Koyle 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Royale, Colchagua Valley

Posted by Keith Wallace on May 30, 2013 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

Chilean wine review

Colchagua Valley has always been my first choice for Cabernet Sauvignon in Chile. This bottle proves that’s a good habit to keep up.

This is the first time I have tasted a bottle from Koyle, and I am going to be keeping an eye out for this producer. This bottle offers quality well above it’s price-point  The structure is very dense with cassis and graphite flavors coming forward. There are secondary flavors of dark plums and fresh fennel, along with a fresh lemon basil. There is a great depth and lushness to this wine that shows a very high level of attention went into this wine. Nicely done.

At the time of this review, this wine is a Chairman’s Selection in Pennsylvania. 

Tenute Sella & Mosca 2006 Alghero “Tanca Farra”

Posted by Keith Wallace on May 25, 2013 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

Sardinian wine revew

A serious wine from one of the most under-recognized wine regions in Italy. The 2006 Tanca Farra is a 50/50 blend of  Cabernet Sauvignon and Cannonau, and aged for three years in large oak puncheons and barrels.

On the nose, the layers of herbs is remarkable. Cannonau is an ancient version of Grenache, so there is an expectation of some garrigue notes. This, however, takes it to another level. Bay leaf, lavender, fresh basil, and eucalyptus all come together into a dynamic and complex scent.

On the palate, a spicy vanilla sweetness and cherry-cola take hold at first. Following up is a splash of bright red fruit and a touch of reduction. The finish is layered with chalk and stone over fresh herbs and baking spices.

A wonderful wine. Highly recommended.

A PLCB Chairman’s Selection at the time of the review. 

Maculan 2010 Brentino, Veneto

Posted by Keith Wallace on May 17, 2013 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

A Veneto wine review

A Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend from Northeastern Italy with a great deal of style. On the nose, classic notes of tobacco and graphite interplay with fresh plum. The texture is velvet and medium bodied with soft and integrated tannins. Vanilla and toasted cinnamon start to open up on the mid-palate with a touch of sweetness. On the finish, burnt cedar and black currants dominate. A very pretty bottle of wine that plays above its price-point.

Merryvale 2008 “Starmont” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Posted by Keith Wallace on Jan 7, 2013 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

A rock-solid Napa Cab at a rock-solid price. The nose of pencil shavings, vanilla and toast promises great things to come, and it does deliver. The gritty tannic structure is balanced out by rich body of red and dark fruits with a finish of violet and spice. A very good example of how good Napa Cab can be without all the flair (and cost) of over extraction and oaky opulence.

Previous review: A stunning value for Cabernet Sauvignon. It hits all the right notes with verve. Cedar and burnt sage take the lead, followed by allspice and currant. Offers up controlled fruit that ranges toward the dark fruits, including plum. The finish accents a black olive and cassis quality. Very nice.

Director’s Cut: Up and Coming Regions, 2/15/08

Posted by Wine Nut on Sep 18, 2012 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

Back To The Future: Campania
Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina, 2005
Aminea Fiano di Avellino, 2005

East Of Reisling: Austria
Weingut Hofer Gruner Veltliner, 2005, Neiderosterreich
J. Pockl Zweigelt “Monchof”, 2004, Burgenland

Northwest Iberia
Quinta de Ventozelo Cistera da Ribeira, 2003, Douro, Portugal
J. Palacios Bierzo “Petalos”, 2005, Galicia, Spain

Cape of South Africa: Stellenbosch
Bilton Shiraz-Merlot “Matt Black”, 2004
Jardin Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004