Winemaker Dinner with Altair, Riscal and more at WWWB

“If I were an alcoholic, I’d work at a wine farm, where grape booze grows on trees, bottled and ready to chug.
”
― Jarod Kintz, So many chairs, and no time to sit

We have a short line-up of events next week, so I thought we would add a little pop up champagne tasting with Nicolas Feuillatte on Tuesday night and we have the director of international Champagne schwag Olivier Zorel in town.  This will be a stand up tasting at the bar so we only have 15 spaces for this event.  Check out the line-up of Champagnes we will be pouring that we have just posted on our calendar of events at www.winewatch.com.

It has been a while since we hosted a walk around tasting at the Wine Bar with several different producers, so we jumped at the chance to have five different winery personalities host and event on Thursday, March 15th.  Tonight we have some top level producers from France, Spain, Chile, California and Italy here at the Wine Bar for a tasting that we will call the tasting deal of the year- 10 wines and Toni's food for only $55+ tax- there is no better night out for wine lovers!!

This is a walk around tasting event and is limited to 35 tasters, the fee for this tasting is $55 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com

Winemaker Walk Around Tasting with Altair, Riscal and more at WWWB
Thursday, March 15, 2018
7:30 PM

Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc Pessac Leognan 2014            
Price: $45.00       Sale $39.60          Case $460

(92 Points) The 2014 Carbonnieux Blanc has a detailed and vivacious bouquet offering attractive blackcurrant leaf and citrus aromas, hints of almond and white chocolate just tucked in nicely below the surface. The palate is well balanced with a slice of bitter lemon on the entry. This is a little more piercing in the mouth compared to its peers, as such, it would shine when partnered with shellfish or even hard cheese, rather than a white Pessac-Léognan to serve on its own. Still, a great job here this year.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Rock Angel Rose de Provence 2016                                
Price: $32.25       Sale $28.38          Case $329

How does a rose elude boundaries between being a superb aperitif rosé and a fine wine that enjoys the versatility of being successfully paired with a broad range of fine cuisine? Chateau d’Esclans Rock Angel… the highly eligible wine, if you serve it they will come.

Chateau d'Esclans Garrus Rose de Provence  2015                                            
Price: $93.00       Sale $81.84          Case $949
                
In 2006, chateau d’esclans produced for the first time a few barrels of rose from a vineyard of 80-years-old vines atop a hill in provence. A new chapter had begun in the world of rose.

Masut Pinot Noir Eagle Peak Mendocino 2014                            
Price: $37.50       Sale $33.00          Case $383

(90 Points) Packs in a tight core of spicy wild berry and raspberry flavors, accented by hints of cinnamon, tea and dusty earth. Fans out to capture black licorice and dried sage details.  Wine Spectator

Altair Estate Red Cachapoal 2013                                                     
Price: $81.00       Sale $71.28          Case $827

A blend of 4 varieties from the "Viñedo Altaïr" planted on volcanic and aluvial soils from the Andes Mountains. Very serious vineyard management focuses on each plant and its enviroment, working in a sustainable way. Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), Syrah (10%), Cabernet Franc (7%) and Petit Verdot (5%) grapes were harvested by hand in April. Yields obtained were less than 1kg per plant. All fruit is sourced from Altair's oldest vineyards (20 years old) at Totihue, Cachapoal Valley. This vintage was blended with Cabernet Sauvignon 76%, Syrah 13%, Carmenere 7% and Petit Verdot 4%. The wine was fermentated at 28-30 degrees C, followed by post fermentation maceration to fix the colour. The juice was then pressed directly into barrel where malolactic fermentation takes place. Each parcel is fermented and kept separate and aged in 100% French oak barrels half new and half used for 10 months. The final blend is then created prior to bottling.

Cabo de Hornos Cabernet Sauvignon Cachapoal  2014                   
Price: $49.50       Sale $43.56          Case $505

The place where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet inspired the creation of this icon wine in 1994. Today, it forms part of an exclusive group of five high end wines from Viña San Pedro. Cabo is a remarkable exponent of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Cachapoal Andes Valley and is the result of this terroir, together with the meticulous, controlled and dedicated work of winemaker Gonzalo Castro.

Marques de Riscal  Gran Reserva  Rioja 2005                                     
Price: $45.00       Sale $39.60          Case $459

A very dark black-cherry color with faint brick-red glints. It has an intense, complex nose with hints of black pepper, balsamic aromas, and slight toastiness, reminding you of fine oak. On the palate, the aging nuances are in perfect harmony with the fruit, with good tannin concentration, round and supple, with a long, silky smooth finish.

Marques de Riscal "Baron de Chirel" Reserva Rioja 2010             
Price: $81.75       Sale $71.94          Case $834

(93 Points)  Neal Martin reviewed the 2010 Barón de Chirel Reserva before bottling in May 2012, and now all the good things he saw in that sample are confirmed by the bottled version. The nose offers a clear Bordeaux profile that is quite classical with cedar wood, lead pencil, tea leaves, leather and cherry aromas. On the palate the fine-grained, sophisticated tannins of the Cabernet are very well integrated with the oak and are countered by good freshness and length in a very classical harmonious style. This is a great showing for Chirel. Approximately 30% of the grapes used were Cabernet Sauvignon.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo 2013
Price: $84.00       Sale $73.92          Case $857

(95 points) "A firm and silky red with plum and dried cherry and some orange peel character. Full body and solid with a flavorful finish. A linear line of acidity and firm tannins make this one of the most structured wines from here in a while. Better in 2020. (11/27/17)" James Suckling:

Frescobaldi "Montesodi" Toscana 2013                                         
Price: $42.75       Sale $37.62          Case $437

(92 Points) This is the third year that this wine is an IGT Toscana (and no longer a Chianti Rufina). The 2013 Montesodi is a solid and well-constructed red wine with dark berry fruit, cassis and spice offered with seamless integration. The wine is sturdy, but never heavy, and it offers a generous taste of Tuscany yet with a certain level of timid reserve. The effect is very inviting.  Wine Spectator

Winery hosts for this evening:

Alessandro Bernini-Frescobaldi Estate, Toscana
Jake Fetzer- Masut Vineyard , CA
Paulina DeLuca- Altair Estate , Chile
José Luis Muguiro- Marqués de Riscal, Rioja Alex Diard- Chat D’Esclans , Provence
Chat Bligny , Aube -Champagne

Menu
All American Beef Sliders with Cheddar and special Sauce
Tuna Tartar with avocado served on sesame cracker and cucumber
Chicken and pork asado with sweet soy/peanut BBQ
Mushroom and Gruyere Spring Rolls with Hummus mayo dipping sauce
Grilled Baby Peppers with Quail egg and Ciacci Piccolomini Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is a walk around tasting and is $55 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com