AWESOME - Matias Riccitelli 2020 Hey Malbec!

If Malbec is your thing, this HEY MALBEC is a wine you need; it's not just a fun label 

Matias Riccitelli 2020 Hey Malbec!

Luigi Bosca 2018 Finca Los Nobles Field Blend (Argentinean Wine)

A real bruiser of a wine that gets better the longer it is open : 

 

Luigi Bosca 2018 Finca Los Nobles Field Blend

 

 

 --- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---

 

This is one of those wines that really grows on you ... the more you sip the more you’re gonna love it - it also develops over the course of a few hours into something “wow”. Starts out smooth, supple and subtle - it has a little of a lot, but not too much of anything: dark fruit, pepper, mocha, charcoal, floral with a blueberry-esque finish, reminiscent of Brookside Dark Chocolate Covered Wild Blueberries ... And it just lingers and extra long time. Give it 5 years in the cellar before drinking or, if drinking now, decant.  (**** ½)

Trapiche 2016 Gran Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon (The Wine Review - #275)

Today's wine is a Cabernet from Argentina that was made for a specail occasion : 

 

Trapiche 2016 Gran  Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Fabre Montmayou 2012 Gran Reserva Malbec (The Wine Review - Ep. 86)

The Wine Review: Atamisque 2011 Malbec (Ep. 62)

The Wine Review - Ep. 38: Luca 2012 Malbec

Report from: A Meeting with Paul Hobbs - June 11, 2015

Do you know this man???

Let's assume for a moment that you have never heard the name Paul Hobbs - if that is indeed the case I'll bet you know some of the wineries where the wines have bore his signature: Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Simi, Peter Michael, Fisher, Lewis, Catena and a multitude of others. Some of these wines he has made directly, others he has consulted on the making of.  He event has his hands here in Ontario (Stratus) - Paul's reach and influence is felt everywhere.

His past is what made him today and his most famous story is how he came to work with Catena: he started consulting in 1989 and Nicolas Catena helped Paul start his own winery in California: "he was a great businessman," said Paul of Nicolas, "I was the wine guy; he helped me with the business side, I helped him make wine."

Today there is the winery that bears Paul's name, his Argentine project, Vina Cobos, and his newest project in his home state of New York with 65 acres on Seneca Lake (opening soon).

Today during the lunch and tasting we tasted wines from the two major Hobbs projects (California & Argentina) and hopefully, the next time he comes through town, he'll have stuff from New York ... Here we go:

We have come to the church of Paul Hobbs let us pray:

Today's Five Wines ...

Paul Hobbs 2013 Crossbarn Chardonnay ($29.95)
80% tank fermented / 20% in neutral French oak
Despite the majority of tank Chardonnay it's rich with a touch of spice on the finish;
creamy with spiced-apple, peach, hints of vanilla cream and lemon drop, good acidity.
Rating: ****

Paul Hobbs 2013 Russian River Chardonnay ($54.95)
12 months French oak, 47% new
Delicate vanilla cream, lemon drop, good acidity, and creamy mid-palate;
a lovely sipper: soft and silky on the finish.
Rating: ****+

Vina Cobos 2013 Felino Malbec ($19.95)
100% Malbec from a semi-desert climate
Aromas of blueberry and cassis; Palate is smoky with black currant,
vanilla and spice - needs time to smooth out those harsh edges.
Rating: *** 1/2+

Paul Hobbs 2012 Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon ($54.95)
20 months in French and American oak; 14% new
There's a nice sweet raspberry and cherry smell; palate is rich and succulent
with blackberry, red and black cherry, mocha, spice; slight chalky intensity to the finish.
Rating: ****+

Paul Hobbs 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($99.95)
95% Cabernet Sauvignon / 3% Petit Verdot / 1% Malbec and Cabernet Franc
Aged 20 months in French oak, 65% new
Aromas: sweet red and black fruit with chocolate and vanilla;
Palate: dark fruit with rich robust tannins; touch smoky-vanilla, blackberry,
cassis and a spicy long finish --- this wine has a long life ahead of it and
is one heck of a mouthfilling wine with lots of flavour; what a tasty wine.
Rating: **** 1/2

