Quick Reviews
Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir – France – 2014
The label alone makes me happy because Jadot is consistently pleasing. Yeah, I know, I’m biased. But regardless, compared to lesser California pinot noirs, which tend to be watery messes, this has all the right stuff: ample fruit without forgetting its supposed to be wine, with medium tannins that won’t alienate the newbies. Goes down quickly, too, due to the not-oppressive 12% booze. Reliably great.
San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Carmenère – Chile – 2014
Potent nose of bright fruit and hints of cellar must give way to a powerful palate filled with complex layers of black cherry, black pepper, and truffles. Legs like a giant spider, and a finish that lingers for some time with prominent cherry. I’m not a cherry fan normally but this is just fantastic. Well-balanced acid and tannins bring this home to a full five stars.
BenMarco Cabernet Sauvignon – Argentina – 2013
Fruit forward cab lacking in the characteristics one expects from cabs these days. Strong red fruit flavors overwhelm all other notes, but smooth tannins help improve it overall. Suggest pairing with spicy Italian dish rather than red meat.
Las Perdices Partridge Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon – Argentina – 2014
Served decanted. Nose is faint with high alcohol subduing some underlying notes of blackcurrant and pepper. Once sipped it really comes alive with powerful punches of currant, leather and ripe cherry. Tannins are moderate and the overall structure is slightly better than middle of the road. Finish is memorable but not too persistent. This is not a fat cab but definitely potent. Paired well with a spicy turkey plate, of all things.
Bodegas Victorianas Monterio Tempranillo – Spain – 2015
Nearly skinny in body, this is a light tempranillo whose ruby color might fool you. Not much to it, and it almost comes off as a table wine, but it’s tasty enough to reach 3 stars.
Ménage à Trois Midnight Dark Red Blend – California – 2015
“Midnight” captures the experience here: this is an inky black blend with smooth but potent notes of black cherry and sweetened leather. Muy suave, borderline erotic. Weak finish and nose knock off a star.
Colomé Torrontés – Argentina – 2014
Absolutely fantastic Torrontes from the Calchaqui Valley in Argentina, with a remarkably lively palate pallet including bold notes of green apple and lemongrass, but with a surprising floral mid-note that makes it playful. This is basically a happy puppy running through a field. Just fantastic!
Longer review coming soon.
Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc Reserva – Chile – 2015
A step up from the 2015, thankfully, but still underwhelming. Surprisingly floral for a sauvignon blanc with some muted fruit. Serviceable.
Tabernero Vittoria Chardonnay – Peru – 2017
Where’s the grapes? With the modern inclination to overpower chardonnay with powerful notes of everything and the kitchen sink, what a shock to find the opposite. This wine is so flaccid there’s almost nothing to review. This tastes like wine when you have a bad cold and your taste buds are shut down. Very weak notes of pear and grass but even that’s a stretch. Finish invokes some traditional chardonnay but by then it’s too late.
Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserva – Chile – 2017
I am surprised by the lower ratings found on Vivino, this is a fine new world SB, with ample flavors of tart grapefruit and salty rock. A bit over acidic.