January 11, 2012

Well, it's a new year, and that means new wines to taste!
I've split with my partner at Wine Knows, and am now focusing my attention on Nos Caves Vin.
To that end, today I tried 4 EXCELLENT wines and 1 very good one, all of them carried by the Prestige division of Glazers distributing.
Here they are:
NV CLETO CHIARLI Brut Rose - This is a terrific little rose spumante. It's fresh, yeasty, and full-bodied, with great mousse, and just a hint of sweetness. I'd be happy paying up to $30 for this wine, but since the average retail price is $13, you can be certain that I've found my new house sparkler.

2009 BODEGAS SHAYA Verdejo Rueda - Mellow and balanced, with notes of stone and minerals. A very nice, balanced little wine. I'd be happy paying up to $19 for this wine, but the average retail price is only $12
2007 AU BON CLIMAT ' La Bauge Au Dessus' Pinot Noir - WOW! My initial taste suggested a straightforward Pinot, with good structure and ripe fruit. For some reason, I wrote down $50 as the price I'd be happy paying. I felt that $50 was probably too much, so I kept "chewing on the wine" trying to determine how much lower I should go. After all, it's not a big, mind-blowing Pinot, just a nice, clean wine. However, I actually ended up increasing the price I'd be happy paying for it to $60+, due to the pure enjoyment I got from drinking it. It's pure Pinot pleasure! My notes mentioned earth, anise, cardamom, great balance, depth, and the word "fantastic!" The average retail price on this wine is $30, so that makes this a steal! ...it's also available in half-bottles!
2010 TRIDENTE Mencia - This was something of a surprise, as well. Round and ripe, with notes of cherry, anise and spices. A nice, mellow wine that I'd be happy to pay $27 for. But since the average retail price on this is $14, that makes this a bargain!

2009 BRADY VINEYARD Cabernet Sauvignon - From Don Brady, the winemaker at Robert Hall in Paso Robles, Ca. comes this intriguing wine. Mostly Cab Sauv, with some Cab Franc and Petite Sirah, this has a finish that won't quit! The entry and mid-palate seem a little flat, but the finish makes up for it. I pegged the price at $28, and that is just about the average retail price.

As always, if you're interested in any of these wines, I can always find you "a deal", so don't hesitate to contact me about these, or other house favorites you might need.

Cheers,
Chuck