Chilean Wine Tasting at Café Maxx

“I like how wine continues to evolve, like if I opened a bottle of wine today it would taste different than if I'd opened it on any other day, because a bottle of wine is actually alive. And it's constantly evolving and gaining complexity. That is, until it peaks, like your '61. And then it begins its steady, inevitable decline.” Sideways (2004) – Maya (Virginia Madsen)

This is Chile part II – This time we are at Café Maxx with a new line-up of wines featuring two of Chile’s top wineries, Carmen and Haras Pirque.

Chile and Argentina are putting out some of the best values in the fine wine world today and we have dedicated this month to bring them to you. Chile seems to have the most promise along with Argentina in terms of very high quality wines and just like Argentina has Malbec to thank for the countries best wines Chile has another long lost Bordeaux varietal, Carmeniere that they now call their own.

Although Carmenere is not as well known as Malbec it seems to be finally getting some recognition, the wine of the year in the Wine Spectator for 2008 was Clos Apalta by Casa Lapostolle and this wine is predominantly made with Carmenere. I visited this winery and have to say that it is one of the most impressive winemaking facilities that I have ever seen. Another one of the iconic wines of Chile is Aurelio Montes "M". This wine is a Bordeaux inspired blend that is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and was the first high end iconic wine released from Chile and has been produced since the 1996 vintage.

The value end of the wine industry is what Chile is best known for but today they are starting to put together some excellent quality wines and can compete with the best made anywhere in the world. Try The Pinot Noirs from the Bio Bio Valey, a Sauvignon Blanc from the San Antonio Valley or the Carmenere from the Colchagua Valley. There is quality wine everywhere in Chile today for you to discover.

These tastings at the Cafe Maxx for $35 are the best value of any event that we do. You get to try 8 different wines at the same time, pre-poured so they have a chance to open up and so you can go back through the line-up to get a second and third look at everything. This is how you learn about wine and with master chef Oliver Saucy sending out a few small courses to accompany the wines, you get a taste of Cafe Maxx and an education in wine all at the same time. A great way to spend happy hour.

Tonight we will feature an array of whites and reds that feature the Carmenere varietal.  This is a pre-poured sit down tasting and is limited to 25 tasters, the fee for this tasting is $35 + Gratuity + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463.

Chilean Tasting at Cafe MaxxWednesday, August 21th6:30pm

2010 Carmen Chardonnay Grand Reserve Price: $13.50       Sale $11.88          Case $138

A lot of mineral notes to the bouquet along with peach and apple fruit, nice ripeness and, this sees a bit of oak but very little evident in the nose.  A fresh and clean style with a solid core of tree fruit with just a note of spice from the oak but the focus here is on the apple and lemon citrus fruit with a light smoky nuance on the finis.  Finish 30+           Very Good   

2010 Carmen Carmenere Grand Reserve Price: $15.50       Sale $13.64          Case $159

From the hillsides of Apalta, this is where Lapostolle and Montes are, up high in this region.  There is 4% Carignan a very earthy bouquet with instant coffee nuance, some of that herbsciousness and peppery notes that is famous in Chile.  A classic Carmenere with a good amount of that coffee and tobacco spice through the finish, a solid core of dark cherry and plum fruit, nicely balanced with good freshness on the finish.  Finish 35+               Very Good +     

2009 Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve  Price: $15.50       Sale $13.64          Case $159

They have 3% Carmenere in the blend here from the same property, dark currant and black plum fruit with fresh plowed black earth, loamy notes, bitter coco and fine herbs on the nose.  They make around 25,000 cases, the other varietals are similar in production except for the Petite Syrah which is only 3-4000 cases.  A good amount of dark cherry and dark currant berry fruit with nice structure some dry tannins at the end but lots of everything espresso, dark chocolate and dark earth and fine herbs on the finish.  Finish 40+ Excellent

2009 Carmen Petite Sirah Grand Reserve  Price: $15.50       Sale $13.64          Case $159

Dark blueberry and blackberry fruit on the nose with violet floral notes and sweet soy, bitter coco and black earth, nice complexity on the nose, espresso like notes.  A good amount of dark berry fruit with a nice savory edge to the finish, dark spices, earth, dark mocha notes through the finish, nice complexity and length on the finish.  Finish 40+ Very Good +

2011 Haras Pirque Sauvignon Blanc Estate Price: $12.50       Sale $11.03          Case $128

This is all estate bottled juice in these wines, full of grapefruit, orange peel and lively acidity.  This wine is made to drink now.

