"When Wine Takes You Out of this World": Cellar

by: Jorge Ferraez

A big surprise recently was a Brunello di Montalcino Casanova di Neri “Tenuta Nuova” 2000 that was on my brother Raul’s cellar a few weeks ago. I pulled it out for a Christmas luncheon at his house and both of us were knocked out of our socks! What a fantastic aroma and delicate mature fruit with earthy notes and silky texture. Definitely one of the best Brunellos I have had. Cherry nose, with spiced character and elegant finish. We washed it down with some dried fruits and cheese before the meal.

And an “out of this world” moment came to me this December, when I tried for the first time a Hundred Acre 2006 from their “Ark Vineyard”. Decanted just a few hours before tasting it, it was absolutely fabulous! It was quite the same footprint of the ultra cult cabs from California: deep, fruit explosive, succulent, muscular and layered; but this one surprised me because of three things I hadn’t tasted in others: a fantastic balance and roundness; almost perfect in the wine sensation process. Extra silky textured; delicate, ethereal it really disappeared in the mouth without the minimum effort. And a perfectly dosified oak; just the right amount of oak resemblance that you would expect from a California Cabernet Sauvignon not an inch more or less; and this precisely what makes a great wine.

01

CHATEAU D’YQUEM 1986

  • Region: Bordeaux, Sauthernes

  • Varietal: Semillon mostly

  • Price: $478

  • Aromas: Candied orange, honey, white flower

  • Flavors: Clove, honeysuckle, vanilla, toffee, mango

  • Impression: Deliciously sweet

  • Structure: Silky, liquid velvet

  • Drink with: Hard Cheese; Roquefort, Stilton

  • Why I loved this wine? Round, almost perfect balance!

My Rating: 98 pts.

02

MI SUENO 2016 CHARDONNAY

  • Region: Pugash Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain

  • Varietal: Chardonnay

  • Price: $45

  • Aromas: Pineapple, tropical fruit, lemony scents

  • Flavors: Vanilla, pear and candied peaches

  • Impressions: Clean approach

  • Structure: Balanced, medium body

  • Drink with: Pasta Alfredo, Cedar Plank Salmon

  • Why I loved this wine? Clean, balanced, nice wine

My Rating: 90 pts.

03

LOS VASCOS “GRANDE RESERVE” CARMENERE 2015

  • Region: Colchuagua, Chile

  • Varietal: Carmenere

  • Price: $34

  • Aromas: Animal notes, blue berries, spice

  • Flavors: Earthy, cherry marmalade, grape candy

  • Impression: Succulent

  • Structure: Medium to full body

  • Drink with: Hanger steak, fried chicken, pizza

  • Why I loved this wine? Sweet tanins

My Rating: 89 pts.

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