What Jorge Ferraez is Drinking
I
was recently invited by Chilean winery Carmen’s winemaker Sebastian Labbe to a tasting of his portfolio of good Chilean wines. The occasion was very nice and a small but nurtured group of journalists were there to witness the progression of this iconic Chilean winery. One of the best surprises of the occasion was the Carmenere Gran Reserva 2011 (review below), which happens to be a native varietal of Chile, a grape that once was thought to be extinct, but was rediscovered in Chile where it had been confused with Merlot. In another good experience, I had the privilege to be invited to a round of cheese and wine with Australian Chief Winemaker Tony Inlge, head of the Angove winery in South Australia. The man had flown straight from Sidney and from the airport started his tour to show his easy and lovely wines to the U.S. market. On a nice end of summer afternoon, he impressed me and my wife –who couldn’t resist to come with me to the tasting- with a rosy, fruity and yet impressive Dr Angove “The Recipe” 2010 ($12) a delicious blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Petit Verdot. Pleasant and distinctive with loads of jammy red and purple fruit. A wine you can sip the entire evening. Continuing with my affair with Spanish wines, I just recently tasted a wine that completely knocked my socks off! Wow, wow, wow is the least I can say when I tried a Miguel Torres Reserva Real 2004 from Penedes DOC, Catalunya, Spain. Probably the best Spanish wine I’ve ever tasted with an elegant, silky and harmonious body, deep and complex, never-ending evolution of dark fruit, toasted notes, forest spice and red fruit compote. Violet and toffee and licorice in a fabulous round structure. I need to confess that I almost finished the whole bottle over that long Sunday backyard lunch with the family. And from Burgundy a nice and rich white came to our table in a restaurant: Santenay Comme-Dessus 2009 from Earl Roger BELLAND. Long and fruity notes with a buttery and herbal finish. It really made our dinner lovable.
tastings Viña Carmen, Carmenere Gran Reserva 2011 (In a tasting organized by the winery) Region: Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile Varietal: Carmenere Price: $ 28 Aromas: Animal notes, cherries, blueberries Flavors: Toasted Coffee, vanilla, red fruit jam 80 • October / November 2013
Impression: Long and mouth-filling Structure: Sweet tannins, firm Drink with: Steak, braised beef and brazilian style Why I loved this wine? Ruby red, delicious and long finish! My Rating: 89 pts. Alpha-Omega 2009 (Acquired in a store in Chicago, IL) Region: Napa Valley, CA Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Price: $ 65 Aromas: Lactic, brie, black cherry Flavors: Chocolate and cassis Impression: Muscular, powerful Structure: Concentrated Drink with: Big Steak like Rib Eye or New York Strip Why I loved this wine? Delicious and enjoyable for sipping My Rating: 91 pts. Vincent Girardin Roully Vielles Vignes 2009 (Acquired in Whole Foods Market) Region: Cote de Beaune, Burgundy France Varietal: Chardonnay Price: $ 18 Aromas: Citrus, hay Flavors: Lemon zest, white flowers Impression: Fresh, fruity, flowery Structure: Balanced, rich Drink with: Salmon, Pork loin in sweet sauces Why I loved this wine? Affordable good quality white Burgundy My Rating: 90 pts. Enzo Boglietti “Fossati Barolo” 2007 (Acquired in Total Wine & More) Region: Piedmont, Italy Varietal: Nebbiolo Price: $ 33 Aromas: Plum and red currant Flavors: leather, red fruit, earthy notes Impression: Firm with nice sweet tannins Structure: Big and bold Drink with: Rich Pasta dishes, game, lamb and veal Why I loved this wine? Barolo is fantastic! My Rating: 93 pts. Follow Jorge’s ratings and impressions on
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