GASCON MALBEC 2011 MENDOZZA, ARGENTINA $14.99
A drinker of wine comes to a wine with certain minimum expectations. From a Cabernet Sauvignon, I expect a medium- to full-body, I expect flavors of blackberry, dark currant, mocha/chocolate would be nice, and, definitely, a hint of cedar, but I don't want to feel that I need a saw to get through the taste of wood, just a hint of cedar. The Malbec grape is one (1) of six (6) grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wines. Argentina took the grape from France, planted it extensively, and now produces 100% Malbec wines, identified uniquely with the Mendozza region. Maybe it's only me, but I feel that Malbec has undergone a couple of transformations over the last twelve or so years. Twelve years ago Malbec became very popular, and rightly so. Then, for whatever reasons (mass production or rushing the aging process or flood irrigation - the result is a plumper grape but a diluted taste - or who knows what), Malbec became lacking in flavor, flabby, and weak. If this GASCON MALBEC is any indication, Malbec is back. It is mediium- to full-bodied, with soft, round tannins, with flavors of blackberry, plum, blueberry, dark cherry, spice, and a hint of mocha. Delicious!
WHISPERING ANGEL ROSE 2012 COTES DE PROVENCE FRANCE $16.99
We're in the process of increasing the number of Rose wines for the warmer weather. Maybe it's just me, but heavy red wines just don't seem to go down too easily when it's hot out; the taste of alcohol, rather than being integrated, is too pronounced and lingers in the mouth. Historically, Rose wines were syrupy sweet - spine-rattlingly sweet - which turned off most wine drinkers. The preferred Rose wine now is light in body; dry, not sweet; fruity, not sweet. The liquid is not allowed to remain for long with the skins, seeds, and stems; it doesn't touch wood. The resulting color is pink. I recently had a fillet of salmon; I invariably pair salmon with a Pinot Noir. This time I tried a good Rose. The result was marvelous! Whispering Angel is a blend of five red grapes: Grenache and Syrah (which is typical of the Cotes de Provence in the southeastern area of France), Rolle, Cinsault, and Mourvedre. Speaking of salmon, this wine is pale-salmon in color, with the taste of fresh strawberry fruit, and with a long finish. By the way, you may have noticed the increasing number of wines with silly names and silly labels. In the end, if a wine is good, it will sell itself. Whispering Angel is a very good wine.
MASCIARELLI 'MARINA CVETIC VINEYARD' MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO ITALY 2008
Many of you are already familiar with Masciarelli's Montepulciano D'Abruuzzo, an earthy, rustic, inexpensive red wine from Central Italy. This is a more refined and elegant version of that wine, a recent addition to Harney's. Marina is a big wine, with a 14.5% alcohol level. It is deep-purple in color, medium- to full-bodied, with concentrated flavors of ripe black cherry and plum, and with hints of mocha and licorice. The tannins are soft, the mouth-feel is silky, with a long, smooth finish. Enough said! Enjoy! $20.99.
TERRA D'ORO OLD VINE ZINFANDEL DEAVER RANCH
SIERRA FOOTHILLS CALIFORNIA 2009
On Sale this week for $15.99
California is known and respected worldwide - and rightly so - for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay (especially creamy and buttery - imparted by the wooden barrel - Chardonnay), and Zinfandel. Much of California's success with these wines is owing to its geography which I will explore at length in May's Ring Brothers Newsletter. TERRA D'ORO is one of the best Zinfandels that I have ever tasted. I mention Deaver Ranch, the place where the grapes are grown, because the vines there are 100 years old, pulling water and nutrients from multiple soil layers, each layer further enhancing the character of the grapes.
This wine exhibits a deep, dark, alluring red color; aromas of berry jam, plum, clove spice (typical of Zinfandels), with hints of cedar; and flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, plum, and cocoa. It is smooth and well-balanced (a harmonious whole: no one element dominates), with a long, velvety finish. The price of TERRA D'ORO has been reduced from $18.99 to $15.99, this week.
