Top 100 Wines of 2012 (Show Tasting Notes)

Principio del formulario

Rank	Wine	Vintage	Score	Release Price
1	Shafer Relentless Napa Valley	2008	96	$60
The aromatics are full and distinct, with loads of dark berry and charcoal, then this unfolds touches of black cherry, raspberry and red and black licorice on the palate, sailing along and firming nicely on the finish. Shows all the muscle, density, richness and range of flavor found in many Shafer reds, yet takes it to another level in this vintage. The best Relentless yet. Syrah and Petite Sirah. Best from 2013 through 2023. 3,300 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: Napa
2	Château de St.-Cosme Gigondas	2010	95	$41
This is jam-packed with dark blackberry, currant and boysenberry fruit, but cuts like a knife, thanks to riveting acidity, a blaze of singed iron and a long, charcoal-studded finish. A lovely lingering note of singed bay leaf adds a mouthwatering echo. Best from 2015 through 2030. 3,330 cases made. –JM			Country: France	Region: Southern Rhône
3	Two Hands Shiraz Barossa Valley Bella's Garden	2010	95	$69
Pepper, clove and plum flavors weave through dense dark cherry and roasted plum fruit, melding together smoothly on the complex and expansive finish. A big wine with depth and harmony. Best from 2013 through 2020. 4,000 cases made. –HS			Country: Australia	Region: Australia
4	Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape	2010	98	$128
Lots of cocoa powder and coffee frame a massive block of dark plum, black currant and fig fruit, while massively endowed tannins stride from start to finish. Cassis, anise and Lapsang souchong tea notes hang in the background for now, but should emerge more with extended cellaring. The very dark, almost brooding finish is dominated by charcoal-coated grip, but the purity still wins out in the end. A very, very large wine. Best from 2017 through 2035. 5,600 cases made. –JM			Country: France	Region: Southern Rhône
5	Château Guiraud Sauternes	2009	96	$60
This is a bird of a different feather, with an exotic, vibrant aroma of toasted coconut, followed by an almond cream note that gives way to the core of green fig, papaya, Cavaillon melon and honey. There's stunning richness and mouthfeel, with the power to be one of the longer-lived wines of the vintage. Very impressive. Best from 2015 through 2040. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 11,000 cases made. –JM			Country: France	Region: Sauternes
6	Château Léoville Barton St.-Julien	2009	95	$105
This is powerful Cabernet, with gutsy weight, but also polished feel to the fresh plum, warm blackberry sauce, bittersweet ganache and roasted apple wood notes. Long and tarry through the finish, but still invigorating despite its heft. Needs some time to round fully into form. Best from 2017 through 2035. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 21,000 cases made. –JM			Country: France	Region: Bordeaux
7	Shea Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Shea Vineyard Estate	2009	94	$40
Supple, rich and complex, layering its dark berry, black cherry, pink grapefruit and exotic spice flavors on a velvety frame. The finish lingering effortlessly. Drink now through 2019. 3,555 cases made. –HS			Country: Oregon	Region: Oregon
8	Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley Reserve	2009	94	$45
Offers rich, smooth, layered flavors of blackberry, wild berry, plum and cassis. Full-bodied, yet graceful and elegant, this is most interesting on the finish, where the flavors glide along and pick up a subtle lift of spice and mocha. Drink now through 2024. 3,602 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: Sonoma
9	Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino	2007	94	$60
Though dense and rich, this red is also sleekly proportioned and harmonious. The cherry, raspberry, licorice, earth and tobacco flavors meld with the solid structure. Offers fine length and complexity that increases with aeration. Best from 2014 through 2025. 3,750 cases made. –BS			Country: Italy	Region: Tuscany
10	Achával-Ferrer Malbec Mendoza Finca Bella Vista	2010	95	$120
Dark and powerful, yet elegant, with a delicious core of crushed raspberry, blackberry and damson plum notes tightly woven with silky tannins. The minerally finish lingers on with layered flavors of wildflowers, melted licorice and spice box. Drink now through 2020. 1,250 cases imported. –NW			Country: Argentina	Region: Mendoza
11	Pedestal Merlot Columbia Valley	2009	95	$55
This red is round, generous and expressive, offering plum, loganberry, cherry and clove flavors that pick up hints of loam and floral character as the finish tightens its focus. Impressive for its length and deft balance. Best from 2013 through 2019. 1,994 cases made. –HS			Country: Washington	Region: Washington
12	Domaine St.-Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape Auguste Favier Réserve	2010	97	$58
Ripe, pure and racy, with mouthwatering anise, steeped plum and hoisin sauce notes allied to a terrific graphite spine that carries the very lengthy finish while ganache, pepper, Turkish coffee and fresh espresso fill in on the back end. Shows the powerful structure and authoritative fruit of the vintage. Best from 2015 through 2030. 1,665 cases made. –JM			Country: France	Region: Southern Rhône
13	Quinta do Vallado Touriga Nacional Douro	2009	95	$55
Very polished and ripe, with intense mocha and spice aromas and powerful flavors of blackberry, French roast coffee and black olive. The long finish is filled with effusive dark chocolate and Asian spice notes, with hints of toast and cream. Drink now through 2020. 3,458 cases made. –KM			Country: Portugal	Region: Portugal
14	Maysara Pinot Noir McMinnville Estate Cuvée	2009	94	$32
Sumptuous and distinctive for its range of cherry, boysenberry, floral and dark chocolate flavors, dancing suavely through the long, expressive finish. The tannins are submerged, and this has miles to go. Drink now through 2019. 1,000 cases made. –HS			Country: Oregon	Region: Oregon
15	Alban Syrah Edna Valley Patrina Alban Estate	2009	94	$48
Both rich and powerful, with a measure of finesse and restraint, mingling dark berry, boysenberry and huckleberry flavors, with notes of spice, cedar, tobacco and licorice. Maintains its focus and persistence on the finish. A new Syrah from Alban, coming from a younger vineyard. Drink now through 2023. 1,200 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: South Coast
16	Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape	2010	96	$66
This takes a decidedly old-school approach with its very distinctive bay leaf and juniper notes leading the way, along with roasted mesquite and alder wood. The core of steeped black currant, roasted plum and blackberry fruit waits in reserve while the long, ganache- and tar-filled finish has nice rugged grip, with a peppery echo. Should cellar wonderfully. Best from 2015 through 2030. 8,000 cases made. –JM			Country: France	Region: Southern Rhône
17	Punset Barbaresco	2007	95	$40
This concentrated, well-toned red is packed with cherry, plum, soy and spice aromas and flavors. Round and balanced, with a sweet berry and mineral aftertaste. Really builds nicely, gaining elegance and intensity. The fine aftertaste of cherry, tobacco and woodsy notes lingers. Best from 2014 through 2027. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,400 cases made. –BS			Country: Italy	Region: Piedmont
