I'm back?

Hmmm, posting every 1.5 years.....this is getting exhausting!
Well, my new business is up and running (www.wineknows.net) and since I'm already blogging for our members, I might as well duplicate (more or less) the blog for my "personal' blog.

I'm headed to the Texas Sommelier Conference (TexSom) tomorrow, and they've got a new seminar on blogging and other "new media". I signed up so that I might get some hints on how to best use the Wine Knows blog, and figured I might as well try to get this one up-to-speed as well.

My most recent posts have been about John Larchet's two companies, the Australian Premium Wine Collection (APWC), and World Wine Headquarters (WWHQ).
Here are the wines that I thought were standouts, regarding value. The prices listed are what we charge, per case, including delivery in Houston, for August 2011, at Wine Knows.

I recently had the pleasure to taste through a selection from the Australian Premium Wine Collection, and as usual they delivered.

Below are the wines that I thought over-delivered the most, with virtually every wine listed tasting like it was worth at least $10 more per bottle.

2009 Blackbilly GSM- Earthy and dense with a solid, fruit-driven punch. Stephen Tanzer rated this 90 points. I had this pegged to be a $30+ bottle of wine, but it’s only $16 when you buy a case! $192/12

2006 Fireblock “1926” Old Vine Grenache – Packed with juicy goodness, and flavors of red fruit and spice. 91 points from Tanzer. $40+ per bottle? I think not. It’s only $13 a bottle when you buy a case. $156/12

2006 Fireblock “1926” Old Vine Shiraz – Another fruit bomb but with a little more spice to it AND it’s the same price as the OVG. $156/12

2007 Hill of Content Grenache/Shiraz- 90% Grenache and 10% Shiraz blended together to make an easy-drinking, vibrant, red that’s perfect for a mist-fan enhanced bar-b-que! $156/12

2006 Hill of Content Shiraz – Fleshy and bright, here’s another winner from Hill of Content. $156/12

2006 The Old Faithful “Sandhill” Grenache – I loved this because of its juicy, deep flavors, while Stephen Tanzer rated it 90 points and noted that that it is “dense and sappy”. John Larchet (Owner of APWC) calls The Old Faithful his the Top-of-the-line tier. I had this priced at $40, but it’s only $30 when you buy a case. $360/12

2005 The Old Faithful “Almond Grove” Mourvedre – I’m a sucker for Mourvedre because it’s just plain different. I love the earthy-minty-spicy characteristics typical of this variety. Robert Parker rated this 90 points, noting its “full body” and “spicy blue fruits”. $276/12

2008 Tir Na Nog- 100% old vine Grenache from three separate vineyards in McLaren Vale, this is loaded with red berries and a soft, almost velvety texture.

I thought this would be a $30 wine, but it’s only $20 by the case! $240/12

2007 Elderton Estate Cabernet Sauvignon- I picked up notes of sweet tarts in this bright, lively cab. Robert Parker gave it 90 points, noting its structure and “prime drinking through 2022” $240/12

WWHQ

Another project by John Larchet is exceptional wines from areas outside of Australia. This venture is called World Wine Headquarters (WWHQ)

There were many outstanding wines in this collection, and here are the ones that I thought represented the “best” values.

Spain

2007 Cellar Malondro “Latria”- My notes said “earthy, dark and delish!!”, but Robert Parker was a little more descriptive, saying “spicy black fruit, a plush texture” and “excellent balance” (He rated it 9O points) I had this pegged for a $30 wine, so you can imagine my surprise when I found out that it’s half that price! $180/12

2007 Cellar Malondro “Malondro Montsant” – I liked the Latria better, but just barely, and noted the black pepper a nice fruit structure. Robert Parker preferred this one over the Latria, rating it 91 points, and saying that it is “rounder and more layered”. Either way, this is also an outstanding value at $20 per bottle by the case. $240/12

2006 Tilenus "Roble" Mencia -100% Mencia grape, I thougt this was earthy, spicy and fruity and a $24 wine. Robert Parker rated it 90 points, noting its “velvety texture, ripe red fruit flavors, spice notes, and a hint of minerality”. A bargain at $16 by the case. $192/12

2009 Vega Moragona Tempranillo – Big, berry aromas jump from the glass, and juicy fruit rolls over the palate. A STEAL at $10 per bottle! $120/12

2007 Vega Moragona “Old Vine” Tempranillo – Deeper and more layered than the “regular” Tempranillo, this is also a bargain at a mere $15 per bottle. $180/12

NV Monte Victor Cava- Need an inexpensive bubbly that tastes great? This could easily sell for $20, but it’s only $12 by the case. $144/12

2008 Monte Victor Garnacha - Definite notes of coffee and ripe red fruits. I had it pegged for a $20 wine, but it’s only half the price! $120/12

2007 Monte Victor “Old Vines” Garnacha – Earthier and more peppery that the “regular” Garnacha, I’d be happy paying $30 for this wine, but fortunately I don’t have to, and neither do you! $16 a bottle by the case. $192/12

Argentina

2010 Altivo “Vineyard Select” Torrentes – Soft, fruity, floral, just a beautiful little wine. This REALLY over-delivers! $120/12

2008 Altivo Malbec Barrel Select- Along with the Torrentes, probably the two best values at the tasting. I got vanilla, spice, earth and wild berries on this one. I figured it was a $30 wine. Nope! A real deal at $168/12

2006 Altivo "Secret" Malbec- I pegged this one for a $50+ bottle of wine, noting the balance, presence of both red and dark fruit and the spicy undertones. Robert Parker rated it 91 points, mentioning “tons of fruit and intense flavors”. A terrific $34 wine! $408/12

Thanks for your time, and enjoy your wine!

Cheers,

cj