Vilarnau Cava
These two wonderful Cavas are from Vilarnau in Spain. And now, they are 100% organic!
The winery is a small, artisanal, hand crafted Cava house located outside of Barcelona that dates back to 1949. Made in the traditional méthode champenoise, the Vilarnau bottles honor their Catalan roots with wrapping that reflects the beautiful avant-garde imagery of Antoni Gaudí.
Vilarnau Brut Reserva NV ($14.99) This Brut Cava is made from three varietals: 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada, 15% Xarel.lo. They are each made separately. The first fermentation for each varietal takes place over 30 days before being blended. The second fermentation occurs the traditional way, in the bottle, where the yeast turns the wines in to Cava with its characteristic bubbles. It is classified as a "Reserva" because it was aged for more than 15 months in the bottle.
Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé NV ($15.99) This rosé Cava is produced from 85% Garnacha and 15% Pinot Noir. They are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks for 30 days. They are then blended and bottled to start the second fermentation which takes about six weeks. It then stays in contact with the yeast for at least 15 month in the bottle during the aging process which qualifies this Cava as a “Reserva.” It has delicate flavors of ripe strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. It’s smooth, creamy and refreshing. This bottle is always a strong favorite when served!
Vilarnau cavas are imported by González Byass USA and are distributed nationally, including being available on Wine.com. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Samples Provided by González Byass via Donna White Communications
The Wines of Josh Cellars
Joseph Carr discovered his love for wine at a young age, working his way up in the restaurant industry from a wine steward to a world-class sommelier and later, a wine executive. In 2007, he left it all behind to follow his dream of making his own wines from California.
Josh Cellars was created as a tribute to founder Joseph Carr's father, Josh Carr. Josh instilled the importance of hard work and family into his kids - values that inspire Joseph still today. In the early days, Joseph worked out of his garage, starting Josh Cellars with only one varietal - Cabernet Sauvignon. But, today, Josh Cellars offers a diverse portfolio of well-balanced and delicious wines made to exacting standards.
Josh Cellars is a negociant brand, so they don't own a winery or any vineyards, much like some of the world's greatest chateaux in Bordeaux & Burgundy. They do, however, work with California's best growers to make some really nice wines.
Their winemaker, Wayne Donaldson, spent over a decade making sparkling wine at one of the world's largest and most prestigious champagne houses, where blending distinct lots is essential to making great wine. Those experiences have made him uniquely qualified to source and assemble wine blends of great character and complexity, in the signature Josh Cellars style: fruit-forward and rich, with approachable tannins and a long finish.
Josh Cellar Wines include these wonderful offerings pictured above (from left to right):
2019 Josh Cellars Reserve Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.99)
Gapes are crushed and cold-soaked for 24 to 48 hours
Fermentation occurs for 10 to 15 days with additional Malolactic conversion
Aged in 20% new French oak
Scents of bright blueberry with notes of earth & spice
Flavors of robust plum, blackberry, coffee and vanilla
2018 Josh Cellars Reserve North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.99)
Grapes are from Napa, Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino Counties
Fermentation occurs for 10 to 15 days with additional Malolactic conversion
Aged in 25% new French oak
On the nose, this wine is bursting with dark fruits and roasted nuts, with hints of fresh black cherries, blackcurrant, rose petal, and roasted walnuts
On the palate it shows rich favors of black cherries, toasted hazelnuts, fresh sage, mocha, and subtle vanilla and oak favors
The tannins are firm in their relative youth but will soften with age (recommend decanting)
2020 Josh Cellars Pinot Noir ($18.99)
On the nose, this Pinot Noir has aromas of bright cherries, raspberries and toasty oak
On the palate, it has initial flavors of dark cherry and vanilla bean along with the classic secondary notes of earth and warm spice, with medium tannins and a long finish
Josh Cellars Merlot 2019 ($16.99)
90 Points Wine Enthusiast
Fermentation in stainless steel tanks for l0 to 14 days, then Malolactic conversion
Aged in 10% new French oak
Includes scents of violets, sweet plums, and vanilla bean
On the palate, it is soft, with flavors of plums, blackberries and cherries, and a long cocoa powder finish
Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($16.99)
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Fermented for 10 to 15 days then undergoes Malolactic conversion to soften the natural acids
Aged in 20% new French oak
Aromas of intense dark fruits, cinnamon, clove, and subtle hints of oak
On the palate there are flavors of black cherries and blackberries, vanilla and oak
This one finishes long with round, soft tannins
All Josh Cellars wines are all available from their website as well as being widely available at stores throughout the U.S. These are all fine examples of wines that fit right in as Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Samples Provided by Josh Cellars
Amrita Cellars Pinot Noir
Amrita Cellars is a small boutique winery that began with its 2017 production of three barrels and 75 cases. It remains small with limited productions in order to focus on producing the best. Amrita Cellars works with the best growers and ultimately the best grapevines. They partner with family-owned wine growers that have been using renewable and sustainable farming practices for many generations to ensure viability.