And he rests his case ... can I here an "Amen"

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Report from ... The Evolution of Argentina - July 29, 2015

It seems like it has been awhile since the Argentinian's have been to town and talked about their wines instead of just letting us taste them ... sure there was a tasting afterward, but first they had to inform us that much has changed in the land on the other side of the Andes: They have broken down the country into many appellations and three major regions - North, Cuyo and Patagonia. The whole of the country grows grapes between 1000 and 10,000 feet above sea level (300m - 3000m) - making it some of the most high altitude vineyards growing in the world.

Most of Argentina's grapes grow in the Cuyo region, where Mendoza is situated, this region is home to 95.52% of cultivates vines in the country.

Grapes (vitis vinifera) first came to Argentina in 1551, brought by Spanish colonists ... today it is the 5th largest producer, 9th largest exporter, 8th in cultivated surface and 7th in largest wine consumption.  They also have some 1301 wineries within their borders.  Mendoza grows 80% of the grapes, San Juan 16%, La Rioja 3% with at least 7 others growing less than 2% each.  Wine is big business in Argentina, the Uco Valley alone has seen vineyards double since 2012.

As one would suspect Malbec is the #1 grape of the country, followed by Bonarda ... it is interesting to note that Malbec was brought to Argentina in 1853 by Michel Pouget (as far as records indicate).

The Wines of the Seminar ...

The wines were presented in a number of flights: Sparkling, Torrontes, Chardonnay, Bonarda, Malbec, "Malbec & Friends" and a Tannat.

Sparkling ... neither of the two wines presented were impressive, both had a slight oxidative note that was mostly off-putting - until we see more of these wines here in Ontario it is hard for me to make a blanket judgement as to quality.

Torrontes ... two wines were presented, the best of which was a Dominio del Plata 2014 Susana Balbo version that had some barrel notes to it, yet it was delicate, with tropical fruit and melon rind along with subtle grapefruit and nice acidity. (*** 1/2+)

Chardonnay ... neither Chardonnay was of interest the first had too much oak while the other suffered the same fate but had a note of something spicy - which made it slightly more intriguing.  Having tasted another 5 during the walk around I would say Chardonnay is a not yet a strong suit of Argentina, nor do I think it will be.

Bonarda ... I have long been a fan of this grape, but some of the wines can be so boring, but a good one can be very juicy and a real delight. The winner here was the Sin Fin Guardia 2013 Bonarda with its sweet plum, cherry, and leather, with hints of spice and a real juiciness. (****)

Malbec ... this is Argentina's calling card to the world and there are some doing it real justice like the Colome 2013 Authentico Malbec with its concentrated fruit of cassis and blackberry backed by white pepper, spice and mocha with a blueberry skin finish. (****) ... While the Casa Bianchi 2013 Leo Malbec Premium is a wine that is very consumer friendly with its up front cherry, blackberry, plum, violets and spice. (****) 

& Friends ... this was the cutesy name they gave the blends of Malbec and other grapes, these were the best wines of the seminar: Monteviejo Lindaflor 2010 Malbec / Syrah Blend - an 80/20 blend favouring Malbec with mocha, white pepper, blackberry, vanilla, smoke and plum with a good long finish. (****+)  The other is the Catena Zapata Nicolas 2010 Cabernet / Malbec - this is an iconic wine for Argentina and is a 75/25 blend that shows beautiful red and black fruit, chocolate, fine tannins, a juicy core and real elegance. (**** 1/2)

Tannat ... I would say this is an upcoming grape with good potential in Argentina's future, there is not a lot planted at the moment but it is one they should consider putting more in ground.

The Walk Around Tasting ...

