Enobytes

My relationship with Santa Rita wines goes back a long way. In the late 80’s there used to be a late night diner in downtown Boston that served food till midnight or later and drinks sometimes later than they should. Consequently, a lot of restaurant kitchen staff would head over there after work. After trying my first bottle of Santa Rita 120 Cabernet Sauvignon there, I continued buying it often enough that I memorized the story of the 120 soldiers liberating Chile which was printed on the back label. We plan to get down there and see that National Monument one of these days. Until then I will continue to enjoy Santa Rita wines.

With a blend of 65% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Carménère, this wine breaks the mold and mindset for what most consumers taste when they drink Chilean reds. Bigger, badder and wicked tasty this wine is clearly a contender with Bordeaux from France or Meritage from California. A big full-bodied racy wine crackling with crisp acidity this baby delivers the goods including great texture and silky tannins. The smooth, very long, lingering finish drives this package home to score. Go out and get the wine; now go smoke some serious meat and while the meat is smoking, let this wine breathe at least an hour. You will be rewarded for your patience.

Rating: Excellent (90) | $40 | 14.5% ABV

If you are not aware of this varietal from Argentina, you might want to know that there are other red wines from Argentina besides Malbec. You might have tasted the Bonarda grape before and not known it because it also goes by the name Charbono. The bulk of Bonarda’s I have tasted from Argentina usually come across as good but simple wines. This one from Mairena rises above that distinction offering complexity and depth of expression. The aromas are distinct and complex dark berry with chocolate nuances, the body is full and the texture is pleasant. The oak regimen is integrated well and marries the vanilla undertone of the barrel to the chocolaty, plum and berry flavors of the grape making this a tasty package. This wine will be well suited for a lot of different savory meaty smoky dishes as well as chocolate or berry desserts.

Rating: Excellent (90) | $20 | 13.0% ABV

Photo credit: vignauvavino.blogspot.com

This wine is a blend of Primitivo, Zinfandel and Petit Sirah all from the Stonetree Vineyard, the warmest source in the Wahluke Slope for Angel Vine. This blend is big and bold—and the super structured Petit Sirah brings out the best of all of them. The resulting wine is fairly large but very balanced and enjoyable. The Primitivo carries a licorice stick of flavor, the Petit Sirah is black as the abyss in your nightmares, and a berry-rich, peppery Zinfandel rounds out the blend. The resulting wine is a deep, serious, balanced behemoth that gets its power from sheer intensity of flavor. The nose opens up with cloves, raisins and plums, as well as leather and spice. In the mouth, the white pepper, red and black currant, a whole rack of mixed spices, cola, dark chocolate, espresso, hint of balsamic vinegar, and fig flavors sit atop a rock-solid foundation of sweet minerals, leather, and graphite. The wine is a warm well-rounded blend that allows us to experience a smart combination of some blends that are not quite yet commonplace in the state of Washington. With results like these, they should be soon.

Rating: Excellent (91) | $22 | 15.0% ABV

Photo credit: http://stonetreevineyard.com

As the tiny bubbles burst, they expose aromas of mandarin orange and lime essences, with hints of intriguing smoke. The bubbles also give up a delicate yeasty brioche like smell that is quite nostalgic. In the mouth a fancy parade of apple, lemon and pear flavors cascade across the palate keeping step with a nuance of fresh grated cinnamon. During the decade of aging this wine has seen, sophisticated flavors have developed that will warrant reaching into your pocket for a vintage California Sparkler. In fact after the first sip it tastes like a bargain. You might want to reach into that pocket again and pony up for some triple cream brie, caviar or fresh lobster. All three will pair well with this wonderful wine. Who knows–this sparkler might even pique your curiosity at Discovering the Effects of Post Disgorgement Maturation!! 500 case production.

Rating: Excellent (91) | $90 | 12.5% ABV

This wine has all its ducks in a row and if you like big full-bodied red wines, this one will march right in and steal your heart away.  This winery flies under the radar and over the years has made quite a reputation for producing very specific style wines.  Vintage after vintage they keep putting consistently focused location specific wines in bottles for our enjoyment.   Classic Napa Valley Rutherford Cabernet aromas of dark brambly fruit mingled with allspice waft from the glass requesting a couple of minutes to fully develop. We recommend pouring at least half an hour prior to consuming or utilizing an aerator like a Soiree.  In the mouth, the generous warmth of flavor spreads across your palate like a soft warm blanket especially if that blanket tasted like dark cherries and had smooth tannins and a splash of vanilla that might come from a well-integrated oak regimen.  If you are setting a table to impress and have some big bold flavors that will pair with Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine will please even the most jaded of palates. 2,000 case production.

Rating: Excellent (93) | $70 | 14.8% ABV

This Italian white wine is quite refreshing. If Vermentino is not a varietal that regularly appears on your table it should be. The aromas express an elegantly floral characteristic that combines acacia with crisp green pine. The flavors showcase lemon, ripe sweet apricot, subtle mango and a hint of papaya. The bright acidity balances the lush fruit flavors elevating this wine to being a wonderful addition for a summertime seafood extravaganza. The long finish exhibits a pleasing minerality that when combined with the citrus component produces an attractive package of performance. Mussels and saffron cream, fresh ricotta stuffed squash blossoms, scampi with preserved lemon and parsley or Checca con Gamberi will all pair well with this wine. It also can do cocktail duty as a stand-alone sipper too.

Rating: Very Good | $20 | 13.5% ABV