18	Argyle Extended Tirage Willamette Valley	2002	96	$70
The definition of finesse, with a succulent, complex mouthful of lemon peel, oatmeal and subtle pear and apple flavors that soar through the elegant finish. The fine bead creates an almost creamy feel. Offers freshness and a sense of majesty. Drink now. 1,013 cases made. –HS			Country: Oregon	Region: Oregon
19	Booker Syrah Paso Robles Fracture	2010	96	$70
Features amazing richness, focus and purity of flavor, presented on a beam of acidity. Offers great aromatics and flavors to match, with tiers of blackberry, mahogany, wild berry, raspberry and black licorice that form a tight, persistent core, ending with a pleasant loamy earthiness. Drink now through 2026. 866 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: South Coast
20	Poças Junior Vintage Port	2009	95	$75
Elegant, with a deep purple color and complex, refined flavors of dark currant, ginger, blackberry and dark plum. Boysenberry and licorice notes chime in as well, lingering on the suave and silky finish. Fruity and complex. Best from 2016 through 2034. 12,000 cases made. –KM			Country: Portugal	Region: Portugal
21	Saxum James Berry Vineyard Paso Robles	2009	97	$85
Strikingly complex, rich and fruity, this beautifully proportioned red delivers an initial burst of red berry fruit that echoes red and black licorice. This quickly gains traction and depth, with firm, layered tannins that give the spicy berry flavors a perfect foundation. Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. Drink now through 2024. 820 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: South Coast
22	Cayuse Syrah Walla Walla Valley Cailloux Vineyard	2009	96	$75
Polished, effortless and juicy, with blackberry, currant, black olive and tar flavors, beautifully balanced to rotate all its facets as the finish keeps spinning. Harmonious and expressive. Drink now through 2019. 754 cases made. –HS			Country: Washington	Region: Washington
23	Château Canon-La Gaffelière St.-Emilion	2009	96	$95
This is well-cloaked for now in roasted vanilla and espresso notes, but there's ample, fleshy fig sauce and mulled blackberry fruit in reserve. The long finish sports a melted licorice snap feel. Dense, but beautifully polished and pure. For the cellar. Best from 2015 through 2030. 5,140 cases made. –JM			Country: France	Region: Bordeaux
24	Elio Grasso Barolo Gavarini Chiniera	2008	95	$57
Hints of coffee and sandalwood mark this rich yet racy red, whose core flavors are cherry, strawberry and underbrush. There's some muscle and density, firming up on the finish, with adequate sweet fruit for balance. Best from 2015 through 2030. 1,200 cases made. –BS			Country: Italy	Region: Piedmont
25	Fontodi Colli della Toscana Centrale Flaccianello	2009	96	$119
The first impression of this red is purity and finesse, as black currant, raspberry and violet aromas and flavors stay focused and persistent. An earthy leather element and mineral notes chime in on the finish, backed by a vibrant structure. Sangiovese. Best from 2015 through 2032. 5,000 cases made. –BS			Country: Italy	Region: Tuscany
26	Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains	2009	94	$55
At first, this teases, fresh and snappy, displaying lively acidity and zesty citrus, green apple and pear notes. Turns pithy midpalate, but the flavors pour though on the finish, adding mouthwatering touches of light oak and mineral. Should only get better. Drink now through 2025. 1,974 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: Bay Area/Central Coast
27	Château Peby Faugères St.-Emilion	2009	96	$95
A gorgeous wine, featuring a torrent of raspberry and blackberry fruit that blazes along, thanks to riveting acidity that just won't quit. Loads of spice, black tea and perfectly integrated toast notes hold sway on the very sleek finish for now, but this is really stunning for its beam of pure fruit. Best from 2015 through 2030. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,000 cases made. –JM			Country: France	Region: Bordeaux
28	Calera Pinot Noir Central Coast Thirty-Fifth Anniversary Vintage	2010	93	$24
A classy art-of-the-blend cuvée that's very ripe but still complex, relying on rich dark berry, plum, crushed rock and cedar. So young and vibrant at this stage, yet also so deep and tight, that it's both tempting to drink now but looks like a great cellar choice as well. Drink now through 2021. 7,688 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: Other California
29	Switchback Ridge Merlot Napa Valley Peterson Family Vineyard	2009	94	$56
Rich, layered and well-structured, with floral red currant aromas and complex flavors of black cherry, anise and toasty spice that lead to big but ripe tannins. Drink now through 2018. 1,028 cases made. –TF			Country: California	Region: Napa
30	Schild Shiraz Barossa	2010	92	$20
Smooth and spicy, with distinctive black olive and tar overtones to the blackberry and spice flavors, finishing with supple texture and refinement. Drink now through 2018. 22,000 cases made. –HS			Country: Australia	Region: Australia
31	Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva	2009	92	$25
A powerful and opulent style, this red displays ripe cherry, black currant, violet and tobacco aromas and flavors. The tannins are gripping on the finish, which lingers with sweet fruit and mineral accents. Well-proportioned. Best from 2014 through 2021. 22,000 cases made. –BS			Country: Italy	Region: Tuscany
32	Hamilton Russell Chardonnay Hemel-en-Aarde Valley	2010	93	$32
Lush and inviting, with layers of fig, persimmon, mango and creamed Jonagold apple fruit, all supported by finely beaded acidity that lends definition and length to the finish. More cut and length than just weight in the end. Drink now through 2017. 4,028 cases made. –JM			Country: South Africa	Region: Walker Bay
33	Can Blau Montsant Blau	2009	91	$12
Dense yet lively, this expressive red shows morello cherry, floral, licorice and mineral flavors supported by light, firm tannins and fresh acidity. Mountain herb and smoke notes keep this from turning candied, but the sweet fruit lingers nicely. Drink now through 2016. 6,500 cases made. –TM			Country: Spain	Region: Spain
34	Bertrand Stehelin Gigondas	2010	93	$29
Powerfully rendered, with thickly layered black currant confiture, boysenberry and linzer torte flavors intertwined with bittersweet cocoa-covered coffee bean and licorice root notes. The finish is chiseled graphite, with good tension that should unwind in the cellar. Best from 2014 through 2022. 3,500 cases made. –JM			Country: France	Region: Southern Rhône
35	Romero & Miller Rioja Rentas de Fincas Reserva	2005	92	$18
This red delivers intense flavors in a plush texture. Cherry, berry and spice notes mingle over pillowy yet supportive tannins, as bright acidity keeps this focused and fresh. Still youthful, with plenty of stuffing to age. Drink now through 2018. 2,000 cases imported. –TM			Country: Spain	Region: Spain
36	Domaine de l'Olivette Bandol	2008	93	$17
Sanguine flavors of roasted plum and dried cherry feature a concentrated iron note, with plenty of smoke and spice accents. Mocha and dark chocolate overtones mark the broad, ripe-tasting finish. Pure and lively. Best from 2013 through 2022. 30,000 cases made. –KM			Country: France	Region: Provence
37	Schloss Vollrads Riesling Spätlese Rheingau	2010	93	$30