We all know Argentina is a juggernaut for Malbec - but are there other grapes they do well? Let's take a look at some other wines:

Alta Vista Estate 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95)
a juicy chocolate-cherry number with hints of white pepper
(*** 1/2+)

Catena 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95)
another juicy Cabernet with raspberry, cherry, white pepper
and mocha ... very well balanced - ready to drink or for cellaring
(****)

Desierto 2013 '25' Cabernet Franc ($18.95)
touch of herbal with smokey-raspberry and gentle pepper
(*** 1/2+)

Dominio del Plata 2013 Crios de Susana Balbo Red Blend ($14.95)
Malbec / Bonarda / Tannat / Syrah make up this blend
that's rich in pepper and black fruit - ripe and ready
(*** 1/2)

Dominio del Plate 2013 BenMarco Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.95)
red fruit, licorice, vanilla and smoke
(*** 1/2)

Zuccardi 2012 Finca Piedra Infinita Malbec ($120.00)
silky smooth with blackberry jam, mocha and coffee taking center stage
(****)

Finca Las Moras 2012 Gran Syrah ($26.95)
quite simply put this is a delicious Syrah with lovely black fruit,
mocha, white pepper and raspberry notes - plenty more to come with age
(****+)

Fincas Las Moras 2014 Alma Mora Cabernet Sauvignon ($10.80)
well-priced little Cab that shows chocolate and strawberry-rhubarb
(*** 1/2+)

Graffigna 2013 Elevation Red Blend ($14.95)
Malbec / Cabernet Sauvignon / Tannat / Syrah
dominated by black fruit, white pepper; easy drinking, BBQ ready
(*** 1/2+)

Kaiken 2012 Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95)
the Malbec has long been a staple of Vintages, and Kaiken proves
that they can do Cabernet Sauvignon just as well or even better
(****)

Luigi Bosca 2012 Malbec DOC ($30.95)
lush with a soft and silky mouthfeel: vanilla, smoky, raspberry,
mocha, along with elegant yet firm tannins on the finish
(****+)

Luigi Bosca 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($26.95)
spicy mocha-cherry with raspberry, blackberry and chocolate
(****)

Mascota Vineyards 2014 OPI Chardonnay ($12.95)
while not a great Chardonnay it is one that delivers a delightful
fruitiness (pear, peach, grapefruit) but lacks the acidity to give it punch
(*** 1/2)

Masi Tupungato 2010 Corbec ($24.95)
a wine made in an Amarone style using the Italian Corvina and Malbec
smooth and supple with lovely chocolatey-cherry character on the silky
palate and a great spiced cherry finish.
(****+)

Pascual Toso 2013 Barranca Toso ($16.95)
Malbec / Cabernet Sauvignon juicy fruit of red berry along
with blackberry and an element of floral
(*** 1/2+)

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.michaelpinkuswinereview.com, while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Report from ... Mark Anthony 2nd Annual Portfolio Tasting - November 5, 2014

Below is a look at some of the best wines poured at the Mark Anthony Portfolio Tasting listed by country.

Canada ...

Mission Hill 2010 Quatrain ($45.95)
40% Merlot / 20% Cabernet Sauvignon / 20% Cabernet Franc / 20% Syrah
12 months new French oak - fruit from Southern Okanagan
blueberry, cocoa, vanilla backed by black cherry and touch of spice (****)

Mission Hill 2010 Compendium ($45.95)
41% Cabernet Sauvignon / 38% Merlot / 21% Cabernet Franc
13 months new French oak - fruit from Black Sage and Osoyoos vineyards
sweet black cherry, vanilla, creamy smooth with a silkyness that contains
cocoa and a touch of smoke (**** 1/2)

Mission Hill 2010 Oculus ($80.95)
51% Merlot / 26% Cabernet Sauvignon / 23% Cabernet Franc
14 months new French oak - the wine is always Merlot dominated
chocolate and black cherry with an element of spice that tickles
and plays across the tongue (****)

Argentina ...

Dona Paula 2012 1100 Elevation ($19.95)
60% Malbec / 30% Cabernet Sauvignon / 10% Syrah
single vineyard wine made from the Uco Valley
smooth, raspberry, cherry, chocolate and peppery notes that really punch
on the finish ... very enticing. (****)

France ...