2017 Amrita Cellars Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($35)
The Amrita Cellars Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is produced from 100% Pinot Noir that was aged for 11 months in oak. The wine is pale ruby in color with pink edges. With the aroma, you are first introduced to the fragrance of earth tones of black mushroom and fruit jam. It is light on the palate with pronounced earthiness and light tannin.
2018 Amrita Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($40)
The Amrita Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is produced from 100% Pinot Noir that was aged for 11 months in oak. It is pale ruby in color with pink edges and has earthy aromas along with hints of cherry. On the palate it has the classic delicate flavors of cherry and cranberry. Amrita Cellars may be relatively new to the game, but these two vintages are just the start for them and indicators of great things to come. Look for these wine on-line at AmritaCellars.com
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Samples Provided by Amrita Cellars
2018 Primus “The Blend” ($18.99)
Primus is a leading brand in the Chilean premium segment and a fine example of Chilean quality capabilities. The name Primus is Latin and means “the first” or “the first among its peers”, and for good reason. The winery was founded more than 20 years ago by Agustin Hunneus. It was truly a pioneering brand as the first blend of the signature red grapes of Chile: Cabernet and Carmenere. Today, The Blend is still the standard bearer for Primus.
The fruit for this wine is selected from organic vineyards in the most renowned areas in Chile for red varieties: Marchigue, a sub-region Colchagua, and Maipo.
The Blend is produced from 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carménère, 10% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. It is aged for 12 months in 66% French oak barrels.
The Cabernet Sauvignon is the basis for The Blend and provides the structure, while Carménère delivers density and smoothness, which complements the black fruit and spices of the Syrah. The Cabernet Franc adds elegance and persistence combined with the so ft and complex finish of the Petit Verdot.
The Blend is medium ruby in color with delicate aromatic notes of black fruits. On the palate it is medium-bodied with moderate tannin and balanced acidity. It has peppery notes along with black cherry and a light finish.
The Blend by Primus is a really nice wine that is affordable and attainable, making it a perfect fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of Week. Look for this one!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Donna White Communications
2017 Ritual Pinot Noir ($19.99)
The Ritual estate is situated in the extreme eastern end of Chile’s Casablanca Valley that is heavily influenced by the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean — ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir. Following organic practices, the winemaking team uses compost to feed the soils to promote a balanced and self-regulated ecosystem, cover cropping and seeding for revitalizing the soils and sheep to help mow the grass and act as a natural fertilizers.
The vineyards are surrounded by 6000 acres of native forest, creating a balanced, bio-diverse landscape for healthy vines to thrive alongside natural wildlife corridors and native vegetation.
The Ritual Pinot Noir is produced from 100% Pinot Noir grapes that are hand-picked in small batches and carefully double-sorted. A portion of the fruit is whole-cluster fermented to promote structure and complexity. It is fermented with wild yeasts and aged 11 months in 20% new French oak barrels.
This Ritual Pinot Noir is pale ruby in color with the distinctive red fruit aromas and some earthiness. On the palate, it is delicate with the classic cherry and cranberry flavors, balanced acidity and a light finish.
This Ritual Pinot Noir, from the Casablanca Valley in Chile, stands up to those being produced in California and Oregon and, at the price, makes this wine a nice fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Donna White Communications
Ca di Prata Prosecco DOC Brut ($15.99) and Acquesi Asti Spumante ($16.99)
Sparkling wines are perfect at most any time and with most any foods. All too often, though, they get reserved for just one major holiday each year. And who doesn’t enjoy popping some bubbly to ring in the new year. But, you should also think bubbles at Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and other celebratory holidays.