Very balanced and lively, with well-defined flavors of red peach, melon, baked apple and spice. Well-concentrated, with a long, luscious, cream- and vanilla-filled finish. Mouthwatering. Drink now through 2040. 2,000 cases made. –KM			Country: Germany	Region: Germany
38	M. Chapoutier Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Les Vignes de Bila-Haut	2010	90	$13
This lithe, powerful red offers concentrated cherry, plum tart and blackberry flavors that feature plenty of spicy notes. A dark chocolate accent lingers on the firm, moderately tannic finish. Best from 2014 through 2018. 35,000 cases made. –KM			Country: France	Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
39	Domaines Schlumberger Pinot Gris Alsace Les Princes Abbés	2010	92	$20
Finely knit, with a vibrancy to the refined acidity that focuses the flavors of ripe peach, pear, guava and kumquat. Silky in texture, with a core of smoky minerality that pushes through on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2022. 2,100 cases imported. –AN			Country: France	Region: Alsace
40	Eberle Syrah Paso Robles Steinbeck Vineyard	2010	93	$24
Pure, rich layers of blackberry and wild fruit are intense and focused, firming with a crushed rock minerality and a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2022. 1,459 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: South Coast
41	Folonari Chianti	2010	90	$9
Vibrant and rich, this harmonious red offers cherry, strawberry and floral notes. Picks up some of the typical underbrush and tobacco accents on the lingering finish. Drink now through 2018. 25,000 cases imported. –BS			Country: Italy	Region: Tuscany
42	Charles & Charles Rosé Columbia Valley	2011	90	$11
Lively, refreshing and vibrant, with mulberry and pear flavors that show a leafy hint, all on a silky texture. Syrah. Drink now. 12,000 cases made. –HS			Country: Washington	Region: Washington
43	Château de la Greffière Mâcon-La Roche Vineuse Vieilles Vignes	2010	91	$18
A light oak influence adds roundness and a hint of spice to the apple and melon flavors in this white, which shows fine structure and a long, fresh finish. A lemon note lingers on the aftertaste. Drink now through 2016. 2,000 cases imported. –BS			Country: France	Region: Burgundy
44	Giuseppe Mascarello & Figlio Barolo Monprivato	2007	96	$125
A pure, ethereal Barolo, boasting rose, cherry and strawberry aromas and flavors, with a touch of tar. Very harmonious and elegant, with firm yet well-delineated tannins supporting the whole. Old-school and refined. Best from 2016 through 2035. 1,830 cases made. –BS			Country: Italy	Region: Piedmont
45	Georges Vigouroux Malbec Cahors Pigmentum	2010	90	$12
A ripe and luscious red, with rich flavors of dark cherry and dark chocolate that echo with plenty of spiciness. Features a sculpted finish of cocoa powder and raspberry. Drink now through 2018. 15,000 cases made. –KM			Country: France	Region: Southwest France
46	Roberto Anselmi Veneto White San Vincenzo	2010	90	$13
Smoke and straw notes mix with tropical mango and pineapple fruit and an exotic hint of jasmine in this exuberant white, which is medium- to full-bodied without being weighty, offering good cut throughout. Drink now through 2017. 40,000 cases made. –AN			Country: Italy	Region: Veneto
47	Michele Chiarlo Barbera d'Asti Superiore Le Orme	2009	90	$15
Sweet blackberry, plum and pomegranate fruit is fresh and vibrant as this red unfolds across the palate. Hints of flowers and spices intermingle, but this is more about the juicy fruit. Drink now through 2018. 19,000 cases imported. –BS			Country: Italy	Region: Piedmont
48	Guy Saget Vouvray Marie de Beauregard	2010	92	$20
This has weight and depth, but remains stylish, with ginger and glazed pear notes in reserve while persimmon, green almond and piecrust notes lead the way. Lovely cut on the finish keeps the ginger edge echoing. Should develop nicely in the cellar. Drink now through 2020. 1,200 cases imported. –JM			Country: France	Region: Loire
49	Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Leone d'Oro	2009	92	$24
This red is meaty and graphite-tinged, offering sweet cherry, licorice and spice flavors. Balanced, with dense tannins and a long, tar- and spice-filled aftertaste. Best from 2014 through 2028. 2,000 cases imported. –BS			Country: Italy	Region: Tuscany
50	Marcassin Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Marcassin Vineyard	2006	96	$125
Graceful, elegant and stylish, offering a pleasant touch of maturity, with a complex array of anise, cherry, raspberry, red licorice and fresh porcini flavors leading to a medium body. Shows the benefits of cellaring. Drink now through 2018. 960 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: Sonoma
51	Bodega Norton Malbec Mendoza Reserva	2010	90	$18
A ripe red, offering ample acidity to support the jammy kirsch, plum sauce and wild berry coulis notes that are framed by medium tannins, with the finish pumping out hints of smoke, spice box and graphite. Drink now through 2017. 60,000 cases imported. –NW			Country: Argentina	Region: Mendoza
52	Cavit Vigneti delle Dolomiti Red Alta Luna Phases	2009	90	$14
Base notes of chocolate and coffee liqueur enrich smoke, tea leaf, roasted plum and black currant candy flavors in this well-honed red, while a supple juiciness and a hint of dried mint linger on the finish. Teroldego, Lagrein and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 6,500 cases imported. –AN			Country: Italy	Region: Trentino/Alto Adige
53	Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough	2011	92	$20
This intriguing white delivers a complex aromatic note that includes whiffs of petrol, oolong tea, mineral and lanolin, giving way to an equally complex flavor profile. Crunchy green apple, Meyer lemon and melon flavors are refreshing, balanced, and persistent on the finish. Drink now. 1,500 cases imported. –MW			Country: New Zealand	Region: New Zealand
54	Bodegas Atalaya Almansa La Atalaya	2009	90	$16
A very aromatic red, offering floral and spice overtones to the flavors of cassis, ripe cherry, damson plum and smoky mineral. Firm tannins structure this muscular red, but it's balanced, and should show more with time. Garnacha Tintorera and Monastrell. Best from 2014 through 2019. 10,000 cases made. –AN			Country: Spain	Region: Spain
55	Jean Perrier & Fils Savoie Apremont Cuvée Gastronomie	2011	91	$17
A structured, complex and intense-tasting white, with flavors of white cherry, quince, mineral, beeswax and hints of tarragon. A smoky essence runs through as well, which carries into to the finish, with notes of dried basil. Jacquère. Best from 2013 through 2021. 4,000 cases made. –KM			Country: France	Region: Jura/Savoie
56	Pewsey Vale Riesling Eden Valley Dry	2011	91	$18
Vibrant, bracing and compelling, this white aims pear, pineapple and lime flavors straight to the palate. Persists impressively on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 1,600 cases imported. –HS			Country: Australia	Region: Australia
57	Descendientes de J. Palacios Bierzo Pétalos	2010	91	$22
This plush red delivers black cherry, licorice, mineral and smoke flavors. Harmonious and focused, supported by well-integrated tannins and firm acidity. Not a showy wine, but has complexity and depth. Drink now through 2018. 50,000 cases made. –TM			Country: Spain	Region: Spain
58	Perrin & Fils Vinsobres Les Cornuds	2010	91	$22
Dense and layered, but very refined, with a violet note stitching the crushed black cherry, steeped blackberry and anise flavors together, while an iron note adds range to the finish. Drink now through 2018. 4,000 cases imported. –JM			Country: France	Region: Southern Rhône
