Marques Casa Concha Chardonnay 2002. Maipo Valley.

September 29, 2007 at 7:01 am · Filed under Maipo Valley, Chardonnay wine Chile

This Chilean Chardonnay of Concha y Toro Vineyard is a nice example of a spicy Chardonnay, with oak and butter notes well restained, and with plenty of fruit ranging from pear to more tropical notes.

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, really liked this wine in his 4-19-04 review. He said: “91 Points. Bold, with lots of spice and toast notes laying over ripe pear tartine, fig and mango flavors. The fruit stays lush on the finish, while a stony underpinning keeps it all honest. Drink now through 2005. 11,000 cases made. Smart Buys.”Judging from today’s tasting, the 2002 is still drinking quite well.

At $13.99 (Nashville Price), this is one to include in a mix case of Chardonnay.

Update 2-23-05: Wine Spectator just rated the 2003 vintage 90 points (March 31, 2005 issue).

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Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley 2004

September 29, 2007 at 6:42 am · Filed under Casablanca Valley, Sauvignon Blanc wine Chile

Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc is grown in the cool Casablanca Valley area of Chile, 22 miles from the Pacific coast.

Winemaker is Rafael Tirado.

Color: Pale straw with a greenish tint. Aromas: Brisk grapefruit and grass combine with hints of blossoms and spice to create a wild white of some complexity. The mouthfeel is light-to-medium, round, with citrus and apple flavors and nice acidity. The finish is clean and dry.

I first tried this brand in my round-up on Winecast 12 last year and it has made it into my cellar ever since as a great value for hot summer days selling for $8-9 a bottle. The wine is light straw with a slight green hue. Fresh hay, lime and pineapple aromas with some gooseberry reminiscent of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, there is tart grapefruit flavors with nice acidity to match with food. The match was especially good with the chicken brats adding an nice counter-point to the bacon and swiss cheese flavors. I’d recommend this one for grilled pork too, as long as there is not spicy BBQ sauce involved in the preperation.

13.5% ABV. Stelvin closure.
Production: 37,000 cases.

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Chilean wine: Casa Lapostolle Rapel Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2004.

September 24, 2007 at 4:51 am · Filed under Rapel Valley, Sauvignon Blanc wine Chile

Tasting Notes.
Color: Light straw with a greenish tint. Aromas: Gooseberries, citrus/grapefruit, starfruit, green melon and a distinctive flinty mineral note. The mouthfeel is light bodied, fleshy, and tart. and green apple flavors are backed by grassy, minerally flavors. The finish is quick, clean and refreshing.

Closure: Real cork.
Retail: US$10/6.5 Euros. Value: Excellent.
Food pairing: Apperitif or seafood salad. Drink up! The 2005 has been released.

The wine Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc 2004 is a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillon, grown on the Las Kuras Estate, Rapel Valley. This estate property is located in Requinoa, in the eastern Chile wine growing region, south and east of Casablanca Valley, and east of Apalta. There are about 100 acres of Sauvignon Blanc, planted in 1992. The vineyard is described as “stony”.
Vinification included stainless steel fermentation and 4 months aging sur lie in large stainless vats.
The renowned Michel Rolland is retained as a Winemaking consultant at Lapostolle.
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Chilean wine Chardonnay, Casa Silva Vineyard, Dona Dominga 2006, Colchagua Valley.

June 25, 2007 at 2:44 am · Filed under Colchagua Valley, Chardonnay wine Chile

Presentation Casa Silva Vineyard:
Tasting Notes: Pale green . Intense aromas, tropical notes, pineapple and melon. On the palate it is well balanced with very good body. Melon and mineral notes.

Origin: Viña Casa Silva own grapes, El Cerrro Vineyard, Colchagua Valley.

Harvest: March 10th to March 12th, 2006. 100% hand picked.

Vinification: Hand sorting of the grapes before destemming. Reductive method transportation to the press. Crushed and run off after 8 hours at 10°C. Must separation and alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 15 to 20 days
at 15ºC to 18°C. Lees work in the tank. 15% of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels.

Ageing: 15% aged in French oak barrels for 3 months; 85% in stainless steel tanks.

Food Pairings: Ideal for a cheese and wine night, this Chardonnay pairs perfectly with dips or fresh salads. For the main course, superb with fish dishes or pastas with seafood sauce.

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Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Vineyard, Coleccion Privada Reserve 2005, Casablanca Valley.

May 29, 2007 at 9:03 am · Filed under Casablanca Valley, Sauvignon Blanc wine Chile

Casablanca Vineyard presentation:

Vintage 2006
Grape Variety 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation Casablanca Valley

WineMaker comments
Our vineyards in the Casablanca Valley with its unique soils and microclimate give these wines a unique intensity and elegance. This Sauvignon Blanc features exuberant floral aromas of mimosa and acacia, swet lime and grapefruit notes, and a whole sequence os exotic fruits. Fresh and long on the palate, with deep and harmoniously integrated flavours.
Alcohol 13.2 GL
Total Acidity 3.75 g/L
Ph 3.1

SurVino:

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