These two sparklers are from Italy which is famous for its Prosecco and Asti Spumante wines.
Since the middle of the thirteenth century the toponym 'Prosech' or 'Prosecum', but also the more modern 'Proseco' refers to a small town, bordering to the south-east of Trieste. Even today, Prosecco remains a small town in the province of Trieste, in the far north-east of Italy.
The Ca di Prata Prosecco is produced from 85% Glera grapes and 15% other varieties including Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay. After harvest and the press, the must is fermented in stainless steel tanks at 14-16 C for about 10-12 days. After fermentation it is racked and stored in stainless steel tanks at 10-12 C. Then, to create the bubbles, it is placed in a stainless steel autoclave where it ferments at a temperature of 15-16 C for about 12 days. At the end of fermentation, it is cooled to 0° C and left to rest for a month and finally filtered and bottled. Being a Brut, it has low residual sugar, pleasant acidity and the taste of green apple, typical of the Prosecco. The presence of Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay gives a complex savory and mineral note which makes it more full-bodied.
The Acquesi Asti Spumante is produced from 100% Moscato. It is a sweet sparkling wine at just 7% alcohol by volume and 95 g/L residual sugar.
It's pale gold color and greenish hue leads to complex floral aromas of fresh tree fruits, honeycomb and exotic spices. The palate is fresh, sweet and persistent with a lingering, sweet fruity finish.
This Acquesi Asti Spumante has won several recent awards. At the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship in 2019 & 2020 it was Best in Region (Asti 2020), Best in Class (2019,2020), Gold (2019,2020) and World Champion (Aromatic Sparkling Wine 2019, 2020).
Both of these fine sparkling wines are imported by Mack & Schuhle which s a Miami-based national importer dedicated to bringing exceptional wines from around the world to the US market. Look for them and enjoy. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Samples Provided by Donna White Communications
Sherry & Pie Pairings for International Sherry Week
In celebration of International Sherry Week (November 8-14) and, in preparation for the upcoming holidays, here are a few suggestions for some really super Sherry offerings and some pie pairing to go along with them.
Gonzalez Byass Solera 1847 Cream ($17) & Texas Two Step Pie
This Sherry is made from 75% Palomino and 25% Ximénex grapes. It is dark mahogany in color and velvety smooth. It has flavors of dried figs and raisins, with a toffee finish. Served slightly chilled.
Gonzalez Byass Alfonso Dry Oloroso ($17) & Apple Pie
This sherry is made from 100% Palomino. It has a beautiful mahogany color with a wonderful walnut aroma. This is not a sweet Sherry. It’s dry with great nutty flavor and a long smooth finish. Served slightly chilled.
Gonzalez Byass Néctar Pedro Ximenez ($17) & Cherry Pie
This Sherry is made from 100% Pedro Ximenez. It has a deep dark mahogany color. And, oh my! It’s rich and sweet and velvety smooth with flavors of caramel, dried fruits, figs, mocha, nuts and spices. It’s dessert in a glass, but also pairs well with cherry pie! Served slightly chilled.
Harveys Bristol Cream ($20) & Pecan Pie
Did you know that Harveys Bristol Cream is Sherry? It’s actually the number one selling Sherry in the world! This Sherry is crafted from four different styles of Sherry (Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso and Pedro Ximexez) and aged between 3-20 years in the traditional Solera system. Serve it chilled (50-55 F) to open up its rich, yet mellow flavor notes.
All four of these Sherry offering are from Gonzalez Byass. The three Gonzalez Byass offering come in both 375 ml (pictured) and 750 ml bottles. The Harveys Bristol Cream featured here is a 750 ml bottle.
Hope you get a chance to sip one of these wonderful Sherries during International Sherry Week, or anytime, and keep these amazing pie-pairing in mind as you do. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Samples Provided by Donna White Communications
2019 Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.99)
Here’s another returning favorite from Veramonte which is made with Organic grapes and a really good value.
The Veramonte wines are from organically farmed vineyards in Chile. Veramonte follows organic practices throughout their estate, ensuring optimum conditions for vine growth and that the vineyards are sustainable over time. Living, balanced soil produces quality grapes that express the fullest potential of the terroir.