59	Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Province	2011	91	$23
This bright, juicy white delivers succulent notes of passion fruit, honeydew melon, Key lime and Asian pear, which together make a clear, focused and intense chorus that persists on the long finish. Drink now. 27,000 cases made. –MW			Country: New Zealand	Region: New Zealand
60	Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley	2009	96	$135
Pure and impressively expressive, with focused currant, plum, blackberry and black olive aromatics turning on the palate to a more complex profile, weaving in coffee, crème brûlée and chai tea notes, all wrapped in a polished texture. The finish doesn't want to quit. Best from 2015 through 2024. 3,985 cases made. –HS			Country: Washington	Region: Washington
61	Bodegas Beronia Rioja Gran Reserva	2004	92	$28
A dense, plush texture carries ripe flavors of plum, raisin, tar and tobacco in this bold red. Full tannins and bright acidity give this a youthful character. Expressive and harmonious. Drink now through 2018. 4,000 cases made. –TM			Country: Spain	Region: Spain
62	Viña Ninquén Syrah Colchagua Valley Antu	2009	91	$19
This dark, ripe red delivers jammy layered flavors of plum paste, fig and kirsch. Full-bodied, with well-embedded acidity and fine tannins, joined by hints of spice box, flint and olive on the long, driving finish. Drink now through 2015. 6,000 cases made. –NW			Country: Chile	Region: Rapel
63	Neyers Chardonnay Carneros	2010	93	$29
Notably rich and creamy, yet elegant and refined, this Chardonnay delivers a supple, fleshy beam of white peach, nectarine and fresh-cut flower flavors, with a creamy vanilla edge. Drink now through 2018. 5,500 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: Carneros
64	Domaine Lafond Tavel Roc-Epine	2011	90	$17
This offers a very tasty mix of red and black cherry fruit, along with muddled strawberry, light spice and tea shadings. A flash of tobacco marks the full-bodied finish. Solid Tavel. Drink now. 30,000 cases made. –JM			Country: France	Region: Southern Rhône
65	Nikolaihof Grüner Veltliner Qualitätswein Trocken Wachau Hefeabzug	2010	92	$29
This powerful, plush-tasting Grüner boasts concentrated flavors of apple tart, baked peach, ruby grapefruit and gooseberry. Unctuous in the midpalate, with a lingering finish of smoke and spice notes. Very expressive. Drink now through 2020. 879 cases imported. –KM			Country: Austria	Region: Niederösterreich
66	Marchesi di Barolo Barbera del Monferrato Maràia	2011	90	$12
A dark, succulent red, exuding black cherry, blackberry and violet aromas and flavors. Pure and focused, with a long aftertaste of sweet fruit, flowers and spice. Drink now through 2016. 4,250 cases imported. –BS			Country: Italy	Region: Piedmont
67	Dr. Loosen Riesling Spätlese Mosel Wehlener Sonnenuhr	2011	94	$32
Intense aromas and flavors of peach strudel and apple pie feature notes of custard and gooseberry. The vibrant finish echoes with long, pure glazed citrus notes. A powerful style. Drink now through 2030. 500 cases imported. –KM			Country: Germany	Region: Germany
68	Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard	2010	92	$25
This dark red balances racy wild berry and cassis flavors with full yet fine tannins, showing layers of toasty oak, smoke and baking spice. Polished, with a long, savory aftertaste of spice, cured olive and underbrush. Drink now through 2017. 10,700 cases made. –NW			Country: Chile	Region: Rapel
69	Antonio Caggiano Greco di Tufo Devon	2011	92	$25
A suave white, with a creamy edge to the ripe melon, citrus and blanched almond notes that build with intensity, as the finish lingers with an aftertaste of underbrush, citrus zest and chalk. Drink now through 2016. 1,500 cases made. –NW			Country: Italy	Region: Campania
70	Château Latour-Martillac Pessac-Léognan	2009	92	$31
Offers a very solid core of black Mission fig, blackberry preserves and freshly roasted espresso flavors, woven nicely with hints of alder wood, tar and pastis. The long finish shows polish, with nice grip in reserve. Best from 2013 through 2022. 12,083 cases made. –JM			Country: France	Region: Bordeaux
71	Waterbrook Merlot Columbia Valley Reserve	2009	91	$24
Supple and vibrant, this is distinctive for the white pepper and mascarpone notes that weave through the refreshing plum and currant fruit. Lingers impressively, with gentle intensity. Drink now through 2015. 4,800 cases made. –HS			Country: Washington	Region: Washington
72	Turley Zinfandel Paso Robles Pesenti Vineyard	2010	93	$35
That rare Zin that shows both richness and a sleek sense of elegance. Briary and floral black raspberry aromas lead to delicately complex flavors of smoky cherry, wild anise and white peppercorn. Drink now through 2020. 900 cases made. –TF			Country: California	Region: South Coast
73	Bodegas Valdemar Rioja White Conde de Valdemar Finca Alto Cantabria	2011	90	$15
This expressive white shows pear, lanolin, almond and herbal flavors that are lean yet polished, with crisp acidity and a light tannic grip. A traditional style. Drink now through 2016. 10,000 cases made. –TM			Country: Spain	Region: Spain
74	Iron Horse Brut Green Valley of Russian River Valley Classic Vintage	2007	93	$38
Seamless from start to finish, both rich and elegantly sleek. Floral Asian pear and creamy almond aromas lead to complex and delicately balanced flavors of lively lemon and raspberry, plus ginger and spice. The finish lingers beautifully. Drink now through 2016. 1,000 cases made. –TF			Country: California	Region: Sonoma
75	Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Reserva	2005	91	$25
A silky red, offering fresh fruit flavors of plum and blackberry, with espresso and licorice notes. Firm, bright and balanced, with a perfumed, floral finish. Drink now through 2018. 10,000 cases imported. –TM			Country: Spain	Region: Spain
76	Austin Hope Syrah Paso Robles Hope Family Vineyard	2010	93	$42
This red exhibits pure, rich, ripe and concentrated layers of blackberry, boysenberry and black licorice, with tannins that give the flavors depth and traction. Drink now through 2022. 1,175 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: South Coast
77	Belle Glos Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley Clark & Telephone Vineyard	2010	93	$44
Very dense and superconcentrated, this offers an impressive mix of dense blackberry, raspberry and huckleberry, holding its focus and maintaining its supple texture. Drink now through 2023. 3,475 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: South Coast
78	Rust en Vrede Stellenbosch	2008	93	$45
This is pure and driven, with beautiful red currant, blackberry and plum fruit coursing along, laced with supple but substantial tannins and backed by iron and pepper on the sleek finish. Should cellar nicely. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 2,125 cases made. –JM			Country: South Africa	Region: Coastal Region
79	Evening Land Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Seven Springs Vineyard	2010	93	$45
Light and silky, this is beguiling for the way it deftly plays its polished red berry and black cherry fruit against glints of mineral and white pepper. The finish brings it all together seamlessly. Drink now through 2018. 1,158 cases made. –HS			Country: Oregon	Region: Oregon
80	Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Family Estate Grown	2009	96	$145
