Wine of the Week, January 19, 2014

OVEJA NEGRA 2011 CHILE

The translation of Oveja Negra is Black Sheep, the connotation of which, at least in our culture, means a disreputable member of a group, as in the black sheep of a family, one who does not conform to the values of a particular family, a renegade. Therefore, understandably, my expectations in drinking this wine were that it would be bold and brash. But, the vineyard uses the term only to signify that this wine is distinctive, that it is different than the rest of the sheep in the flock, which are white. It is different in the sense that it is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Carmenere, two grapes which are not usually blended together, and which I enjoy separately on their own. The result is interesting, and enjoyable. It is a pleasant wine, with a low level - for a red wine - of alcohol: 10.5%.  It would certainly be an excellent introduction to red wine; I find it hard to believe that it would offend any novice to red wine. In my mind I immediately paired it with pizza; it is a very pizza-friendly wine. It is aromatic and soft, light- to medium-bodied, with light tannins, exhibiting flavors of plum, black currants, berries, and a dash of black pepper, with a hint of spice, and a light touch of oak. At the low cost of $9.99, I would certainly recommend it.

Wines of the Week, January 12, 2014

LOUIS MARTINI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011
SONOMA, CALIFORNIA 

LOUIS MARTINI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
NAPA, CALIFORNIA 

I'm departing from my usual format this week by offering two (2) wines for your consideration. Both are by Louis Martini, both are Cabernet Sauvignons, and both are very good. Many vineyards release multi-tiered wines: from an inexpensive everyday, entry-level wine up to a high-end wine. The differences are more than just the price, and include where the grapes are from, who the vintner is, how long the wine has aged, etc. The Cabernet from Sonoma is made from grapes from Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley. It is a well-balanced wine, with aromas and flavors of plum, blackberry, and raspberry, with hints of chocolate, vanilla, and oak. Although 2011 was a difficult grape-growing year in California, the vintner has produced a very good wine for everyday drinking. The Cabernet from Napa Valley, a more expensive, high-end wine, is more complex in aromas and flavors (smoky cedar, an earthiness, unsmoked cigar tobacco, leather) than the Cabernet from Sonoma. Also, it has a fuller body, a higher level of alcohol, and a longer finish. Taste the two Cabernets side by side, and the differences will become immediately apparent.