The 2018 Veramonte Organic Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in the Colchagua Valley. It underwent cold maceration for five days in stainless steel tanks and was fermented with native yeasts. After the primary fermentation, the wine is macerated with its skins for another ten days to achieve greater smoothness and intensity of flavor. It was then aged in neutral oak barrels for eight months.
It’s medium-ruby in color with deep, dark fruit aromas. This Cabernet Sauvignon is fruity with flavors of red fruit and sour cherry. And, a great value for a Cabernet Sauvignon!
These Veramonte wines are imported by González Byass USA and distributed nationally. For more information on these wines visit www.GonzalezByassUSA.com Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Donna White Communications
2017 Riva Leone Barbaresco ($24.99)
Riva Leone was a man of unique character and personality who was an ambassador for the special wines of the Langhe all throughout Europe in the early 20th Century. His legacy lives on in the Riva Leone wines which uphold the winemaking traditions of Piedmont for a new generation of wine lovers across the world.
Barbaresco wines come from the Piedmont region of Italy and are produced from the Nebbiolo (Nebby-oh-low) grape.
This Barbaresco is aged at least two years including one year in American and French oak barrels.
This wine is medium garnet in color with delicate cherry aromas. On the palate it is medium-bodied with flavors of black cherry, firm tannin and balanced acidity that leads to a nice finish. A classic Barbaresco!
The Riva Leone wines are imported by Mack & Schühle and distributed throughout the U.S.
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Donna White Communications
2020 Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio ($11.99)
Sicily is a strong and legendary land. Its climate, nature and winemaking experience make it unique.
The story of Barone Montalto began in Santa Ninfa, in the province of Trapani, in 2000. Montalto wines come from great tradition, young character and are admired by a growing audience of wine consumers.
Barone Montalto manages around 400 hectares (~1000 acres) of vineyards. The majority of their vineyards, as well as their winery, are located in Santa Ninfa, in the heart of the Belice Valley. Other vineyards are in the province of Agrigento, in the Valle dei Templi and in Noto.
This wine is produced from 100% Pinot Grigio. And, just a fun-fact, Pinot Grigio is a pink grape that is a mutation of Pinot Noir.
This Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio is pale gold in color with aromas that include hints of citrus, lemon and herbs. On the palate it is smooth and easy with flavors of pear, peach and melon. The acidity is moderate and well-balanced. The wine finishes light and easy. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Donna White Communications
2019 Phantom Chardonnay ($18.99)
It’s that spooky time of year again and a great time to re-visit the Phantom. This Chardonnay is from Bogle Vineyards where the story goes that a ghostly figure wanders their cellars at night. There are fleeting glimpses of muddy work boots and blue jeans, then it’s gone. Does the Phantom really exist? They believe so and absolutely believe that it has inspired them.This California Chardonnay has aromas of honey and vanilla that go right along with flavors of golden apple and pear along with hints spicy caramel notes from the French oak fermentation.There’s even an app you can download called “Augmented Reality Wine Labels” that allows you to scan the front label with your phone camera so that you can experience the paranormal stories of The Phantom.Bogle has a lot of fun with this wine. But, don’t be fooled - this is a serious Chardonnay. This Phantom Chardonnay is very attainable and very affordable, making yet again a great fit as a Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. And, also look for their red blend; it’s great too! Cheers!
2015 Helwig Frenchmen’s Creek Barbera ($35)
Dave Helwig had a dream to move to the wine country upon retirement. After searching with his wife, Nancy, for the perfect wine region to relocate to from their home in Southern California, Dave couldn’t resist the charm and simplicity the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County had to offer.
As I’ve said many times in the past, I’m a big fan of Barbera from the Amador & El Dorado counties in northern California. These Barbara’s are bigger and bolder than Italian Barbera. They are full of bright fruit flavor along with the characteristic acidity.
This wine has big black fruit flavors of blackberry, blueberry, huckleberry, plum, black currant, and black cherry. This one has soft tannins, moderate acidity and really nice finish.
If you are in or near Plymouth California, give them a visit at their beautiful winery and tasting room or check out their wines at www.Helwig.com Cheers!