This beautifully crafted red is marked by a distinctively complex and subtle mix of dried herb, baking spices and floral scents, with a tight core of currant and blackberry flavors. Finishes with a surge of flavors that build and expand. Best from 2014 through 2028. 2,992 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: Napa
81	Collosorbo Brunello di Montalcino	2007	93	$48
This rich red shows plenty of bass notes, in the form of sweet plum and wood smoke, as the wine plays out across the palate. Balanced and juicy, with a moderately firm structure. Fine accents of spice, smoke and tea mark the finish. Best from 2014 through 2028. 3,500 cases made. –BS			Country: Italy	Region: Tuscany
82	Emilio Lustau Amontillado Jerez Dry Los Arcos Solera Reserva	NV	90	$16
A more flattering style, with an off-dry edge to the walnut paste, hazelnut, date and clove-studded orange notes, which show nice focus and zip on the finish. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported. –JM			Country: Spain	Region: Spain
83	Morgan Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Twelve Clones	2010	92	$32
Well-crafted, tight and structured, with firm, gripping tannins keeping the zesty, tart wild berry, blackberry and date-nut bread flavors in check. Drink now through 2020. 10,000 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: Bay Area/Central Coast
84	Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne	NV	93	$50
Elegant, with rich base notes of toasted brioche and smoke adding depth, this integrates finely honed acidity, detailed texture and flavors of black cherry puree, apple tarte Tatin, kumquat and grated ginger. Provides a creamy, mineral-tinged finish. Drink now through 2022. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 50,000 cases made. –AN			Country: France	Region: Champagne
85	Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Eastside Road Neighbors	2009	93	$49
This gorgeous wine is rich and supple, displaying ripe, plummy black cherry and blackberry fruit that's intense and spicy, pure and focused, with a long, pure, lingering finish. Drink now through 2020. 584 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: Sonoma
86	Brancaia Maremma Toscana Ilatraia	2010	94	$60
This is pure and oh-so-silky, featuring flavors of black currant, violet and sweet spice, with a hint of tobacco. The supple texture is offset by refined tannins as this cruises to a long aftertaste of black currant and spice. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2024. –BS			Country: Italy	Region: Tuscany
87	Concha y Toro Chardonnay Limarí Valley Marqués de Casa Concha	2010	90	$18
A fresh, harmonious white, featuring pineapple, citrus and spice notes backed by juicy acidity and creamy texture. Well-integrated, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit and chalk. Drink now. 8,000 cases made. –NW			Country: Chile	Region: Coquimbo
88	Dominio de Atauta Ribera del Duero	2008	92	$32
Exuberant flavors of currant, blackberry, cola and licorice mingle in this racy red, which has light, firm tannins and vibrant acidity, with plenty of fruit to balance the evident oak. A lively modern style. Drink now through 2018. 2,000 cases imported. –TM			Country: Spain	Region: Spain
89	Honig Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley	2009	92	$40
Dense and tight, exhibiting a firm core of loamy earth, dried dark berry, spice and cedar. Opens up to black licorice and anised notes, ending with chewy tannins. Best from 2013 through 2023. 15,000 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: Napa
90	Skouras Moscofilero Péloponnèse	2011	90	$15
A rapierlike white, delivering apple, pear and grapefruit flavors flanked by plenty of mineral and slate notes. Ripe orange accents linger as plenty of spicy hints mark the vibrant, long-lasting finish. Drink now through 2018. 5,000 cases made. –KM			Country: Greece	Region: Greece
91	Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley	2010	93	$58
Rich and expressive, with bold layers of ripe blueberry, plum and wild berry flavors that show touches of spice and espresso. At points open-knit, yet tightening on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2023. 4,742 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: Sonoma
92	Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley	2009	94	$85
Striking, rich and opulent, elegant and refined, with ripe, dense blackberry, melted black licorice and touches of cinnamon and baking spice. Ends with fine-grained, detailed tannins. Best from 2013 through 2027. 3,500 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: Napa
93	Château Lynch Bages Pauillac	2009	96	$150
Tight and backward, this has dense, almost chewy layers of fig, currant and plum cake behind a very solid wall of cedar, roasted vanilla and charcoal notes. There's serious grip on the finish, with an iron edge that won't quit. Best from 2015 through 2035. 31,500 cases made. –JM			Country: France	Region: Bordeaux
94	Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains	2009	95	$150
Taut and structured, with cedar-laced currant, dark berry and dried berry notes joining a mix of minerally fresh earth and tobacco flavors, offering a wide range of tight-knit fruit overall. Firmly tannic on the finish, yet the ripe purity pushes through. True to form Monte Bello in a classic style. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2014 through 2030. 2,800 cases made. –JL			Country: California	Region: Bay Area/Central Coast
95	Veramonte Primus The Blend Colchagua Valley	2009	90	$20
Dark crushed cherries, cassis and graphite notes are supported by a full-bodied frame of fine tannins and fresh acidity, as the compact finish unwinds with hints of cured olive, grilled herb and spice. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carmenère and Merlot. Drink now through 2017. 16,000 cases made. –NW			Country: Chile	Region: Rapel
96	Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley	2009	94	$75
Plush and richly structured, but with a dense, structured core, offering aromas of red currant and toasty mocha that lead to complex flavors of black cherry and Asian spice. Loamy, ripe tannins sneak in on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 1,600 cases made. –TF			Country: California	Region: Napa
97	Claude Riffault Sancerre Les Boucauds	2011	91	$27
This white is still tight, exhibiting a very chiseled feel to the flint and gooseberry notes. The mouthwatering, rapier finish lets chive flower and fleur de sel notes chime in. Could have some staying power in the cellar. Drink now through 2015. 5,000 cases made. –JM			Country: France	Region: Loire
98	Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnival of Love	2010	94	$90
Dense, rich and distinctive, this is superplush and complex, yet also approachable, wrapping its black cherry, cassis, licorice and roasted meat flavors on a supple, velvety frame. Finishes long and creamy in texture. Drink now through 2020. 6,328 cases made. –HS			Country: Australia	Region: Australia
99	Nobilo Pinot Noir Marlborough Icon	2010	90	$22
Generous, with vanilla, plum and black cherry flavors that are rich and lush, joined by plenty of echoes of cedar, tobacco and spice notes in the background. The finish reveals plenty of floral, herb and mineral details. Drink now through 2019. 6,100 cases imported. –MW			Country: New Zealand	Region: New Zealand
100	Donnachiara Aglianico Irpinia	2008	90	$20