Louis Latour 2008 Volnay 1er Cru "En Chevret" ($70.21)
A nice blend of cherry and spice but with a smooth palate that shows
acidity and cranberry cocktail. (****)

Lanson 2006 Tsarine Blanc de Blanc ($59.95)
This is a mineral dominated 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru sparkler with
big green apple and lemon that's mouth-puckering with good acidity. (****+)

Italy ...

Eugenio Collavini 2012 More ($16.95)
blend of 40% Refosco and 60% Merlot - aged 12 months in oak
Blackberry and rich cassis with blueberry and black cherry;
smooth and quite supple (****)

Spain ...

Vivanco 2007 Crianza ($27.30)
100% Tempranillo aged 16 months in most American oak
lots of nice spicy notes but all backed by vanilla and spiced cherry (*** 1/2+)

South Africa ...

Nederburg 2011 Motorcycle Marvel ($24.95)
Grenache / Carignan / Syrah / Mourvedre / Cinsault
Smoky dark fruit and elegant spice (*** 1/2+)

Nederburg 2011 Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.95)
Cocoa, smoke, vanilla, blackberry, cassis and black pepper (*** 1/2+)

United States ...

Davis Bynum 2012 Jane's Vineyard Pinot Noir ($36.95)
Sweet cran-cherry with raspberry, strawberry,
nice spice and good acidity (*** 1/2+)

Rodney Strong 2010 Brothers Ridge Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($99.95)
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from 1200 foot elevation with 21 months in French oak
Juicy with vanilla and smoke backing; black cherry and blackberry are the fruits -
this one is most definitely smooth, sultry and sexy. (**** 1/2)

Rodney Strong 2011 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($27.95)
91% Cabernet Sauvignon with Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot also in here
Nice cherry and black cherry with sweet cherry and vanilla (****)

Rodney Strong 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve ($59.95)
100% Cabernet Sauvignon - 21 months French oak
Smooth, almost creamy upon entry with a hint of spice on the finish,
all wrapped around lovely black and blue fruit (****+)

New Zealand ...

Sacred Hill 2013 "Halo" Pinot Noir ($22.95)
Pinot Noir made from 9 year old vines - aged in new and 1 year old oak
Great fruit with a cherry-cranberry cocktail; nice tannins, good acidity,
touch smoky with great red fruit. (**** 1/2)

Australia ...

Tyrrell's 2011 Winemaker Selection Vat 8 Hunter Shiraz-Cabernet ($17.08)
Rich in fruit touched by white pepper (*** 1/2+)

Tyrrell's 2012 Lost Block Shiraz ($17.08)
Chocolate and white pepper with plenty of blackberry and black cherry (****)

Portugal ...

Cockburn's 2000 Quinta dos Cannais Vintage Port ($39.95)
Already aged and ready to buy and drink now ... chocolate, black cherry, spice,
sexy and smooth with enough acidity and spice to keep you coming back for more (****+)

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.michaelpinkuswinereview.com, while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Report from ... Mark Anthony Brands Portfolio Tasting - November 5, 2013

With about 79 wines to taste you'd think it would be easy to pick out just a few for a best of list ... but at this Mark Anthony Brands Tasting, and in the end 27, or 34%, made my worth getting list, and one from Portugal was my ultimate buy, especially for the price ... see below for all the wines and their reviews:

Falesco 2010 Montiano ($44.95 - Consignment)
big and fruit driven, spicy and elegant (****)

Tenuta Sant'Antonio 2006 Campo Dei Gigli ($79.95 - LCBO Spring 2014)
rich, ripe and spicy with nice dark fruited on the nose;
palate is full of cassis, plummy and dark chocolate (****)

Tormaresca 2011 Neprica ($14.95 - Consignment)
blend of Negro Amaro, Primitivo and Cabernet Sauvignon (Ne-Pri-Ca)
plenty of plum and black cherry - pretty and pleasant (****)

