloaked in the tannins, but with a long, closing wash of bright red berries.  Intriguing.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, and is a best value at its price.

(c) Copyright 2011 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved.  If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review.  No charge.  Particulars are here.   If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

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Review: **+ $ Santa Ema Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile, 2008

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By way of background, opening thoughts: Here's a Chilean cabernet sauvignon created early in the 20th century by an emigrant from the Piamonte region of Italy.


Original tasting and review : This is Santa Ema Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile, 2008, finished at 14% alcohol.  The wine saw nine months in French oak barrels.

In the glass: Deep magenta red, opaque from about a quarter inch in.

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows tangy oak - may be slightly corked.  From the aroma, seems like this will be bright and full. 

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact warm and deeply oak encrusted blackberry fruit, mostly dry, with big tannins surrounding. The elements that suggested potential corking have faded with a little bit of air.  Finish is tannin-laced, still with acid tones.

In summary: Overall, rates two stars now on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, but with a plus for potential with some air time.

(c) Copyright 2011 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved.  If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review.  No charge.  Particulars are here.   If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

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Review: ***+ $ Castle Rock Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, 2007 - BEST VALUE

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By way of background, opening thoughts: California zinfandels are often BIG (read: high alcohol).  Here's a big CA zinfandel at a rock-bottom price.


Original tasting and review : This is Castle Rock Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, 2007, finished at 15.% alcohol, being tasted a full five years from vintage date.


In the glass: Deep red, almost but not quite opaque in the center.

On the nose: Poured cool and swirled vigorously, shows softly fragrant red berries.  From the aroma, seems like this will be easy, gentle and sweet.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact much as expected: sweet, light red in tone, very gentle acids and tannins, a simple and clean sip of red currants, ripe blackberry, some red cherry.  Brightness adds to the tone and makes this definitely capable with food.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.  Best value at the low price.

Following long decant, full day kept cool in partially filled bottle: Shy nose, now a bit tired.  Palate remains sound and robust, however, now even a bit lusty and furry.  Picks up a plus with this extra air time. Terrific value.

(c) Copyright 2011 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved.  If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review.  No charge.  Particulars are here.   If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Castle Rock Zinfandel.

Review: *** $$ Andeluna Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2010

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By way of background, opening thoughts: Mendoza... Malbec... Is there anything more to say?  Well, maybe that this one is made by Michel Rolland, of Bordeaux fame.

Original tasting and review : This is Andeluna Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2010 , finished at 15.% alcohol.

In the glass: Black blood red, opaque from a quarter inch in, with purple highlights.  Young and primary looking.

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows deep, slick, svelte oaky fruit.  From the aroma, seems like this will be dark, black and sweet.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact straightforward dark purple on the palate, with a clean, yet simple tannin surround.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.

Following long decant, full day kept cool in partially filled bottle: The nose is much more shy.  The purple on the palate is even more aromatic now, with a bit of hot alcohol and a definite tannin surround.

(c) Copyright 2011 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved.  If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review.  No charge.  Particulars are here.   If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Andeluna Malbec.