Final del formulario

 

The Wine of The Year (WS)

Shafer Vineyards
Relentless Napa Valley 2008

96 points / $60
3,300 cases made
Napa Valley, California

Relentless, a riveting blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah, is a groundbreaking red from a region and a winery better known for producing stellar Cabernet Sauvignons. From his first vintage in 1978, founder John Shafer, joined by his son, Doug, steadily built the family winery into one of Napa’s elite; their signature Hillside Select Cabernet is one of California’s most sought-after reds.

The Shafers credit Elias Fernandez, a migrant worker's son who has been involved in the winemaking for 28 harvests, with steering the winery to a higher level of quality. To honor Fernandez’s commitment to perfection, they named this wine Relentless. To create the blend, the team planted a parcel on a knoll south of the winery, outside the Stags Leap District boundary, to 14 acres of Syrah and 4 acres of Petite Sirah. The grapes are cofermented, and the wine is aged 30 months in new French oak barrels. From its first vintage, 1999, Relentless has been a model of consistently high quality, closely tracking Hillside Select. The near-perfect growing conditions of 2008 are reflected in the wine’s complex array of flavors and textural nuances.

Relentless marks the second time in three years that a Rhône-inspired red from California has been chosen as Wine of the Year, and it is the seventh Napa wine to earn that honor. Read the Dec. 31 issue of Wine Spectator for the entire fascinating tale behind Relentless

 

 

El año triste del 'beaujolais nouveau'

Mercados

UNA ESCASA COSECHA TRAE LA RUINA A LA ZONA ELMUNDOVINO Se acaba de celebrar, la noche del 14 al 15 de noviembre y en el mundo entero –de París a Seúl y Nueva York, y también en Madrid o Barcelona-, la fiesta del 'beaujolais nouveau', el vino joven del Beaujolais de la añada 2012, una fiesta que hace medio siglo era todo un acontecimiento publicitario, luego declinó al declinar la reputación y la calidad del beaujolais y empezó a recobrar interés cuando productores como Marcel Lapierre, Jean Foillard o Claude Geoffray redoraron el blasón de Beaujolais. Pero este año ha llegado con muy malas noticias tras una cosecha catastrófica. El presidente de la fiesta anual, Daniel Bulliat, declaraba a la agencia AFP: "Hemos tenido de todo este año: heladas, pedrisco, enfermedades de la viña como el mildiú. Tengo 55 años y jamás había visto una cosa así". Está tan mal la cosa que el sindicato de productores de la denominación teme que cierren entre 300 y 500 de las 2.300 explotaciones vitivinícolas existentes en el territorio. Hace cinco años aún eran 3.000. Ahora se puede acelerar su caída porque la cosecha, según datos de la agencia Reuters, ha caído a menos de la mitad de la 2011, que fue de buenas dimensiones: de 852,512 hectolitros a muy poco más de 400.000. La subida de precios no bastará para compensar las fuertes pérdidas de los viticultores. El tercer jueves de cada mes de noviembre marca tradicionalmente el inicio de la campaña de venta del vino del año, que se exporta al mundo entero: en 2011 se vendieron 7,9 millones de botellas en Japón, 2,4 millones en Estados Unidos. En 2012, y según la 'préfecture' (Administración regional) de Ródano-Alpes, 800 viticultores del Beaujolais han hecho peticiones de ayuda del Estado: que se haga cargo de sus pagos a la Seguridad Social, exoneración total o parcial de los impuestos sobre las fincas rurales, etcétera. http://elmundovino.elmundo.es/elmundovino/noticia.html?vi_seccion=7&vs_fecha=201211&vs_noticia=1353055956

THE TOP 100 WINES OF 2012 #10 - 2

FULL LIST OF TOP 100—PDF COMING NOV. 19

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10

Achával-Ferrer
Malbec Mendoza Finca Bella Vista 2010

95 points / $120
1,250 cases imported
Mendoza, Argentina

One of Argentina’s top wineries, Achával-Ferrer produces a trio of flagship single-vineyard Malbec bottlings. The Finca Bella Vista comes from 100-year-old vines planted at an altitude of 3,100 feet in the prime Perdriel district in the Luján de Cuyo appellation, which features a high proportion of clay. Winemaker Roberto Cipresso keeps yields low, typically a minuscule 14 hectoliters per hectare (about 1 ton per acre), and ages the wine for 15 months in 100 percent new French oak barrels.

 

9

Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona
Brunello di Montalcino 2007

94 points / $60
3,750 cases made
Tuscany, Italy

Brother and sister Paolo and Lucia Bianchini are the team behind this impressive Brunello. The family’s vines are located in the prized southwest-facing vineyards of the region, which at their highest point reach an elevation of nearly 1,200 feet. A traditional style, the wine was fermented in stainless steel and concrete vats and then aged two years in Slavonian oak. Ciacci also makes Brunello from the Pianrosso vineyard, including a riserva in top years, but this label represents the best value.

 

8

 

Beringer
Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley Reserve 2009

94 points / $45
3,602 cases made
Sonoma County, California

One of the top California Cabernet Sauvignons from the 2009 vintage, and a terrific value, this ripe, generous red hails from Knights Valley in Sonoma County, just a few miles north of Napa. Beringer is the appellation’s largest landowner, with more than 550 acres of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties. Beringer was one of the first to start planting grapes there, and first used the Knights Valley designation in 1976. Beringer veteran Laurie Hook made the wine.