Alois Lageder 2012 Lageder Porer Pinot Grigio ($27.95 - Private Order)
floral and pretty with mostly tropical and pineapple notes (*** 1/2+)

Eugenio Collavini 2009 Spumante Ribolla Gialla ($49.95 - Consignment)
interesting little bubble; pretty, fresh, crisp and fruity - 2nd ferment is 28 months in tank (*** 1/2+)

Eugenio Collavini 2006 Merlot dal Pic ($49.95 - Private Order)
juicy yet leathery with both blue and black berries; tannins present but not overwhelming (*** 1/2+)

Cavas Hill NV Cava Brut ($13.95 - LCBO Spring 2014) - traditional method, 12 months
almond, vanilla and bready aromas with touches of lime and bread crust on the palate (*** 1/2)

Schloss Johannisberg 2012 Grunlack Spatlese ($37.95 - Consignment)
oldest Riesling wine estate of world, est. 817
lovely sweetness, great acidity, and nice minerality; fresh and fruity (****)

Brumont 2002 Chateau Montus - La Tyre ($104.95 - Consignment)
100% Tannat - leathery black fruit and lots of spice (****+)

Mission Hill 2010 Perpetua ($30.99 - Consignment)
100% Chardonnay - butterscotch, buttery, vanilla, creamy and lush (****)

Mission Hill 2010 Oculus ($70.79 - Consignment)
Bordeaux blend, but not Petit Verdot
rich and ripe with fruit, white pepper and spice (****)

Mission Hill 2010 SLC Syrah ($32.79 - Consignment)
full on peppery Syrah with raspberry and blackberry; quite meaty (****+)

Dona Paula 2006 Yacochuya ($49.95 - #35964)
peppery with chocolate raspberries and strawberry, good anise finish (*** 1/2+)

Santa Rita 2010 Bougainville Petite Sirah ($99.95 - Consignment)
lots of raspberry and cherry fruit with a touch of white pepper (****)

Santa Rita 2009 Casa Real Cabernet Sauvignon ($61.95 - Consignment)
sexy and smooth with chocolate, raspberry and cherry (**** 1/2)

Long Shadows 2008 Pedestal Merlot ($57.95 - #64782)
blueberry and chocolate with elements of cherry - ripe and ready to drink (****)

Long Shadows 2007 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon ($57.95 - #64766)
cherry and raspberry take charge with a nice mineral chalkiness (*** 1/2+)

Adelsheim 2011 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($39.00 - Consignment)
Pinot Noir comes from multiple sites: strawberry and cherry,
nice hit of acidity with earthy backbone and a nice element of juiciness (*** 1/2+)

Adelsheim 2010 Elizabeth's Reserve Pinot Noir ($65.95 - Consignment)
selected blocks and barrels Pinot: elegant red fruit with strawberry and cran-cherry (*** 1/2+)

Adelsheim 2011 Ribbon Springs Pinot Noir ($80.45 - Private Order)
single vineyard Pinot Noir:  white pepper on the nose;
red and black fruit battle it out with some juiciness, great acidity and tannin balance (****+)

Sanford 2009 Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills ($54.95 - Private Order)
juicy cherry with plenty of other red berries and red licorice (*** 1/2+)

Tangley Oaks 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($25.95 - #104208)
chocolate, blackberry and black cherry - nice Cali-Cab (****)

Chimney Rock 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($79.95 - Consignment)
tobacco, blackberry, cassis and chocolate (*** 1/2+)

P + S (Prats & Symington) 2009 Chryseia ($74.95 - Private Order)
dark and plumy with nice chalkiness with tannins and minerality (****+)

P + S (Prats & Symington) 2010 Post Scriptum ($18.95 - Private Order)
and here it is, the best wine of the tasting: flavour but price:
juicy blackberry and cassis with mocha chocolate notes along with plum and other dark fruit (****+)

Graham's 2008 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($16.95 - #191239)
the acidity balances out the sweet cherry, chocolate and spice
great for after dinner (****)

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