2011 Haras Pirque Carmenere Estate Price: $12.50       Sale $11.03          Case $128

On the nose this Carmenere is full of Andes Maipo region aromas:  Black fruits, spices, tobacco and fresh earth.

2007 Haras Pirque Character Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere Maipo  Price: $22.50       Sale $19.80          Case $230

A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Carmenere, 13% Cabernet Franc, 10% Syrah.  Deep purple color.  ARomatic in the nose, natural herbs and spiciness dominating the fresh flavor of this wine.  Typical notes of Upper Maipo valley distinguishes this blend, tobacco, earthiness and mineral notes.  Complex and long lasting in the palate.

2005 Haras Pirque Albis  Price: $67.50       Sale $59.40          Case $689

(91 Points) "The 2005 Albis (a collaboration with Marchesi Antinori) is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Carmenere aged in French oak for 18 months. Purple-colored, it delivers a sophisticated nose of mineral, pencil lead, spice box, violets, blueberry, and black currant. Bordeaux-like, it has an elegant personality, a smooth texture, savory flavors, and excellent balance."  The Wine Advocate

This is a pre-poured sit down tasting and is limited to 25 tasters, the fee for this tasting is $35 + Gratuity + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463.

A bit about Carmen winery:

Founded in 1850, Carmen was Chile's first wine producer; landmarks in its history include the rediscovery of the Carmenère grape variety in its vineyards, an event in the study of wine that marked a turning point in the national and international wine industry and made Carmen the force behind Carmenére in Chile.

Carmen's team of wine experts and growers has travelled throughout Chile in search of the best places to harvest its grapes, analyzing the soils, climate, and temperatures of each zone. The result is that in modern times, with a track record going back over 160 years, the company possesses valleys in Chile's finest areas for the production of each grape variety, producing fine wines that highlight and express the best characteristics of each variety in its own ideal location, winning countless awards along the way.

These new releases are all amazing when you consider the price and the gold reserve is a top level wine and can complete with what is being made in areas like Bordeaux and Napa Valley at a fraction of the cost.

A bit about Haras de Pirque

Haras de Pirque is the Union of two passions in a unique place where thoroughbred breeding and fine wines elaboration come together, which today covers 600 hectares, gently ascending in its southern boundary by the foothills of a transverse cord of the Cordillera de los Andes, in Pirque, Chile.

This sector of foothills in 1992 is planted with hundred and twenty hectares of vineyards, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère, between the reds and Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, among white, from which are born Premium wines and excellence that today give life to our exclusive and award-winning vineyard. In addition 20 additional hectares of Syrah and Cabernet Franc are added in 1998.

 The Haras itself, whose name honors which was the oldest thoroughbred horses breeding farm in Chile , founded as Haras de Pirque in 1892, is developed in an impeccable way, with three extensive pedigree stallions that are giving exceptional calves. This also is translated into its international recognition, by being today Haras de Pirque an important supplier for breeders and owners of South America and the North, while maintaining over 30 products in the national competition.

The Antinori family is in the wine business since 1385, with 26 generations in the field and 1700 hectares spread over Europe. with More than 600 years of history, position as one of the companies with more experience and quality worldwide. In 2002, the current patriarch of the Antinori family became interested in the Haras de Pirque. They teamed up then, to make a first unique and intriguing wine called Albis, which was consecrated since its first harvest taking more than 90 points in Wine Spectator.

Italian experts led by the award-winning winemaker Renzo Cotarella, come to Chile to advise in the development and management of the vineyards, sharing the mixtures and contrasting the Italian palate with Chile, to develop a superior and exclusive product that ends up becoming in a unique experience.

What I Drank Yesterday: Argentina Tasting @ Edge Steak + Bar

This was the first in our series of tastings featuring the wines of South America.  The month of August is our time to study the neighbors to the South and if you have been paying attention to my propaganda for the last few years you would know that Argentina is one of the best value areas in the wine world for Bordeaux varietals.

We had some old friends at this event, Paul Hobbs imports and his own label Vina Cobos along with a few new friends like the Allamand wines and my first taste of Ernesto Catena’s wines.  This was another small turnout at the Edge but we are committed to this venue as the food from Aaron Brooks is always outstanding and the two private rooms that we host the events in are very comfortable with excellent service this is worth the trip from Broward to drink with my wine drinking people in downtown Miami.