7

Shea
Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Shea Vineyard Estate 2009

94 points / $40
3,555 cases made
Willamette Valley, Oregon

In 1989, owner Dick Shea left a career on Wall Street to pursue his interest in wine, purchasing 200 acres of land in the Willamette Valley and planting it to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Shea sells grapes to some of Oregon’s top producers, and in 1996 started making his own wine. The 2009 Estate bottling blends Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon clones from various portions of the sprawling vineyard and is fermented in both stainless steel and wooden tanks.

6

Château Léoville Barton
St.-Julien 2009

95 points / $105
21,000 cases made
Bordeaux, France

Léoville Barton has been in the Barton family since 1836, but under Anthony Barton, who took over from his uncle in 1983, the estate significantly improved quality. Though still actively involved, Barton recently passed ownership of the property to his daughter, Lilian Barton Sartorius. The property’s technical team includes consultant Eric Boissenot and cellar master François Brehant, who ferment this Cabernet Sauvignon–dominated blend in traditional wooden vats and age the wine for 18 months in oak barrels, of which 50 percent are new.

 

5

Château Guiraud
Sauternes 2009

96 points / $60
11,000 cases made
Bordeaux, France

This blend of 65 percent Sémillon and 35 percent Sauvignon Blanc comes from 35- to 40-year-old vines on a 316-acre property co-owned since 2006 by Robert Peugeot (of Peugeot automobiles), Olivier Bernard (Domaine de Chevalier), Stephan von Neipperg (Canon-La Gaffelière and others) and Xavier Planty, the estate’s longtime general manager. Planty, who oversees winemaking, strives for low yields; the vines usually average nine-tenths of a ton per acre, about half the legal limit in Sauternes. While 2009 was a banner year for red Bordeaux, the region’s sweet wines are impressive, too—the best vintage since 2001.

 

4

Clos des Papes
Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010

98 points / $128
6,000 cases made
Rhône Valley, France

Wine is in the blood of the Avril family, winegrowers in the Southern Rhône since 1600. But quality at this 80-acre estate has steadily improved since winemaker Paul Avril took over from his father, Vincent, in 1987. His massive 2010 earns the winery a spot in our Top 100 for the sixth time (including Wine of the Year in 2007). Sourced from more than 20 different plots of low-yielding vines, this red blends 80 percent Grenache with equal parts Syrah and Mourvèdre, vinified in ceramic-lined vats and aged in large wooden foudres for up to 12 months.

 

3

Two Hands
Shiraz Barossa Valley Bella’s Garden 2010

95 points / $69
4,000 cases made
Barossa Valley, Australia

Two Hands does well with a variety of grapes but excels with Shiraz. Owner Michael Twelftree and winemaker Matt Wenk aim for a house style that emphasizes regional character with their Garden series, a collection of six different Shirazes from top growing regions in South Australia and Victoria. The Bella’s Garden bottling consistently ranks among the best, with fruit sourced from 20 vineyards throughout the Barossa Valley. Wenk uses mainly older, 300-liter French hogshead barrels to preserve the complex fruit flavors.

 

2

Château de St.-Cosme
Gigondas 2010

95 points / $41
3,330 cases made
Rhône Valley, France

This mouthwatering red is sourced from 37 acres of vines averaging 60 years old that surround the château, on a property that has been in winemaker Louis Barruol’s family since 1490. Barruol, who took over from his father in 1995, is the 14th generation. For the 2010 bottling, he blended 60 percent Grenache with equal parts Syrah and Mourvèdre. The 2010 vintage produced classic quality throughout the Southern Rhône. This Gigondas is a benchmark bottling for the appellation, which Barruol has helped elevate during his tenure.

VINOS DE BRASIL

 

 

Brasil, es el país de mayor superficie en nuestra América.  No solo es fútbol, mujeres bellas, el mejor carnaval del mundo, bossa nova y caipiriña, es mucho más que eso, es el tercer productor de vinos de América Latina, tras Argentina y Chile y viene con un crecimiento sostenido en las últimas décadas, no sólo en producción sino también en consumo interno. 

Las vides llegaron a sus tierras, de la mano de sus colonos portugueses en 1532, pero no fueron sino los jesuitas quienes se encargaron de extender su cultivo a lo largo del país.  Apenas el siglo pasado, tuvo significación para la industria vitivinícola.  Producen mucho, pero todavía el consumo interno aún es relativamente bajo, de apenas 2 litros año por persona.

Presentan desafíos importantes en a lo que climatología se refiere.  Su clima es muy húmedo, ello ocasiona con frecuencia que se desarrollen enfermedades en la vid, tales como el mildiu (hongo).  Sus suelos presentan alta acidez, clima frío y alta pluviosidad. 

Contra todo pronóstico, y luego de muchos ensayos, pudieron descubrir que la vitis labrusca híbrida “Isabella”, se adaptaba y rebelaba contra esas condiciones adversas. 

A finales del Siglo XIX, colonos italianos, trajeron sus variedades, tales como barbera, bonarda, moscato y trebbiana, prefiriendo como zona de cultivo la elevada Serra Gaucha, al Noreste de Rio Grande.

En 1970 es que se inicia la verdadera industria vinícola moderna, cuando trasnacionales como Moët & Chandon, Martini & Rossi, apostaron por este inmenso país, invirtiendo en él y cultivando en sus suelos variedades importadas como la chardonnay, sémillon, gewurztraminer, cabernet sauvignon, franc y merlot.

Dentro de las zonas de cultivo, la mas destacada es al Sur “Rio Grande do Sul” (90%), y mas concretamente la elevada Serra Gaucha, con tres ciudades a saber: Bento, Goncalves, Garibaldi y Caixas do Sul.  Con mas de 9.000 ha de viñedos, vinificados en parral, zona calificada con Indicación Geográfica de Calidad (IGC), la única del país hasta la fecha, con la promesa de convertirse en Denominación de Origen.

Existen otras regiones vinícolas de menor importancia, como Santa Catalina y Sao Paulo (donde se establecieron los centros de vinificación y bodegas).

En la actualidad, las regiones vinícolas brasileñas total de 83.700 hectáreas, divididas en seis regiones: Serra Gaúcha, Campanha, Serra do Sudeste y Campos de Cima da Serra, no de Rio Grande do Sul, Catarinense Planalto, en Santa Catarina, y Vale do São Francisco, en el noreste de Brasil.

Tradicionalmente, Brasil ha sido el mejor mercado para sus propios vinos, especialmente para sus vinos espumosos, sin embargo se han abierto nuevos horizontes con exportaciones a Japón y EE.UU.