Wines of TILIA from Argentina
Tilia’s rural origins in Mendoza Argentina connect them deeply to the land and to their community. As the first Argentine wine to carry the Bodegas de Argentina Certified Sustainable Seal, the TILIA label illustrates their journey toward sustainable viticulture in Argentina. The Tilia or Tilo tree, their wine label’s namesake, produces leaves that are made into a calming tea which is traditionally drunk after lunch or dinner, to facilitate an afternoon siesta or bedtime.
The TILIA wines come from three growing regions in Argentina:
The Uco Valley is considered to be one of the premiere grape-growing regions in Mendoza. Located 100 miles due south from Mendoza city, its elevation reaches between 3,000-5,000 feet.
The Eastern Region is one of the oldest and most traditional viticultural regions in Mendoza. Located 50 miles to the southeast of the city of Mendoza, its reaches 1,950-2,150 feet.
The Central Region of Mendoza is home to the oldest high-quality vineyards. It is also a desert irrigated by the Mendoza River. Located 12 miles due south from Mendoza city, its elevation reaches 2,600-3,700 feet.
2020 TILIA Chardonnay ($11)
This wine is produced from 100% Chardonnay from Mendoza’s Eastern and Southeastern regions. It was aged for three months in French oak.
This wine is a deep gold in color and has aromas of bright, fresh apple and pineapple. On the palate it was creamy smooth with moderate acidity and nice caramel flavor from the oak aging. It finishes light and easy.
2020 TILIA Malbec ($11)
This is produced from 100% Malbec from Mendoza’s East Valley and Uco Valley. It was macerated in stainless steel tanks for 15-20 days before seeing six months in French oak. It’s medium-purple in color with big black fruit flavors, a bit of pepper, some sweet tobacco and herbal notes. On the palate it’s got chocolate flavor from the oak and light tannin with plum.
2020 TILIA Cabernet Sauvignon ($11)
This TILIA Cab is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza’s East Valley. It was fermented for 7-10 days with maceration for ten days in stainless steel tanks. It was then aged for six months in French oak.
This Cab is deep ruby in color with very delicate aromas. On the palate it’s full-bodied with bright black fruit flavors, medium tannin, definite oak influences and medium acidity.
2020 TILIA Merlot ($11)
The TILIA Merlot is produced from 100% Merlot grape from Mendoza’s East Valley and Central Valley. It is fermented for ten days with ten days of maceration in stainless steel tanks. It is then aged for six months in French oak.
It’s medium ruby in color with red fruit aromas. On the palate it has good red fruit flavors plum, some sugar plum and nice black cherry along with a hint of leather from the oak aging. The tannins are easy and this Merlot finishes nicely.
These reds are quite young but very drinkable now and probably could use a couple more years on the bottle. These are all really nice wines that are very affordable and attainable (See wine.com) that fit right in as Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Samples Provided by Nonni Strategic Marketing LLC
Wines of TILIA from Argentina
Tilia’s rural origins in Mendoza Argentina connect them deeply to the land and to their community. As the first Argentine wine to carry the Bodegas de Argentina Certified Sustainable Seal, the TILIA label illustrates their journey toward sustainable viticulture in Argentina. The Tilia or Tilo tree, their wine label’s namesake, produces leaves that are made into a calming tea which is traditionally drunk after lunch or dinner, to facilitate an afternoon siesta or bedtime.
The TILIA wines come from three growing regions in Argentina:
The Uco Valley is considered to be one of the premiere grape-growing regions in Mendoza. Located 100 miles due south from Mendoza city, its elevation reaches between 3,000-5,000 feet.
The Eastern Region is one of the oldest and most traditional viticultural regions in Mendoza. Located 50 miles to the southeast of the city of Mendoza, its reaches 1,950-2,150 feet.
The Central Region of Mendoza is home to the oldest high-quality vineyards. It is also a desert irrigated by the Mendoza River. Located 12 miles due south from Mendoza city, its elevation reaches 2,600-3,700 feet.
2020 Bonarda - The TILIA Bonarda (Also known as Charbono) is fermented for 10 days with maceration of 15 days in stainless steel tanks. It then spends six months in French Oak. It is intense violet in color. On the nose it has dark fruit and spice aromas. On the palate, it has a sweet entry followed by soft tannins and nice acidity. It finishes with basil and blueberry flavors that linger nicely.