The group was small but very interested in the wines and we had a good bit to drink so it turned out to be a great evening with most of the crowd leaning toward the Bramaire Malbec Valle de Uco but the Kaiken was also a favorite especially when you look at the price.  Ernesto Catena’s Malbec was also a crowd pleaser with the Felino wines showing nicely there was not a wine on the table that god anything less than a Very Good from my pen but I do not like plastic corks so the entry level Allemand Cabernet Sauvignon was lowered a half mark.

2012 VINA COBOS "Felino" Chardonnay               Price: $19.00       Sale $16.72          Case $194

A good amount of tropical fruit on the nose, peach, pineapple and mango like fruit with a whiff of oak spice, light smoky aromas to the forward fruit.  Ripe delicious tree fruit nice concentration and richness with a touch of oak spice and a short but fresh finish.  Finish 35+          Very Good                         

2012 Allamand Cabernet Sauvignon Valle De Uco            Price: $12.75       Sale $11.22          Case $131

A good amount of red currant and plum like fruit on the nose, with notes of fine herbs and loamy earth nuance.  A smooth and easy drinking style of Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of fresh earth and herbs on the finish, short but pleasant, this is a real crowd pleaser style.  Finish 30+         Good +                

2009 Allamand “H” Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon Blend                Price: $29.25       Sale $25.74          Case $299

A good amount of pencil lead on the nose with dark currant and plum like fruit on the nose along with dark mocha and soy like notes, nice complexity on the nose.  Big and chewy on the tongue with layers of dark spices and that graphite mineral note showing on the finish, the tannins are a bit dry but this wine has a good amount of fruit keeping balanced through the finish.  Finish 45+              Excellent

2009 Ernesto Catena “Siesta”  Malbec Vista Flores          Price: $21.00       Sale $18.48          Case $215

This is Nicolas Catena's oldest son and this single vineyard malbec has a good amount of blackberry fruit, dark spices and pretty violet floral notes along with some black earth.  Big and chewy on the tongue with layers of dark spices and some dry tannins here also, a more classic and fresh style leaves the tongue salivating for food, dark coco notes through the finish.  Finish 40+            Excellent +

2012 VINA COBOS "Felino" Malbec         Price: $19.00       Sale $16.72          Case $194

A blend of 93% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot, from vineyards in Lujan de Cuyo, Valle de Uco and Maipu.  Violet floral notes to the blackberry fruit on the nose, hints of mocha and fresh black earth.  Plump and juicy on the tongue with a good amount of black berry fruits and light tannins, this is a real crowd pleaser style with pretty floral notes through the finish.  Finish 35+      Very Good +

                                2012 VINA COBOS "Felino" Cabernet Sauvignon               Price: $19.00       Sale $16.72          Case $194

A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot from vineyards in Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu. A good amount of dark cherry and currant berry fruit on the nose along with some fine herbs and dark coco highlights among the fresh plowed earth notes.  A solid core of currant and cassis berry fruit on the palate with some tannins here at the finish but nicely balanced and dark coco notes through the finish.  Finish 35+       Very Good +

2010 Kaiken Ultra Malbec Mendoza        Price: $21.00       Sale $18.48          Case $215

The grapes for this wine come from the Valle de Uco (Vistaflores, Altamira, Gualtallary) and First Zone (Agrelo, Vistalba). A blend of 98% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Aged for 12 months in 80% French Oak.  The heavyweight on the table tonight with 15% alcohol you notice the concentration in the wine dark blackberry and boisenberry like fruit with a good hand of sweet tobacco spice, hints of vanilla and dark mocha with mouth filling fruit but still maintains balance and finishes fresh with a host of dark spices and earth notes, nice complexity at this price.    Excellent +         

2011 Bramare Vina Cobos Malbec Valle de Uco                 Price: $45.00       Sale $39.60          Case $459

This is all purchased fruit from 3 different vineyards, Mendoza is the size of Germany only 2-3 % of the area is planted to grapes, this is one of the best areas in Mendoza, maybe compared to more fresh fruit violets, red berry fruit more acidity, it is a bit cooler and the soils are more alluvial nature, black and red cherry berry fruit, violets, nice concentration.  A big and juicy wine on the tongue with bright red cherry fruit black raspberry and fine tannins very ripe and round with bright refreshing zesty acidity and some minerality and toasty oak spice, big but still leaves the tongue salivating for food.  Finish 40+         Excellent             

What I Drank Yesterday: Nicolas Catena Tasting

This is an annual event with Café Maxx and the wines of Nicolas Catena.  We have to pay homage to one of the most important producers in Argentina and the wines that Catena makes are among the best at every range of price from the Agrelo and Vista Flores wines below that are under $15 on this offering to the Catena Alta wines that are almost as good as the Catena Zapata, which is the Opus One of South America.

