The Cellar: Reds for a Cozy Weekend
Friday, January 07, 2011
On a weekend when snow is coming, now's the time to stock up on some classic reds to get you through those cozy days in front of the fire. Enjoy a top-rated Cabernet Sauvignon from California, a Merlot from Chile and a Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre blend from the Languedoc region of France.
2008 Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon - $14
The backstory: California is well-known for producing top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon, but over the years most of the credit for this has gone to Napa Valley. This is not fair, because other California locations produce very good Cabernet - especially Mendocino County and Lake County. Bonterra winery is 100% organic and a very interesting one at that. They call themselves a ‘holistic’ winery where they ‘take cues from the land and fruit, and let them tell us what to do.’
The wine: When I heard that the 2008 Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon had received 92 points from Wine Enthusiast and was the Editors' Choice and #21 on the well-respected magazine's "Top 100 Wines of 2010” I had to try it. I detect dark fruit and coffee on the nose. The tannins are pretty firm and the wine is dry with a surprising amount of minerality and only subtle red fruit. You should decant this wine for a few hours before serving. I will hold on to this wine, as I think it will evolve nicely and drink well over the next five years.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST2008 Santa Ema Reserva Merlot - $15
The backstory: Chile’s Maipo Valley vineyards stretch eastward from Santiago to the Andes and westward to the coast. Maipo Valley is known for its well-balanced red wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Santa Ema winery is one of the oldest in Chile having been producing wine since the 1930’s. While the producer is considered one of the big shots in Chile, it still manages to produce both delicate and heavily extracted wines.
The wine: At only $15, the 2008 Reserva Merlot is a great value and easily stands up to Merlots twice its price. It has a dark ruby color and shows intense aromas of chocolate and coffee on the nose. On the palate it displays deliciously soft tannins and does a great job balancing all its dark fruits and hints of spice, mocha and vanilla. It is one delicious wine that should aerate outside the bottle for about an hour.
2007 Ermitage du Pic Saint-Loup, Coteaux du Languedoc - $16
The backstory: Currently owned by the three Ravaille brothers, L’Ermitage du Pic Saint-Loup has been in the family since the late 18th century, but it was only in 1992 that Jean-Marc, Pierre and Xavier started to produce their own wines. After some early success, in 1999 they decided to investigate using the biodynamic techniques and began the long conversion process that continues today.
The wine: As mentioned a few weeks ago, I am going through a GSM (Grenache/Syrah/Mouvedre) phase these days. I am just fascinated by the depth and expression of fruit these blends concoct. The 2007 Ermitage du Pic Saint-Loup from the Languedoc is another great example of winemakers knowing their crafts and one I highly recommend you seek out. Not showing as ripe fruits as the Australian GSM from a few weeks ago, this colder climate GSM is more herbaceous with hints of black olives on the nose. On the palate it is tight showing red fruits, leather and spice. Smooth tannins make it a delicious sipping experience.
Besides from writing about wine Steffen Rasch also consults, hosts lessons, tastings and other types of wine events privately, as well as for businesses. If you are interested in knowing more please contact [email protected], and follow him on Facebook, here.
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