2020 Malbec-Syrah - This is a blend of 55% Malbec and 45% Syrah. It is fermented for 12 days with maceration of 15 days in stainless steel tanks. It is then aged six months in French oak. The color of this wine is intense violet. It has a complex nose of red and dark fruit with subtle spice and leather hints. On the palate it is well-structured with jam, leather and meaty flavors. It finishes long with soft tannins.
2020 Torrontés - This TILIA Torrontés is fermented for 10 days with maceration of 15 days in stainless steel tanks before spending six months in French Oak. It is pale yellow in color with light greenish hues. On the nose it exhibits aromas of passion fruit, citrus and freshly cut grass. On the palate, this wine is bright and fresh with concentrated vegetal and tropical flavors. It has a long and persistent finish.
It is their hope that TILIA becomes synonymous with sustainable living and inspires a movement among wine drinkers and producers are over the world.
Next week Behind the Cork™ will feature TILIA’s Chardonnay, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Samples Provided by Nonni Strategic Marketing LLC
Silvia Cellars
Silvia Cellars is a small family-owned winery whose mission is to produce a small number of high-quality California wines from some of California's best vineyards. And, matching vineyard to varietal is the key to their process for producing outstanding wines. In each case, vineyard practices are carried out under the guidance and instruction of Silvia Cellars winemakers and owners, all to ensure that quality standards are maintained from start to finish. They produce approachable, full-bodied, well balanced wines at affordable prices. Antonio Silvia has carried on his Grandfather’s legacy by starting Silvia Cellars with the same values found on their family’s vineyard in Sicily that began in 1885.
Silvia Cellars’ affordable and attainable wines makes them the perfect fit to once again be featured as the Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week.
2018 Silvia Cellars North Coast Pinot Noir ($35)
This is Silvia Cellars’ first production of Pinot Noir. All the grape of this 100% Pinot Noir were hand-picked from Mendocino County & Anderson Valley. They were cold soaked for six days and spent 16 days on the skins before being double racked to all French oak for 12 months in neutral barrel.
This Pinot Noir is pale ruby in color with aromas of cherry and the classic cranberry and raspberry flavors with just a hint of strawberry on the palate. This is a wonderfully balanced light Pinot Noir with soft tannin, nice acidity and a light finish. A wine that one could drink all day!
2018 Silvia Cellars North Coast Zinfandel ($30)
The 2018 Silvia Cellars Zinfandel continues their production of Italian-style Zinfandel with a blend of growing regions and their wine-making style. The grapes were all harvested from Dry Creek Valley and Mendocino County. They blended the Zinfandel with 8% Syrah. After fermentation the wine was aged for eight months in American and Hungarian oak, 10% of which was new.
This Zinfandel is light purple in color with delicate aromas of spice and dark fruits. On the palate it has wonderful spicy and peppery flavors, moderate tannin, balanced acidity and a lingering finish. This is a very food-friendly wine that paired perfectly with pasta and sausages.
2018 Silvia Cellars Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($85)
The grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon combine old world wine-making techniques and modern
technology to make a wine that reflect the unique style of Silvia Cellars Italian heritage. The grapes were harvested from a variety of small vineyards spanning the Napa Valley and includes 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. It was aged for 16 months in 30% new French oak barrels, then stored for 14 months in the bottle before release.
This is a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa that is deep ruby in color with rich, dark fruit aromas and some earthiness. On the palate you immediately get those dark, rich complex fruit flavors, extremely soft tannin for such a young Cab and delicious vanilla and caramel from its oak aging. This one is indeed a gem!
The wines of Silvia Cellars are well worth seeking out. Visit Silvia Cellars Tasting Bar in San Carlos at The Wine Gallery (890 Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA) every Saturday and Sunday afternoon or purchase their wines directly on the Silvia Cellars website. These are tremendously well made Italian-style wines produced with grapes from California’s best regions. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Samples Provided by Silvia Cellars
Domaine Bousquet Wines of Argentina
Embraced for their freshness, vibrant aromatics and fruit-forward qualities, wines from Tupungato Valley in Mendoza’s Uco Valley have become “must-haves” for Argentine connoisseurs. Domaine Bousquet, an early pioneer in this high-altitude sub-region of the Uco Valley of Argentina, stands out for its singular reliance on eco-friendly organic fruit. And their prices are extremely competitive!