These wines just keep getting better every year and it is always a pleasure to taste them with our Wine Drinking People at Café Maxx.  This year we had over 30 people in attendance and the wines were all behaving nicely.  The room was split on the two chardonnays, some liked the freshness and the clean nature of the High Mountain Vines label and others enjoyed the complexity and richness of the Catena Alta Chardonnay.

The reds were equally as mixed with the group but there was a majority of votes for the Catena Alta Malbec 2009 and this wine was even better on the second day which indicates to me that it will age gracefully in your cellar for a decade or more.

The biggest seller at the event was the 2007 Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon this wine is a standout for the money as was the Vista Flores Malbec- you can’t find better wines for the money from anywhere!

2011 Catena Chardonnay High Mountain Vines                 Price: $18.75       Sale $16.50          Case $192

A bit of a earthy note to the bouquet here with pineapple and lemon citrus with notes of mineral/rock like notes.  Fresh fruit on the tongue with a short and simple finish, lemon zest, baked apple pie and a light earthy note to the finish.  Finish 30+         Good +

2011 Catena Alta Chardonnay Historic Rows Mendoza   Price: $32.00       Sale $28.16          Case $ 327

From the Adrianna and the Domingo vineyard tow of the prized sites that the Catena family owns, this wine has a wonderful richness on the nose with peach and pear like fruit with notes of vanilla bean spice and nutmeg, very complex bouquet of aromas.  Very rich and creamy on the tongue with layers of rich tropical fruit and just the right hand of toasty oak spice and a good hand of acidity holding things in place this wine has it all for those of you that like a big burgundian Chardonnay.  Finish 45+                Most Excellent

2011 Catena Malbec Vista Flores Mendoza          Price: $15.00       Sale $13.20          Case $153.00

Dark berry fruit with notes of black earth and licorice spice to the nose, some dried violet floral notes.  Smooth berry fruit on the tongue with a nice hint of spice and floral nuance through the finish, a real crowd pleaser style, notes of black licorice spice on the finish.  Finish 30+     Very Good

                2010 Catena Malbec High Mountain Vines Mendoza      Price: $18.75       Sale $16.50          Case $192.00

Blackberry fruit on the nose with notes of tobacco spice and light smoky tobacco nuance, some dried meats and dark spices.  A solid core of blackberry fruit very fresh and bright with a nice hand of dark spices and earth, dark mocha notes.  Finish 40+            Very Good +

                2010 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon High Mountain Vines Mendoza            Price: $18.75       Sale $16.50          Case $192.00

Dark currant berry fruit with toasty oak spice and woodsy aromas along with milk chocolate.  Dark currant and plum fruit on the tongue with some tannins with good freshness and dark chocolate notes through the finish, a bit dry but has nice balance and structure.  Finish 35+             Very Good +

Catena Malbec La Consulta Mendoza 2010 Price: $23.75       Sale $20.90          Case $243.00

A good hand of tobacco spice, dark coco and soy like aromas to the black berry fruit on the nose with light smoky notes.  Nice structure and depth of flavors with excellent structure and depth of flavors, mocha and dark earth notes, graphite/mineral through the finish.  Finish 40+ Excellent

                2007 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon Agrelo Mendoza          Price: $15.00       Sale $13.20          Case $153.00

Dried tobacco spice and fine herbs to the dark currant berry fruit has a somewhat evolved bouquet of aromas.  Some dried herbs and some dry tannins still on the finish dark chocolate and spice notes on the finish.  Finish 45+  This wine showing a bit of evolution but still has nice freshness.          Excellent

                2009 Catena Alta Malbec Mendoza         Price: $58.50       Sale $51.48          Case $597

A host of dark spices to the black raspberry fruit almost liqueur like in richness with notes of toasty oak spice and fresh plowed black earth very complex bouquet of aromas.  Rich and sappy on the tongue with a good amount of sweet fruit, tobacco spice and a firm hand of acidity holding things in place this wine is built for the long haul and needs a piece of steak and another 5+ years in the bottle.  Finish 50+    Most Excellent