 

Las principales bodegas son:
1. Miolo
2. Cooperativa Vinicola Aurora (situada en Bento Goncalves, fundada 1931, 20.000 ha de viñas, marcas: Conde de Foucault, Cabernet Sauvignon; Clos de Nobles  para Cabernet Franc.)
3. Casa Valduga
4. Cooperativa Vinicola Garibaldi
5. Salton
6. Moet & Chandon
7. Pizzato
8. Peterlongo
9. Cooperativa Vinicola Pompeia
10. Seagram
11. EMBRAPA
12. Georges Aubert
13. Velho Museu
14. Del Pizzol
15. Bacardi
16. Casa Cordelia
17. Domno do Brasil
18. Dunamis
19. Cuarenta otras.

Hoy en día hay más de 1.100 bodegas de todo el país, la mayoría basadas en las fincas pequeñas (un promedio de 2 hectáreas por familia). La cadena productiva de uva y el vino combina las técnicas que aseguren la calidad de sus etiquetas, como la cosecha manual y la tecnología de vanguardia en la viticultura y los procesos de vinificación.  

A los vinos de Brasil, se les ha denominado “vinos tropicales” ya que en sus zonas de cultivo, alrededor de los paralelos 8° y 9°, se pueden tener viñas en varios estados vegetativos al mismo tiempo, poda, brotación, enverado, y en otra vendimia.  Las uvas contienen altos porcentajes de polifenoles, como el reveratrol  Y cosechan dos y hasta 3 veces al año.

Por todas las razones expuestas, podemos concluir que Brasil es capaz de producir vinos frescos, afrutados y equilibrados, muy agradables con un contenido moderado de alcohol.

Los probaremos en breve y les contaré que tal, ;)

Santé!

 

 

 

Programación del SIG 2012, La Esmeralda. Martes 6 de Noviembre 2012

SALÓN DE CATA DE BEBIDAS

Salón Internacional de Gastronomía (SIG2012)

 

FECHA	CONFERENCIA	PONENTE	HORA
MARTES 06  noviembre	CABERNET DEL SUR     (12 del mediodía)     Sommeliere:     Susy Sánchez	Divino- Sommelier: Susy Sánchez	12:00 p.m.
MARTES 06 noviembre	LOS ESPUMANTES DEL VÉNETO	Dimasi- Dictada por Silvina Bianchini. Export Manager de la Bodega Distilleria Bottega	1:00 p.m.
MARTES 06 noviembre	TINTO RECORRIDO POR FRANCIA (Rhone, Languedoc, Burdeaux, Bourgogne)	Alejandro Ferris	2:00 p.m.
MARTES 06 noviembre	LOS NUEVOS VINOS DE ITALIA (3 p.m.)  Sommeliere: Susy Sánchez	Divino- Sommelier: Susy Sánchez	3:00 p.m
MARTES 06 noviembre	BLUE LABEL- JOHNNIE WALKER	Diageo- Embajador: Juan Carlos Arias	4:00 p.m.
MARTES 06 noviembre	BUCHANANS	Diageo- Embajador: Omar Obregón	5:00 p.m.
MARTES 06 noviembre	RON ZACAPA	Diageo- Embajador: Luis José González	6:00 p.m..
MARTES 06 noviembre	AROMAS Y SABORES DE NUESTROS VINOS	Pomar- Sommelier: Johana Impagnatiello	7:00 p.m.
MARTES 06 noviembre	BLUE LABEL- JOHNNIE WALKER	Diageo- Embajador: Juan Carlos Arias	8:00 p.m.
MARTES 06 noviembre	COCUY ARTESANAL	Cata dirigida por José Nicolás Rojas. Moderador: Jean Paul Coupal	9:00 p.m.

Programación del SIG 2012, Lunes 5 de Noviembre de 2012.

SALÓN DE CATA DE BEBIDAS

Salón Internacional de Gastronomía (SIG2012)

FECHA	CONFERENCIA	PONENTE	HORA
LUNES 05 noviembre	EL POSMODERNISMO ENOLÓGICO EN ARGENTINA	Academia Venezolana de Sommeliers	1:00 p.m.
LUNES 05 noviembre	PASIÓN Y DEDICACIÓN EN EL TIEMPO DE LA FAMILIA HUGO CASANOVA	Dimasi- Dictada por Hugo Casanova. Director de la bodega homónima	2:00 p.m.
LUNES 05 noviembre	BODEGAS ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ	Divino- Sommelier: Susy Sánchez	3:00 p.m.
LUNES 05 noviembre	LAS EXPRESIONES DE LA TIERRA DE SICILIA	Dimasi- Dictada por Flavio Andreata. Export Manager de la Bodega Planeta	4:00 p.m.
LUNES 05 noviembre		María Isabel Mijares	5:00 p.m.
LUNES 05 noviembre	CATA MAGISTRAL DEL SUR	Divino- Sommelier: Susy Sánchez	6:00 p.m.
LUNES 05 noviembre	“VINOS CON PERSONALIDAD”	Pomar- Sommelier: Johana Impagnatiello	7:00 p.m.
LUNES 05 noviembre		María Isabel Mijares	8:00 p.m.
LUNES 05 noviembre	CHAMPAGNE (Laurent Perrier, Taittinger, Veuve Cliquot, Moet Chandon)	Alejandro Ferris	9:00 p.m

Programación SIG 2012, Domingo 4 de Noviembre, en la Esmeralda

SALÓN DE CATA DE BEBIDAS

Salón Internacional de Gastronomía (SIG2012)

FECHA	CONFERENCIA	PONENTE	HORA
DOMINGO 04 noviembre	NATURALEZA ARGENTINA	Dimasi- Dictada por Flavio Andreata. Export Manager de la Bodega Masi	2:00 p.m.
DOMINGO 04 noviembre	BODEGA LAPOSTOLLE (Sauvignon Blanc- Chardonay- Merlot Cuvee Alexandre- Cabernet Sauvignon)	Divino- Sommelier Susy Sánchez	3:00 p.m.
DOMINGO 04 noviembre	VISIONES DE UNA UVA	Academia Venezolana de Sommeliers	4:00 p.m.
DOMINGO 04 noviembre	VINO NARANJA	Rosybel Rojas	5:00 p.m.
DOMINGO 04 noviembre	LA PASIÓN POR LA TIERRA DEL PIEMONTE	Dimasi- Dictada por Flavio Andreata. Export Manager de la bodega Beni Batasiolo	6:00 p.m.
DOMINGO 04 noviembre	VINOS PARA CELEBRAR- "SIMPLEMENTE POMAR"	Pomar- Sommelier: Johana Impagnatiello	7:00 p.m.
DOMINGO 04 noviembre	LAS MUJERES Y EL VINO	María Isabel Mijares	8:00 p.m.
DOMINGO 04 noviembre	ESPUMANTES	Divino- Sommelier: Susy Sánchez	9:00 p.m.