All three of these wines are made from organic grapes and are Vegan friendly.
2018 Domaine Bosquet Gran Malbec ($25)
This Gran Malbec undergoes cold maceration at 10°C for 72 hours to 96 hours. Fermentation then occurs with selected yeast at a temperature between 25°C and 28°C for 12 days. It then undergoes 100% Malolactic conversion before being aged in French oak for 10 months.
This is a full-bodied wine with bold dark fruit flavors, easy tannin and a chocolaty finish.
2018 Gaia Cabernet Franc ($20)
This is a medium-bodied wine that is cold macerated for 72 hours. Fermentation occurs with selected yeast at a maximum temperature of 27°C for 12 days before being aged in French oak between 8 and 10 months.
This Cabernet Franc exhibits nice red fruit flavors and the classic peppery hints. It has nice tannins, moderate acidity and an easy finish.
2019 Domaine Bosquet Cabernet Sauvignon ($13)
This is a medium-bodied wine that is fermented for 15 days with select yeast at a maximum temperature between 25° C and 27° C.
This Cabernet Sauvignon has nice dark fruit flavors, moderate tannin and medium acidity that finishes with nice lingering fruit flavors.
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Samples Provided by Creative Palate Communications
Domaine Bousquet Wines of Argentina
Embraced for their freshness, vibrant aromatics and fruit-forward qualities, wines from Tupungato Valley in Mendoza’s Uco Valley have become “must-haves” for Argentine connoisseurs. Domaine Bousquet, an early pioneer in this high-altitude sub-region of the Uco Valley of Argentina, stands out for its singular reliance on eco-friendly organic fruit. And their prices are extremely competitive!
At Domaine Bousquet, they have two paths of former rivers running through their property. These riverbeds, lined with alluvial deposits from the mountain sand seismic debris, are rockier than the plain sand areas. The characteristics of sandy soil are magnified in this rocky soil.
The Domaine Bousquet wines are:
Organic: The dry, low-humidity soil eliminates the need for pesticides and other chemicals to prevent disease, making organic farming easier. And, the dreaded phylloxera louse cannot survive in sandy soil!
Elegant: The harder the soil, the heavier and more powerful the wine. The lighter the soil, the more elegant the wine. The ability to produce elegant wines was so important from the start that Domaine Bousquet’s tagline is “Naturally Elegant Wines.”
Aromatic: Thanks to the sandy soil, the grapes thrive in an area with big differences between day/night temperatures, allowing the grapes to retain acidity and terpenes, those volatile compounds that result in wonderful aromas.
Complex: With riverbed and non-riverbed fruit available, the winemaker has more options, a bigger palate from which to blend.
All three of these wines are made from organic grapes and Vegan friendly:
2021 Domaine Bousquet Sauvignon Blanc ($13)
This grapes for this wine were harvested the first two weeks of February, underwent cold maceration for 24 hours and were fermented for 15 days.
It is medium-yellow in color with bright aromas of citrus and green apple. At 12.5% ABV, it’s light and refreshing with medium acidity and a soft finish.
2019 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Chardonnay ($18)
This wine is made from 100% Chardonnay that are grown by the foothills of the Andes at an altitude of 4000 feet. This high altitude yields cool nights that preserves the fresh fruit flavors and acidity in the grapes. This Reserve Chardonnay is fermented in oak for 15 days and then aged six months in oak and lees.
It’s deep gold in color with aromas of pear and baked apple. Although it’s fermented and aged in oak, the oak influence is restrained resulting in a medium-bodied Chardonnay with fruit flavors that are not too bright and not overly oaked - just right.
2019 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Pinot Noir ($18)
This wine is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes that are manual harvested, undergo cold maceration for 72 hours and then fermented for 15 days. It is aged for six to eight months in French oak.
It is pale ruby in color with subtle red-fruit aromas. It has the characteristic cranberry flavor with a bit of black cherry and a round finish.
These are fine examples of affordability and attainability wines that fit right in with the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week theme. Check further details at the Domaine Bousquet website and keep an eye out for them. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Samples Provided by Creative Palate Communications