Juan Gil 2011 In a previous post I discussed wine from Jumilla, see Bodegas Luzón. The Jumilla region has been growing grapes and making wine for over 5,000 years, yet this region is just beginning to catch on. More and more offerings are appearing on the wine shelves. I have always been a big fan of Spanish wines and always passionate in my search for Fine Wines. Bodegas Juan Gil winery originated in 1916, when Juan Gil Giménez, great-grandfather of the present generation, started getting involved in the world of wine, building a winery in the heart of Jumilla. His son, Juan Gil Guerrero, dedicated his life to this…
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Faust 2006 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Interesting to learn that Faust, the wine, celebrates a legend which has inspired many great minds, among them the German poet Goethe, from whose masterpiece they draw inspiration. In Goethe’s most famous work, the aging scholar Dr. Faust barters his soul in the afterlife in exchange for another chance at youth. He gets his chance, yet ultimately his soul is saved by love. Faust is indeed the fruit of renewed passion for Agustin Huneeus, though Mephistopheles has not yet appeared to claim his soul. The underlying premise for all of the wines he has ever produced has been that great wines must be a reflection…
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Domaine Carneros 2007 Brut Taittinger Domaine Carneros in the heart of Carneros, is the California expression of the tradition and excellence of its founder, Champagne Taittinger. Established in 1987, Domaine Carneros is considered a regional landmark. In the late 1970’s, Claude Taittinger, the president of Champagne Taittinger, proclaimed his faith in the future of American wines and began the search on U.S. soil for a suitable winery site. In 1987, Champagne Taittinger, along with partner Kobrand Corporation, selected a 138 acre parcel in the heart of Carneros, a viticultural appellation they recognized to have the potential to produce world class sparkling wines. All of Domaine Carneros wines bear the Carneros…
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Priòra Barbera d’Alba 2011 Fratelli Alessandria With all this continued bad and cold weather, my wife Elaine and I decided to go to dinner at my absolute favorite restaurant, Pasta Nostra, located in historic South Norwalk, CT (or “SoNo” as it is referred to). Owned and operated by Chef Joe Bruno, Pasta Nostra, located in a cozy storefront, offers a variety of pasta, fish and meat dishes, hand crafted with the highest quality of ingredients. Chef Joe’s staff has been with him for many years, and have come to know his customers very well. Since it’s opening in 1984, I have (without exaggeration) have dined there over 500 times, and…
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Charles Krug 2012 Chardonnay Carneros Charles Krug Winery was founded in 1861 by a 27-year old Prussian immigrant, Charles Krug, who came to America with little means but had the drive to work hard and build the cornerstone of the first winery in Napa. Charles Krug brought much influence, innovation and development into the Napa wine making era. For example he introduced the first cider press for wine making and it remains on display today. He experimented with selecting rootstocks, varietals and vineyard sites, unheard of in 19th century America. The winery changed hands at the turn of the 19th century and after Prohibition, in 1943, the winery was sold…
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Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2011 Karia Chardonnay Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is considered by many one of the “first growths” of Napa and produces celebrated collectible wines from the historic Stags Leap District. The winery was founded in 1970 at the time Napa Valley was undergoing a rebirth after the lingering effects of prohibition. During the mid-60’s there were less than 20 wineries at the time this new enthusiasm was entering Napa Valley. The distinguishing event that put Napa on the map was the famous 1976 Paris Tasting “Judgment of Paris” (click on for Wikipedia link) when their 1973 Cabernet S.L.V won the event. I will review their Cabernet in…
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Breca 2011 Garnacha Old Vines I am going to comment on another fine selection from the Jorge Ordoñez Group. They produce some of the most admired and prized wines internationally. My previous comments were on LaCana, see my January 22, Post. The Bodegas Jorge Ordoñez was founded in 2004 by the Ordoñez family from Malaga and the Kracher family from Austria, together with a group of friends and entrepreneurs from Malaga. Perhaps the most novel aspect of this winemaking venture was to enlist the services of world-renowned Austrian winemaker, Alois Kracher, who was the undisputed number one in Austrian sweet wines. He was succeeded by his son Gerhard Kracher in…
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Ramey Syrah 2010 Sonoma Coast Ramey Wine Cellars crafts outstanding quality wines that are both delicate and magnificent and comes from some of the finest Sonoma vineyards. Ramey selects vineyards for their ability to continue producing the highest quality fruit. The soil, climate and terrain must be in alignment for the varietal to produce a premium quality product and gives the wine its individual appeal. David and his wife Carla founded Ramey Wine Cellars in 1996 after spending time at Matanzas Creek, Chalk Hill, Dominus and Rudd. Ramey Wine Cellars is located in Healdsburg, in the heart of the California wine country. Ramey’s varietals are basically Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and…
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Nita 2011 Priorat Nita is a unique gem from the Spanish appellation of Priorat produced by the Meritxell Pallejà Winery. The Catalans call it Priorat, pronounced (pree-ohr-aht), most others in Spain say Priorato. However one pronounces it, Priorat has been a region on the rise for Spain causing a stir among wine aficionados around the globe for this cult wine. The vineyards are located in the southern part of the Tarragona province, approximately 2 hours from southwest Barcelona. The countryside of Priorat are hilly and rugged, with soil made of nutrient-poor brown slate soil mixed together with rocks that the Spanish call llicorella. The vines become gnarled because of the…
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Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 2010 Bierzo, Spain A few years ago I was introduced to this little gem from Spain, Pétalos, and was very impressed with the wine. Bierzo is a small appellation located in the northwest corner of Spain and produces wines that are more similar to those made in Galicia than the region to which it is attached: Old Castile. During the 1990s, with the help from a small group of winemakers, the name of Bierzo came to light. The main grape variety of the appellation, Mencía, is able to generate a fruity and well balanced wine (the unique red Mencía grape is said to have been…